Beautiful Babies Due in 2011 (Combined Group)

[baby_blu73]

We bought the Triton and Proton. We wanted different colors in case we couldn't tell the babies apart. But now it's handy to prevent having to adjust the harnesses since each baby has their own colored carseat. We can't mix them up.

Lou - DH and I work for the same company, so we managed our days off and our shift times so that we only need a babysitter from 7pm to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. My MIL will be our in-home sitter, so it (thank goodness!) worked out wonderfully for us. I won't see my hubby much at all, but we'll be the ones raising the boys and that's really important to us.

Getting ready for our 2 month checkup appointment. DH is at work today, so it's just the three of us, which is a little intimidating, but we always seem to manage. I'll post the boys' official measurements tonight, after we get back from BabiesRUs to trade-in our 'hand me down' compact swing.

[blairwh58]

Ryann- Even though that is horrible that poor Dylan has open wounds all over his behind, at least now you know what the problem is. Hopefully it clears up sooner than later. Thanks sooo much for the advice on the car seats. You convinced me that I should go ahead and switch to the McKenna just to make things easier on everyone. Even though I did like the Silverleaf its very inconvenient that you cant find it in stores. Now people can use the coupon or do the trade discount for 25% that they are offering right now. As for the Snap and Go Im glad its working out so nicely. Ill probably end up doing the same thing and getting one for the first few months to make things easier. Those babies are sooooo cute. Im sure you just sit and stare at them half the time.

Ashley- That’s a great deal on the car seat!!! Since there are so many of us on here that are interested in it Im thinking it must be a winner. After much debate and back and forth I ended up going with the Baby Jogger City Select stroller. Those car seats don’t have specific strollers that they go with so it was just trying to find one I really liked. With the City Select stroller you can use for 1 or 2 kids which I thought was great. Ive talked to many moms who used it with twins and loved it- its very lightweight and easy to maneuver. Even though I didn’t get the car seat attachments for the stroller, Ive talked to moms who just laid the seat all the way back, used a snuzzler, and pulled up the canopy and put the babies in much like the basinets that are available (but a lot cheaper since you wont have to buy additional seats). I actually got my stroller today and absolutely love it. It was so easy to put together and looks great!!

Stephanie- The different colors does seem like a very good idea. I have no idea whether the girls will look alike since they are fraternal but hoping we can tell their car seats apart by using different toys or something like that. How did their 2 month appt go?? I cant believe they are 2 mths already! Did you get anything good from Babies R Us with your trade in?

AFM- 23 wks today and so far so good. Was watching a baby story earlier with a girl who was pregnant with twin boys and ended up on hospital bedrest starting at 23 wks for 3 months! Geez….so needless to say once she had the babies I was bawling like a baby (despite the fact that it was a re-run that ive already seen). Our stroller was delivered today and Im sooo excited about it. I know it’s a little early but I got a great deal on it. I went to order the 2010 model and after the website said they were out they ended up giving me the 2011 model of the stroller and 2nd seat for $90 less than I would have paid!!

[riogirl71]

[Reenie100]

Ryann- and Riogirl. Cute baby pictures! Ryann, I hope poor little Dylan recovers soon. Did the doctor say how long it could take? At least with diaper rash sores it only took a few days once we adjusted our treatment.

They look so tiny and they will grow so fast. Those pictures made me go back and look at the first pictures of our twins. Then I look at them now and see how much they have grown. They were both under 5 lbs when they were born and now my son is past 14.5 lbs and my daughter is past 13.5 lbs.

[riogirl71]

Ryann - gorgeous babes and hope his little bum feels better soon!

Blair - I watched some baby shows too and cried so much! Names girl!

Baby blu - do you work full time or part time now?

Hope - I want to hear the lowdown on Texas, so what do you think? I don't think 25% sounds that small, maybe petite but I don't think she would be fragile!

Sunshine - here are some pics, how have you been? THanks for coming to check on us!

KJM - on bfeeding, I hope you give it a try. I have to fully admit that the first few weeks can be hellish. I am not going to lie, it hurts like crazy, the babes are little and it takes forever to latch. But once you get past some of these hurdles it is a breeze, I swear (of course ifeverything goes well). Lizzy now latches super fast eats like a champ and no pain, she is good on latching and a little bigger so we do some creative bfeeding where I lie on my side or she is on my belly and sometimes we even fall asleep like that! So there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I bfed our son till he was 17 mos and was very happy I did!

Lou - great bump pic your DH seems tall so I bet your little girl will be too! Hope your BP stays lower!

Lizzy is getting chubby cheeks now! Still eating every 2 hrs give or take, she had a little eye infection but after ointment it went away, DS is such a cutie with her but have to watch out he doesn't smother her with love! My scar is still bleeding a bit and oozing at about one inch, the rest of it looks really good and closed... go figure. Still having a hard time bending over and such but than God DH is still here helping since MIL got sick and she is banned from baby land!

[Sdtryingagain]

OMG Rio, those pics are amazing!!

[blairwh58]

Rio- Those are pics are adorable!! Lizzy has such a beautiful complexion. DS looks like hes soo in love with that little girl already. It will be nice for her to have him as a protector. Keep posting pics of those cute kids! As for the names...still no spilling the beans. Only a few more months of anticipation

[rypell1985]

Omg rio. Both of your children are gorgeous, but that little Lizzie is breathtaking!!!!

[baby_blu73]

Ryann - Your babes are GORGEOUS! I can't believe how much they've grown since the last set of pics. I'm curious... Who's the oldest?

Rio - How adorable are your sweeties?!! Little man looks so happy and proud to be a big brother! So glad to see Lizzy putting on weight, I just wanna smooch her chunky cheeks, she's a DOLL! BTW, I work full-time (3rd shift) plus overtime. It's unreal how much formula and diapers for two cost! Plus, our mortgage went up with the new bigger house and we do pay MIL for her services... sigh... The expenses are never-ending, so we really need the extra money and DH is salary so it's up to Momma to bring home the extra bacon.

Blair - Congrats on 23 weeks! I watched the same episode and bawled like a baby when they were born. That poor mommy, having to be readmitted after all that bed rest... I was joking with DH how ironic it is that when they're born, you're DYING to hear them cry for the first time, but spend the next years doing everything you can to KEEP them from crying.

afm - We got the Fisher-Price SpaceSaver Swing & Seat, which gets two thumbs up from Brady! Jaxon's patiently waiting his turn to try it out. It's nice and deep, so he feels super cozy in it. Plus, it's very easy to put together and it doubles as a vibrating seat. I went in a day early for the trade in sale though... Need to read the fine print! But, I had a 20% coupon for the swing and $5 off purchase of $25 or more AND they went ahead and tossed the trade in item I took up there. We love the swing so much, I'm going to take one of our bouncers up there and trade in for a second one.

As for the boys' appointment... Jaxon, who was a whole pound smaller than Brady at birth, officially outweighs his big brother! Jaxon's 22.5 inches long and 12 lb 2 oz and Brady's 23 inches and 11 lb 13.5 oz. Everything is great with them! I forgot about shots though... DUH! They both got 3 shots and 1 Rotavirus dose by mouth. I wonder who shots are harder on, the babies or the mommy. They both slept afterwards, which made shopping easier. But Jaxon woke up gagging on some drainage that came from out of nowhere. Scared the bejesus out of me! Turns out my little guy got a cold. I'm almost positive DD brought it home from school last week. I thought it was her allergies until Jaxy ended up with a horrible stuffy nose and a slight fever. Poor fella! He's feels horrible!

Speak of the devil... he's in need of some Mommy snuggles. Hope everyone's having a great day!!!

[rypell1985]

Thanks Stephanie! They really have grown so much!!!! My mom had a tuxedo onsie made for Dylan and a tutu onsie for Isabella. We are dong pics tomorrow in those outfits and I'm sure hoping D hasn't gotten too long!!!! Dylan is 17 minutes older than his sister. Did babies r us let you use the trade-in coupon AND a 20% off? I'm going tonight for my snap n go and was wondering if they would take both or not. I sure hope so!!! Good for you for working so much. DH and I are both salary...but it sure would be nice if one of us could pull some overtime. The again we have been without my salary since April, so we will probably feel rich when I go back!!!

I think it was Blair that asked...I go back to work on September 23 Boooo. My MIL will be staying with the twins which helps. I talked to my sub yesterday because the studets started yesterday and she doesn't seem willin to do ANY of my procedures, so it looks like I'll be retraining 25 twelve year olds when I go back! Yay for that.

[lou71]

Stephanie -- Oh, you are so lucky to have childcare so close from your MIL. This may seem like a dumb question, but do you have to pay her? My in-laws are retired and live about 35 minutes away. They said they would come one day per week (Thursdays) to babysit for Chloé. I could really use them 2 days a week but I'm afraid to ask. They have an adopted grandchild (DH's sister) 1.5 hrs away that they go watch 2 days a week already (that's 3 hrs of driving + 8 hrs of babysitting) plus they have two school age grandkids also that they try to make time for too (DH's brother). I have no family. I have a close gay friend who is quite wealthy and left his teaching job to manage his investments (literally several million plus he hated teaching) who wants to be our "nanny" a couple of days a week. I'm considering it. Sounds like the boys are growing really well! How fortunate you are.

Rio -- Yes... DH is tall... 6'5" tall! I'm only 5'4" tall. Chloé's femur is already above the 90th percentile so I agree.... long legs (and big feet!). I can't see your pics from work... darn firewall... so I'll have to wait until I get home.

AFM -- 33 weeks! I completed the pre-admission process at my hospital and feel "official" now . I think I'm going to think about packing my hospital bag soon as one of my docs said she wouldn't be surprised if I go around 36-37 weeks (yet the other thought I'd go beyond my due date of 10/14!).

Question for the new moms...What were the "must haves" you brought? I'm bringing going home clothes for me and the baby (two options), receiving blanket, nursing bra/pads/pump, camera, my toiletries (contacts, cosmetics, etc), a few snacks, laptop, phone charger, purse (will have a few bucks and insurance info, ID, etc). Do you recommend I have my own nightgown? I don't want to get it icky...lol. Should I bring sanitary pads or are the ones the hospital supplies good enough? Do I need to have my own underwear or do they supply disposables? Ugh... what am I forgetting? Thanks everyone! Next OB appt is Monday for a NST. I have them weekly now and then twice weekly at 36 weeks.

[rypell1985]

Lou-my water broke in the middle of the night so I went to the hospital in my sweats and tshirt. I had a bag packed with all sorts of stuff that I NEVER touched. When I changed out of my hospital gown I jus put my sweats back on. I did use my scks though. I used the hospital pads and underwear. I didn't need any cute going home stuff, but that's because my babies didn't come home with me

[riogirl71]

Lou - with DS and DD together it will be over $2,000 in daycare a month, I assume Chicago is no cheaper. MIL will watch Lizzy for a couple of hours each day so I can extend my leave until she goes to daycare. As for your friend watching your DD I would sit down for a candid talk. Will he respect your parenting style? How flexible does he need you to be? Does he have experience? I am sysing these things because it can be tough to have friends/family watch your kid, I would never let my mom watch our baby. She thinks she knows everything better than me and does not respect any of our wishes. She would be putting DD to sleep on her tummy and doing everything I ask her not to. THings have changed since our parents raised us, I find it helpful to cut out articles or make copies of articles for MIL so that I am not always "telling" her what to do but she gets the idea. Still they will do lots of things you will not like, be prepared. With DS, MIL would always leave him to sleep in the same position in his car seat the whole time, bad for his head and neck. As far as hospital stuff, quarters for DH if he wants a soda, snacks for DH, you have no use for your own clothes there or pads, the one thing my hospital had which I don't know if they all do is a squirt bottle to clean your girly parts with warm water on the toilet, that was super helpful for me with csec but I assume also for natural delivery. THe rest of the stuff I never touched. A dress is great for your going home since it won't hurt you, comfy undies, especially if c sec for going home. Different size outfits for baby, camera, camera charger and extra memory card, phone charger. I never touched magazines, books, computer or tv since you are so pooped! Don't bother with night gowns, pads or even a pump at that pt, if you live close by DH can always get stuff you need.

Ryann - retraining 12 year olds, oh my! You are a brave woman, how many hours a week?

Stephanie - I hear ya! Overtime on top of everything? You poor thing! We are kind of in the pits too, big mortgage, car payment, daycare, and on top of it skid child support. My work is down to 30 hrs a week since cutbacks and DH had to take a lower paying job Man, life is stressful enough without worrying about money, we should all move to Europe where some countries have a year paid mat leave!!! How are your skids reacting to your twins? My skid has not even looked at Lizzy or asked anything of her or me, a lot of resentment there coupled with teenage years.

SD - we need DS and belly pics!

Blair - you are so funny with the big name secret! How is the rash?

Reenie - you are so right it goes too fast, where are your pics, would love to see them!

I am truly blessed, I was fully expecting a meltdown of jealousy with DS but he has been nothing but loving and sweet to DD. When he got hurt he even asked for a baby sister hug instead of a mommy kiss!!! I think they will be best buds in life and I am so happy they will have each other, gets me all sappy! Still in house arrest by DH who is a doll but I am going crazy, I begged to go out to lunch today!

PLEASE READ THIS:
http://www.hipdysplasia.org/Infant-and- ... fault.aspx

[baby_blu73]

Lou - Thanks hon! We are VERY blessed. I just had this discussion last night with my MIL. We are going to pay her $50 per week which is just over $4/hour. And she's watching them at our house so it's easier on them.

Ryann - OMG! You HAVE to post those pics when you get them, they're gonna be TOO cute! Are these their first professional pics? We haven't taken Brady and Jaxon in for any yet and I feel awful about it. We're going on Monday morning, most likely. Oh, and the BabiesRUs... They didn't let me do the trade-in since it didn't start until today. I just used the 20% off coupon I had and they went ahead and disposed of the swing I took in. I'm a goof not checking the dates. I am going back for a second swing though, the SpaceSaver is a dream with twins, especially if you don't have a ton of space.

Rio - SD hasn't spoken to us in over a year... Though her therapist just invited DH to a session with her, I don't expect much to change. SS came up the evening of their birthday and spent a weekend with us when they were a couple of weeks old, but he expects special treatment. In my time of hormones and two brand new babies, I let him know that he wasn't going to be receiving preferential treatment. I was frustrated that rather than him helping out, he made things tougher by needing to be constantly supervised. He hasn't been back since... by his choice, I should mention.

[Happy Bunny]

Lou, the following was very useful:

Velcro swaddle blankets - Much easier than using the hospital blanket to swaddle.
Plush socks
Nightgowns - I brought cheap dark colored ones.
Baby sleepers - Some moms don't use them in the hospital but I did.
Water bottle - I drink a lot of water and prefer to drink from my water bottle over a cup with a straw.
Cherry Lifesavers - Helped ward off nausea from pain medicine.

Definitely bring snacks for your husband (not you!) to eat while you are in labor. My hubby didn't think that he'd need the snacks but labor was long and he didn't want to leave so he was thankful for the bag of snacks that I brought.

The hospital provided panties and sanitary pads; they were both fine.