Double Trouble

[sarahalf]

Kim,
Thank you so much for the info! I have heard alot about Babywise and I know alot of moms swear by it. I think you are right, formula seems to last a bit longer than breast milk. At least I know with my other two children that they needed to eat more often than babies that were on formula earlier on. I am thinking about supplementing a formula in the middle of the night feed this time...who knows?!?
Sara

[sugabeanzs]

Baby Wise moms: I have a HARD time keeping them awake after they eat...I know they were preemies so does this make a difference? I mean I can not wake them up after they eat I try a lot of things. Some times they will stay awake on their own but that is just once a day usually. So hopefully when they reach their actual birth day (Oct they will be like full term babies and start acting like them and staying awake after they eat.

ALSO: Brooke is eating every three hours and Mackenzie every 4...it is killing me! I like get 30 minutes of sleep before the next feed!

[buckeyegal]

Sara---wait and see...you never know until your kiddos arrive! Just relax until then.

Suga--I'd wait until they are full term to really try it (or at least expect anything out of it). Your babies are still "supposed" to be in your belly sleeping...let them sleep, I say. However, I would wake Mackenzie and keep her on the 3 hour schedule. For your sanity, if nothing else. Plus, our pediatrician was ADAMANT that we feed them at least every three hours. (And mine weren't preemie). I had to wake mine to feed too. Trust me, it was totally against my instincts, but they DID put on weight and catch up to normal sized babies very quickly. Good luck! you'll survive this---keep the faith!

[sugabeanzs]

buckeye: How much did they usually take? Brooke takes around 80cc at 3 hours and Mackenzie 100 at 4 hours...so should I expect Kenzie to eat a little less if I wake her up at three hours?? Or I could at least do every 3 1/2 because then I could feed Brooke and then wake up Kenzie to feed.

I tried Baby Wise today (they are almost at their due date) and they did stay awake after they ate. However, they do not want to nap! lol. They want to stay awake now. Also, when I was keeping Brooke away she decided I was moving her too much and she spit up on me. I shower then I have to get another!

[buckeyegal]

Suga--I have no idea how much they took...too long ago to remember. Sorry! But, I do remember the pediatrician saying that it's the "whole days" volume that really matters. So, if you feed her ever 3 hours, she will get fed more often, so the difference will be made up or even better! (Try 3 1/2 hours for now...that makes sense too.)

keep working on the wake, eat, play, sleep pattern if you think they're ready...they'll get it! Trust me, you'd rather them learn it early...then you don't have to do so much Crying It Out when they're older.

[sameera]

hey ladies- hope you'll are doing well!!!

Suga - I hope you are getting some sleep and babies are doing great.

Kimi - How are you feeling? how's the job hunt and nanny hunt going??

sara - How's everything progressing with you?

I have few questions for you ladies that already had twins: What all did you guys pack in the hospital bag??

Shall I pack all the baby stuff as well or that's not needed??

when do they release the babies?? I know with the singleton pregnancy if everything is fine baby goes home with you but i am not sure about twins so just lil curious.

-Sameera

[sugabeanzs]

They girls had their weekly weight check today. And Mackenzie now weighs 6lbs 6 z while Brooke is a whopping 6lbs 2 oz!! Mackenzie still looks like she is much heavier though for some reason...Mackenzie is 19 inches long and Brooke is 18 3/4 inches long! So they are growing!

I have to go and get blood work for Kenzie this week to check her billyreuben (sp) for her liver and I have to do that every week till it is gone. They also have to go get their eyes checked again next Wednesday as well as get their RSV shots. On Monday they have their 2 month shots!! I wish Nick did not have school that day so he could come with me cause I know I will cry if they cry. Lots of needles next week esp. for Mackenzie since she has the extra one.

I have to start putting White Grape or pear juice in their milk once a day to help with their stools and if that does not work then I can move on to the kayro syrup. Poor babies are having issues in that area. Most likely because of the formula they are on.

[kholtan]

Suga~ Great weights! The girls seem to be doing so well!! Seems like it took mine forever to hit the 6 lb mark so congrats! Sorry about the constipation. Did you try the q-tip trick? My nurse told me that adding things to the bottles has to be done everytime to make a difference but I don't know if that is true or not. You may want to ask. As far as the shots, my kids only cried for a minute and then they were fine so I hope yours goes just as smooth! It's great to hear all you good news and updates.

Sameera~ Since I went into hosptal bedrest at 32 weeks, I hadn't yet packed my bag but I can tell you that you can get by with very little. I had my toiletries, books, and that was about it! I wish I would have brought my robe though. My babies were also in the NICU for 16 days so I had time to get their belongings to come home in but I would suggest packing clothes for them. For them also bring preemie size clothes and make sure they have legs. The gown sleepers are no good for a car seat. The babies will go home with you if they are well enough to do so. If not, the get an extended stay at teh spa. It would have been great to bring mine home with me but mine were 6 weeks early and honestly I had a beautiful experience with my hospital and was almost sad to have to say goodbye. Just cook yours as long as you can and they should be able to come home with you. Make sure you already ahve your car seats installed and checked at your local fire station as well. Good luck!

Km~ So glad you have power! 10 days would have killed me! Our coast trip was GREAT! I posted some new pics on our blog if you want to check it out. The weather was AMAZING and the babies never shed a tear the entire weekend. I was wondering when that day would come?? The day where no one cries even once and finally. . . . !!! They had a great time and we saw tons of friends, stayed an extra day, and rode the most beautiful glassy water all day everyday! Only Bodie is walking but Annelise gets around super fast by crawling now and can keep pace. She just doesn't feel the need to walk but she is a dancing fool!! No song is too bad to her. She was totally jamming out to the Stanley Steamer commercial today. What a card! Sounds like one nap is going well for you, great! We just went to two naps about 45 days ago and somedays they still need three but only get two. They are still about 2 hours a piece so who knows when they'll be ready to move down to one. Would be nice though!

Quick question for those with babies the age of mine. . .when did you go off baby food completely??? I am starting to try but meal time is like an hour long everytime now?? I suppliment with baby food what ever they didn't eat at meals but cooking everything takes so much time and I am so neurotic about food! We don't eat almost anything from boxes or cans so this means I am constantly at the grocery store and religously cooking. Any healthy, easy hints?

Better run. HAve a great night mommies!
Kimberly

[buckeyegal]

Kimberly--Love the new pics! gorgeous!

Mine were off baby food around a year...sometimes I had a jar with us when we went to a restaurant--never knew "if" they would eat what the restaurant provided....

My two are pretty good about eating what we eat...except for veggies. They used to be CHAMPS at veggies (I was so proud!). THen , about a month ago, they decided that they were too good for veggies...little buggars. Now, I've had to resort to smothering veggies in sauces, cheeses, etc. I know, not the healthiest, but I figure it's better than nothing, right? THey eat a lot of pasta...chicken, pork chops, potatoes...oh, and AVACADO---they LOVE that stuff! Seriously, Ellie would eat a whole one at one sitting. I've also found "natural" deli meats--no nitrates, preservatives, etc. They love having turkey/cheese rolls at lunch. We're not doing any peanut butter yet--I'm too scared of allergies.

I would try to get them to eat what you're eating...as much as possible. YOu don't want to get in the habit of being a short order chef, kwim? But, sometimes, you gotta get something in, right? I always have fresh fruit, sliced cheese, bagels, etc. So, if they're are outright not eating what we are, then I toss some of that they're way. Yogurt is always a safe bet too.

I've heard that Jessica Seinfeld's cookbook is awesome for little ones, but I don't have it. And, I admit, that we eat out of the box more than I'd like, but not all the time. I've just never been the awesome cook that I wanted to be...no time to ever learn, I guess!

Oh, and I feel ya about constantly being at the grocery. These kids go through the fruit so fast! But, I can't buy too much in one trip or it spoils. Ugh. I have resorted to frozen fruit and veggies occassionally...it's supposed to be better than canned. In the winter, I do get some canned (but the kind in juices--not syrup)----fresh fruit is sooooo expensive in the winters here.

Good luck! If I remember right, that 12-13 month time is a little tricky, but it passes quickly. And...I hate to say it....but hot dogs and macaroni and cheese are FAVES with the kids. It kills me...it really does!

[sugabeanzs]

kholtan: When did yours start to sleep through the night...or at least drop one feeding? Just curious I know I am still ways away. Also, I have heard every bottle as well. I get different opinions because I do not always get to see the same doctor every time I go which is annoying!!! They are not so much constipated as their poop is the consistency of modeling clay so it is hard to push through. So hopefully the juice will help loosen it up or I will go to kayro. How much were yours (weight) when they got home??

Sameera: I needed chapstick because the air is so stale in there and I got chapped lips. Also, socks. I hate walking around on their floor...Mersa anyone! LOL! Shampoo, soap, etc. And just an outfit to bring them home in if they are healthy enough. Nursing bra if you are going to nurse...your own night gown and such. Really you do not need a lot.

I can not wait to start baby food so they will sleep longer! haha well at least rice cereal but that is not till Feb!

So I do not know if you remember but I am taking an online class for the hubby to hurry him up and graduate so he can get the promotion...well it is killing me! Now that they are both home it is like I do not have time for it! Hey, at least I have an A in there...granted it is a low A lol.

[stephjim]

I took some new belly pics tonight. 30 weeks and 2 days.

Don't let the double chin scare ya. I don't normally have a sta puff face.





Don't laugh at my retarded belly button that got out of the way of my line.

[kholtan]

Steph jm~ Cute pics!!!! I'm sure the babies will love to lok at those when they are older. You're getting closer! Keep cookin'!

Suga~ When Bodie and Annelise came home they were almost back up to thier birth weight of 4.10 and 4.13. They were little and seemed to be slow but steady gainers all their life so far. Even now my boy isn't even 18 lbs. They slept through the night around 2.5 months. The only time I didn't make them eat tandem was at night because Annelise was such a good sleeper early on. She slept 10 hours straight at 2 months but it took her brother a few weeks to follow. As far as Dr.s and info, I am so glad we get to see the same Dr. every time. He knows my babies so well and can remember all the details about them which always impresses me. That was important to us but as long as you feel you get good care just sift through all the info you get and use what works for you.

Kim~ I hear ya on the short order cook! I am just to mean to consider doing that for them. I do make things in advance when I can but nothing more than that. So far they do eat everything which is nice and it helps if we are eating at the same time. Unfortunately they eat dinner before we do since we are rarely ready at 5 to eat but the whole chewing thing takes time. I'm also pretty use to the fact that my babies were fast eaters. We rarely took more than 10-15 mintues to finish an entire meal. So far they are big on cheese sticks, mashed potatoes, chicken, ground turkey with veggies in it, finger snacks, pasta, and eggs. DH is toatlly against Jessica Seinfelds book sadly! He doesn't believe in hiding nutritional foods but just teaching them to like them through constant introduction. I agree but he doesn't have to sit there while it takes an hour for every meal now! I do love to cook and am pretty good at it (if I must say so myself ) but it seems to be a huge undertaking now days.

On an unrelated topic. . . we have had two different couples tell us they are getting divorced this week! Both had cases of infidelity and it just breaks my heart! Both couples are absolute shockers as well. Never had seen either even fight. How does this seem to happen???Just seems like a death to us. Had to share since it was my days low point.

Speaking of, my girlfriend always asks her children at the dinner table " What was your high today? What was your low?" I think it's a great way to have meaningfull conversations with your family. Just had to pass that along.

Better run. Have a great night everyone!
Kimberly

[sameera]

Thank you ladies - with you guys suggestions I have made a list and this weekend I plan to pack my bag

Steph - so cute!! you look beautiful. I always thought pregnant women are so adorable and your belly is awesome!!!

Kholtan - I had a break down yesterday. There is another message board that I post at and it's a twin thread as well and this week alone two different girls lost each one of their babies. It was so sad that it made me stressed out and I didn't know what was going on in my tummy you know what I mean and I started to get worried and crying.

My heart aches for them and their families. I don't know what I would do if that happened to me.

One was 27 weeks pregnant and the other one was 23 weeks pregnant.

anyways you ladies have a great day!

-Sameera

[buckeyegal]

Steph--Love the picture! That's funny about your belly button...I just realized that my "line" is gone! It was around for so long after the babies were born, that I just kind of forgot about it...I wonder when it actually disappeared? Keep cookin' those babies.

Sameera--Stay positive girl! I, too, had a close friend who lost both of her twins (around 17 weeks for one, 20 for the other). It is hard to hear such horrible news, but just remember that everyone's case is different....your babies are FINE....they just need you to rest!

Kholtan--I tend to agree with your DH's views on teaching them to eat the real foods--I'll be curious to see if he keeps those same thoughts as the babies get older and more picky? Like I said, I haven't bought it, but I'm considering it....Although, I HATED veggies as a kid, and now I eat them all the time. That's probably pretty normal, right? Are your kids taking any vitamins? Our pedi has us on some vitamin drops by Enfamil. Polyvisol. I guess that's his way of making sure they get a little extra insurance! Also, sorry to hear about your friends. That stinks. I hope today's a better day for you.

We're taking the kids to a local Oktoberfest tonight. It should be fun--the kids love dancing, so I'm sure they'll put on a show! DH told me to drink to my hearts content...he's driving....thank GOD, cause I need a break!

[sugabeanzs]

Kholtan: I do not like that we see different doctors. I wish we could see the same each time but if I wanted to do that I would wait for hours!!! Not joking! So I take whoever is first available. Once we get on my husbands insurance, we will get another doctor for sure!!! I want a family care practitioner not just a pedi. Also, yours were 6 weeks early? So 2 months from their original due date they slept through the night or from when they were born? If it is when they were born I am jealous! BUT mine are able to stay awake after they eat now! (At least today they did!! *knock on wood*) And then I put them down for a nap. So hopefully we can start sleep training now!! I am only leaving them awake for 15 minutes though because they get over stimulated too easily still. I wish I could get mine on the same eating schedule but it is almost impossible! Brooke wants to eat every 3 and Kenzie every 4. UGH!!! I can not break them of that whatsoever. I have tried many times! But Baby Wise is maybe starting to take effect...slowly...very slowly. Last night was horrible!

Steph: I never got the line...I was 31 weeks...Also, I never looked like I was preggo hardly!! lol Everyone always asked if I was (I have a long torso). But you have a cute belly and I am jealous that you look preggers! haha Too cute.

Sameera: I have learned that I no longer can watch shows where babies are in an incubator. I cry. Also, when I heard that the Tampa Bay Bucks kicker's son died in his sleep at 3 months I cried and then thought mine would do the same. Do not stress it is normal! Just know it most likely will not happen to you and do not worry!! I was the same way though when Corny (on Oct mommies to be) lost one of her twins (in utero). So sad but I think everything happens for a reason.

Buckeye: Have fun at October Fest! When my mom comes into town in a week we are going to go the to Pumpkin Patch and I am excited about that!! First outing other than doctor's office (I will not take them into confined areas though)

Well, last night was HORRIBLE!!! Mackenzie did not want to sleep!! She slept all day though so I think that was the problem. So I kept her up more today. Plus I think they are finally getting to where they will stay awake after the eat for a few minutes then I will put them down for their nap. It is hard to entertain one while I have to feed the other so I am sure they are bored just sitting there looking around. Hopefully tonight is better and hopefully I can start implementing Baby Wise to get them to sleep through the night because it is killing me....literally! I LOVE and NEED my sleep like you would not believe so this has been rough on me.