4 Month Update and More

I have so much to write about to catch this blog up to date; I just know that I’m going to forget half of the things I want to capture from this past month or so. The boys have grown drastically; physically, developmentally and emotionally.

The beginning of June we went to El Paso for my sister’s high school graduation. The boys and I were able to stay two weeks; which gave my mom and grandma more time to spend with our boys! The trip went great.
• We spilt the 12 hour drive into 2 days; stopping and spending the night in Senora (the half way point). This worked out great by really allowing the boys (and us) to stay on some type of routine and get a good night’s rest.
• It was wonderful watching my little sister graduate… all grown up now. It’s hard to imagine she is 18 now and getting ready to spread her wings. It seems like just yesterday I was able to hold her for the first time at the hospital when she was born. At one point we watched old home videos… tears came to my eyes as I watched my baby sister explore the world as a baby while holding my two baby boys. Wow… Needless to say, I am very proud of her and excited to have her here in Houston now!
• We brought our pack and play for the boys to use as a bed while we were there. Little did we know that they would begin to wiggle around and move from side to side while we were there. Between that and their ever growing size, we ended up having to borrow another pack and play from some friends of friends so we could have one for each of them. This worked out much better.
• The boys were great troupers on the car ride down there which was 2 days for them. Then the next day we had a graduation party for my sister and cousin in which the boys did great with all the new people. The next day we took them to my mom’s work and they did great. The next day was Selina’s graduation and they did excellent. Needless to say… they needed a break after all of that. We tried to keep as much of a routine as possible while we were there which really helped.
• The boys developed a lot while we were there with their awareness and ability to begin playing with toys. They were using the jump-a-roo right before we left and began to love it more while we were there. (They now LOVE it and interact with all the toys, but I’ll share more about that in a minute.)

Since we have been back home, the boys continue to amaze me with their quick development…
• Wyatt rolled over for the first time at 15 weeks from his back to his tummy. He then learned how to roll over from his tummy to his back. Now when he wants he just rolls back and forth. He does roll both to the right and to the left which is great to see.
• Gavin rolled over for the first time this past weekend at 4 months from his tummy to his back. He’s so close to rolling from his back to his tummy, but he leads with his head too much to actually flip over. He actually is moving all over the floor now by rolling on his side and pushing off with his feet and leaning his head way back. He’s contorting his body, but learning he can move somewhere that way.
• Both boys are sitting up so well these days. We of course still have to be there for balance or let them use a seat, but they pull themselves up into a sitting position when in our laps and are learning to balance well.
• The boys love the jump-a-roo as I mentioned before. These days they love to jump, jump, jump… and play with all the toys along the seat.
• Their ability to play with toys now is amazing. They reach for what they want and are becoming very coordinated. Just the other day, Gavin pulled out his pacifier with two fingers, studied it a while and then placed it back in his mouth! (Now if only they could always do that…!)
• The boys are really taking an interest in Pickles and Noodles these days! They will reach out to touch them and then love to touch their noses and fur as the dogs lick on them! Gavin grabbed and pulled on Pickles’ fur the other day though, so we will have to some how start teaching them how to be gentle… Pickles of course didn’t do anything… she sometimes lies on her back so ‘they can’ rub her tummy!
• Gavin cut his first two at 3.5 months. We noticed he was fussy for a few days and during one of his crying fits, I noticed he had ‘fuzz’ on his gums. I went to wipe it away, and it was a little tooth starting to poke through! It hasn’t poked out any further yet though. He’s feeling much better these days. Both boys drool like crazy (Gavin more so) and LOVE their fingers. It is hard to get Wyatt to get his fingers out of his mouth these days; he’s even developed small blister looking marks on this thumb and pointer fingers on both hands.
• Gavin had developed what I can only describe as a ‘temper’. He is always very animated in both his facial expressions and talking. But there are times he stiffens up and screams when he is ‘frustrated’ or things aren’t going his way. He is a very very sweet boy though! He just is learning his likes and dislikes and how to express it. He actually hasn’t done this in about a week, but just the past few days, it seems as though Wyatt is learning he can do similar things. Perhaps it is just another way of them exploring the sounds and motions they can make.
• The boys are daily learning new sounds they can make. They try screaming (happy) and they try different ways to move their tongue and mouth at the same time. Just the other day Gavin learned to spit (great fun during meal times) and Wyatt has learned to talk and make bubbles at the same time. Their voices are different, but both so wonderfully sweet! This past week Gavin has learned to make the G and H sounds and has developed a ‘new laugh’. I love watching them explore their abilities!
• I have to mention about the way they feel in my arms. I describe Gavin as melting into my body and Wyatt as my snuggle bug. They are both so sweet and cuddly… I thank God for entrusting us with them so that we may love on them dearly!
• Gavin has what we call ‘a little crooked smile’! It’s so cute and can almost look mischievous, flirty or shy at times! Wyatt’s whole face and body light up when he smiles! He pulls his arms and legs up to his face. Oh, these boys melt my heart and have me in the palm of their hands!
• They just had their 4 month check up and they are doing great. Both boys weight 15 ½ - 16 lbs (different by only 2 oz). Gavin is 26 inches and Wyatt is 25 ¼ inches. They are right where they should be in all measurements. I thank God for great health.
• Gavin and Wyatt are wonderfully happy boys. It brings me such joy seeing them smile and laugh on a regular basis. Sure they have rough days when they aren’t feeling or sleeping well, but most days they seem to really enjoy themselves and those around them. They love interacting with people too.
• The boys started to eat rice cereal a week ago at 17 weeks. For three days we just fed them a tiny bit (less than a teaspoon full) in the mornings. Then for two days I fed them twice a day. Then increased it to 3 as well as the quantity they eat. Wyatt seemed to enjoy and figure out the spoon very quickly. Both boys were really starting to seem to enjoy it more though. Then about a week ago, Wyatt stopped opening his mouth fully and kept putting his tongue in the way, all while Gavin has begun to love it and eat like a pro. Not sure why Wyatt regressed in this area, but I’ve decided to keep feeding Gavin cereal, but focus Wyatt on the bottle right now. I’ll keep giving him some cereal when I give it to Gavin, but not try to force it on him. He will let me know when he is ready. But in the mean time, I don’t want to deny Gavin what he is ready for and excited about. So here is what I do right now: I start them off with a bottle, feed them cereal and then finish up with a bottle if need be. As soon as they get fussy, I know it’s time to stop cereal time… I want to focus on keeping meal time a joyful time. Our plan right now is to keep them on cereals for about a month, or until they have ‘mastered’ eating from a spoon. We’ll let them try other types of cereal here in the next week or so. After that, we will start them off with veggies and then fruits. I still plan on making our own baby food and am very excited about it!
• Gavin and Wyatt were baptized this past Sunday; 07/10/11. Josh and Selina are their sponsors! It was such a special day and the boys were in a great mood and feeling great that day. I pray that they may truly know, love, and follow Christ and that He may be glorified through their lives. Thank You God for entrusting us with your precious sons and for sending your Son to die for our sins that we may be forgiven. Praise His glorious and Holy name!
• At their 4 month visit, the doctor confirmed that they had a mild case of Eczema. She recommended using a different lotion, along with hydrocortisone. A couple of days later it was bright red and so much worse; we weren’t sure if it was the shots making it worse, or if they had a reaction to the lotion. I took them back to the doctor and it turns out they did have a reaction to the lotion… and it looks like I was too on my arms. Since then I’ve stopped all lotions and just put on Cortisone twice a day for two weeks. Their skin is so much better!!! I am so thankful it is no longer red, irritated and the Eczema is clearing up too!!
• At the doctor visit, we were told that the boys did not need their nightly feedings of 6-9 oz… that it was just a habit now. So we started to wean them to only eat between 1.5-3 oz and then this past Thursday we started to teach them to sleep through the night. The first night Wyatt slept all night and Gavin cried the first time for about and hour and the second time for about 30 min. The second night both boys cried for about two hours off and on; they kept waking each other up after settling down. The past few nights they have slept all night (we’ve had to put the pacifier in their mouth only a few times, but they quickly fall back to sleep). The boys are getting great at soothing themselves back to sleep. We’ve been letting them sleep in separate rooms right now while they learn to sleep through the night. We’ll get them back in the same room within the next week or so though so they get used to each other’s noises again.
• Naps are still sporadic… They usually fall to sleep close to the same time for naps, but the length of each nap varies. One might sleep 1.5 hrs and one might sleep 30 min. The next nap they might switch or it will be the same. Sometimes neither of them sleep. Rarely do both sleep good naps at the same time. I haven’t noticed a patter yet to the better sleeper… perhaps Gavin enjoys slightly longer naps more consistently though. They still take about 3 naps a day; their first two are the main ones (although those can be real short still) with the third one being more of a power nap.
• I’ve been getting better and more used to getting out and about with the boys. I recently bought a new baby wear carrier; the Gemini. I love it! It is just what I needed. The Baby Hawks just aren’t working for us yet. They are too wide at the base as are most of the carriers. But the Gemini has the ability to narrow at the base which fits their legs much better. I can now carrier one and keep the other in the stroller. I then use the other unused part of the stroller (without the carseat) as a basket at the store. Some day I’ll be able to put them both in the shopping cart, but until they can sit up on their own, this is the best I can do. And I’m so excited I found something that works. It gives me a since of freedom being able to run errands on my own with the boys.

I know I am forgetting many things I want to keep track of, so I’ll just have to update as I remember. Here are a few pictures of the past month… I have so many good ones, but not enough room to post them all. Enjoy.

12 Week Update

I've just recently looked back at the videos of our boys their first couple of weeks. I knew our boys have grown and changed, but wow... I just really didn't realize how much until I saw the videos. Their cries are so different, they are so much bigger, and their awareness and interaction is drastically different. I am so thankful to have all the little video clips I do of our boys at each stage. You think you'll always remember, but because I am with them every day, I really haven't seen the drastic change after just 12 short weeks!

Here is what has been going on the past few weeks:

• The boys have learned they can put their hands and fingers in their mouths and have had great fun doing so all the time now! They have discovered their legs as well... They spend a lot of time kicking and stomping them intentionally now. This also keeps them widely amused. It's also made time in the bouncer even more fun for them now as they bounce themselves.




• The boys are doing great at learning to sit up these days. Wyatt LOVES to sit up and perhaps I should word it the other way saying that he hates to be reclined. So often he's not happy unless he's sitting at 90 degrees. He'll be reclined in our arms or the Boppy and won't just lay back (which makes feedings difficult these days); he's constantly doing what looks like crunches as he tries to pull himself into the sitting position. Just yesterday, he actually did pull himself up a couple of times when he was in his daddy's arms.




• Because they've been doing so great learning to sit up, the past couple of weeks we've let them play in the activity saucer which they seem to really enjoy. This past week we let them try out the jumparoos and wow... they really do love it. They jump a lot and really enjoy the movement and activity.
  
  I'm happy to announce that our boys have been sleeping very well the past few weeks! It's by no means perfect, but they are doing great. They wake up once at night for a feeding; some time between 12:30 and 2:30. They then wake up again sometime between 6 and 7. We typically don't start our morning feeding though until 7. Wyatt seems to be the early riser where as Gavin seems to be able to sleep a little later. Their naps are going well too for the most part. They usually get in at least one good nap in a day, along with other shorter naps. They are eating somewhere between every 2.5 - 4 hours and eating somewhere between 3-7.5 oz each feeding. We start our bath time at 7pm at night they are in bed by 8. I'm getting the hang of not having the hang of everything each day. I'm learning that each day will be different and to learn to adjust. I've also learned that having zero expectations helps.
  
  The boys' looks are starting to change again. Just the other day, Gavin looked just like his Daddy as I was feeding him. It was so strange (and great) to feel like you're feeding your husband from 27 years ago!
  


• They boys have learned this past week that they can 'scream' even when they aren't unhappy. I guess you can say they are discovering their voice more these days.




• The past couple of days they have discovered their hands as well. They'll extend their arms and stare at their hands for a little while; almost as if they are saying... huh... look at that!




• The boys LOVE to laugh, smile and talk when they are awake!




• Gavin and Wyatt 'noticed' each other for the first time last week. They laid there and stared at each other, smiled, talked to each other and touched each other. I just sat their and smiled and cried. It was so precious. They don't do it all the time, but they have done it more since then. It will be great fun watching them become best buddies!




• The past couple of weeks I've been able to go for walks with them without them having a complete meltdown when we get back. I've learned to go first thing in the morning after their feeding and changing. They then get to enjoy the walk a little, then fall asleep. The longer I stay out the longer nap they get in. So we are gone about an hour. They wake up as soon as we get home. We then play for about 30 min and then feed, play for a short while and then they settle into a real nap in their rooms. It seems to work pretty well. I've enjoyed being able to get out too. It's been hard to jog with our stroller though, so we just bought a jogging stroller. It comes in next week and I'm so excited to try it out!




• I just brought out the 3-6 months clothes for the boys. The other week Wyatt was 14 lbs and Gavin was 13.5 lbs. They are growing so fast it's crazy.

I know there are more great things to talk about, but I have to run and tend to mommy duties. I'll be posting more and adding photos when I get back from my trip to El Paso which we are very excited about!

2 Months Update and More

As I mentioned in my last post, I meant to have an 8 week update, but here I am at almost a 10 week update and just getting around to posting something. So much has happened this past month though; it's going to be impossible to capture everything. Gavin and Wyatt's little personalities have really started to blossom the past couple of weeks. In my usual bullet format these days (I am looking forward to the days when my mind has a chance to frolic through it's old paths of leisurely thoughts that lead to writings that sound like an educated individual older than say 4th grade, wrote them! Right now all I can seem to produce are short thoughts as seen below or run-on sentences like the one above. Boo... yes, I said boo... and that is mama talk in which I am a casual user of 24/7 now! I wouldn't trade it for anything though!) here is what has been happening:

• During the boys eighth week they started to change their cries. They now have an additional cry that I can only describe as an 'irritated cry'. They no longer think the world is ending when they don't get food the split second they realize they are hungry, but they become 'irritated' when they cannot eat right away. The additional cry was really cute at first, but now they tend to showcase their new pitches when we have to take a 'burp break', and let's remember, there are two of them, so they have to 'wait their turn' more than they want!
  
  
  


• 
  Between their 7th ad 8th week, they boys began to wrap their arm around my arm when I hold them upright against my chest. They then begin to squeeze into me and pat my arm. Oh, it melts my heart; I just love this new interaction!!
  
  These past couple of weeks, the boys have been so responsive. I love to watch them giggle, laugh, and play a whole lot more. During breakfast, the boys are always happy, and finish with lots of smiles and laughs. It often takes Gavin a while to eat in the morning because he's too busy talking and smiling! I just love this first feedings. After not 'talking' much during our night feeding(s), sharing the start of our day together is great joy. We talk, sing, laugh and begin to plan our day together.



• As I mentioned in my previous post, sleep has been all kinds of crazy lately. Some days the boys will be on a great nap schedule, some nights they will wake up only once, some days it's great altogether. Other days the boys won't sleep much at all, or they can be up every 3 hours at night. Some days the boys have similar sleeping patterns and others they are complete opposites. We put the boys down drowsy, but awake, they then either 1) fall asleep and then wake up shortly after refusing to be 'soothed back to sleep', but with very heavy eyes (spoiled) or 2) refuse to go to sleep even though they have heavy eyes. (They do sleep well also though, it's just there is no consistency or patterns to their sleep these past 6 weeks.) It makes no sense. Before delivering, I thought I had this whole 'sleep routine' figured out based on all the books I have read. It all sounds simple enough. I now realize I will never have it figured out. I realize no mother does either really. And those that say they 'do' really are just lucky and have children who love to sleep. Trust me, I'm doing all that Baby Wise and Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Twins has to say! All I can do is the best each day... for each day brings new things to the table. My boys will learn to like sleep consistently, but until then, I've realized to stop expecting the 'magical 6-8 week' mark and enjoy each stage and learn from it! The time will come on it's on; I'm just going to keep doing what I can to give them the best sleep health possible. (I'll also be saying some prayers along the way too!)



• Because the boys are beginning to play more and their sleep patterns can be pretty opposite some days, we decided to go ahead and switch them to using their own cribs upstairs. Last night was the first night, so I can't say how it is going, but I do see it being helpful when one is more awake than the other.



• The boys had their 2 month shots this week; 3 shots and 1 oral dose. Oh how my heart broke; I've never heard them cry like that before. I remembered to bring the pillow we use for feedings with me to the doctor's, so I was able to comfort both boys at the same time real well. They stopped crying as soon as they handed them to me. I wanted to take away as much pain as I could. They were running a fever for the next few days and just didn't feel very well. You could tell they wanted to be happy though because smiles kept shinning through at times. They were still on the same feeding schedule, but happened to be on opposite 'awake/sleep' schedules. This worked out great though because I was able to spend a lot of time comforting each one while the other was sleeping. No down time or chore time for me, but lots of loving which made this mama happy.



• The boys' health is great. Thank you Lord. They weigh 12 lbs 10 oz and 12 lbs 11 oz at 9 weeks. Gavin was 23 1/4 inches and Wyatt was 22 3/4 inches. They are growing fast. I keep having to retire outfits because they are becoming too short for them!
  


• They love to snuggle their 'snuggle bear' and 'wabanubs'; especially Wyatt. He just holds on tight and wraps his arms around them ever so cutely! They play with the toys on the mobile a lot now and really get a kick out of it sometimes! They also like looking at the dogs who love to give them kisses! Both boys are starting to put their hands in their mouth theses days as well as their snuggle bear or burp cloths. They are also starting to drool a lot too.



• Their feeding patterns are all over the place just like their sleep patterns (and those two aren't related either!). They tend to drink anywhere from 2-7.5 oz each feeding. Yeah, I know... huge range!
  
  The boys and I have been 'getting out' more these days by ourselves! I've made trips to the store with the boys, and have even had lunch with friends at restaurants; using the stroller and even just carrying both car seats! It's great know we can get out 'easily' when we need to or just want to! I like to know that 'I can'...
  
  
  This Mama's Thoughts
  


• This was our first Mother's Day! I kept thinking back to last Mother's Day and the sadness I felt after being hospitalized twice just a month before which delayed the transfer date. I knew then that all things would work out perfectly on God's time, but it still hurt. I was able to hold our blessings this year though, and oh what an amazing feeling I'll never be able to put into words. I won't even try to start here because I don't have enough time to really try to give it justice. Let's just say, it was a great day to celebrate our blessings and God's goodness and faithfulness!





• Jason and I had a 'date night' the Saturday before Easter. We went dancing just outside of Thorndale as his mom watched the boys for a few hours. It was great fun getting out for the first time. I had no worries about the boys either (although they were on my mind)!



• This past weekend though, Jason and I celebrated our 5th year wedding anniversary! Wow, how time flies! We drove out to the farm that morning with the boys. Jason's mom and grandma then watched the boys over night for us so we could drive out to College Station and go dancing! Let me tell you this in two stages... 1) It was sooooo hard to leave the boys overnight. I was so thankful they were in such good hands and would be loved on, but seriously... I haven't been away from my boys since the beginning of July when they were just itty bitty boys just starting to grwo in my tummy. But it was so important to the two of us to get some time to be husband and wife and enjoy one of the things we love to do together... dance... and haven't been able to do in forever. So away we went. 2) Jason and I had such a wonderful time! We spent time visiting at the hotel over some champagne. Then we headed to North Gate. Ate at FreeBirds (we didn't want to get too full before dancing) and then to The Chicken to grab a beer for ol' times sake. We then headed back to the hotel, grabbed a cab and went to Harry's! We were the first ones there which was fun. It was great 'cutting a rug' like old times sake. ... On a side note, the boys were great for their grandma and great-grandma! Mama was sooooo happy to see them the following morning too!! I am so thankful for my husband; my best friend! Happy Anniversary Babe!!



• I've learned a lot this past month about motherhood. I've realized that I will never have many of the answers to the questions parenthood throws our way. As I was on a walk with the boys one afternoon, I was talking with God and asking Him questions. It then hit me, that I'll always be asking God how to parent... each stage the boys are in will bring about new questions and challenges; all of which I will not have the answers to. Wow... this was a big eye opener for someone who likes to plan ahead and figure things out before ever crossing the bridge. I realize now that parenthood is a daily journey covered in prayer. No other way will be fruitful for me or my boys, or my marriage at that. I thank God for being with us each step of the way, even when we seem to be lost or going the wrong direction. I am thankful my boys are forgiving and learn as I learn. We'll get through this life learning together... all four of us!
  
  

I better sign off and feed the boys so they can be hungry again at their bed time... Before I go, here are a few pictures we took Mother's Day. A special thank you to Jason for capturing some special moments with our boys! (It's always hard to get the mama in the picture b/c she's normally the one taking them!) Enjoy!!

Dear Authors

It's 1in the morning and I am sitting here as my boys drift back to sleep. You see, I have started a blog post for their 8 week update, but never finished it. I was then going to write a 2 month post, which was to include the latest photo shoot. While this latter post is still coming, this one must come first!

You see, I nave a big bone to pick with all the authors out there who have written children development books. All books, magazines, etc. have talked about this 'magic' 6-8 weeks in which babies begin to sleep through the night. Perhaps it's because my boys are so gassy. Perhaps it's because there are two of them, and thus two different clocks trying to be turned into one. Perhaps it's because they are 9 weeks birth and not 'gestational' age. Whatever the 'perhaps' is, this 'magic age' should NOT be mentioned in books of any kind. A sleep deprived parent can easily get their hopes up; and when this 'magic age' doesn't happen... great sadness occurs; which if not kept an eye on, can lead to insanity!

All I am saying is there Should be zero expectation concerning sleep. False hope is not appreciated!

Smiles, Giggles, Coos - and - Perhaps some sleep?

I haven't uploaded the pictures from the past couple of weeks, but I wanted to write down my thoughts before time got away from me and while I had a few minutes. As I mentioned in the previous post, we have experienced bouts of fussiness the past few weeks and sleep patterns have strayed. Our 'routine' that was so good the first four weeks had vanished and we could forget a schedule. Right when the 'growth spurt' started to ease up (not sure it really has 100%), then the '45 minute intruder' invaded the French Household this past week. I've read 'Baby Wise' and 'Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Twins' about a million times already, searching for answers. All I find are great theories but no perfect directions. Boo... I want instructions! Well, I know this is impossible because every child and every household is different. But it would still be nice to have 'a try this and try that' book... Anyways, I keep searching for answers and ideas, and each time I read the books I feel discouraged and yet hopeful! Discouraged because I still have zero idea of what I'm doing concerning a 'sleep routine' and hopeful because I do get ideas or realize that what we are experiencing is normal. With all that said, let me explain briefly (in bullet points b/c that works best for me these days!) what is going on now!

• The boys are starting to sleep longer stretches at night! It's been happening in a weird sort of way though and not all at once, but we will take the progression and where it's heading! We bathe, feed and swaddle each night starting about 7:30ish (the ISH is the important letters here...) and end between 8:30 and 9pm (pretty accurate). Boys were waking up sometime between 11 and 2... the 1 and 2am wakings have been the past few days! They then were waking up around 3am or 4, then stretching this feeding now from about 4am or 5 instead. They then would 'fuss' from the time I put them down after that feeding until about 6 or 7am. 7 or 7:30 is when I"m trying to start our first morning feeding. Well, the past few days, they have 'skipped' this second feeding. They fuss off and on from about 5-7, but never crying or fully awake. Half the time they fuss at night is because of gas anyways. So while I'm still not getting 'uninterrupted' sleep, I'm fully excited about the progress! They wake up happy too which is great!


• Nap times are so confusing to me. The morning nap is 'easy' b/c the boys are always ready for this one. The second nap they often tend to fight... either they will be so sleepy 'too soon' or not sleepy at all... They prefer 'cat naps' in the afternoon, but this I am trying to discourage them from doing. I'll swaddle them and put them in their beds awake but drowsy. They never really scream, but don't really sleep well either most of the time. Anyways, trying to get around the 'cat naps' is a big challenge for me.


• It's been harder to sleep train 'twins'. We feed them at the same time 98% of the time (except for the pesky 45 minute intruder...) which is a big plus. But their nap times don't always match up these days. I've actually been trying to take advantage of this and spend some quality time with the awake baby while the other one sleeps!

That's all I have for the 'sleep stuff' at this point. I hope to report back progress in the next G and W post...

Other topics!!

• Last week the boys started to 'talk more' and seemed to try to laugh, but nothing really happened. Starting this Monday at 7 weeks, Gavin started to giggle off and on and has just really been 'tickled' at certain things. Tuesday Wyatt started doing the same thing! Just this morning Gavin spent longer eating because he was too busy laughing and talking to the wall and the picture on it! Wyatt then spent the entire outside time this morning cooing and smiling! Oh, I love watching them become more alert and interact. I know it sounds 'selfish', but it's so rewarding actually seeing that your boys are happy! As a 'newborn', you always just had to assume they were happy.


• I've enjoyed watching them explore new things each time they are awake! They have been hitting at toys purposefully a lot lately which makes play time more fun for them. Both boys are actually starting to giggle now at times when they hit a toy and make it move!


• Just yesterday, Gavin started to grab hold of the toys on the mobile in the bouncer. He had a great time during that play session.


• Both boys really enjoy playing with their 'Snuggly Bears' which are bear heads on a small blanket. It's easy for them to hold on to and snuggle with, all while being soft and making some noise. It's so cute to see them hold on to it so tight!


• They've just started to put their fingers or Snuggly Bear in their mouth off and on. And they love to move their tounge or watch us move ours. Just another way to see them explore their bodies and the world around them!


• Both boys aren't spitting up as much this past week, but they are starting to drool a little. Good change I think!


• They still spit up during tummy time though :( I've learned that tummy time is more enjoyable for them at times when using the Boppy! This doesn't exercise their arms as much, but allows them to see more and grab for toys better. We've been doing tummy time both with the Boppy and the plain old blanket on the floor.


• They boys love being outside! I'll lay a blanket on the patio in the shade and pull out thier Boppy and pillow seats and we'll enjoy the nice breeze. Most of the time it ends up putting them to sleep (which is part of the whole 'cat nap' problem I mentioned above).


• I've been enjoying going for walks almost every day, but the boys go right to sleep in the stroller. This is a good thing you might think... but this messes up their 'nap time/sleep routines' and they are so very fussy when we get back... I have to realize I'll have fussy babies if I want to get in shape that way... I am praying this changes because I love going for walks and hope to start jogging soon too with them (this might change with the upcoming Houston heat though...).


• The boys are becoming more aware of each other each week. They look at each other and sometimes eat eachother's hands during mat time. Just the past couple of days, Gavin has become really upset when Wyatt is crying. Gavin will be all smiles, but when Wyatt starts crying, it really bothers him... so cute to watch. You just wonder if they 'are saying something' and Gavin understands...

I'm sure I'm forgetting things, but for now, this will do. I'll try to post pictures soon. They really are getting so big. Just this week during bath time, I've realized just how much these sweet boys are changing and growing. They do NOT look like little newborns anymore.

1 Month Photo Shoot - And 6 Weeks Update

6 Weeks Update

• I haven’t been as good at recording all the moments and thoughts I’ve wanted to the past couple of weeks; mainly because the past couple of weeks have been a little different and ‘busier’ than before. They were doing great on their schedule during week 4; first morning feeding b/w 7 and 8am, then naps that happen to fall close b/w 9 and 1pm. We started bath time about 7:30ish and then fed and got ready for bed. But at 5 weeks, both boys started acting fussier than normal throughout the day and sleep became less and less; both at night and during the day. They were eating every 3 hours or less and only 2-3oz at a time it seemed. Perhaps this was the start of the ‘6 week growth spurt’… I am not sure. Well, this lasted for a little over a week. Now, at 6 weeks, we are going through some of the same things and some new… The night they turned 6 weeks, both boys went 5 hours between feedings at their first night feeding… that’s about 4 hours of sleep! Woohoo!!! But sleep the next day was way off. Their naps were strange and they were up almost all afternoon/evening… I know… babies should sleep, but ours don’t like to these days. Anywho, it happened again last night, but this time it was 6 hours between feedings; 5 hours of sleep. That’s right! How exciting! They days are still off, but I can tell something is changing with their cycle. I’m thinking there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Time will tell.
  
  Here are some other tidbits to share about our precious blessings:
  • They are becoming more ‘aware’ of their surroundings. When noises occur, they often turn to look for it.
  • They are starting to smile more and more AT us and things, not just random smiles. They have the cutest smiles in the world. One smile from them just melts your heart!
  • They are starting to recognize when they hit a toy and cause it to move. This has made them pretty happy the past few days. It’s so cute to watch! Gavin has really taking a liking to this right now, but Wyatt has enjoyed quite a bit too. Neither of the boys are truly understanding how to grip a toy yet (to be expected). I have been letting them play with ‘burp cloths’ though which they seem to really enjoy. It’s easy for them to hold and ‘play with’.
  • We spend about half the day upstairs in the game room. They love looking around in their newly expanded world. Lots to see up here!
  • Naps are taken in their own room these days. They are sharing Gavin’s crib for now. This has worked very well. We love our video/audio monitor to use when we are downstairs. They are still in the pack’n’play in our room at night. This is easier on me since they still are getting up multiple times a night and their room is upstairs while ours is downstairs.
  • Both boys have been fussier as mentioned above, but overall, you can see they have beautiful happy personalities already developing.
  • They weight between 11.5 and 12 lbs already! Wow, we are retiring many clothes already and pulling out what was once too big only a couple of weeks ago.
  • They’ve started to spit up more, but nothing to worry about. Just something we’ve had to ‘watch out for’.
  • They’re talking more and more with each week that passes. They have the sweetest little voices!
  • Gavin’s eyes are starting to change color; either to green or brown. Wyatt’s are bright blue at this time.
  • Both boys lost a lot of hair on top the past couple of weeks. It is now starting to grow back. The color has stayed the same for both so far. We still think Gavin might have ‘wavy’ hair, but not sure yet.
  • Bath time is a joy… UNTIL… it’s time to take them out, dry them, wash their bottom, lotion and dress them! Some nights are enjoyable as we ‘wind down’, and then others are full of sounds ;)
  • The boys still enjoy their ‘tummy time’, but it’s harder these days since they spit up more. Seems like 90% of the time they lay on their tummy they spit up.
  • Both boys have also started to ‘drool’ a little. They also like to explore moving their tongue.
  • We’ve attended church the past couple of weeks and the boys have been GREAT! It feels so good to finally be back with our church family and see our boys there with us!
  
  I know I’m forgetting a lot, but I’ll have to catch up on another post. Before I end though, I do want to write about some of my thoughts on motherhood. I have truly enjoyed our wonderful blessings God has entrusted us with. Being a mother is so much better than I could ever imagine (hard to believe)! There is no other job out there that is more perfect for me right now. I am so thankful to have a husband who wants me to and supports my desire to stay home with the boys. I have so enjoyed being the one to take care of, teach and love on them during the day. I always knew I’d be good with babies because I’ve had lots of experience. But being a mother is so much more than that. As a mother, you are responsible for not only their physical well being, but their mental and spiritual growth as well. I do not take any of these lightly (to fault I’ll explain later). Each day we spend doing a variety of activity to stimulate them physically, mentally and most important spiritually. We read, we play with toys, play on play mats, tummy time, listening to music, talking, snuggling, reading Scripture, singing songs, enjoying the outdoors, going for walks, bouncer time, etc…
  
  As I mentioned above, I do not take my role as a mother lightly. I think I’ve put too much pressure on myself lately actually. I’ve constantly been worried if I’m stimulating our boys enough and yet not too much. Do they feel loved enough? With two, your time is split. All parents feel this at some point if they have more than one, I just feel it right off the bat. I pray they do and know in my heart they do. But I had still been stressing about it. Also, are they ‘entertained’ enough? I’d hate for them to be bored, but let’s face it… they are 6 weeks and can’t do much. I think they are stimulated very well and I have to realize this. God has spoken to me this past week to ‘relax’ and enjoy this time instead of stressing that I’m doing everything perfect. God has reminded me that I am to do my best and He will take care of the rest. He loves them more than I can imagine, and thus will not let them lack in anything. Just as He provides for me, He provides for Gavin and Wyatt too!
  
  The past couple of weeks have been a very big struggle for me in the area of breastfeeding. This as been such a huge importance and desire of mine and yet such a struggle with twins. I always planned to go into pregnancy and parenthood (as with most things in life) without expectations, but I didn’t realize that I had set one up already with breastfeeding. I read and prepared as much as I could and was confident and determined to breastfeed my boys. Naturally it’s harder with two, but then take into account my health issues the first two weeks, the C-section and then, did I mention having two, and two big boys at that. Gavin and Wyatt demanded 3-4oz each feeding when most babies were taking 1-2oz. It quickly increased from there. So, while I was producing more milk then most moms at that stage, there was no way I could make enough milk to feed both of them. So we continue to supplement with formula. I learned that pumping was much easier and frankly the only way I could provide breastmilk with my twins. I then faced the even harder fact that I just wasn’t finding the time to pump. I tried so hard, but there were days when I wouldn’t be able to pump for 6-8 hours! That’s not good when trying to keep up your supply. But there was nothing I could do unless I let both boys scream while I pumped for 30 minutes; which I won’t or can’t do. This struggle created a lot of emotions for me. I knew God was trying to tell me something, but what could it be. Surely He wanted me to breastfeed because, ‘breast is best’, right? After MUCH struggle with God on this topic, I conceded and surrendered my desire for His will. At this point, I realize that I will not be able to breastfeed my boys much longer. I’m down to pumping about 3-4 times a day and will see how long my supply is maintained. I’ll do everything I can until it dries up, but I realize that this is God’s will for some reason. I have to remind myself to stop assuming how God will be most glorified. As I mentioned above, I am to do the best I can and God will take care of the rest. Just as He provides for me, He provides for Gavin and Wyatt too. He will not let them lack. This I am confident of and must trust Him.
  
  Because of the struggle with breastfeeding and their ‘crazy lack of routine’ lately without any answers, some days have been harder than others. But even on the hardest of days, I won’t trade this time with them for anything. I feel so blessed to be able to be their mother. While trying to conceive was different than we envisioned, while a mandatory C-section was not what I desired and while I have not been able to breastfeed to the fullest as I planned on, I can not help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude and joy at what I do have and what I have been able to experience. I am always reminded that God did allow us to have children. And not only have children, but for me to carry them and experience the joys of pregnancy. Life doesn’t always go as you intend, but with God, it always turns out better!
  
  Other tidbits from this mama’s point of view:
  • At my 6 weeks check-up, I was given the okay to proceed with any activity… zero limitations. Working out… here we come!
  • I have enjoyed and am so thankful for caffeine these days!
  • I never thought I’d be so excited at a 3 hour stretch of sleep, but I am!
  • I LOVE taking care of my boys! They are so great!!
  • Nothing really grosses me out… all the poopy diapers, spit up, and things you must clean…
  • My ‘mama brain’ has taken over already. I scared myself the other day when in my own thoughts, I used the word ‘tooty’… Yes, that is right. I was thinking about the boys having so much gas, and I used the word ‘totty’ for ‘gas’. I think my IQ lowered a bunch that day… sigh…
  • I’ve never sang and talked about so much random topics in my life; but the boys love just to hear my voice!
  • I have found that keeping the house straightened at this stage is much easier than I thought! I know this will all change though when the boys start moving and playing with toys! I’m enjoying it while I can.
  • I love going for walks with the boys. It’s the best for of exercise for me right now and we have a great stroller that allows me to take the boys very easily. Plus it’s beautiful weather right now.


• I find it hard to do much of anything else besides take care of the boys and the house. I'm so thankful for the meals my mom made us while she was here and put in the freezer, as well as all the meals friends and family have provided!


• I'm WAY behind on thank you cards which is driving me nuts :( Please know they are all coming.


• I'm so thankful for all the love and support we've received from our friends and family over the past couple of months.


• I've honestly forgotten what it was like to feel pregnant. Remember how uncomfortable and huge I was in the end, I think that is a good thing! I still can't believe that my sweet boys were once inside my tummy... what an amazing gift God gives us!
  
  Again, I know I’m forgetting a lot of things I wanted to post about, but I’ll have to do that at a later time. Tata For Now!

A Year Ago Today...

A year ago today our sweet babies were conceived. It was a year ago today that I went in for my ‘egg retrieval’ that began our journey into parenthood. (See our posts from last year...) Our journey has never been what we ‘envisioned’ many years ago; I can honestly say it’s been much better though. True it’s been much harder than I could imagine and many roads filled with trials have been traveled, but the growth and gifts we’ve been given along the way far outweigh everything else. The past week or so, I’ve been looking back through my writings as I traveled through our journey of infertility God entrusted us with. My heart is warmed as I read my pain knowing God was smiling down on us as He held our sweet baby boys Gavin and Wyatt. ‘All is well my child’ I can imagine God saying to me back then as I cried for our children. And ‘all is well’ indeed. I thank God for being with us each step of the way. I thank God for shining enough light on our path to take the next step. I thank God for the growth He wanted us to experience before our boys were born. The list goes on and on as I reflect. To top off the list, I sit here this morning as my sweet boys take their first morning nap and say thank You God for the precious little ones you have entrusted to us. I pray with all my heart we can be great parents to them. I pray we set good examples for them to follow. I pray we help them know the Lord as their personal Savior and friend. I pray we encourage them to grow into the men God created them to be; to travel the paths He has prepared for them. I pray they know just how much we love and cherish them. I pray they see just how much their mom and dad love each other and love the Lord. I pray for their health and safety; for their happiness and their future. I pray for the lives they will touch. Oh the things I pray… Thank you Lord for all the wonderful journeys and gifts you have entrusted us with. May my eyes stay continually on You.