Our first cold and Marching for Babies

Saturday I noticed Addison coughed a few times. Yesterday he woke up and I suctioned some clear snot out of his nose and he seemed to be coughing every few minutes. I called the pediatrician and we were able to get him in around lunchtime. Have I mentioned how much I love that my pediatricians office is open 7 days a week??? So, Dr. Moffit, the boys regular pediatrician happened to be the one working this weekend. Addison had a low grade fever of about 100.3 but his lungs sounded clear and his breathing is completely normal. He has a cough, a runny nose with clear snot, and sneezes every so often. Dr. Moffit was not worried about RSV at all. He took a culture from each side of the nose and I'm patiently waiting to hear back. We should be hearing from them at some point today. He said it looks like a regular cold and possibly some allergies. He's still able to breathe through his nose and he's nursing fine except for when he coughs and gags. He's still his happy self.
I'm waiting for Riley to start with a cough and I'll be shocked if he doesn't get sick. We've had a few scares but this is our first "official" cold and I hate that he's not feeling well.

On another note...notice the new banner on the side of the page? If you click on that, it will take you to my sponsor page for the March of Dimes March for Babies. The March of Dimes is a fantastic organization that helps prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. They fund research, education, and advocacy so that one day, all babies will be born healthy.
Every year, they have a fundraiser called the March for Babies. This year, our family will be walking, not only in honor of Addison and Riley, but also in honor of our oldest son, Skylar, who was born at 32 weeks gestation. Please consider making a donation to help sponsor our family. Every little bit helps.

Finally some time to write

So, it's 5am, and I finally have some quiet time to update. So many things have happened in the past few weeks. Every time I try to sit down and type, I get interrupted and then my list of stuff to write about grows and it's hard to find time to just type.

So, where do I begin? The boys are doing fantastic! They both ran a few low grade fevers but I'm now convinced it was due to teething. They never ended up with colds or any other symptoms of being sick. They still haven't had teeth come through the gums but they're getting close. They both chew on their hands and toys. They're both able to hold toys which is awesome. They're tolerating tummy time better so they're working on pushing up. They roll from belly to back with ease. Riley can almost roll from back to belly. They're both still working on sitting and can stay upright for about 10 seconds.

Riley has been working really hard to catch up to Addison. He not only does everything that Addison does (he used to be about 2 weeks behind in development) but he is practically the same size as him! We had to go to a WIC appointment yesterday. Because the boys are considered "nutritionally at risk" I have to take them for weight checks for every appointment. Now, they weigh them with their clothes and diapers on but the boys were wearing the same outfits. Addison weighed in at 10lbs. 8oz. and Riley was an amazing 10lbs. 4oz.!!!!! At 9 months, they're finally passed the 10lb. mark! They're almost doubled in length since birth.

Riley had his first taste of rice cereal on the 15th. He didn't seem to like it as much as Addison. Addison has had it a few times now and he opens his mouth for the spoon and manages to get most of it in his mouth.

The boys went in for their last round of RSV shots on the 6th. RSV season is "officially" over in the beginning of April. We were given the ok to slowly venture out into the real world. I have spent much of the past 6 months, inside my house. Ian and I had been waiting for the day when we could do something as a family. We ended up going to a big pet store in Lancaster to pick up some stuff. We had an open house and we had to be out for a few hours. The big kids got to touch stingrays and as silly as it sounds, it was SO nice to be out, as a family.

Physical therapy is going great! Their therapist hopes to have them crawling (not necessarily on their hands and knees but at least creeping around on their bellies) by their birthday. I just can't imagine these guys moving around but I'm excited that they're developing as expected.

They're still nursing wonderfully. Most days I feel like all I do is sit and nurse but I wouldn't have it any other way.

One of the other big things is they're sleeping in their bassinet!! No more carseats and no more reflux problems!!! Often times they end up cuddled against each other.

Things are just going really, really well. They're happy babies who make me smile and laugh every day.

Small update with lots of pictures

I know this blog has been neglected over the past few months. Life seems to be flying by and it's quite a task to try to sit down and type more than a few sentences.

Last weekend, Addison gave us a little scare. Saturday evening, he spiked a fever. His temperature was 101. The pediatricians office was closed for the day and he didn't have any other problems so I decided to just wait and see how he was the next morning. Sunday morning we woke up and his temp. was 102.6. I had to wait 2 hours for the pediatricians office to open and then another 2 hours before they could see him. He had no other symptoms but I spent that morning freaking out. Both of the big kids are getting over some pretty bad colds and croup and I was certain that Addison was getting whatever the big kids had. We finally got to the peds office and it was determined that it was just a mystery fever. She said it could be from his teeth coming in, a late reaction from the dtp shot he had got 2 days beforehand, or a random virus. She also said that it could be the start of something more and that I just caught it too early. She told me to give him Tylenol as needed and if the fever lasted more than 24 hours, to bring him back. Well, we got home that afternoon, I gave him a dose of Tylenol, and he hasn't had a fever since.

Other than that fun event, the boys have been doing well. Their physical therapist is happy with their development so far and we've moved from working on their rolling to working on them sitting unassisted. They can both sit for 5-10 seconds before they start to fall.

They're both overall happy babies. They are almost always smiling and they babble all of the time. Almost every time they lay next to each other, they try to steal pacifiers.

Addison got to have his first taste of infant cereal. He managed to eat a little more than half. Riley still hasn't had his turn yet. His head control is just a little bit behind Addison's and I thought it would be better if I wait until he's a little bit stronger.

And, here are a few pictures of Riley. He's started sucking on his fingers. If I try to give him his pacifier, he pulls it out and puts his first 2 fingers in his mouth.

8 months old

It's so crazy to think that my boys are already 8 months old. Today we were at the pediatricians office and there was a baby girl who was crawling all over the waiting room, sitting up, and just too darn cute. She had these adorable chubby cheeks and looked huge compared to my boys. The mom and I chatted for a few minutes and I found out that her daughter was only a month older than my boys and then I kind of got a reality check. Although my boys are making huge progress and they look huge to me, they'll never be "normal" babies and it makes me kind of sad. I know that in time, they'll hopefully be doing all of the things that other babies do. Leah, my daughter, was walking at 9.5 months. And, I know, all babies develop differently, blah blah blah, it doesn't make it any easier. Although they're having a much different start to life, they're perfect and I'm more than thankful that they're alive and healthy.
So, enough of my ramblings. The boys had their 8 month well visit today. They were actually 8 months on the 17th. I had mentioned to Ian a few times that I was sure the boys were going through a growth spurt. I spent 3 days literally sitting on the couch and nursing. They were eating every hour and a half. I wasn't surprised that when they were weighed, Addison was 9lbs. 10oz. and Riley was 8lbs. 14oz. Riley is 20.5 inches long and Addison is 21 inches. The doctor was really happy with their growth and development. In fact, he was so happy with their progress that he doesn't need to see them back until June! He also told me that I could start trying to give them some infant cereal. I plan to try small amounts of cereal, mixed with breastmilk, and we'll see how they do.
They're still getting weekly visits from the physical therapist. They're both easily rolling from belly to back and they're doing a small amount of back to belly rolling. They will both sit with some assistance and the therapist and I are working hard to get them sitting unassisted. They're both very funny. They coo and babble, and the LOVE diaper changes. They are both really ticklish and whenever you change their clothes or diapers, they crack up. I've been trying to get video of them laughing so I can share on here but they get distracted by the camera.
So, all in all, things are going well. Even though they're not on the go yet, they keep me very busy. I think everyone is looking forward to the warm weather so we can spend time outside.
It's getting late and I've got to finish writing and try to get some sleep. I will post some new pics before the end of the weekend. My grandparents just moved back up here from Florida and they just adore the boys so we're planning on visiting this weekend (which means lots and lots of pictures!).

Growing more and more

I wanted to write a lot earlier tonight so this may be shorter than I had planned.
The twins went for their Synagis injections today. Addison was 9lbs. even and Riley was 8lbs. 4oz. It seems like they nurse all of the time and I was actually expecting that they'd weigh more but I'll take a one pound gain in just under a month! Riley like to sleep next to me and just nurse/snack all night. Just the other day I mentioned to Ian that Riley seemed to have gained a good amount of weight.
I'm trying to transition them into their pack and play so that I can put it next to our bed and then we can do away with the car seats and me sleeping on the couch. Their reflux is so much better and they actually are able to nap in the pack and play. They only have trouble right after they've nursed for a long time.
So, they're both doing well with their physical therapy. Addison easily rolls from belly to back, in both directions. Riley has his good and bad days. He rolls if he's well fed and rested.
Addison has really started to grab things. He'll sit in his bouncy chair and grab the toys and bring them to his mouth.
They're both babbling a lot. They laugh at each other, and at the rest of us. They're ticklish and they crack up for something as simple as a diaper change. They both make the cutest little noise. It sounds like they're saying "A-keyh" and they just do it over and over again.
I've got some pictures from the past few days that I want to share but my camera card is not in my computer so I'll have to post the pics tomorrow.
I'm sure I'll remember things that I wanted to post but for now, I've got to get some sleep.

Sharing some cute pictures

It's late and we've all had a long day and night but I really wanted to share some of these pictures from tonight.

The boys go for their RSV shots on the 4th so I'll have a nice long entry to type, including current weights.

Addison was enjoying some milkies out of a Steelers bottle

Riley was too interested in watching the game

And, our first full family photo. I put my camera on the mini tripod, sat it on top of the entertainment center, and used the timer.

Life is good

Ian and I were watching news recaps of the day and both of the boys fell fast asleep on my lap. They sat and my lap and babbled to each other before drifting off to sleep. Ian had to snap a pic and I have to share it.

Addison is in the blue, Riley is in the yellow, and yes...I realize there's spit up on my shirt.

The rest of my ramblings

I was exhausted last night when I was trying to write and I'm sure if I go back and re-read, I'll find a bunch of typos. I'm just now getting a few free moments (in between plays during the Steelers game) to type more. The boys were awake for almost the whole day. They usually take turns napping and I get an hour or so where they're both asleep. That wasn't the case today. They were playing with toys and watching the football games. They must be feeling much better.

We were all sick last week. Ian's still got a pretty bad cold but he always seems to get it worse than everyone else. The boys had stuffy noses and were really sleepy. They were also pretty cranky and they had very low grade fevers. I did call the doctor and he told me not to worry unless their temperatures were over 101 and they never came close to that. Riley had become quite the mamas boy through all of this. He sleeps best when he's cuddled up next to me and nursing. I wish there was room on the couch for both of the boys because it would be so much easier for nursing. So, anyways, they're both doing much better.

I snapped some cute pictures of them playing earlier today. Riley is in the striped onesie and obviously, Addison is in the blue onesie.

Riley tried to have a staring contest with the zebra but sadly, he lost.

He did have a lot of fun talking to it though.

Isn't he just adorable??

He was not happy about being on his belly so he cried while rolling over

Addison really likes to look at himself in the mirror

And he loves the Bumbo seat (even though its purple)
Smiling at his Daddy

And one more cute one of Riley and Ian

And, that's all I've got for today. This ended up taking much longer than expected because I got caught up watching the Steelers win their way to the Super Bowl!!! Prepare yourselves for lots of pictures of kids in Steelers clothes. lol.

7 months old

A year ago, I got my positive pregnancy test. It was also my due date for the baby we lost in July 2007. The few short months of my pregnancy were filled with ups and downs. I was incredibly sick, thought I was having another miscarriage and then finding out there were twins, and then delivering them only a few short months later. I certainly didn't think I'd be sitting here, 1 year later, with 7 month old twins.
So, Riley went to the opthamologist this past Thursday. His left eye is perfect! His right eye still has some ROP but it's drastically better and he doesn't have to go back until the end of April.
They both continue to do well with their physical therapy. Addison is consistently rolling over. He actually pushes himself over now. Riley doesn't like being on his belly at all so while he can roll, he doesn't unless he has to. They both have very good core strength and they hold their upper bodies really well.
We somehow picked up a cold. Ian and the big kids seem to be affected more than the babies and myself. The boys were not themselves for a few days, were on the warmer side. They didn't have fevers but the doctor didn't need or want them to come in. They had stuffy noses and a slight cough. It seems to be just about passed. As much as I'd like to keep going, I keep nodding off to sleep. I'll continue this tomorrow and include some pics.
Good night everyone.

Not much to write about

Life has been kind of slow. It's a much welcome change from the past 6 months.
The boys went for a Synagis shot this past Wednesday and Addison was 8lbs. even and Riley was 7lbs. 5oz. They've been growing so quickly.
Probably the biggest news to report is that both of the boys have started teething! About a week and a half ago, they started to drool a lot, they've been sucking on their hands, and they have been more fussy than usual. When I was at the pediatrician, I asked about them teething and she said it looked like their gums are starting to harder so that the teeth can pop through. There are little white bumps on their gums but they might not have a tooth pop through for months.
I was able to find a used infant swing on craigslist for $20 and they love it! It's one of those swings that swing side to side. They love it so much that I wish I had skipped spending money on 2 bouncy seats and just bought 2 of these swings. They will sit in it and Skylar will go over and play with them and they just sit there and laugh.
They've been doing really well with their physical therapy. This week was their 3 month evaluation. When they started therapy, they could barely hold up their heads. They're now rolling from tummy to back and Addison is working torwards sitting! The therapist brings a big exercise ball and he uses it to help them roll and sit. When he sits Addison on the ball, he smiles and laughs the whole time.
So, that's my ramblings for the day.

Whew!!

What a crazy couple of days. Christmas is a lot different when there's 2 infants.

Addison had an eye doctor appointment on Christmas Eve. His eyes are looking great and there's some scar tissue from where the blood vessels grew but they're pretty much to where they should be. His next appointment isn't until APRIL!!!! The opthamologists next concern is that the scar tissue will cause some near-sightedness so he'll start to monitor his vision at the next appointment.

They're both starting to focus and rarely go cross-eyed. They've also started to laugh. They coo and babble with a huge smile on their faces.

Anyways, after Addison's eye doctor appointment, I decided I'd take my chances and brave the mall, on Christmas Eve, with all 4 kids. I had promised Skylar a visit with Santa and he was supposed to be at a smaller store near the house but he didn't show up because of the ice. It was Christmas Eve, I was just down the road from the mall, and I had dressed them all in cute Christmas outfits. We were able to park close to the door closest to where Santa is and there were only 2 people in line ahead of us so we were in and out fairly easily. It was only 10am so the mall wasn't very crowded. Skylar was stoked, the boys didn't even realize what was going on, but Leah was terrified. I had to kneel down next to Santa's chair so Leah could sit on my leg. That was as close to Santa as she was going to get. I got a cute picture though (please excuse the glare, it's a picture of the picture):

We had a fun Christmas Eve, the big kids and I made cookies and I found foam craft kits on clearance at Michael's so the kids were building those. All of the kids had matching pajamas and we read some Christmas stories and let the big kids each open 1 gift. Skylar really wanted to sing the babies Christmas songs so he held Riley, who was wide awake, and Riley LOVED it!

Christmas day was fun but crazy. We had Ian's parents over in the morning for pancakes, eggs, and bacon and then we opened gifts. We had a small snack and then went to my moms for an early evening dinner. My grandparents (who are visiting from Florida), my aunts, uncle, cousins, sisters, nephews and nieces were all up. It was chaotic but great to see everyone. We then came home and had a small dinner with a good family friend. Everyone slept well.

Yesterday, we had to make our house look like Christmas didn't happen since we had our first showing this morning. The lady loved the house but didn't like that you have to walk from the parking lot, down to the front door. We have an open house next weekend so we'll be trying to touch up things all week.

I'm about ready to head to bed. Ian is out with one of his good friends and all of the kids are sleeping. This is the most quiet time I've had in a long time.

6 months old

It's hard to believe that they're 6 months old already. It's been half of a year, full of many ups and downs.
The boys went for their 6 month check-up this past Thursday. Addison weighed in at 7lbs. 6oz. and 19.75". Riley weighed 6lbs. 11oz. and was 19" long. They both gained 11oz. in just 13 days!! They both eat all of the time and it seems like they're finally taking off.
They're both smiling and starting to laugh. We went to visit the NICU nurses and bring them Christmas bagels and cream cheese and they were both loving the attention. All of the nurses were gathered around and the boys were smiling and cooing at them.
I also have to share an awesome ebay seller with everyone. I found an adorable Christmas ornament on ebay and it's just too cute.
Here's a link to her store http://stores.ebay.com/Carolyns-Clay-QTs
And here's a picture of the ornament for the boys

Weekend pictures of Riley

Riley was being such a ham this weekend. They're always so happy but Riley was even more awake and happy then usual so I had to pull out the camera and snap a few shots.

And here's a few that I took of the boys last Thursday. Addison is in the dragon outfit and Riley has the green stripes.

A new picture

So, it's a little bit late but I was starting to fall asleep at 8pm last night so I wasn't able to post. While Ian was at a football party and I made sure the kids all had on their Steelers clothes so we could take a picture and send it to Ian. It actually turned out better than I thought it would.

Leah is holding Addison and Skylar is holding Riley.

It's been a while

Life has me so busy lately that I haven't had time to write. The boys are FANTASTIC! They had a great first Thanksgiving and were nice enough to let me cook. They only decided to cry when we all sat down for dinner.
They've been really alert over the past few days. They smile all of the time and you can't help but to laugh and smile back. They love to be talked to and they're happy to just lay there and watch your mouth move. Two days ago I was nursing Riley and Addison was lying in his carseat, wide awake. I looked down and saw him staring at this toy that was dangling from his carseat handle. He was staring at it with this huge smile on his face, and he was squeaking. I'm sure he was trying to laugh but he was making the cutest little squeaks. They continue to blow my mind every day.
They got their second Synagis injections today (to protect them from RSV). The power in the hospital went out shortly after we got the boys weighed and the poor nurses were using flashlights. We had to take the boys into the hallway, under one of the few back up lights, and one nurse held a flashlight while the other gave the injections. The big kids were kind of bummed that they couldn't watch but the boys only cried for a second and we were on our way.
Addison is up to 6lbs. 11oz. and Riley was 6lbs. even!! That means that, in a little more than 3 weeks, Addison gained 10oz. and Riley gained 12oz.! They go for a regular pediatrician visit on the 18th and I'm excited to see how much they gain.
Riley had another opthamologist appointment yesterday to check his ROP. It looks a lot better and the doctor didn't need to see him back for another 6 weeks. He said he thinks Riley will only need a few more appointments until he's given the all clear!
Another exciting thing is the boys have been approved for medical assistance because of their prematurity. It will pick up everything that our primary insurance doesn't cover except for our pediatrician co-pays. The ped. I take them to doesn't participate with state insurance and he's too awesome of a doctor for me to switch. Having to only pay pediatrician co-pays is nothing compared to the thousands of dollars we've spent on other co-pays so far.
We've got a busy couple of weeks. Our house went on the market last week and we've got to get out the Christmas decorations and try to put out enough to make the kids happy but not so much that it's too cluttered for showings. We've got at least 3 more doctors appointments before Christmas and physical therapy once a week.
I will try to put a new picture up this weekend. They starting to look more and more alike!