Courtesy of my Starbucks mug...I enjoyed a venti white chocolate mocha today.
All children need a laptop. Not a computer, but a human laptop. Moms, dads, grannies and grandpas, aunts, uncles - someone to hold them, read to them, teach them. Loved ones who will embrace them and pass on the experience, rituals and knowledge of a hundred previous generations. Loved ones who will pass to the next generation their expectations of them, their hopes, and their dreams.
-General Colin L. Powell
Will you be Connor and Chloe's laptop?
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Cute and Chubby!
Yes, it is true. C&C are cute AND chubby. How do I know? Well, just look at them and you can see that they are stinkin' cute! But, I'm not partial at all...not ONE bit! And the chubby part? It could be the thigh rolls (Chloe more than Connor) or the round Budda belly, or even the wrist version of cankles. Seriously, they do not have a wrist, they have a fand or horearm (Chad and I can't decide which is better to describe their chubby forearm into hand chubbiness!). Want to know their latest weights???? You better sit down for this one.....
Connor:
Birth weight: 4 pounds 11 ounces
Today: 12 pounds, 12 ounces!
Chloe:
Birth weight: 4 pounds
Today: 12 pounds, 10 ounces!
So hard to believe they were so tiny at one point. We look at their birth pictures and those from when they were in the NICU and while you can still see that it's the same baby, you can definitely tell that they are hardy eaters!
The doctor visit ended with their two month vaccinations.....they actually did pretty well, considering they each received four different shots. Both cried for a bit after, but settled down quite easily. Right now, about three hours later, they are both sleeping soundly.
And, what would be a post without pictures.....both babies, dressed only in their diaper and socks, after they had their weight checked, before seeing the doctor. So cute! See, I told you they were cute, huh?
And, we can't forget their big fur-brother, Julio the Cat.
He's tolerating the changes. But, when the crying is a bit excessive, he will head away for some solitude. Smart cat! And, now all three our children weigh about the same...Julio was just over 13 pounds last time he was weighed!
Later,
Jennie
Connor:
Birth weight: 4 pounds 11 ounces
Today: 12 pounds, 12 ounces!
Chloe:
Birth weight: 4 pounds
Today: 12 pounds, 10 ounces!
So hard to believe they were so tiny at one point. We look at their birth pictures and those from when they were in the NICU and while you can still see that it's the same baby, you can definitely tell that they are hardy eaters!
The doctor visit ended with their two month vaccinations.....they actually did pretty well, considering they each received four different shots. Both cried for a bit after, but settled down quite easily. Right now, about three hours later, they are both sleeping soundly.
And, what would be a post without pictures.....both babies, dressed only in their diaper and socks, after they had their weight checked, before seeing the doctor. So cute! See, I told you they were cute, huh?
And, we can't forget their big fur-brother, Julio the Cat.
He's tolerating the changes. But, when the crying is a bit excessive, he will head away for some solitude. Smart cat! And, now all three our children weigh about the same...Julio was just over 13 pounds last time he was weighed!Later,
Jennie
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
More pictures.....
I think I need to leave the camera upstairs with me, as I spend most, if not all, of my day upstairs. Here are some photos I took today.
C&C before eating. They are both actually crying quite loudly at this point....
Connor after eating.
Chloe after eating. Ah, peace! Notice her hair and long, long eyelashes!
Pile of outgrown clothes that I can't part with yet.....
Decorated photo frames from an online friend. Love them! These are in the tv stand in our bedroom.
Cribmates. Not sure when they will both need their own crib yet.....but we'll buy a second one when we need to.
C&C before eating. They are both actually crying quite loudly at this point....
Connor after eating.
Chloe after eating. Ah, peace! Notice her hair and long, long eyelashes!
Pile of outgrown clothes that I can't part with yet.....
Decorated photo frames from an online friend. Love them! These are in the tv stand in our bedroom.
Cribmates. Not sure when they will both need their own crib yet.....but we'll buy a second one when we need to.
10 weeks old!
Seriously, where did the past ten weeks go? I was actually convinced they were going to be nine weeks old this week...I was confused because they were two months old last Tuesday, and kind of missed out of them being nine weeks old on Wednesday. Luckily, a twin mom friend, who had her babies a day before C&C, posted her ten week info! She set me straight.
Highlights in our life:
Connor:
Has the most beautiful gummy smile. It lights up his entire face. Mornings are good times to catch him smiling. Yesterday morning, he even had the start of a giggle. Just the inhale portion of a giggle, but I think it will be here before we know it.
He's getting less dependent on his pacifier and exploring his hand more. He hasn't quite gotten the thumb in his mouth yet, though.
Likes it when I sing and point out "nose, chin, cheek, cheek, eyebrow, eyebrow, forehead, ear, ear, nose" to him. Sometimes the song is longer, sometimes shorter. But it usually gets a nice smile!
He has the bicycle leg motion down pretty good! Though, a few days ago, his left pedal was broken and he was only pedaling with his right leg. It was pretty funny watching him!
Is tolerating tummy time better each time we do it and is lifting his head nicely.
Makes diaper changes interested and sometimes a time trial. Though (knock on wood) I haven't been peed on in a few days, and neither has he!
Is getting a nice growth of hair on his head. Though he looks a bit funny as the sides are longer than the top. His hair is brown at this time. His eyebrows are darkening up, too!
Chloe:
Has a beautiful gummy smile! Sometimes it is even a bit crooked.
Seems to be slowly outgrowing her evening fussy periods. Last night she did not cry nearly as much as the previous nights. Fingers crossed that she is outgrowing whatever is bothering her every evening.
Likes to be swaddled, usually. Sometimes, she will incredible hulk her way out of the swaddling! It's so funny to watch her grunt and pull her arms trying to get out! Though when she likes it, she's very calm!
Her hair is growing faster than Connor's. It's blond, not so much strawberry blond as her first growth of hair was. Her eyelashes are getting nice and long, too. And, her eyebrows are darkening.
Is just starting to suck on her hand and has awhile before she figures out how to do it.
Both babies have a great appetite. We are still tracking their feeding times, amounts and diapers. They each average about 700ml of feeding per day, but are cutting down on the number and frequency of feedings. They can both usually take 3 ounces, sometimes more, sometimes less, at a time. I'm still pumping breast milk and am supplementing both of their feedings with formula. I'm hoping to keep building my supply. Right now I'm getting just over 30 ounces a day while pumping. I plan to work with a lactation consultant and hopefully get over any latch issues they both have.....that would cut out on the need for so many bottles! I totally do not mind bottle feeding and using the breast pump, but the middle of the night pump sessions would not be missed!
I need to start packing for our trip. I will plan for two outfits a day for each baby, just to be safe. I plan to pack things in Rubbermaid containers. Getting in and out of hotels/homes will be interesting, for sure!
that's about it for now.
later, Jennie
Highlights in our life:
Connor:
Has the most beautiful gummy smile. It lights up his entire face. Mornings are good times to catch him smiling. Yesterday morning, he even had the start of a giggle. Just the inhale portion of a giggle, but I think it will be here before we know it.
He's getting less dependent on his pacifier and exploring his hand more. He hasn't quite gotten the thumb in his mouth yet, though.
Likes it when I sing and point out "nose, chin, cheek, cheek, eyebrow, eyebrow, forehead, ear, ear, nose" to him. Sometimes the song is longer, sometimes shorter. But it usually gets a nice smile!
He has the bicycle leg motion down pretty good! Though, a few days ago, his left pedal was broken and he was only pedaling with his right leg. It was pretty funny watching him!
Is tolerating tummy time better each time we do it and is lifting his head nicely.
Makes diaper changes interested and sometimes a time trial. Though (knock on wood) I haven't been peed on in a few days, and neither has he!
Is getting a nice growth of hair on his head. Though he looks a bit funny as the sides are longer than the top. His hair is brown at this time. His eyebrows are darkening up, too!
Chloe:
Has a beautiful gummy smile! Sometimes it is even a bit crooked.
Seems to be slowly outgrowing her evening fussy periods. Last night she did not cry nearly as much as the previous nights. Fingers crossed that she is outgrowing whatever is bothering her every evening.
Likes to be swaddled, usually. Sometimes, she will incredible hulk her way out of the swaddling! It's so funny to watch her grunt and pull her arms trying to get out! Though when she likes it, she's very calm!
Her hair is growing faster than Connor's. It's blond, not so much strawberry blond as her first growth of hair was. Her eyelashes are getting nice and long, too. And, her eyebrows are darkening.
Is just starting to suck on her hand and has awhile before she figures out how to do it.
Both babies have a great appetite. We are still tracking their feeding times, amounts and diapers. They each average about 700ml of feeding per day, but are cutting down on the number and frequency of feedings. They can both usually take 3 ounces, sometimes more, sometimes less, at a time. I'm still pumping breast milk and am supplementing both of their feedings with formula. I'm hoping to keep building my supply. Right now I'm getting just over 30 ounces a day while pumping. I plan to work with a lactation consultant and hopefully get over any latch issues they both have.....that would cut out on the need for so many bottles! I totally do not mind bottle feeding and using the breast pump, but the middle of the night pump sessions would not be missed!
I need to start packing for our trip. I will plan for two outfits a day for each baby, just to be safe. I plan to pack things in Rubbermaid containers. Getting in and out of hotels/homes will be interesting, for sure!
that's about it for now.
later, Jennie
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Two month photos.
I set up the babies and took some pictures for their two month birthday.
Connor's cute face.
Chloe's great head control.
Budda Belly, the new fashion accessory.
Connor and his bear.
Chloe and her bear.
Two Months Old!
I can hardly believe C&C are two months old. Some days it seems like they are much older, other days it seems like they were just delivered!
The smiles have started! And not just any smile, the whole face smile that lights up their little cherubic eyes! It totally melts my heart, too.
Connor is slowly figuring out this thumb sucking business. He has figured out to keep his fingers tucked, but still looks a little uncoordinated. Chloe is just starting to suck on her hand and has yet to find her thumb.
Who knew jowls could be so cute? I think if anyone can make jowls look good, it has to be a chubby baby. And just look at the Budda belly? They look proud, don't they?
Connor set a night sleep record last night. He went six hours between feeds! But, for me, it didn't feel like it. Chloe was up about every 3 hours for her feedings. Someday they will both get it at the same time! They are both eating more at feedings, therefore extending the time between feedings. It's nice to have (usually) a good three hours between feedings to pump milk, do housework or relax!
We did a photo session at home Monday for two month pictures. Blogger is not letting me upload photos, so I will make a new post when the issue is resolved. Surprisingly, they both cooperated, for the most part! I just used a brown fabric back drop that I draped on one of our couches. There is a window in the room which kept their attention pretty well!
We do not have a doctor appointment until October 25th, so I'm not sure of their weights. I'm guessing each baby is over ten pounds.....maybe more. I need to get on the scale with/without them for a rough estimate.
Next weekend, we are starting a trip to visit family. Our first stop will be Chad's brother on Friday. His nephew plays college football, so Chad wants to check out a game on Saturday. I doubt the babies would appreciate football yet, so we will stay back while they are out.
Sunday, we'll stop by another brother of Chad's on our way to visit my family. Hopefully they are home when we are heading through town. Sunday night, we will celebrate my parents 40th wedding anniversary. Their anniversary was actually in August, but I was a bit busy....actually, I was still in the hospital. My parents met the babies for the first time on their anniversary, though it completely slipped my mind at the time. I realized it after they returned home.......guess my mind was full of other stuff. The babies will be able to visit their great-grandmother (my mom's mother) on Monday. We will take some four generation photos, too! Monday afternoon, we will head over to visit Chad's family. At some point, we'll take pictures with another great-grandmother (his mom's mom). It will be a busy trip, but it will be nice to get it in before the start of cold and flu season. I predict that we will be spending lots of time at home during the winter, as I'm not going to be taking the babies out unless it's for a doctor appointment. We can't risk them getting sick their first winter!
Ok....that's about it for now. Hope you enjoy the pictures. I took many more, but shared the best here!
later, Jennie
The smiles have started! And not just any smile, the whole face smile that lights up their little cherubic eyes! It totally melts my heart, too.
Connor is slowly figuring out this thumb sucking business. He has figured out to keep his fingers tucked, but still looks a little uncoordinated. Chloe is just starting to suck on her hand and has yet to find her thumb.
Who knew jowls could be so cute? I think if anyone can make jowls look good, it has to be a chubby baby. And just look at the Budda belly? They look proud, don't they?
Connor set a night sleep record last night. He went six hours between feeds! But, for me, it didn't feel like it. Chloe was up about every 3 hours for her feedings. Someday they will both get it at the same time! They are both eating more at feedings, therefore extending the time between feedings. It's nice to have (usually) a good three hours between feedings to pump milk, do housework or relax!
We did a photo session at home Monday for two month pictures. Blogger is not letting me upload photos, so I will make a new post when the issue is resolved. Surprisingly, they both cooperated, for the most part! I just used a brown fabric back drop that I draped on one of our couches. There is a window in the room which kept their attention pretty well!
We do not have a doctor appointment until October 25th, so I'm not sure of their weights. I'm guessing each baby is over ten pounds.....maybe more. I need to get on the scale with/without them for a rough estimate.
Next weekend, we are starting a trip to visit family. Our first stop will be Chad's brother on Friday. His nephew plays college football, so Chad wants to check out a game on Saturday. I doubt the babies would appreciate football yet, so we will stay back while they are out.
Sunday, we'll stop by another brother of Chad's on our way to visit my family. Hopefully they are home when we are heading through town. Sunday night, we will celebrate my parents 40th wedding anniversary. Their anniversary was actually in August, but I was a bit busy....actually, I was still in the hospital. My parents met the babies for the first time on their anniversary, though it completely slipped my mind at the time. I realized it after they returned home.......guess my mind was full of other stuff. The babies will be able to visit their great-grandmother (my mom's mother) on Monday. We will take some four generation photos, too! Monday afternoon, we will head over to visit Chad's family. At some point, we'll take pictures with another great-grandmother (his mom's mom). It will be a busy trip, but it will be nice to get it in before the start of cold and flu season. I predict that we will be spending lots of time at home during the winter, as I'm not going to be taking the babies out unless it's for a doctor appointment. We can't risk them getting sick their first winter!
Ok....that's about it for now. Hope you enjoy the pictures. I took many more, but shared the best here!
later, Jennie
Saturday, October 6, 2007
spinning my wheels.
some days, you tread water....yesterday was like that for me. The babies were good, just needy. Connor fed every one to two hours. That in itself is enough to slow things down! I think he's going through another growth spurt. He's not so bad today, thankfully. I noticed that both Connor and Chloe are starting to smile more. I notice Chloe's big, gummy and toothless smile as I place a bib under her chin before a feeding. Melts my heart!
The pile of outgrown clothes is slowly growing. It's amazing. They are still wearing some newborn size clothes, but are wearing some three month clothes. I think women's clothing manufacturers also size infant clothes.....
Laughing in the face of efficiency....yep.....I tried to cut out a step during a feeding earlier this week. I nursed Connor for 50 minutes. Pretty good, huh? I was thinking he'd be set for at least an hour, maybe more....well, within thirty minutes the little stinker was screaming hungry! I guess trying to cut out the middle machine (breast pump) was not working for him. So, I continue to pump breast milk, providing about half, maybe more, of their feeds. The bottle feeding continues.....actually, we have a routine, and it was working well. That's what I get for trying to change things! ;-)
Sharing a picture of what is sometimes our brain. We keep track of feeding times, vitamins and diaper changes. This is great for keeping track of daily feeding amounts, times and total feeding amount each day. It's nice to see some longer times between feedings, too. I tell you, the three or more hours of sleep (usually Chloe) has during the night is heavenly!
Not sure how well you can see this...but I took this picture of the impression of Connor's hand. He had fallen asleep on my chest and left the imprint of a few fingers. Why does it feel so good to have a sleeping baby on your chest?
Later,
Jennie
The pile of outgrown clothes is slowly growing. It's amazing. They are still wearing some newborn size clothes, but are wearing some three month clothes. I think women's clothing manufacturers also size infant clothes.....
Laughing in the face of efficiency....yep.....I tried to cut out a step during a feeding earlier this week. I nursed Connor for 50 minutes. Pretty good, huh? I was thinking he'd be set for at least an hour, maybe more....well, within thirty minutes the little stinker was screaming hungry! I guess trying to cut out the middle machine (breast pump) was not working for him. So, I continue to pump breast milk, providing about half, maybe more, of their feeds. The bottle feeding continues.....actually, we have a routine, and it was working well. That's what I get for trying to change things! ;-)
Sharing a picture of what is sometimes our brain. We keep track of feeding times, vitamins and diaper changes. This is great for keeping track of daily feeding amounts, times and total feeding amount each day. It's nice to see some longer times between feedings, too. I tell you, the three or more hours of sleep (usually Chloe) has during the night is heavenly!
Not sure how well you can see this...but I took this picture of the impression of Connor's hand. He had fallen asleep on my chest and left the imprint of a few fingers. Why does it feel so good to have a sleeping baby on your chest?
Later,
Jennie
Monday, October 1, 2007
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