Friday, November 19, 2010
Blogger Changes
i've been wanting a change, so it's in the process...bear with me as am messing with the site, i'm too tired tonight to finish... and Happy Friday to all my devoted readers! ;)
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wednesday Matinee
Some weeks i have to search for a video to post on Movie Monday, and then there are weeks like this one, where i have an abundance... yay for happy, funny, sweet, laughing babies.
You'll Never Know Until It Happens To You
You always watch those America's Funniest Home Videos with the babies who fall asleep in their food...i never could understand how that happened, or even why the obviously 'unfit ' parents let their babies get that tired...well i am here to tell you that it happened to me tonight. One bite Nora was awake (admittedly tired and fussy, but awake none the less) and the next minute she was like this...Yep. Dead Asleep. and there is a GREAT video to go along with this, but I will be saving it for movie monday next week...it'll give you something to look forward to!
*disclaimer: i would like to say that it was a weird day in general. much to my excitement (yeah right) the babies have once again picked up a cold and they have slept the majority of the day and when they weren't sleeping they were fussing. Appetites always seem to diminish during these times, but with our 12 month appointment looming in, i can't afford to let them skip meals, the doctors already think the babies are too little...so hence the force feeding through sleepiness and sickness (which you will see more of on Monday!).
*disclaimer: i would like to say that it was a weird day in general. much to my excitement (yeah right) the babies have once again picked up a cold and they have slept the majority of the day and when they weren't sleeping they were fussing. Appetites always seem to diminish during these times, but with our 12 month appointment looming in, i can't afford to let them skip meals, the doctors already think the babies are too little...so hence the force feeding through sleepiness and sickness (which you will see more of on Monday!).
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Snoozin' at the Beach
Auntie Chrissy just sent us some pictures from our day at the beach a few weeks ago...they are too cute mot to post even if they are a little old now!
rocking my mohawk with auntie roni
sunhats and floaties
love this face
they both fell right to sleep on the water...so sweet!
sunhats and floaties
love this face
they both fell right to sleep on the water...so sweet!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Happy Birthday Larsons Triplets!
Here's the Larson Family... We love them!
The party was a Dr. Seuss theme...Thing 1, Thing 2, Thing 3!
The babies were all about the cake--I was so impressed with their cake smashing skills!
The party was a Dr. Seuss theme...Thing 1, Thing 2, Thing 3! The babies were all about the cake--I was so impressed with their cake smashing skills!Here is Ben, i just love this face!
and Brookie
and Blake
here are their onesies i made for their b-day
and Brookieand Blake here are their onesies i made for their b-dayfront
back: --numbers coincide with their birth order
it was a fun day and there were lots of people and kids and babies running around--i just loved this pic of baby J, he's in one of the triplets tie chairs... i once made fun of Kristi for buying these, but they came in handy today!
the twins hung out in floor eating crackers while all of us adults watched the triplets eat cake..they have no idea that it will be their turn very soon!
The Lottig family was there too, Jenn was helping Kim feed the babies, Stella and Ben
We also got to see the Perez family. they were in the NICU while we were there as well (that's how we met the Larson Triplets). The Perez girls, Olivia and Vita were born at 24 weeks and are doing great now. Last time we saw them the babies were way smaller than our twins and still in incubators. We've all come so far!
back: --numbers coincide with their birth orderit was a fun day and there were lots of people and kids and babies running around--i just loved this pic of baby J, he's in one of the triplets tie chairs... i once made fun of Kristi for buying these, but they came in handy today!
the twins hung out in floor eating crackers while all of us adults watched the triplets eat cake..they have no idea that it will be their turn very soon!
The Lottig family was there too, Jenn was helping Kim feed the babies, Stella and Ben
We also got to see the Perez family. they were in the NICU while we were there as well (that's how we met the Larson Triplets). The Perez girls, Olivia and Vita were born at 24 weeks and are doing great now. Last time we saw them the babies were way smaller than our twins and still in incubators. We've all come so far!
Friday, November 12, 2010
It's that time of year again....
and how do i know you ask?
Well, the first tip off was in the beginning of October when the snowmen and Christmas tree decorations were hung up in the parking lot of Pearl Highlands Shopping Centre. Forget Halloween and Thanksgiving!
the second tip off was yesterday's commissary trip when i found this yummy treat! 
and the last reason...is well because i just bought these!
and the last reason...is well because i just bought these!
Yep, we're flying in to NC on December 8. This time we are planning to stay for about 7 weeks. So hopefully there will be plenty of time to see everyone and actually enjoy the holiday season without so much rushing! I actually don't have tickets back to Hawaii yet-- but don't get any ideas family, I will have to come back to Hawaii eventually--We gotta Daddy/Husband to see in February for R&R!
What Every Mommy Needs to Know!
The babies just turned 11 months old, i'd like to deviate from the usual update blog (since i was so stinking late on the 10 month one!) and instead write about what 11 months of being a mommy (and my 7.5 months of pregnancy) has taught me.
SO, Here is a list of things that have made my life easier and i don't think any mommy should EVER live without.
Number 1: Pregnancy Body Pillow
Trust me here. Don't try and make do with multiple pillows, or even a regular body pillow. This special contoured pillow saved my sanity. I tried a few other options hoping not to spend the money on this pillow, but in the end if I would have just bought the "real deal" the first time around i would have saved myself some money and some painful, sleepless nights. Mike may tell you something slightly different as he was a little...ehhem, jealous, of the pillow as i preferred to cuddle with it than him...but your husband will much prefer a pillow barrier than an irritable, cranky wife who hasn't slept in weeks, i promise.
Number 2: The Woombie
If you don't know about this, check it out. http://www.thewoombie.com/ Forget all those swaddle blankets with velcro, or even worse the ones with no kind of fastener..if you're baby needs to be swaddled BUY THIS NOW! This is another item I waited to buy until later on, only after we had exhausted other cheaper but less effective options. Granted, I am pretty sure Mike and I are the best swaddlers in the world, but oh the time and headaches that could have been saved by this miracle woombie and it's oh so easy zipper closure. It also still allows the baby to move around and stretch, unlike other swaddle blankets. It's definitely the way to go. Go ahead and buy an extra too. Once you become dependant on it, and you most certainly will, you will be LOST while the dirty one is in the wash.
Number 3: Crib Soother
Our personal favorite is the Baby Einstein Neptune Soother . On those nights in the beginning where the babies didn't agree with us on when it was time to sleep, this was our lifesaver. Nora was mesmerized by this thing. The ocean/nature sounds are very soothing instead of irritating as some can be and the sounds and lights both gradually soften to help put baby to sleep. I also like it now because the babies can turn it on themselves... it is a good source of entertainment for them when the first wake up in the mornings, and it gives me some extra sleep time! I'll be honest--it eats up batteries worse than anything else we have, but it's worth it.
Number 4: Electric Double Breast Pump
I know they are expensive, but especially if you are a working mom, or a busy mom of multiples a good pump will save you precious time. Breastfeeding is a job all on its own--a mother who chooses to do this has to make sacrifices in order to make it work, electric pumps can really help ease the job. A better quality pump is much more efficient at how much milk you can get per session. Storing milk is how you get out of the house and get to take a break. Breaks are important. Time is important. Good Pumps are important. Trust Me.
Number 5: Keith and Kristyn Getty, In Christ Alone--CD
Check iy out here. This i can not swear by, since to my knowledge it has only been tested out on my own kids, but this CD was a Miracle Worker. It was given to me in a box of other things for the babies by my Aunt Diane. I believe it was actually meant for me, but it happened to be one of the best baby gifts i received. If any of you remember, Holden cried non-stop in the car until he was about 5 months old. This CD would stop him in mid-scream. I found that if i started with Track 2, which had a strong repetitive beat, it would instantly calm him down and by the end of track 4 he would be asleep. Even after the horrible months of car screaming finally ended, up until about 9 months it still worked like magic--instantly putting the babies to sleep. Now, we just don't need it. The crying is next to nil in the car, thank goodness. And although i did enjoy the CD, i'll be honest, after a zillion times of hearing it, if i never hear it again that will be fine with me!
Number 6: a good baby carrier
i've already devoted a blog to just this...so i won't go into it again. You can read it here if you want more info, but i am a HUGE advocate of baby wearing. There are good and bad carriers out there...just like with anything else you buy, you want to make sure you are getting a quality product. They received some bad press a few months ago because of misuse or unsafe brands--but a good quality carrier is a wonderful thing for both baby and parent. Having the baby close while being hands free is priceless. If I had just one baby, I would use carriers more than I do. A stroller is simply a necessary part of my life with 2 babies, but still i whip a carrier out when i can and love the individual time i can spend with my little ones while they are in them.
Number 7: Bathtub Knee Pad
As much time as us parents spend giving baths...give your knees a break and get a pad! I LOVE this thing. It's also easy to clean: just throw in the washing machine and voila! Sometimes it's the simple things that make our life easier.
Number 8: Jumparoo
We have this version, although there are many to choose from. Thankfully this was a hand-me-down from our friends the Brinkers, thanks! I much prefer jumparoos over exersaucers. Jumping is half the fun! This is one toy that i wish i had 2 of. Most baby equipment can be shared with twins, but our jumparoo was priceless. The babies still love it. Now that they are moving around i appreciate the containment factor. It was also great for keeping one baby entertained while i fed/bathed/attended to the other. The best thing about these are they always seem to be in abundance on craigslist...so don't buy one full price!
Number 9: Easy Clean-Up Bibs
and with a "trough" please! Why oh Why do they even sell cloth bibs anymore? They stain so bad and if you don't get them to the wash immediately they can even grow mold! I LOVE my easy wipe bibs. I have a set that stays in the diaper bag and a set that stays in the kitchen. Just rinse and hang to dry and they are ready for the next feeding time. The ones i keep in my diaper bag are my favorites. They roll up compactly, are sturdy and great at catching messes when we don't always have a table or high-chair to feed them at and best of all a wipe can clean it right up!
Number 10: Space Saver High Chairs
In my itty bitty house, space is a constant issue! Thank goodness for these great highchairs. They have been a life saver! I especially like this brand with its high back/headrest because you can start using it as soon as babies start eating solids, and it will last until they don't need a seat at all. They are also a breeze to clean, and who doesn't love that?
All of these things are just that, THINGS. So i'd like to leave you with one more that is not-so-tangible, but oh-so-essential to keeping your sanity as a new mother.
Number 11: Do Something for Yourself EVERY DAY
Babies are wonderful, i'm sure i'll do a post soon that expresses all the wonderful ways my two sillies have made my life awesome...but they also are hard work. They can suck the life right out of you some days as you give ALL of yourself to care and meet ALL of their needs. I have found though that if I just do something that i want to do each day it makes everything else easier. Sometimes it's small because i just can't get away--like read a good book, cook something yummy that i love, take a nap, shave my legs, call a good friend, take a walk listening to whatever music i love as loudly as i can, go get a coke icee... If i'm able to get away, i like to go get a pedicure, sit at Starbucks with a yummy drink and read/people watch, go shopping for clothes with the pleasure of no little ones crying while i try stuff on. These things make me happy... and when i am happy, i'm a better mother. So mom's, find your way of recharging and do it, the floors, the laundry, etc...it can wait. I bet you'll find you can be more productive if you actually take some time to yourself too. Remember : You gotta re-charge.
SO, Here is a list of things that have made my life easier and i don't think any mommy should EVER live without.
Number 1: Pregnancy Body Pillow
Trust me here. Don't try and make do with multiple pillows, or even a regular body pillow. This special contoured pillow saved my sanity. I tried a few other options hoping not to spend the money on this pillow, but in the end if I would have just bought the "real deal" the first time around i would have saved myself some money and some painful, sleepless nights. Mike may tell you something slightly different as he was a little...ehhem, jealous, of the pillow as i preferred to cuddle with it than him...but your husband will much prefer a pillow barrier than an irritable, cranky wife who hasn't slept in weeks, i promise.
Number 2: The Woombie
If you don't know about this, check it out. http://www.thewoombie.com/ Forget all those swaddle blankets with velcro, or even worse the ones with no kind of fastener..if you're baby needs to be swaddled BUY THIS NOW! This is another item I waited to buy until later on, only after we had exhausted other cheaper but less effective options. Granted, I am pretty sure Mike and I are the best swaddlers in the world, but oh the time and headaches that could have been saved by this miracle woombie and it's oh so easy zipper closure. It also still allows the baby to move around and stretch, unlike other swaddle blankets. It's definitely the way to go. Go ahead and buy an extra too. Once you become dependant on it, and you most certainly will, you will be LOST while the dirty one is in the wash.
Number 3: Crib Soother
Our personal favorite is the Baby Einstein Neptune Soother . On those nights in the beginning where the babies didn't agree with us on when it was time to sleep, this was our lifesaver. Nora was mesmerized by this thing. The ocean/nature sounds are very soothing instead of irritating as some can be and the sounds and lights both gradually soften to help put baby to sleep. I also like it now because the babies can turn it on themselves... it is a good source of entertainment for them when the first wake up in the mornings, and it gives me some extra sleep time! I'll be honest--it eats up batteries worse than anything else we have, but it's worth it.
Number 4: Electric Double Breast Pump
I know they are expensive, but especially if you are a working mom, or a busy mom of multiples a good pump will save you precious time. Breastfeeding is a job all on its own--a mother who chooses to do this has to make sacrifices in order to make it work, electric pumps can really help ease the job. A better quality pump is much more efficient at how much milk you can get per session. Storing milk is how you get out of the house and get to take a break. Breaks are important. Time is important. Good Pumps are important. Trust Me.
Number 5: Keith and Kristyn Getty, In Christ Alone--CD
Check iy out here. This i can not swear by, since to my knowledge it has only been tested out on my own kids, but this CD was a Miracle Worker. It was given to me in a box of other things for the babies by my Aunt Diane. I believe it was actually meant for me, but it happened to be one of the best baby gifts i received. If any of you remember, Holden cried non-stop in the car until he was about 5 months old. This CD would stop him in mid-scream. I found that if i started with Track 2, which had a strong repetitive beat, it would instantly calm him down and by the end of track 4 he would be asleep. Even after the horrible months of car screaming finally ended, up until about 9 months it still worked like magic--instantly putting the babies to sleep. Now, we just don't need it. The crying is next to nil in the car, thank goodness. And although i did enjoy the CD, i'll be honest, after a zillion times of hearing it, if i never hear it again that will be fine with me!
Number 6: a good baby carrier
i've already devoted a blog to just this...so i won't go into it again. You can read it here if you want more info, but i am a HUGE advocate of baby wearing. There are good and bad carriers out there...just like with anything else you buy, you want to make sure you are getting a quality product. They received some bad press a few months ago because of misuse or unsafe brands--but a good quality carrier is a wonderful thing for both baby and parent. Having the baby close while being hands free is priceless. If I had just one baby, I would use carriers more than I do. A stroller is simply a necessary part of my life with 2 babies, but still i whip a carrier out when i can and love the individual time i can spend with my little ones while they are in them.
Number 7: Bathtub Knee Pad
As much time as us parents spend giving baths...give your knees a break and get a pad! I LOVE this thing. It's also easy to clean: just throw in the washing machine and voila! Sometimes it's the simple things that make our life easier.
Number 8: Jumparoo
We have this version, although there are many to choose from. Thankfully this was a hand-me-down from our friends the Brinkers, thanks! I much prefer jumparoos over exersaucers. Jumping is half the fun! This is one toy that i wish i had 2 of. Most baby equipment can be shared with twins, but our jumparoo was priceless. The babies still love it. Now that they are moving around i appreciate the containment factor. It was also great for keeping one baby entertained while i fed/bathed/attended to the other. The best thing about these are they always seem to be in abundance on craigslist...so don't buy one full price!
Number 9: Easy Clean-Up Bibs
and with a "trough" please! Why oh Why do they even sell cloth bibs anymore? They stain so bad and if you don't get them to the wash immediately they can even grow mold! I LOVE my easy wipe bibs. I have a set that stays in the diaper bag and a set that stays in the kitchen. Just rinse and hang to dry and they are ready for the next feeding time. The ones i keep in my diaper bag are my favorites. They roll up compactly, are sturdy and great at catching messes when we don't always have a table or high-chair to feed them at and best of all a wipe can clean it right up!
Number 10: Space Saver High Chairs
In my itty bitty house, space is a constant issue! Thank goodness for these great highchairs. They have been a life saver! I especially like this brand with its high back/headrest because you can start using it as soon as babies start eating solids, and it will last until they don't need a seat at all. They are also a breeze to clean, and who doesn't love that?
All of these things are just that, THINGS. So i'd like to leave you with one more that is not-so-tangible, but oh-so-essential to keeping your sanity as a new mother.
Number 11: Do Something for Yourself EVERY DAY
Babies are wonderful, i'm sure i'll do a post soon that expresses all the wonderful ways my two sillies have made my life awesome...but they also are hard work. They can suck the life right out of you some days as you give ALL of yourself to care and meet ALL of their needs. I have found though that if I just do something that i want to do each day it makes everything else easier. Sometimes it's small because i just can't get away--like read a good book, cook something yummy that i love, take a nap, shave my legs, call a good friend, take a walk listening to whatever music i love as loudly as i can, go get a coke icee... If i'm able to get away, i like to go get a pedicure, sit at Starbucks with a yummy drink and read/people watch, go shopping for clothes with the pleasure of no little ones crying while i try stuff on. These things make me happy... and when i am happy, i'm a better mother. So mom's, find your way of recharging and do it, the floors, the laundry, etc...it can wait. I bet you'll find you can be more productive if you actually take some time to yourself too. Remember : You gotta re-charge.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
A Mommy's Right of Passage
I've been meaning to post the past few days, but really there hasn't been too much going on. After our busy weekend we've been taking it easy this week. Actually, Sunday the babies started coming down with a cold...again. It seems we can't go 2 weeks without picking up some sickness somewhere. Then on top of whatever viral junk they picked up, Nora developed an ear infection, so we did get to make a fun outing to Tripler AMC. Yay. It's my favorite place. NOT. Anyway, it's been a lot of snot, coughing, snot, crying, snot, clinging, and did i mention snot?
But that's not exactly what I've decided to tell you about today, it's actually something even more gross. BARF. Yeah that's right, sorry Mom and anyone else who'd rather not read about this. BUT, I might as well document this first in my life, I mean I document everything else on here.
So yesterday the babies were taking a longer than usual nap and admittedly, so was I. So I woke up at 5:45 to Nora crying, was a bit disoriented by my WAY TOO LONG nap, and stumbled into the nursery. What I first noticed was a funny smell...if i am honest, it reminded me of Cheetos. Anyway, i ignored it for the second went over to Holden's crib first to get him and then went to get Nora. It was almost dark outside and therefore pretty dark in the room, but it was obvious something was all over her face...I turned on the lamp to find BARF. EVERYWHERE.
Here's my back story. I can handle some things. Blood. Poop. Snot. Whatever. But Not Vomit. Ever. I'm the sorry friend who can't do more than stick a rag through the bathroom door all while holding her breath for her poor sick college roommate. I'm also the wife who had to get her deathly sick husband to clean up his own mess while I walked outside and got myself together. I know, don't think bad of me. It's not my best quality.
So, this is the one thing that I have been terrified of having to deal with as a Mother especially since my husband, my partner, my babies Daddy, isn't able to be around the majority of the time. It was inevitable that I would have to face this fear at some point, alone.
So, what did I do you ask? Clean It Up of course. So what if i was holding my breath and grabbed a wad of baby wipes so i wouldn't have to directly touch much of it...still, i got my baby out of that crib, took off her clothes, gave her a bath, took the sheet off the bed, got it in the wash, wiped off the crib rails all the while keeping my other sweet baby happy and entertained in the hallway with some toys. No Gagging. No Freaking Out.
Not to toot my own horn, but I deserve a cookie. This is a milestone that should go down on my 1st year as a Mommy calendar, as if i actually had time to do one of those!
But that's not exactly what I've decided to tell you about today, it's actually something even more gross. BARF. Yeah that's right, sorry Mom and anyone else who'd rather not read about this. BUT, I might as well document this first in my life, I mean I document everything else on here.
So yesterday the babies were taking a longer than usual nap and admittedly, so was I. So I woke up at 5:45 to Nora crying, was a bit disoriented by my WAY TOO LONG nap, and stumbled into the nursery. What I first noticed was a funny smell...if i am honest, it reminded me of Cheetos. Anyway, i ignored it for the second went over to Holden's crib first to get him and then went to get Nora. It was almost dark outside and therefore pretty dark in the room, but it was obvious something was all over her face...I turned on the lamp to find BARF. EVERYWHERE.
Here's my back story. I can handle some things. Blood. Poop. Snot. Whatever. But Not Vomit. Ever. I'm the sorry friend who can't do more than stick a rag through the bathroom door all while holding her breath for her poor sick college roommate. I'm also the wife who had to get her deathly sick husband to clean up his own mess while I walked outside and got myself together. I know, don't think bad of me. It's not my best quality.
So, this is the one thing that I have been terrified of having to deal with as a Mother especially since my husband, my partner, my babies Daddy, isn't able to be around the majority of the time. It was inevitable that I would have to face this fear at some point, alone.
So, what did I do you ask? Clean It Up of course. So what if i was holding my breath and grabbed a wad of baby wipes so i wouldn't have to directly touch much of it...still, i got my baby out of that crib, took off her clothes, gave her a bath, took the sheet off the bed, got it in the wash, wiped off the crib rails all the while keeping my other sweet baby happy and entertained in the hallway with some toys. No Gagging. No Freaking Out.
Not to toot my own horn, but I deserve a cookie. This is a milestone that should go down on my 1st year as a Mommy calendar, as if i actually had time to do one of those!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)