It's the same thing as twins...

Oh you have twins... my kids are blank months apart its basically the same thing as twins!

Oh really...

This is funny to me.

My kids are 33 months a part and its basically the same thing as twins.

33 months... that's almost 3 years... and its the same thing as twins!

It doesn't matter how close in age your children are... it is NOT the same thing has having twins.

I get it two kids is harder than one.

The END

Growing, Growing, Growing

Wow the twins are growing so fast and meeting so many developmental milestones! And they are getting really fun! Noah is getting into everything. He has the "army" crawl down and can get into a lot of trouble. He is obsessed with cords. Yes power cords. It is bad. His favorite crawling toy is an empty can beer bottle, its light, shiny, and rolls away so he ends up chasing it around the room. Tonight he crawled over to sleeping Dallas and pulled her tail. Dallas jumped up and started play pouncing with him. Noah thought it was sooo funny. I watched and laugh and then thought I have to try to get this on camera... so I grabbed my phone and caught that last few seconds of the action. Then Dallas ran down to the end of the hall and sat and stared at Noah. Well this was motivation for Noah, I have never seen him move so fast, he crawled down the hall as fast as he could to get Dallas. As soon as he reached her, she ran away!

Both of the twins are starting to talk away! They have been saying "Hi!" for a couple of weeks. Today Presley added "DaDa." Mike was so excited. Presley is for sure a Daddy's girl and I am little jealous she said dada before mama especially since I have been trying to teach them Mama since day 1. Maybe Noah will say mama before dada...

Building a Family

The whirlwind…

Building a family. How can I possibility be thinking about having more children? Thinking about when? Thinking about names? Thinking about the nursery? Thinking about rearranging the home to make room?

So it’s really not a secret that Mike and I want more children. But the thoughts of more children and having more babies have been constant on my mind. I have baby fever and I already have two beautiful healthy miracle babies that are my world.  I love being a Mom and having babies and I guess this why I am eager to have more.

How are my babies already 8 months old? This is going too fast.

Ah. Can you see the whirlwind?

So the hypothyroid thing has put some pressure on me to think about when to have more children. Because of this condition future babies will need to be way more planned than the twins were. The twins were not unplanned but we decided not to use birth control and decided we would just see what happened. Future babies cannot be like this. I have been specifically told this by 3 different doctors now.

I have been given specific guidelines on when to get pregnant again, if I choose to do so.

My OBGYN told me that if I wanted to have more kids that I needed to do a preconception appointment to screen my thyroid conditions, she said my levels should be no higher than 2. She also told me to wait until there was 2 years between births so that my uterus can fully heal and I can try for a VBAC if wanted. No problem here with the time frame as I would love to try for a VBAC and would already have to be pregnant for this time frame to not be okay! Her main point since I am not on an official form of birth control was to be careful not to get pregnant unplanned!

The ENDO told me. 2 months before I want to TTC she would want to increase my medication and test my levels so that a pregnancy would not throw me into a hypo period. Since being hypo during pregnancy can cause miscarriages, birth defects, mental retardation, and lower IQ scores.

Here’s the big one… having a hypothyroid condition can cause infertility. I specially asked the ENDO if I should be worried about this. Because it affects everyone differently she was of course unable to answer the question. Other than saying, “it can, yes, affect your fertility.”

So this makes me think if we want another we should try sooner than later because I don’t know how beginning hypo has affected my fertility.

Of course I have to get myself healthy first and that is the number one goal.

 But how long should I wait after that?

I would like our kids to be 2-3 years apart in age. So that would be TTC this summer at the earliest. While it sounds crazy if we are healthy and able… maybe we will try. I say the more the merrier.

Of course I am scared to be pregnant again. I had a hard pregnancy, months of sickness, hospital bed rest, twins coming early, the scary NICU experience. But the only thing that scares me worse than being pregnant again is NOT being able to be pregnant again.

Whirlwind,

Heather

P.S. I count my blessing every day. These are my raw emotions straight from my whirlwind of a head.

Hashimoto disease

Since I lasted posted… there has been a whirlwind in my head for sure. I saw the ENDO and was found to have Hashimoto hypothyroid disease. I am still in the process of trying to figure out what this means. In a nutshell it means my immune system fights off my thyroid gland like it would an infection and that has resulted in my low thyroid levels. It’s hard to understand exactly what that means and how it affects me because it affects everyone differently. Also this is something that I think says a lot about the whole situation…. The thyroid hormone is needed for every cell of the body. So that gives you an idea of how badly it can affect a person to have a low thyroid count. From weight gain, to headaches and muscle aches, to cold intolerance, constipation, depression, infertility, the list goes on and on.

My pregnancy did not cause me to have Hashimoto. But the ENDO believes that the reason it has been so bad is because of being pregnant. It is common for women to experience battles with thyroid in the postpartum period. Commonly post-partum women will have a hyper period (1-4 months PP), followed by the thyroid burning out and entering a hypo period (4-8 months PP), then regulating around the 9-12 month PP period. My doctor believes that I am following this cycle. So I should be entering the period where my thyroid will regulate out but my doctor is certain that I will still need replace thyroid hormones via medication for the rest of my life. I will just be monitored every 8 weeks until it has leveled out and then once a year, or as symptoms arise.   

I started my new medication this morning! Heres to getting better.

ENDO!

I finally see the ENDO tomorrow! I have been waiting since mid- November! This hypothyroid thing is no joke. I am so happy to meet with ENDO discuss all my problems and hopefully start to get some help so that I can actually starting feeling better. Hooray!

I was busy in the kitchen today.

Today I had off from teaching thanks to MLK day. I spent the day busy in the kitchen making dinner and baby  purees. I made apple and pear sauce, sweet potatoes, and squash. I used three apples, three pears, two sweet potatoes, and one squash (I was cooking squash for dinner and used just one to make a puree). I steamed all fruits and vegetables and then used the baby bullet to blend and then poured the mixes in to glass jars and freezable containers. I spent $9 and purchased all organic. I am not sure how many servings I made because I ran of storage! I ran out of freezer bags and had to use an ice tray for my extras. The two sweet potatoes made much more than I had anticipated. It is so easy, saves so much money, and it is fresh which can only be better for baby! 

 

Pumping...Almost 8 months

 I feel like pumping controls my life. It is so physically, emotionally, and mental draining. With the babies growing and drinking more and more pumping and making enough for them while working a 40 hour a week job has gotten harder and harder. Before I went back to work I pumped every 3 hours and made more than enough for the babies. I had a giant freezer stash when I went back to work when the twins were 4 months old. Since then my freezer stash is down to 18 ounces (I am not quite sure why I haven’t used it yet). I almost completely lost my supply when my pump broke. I was able to build back up but it still isn’t enough and I still have to supplement with formula.

I have had my menstrual cycle every month since July… and having my menstrual changes how much milk I produce. So on the week I am ovulating I produce less milk and on the week I have my period I produce less. So there are two weeks out of the month where I am making less and my babies are getting more formula.

Also before working I pumped every 3 hours from 6am-9pm or midnight equally 6-7 pumps a day. Now that I am back to work full-time I can only pump 4 times a day. If I was able to pump the 6-7 times a day I know I would have a huge supply increase…. But here’s the thing I can’t do everything!

I am starting to understand that.

This is ovulation week. Yesterday my babies got 2 breast milk bottles and 3 formula bottles. I know some is better than none. But I am starting to question if all this effort is really worth it. I spent 2 hours of my day pumping yesterday and it wasn’t good enough.

I have done everything to increase my supply. I have tried every trick in the book. I know what works for me and what doesn’t. But it’s a cycle, an endless cycle.

Having a good two weeks of pumping… followed my two weeks of not so good pumping. I am blaming this on my menstrual cycle. Even in the good two weeks of pumping my twins still get 1 or 2 formula bottles a day because even in the good weeks I do not pump enough or make enough to feed them breast milk all day.

I had two weeks off of teaching during Winter Break. During these two weeks I was able to pump more and give the babies mostly all breast milk. It was a great feeling. But it made me realize that I can feed my babies. But I can’t feed my babies and work 40 hours a week.

I know this post is very scattered but that’s because my emotions and thoughts on pumping are always scattered.

One day I hate it and want to quit. One day I am never quitting! There’s always a reason that keeps me going.

My thoughts and emotions have become more complete since returning to work.

What is the point of pumping and stressing myself out about it to still give my babies formula? Sometimes 3 times a day? Would I be a happier mom if I can give up pumping and make the switch to formula?

 Feeding twins for 8 months is an accomplishment and I should be proud of myself. But of course I find a reason to keep doing it… flu season… stabilizing my thyroid… 9 months, 9 months, 1 more month, 1 more month. I can do it.

BLAH,

Heather

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Get the Damn Flu Shot

I will be the first to attempt that I use to never get the flu shot. I typically have the immune system of an Ox. Being half Native American my Dad always joked that nothing makes us sick except small pox. So I didn't think I needed it.

My first ever experience with the flu shot was last year when I was pregnant when my OB explained the importance of protecting not just me but my unborn babies. Now that I have two PREMATURE infants it was a no-brainer to get the flu shot again. It's not about protecting me but protecting them as well.

So I am now on the just get the damn flu shot train! Getting the flu shot does NOT give you the flu. Yes you can still get the flu even with the shot as it is not 100% and it takes about two weeks for your body to build up an immunity after getting the shot. If you do still get the flu after getting the shot your symptoms and duration are less and shorter. Plus you wont have have to say "Why didn't I get the flu shot?"

Also your immune system maybe strong enough to fight of the flu system but you can pass it on to others... like my premature infants or the elderly!

So just get the damn flu shot so you can protect not only yourself, but others.

If everyone got their flu shot it could be a thing of the past!

Why is my baby rejecting me or the bottle?

I have heard this from mommy friends and have come across quite a few questions about this topic on babycenter.

“Why is my baby rejecting me or the bottle?” “Are they self-weaning already?”

Babies need breastmilk or formula as their MAIN source of food. This is important for brain development.

It is very uncommon for a baby to “self-wean” before the age of 1. But what happens in the second 6 months of life is babies are more interested in the world around them so they are easily distracted from nursing or bottles. We have seen this so much in our two. And have had to fight them to eat many times. (NOT FUN!)

Another thing that happens is too MUCH SOLIDS. Solids should make up for very little of a baby’s diet… as their main source of nutrient and calories should come directly from breast milk or formula. Only 25% of a babies diet should be from solids at 12 months of age. It is very important for proper growth and brain development.

This article is great and explains it so well and has many great tips to prevent feeding rejection.
  A must read! This website in general is a great resource. Just wanted to share J

http://kellymom.com/bf/normal/babyselfwean/

Couponing

If you really want to coupon you have to understand that it takes time. Time is money. It takes time to collect coupons and wait for sales and stackable coupons (when you can use manufacture coupons and store coupons at the same time). Just because you have a coupon doesn't mean it's a good buy. It takes time to learn how to coupon and it takes time to become good at it… which is why most people say the heck with it.

 

If you really want to learn how to coupon… follow the Krazy Coupon Lady's Blog, follow her on facebook, and buy and read her book!

 

http://thekrazycouponlady.com/

Back to Work Tomorrow

Winter Break flew by as usual and my To-Do List was longer than I could tackle. Sigh. I spent most of my days at home with the babies and thought I would be able to get a lot more done around the house… but it seemed like every time they were down for a nap as soon as I was elbow deep in whatever task I was doing they were waking up…the “Stay at Home” thing is hard to say the least.

I enjoyed by vacation time with my babies and will miss them dearly but am looking forward to a schedule that I am use to tomorrow.

Some of my To-Do List accomplishments over winter break:

-         Packing up all of their 3 month clothes

-         Unpacking all their 6 month, 9 month, and 12 month clothes and organizing in their drawers and closet

-         Reorganized the twins changing table and baskets

-         Organized my own closet

-         Organizing my kitchen cabinets

-         Steam cleaned the upstairs carpet

-         Made and froze baby food

-         Packed  up twins’ Rock N Plays

-         Lacey got Groomed (I cheated and took her to the groomer)

-         My car got inspected (also cheated as I got Mike to do this for me)

-         Did a massive grocery store trip to stock up on some things

-         Framed and put up pictures

-         Worked on the babies’ first year book

-         Cleaned every room in the house and when I leave for room tomorrow it looks like I could give a home tour (minus Mike’s clothes pile)

-         Have dinners planned for the week

The main… giant task on my To-Do List that did not get done… because it’s one of those huge projects that I need help on… that will take a couple of days and will make my house look messy in the transition time…

Reorganizing our under stairs storage! Oh I wish we could have gotten to that… as these babies grow we need somewhere to store their stuff… and that’s where it’s got to go… but first we have to sort and get rid of all the junk that is currently there… :/

There are 60 days to Spring Break and 101 until Summer Break!

Heather

Woombie!

The woombie is a MUST HAVE baby product. This is going to be my baby shower gift for years to come because it is amazing and I think every mom, baby, family needs one.

What is it?
It's a blanket sleep sack, swaddle, that zips up, keeps baby warm, and secure and helps them sleep through the night!

 http://www.amazon.com/Woombie-30097-Original-Blue-Moon-Newborn/dp/B004A6BEV4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357274630&sr=8-1&keywords=woombie

Baby Bullet Product Review

Baby Bullet Product Review

I put it on my baby registry last year… and I got it this year for Christmas. Normally I research everything before I buy it. I guess when I put it on my registry last year… either it had good reviews or I just didn’t do my normal background check before scanning it.

So to get to the point... I am NOT impressed with the baby bullet… and normally when I write about a product on by blog it is because I love it, can’t live without, think every mom should have it because it’s a lifesaver.

But with the Baby Bullet I am saying don’t waste your money… buy a nice blender instead.

Here’s why…

When using the baby bullet this week… I first had to steam by fruits and vegetables, peas, carrots, apples, pears… so all were pretty soft and mushy to start with… and the blender had a hard time blending them! (Yes I added water.)

After using it the first time I thought maybe I had a defective one… so I went online and found the reviews… and it seems like most people agree… the baby bullet is a gimmick and I got took. L

Does it get the job done? Yes, but I think a nice blender would work better.

Put your money it to a blender,

Heather

Making Baby Food

During my two week break from work I decided to take up making baby food. It’s not hard. And it really doesn’t take the much time. And it’s way cheaper. Money is usually my motivation behind most things.

For Christmas I got a Baby Bullet (Product Review Coming). On New Year ’s Day I spent the day making and freezing baby food.

I made peas, carrots, apples, pears, and an apple and pear sauce.

I spend $10 and made roughly 35 servings of baby food. I used 12 two ounces jars. And then froze 8 six ounce bags of food.

So that is 72 ounces of baby food for $10….which breaks down to 7 cents an ounce. The jar baby food I was buying off of amazon (cheaper than in the stores) was 31 cents an ounce.

Over the last couple of days the babies have had each food I made… there is such a difference in the homemade food and the jar food (I was buying organic). The look, smell, texture, and expression on the babies’ face is different…. Homemade vs. jar.

The twins love the apple and pear sauce and I don’t blame them because I tried it and it’s pretty good!

I will continue to buy jar baby food as I am NOT against it. It will be great when I don’t have time to make baby food or when we are on the go. Also I am going to buy jar food of items that are more expensive to make or are not in season. For example peaches or mangos.

Blah, Blah, Blah,

Heather

2012

2012

Oh 2012. A year that will forever be an important part of my life, the year was full of so many exciting new things, firsts, and life changing moments. Of course the biggest moment of all was the birth and bringing home of my twins.

Another great big moment receiving my master degree in the mail (I was on hospital bed rest during the actual graduation)

And scattered memories of 2012…

Our fun, exciting gender reveal party

The joys of designing our nursery

Six weeks of HBR. 3 weeks of NICU. That tested so many things.

Becoming a family of four…. Bittersweet weeks of no sleep tending to the babies 3 hour feed schedule.

Our 1 year wedding anniversary at the beach

The birth of my cousin’s twin girls!

Twins first trip to the pumpkin patch

Twins first Halloween. My sock monkeys!

7 months of pumping breast milk

 (and still going strong!)

An amazing 1^st Christmas

Cheers to all the exciting things that 2013 will bring!