Okay, so I have to admit it - I "Google" myself. As a public school teacher who hopes to someday call myself a public school administrator, I am very careful about my virtual footprint. As a result of a Google search last week, I discovered another video SMDC created to promote remodeling their NICU. People, grab your tissues - the end gets me every time!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
p.s.
Mike sent me this picture as a "sneak preview" of his photo session with the boys. Thank you, Mike!
happy half-birthday to you (and you)!
Yesterday Emmanuel and Russell celebrated their very first half birthday. Dave and I find it hard to believe we've been parents for 6 months already. What's really crazy is I wasn't even pregnant last year at this time!
To celebrate this special day, Grandma Deba brought pizzas from the Loading Zone, and Anita and Mike (one set of future godparents) came armed with a camera. I made a half cake. The frosting didn't turn out quite right due to the humidity, but after two failed attempts to get it right, I decided the "fudge" would have to do.
Size. The boys are the exact same size. Russell weighs 15# 1oz. and Emmanuel weighs 15# 0.5oz. Their 6 mos clothing fits perfectly. I am not sure of their lengths or head circumferences. The boys will see Dr. Rajanee for their 6 month appointment the first week of August.
Eating/Sleeping The boys eat/drink 6 times every day, totaling 30-35 oz. Mannie and Russ are awake more and more during the day time, but they still like to have several naps in the morning and afternoon. They are awake in the evening until they go down for the night around 8-9 p.m. We get them up for one last feeding (what the Baby Whisperer calls a "dream feed") before we go to bed and then we all sleep through the night. Yes, folks, that's right - we SLEEP.
Hair/Eyes. The boys are getting more and more hair on the top of their heads, and the way it is growing looks just like a military style cut. Their eyes are decidedly brown.
Health. Everyone is healthy. Mannie's July 2 laryngoscopy showed no trace of the cyst. Praise God! We don't have to go back to Children's Hospital in Minneapolis until November; Dr. Sidman will continue to monitor Mannie's airway periodically. Both boys are beginning physical therapy to deal with mild torticollis (tight neck muscles) and plagiocephaly (flattening of the head on one side, due to positioning). We are exploring the use of cranial molding helmets as a treatment option.
Other details. Even though the boys are 6 mos, their adjusted age is 2.5 mos, so their development is different than a full-term baby's. Mannie and Russ are extremely alert and responsive. They are interested in the world around them. Toys are engaging, but we're still waiting for them to reach for things. They are holding their heads up with more strength, and we're working on building that strength with increased tummy time (which they dislike - very much). Mannie scoots around in his crib - we often find him turned around and against the side. Both boys LOVE the mobiles over their cribs. They kick and make joyful noises, even if the mobile is stationary. Russ and Mannie are most "chatty" on the changing table. When they become fussy, the rocking chair is a quick fix. Overall, they are happy and content little guys, developing at their own speeds.
To celebrate this special day, Grandma Deba brought pizzas from the Loading Zone, and Anita and Mike (one set of future godparents) came armed with a camera. I made a half cake. The frosting didn't turn out quite right due to the humidity, but after two failed attempts to get it right, I decided the "fudge" would have to do.
Size. The boys are the exact same size. Russell weighs 15# 1oz. and Emmanuel weighs 15# 0.5oz. Their 6 mos clothing fits perfectly. I am not sure of their lengths or head circumferences. The boys will see Dr. Rajanee for their 6 month appointment the first week of August.
Eating/Sleeping The boys eat/drink 6 times every day, totaling 30-35 oz. Mannie and Russ are awake more and more during the day time, but they still like to have several naps in the morning and afternoon. They are awake in the evening until they go down for the night around 8-9 p.m. We get them up for one last feeding (what the Baby Whisperer calls a "dream feed") before we go to bed and then we all sleep through the night. Yes, folks, that's right - we SLEEP.
Hair/Eyes. The boys are getting more and more hair on the top of their heads, and the way it is growing looks just like a military style cut. Their eyes are decidedly brown.
Health. Everyone is healthy. Mannie's July 2 laryngoscopy showed no trace of the cyst. Praise God! We don't have to go back to Children's Hospital in Minneapolis until November; Dr. Sidman will continue to monitor Mannie's airway periodically. Both boys are beginning physical therapy to deal with mild torticollis (tight neck muscles) and plagiocephaly (flattening of the head on one side, due to positioning). We are exploring the use of cranial molding helmets as a treatment option.
Other details. Even though the boys are 6 mos, their adjusted age is 2.5 mos, so their development is different than a full-term baby's. Mannie and Russ are extremely alert and responsive. They are interested in the world around them. Toys are engaging, but we're still waiting for them to reach for things. They are holding their heads up with more strength, and we're working on building that strength with increased tummy time (which they dislike - very much). Mannie scoots around in his crib - we often find him turned around and against the side. Both boys LOVE the mobiles over their cribs. They kick and make joyful noises, even if the mobile is stationary. Russ and Mannie are most "chatty" on the changing table. When they become fussy, the rocking chair is a quick fix. Overall, they are happy and content little guys, developing at their own speeds.
Monday, June 21, 2010
five months!
Seriously, how can it be that my boys are five months old already?! The days are flying by and the boys are growing so fast. I am doing my best to enjoy every simple pleasure of motherhood - each coo, smile, and cuddle.
Size. Mannie was weighed at a doctor's appointment last week and he was 13# 1.6 oz. At their previous weigh in about two weeks ago, Russell was 12# but ahead of the Man by about 8 oz. So it is possible Russ may be close to 14# now. Their 3 mos clothing is getting snug and soon we'll be breaking out their 6 mos outfits. Two weeks ago, both boys measured 22 in. Mannie's head is 38 cm and Russell's is 40.5 cm. We were excited that Russ's head actually made the charts for 4 month olds, landing him in the 10th percentile. WooHoo!
Eating/Sleeping The boys eat/drink 30-35 oz every day. Typically they have 5 oz every feeding. The boys like to nap between most of their feedings during the day. Then they are usually awake in the evening. They like to go for rides in the stroller or sometimes they hang out in the garden with their dad. Lately they've been going down for the night around 8-9 p.m. and then we are sometimes lucky enough to get a big sleep until their early morning feeding at 3-4 a.m.
Hair/Eyes. The boys are really getting a lot of hair on the top of their heads, and their hair is getting darker, too. Sometimes we like to spike it with a little bit of baby lotion after their baths (it reminds us of how Nurse Jan styled their hair in the NICU). Their eyes are getting to be brown instead of blue.
Diapers. We are wearing size 1-2, but will move on to 2s as soon as our case of 1-2s is gone.
Health. Since my last post, poor Mannie has had two laser laryngoscopies due to a cyst below his vocal cords. We have been traveling to Children's Hospital in Minneapolis for the procedures. We will return to the Twin Cities on July 2 so the doctors can have a third look at the cyst - hopefully this time it will not be obstructing his airway.
Other than the cyst, the boys have been very healthy. We feel so blessed.
Other details. We are having fun getting the boys to smile and coo - it is so rewarding when they respond! The boys are getting little personalities. "The Man" likes to flirt with ladies. He smiles and babbles with whoever is listening, but definitely likes women best. He has been charming nurses at the Children's Hospital, making him a very popular guy. "Fussy Russy" can be very personable and entertaining...that is, when he isn't fussy. He has been enjoying special attention from his grandparents while Mom and Dad are with Mannie in Minneapolis.
Size. Mannie was weighed at a doctor's appointment last week and he was 13# 1.6 oz. At their previous weigh in about two weeks ago, Russell was 12# but ahead of the Man by about 8 oz. So it is possible Russ may be close to 14# now. Their 3 mos clothing is getting snug and soon we'll be breaking out their 6 mos outfits. Two weeks ago, both boys measured 22 in. Mannie's head is 38 cm and Russell's is 40.5 cm. We were excited that Russ's head actually made the charts for 4 month olds, landing him in the 10th percentile. WooHoo!
Eating/Sleeping The boys eat/drink 30-35 oz every day. Typically they have 5 oz every feeding. The boys like to nap between most of their feedings during the day. Then they are usually awake in the evening. They like to go for rides in the stroller or sometimes they hang out in the garden with their dad. Lately they've been going down for the night around 8-9 p.m. and then we are sometimes lucky enough to get a big sleep until their early morning feeding at 3-4 a.m.
Hair/Eyes. The boys are really getting a lot of hair on the top of their heads, and their hair is getting darker, too. Sometimes we like to spike it with a little bit of baby lotion after their baths (it reminds us of how Nurse Jan styled their hair in the NICU). Their eyes are getting to be brown instead of blue.
Diapers. We are wearing size 1-2, but will move on to 2s as soon as our case of 1-2s is gone.
Health. Since my last post, poor Mannie has had two laser laryngoscopies due to a cyst below his vocal cords. We have been traveling to Children's Hospital in Minneapolis for the procedures. We will return to the Twin Cities on July 2 so the doctors can have a third look at the cyst - hopefully this time it will not be obstructing his airway.
Other than the cyst, the boys have been very healthy. We feel so blessed.
Other details. We are having fun getting the boys to smile and coo - it is so rewarding when they respond! The boys are getting little personalities. "The Man" likes to flirt with ladies. He smiles and babbles with whoever is listening, but definitely likes women best. He has been charming nurses at the Children's Hospital, making him a very popular guy. "Fussy Russy" can be very personable and entertaining...that is, when he isn't fussy. He has been enjoying special attention from his grandparents while Mom and Dad are with Mannie in Minneapolis.
Friday, April 30, 2010
sometime in April
During my pregnancy, I typically didn't share my due date with people who inquired - I simply referred to my due date as "sometime in April". This was because I was expecting twins...and how many mothers carrying twins actually make it to their due date?! (We won't even get into how I feel about that now!) The truth is, my due date was April 30 or May 1. Which means our boys are full term today!
Weight. To celebrate the 40 week mark, we visited Dr. Colleen. The most exciting part of our appointment was the scale. Emmanuel, who typically trails his brother by 3-8 oz, is catching up! Mannie weighs 8# 8.8 oz, and Russell weighs 8# 9.6 oz. I couldn't believe it. I was expecting the boys to be near 8#, maybe slightly over. I mean, they are filling out their newborn clothing nicely. But eight and a half pounds each - WHOA! Mannie was only 5# 11.2 oz on April 1!!!!
Length. Both boys were 19.5 inches today - over an inch gain for each boy this month.
Head circumference. Mannie's head is 35.5 cm and Russell's is 36.5 cm. What a change from 31.2 cm and 32.8 cm, respectively.
Dr. Colleen was so pleased with their growth, and so were we! Our boys are getting BIG and we like it!
Other news...
Feeding. The boys eat/drink about 28 oz every day. They get 2-3 feedings of breastmilk and 4-5 of formula. Typically they have 4 oz every feeding. (When we left the NICU a month ago, they were taking in half as much.)
Sleeping. The number one question we get from our friends and neighbors..."Are you getting any sleep?" The answer is, YES, but not much ;) No, seriously, we do get some sleep. The boys eat every 3-4 hours, and they typically sleep most of the time in between their feedings.
Diapers. We are big fans of Pampers Swaddlers New Baby diapers. We tried size 1, but they were a bit too big so we're holding tight in size "N" for now.
Vaccinations...argh. Today we had our second dose of Synagis. The boys are having a fussy day as a result. My mom watched/juggled them for a few hours this afternoon so I could go to a baby shower hosted by my students. Sounds like she spent the entire time calming boys, while I was being spoiled by some of the boys' biggest fans.
The Man
Russ
But, my boys typically are happy. Here are their more content/calm faces...
Mannie
Russ
Tomorrow is May 1. I hope and pray the new month brings us as much joy as April. We are doubly blessed.
Weight. To celebrate the 40 week mark, we visited Dr. Colleen. The most exciting part of our appointment was the scale. Emmanuel, who typically trails his brother by 3-8 oz, is catching up! Mannie weighs 8# 8.8 oz, and Russell weighs 8# 9.6 oz. I couldn't believe it. I was expecting the boys to be near 8#, maybe slightly over. I mean, they are filling out their newborn clothing nicely. But eight and a half pounds each - WHOA! Mannie was only 5# 11.2 oz on April 1!!!!
Length. Both boys were 19.5 inches today - over an inch gain for each boy this month.
Head circumference. Mannie's head is 35.5 cm and Russell's is 36.5 cm. What a change from 31.2 cm and 32.8 cm, respectively.
Dr. Colleen was so pleased with their growth, and so were we! Our boys are getting BIG and we like it!
Other news...
Feeding. The boys eat/drink about 28 oz every day. They get 2-3 feedings of breastmilk and 4-5 of formula. Typically they have 4 oz every feeding. (When we left the NICU a month ago, they were taking in half as much.)
Sleeping. The number one question we get from our friends and neighbors..."Are you getting any sleep?" The answer is, YES, but not much ;) No, seriously, we do get some sleep. The boys eat every 3-4 hours, and they typically sleep most of the time in between their feedings.
Diapers. We are big fans of Pampers Swaddlers New Baby diapers. We tried size 1, but they were a bit too big so we're holding tight in size "N" for now.
Vaccinations...argh. Today we had our second dose of Synagis. The boys are having a fussy day as a result. My mom watched/juggled them for a few hours this afternoon so I could go to a baby shower hosted by my students. Sounds like she spent the entire time calming boys, while I was being spoiled by some of the boys' biggest fans.
The Man
Russ
But, my boys typically are happy. Here are their more content/calm faces...
Mannie
Russ
Tomorrow is May 1. I hope and pray the new month brings us as much joy as April. We are doubly blessed.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
You know you're a mother of twins...
when your husband gets home from work and you're still in your pajamas.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
So much to say, so little time
I have been composing blog posts in my mind all week long, but whenever I sit down to write, a baby boy cries out for my attention. And I have to pick up a crying baby if I can, because one's cries can quickly double in our household. I haven't yet perfected one handed typing - nor do I want to at this point in time. I mean, would I really be able to think and write while simultaneously calming a fussy baby?!
This has been a big week for the Trewartha Twins.
3 months old. WOW. Three months already.
39 weeks gestation. (Which means their adjusted age is negative one week!!!)
A perfect eye exam with Dr. Shuey in Duluth. Yay! He said, "See you in a year." We are ecstatic. We are thrilled their eyes are developing and perhaps just as thrilled to not have to make the trip to Duluth for a few months. Our next trip will be for the NICU follow up clinic in August.
I look forward to recording all my great ideas soon. I am once again summoned by a dear little boy.
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