Week 12

Boogers and Bad Clothes

Okay. So, there are certain things I vowed I would never do as a mother. And as of yesterday, I've broken all three of those vows.

First, I vowed I would never let my kids go around with boogers hanging out of their noses. I mean, honestly, how long does is it take to get a hanky out of your pocket and wipe them down? So, now that I have twins I actually have an answer to that question. Five minutes - depending on how many you're holding (one or two) and where you are (in public or in the privacy of the house) and where the wipees are located (upstairs or in the diaper bag). So, that's five minutes I really don't have. And to be completely forthcoming, as long as the kids are breathing at the end of the day I feel like a successful mother.

Second, I vowed I would never leave the house looking like the typical new mom - an unkempt basketcase. I mean, how hard is it to take a quick shower, blow dry your hair, and slap on some mascara? Once again, I have an answer for that. Impossible. It is practically impossible to look anything other than a transient as I shuffle the boys to doctor's appointments, etc. In fact, halfway through one pediatrician appointment, I realized I hadn't even brushed my teeth. That is so sad. I'm sure my doctor was. And the fact that I am still wearing baggy maternity clothes obviously doesn't help my overall style factor.

Third, I vowed I would never let my pristine, perfectly arranged house become a storage bin for all forms of baby toys. I mean, is it really that difficult to keep the baby things in one room? To answer the question, I will simply tell you: I currently have three baby contraptions in my living room and I won't even begin to count the number of bottles, drying racks, and sterilizers I have in my kitchen. And that's just the downstairs. So, yes, it is difficult to stick to any plan of design segregation.

So. Bring on the boogers, bad clothes, and over-run living rooms. I'm happy. I'm a new mom.

8 Weeks

Tales from the Crib II

Jonathan swears this is what happens every time I leave the house. No sooner than I drive out of the garage, do the little buggers start screaming. However, Dad can now wield a pacifier like a pro.

6.5 Weeks and Growing

We know the boys are gaining weight, but it is always fun to compare. Look at these photos:

The above photo was taken the day we came home from the hospital. The boys averaged 5-and-a-half pounds each, but they didn't even fill up their car seats. In fact, the ride home was bumpy and their heads kept knockin' around the seats - which scared mom a little. And yes...we do think that Zach (on the right) is giving us the Mr. Spock hand signal, which is weird considering that neither of us are trekkies.

The above photo was taken before going to the boys' 6-week checkup, at which they weighed just over 8 pounds each. Their heads still knock around a bit in the car seats, but we try not to shake them too much (Just kidding everyone). Zach is on the left and Jonah is on the right. Dad wanted everyone to notice how much more the boys are beginning to look alike. Their profiles are almost identical! Identical twins looking identical???? Uncanny.

6 Weeks

Our boys may be small, but they've got big appetites!

We went to the doctor today and found out that our boys have grown. Zach is now 8 lbs 2 oz and Jonah has pulled ahead slightly to 8 lbs 4 oz. We're so proud of them and can't believe they've grown so much in such a short time. Mom and Dad celebrated after the appointment by stopping by Starbucks on the way home.

Here's a pic of them during their "tummy time." Jonah is on the left and Zach is on the right.

Tales from the Crib

For the last two nights, the boys have slept for four hours straight! We are delighted - who knew that sleep in a four-hour block could be so heavenly!? Probably the parents of newborns. So far, sleep deprivation has been the biggest hazard to having twins. Once we finally cajole one into falling asleep, the other one inevitably wakes up and the cycle begins again. However, we are lucky that the babies don't wake each other up. Their time in the NICU conditioned them to block out loud noises...say the screams of an unhappy brother. Hence, the photo sequence below. (Jonah is on the left and Zach is on the right):

Mom: Ahhhhhh, the sweet sound of a lullaby...

Dad: Wait, I think I hear something...

Mom: Let's hope it was the dog...

Dad: No, that was definately one of the boys.

Mom: Yep. Jonathan...I think it's your turn...

Note: Our favorite part of these photos is Jonah (on the left). Oh how we wish we could sleep so soundly. I recently asked a veteran mother when we could expect to sleep through the night again. To which she replied: "When they turn 18." Great!

Our Due Date!

Today is 08.08.08 ... our actual due date!

Our shirts say: "If you think I'm cute, you should see my twin!"

Jonah is on the left and Zach is on the right

5 Weeks

Hi Everyone!
Here we are at five weeks! Look how big we've grown since getting out the NICU!

Here's the breakdown:

Favorite Activities: Eating, napping, having daddy hold us, getting our heads scrubbed with warm water, grunting, and...we left the best for last...screaming our little heads off at 2:30 a.m.

Favorite Outfits: Anything with zippers (they're easier to operate at 2:30 a.m. when we are screaming).

Favorite Guests: Anyone who will hold us until we fall asleep - including but not limited to: Grammy and Grandad, Nana and Papooh, Mom and Dad (of course), and Donna Collis (who recently babysat while mom went to the doctor). We are looking forward to being held by lots of other guests when our doctor lifts the health ban! Until then, we can only dream about all rocking and cuddling we'll get!