Frigid in the Southland

Every day we seem to be trying something different to combat this new fussiness the twins are experiencing.  It's definitely the worst around dinner time, but going to sleep in general has become a huge issue.  They used to finish their bottles and drift off in a milk coma.  Now it's an hour of crying, holding, rocking, coaxing before they fall in to a light and often interrupted sleep.

One suggestion was an evening walk.   I'm not sure if it's meant more for the parents so we get a little break - or for the babies.  The problem is, we have not been experiencing true SoCal weather.  Between the rain, hail. and cold, getting a walk in has been tough.  

This evening it was in the 40's but we decided to brave it anyways.  Thanks to beautiful quilts from Randy (my sister-in-law's mother) and our afghans from great grandma Stratter, everyone was bundled up.  

 We love our quilts!  Thanks Randy.

I don't think the walk worked - other than getting the dog out for some exercise, but it was worth a try.  I don't know what's going on with the babies right now, but it is definitely trying our patience.  Lots of crying for no apparent reason, restlessness and general angst.  - I'm talking about me, not the babies!  ahahahahah.  Hopefully it's just a phase.

A Little Help from a Friend

Today was the hunt for Fer-in-sol.  Apparently baby boy is very anemic and needs additional iron.  "Just pick up some Fer-in-sol," says the doctor.  Easier said than done.  On one of the few rainy days in CA, Dad traipsed through 4 different stores on the Saturday before New Years only to come up short.  Luckily, when the babies were in the NICU, I picked up some sort of medication that I thought I needed.  Fortunately, it happened to be the generic form of the Fer in sol.  Crisis averted - but two hours in the rain made for a very soggy daddy.  

David went to a wedding this evening so I had a little help baby sitting from a good friend from work.  For the first time, the babies successfully made it through the witching hour - something that has been quite a challenge lately.  It could have been Jen's magic touch - or the great afternoon nap - or the fact that we held them through most of the evening.  I don't care what it was, it was a quiet, stress free evening.

Now, we're sitting here, waiting for Daddy to come home so that I can go to bed.

Sorry - no picture for today : (

The Party is Over

Not that there was an actual party going on - spit up, diapers, and lack of sleep hardly equal a celebration.  We took Christmas down today.  Now it's time to set up Kiddy City.  There's lots more room for toys, swings, playmats and gyms.

My incredible husband took Max to the doctor's yesterday to get his blood drawn to check on his anemia.  It was weird being home with only one baby.  They were in and out of the office and back home within an hour.  I was very thankful I wasn't the one who had to take him.  I'm not looking forward to their two month visit where they will have to get more shots.  

Two of our new outfits

Somehow, the babies have slipped back in to a 2 hour eating schedule.  You can imagine how difficult that is - especially since it takes an hour to feed both of them.  Today we are working on getting back to a three hour schedule.  It's not fun, but when they make it to hour three, they eat a whole lot better.

Merry Christmas - I'm so in love

Last year at this time, kids weren't even a possibility.  Yet, here I sit, with the two most precious presents I could have ever hoped for.  Max and Rosie helped to make this Christmas a very special one.

Every year I found myself crying on Christmas day - saddened that our house wasn't filled with family.  Don't get me wrong- David and Nittany are incredible company, but I always felt something was missing.  This year - I had no time to think, let alone to have a feeling other than overwhelmed.

On Christmas Eve, I thought it would be a great idea to decorate sugar cookies.  I'm not going to lie - it was for me.  I wanted to do something that makes me feel calm and relaxed.  It was a creative outlet I haven't had in a while.  David was so wonderful about watching and feeding the babies so I could have the time to make the cookies.  My awesome coworkers taught us all how to make the cookies in years passed, but this year I was on my own.  Their expert instruction led me to some beautiful creations.  Mom bought me a new cookie cutter this year, so we had ornament shapes as well.

In the early evening, David and I exchanged gifts and I was happy to open Max and Rosie's gifts too.  They were spoiled rotten and received fantastic items from family and friends.  Luckily, Grandma V. remembered Nittany - because we sure didn't.  She was entertained with her new toy and stayed out of our way for at least 5 minutes!

Max and Rosie got to wear another adorable Christmas outfit - this one from our friend, Robin.  When we got these at the baby shower in September, I couldn't even conceive that they would be wearing them!  

Daddy says Rosie had too much egg nog - hence the head holding!

To make it feel more like Christmas, we made some hot chocolate, put on Santa hats and packed into the car to go look at the lights in Hastings Ranch.  It was a nice night - and a car ride always puts everyone to sleep.

Because I'm crazy - or because we spent so many holidays with just the two of us, I decided to host Christmas dinner.  We only had 3 people over, but it was quite an undertaking with two babies and a very helpful dog.  All our guests brought delicious dishes, so it made it a bit easier.  Although it was a lot of work, I'm glad that we had people over.  It was so much more festive than it would have been.  That being said, we missed our family across the country and wished that we could have been with everyone.

It's hard to believe that next year the twins will be mobile at this time!  Good thing we got Elf on the Shelf to help keep them in line next December!

Happy Festivus!

It's the 23rd - Early on the 23, but never too early to celebrate Festivus.  Unfortunately, I have no greivences this year.  I have everything I have every wanted and I am extremely happy.  It pretty much goes against Festivus tradition, but that's ok.  I'm sure I'll come up with something for next year.

We had a nice evening with all of the kids.  It's so nice to have all of the extra hands to help with the babies.  Max and Rosie love their brothers and sister.  Just more love for them.

I don't have the family pictures on my phone, so you'll just have to settle for Christmas cuteness.

I'm adopting a dog or an African child

Late night TV is crazy.  It plays on peoples' venerability when they are tired.  The big, sad puppy dog eyes keep looking at me while tear jerking music is playing.  "Just change the channel," you may say.  That's difficult to do while feeding a bottle to an apparently starving baby.  I often find myself trying to feed while looking away.  Otherwise, it will be a trip to the pound in the morning.  If it's not a dog, it's starving children in Africa.  Good thing my wallet is across the room, or I'd be shelling out 50 cents a day...and I'd sign up every night!

Today was our last solo day for a while.  David will be home for the next two weeks, and we are all thrilled.  We all missed him this week and are excited to have an extra set of hands and company over the Christmas break.  

I tried something new today - just hanging with the babies and not trying to complete projects during nap time.  I did get the basics finished like laundry and cleaning bottles, but I put cookie making and big projects on hold.  It made for a much more relaxing day.  Here's a picture of Max helping me with the laundry.

Everyone got baths - then proceeded to have 4 outfit changes.  I don't know what I did differently today, but my diapering skills sucked.  I have a lot of laundry to do before tomorrow or everyone will just be in diapers.

Baby girl has turned in to quite the chow hound.  She had been eating 80 mL of milk each feeding - now she's up to 120!  I'm not sure what changed.  Perhaps a growth spurt.  

We changed to Gerber Good Starts "Soothe".  I'm not sure if it's working or not.  Both kids have the stinkiest gas ever.  The dog loves that she doesn't have to take the blame any more.  It may be me, but I think they are sleeping a bit better.  As I write - both babies are asleep in their pack and play - something that doesn't happen often.

Ok, I'm off to try and catch a nap. 

Check Up

The kids had their check up today.  They both hit the 7 lb mark!  They are 19 inches long.  They almost made it to the bottom of the growth chart - right now they aren't even at 1% wahhhh!  They'll catch up eventually.

We got some new formula - don't know if it will make a difference, but we'll try anything.  I hope it helps with the gas and stomach aches.

Max is getting flat head on one side.  I kind of had a feeling - even when he was in the NICU he would only face one direction.  We have to prop his head so he lays facing the other way for a while.  

They also both went 4 hours without a feeding.  Who knew it was possible???  They weren't even fussy.  

Now, we're just chilling - recovering from an eventful morning.

No pictures right now - mom is too tired  - 

One more day until David is off for the break!!!!!!!!!!!!  Teamwork is so much better.

Day 2 alone

There are two theories on learning to swim - one: throw your kid in the deep end and hope instinct kicks in and two: start with sticking your toe in, then up to your knee, etc.

I subscribe to the second theory.  Unfortunately, yesterday more resembled the first.  We were on our own for many hours.  Based on Monday, I thought I could handle it.  However, each day brings new and different challenges. 

Yesterday, it was a perfect storm - here are all the things I shouldn't have done:

1) tried to give both kids baths - it messed up the entire schedule for the day.  Their feedings became an hour a part.  Did I mention they are on a two hour feeding schedule.  For those of you who are as bad at math as me....that means no time to do anything.

2) Allowed them to stay awake between feedings.  I was so busy, I forgot to insist that they go down for naps.  Each of them had a 4 hour waking period - this is bad for many reasons - first they are very cranky - second, they don't eat well.

3) The formula thing hit the fan.  The noises that were coming out of these two were horrendous.  They were farting and screaming their heads off.  A friend dropped off a different brand formula.  We tried that.  It seems to lessen the screaming, but not the gas.  I also did the math.  If we have to switch to liquid formula, we'll be broke and I'll be back at work in a few weeks just to support their eating.

4) Still trying to make cookies.  It's the one thing I want to do for me.  I'm trying to squeeze it in between feedings.  Now I've realized making cookies in steps is a bad idea.  I've eaten all the cookies in the four days it's taken me to make the icing.  Now I need to remake all of the cookies.  I think I'll freeze them this time to prevent me from eating them. Yeah, like that's going to work.

Today's goal - keep it simple, make sure everyone is sleeping, staying closer to schedule and praying that David gets home soon.

Both kids did play at the gym - that's more than I did!

First Day Home Without Dad

Boy did we miss the extra help and love.  Dad has been an amazing partner in this transition.   David is amazing with the babies, and the thought of being here without him all day is daunting.  Those of you who know me well, know that I'm a bit.....particular....  I have absolutely the upmost confidence in David and his instincts with the babies.  He is a dad through and through.  That being said - facing the long days alone with two babies and a dog seems very overwhelming.

"Is Dad home yet???"

One day is done - successful?  I think so.  The house is still standing.  That's not to say that as much got done - there are piles, the bottles are all in the sink, dirty laundry is piled, and all of us could use a shower - but we made it.

In fact, during one of my long an luxurious 40 minute breaks, I was able to prep food for lunch and dinner.  Of course, after I made my delicious lunch, it sat on the table for an hour.  I'm lucky Nittany didn't jump up and take advantage.

For the first time, I put both babies down in their crib in their room.  We are going to try that for one nap a day and build up.  Right now they sleep in the pack and play or in a bouncy chair in the family room with me.  Hopefully it won't take long to make the transition.  

Max is struggling right now with major gas.  I swear, if he's awake, he's farting.  Sounds funny, but I feel really badly.  He is in constant pain - wiggling and stretching.  I barely get to interact with him without him being in pain.  We go to the doctor on Thursday so hopefully we'll get some answers.

Both kids are packing on the pounds - at least in my mind they are.  I swear they each have an extra fat roll under their neck - just one more place for formula to hide.  

I can't wait to see our photos we took this weekend.  It's hard to wait because I know they are going to be so special.  

All that crying was tough business - must nap

I took on one more task that I'm excited about - I am going to cook Christmas dinner.  After the Thanksgiving debacle, I'm willing to take the chance on cooking.  David said he will help with the babies.  Jeff, Marii, and Jeff's friend Rey are going to come over on Christmas afternoon.  That will feel more festive than us just sitting here.  I'm looking forward to it.

Photos and Family

Yesterday was a long day - not bad, just long.  We were so fortunate to find the most patient and meticulous baby photographers at Matt Cramer Photography.  We had an all day session.  The babies were amazing, but that's because they were handled and treated so well.  I just know, by the work I saw that the photos we get will be amazing.  It was so important to me to capture this moment in time.  I know the newborn stage will be gone before I know it.  They are so precious right now.  I never want it to end.

After 6 hours of photography, the rest of the Vannasdall clan joined us in Pasadena.  Although I didn't get to see them for very long ( I go to bed at 6pm), it sounds like they had a great night loving on their brother and sister.  

Our Birthday!

It's been one month since Max and Rose were born. I am so thankful and blessed that they are in my life.  I've never worked so hard and enjoyed it so much.  Their smiles warm my heart and every stolen moment with them in my arms means the world to me.  I never thought I'd have this day, this month, this moment.  I am so happy.

I couldn't have done any of this without the help of my incredible husband. Sneaking me cookies in the hospital,  making bottles and setting me up for the night shift, setting up a pumping station, not shying away from the stinkiest of diaper blow outs - he is truly amazing.

Happy birthday babies!  We love you so much.

Our baby boy on the day he was born.














Our baby boy on his 1 month birthday.

Our baby girl on day one.

Our baby girl on her one month birthday.

In Preparation for Photo Session

Tomorrow is our big photo session.  I never thought I was the kind of person who would take my kids to get professional photos, but this is something that definitely needs to be preserved.  They are so special, I can't imagine not capturing them at this age.  We venture out for a 10 am session tomorrow - filled with more gear that I care to think about at the moment.  Most of it is for David and me.  I was supposed to bring a pretty blouse - I don't think I've ever owned a pretty blouse - T-shirts will be fine, right???

We took baths today in preparation.  That way, tomorrow we can just do a quick sponge bath.  (The babies - not me.)  I have my list ready.

I really want to wear my wedding rings in the photos, so I busted out the moisturizer.  If I lube up enough, they slip on.  Off....now that will be another story.  

An Angel Arrived

Expert twin Dad, Robert Lashier arrived to lend some support yesterday.  He is full of advice and expertise.  Best of all, between him and David, I was able to get my nails done!!!!  Bonus.  It really made the rest of the day a heck of a lot easier.

I also got to the bank, post office and Carters to make some returns.  In addition, we had a hot dinner.  It was quite a productive day.  Hopefully it's a sign of what's to come.  Unfortunately, when David returns to work, it won't be possible.  I can't see hauling 2 kids to run errands.  That's just crazy.

David and I switched shifts in preparation of him returning to work.  I'm in bed by 6 and up by midnight.  It's working right now, but when he goes to work it pretty much mean

Raising kids is like raising a puppy

We went on several adventures today.  First, we took advantage of the beautiful weather and went for a walk - all of us - even Nittany!  It took forever to gear up, but it was worth it.  The babies got to wear the new hats cousin Stacey made.  The looked adorable.  Pushing the stroller is awkward to say the best, but I'll get used to taking short steps.  Nittany was not happy at our slow pace.

Please excuse my oversized outfit - fashion is not my thing right now.  Look past to the beautiful mountains.

Since everyone was geared up and in their seats, we decided to venture to the grocery store.  I was craving something green.  I've been eating exclusively junk food for a week.  They didn't come in the store, and I was in and out in five minutes.

So, how is this like raising a puppy.  Apparently, if you do anything outside of the regular schedule, the babies get extremely tired and sleep all day.  Score!  We figured it out.  Nittany slept all day too.  I actually cleaned off a counter.

Baby girl is congested.  It's hard to listen to her struggle -especially at night.  She's sleeping in her chair to help out.  That bulb thing is her best friend right now.  She isn't sick, so I guess we just wait it out.  

Speaking of baby girl - I don't know why we spent so much time coming up with names for these kids.  We call them everything but their names.  Our favorites are baby boy and baby girl.  That would have been a hell of a lot easier!  

"I lost the dog!"

That's what I woke up to after a nap today.  We've finally lost it due to exhaustion.  When I woke up, David swore the dog must have run out when he opened the front door.  5 minutes later, the dog walker returned with Nittany.  She reminded him they had a whole conversation before they left on the walk.  Again, exhaustion!

The six hour sleep shift had it's advantages and disadvantages.  It definitely helped with exhaustion, but, it's difficult for David and I to not get to hang out.  This is so much more fun to do together.  I just keep reminding myself it is temporary - as they sleep more, we get to sleep more.  

We got to FaceTime with Grandma Vannasdall and Aunt Liz and cousins Abby and Andrew today.  It was fun to see everyone and introduce the twins to their family.  Technology is amazing and is allowing everyone to feel a little closer.  It's hard to be so far away from family.  

The sleep schedule is a bit.....wanky.  Is that a word????  Sometimes the twins conk out after eating, but today - each of them at different times stayed up for the entire 3 hours between feedings.  I really thought they were supposed to sleep more.  They didn't fuss - just hung out and checked out the world.  

 Finally asleep!  I know I shouldn't use the bouncy chair - but we all need some peace.

Rose is multi-tasking - sleeping and eating.  If only......

Bath Day x4

It's been a few days since the twins got a bath - well, it's been since whenever the NICU nurses did it last.  I just wasn't up for it yet.  After finding a crust below the kids' chins, I knew it was time (just kidding!).  

No one loved the bath - until we put the warm washcloth over them.  They did love their shark towels!  Now everyone smells good and their hair is no longer greasy.  We thought we had it made!  Called the grandparents and showed off their newly cleaned bodies on FaceTime.  

While talking to my parents, we kept commenting how it looked like Rose was pooping.  Boy was she ever.  I have never seen anything like this in my life!  Blow out city - Back to the bath we went....If you read the title, you probably know where this is going.  After our 5 p.m feeding, baby boy did the same thing - and back to the bath we went.  So now, everyone is doubly clean.

As I'm writing this, the English teacher in me is coming out.  This is terrible writing!  Hey, I had to check if I had pants on as I walked into Target today.  You'll have to excuse my lack of voice and word choice.  I'm barely keeping my eyes opened.  We're trying a new 6 hours parent sleep schedule tonight.  Hopefully, we'll feel more rested tomorrow.

 Just look in the background - Babies R Us threw up in my house!

The cropped version!  Don't want to embarrass baby boy.

Shark boy

Lava Girl????

Look at those lips!  Watch out Angelena Jolie

Why are you doing this to me???

That was hard work.  I need a drink!

On our own - sort of

David had class today, so it was the twins and I alone for at least an hour and a half before the relief came.  It was the first time that I had dueling criers - with no known reason - everyone had been fed and changed.  They must have been missing their daddy.   

Jeff and Marii were life savers.  They came to lend a helping hand.  Jeff changed his first diaper, and Marii held and rocked the babies for hours when they were crying.   Jeff also built the play mat so that we can have some tummy time tomorrow.  

The babies are still having trouble staying asleep in the time between their feedings.  I thought newborns were supposed to sleep a lot.  They do - it's just in 15 minute spurts.  Max is being a tough customer.  He only wants to sleep in the bouncy chair or in someone's arms.  Rosie is doing pretty well in the Pack and Play but she too would prefer the chair or the swing.  

We are already trying to change their schedule. David and I were both trying to feed them at every feeding, but that is just exhausting.  We are going to move to a staggered schedule - if the kiddos can stay on it, one person should be able to feed both.  I just don't think newborns have the same commitment as I do to staying on a schedule.  

Nittany is POOPED.  She jumps up at every little sigh and sound that the babies make.  She is trying to be motherly, but she doesn't really know how.  She just knows she's supposed to do something.  

The Doctor's Office - Ugh!

If you know me, you know I don't like crowded places with lots of chaos.  Apparently, I picked the wrong doctor's office.  Although I really like the pediatrician we picked, the actual office could be a reason to look elsewhere.  It's super crowded - in fact, we didn't even fit in the newborn room until some people left.  The hallways barely accommodated our giant stroller, and being in the exam room was like playing twister.  

We actually got out of the house on time - it did take an hour, but we did it.  As soon as we got into the exam room, both babies decided it was time to take a major poo.  Lucky for me, my husband got me an awesome diaper bag, and we were prepared - except for the part where they wanted us to take the dirty diaper with us???  Where are you supposed to store that????  New item for diaper bag - zip lock baggies.

Both babies have grown and have no lasting issues from being in the NICU.  We got all of our questions answered and will go back in two weeks to check the babies' growth.  

It was a chaotic afternoon and both kids are still suffering from the doctor's visit.  They are both tired and fussy.  It's amazing how one thing threw off the entire day.

 We aren't planning on going anywhere any time soon, so we dressed up to got to the doctor's.

Typing with one hand

We're all home!

Max needs his day of cuddling, so he's sleeping in my arms as I type  He did great today.  He  was discharged around three.  His nurse was so helpful in getting us out quickly while David walked Rose around outside.  Max is really calm considering his procedure this morning  you know the one Im talking about  

Although Nittany is being really gentle with the babies, she can't settle  She jumps up at every noise.  I don't think she slept last night either.   As much as I love her, she presents another whole level of challenge.  

We got smarter already tonight.  David went to bed at 6, right after everyone ate.  Now, after the next feeding I should be able to get a couple hours in too.  Thank goodness for guest bedrooms.  

One down, one to go

Rosie is home!  It was a long process - 3 hours at the hospital, but we made it.  The afternoon was uneventful, and the night was long.  Suddenly, the girl who slept for three hours after every feeding decided she didn't want to sleep.  She was gassy and fussy.  I think David and I managed 3 hours of sleep - five minutes at a time. 


You probably won't be hearing as much from us now.  Doing anything other than feeding, changing or sleeping is going to be quite a challenge.  Here are a few Rosie coming home pictures.

 Not her best picture, but that is her "going home" outfit - who made that stuff up???

 Great Grandma Stratter's afghan.  So sweet.

Nittany meets Rosie.