Photo Bomb

Ok, I promise I'll write more text in future days, but today, I got a chance to play with my new camera.  I'm just starting to experiment, and I haven't had my formal training yet.  Here's what I've come up with so far.

 Max - What's that?

 Sunday coffee

 Best dog ever

I'm not smiling - I'm farting

 Mom - You're making me crazy

Yep, you pushed it too far

Bubby's glamour shot

A New Visitor

We were so lucky to have a visitor today!  It's been a long week, with long days alone with the kids.  Zondra helped out last night by making us dinner.  It really took some of the stress off.  But, David had school all day and I didn't know if I was going to make it another day.  Leslie Ho, my former "next door neighbor" at Foothills stopped by - and she didn't come empty handed.  Food and help was gladly accepted.

She had a way with the babies and Max just slept in her arms forever!  

One of my first photos with the new camera - Leslie and Max

In addition, I bought myself a present - a new camera to capture all of the precious moments we enjoy.  Jeff did a great job researching and finding me just the right camera for what I needed and my budget.  He's even going to teach me how to use it!  So, get ready for a million new baby shots.

I've been trying to get the twins on a schedule - including nap time in their cribs in the nursery.  It's been rough.  A lot of crying and a lot of me walking back and forth to resettle them.  Today, I broke the cardinal rule of establishing routines and let them both sleep in my arms.  I know it set us back, but I enjoyed every minute of it.    This baby thing would be a piece of cake if I just held them all of the time.  

I'm a model, you know what I mean

These kids have more clothes than they really need, but I'm having so much fun dressing them up.  They now get two outfits a day - a day look and an evening look.  I don't have photos of their nighttime looks, but here's a sampling of our day ensembles.

2 Month Dr. Visit

We made it through the 2 month doctor appointment - not without poop or tears - we had plenty of both of those  ..... the babies - not me!

They received their shots, and although they cried, it wasn't terrible.  The doctor just doesn't have an explanation for Max's breathing.  She just seems to think that's the way he breathes right now.  Baby girl had a bit of retracting as well.  They are both a bit congested still.

Max and rose are identical in their measurements.  They are both 10 lbs 10 oz, 20 1/2 inches long with head circumferences of 15 in.  Although their measurements keep going up - they aren't "on the curve" yet for height.  They are in very low percentiles for weight and head size.  Unfortunately, they are off the chart (high!) for their weight compared to their length.  Oops!   It's ok for now - but if they keep getting fatter we'll have to cut back.  Sounds like the story of our lives!  Poor kids.

Grandma and Grandpa Vannasdall are on their way back home.  It was a rude awakening when there was no one to hand off the crying baby to.  They were a lot of help and they will be missed.  Nittany will especially miss Grandpa.  She was his constant companion.  

Now it's back to the regular routine.  I'm going to try and move them to their cribs this week for naps.  Until now they have still been sleeping in their pack and plays in the living room with me close by.  Once they are comfortable in their new room, we'll start moving towards having them sleep there at night.

I'm absolutely exhausted and would love to just curl up and sleep.  Maybe this weekend.

Grandparents keep us busy!

Grandma and Grandpa Vannasdall have been visiting, and the twins have been spoiled rotten.  They are getting so much love : )  They are getting held, rocked, walked and fed by two grandparents who haven't lost their touch.  

We all had a visit from Max and Rosie's big brothers and sister.  They love to be held by their big sibs.  

Nittany has been spoiled by Grandpa.  She's gotten lots of walks and endless play time in the back yard.

The babies also reached another milestone - their two month birthday.  Nittany humored us by posing for another picture.

Other than that - everyone is becoming more alert.  They are following voices, cooing, and still working on smiling.  They are getting stronger - pushing off with their legs and holding up their heads.  We have our two month doctor appointment on Wednesday.  It's my guess that they are both at least 10 lbs.  





All of their newborn clothes have been packed and passed on.  The 0-3 are a little big, but at least their little legs aren't smooshed.  

R.I.P. Raccoons

I always thought it was lame when people got sad when packing away baby clothes when they got too small.  They are just clothes after all.  But, as I put the boy and girl raccoon outfits that my mom made on the twins tonight, I realized this is the last night they will be able to wear them.  I am so excited that they are growing so fast, but I can't help but be a little bit sad that they've already grown out of the newborn stage.  People tell you it goes quickly, and they're right.  How to preserve these precious times?  I just remind myself to enjoy the simple moments each day.

Tonight we worked on a bedtime routine.  It was fun to give baby massages and read stories.   I have to admit, that was my first time through Goodnight Moon (how do you like that underline, Jen???).  I'm sure it won't be the last.  We also read a doggie/barking counting book from cousin Paige.  I'm glad David was the only one in the room because I sounded ridiculous.  

I had a moment of normalcy tonight thanks to my friend Karen.  She helped hold and love on the babies so I had time to cook a warm dinner that didn't come from a can.  David and I actually sat at the table and ate - well......  it wasn't at the same time - but we sat!

For those following the Max saga - absolutely no changes in his breathing as far as David and I can see.  We've been video taping him each day so we can see differences, but nothing!  But, he's definitely feeling better than last week.  He loves playing the "stick out your tongue" game and he's really starting to get the smile thing.  

Rose is enjoying wearing her new clothes.  She rocked two outfits today (because she had a blow out!  bummer!).  She is so strong and is an expert at picking her head up.  She hasn't quite got the smile down but she is getting really good at tracking objects with her eyes.

Here are some more reading pictures for you - and the last night of the raccoon outfits : (

Had to add this.  Nittany has to be right up in the action - always.

Happy 2 Months!

I can't believe it has been two months since these two beautiful babies joined our family.  They've doubled their birth weights, grown a few inches, started to smile, adjusted to a furry friend, met friends and family....just to name a few things.

They've been home with us just over a month.  We're finally just beginning to fall in to a routine.  Both David and I feel like we've been getting some sleep, however, it's only in two hours spurts.  It's not very restful.  

Bath time is every 2 days.  Both babies seem to like it - as long as I cover them with a warm cloth.  With this cold spell, my heating bill is going to go through the roof.  I always jack up the heat right before bath time.  

I read to them, sing and  try and keep up on housework - mostly laundry and washing bottles.  If I get to sit down once a day, I'm lucky.  I eat lunch so quickly (if at all) it gives me a tummy ache.  Today my goal was to get dressed before the dog walker came - SUCCESS.

No, there aren't any nuts in her cheeks! 

Funny he likes this book because he hates having his feet touched.

Now I have to get to work on their two month pictures.  Although I thought I had white onsies - I don't.  Hopefully, I'll make it to the store to buy them before they turn 3 months!  If Target has them, I'll be set.

Yesterday I was able to update the babies' closet.  They are growing out of some of the newborn outfits, so I pulled out the 0-3 month clothes.  Unfortunately, when I started buying things I wasn't baby savvy so I have a ton of short sleeved 0-3 onesies.  My heating bill won't be able to keep up with short sleeves.  Hopefully it will get warmer before they grow out of this size.  They have more clothes than I ever will.

Photo shoot

Here are some photos from our recent shoot.  It was well worth it.  A plug for Matt Cramer Photography in Burbank, CA!!!

An amazing week

The babies were spoiled that's for sure.  Grandma and Grandpa had lots of love to share.  Now, I have to get back to reality and figure out how to do this myself.  It was a rude awakening this morning when I had to do my first dual feeding by myself. We will all miss Grandma and Grandpa.  We feel very lucky that they were here.

Doctor's Visit

Max and I saw the doctor today.   She thinks Max has a respiratory virus.  She's concerned because he was a premie.  I'm supposed to watch him to make sure it doesn't get worse.  Because we are about a week in to the illness, she doesn't expect it to get worse, but you never know.  We have an invitation back to the doctor's office any time we have a concern.

Max at the doctor's office

Other than that, I got a giant load of laundry done, and that's about it.  Mom made dinner and Dad continued to be the baby "shhhhhher".  We've had a couple long days, and I think everyone is ready for some sleep.  

Grandpa and Max

I'm appreciating that Mom has come up with, shopped for, cooked and cleaned up all of the meals.  It's nice to not have to make decisions - my brain is mush anyways.  In between times, she's been helping get me organized and cleaned up - not my area of strength.

Backup has Arrived

Wow- I have so much to say.  Let me try and pick out the important stuff.

First - sorry about the lag in updates.  I thought the one from the other night posted with the update on Max.  No wonder people keep texting me and asking how he is doing.  We go to the pediatrician tomorrow.  I suspect I will know no more than I do today.  If you remember how much I love that waiting room, you'll know how excited I am to go back.  I'm just not confident we'll find out anything without going to a bunch of specialists.  The problem is, I have two babies and a husband who's back to work.  I don't know how people do it.  How about Nadya Suliman (however you spell it)?  Who watches the other 16 kids when one is sick?

Second - I am so thankful my parents are here.  Besides the obvious help, it is warming my heart to watch them be grandparents.  Papa Grande has the magic touch - he can rock both the babies to sleep and keep them asleep while walking the dog and taking out the trash in between time.  Grandma Stratter is keeping me sane, cooking, cleaning shopping and spoiling the twins.  How do you spoil a 7 week old???? Hold them for hours on end.  I'm not sure either of their heads have touched the crib other than at night.  They even watched the babies so I could run a few errands - woo hoo - I got to stop at the Target Starbucks.  When Target Starbucks is exciting, you know you have trouble.

Third - I can't remember all of the things I thought of to write about while I was deliriously feeding in the middle of the night.  Did you know it is possible to feed a baby while sleeping?   I think I achieved it.  I kept finding my head bobbing.  

I need to go to bed.  I have finally achieved "cranky".  Good thing the day is over because you wouldn't want to encounter me this evening.  

P.S. - No pictures today because the stupid Wi-Fi won't work.  Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

9 pm - I'm turning into a pumpkin

Bubby and I finally made it home.  It was a long day.  I'm so thankful that I didn't have to do the entire two days on my own.  Without David taking a shift it would have been unbearable.  

I talked to respiratory guys, nurses, cardiac people, general pediatrician - all to find out nothing!

Max's breathing looks bad, but not bad enough for these experts to feel there is a problem.  It could be an upper respiratory infection - it could be that coupled with complications from being premature - there are some heart issues as well - but the doctor doesn't see a connection.

All in all, I'm glad he's fine - but it was an extremely stressful way to find that out. 

Last update for tonight

Max was admitted to Huntington for his labored breathing.  He's retracting which is a sign of respiratory distress.  They suctioned his nose and lungs and got out a lot of gunk.  His breathing improved somewhat, but isn't great.  They are worried that he's been working so hard to breathe, so they want to watch him.  

It sounds like the game plan is that he stays until the breathing is better.  They think he's either just getting a respiratory infection, or he's getting over one.  Only time will tell.  Until then, it's hanging out at the hospital....again.  I'm getting hives just thinking of it.  At least he's in a place that he can be well taken care of.  

The problem comes in having multiples.  We have to divide and conquer rather than work together to help baby boy.  I guess this is what they meant when they said it was hard.  Yes, being sleep deprived and lots of frustrated crying are difficult, but not being together to help the kids is really hard.  I'm so lucky that David is so hands on.  We work with each other's strengths to get things done.

My parents will be in town starting on Monday - hopefully Max will be home by then, but if he's not, at least we'll have some helping hands.  Don't worry - I have a very helpful dog!  Too bad she can't change diapers.  She know's mommy is stressed and hasn't left my side all night.

So, for now, Max hangs out at Huntington.  Please send positive mojo that he will get well and be home soon!  I don't know how long David and I will be able to keep up the juggling act.

A whole lotta nothing

I really have no more information than I did when I brought Max to the doctor on Thursday.  He is retracting while breathing which is a sign of respiratory distress.  After two trips to the emergency room and being admitted to the pediatric unit - all I know is - yes, he is retracting.

No one knows why.  It could be an upper respiratory infection, it could be left over from being premature, it could be a cardiac issue - no one knows!  It's so frustrating.  

No one seems to feel he is in imminent danger and that we should follow up with the pediatrician.  My regular pediatrician should be back next week (I think!!!!).  Perhaps she will send us to a specialist- or maybe she'll just say wait and see.  

I just don't like that there is something obviously wrong - but no answers.  I'm too much of a logical person to let this go.  We'll have to follow up.  However, I don't think the hospital is the place to do it.

Max is just chilling.  He refuses to sleep and has been up since I got here at 9:30 a.m.

Back to the hospital

When the doctor called today, she was not happy that we were sent home from the ER yesterday without being admitted.  She asked to see Max back at the office.  David took him and she said his breathing was worse.   He needed to go back to the hospital but this time we could bypass the ER and go directly to PICU.  

David took him right there and they are waiting to see the doctor.  We are all worried as the doctor said it is very dangerous for Max to continue breathing like he is.  I'll keep you updated, but prayers are appreciated.

Don't know what the night will hold, but right now I'm home with Rosie.  Jeff and Marii may come up if need be.


In other news....horrible segue - just like on the news....
Kelly came over and played with the babies today.  She is a natural.  She can feed, hold, shhhhhh, swaddle - but I did notice she didn't want to deal with the other "s".  Rosie left her quite a present!  At least I know I can find another baby sitter.

Max has a new friend

8 hours in ER = a whole lotta nothing

Not that that's bad - Baby boy came home with a diagnosis of an upper respiratory virus.  We are just supposed to watch him and make sure he doesn't get any worse.  All of his tests came back negative.  

All in all, the ER sucks.  We actually went yesterday after being directed by our doctor.  After 3 hours, we made the parental executive decision that the germs in that room were far worse than taking our chances at home.  The ER pediatrician David saw today said that was a good call.  The nurses were overworked and rude.  No one seemed to care that there was a newborn preemie in the same room with people with obvious major respiratory illness.  I guess I need to just learn to wait my turn.  If I could have paid someone off to let us in, I would have.  

Anyway, when David returned this morning, it was a whole different scene.  Everyone was pleasant and he got right in.  It was a long day and a lot of waiting, but I'm glad Max got a thorough check out.

What are you doing to me Dad?

Thank you for all of your positive thoughts and a special thank you to Zondra who dropped everything she was doing last night to come and watch baby girl so David and I could be together.  I was falling apart and really needed him there.  Nothing like a panic attack in the ER.  He's officially tapped at ER dad - because if I have to do that again, the baby won't be the only patient.

Coming Home

After all day in the ER, Max and Dad are on their way home with no real answers.  We are just supposed to watch and see if things get worse.  It was one of those things where admitting him to a unit of very sick kids would be worse.  His lungs are clear, and all of the bloodwork came back normal.  

I'm glad we got things checked out, but I don't feel like we know anything more.  Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!

Thinking about Max today

He's with Dad in the ER.  He has a fever and trouble breathing.  We're all worried.  They are in for a chest x-ray now.  Hopefully that will give us some more information.  Keep us in your thoughts.

I'm holding down the fort with Rosie at home - just sitting here worrying.  I know David is the right person for the job.  He can get information and make decisions without being emotional.   I'll be in touch as he is.