Wednesday Randoms

• We have officially given up on the helmet. It's a long story that deserves a post in its own. But let's just say there was some not happy times with this helmet.
• We are still doing PT for Levi. Today his therapist said she is very impressed with his progress! 
• Levi has finally found his feet!
• Emma is still feeling fine and we still aren't positive why we spent Thanksgiving in the hospital. 
• Have you guys watched "One Born Every Minute" on Lifetime. It's on Tuesdays at 9 central time. It is so funny!
• I am on a mission to figure out what safe baby products to use.With the whole Johnson and Johnson issue recently I want to find products that are not potentially harmful to my babies. J&J should be ashamed of themselves!
• I have done some Christmas shopping but not much. We aren't getting much for the babies this year. Let's face it they will have no clue that its Christmas!

Here is a photo dump for the past couple of days. I am learning how to do collages so hopefully soon I can do one of those!

Thanksgiving Recap

Our holiday week started off like this. Lounging on the couch playing and waiting for Nonny and Poppy Butch to arrive.

On Thanksgiving we got dressed in our turkey shirts and headed over to my Uncle Bubba's house for turkey day. Everything started off great. I packed for like an hour. The babies require a lot of stuff and I wanted them to be comfortable as my aunt and uncle do not have any kids. So the day started off great and everyone was arriving and having a great time. Until all of a sudden Emma started crying. Not just fussing but hysterical, inconsolable, violent crying. I couldn't get her calm. No one could. Nothing we tried would work.

Soooo...... After two hours of her constant crying at home we headed to the hospital. I thought for sure she had some sort of stomach issue and needed surgery or had a broken bone. She was freaking out!! Luckily a baby who is freaking out gets the doctors attention. They ran every test they could think of. X rays, blood work, urine tests. Everything came back normal. I was so nervous and yes, she was still crying.

So after two hours of crying at my uncles and two hours of crying at the hospital they decided to transfer us to Children's as we were at a hospital in Arlington. And lets face it, always take your child to a children's hospital. They know how to handle children. So we got transferred to children's.  After many many more tests and three more hours of crying. Yes, that's a total of seven hours! She stopped. We still don't know why. I think she had a bad tummy ache.  The next day I gave her prunes and needless to say the problem has been solved. Poor thing. We missed Thanksgiving but I am soooo thankful she is ok but man that was one expensive tummy ache.

Daddy and Emma after she stopped crying. Notice the little IV. Poor baby!

Emma in the ambulance. Poor thing. Look at her sleepy sad eyes. She stopped crying for 15 minutes of the ambulance ride. 

This is how our holiday ended. Two happy babies! So thankful for them!!

And just because I'm excited about this I will show you our tree! I love love Christmas time and if I didn't think people would think I was crazy I would leave the tree up year round! Happy holidays people!

World Prematurity Awareness Day

This week I took a brief blog break.  It was a crazy week with lots of doctor appointments and I am helping a friend with her daughters birthday party so no time to blog.

Today is World Prematurity Awareness Day.  I have mixed emotions about today.  Being the parent of a preemie is hard. Being a parent is hard in general but with a child or children who require special care it can be rough.  Being a parent of a baby in the NICU is horrible.  It is extremely hard to leave your baby everyday. To not be there and to only get to be a small part of their care. I never knew just how hard it was.  I honestly believe it traumatized me in a way. It was hard, it was emotional, it was draining, and at the same time we were incredibly blessed by the minimal problems and set backs that our babies had.  Side note: I realize that there are babies and children with much more horrible problems and diseases. I am speaking only of my experiences. 

Being a preemie parent you realize that you appreciate things in a different way.  The first time they take milk, the first bath, the first time they can wear clothes, the first time they are breathing room air, roll over, gain weight.. everything little thing is something you were close to not experiencing.

Many preemie parents wait longer for certain things than other parents.  But we learn they will do them in their own time, not on ours or anyone else's schedule.  We can't compare them to other children, but we enjoy and celebrate all that they do.  I am constantly reminding myself just how lucky we are. How we could of lost our babies when I went into prematurity and I thank God for putting us in a circumstance where precautions were taken to prepare these babies for their early arrival. 

So today I want everyone to take a minute and hug your children a little tighter.  Be thankful for all that you have and remember when you are stressed or exhausted just how fragile life is and that there are parents of babies who are in heaven. And these parents would give anything to hear those babies cry or to hold them one more time.

I don't know sometimes it helps to gain a little perspective.

Love,
A proud Preemie Mom

A few pictures of my thriving preemies!

Six

Since Emma and Levi are six months old I thought I would share six things I've learned in six months.

1. Babies are unpredictable. Just when you think you have them figured out they switch it on you!
2. It is extremely hard to watch your child be in pain.I never realized just how hard this would be. 
3. You will become desensitized to poop, pee, vomit and all other bodily functions.
4. Your life truly changes after you have a baby.  Your priorities and relationships are all different
5. Pregnancy and post pregnancy hormones are no joke
6. Being a parent really is the hardest thing you will ever do but it is oh so worth it!


We had the babies six month checkup so I thought I would update their stats:

Levi:

Weight: 16 lbs 4 oz (24%)
Height: 25 3/4 in (23%)
Head circumference: 163/4 in (17%)

Levi is doing well. Perfectly healthy. Still needs his reflux medicines but other than that he is great!

Emma:

Weight: 13 lbs 3 oz (5%)
Height: 23 3/4 in (2%)
Head Circumference: 16 1/4 in (16%)

Emma is also doing very well. She still needs extra calories in order to catch up in her weight. She no longer needs reflux medicine! She is doing great!

The Big Boy and The Teeny Tiny Girl right before shots! Ouch!

Helmet Head

*My new bow shop is now open for business. You can find us on facebook and on etsy. The shop is called Sassified Bows. We will be adding a blog and other information soon!*

Yesterday just plain sucked.  We went to get Levi's helmet and to say he wasn't pleased would be putting it mildly! He screamed most of the way home and finally passed out. He did OK with it until we had to go to the Dr to get their second RSV shot. Yes, I am the crazy mom who scheduled to major events in one day. Never. Will. Do. That. Again!  The Dr said both babies look good and got the RSV shots. Can I just say that I am like every other mom and I HATE to see my babies get shots.  Once again Levi screamed most of the way home! The rest of the night both babies were extremely fussy. Crying off and on and wanting to be held.  We fed them and put them to bed only to have Levi wake up about ten minutes later literally screaming his head off. He was thrashing around and trying to pull the helmet off. Ummm not good. Not good I say. So I went in there got him and tried to get him calm. Thirty minutes later of pure screaming torture I gave in and took the helmet off. He was sweating and just plain mad.  So yea, I let my little helmet head sleep with no helmet. We will try again tonight! So here is the full helmet story!

Last week we made the trek down to the cranial tech office to have Levi's head evaluated. I pretty much already knew he would need a helmet. Two doctors and his physical therapist had told me prior to going there that he would more than likely need a helmet. I still don't know how I feel about this. Of course if he needs it then we will get it but I just really don't want to. I love his little head and I will be sad that he has to wear the helmet. But I am learning that with motherhood things don't always go as planned.

So we went to the appointment. They took pictures and measurements and then came in to talk with me about their findings. Yes, he needs a helmet. He has both plagiocephaly which means a flat spot and brachycephaly which means widening of his head.  The helmet will help to correct most of this. The torticollis will be corrected with the physical therapy and stretches that we are doing at home.

Physical therapy has been going well and I love his therapist. We are continuing to do his stretches at home and his tilt has already gotten better. So we are going to try to stick with the helmet and just may have to ease the poor guy into it. Here are a few pictures of our not so fun day yesterday!

Looking Good!

What are you doing to me mom?

And just because she is so cute!

I needed this yesterday!

My Thirty Days of Thankfulness continued:

6. I am thankful for a mom who loves me no matter what

7. I am thankful for our home

8. I am thankful for my sweet doggies

9. I am thankful for my husband's job which provides for us

Hope you all are having a great Wednesday!

Sunday Phone Dump

We had a great weekend. We didn't do much so it was nice.  We have a busy week ahead with physical therapy, two doctors appointments and a helmet fitting! More on the helmet later.  Here is a picture dump! Sorry I still haven't figured out how to do a collage. I will I promise. So for now consider your self warned. Picture overload!

They fell asleep during morning play time!

Clayton thought it was funny to put Emma's Christmas tutu on Levi's head.

And then he put a towel on Emma's head to look like a pilgrim.

Mini photo shoot outtake

So Handsome

erin Condren stickers that came in the mail

Bundled up for a walk

I love squash!

Cute new hat from aunt Jill!

Happy Sunday Friends!

Also I wanted to do the Thirty days of thankfulness but I am too late for facebook so I thought I would do them here periodically. So here we go.

1. I am thankful for my wonderful husband who loves me unconditionally
2. I am thankful for two healthy babies
3. I am thankful for new friends
4. I am thankful for a wonderful family who I love to be with
5. I am thankful for the opportunity to stay home with my babies
6. I am thankful for my health

What are you thankful for?

Happy Half Birthday

Today Emma and Levi are six months old. Wait hold the phone! That is right, six months old!  I cannot believe it. I know I say that every month but where has the time gone. I feel like I will blink and they will be going to kindergarten, driving and then leaving me for college. Slow down teeny tinies! We had an eventful six month!

During your six month we:

• went to the pulmonologist and got our first RSV shot. Ouch
• Went to academy sports and outdoors
• went to the Dallas arboretum
• went to the park and swung for the first time
• went to a Halloween carnival
• went to play at our friend Jill's house
• Levi started Physical therapy
• Went to the helmet place
• Went to a pumpkin patch
• Went to eat at Firehouse subs
• Nonny and Poppy Butch visited
• Maureen and Miles visited
• Went to Mason's soccer game

Twin happenings:

• Both have birthmarks on the back of your neck
• Both still have blue eyes
• Both don't take a paci

Levi:

Six Month Stats: will be added after we go to the dr next week

Height:
Weight:
Head circumference:
Diapers: Size 2 but soon will be in size 3
clothes: 6-9 mo

• You are sleeping better at night. You go to bed at 8 and wake up between 6:30- 8
• You have had carrots, peas, green beans, pears, apples, bananas, prunes, squash, sweet potatoes, oatmeal and rice cereal
• We learned this month that you may be allergic to apples. After eating them for the first time you broke out in hives and had diarrhea. So fun! Not! I didn't even know that people could be allergic to apples. We will try again in a month or two and see what happens
• You are going to be getting some cool new head gear soon
• You have started laughing more and it is so funny. You love to be naked and always laugh when I take your clothes off
• You still aren't a good napper but we are working on that
• I swear you can throw a temper tantrum. this makes me nervous for your toddler days
• You have started grabbing things as well as chewing on your hands
• you still will not take a paci

Emma:

Six month stats: will be added after we go to the Dr next week

height:
Weight:
Head Circumference:
Diapers: Size 2
clothes: 3-6 mo

• You are a great sleeper. You go to bed at 8 and wake up when your brother wakes you up
• You have had apples, squash, bananas, pears, prunes, sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, green beans, oatmeal and rice cereal
• You are rolling over like crazy. You roll over from tummy to back and are so close to going from back to tummy
• You are a wiggly thing. you are constantly moving and when you are sleeping I find you all over your crib!
• You love love love to chew on your fingers
• You still don't take a paci
• you are starting to put things in your mouth
• ECI is visiting you twice a month but you are making a great progress
• You smile all the time
• you are so laid back and easy going! 
• You love your daddy
• You are getting to be a pretty good  napper. If only you would teach your brother
• you are very dainty. Everything from the way you sneeze, burp, cry, move is more dainty than your brother

Dear Emma and Levi~

Half a year old! I cannot believe it. It feels like yesterday you were still in the NICU.You both have blessed us beyond belief and I am so excited for what the rest of the year has to come!  Always know that mommy and daddy love you and will always be here for you!  Happy Half Birthday!

Wednesday Randoms

It's Wednesday and my brain is far too tired to think so here is some randomness for you all!

• Levi had his helmet scan done yesterday. He should be getting his helmet next Tuesday. I will give you all a full report after that.
• Levi has started laughing and it is hilarious
• We got a new stroller today.  We chose the double city mini and I am in love!
• I am slowly trying to get some new clothes in my wardrobe. I went to Old Navy on Sunday and got a couple of shirts.
• I am so excited for my friend Casey's baby shower this weekend. She is having a sweet baby boy named Jett! I can't wait to meet him.
• The twins will be six months old on Friday and I really cannot believe it
• Clayton has started the insanity workout and it wares me out to even watch.
• Here are a few pictures to satisfy your cuteness needs!



Happy Wednesday People!

Halloween Recap

Emma and Levi had a great first Halloween. I decided to skip pricey Halloween costumes that they would not remember and went with some cute skeleton jammies that they can get multiple use out of. Yes, we will continue to use our skeleton jammies until they don't fit! 

Yesterday we had a pretty relaxed day. We hung out at home until Levi had physical therapy. The PT said he is doing very well and has already made some improvements. Go Levi!  Then we came home changed into our skeleton outfits and headed to my sisters house for dinner and trick or treating with the family.  We had a great time walking around with the cousins who were actually trick or treating!  I can't wait until next year when they will actually get candy!  Here are a few pictures from their first Halloween.

Cutest skeletons ever

Spiderman Mason and the skeletons

Mason, Stella, Emma and Levi

Kitty cat stella

Our little Family

Halloween Eve Jammies

Hope you all had a great Halloween!