Due date!

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm a bad blogger. I haven't updated in so long. Here's the thing...when given the choice between keeping everyone happy around here (and escaping LOTS of crying) and blogging, I choose the former. But Hunter is in Madison for the night and the boys are both sleeping so I found a moment to update!

Today marks the day that Tyler and Brody were supposed to be born (July 25th). They are now six weeks old and CUTE AS EVER!!!

We took the entire family on our first trip a few days ago. We went to Madison to visit John's parents and also had a wake to attend for a friend's mother-in-law. Tyler and Brody slept most of the way in the minivan. Hunter dozed off for a while on the way there so John and I were able to enjoy a little peace and quiet and finish a conversation for once.

A woman from the health department came to the house on Thursday to check the boys out. I guess it is standard procedure for NICU patients. She measured and weighed them as well as checked out some other things (soft spots, reflexes, etc.). They are both doing well and gaining lots! Tyler weighed 7 lbs 15 oz. and Brody weighed 8 lbs. 5 oz. They had their diapers and clothes on though when they were weighed so you have to account for that (and they are in cloth diapers too and those weigh a lot more).

John went back to work yesterday after having most of the week off. I've found out how difficult it is having to care for two infants (who are often upset at the same time) as well as a 4-year-old without help. Of course, John helps as soon as he gets home from work but I'm talking about having no help during the day. Luckily the boys are usually not fussy until the evening hours and John is home by then. My sister is coming to visit in a few more days and I'm looking forward to that!

Tyler and Brody have been SUPER gassy and uncomfortable every night. It lasts from around 5 or 6 p.m. until about midnight and it gets pretty UGLY. We finally called their Pediatrician about it (and their diarrhea) and the nurse told us it could be due to the antibiotic that I had been taking for that nasty cold I had last week. They must get some of it through the breast milk. I took the last pill this morning so we are hoping for relief in another day or two. Poor little guys.

A few days ago I was trying to get them to calm down using their pacifiers and Hunter said to me, "I think they want the real stuff Mom!" I had to laugh. He has been the BEST big brother EVER! He comes over and kisses and hugs them all the time and helps bring things to me when I ask. He gets very concerned when one or both are crying and rushes over to see what the problem is. He then procedes to tell me to hurry up and get over there because "they are crying!"

I think that about sums it up! Thanks for staying tuned!

Catch up

Tyler and Brody checked out nicely at the doctor's office the other day. They are both gaining weight and healing from their circumcisions. Tyler still has a goopy eye but that's not a concern. Hunter had one that went on forever after he was born.

My mom has been visiting for the last five days and it has been a tremendous help. It's a pretty helpless feeling when both boys are crying simultaneously and you can only help one at a time. She has been able to alleviate that feeling by helping the other. Also she's been playing with Hunter a lot, preparing some meals and taking over mid-day so I can take a nap. This has especially been a Godsend because I've been sick and the boys are waking up every two or two-and-a-half hours at night to nurse. That's rough when Hunter wants to play all day and I'm runnin' on empty. TGFG (thank God for Grandma).

We sold the Jetta (sad face) and bought a minivan in the last couple of days as well so we are mobile now! We took all three boys on their first adventure together today to the Wehr Nature Center. We went on a brief hike in the woods to a waterfall. Hunter has been asking to go "somewhere fun" and we are to avoid crowded places with Tyler and Brody so this was my solution. It took three times longer to get everyone ready for the hike than to hike the trail itself but it was nice to venture out of the house for a while.

What the?

I'm not sure how that Country song got onto my blog but I think I've fixed it now. You all know how I feel about Country...

Tyler and Brody have been sleepy guys...been sleeping around 3-4 hours at a time, with an occasional 2 1/2 hour stint. Hunter insists on running up the stairs most times that the babies are crying to "help." We like to play the game, "Which one do you think it is with the problem this time?" We haven't ventured out of the house with them yet but tomorrow is the BIG day. They have their first pediatric appointment, mostly for a weight check. I'm hoping they have gained. It's impossible to know how much milk they are actually taking because I'm nursing. Since they are peeing and pooping a lot and sleeping well I'm thinking they're doing okay but we'll know for sure tomorrow.

Big brother

After helping with the twins this morning (burping, getting Tyler and Brody their pacifiers, handing off burp cloths, etc.) Hunter announced, "Whew...being a big brother sure is a lot of work!"

Home sweet home!

The boys came home today!! I'm surprised and very pleased that they both came home together. We couldn't be more thrilled! Hunter has been a great big brother so far, wanting to help feed them, burp them, rock them, bring them stuffed animals, etc. I'm sure this novelty will wear off soon enough but we're enjoying it while it lasts. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped us get through this trying time in our lives, whether by visiting in the hospital, praying for good outcomes, or just checking in every so often. It really helped tremendously and we can't express our gratitude enough. I'm not expecting to have much time for updating my blog on a daily basis anymore but will try to occasionally post when something eventful happens. Right now we are just trying to keep up with these little bundles of joy!