Just some stuff....

I thought I would post a couple of the random videos that we have taken of the girls recently. The first would be Miss Alexis. She is all about the walking lately and checking everything out. A few nights ago, we took the girls outside to play. We thought that since it was a nice evening we would lay a blanket out on the lawn and play with their bubbles and their bubble blower that they got from Terry's Mom for their birthday. Alexis liked the bubbles but was more interested in checking out everything outside, like the mulch in the flower bed, the mailbox, the sidewalk, pulling grass.....pretty much everything except playing ON the blanket. Here's a video of her exploring....please ignore her Einstein/Don King hair do...(we are in discussions regarding haircuts, which is a blog post for another time).



Addison has also decided that she is finally ready to start walking. Every since our little sunshine was born, she has always done things when "SHE" is ready. She has been practicing with her walker toy that she got from her Uncle Keith, Aunt Veronica and her cousins for her birthday. Yes, the cat has been run over on more than one occasion. Here is a video of her with her walking toy.



Addison is walking more and more everyday. I would say, probably 15 steps at the most. But she really is getting the hang of it. I FINALLY was able to capture her walking on camera this evening. Every time that I grab for the camera it seems like she immediately stops walking and starts to crawl again. Here is a video of her with her walking in our kitchen.

Here are a couple of random pictures from this evening:

Alexis wishing she was taller so she can reach whatever is on the top shelf.

Alexis just after I told her to leave Mommy's wine alone!

Addison says, "I'm taller sissy, maybe I can help you reach what's on the top shelf."

Addison, thinking that she's getting away with something.

And a BIG birthday shout out from the girls!  They are wishing their cousin Luke a HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY TODAY!!  These aren't the best pictures, but it was the best I could do!

Thanks Lex!

So apparently Alexis took my request yesterday for quick and easy meals for the kiddos literally.  This morning I was fixing the girls some pancakes and they were playing in the kitchen.  Addison was crawling around by my feet and Alexis was walking around just excited to be out of her "gated area".  The next thing I know, Alexis has a hand full of cat food and is feeding herself breakfast.  I can't say one way or the other whether she liked it or not, but she did actually chew and swallow a couple of pieces while I was trying to pry the rest out of her hand.

Either she was too hungry to wait for her pancakes or she was trying to help out with a "quick" meal idea?  You decide?? 

The latest and greatest....

I feel like I've been neglecting my blog lately.  I have a bunch of little random things that I want to document so this post may be a little all over the place...

Official TOOTH count....

The last week or so, Alexis has been waking up in the middle of the night.  Most nights just placing your hand on her back or patting her bottom for a couple seconds will get her to go back to sleep.  It was almost like she was having little nightmares.  She would let out a little scream, wrestle around in her crib for a bit, squeal again, and just repeat this until one of us would go into their room to calm her.  I don't know why I still didn't realize that this is probably a result of teething once again. 

Last night, the girls were having a snack and Alexis snatched some cheerios out of my hand like she hadn't been fed in a week.  Apparently, I didn't let go of the cheerios fast enough because the three cheerios in my hand, along with my fingertip, ended up in Alexis' mouth.  MAN that hurt!  I yelled a very loud OUCH, as I was pretty sure she had bit off the entire tip of my finger.  Alexis proceeded to laugh at me.  Somehow causing me pain was hysterical to both girls. Go figure!  No, there was no blood and my finger tip is still in tack, with just a small bruise but I did find out that Alexis now has four teeth on the top and two on the bottom.  Seriously those things felt like daggers.  I can only imagine the pain that the girls are feeling as they slice through their gums.  Hence the sleepless nights and crabby days!  We can't wait for teething to be over!!  Addison still has her two bottom and two top teeth.  Her upper gums look very red and swollen so we are thinking that it will be just a matter of days before hers pop through as well.

Conversations...

I feel like the girls are really starting to understand what we say to them.  I feel like they can comprehend and can follow simple instructions.  They both are starting to become more vocal and mimic us A LOT!  Terry and I both are really trying to watch our language around the girls.  It's not like we walk around cursing all the time, but there are some things/words that may not be appropriate for toddlers to be saying.  For example:  The girls are very restless when you try to change their diapers lately.  They are serious wiggle worms and you either have to make sure they have a toy to distract them or you are making a funny noise to keep them intrigued.  Well, Terry was changing Alexis the other night.  He was singing to her to distract her.  He was making up a song that went something like this...."I love you, I love you, We have to change your diaper, You can't have a smelly butt butt".  I know, stupid, but we do whatever we can to keep them still.  Well, Terry kept singing "you can't have a smelly butt butt".  The next thing I know, Alexis is saying "butt butt".  NICE!!  We have since switched our vocabulary to "tushy". 

The girls have a big purple bouncy ball that we got at Wal-Mart awhile back.  Alexis likes to carry it around while Addison just likes to roll it back and forth.  Saturday morning I told Alexis to go get her ball.  She walked across the living room, picked up the ball and brought it to me.  Followed by Addison looking at me and saying "ball".  Ok, it was more like "baw" but she was saying ball. 

Addison really has started expanding her vocabulary lately.  Along with ball, Ma Ma, Da Da, she says cat, bye bye (which sounds more like buh buh) and my personal favorite "all gone".  All gone sounds more like "aw dawn" but she is just so stinkin' cute when she does it.  She throws her hands up in the air and kind of shrugs her shoulders and in the sweetest voice says "aw dawn".  Terry's been teaching her this one.  Whenever the girls are done drinking their bottles, he always says "All gone", Addison just started repeating it.  Addison also is very proficient at patty cake, SO big, and peek-a-boo.  She covers her eyes with her hands and waits for someone to say "where's Addison".  She literally will keep her hands over her eyes for a long time playing peek-a-boo.  Addison is working on mastering walking right now.  At most, she has probably taken 6 or 7 steps.  She's very delicate and careful about walking.  She reminds us of a tight rope walker, the way she uses her arms to help balance.  I think once she gets the hang of it she is going to take off like a wild woman.  Our pediatrician told us that usually with multiples, one child is more vocal and one child is more mobile.  Then suddenly they switch.  Right now Addison is more vocal and Alexis is more mobile.  Alexis definitely is the more mobile of the two.  She barely crawls anymore and walking is her primary mode of transportation.  She does talk, but mainly still babbles.  She says Ma Ma, Da Da, Cat (tat), butt butt, and other random things that she may mimic once or twice.  I think this weekend made me realize that my girls aren't babies anymore.  They are now officially toddlers!  Both girls will wave on command and can show you one finger when you ask them how old they are!  Melt my heart!!!

Food...

I have to say that typing this is my favorite part of today's post.  WE ARE OFFICIALLY DONE WITH BABY FOOD!!  YEAH!!!  After over 500 jars of baby food (this doesn't count the close to 400 containers of food that I made myself) WE ARE OFFICIALLY ON ALL TABLE FOOD!!!  This has both its pros and cons.  While baby food was so quick and convenient, I now have to plan meals for the girls.  This is quite challenging.  Trying to find something healthy, but yet soft enough for them to chew.....as well as getting them the calories that they need to pack on the pounds.  But on the up side, baby food seemed like it was costing us an arm and a leg, so we are happy to be free of the financial aspect of baby food.

The girls have either pancakes, toast, french toast or scrambled eggs for breakfast.  Followed by either, peaches, pears, or a banana.  There always is a handful of cheerios tacked into just about every meal as well.  Lunch is ravioli, shredded lunch meat, macaroni, chicken breast or some type of meat like that.  Followed by a vegetable, a handful of goldfish crackers, and some animal crackers and typically some applesauce.  We are still trying to perfect their meals to combine a healthy meal with also ease of preparation.  If anyone has any suggestions on quick, easy, yet healthy meals we would love to hear your feedback!  I'm looking forward to the days where the girls hit the mark with their weights and calorie counting is a thing of the past.

The girls are still on formula at least until their 15 month checkup.  We have switched to a toddler formula until the day we can use regular milk.  I think Terry and I will be very happy when this day comes!!  We use a can of formula a day, so that will be a nice break on the pocket book.  Our next goal is to switch to sippy cups from bottles.  Right now, it is still important for the girls to drink their bottles to get the nutrition and calories from the formula so we haven't pushed the sippy cup transition to hard.  When we gave the girls cups they were more interested in playing with them than actually drinking from them.

WOW!  I just realized that the girls will be 14 months in a week.  I still am trying to find time to take them for their one year photos.  I hope that happens soon!

Appointment Update!

I guess all and all, Alexis' eye appointment went well.  This little Gal is such a trooper.  We arrived at the appointment, signed in and was called back immediately.  The nurse, put drops in Alexis' eyes to begin dilating them.  Alexis was not happy about this, but nothing a few Goldfish crackers couldn't solve.  She had Alexis follow some objects, and shined some lights on the wall for her to follow.  She did great!  We were then sent back out in the waiting area for about 30 minutes so the dilating drops could process.  Man, I seriously did not realize how active Alexis was until this particular moment.  She would not sit on my lap for one minute!  She wanted down to play.  Terry and I took turns chasing her around the waiting area and picking up the magazines that she would pick up and immediately throw down on the floor.  Thank goodness there is a huge waiting area and we were the only ones there.  I feel like Alexis was almost running away from us at times.  She was never more than a few feet away from one of us, but when we would tell her to come here, she would get a big grin on her face and purposely walk in the other direction.  Little booger!!

It was very cool to spend some one on one time with Alexis.  This does not happen much.  Terry's mom was back at our house watching Addison so that we could focus on her appointment without having to chase two munchkins around.  We are very grateful that the girls have wonderful grandparents who help us out on numerous occasions!!

So the long and the short of it....Dr. Roberts examined Alexis.  He shined some very bright lights in her eyes.  He made her follow dots of light on the walls & ceilings.  He had her pick up small objects off the table.  Just general things to test her eye strength.

At this time Dr. Roberts doesn't want to move forward with any treatment.  He did mention the "S" word (surgery) and also mentioned the "G" word (glasses).  He added a new word this time, "patch".  But he said that he wants to give her 3 more months before making any decisions.  By giving her 3 more months, this would allow her to "actually" be one year old.  Since she was born three months early, he wants to wait until her adjusted one year birthday has past before making any decisions towards treatment. 

I've been receiving several emails with questions recently and I was just asked by a new mommy of twins to do another "favorite things" blog.  So I will be working on another Q & A blog soon if you have any questions you wish for us to answer, please feel free to email me at:  cardinalsfan0718@netzero.com and I will do my best to address your questions.

Breathe?

I can honestly say that it has been a few months since I've had a panic attack or have been seriously worried about something affecting my girls.  It's been nice to be able to semi-relax and not be uptight about results of pending tests from doctor's appointments.

As the weekend approaches I'm beginning to get that huge knot in my stomach again.  That same knot that I used to get every Sunday evening before Addison would have her weekly Monday brain scans.  That same knot that I would get before every MRI, every x-ray, pretty much basically every test my girls ever had.

Before every test, I would find myself bargaining with God.  I would have conversations with HIM, pleading for HIM to protect my girls.  I would tell HIM that I would do anything HE wanted if HE would just let them be ok.  Instead of just having faith that HE knew what was best for our family, and trusting that HE would protect us, I tried to bargain with HIM. 

My bargaining didn't work most days, but it brought me to my knees on more than one occasion.  It has made me realize that I need to just "Let go and Let God".....A much easier said than done concept for me.  So, once again today, I'm reminded a scripture I've quoted numerous times before, Jeremiah 29:11.  There is something about this gentle reminder that allows me to take a deep breath and know that everything will work out the way that it is supposed to.

You probably are wondering what I'm getting at here.....
Tuesday morning, bright and early, Alexis will see the pediatric opthamologist again.  Alexis had/has ROP (retinopathy of prematurity).  Basically ROP is abnormal blood vessel development of the retina.  Alexis' ROP was caused mainly by being born prematurely, but also because of the high amounts of oxygen they had to used to "jump start" her when she was born.

Yes, Alexis can see, and we are very grateful for that.  I know this to be true because that girl can spot a cheerio from across the room.  She has issues from time to time where her eyes will cross or where one eye will turn outward.  When she gets really tired you can see that her eyes start to bother her.  At her last appointment the doctor discussed with us the possibility of prescribing her glasses to see if that would correct the problem.  Her eye muscles are weak and generally underdeveloped.  All normal issues of a premature baby with ROP.  The doctor did also indicate that if glasses do not correct the problem she may have to have surgery to stop the abnormal blood vessels from growing.  At her last appointment he wasn't ready to make a decision regarding her treatment.  He wanted to give her a few more months to mature.  Tuesday's appointment will determine our plan of action.

I think it will literally break my heart if my little peanut has to wear glasses.  We will do whatever is in her best interest but I hope she doesn't have to.  I'm not sure if I will be strong enough to accept it if the doctor says that she needs to have surgery.  For now, I'm just trying to breath and I am praying for the best.  No, this isn't a life or death issue, but I can't help but think that my little girl has already been through enough in her short little life.

I ask all of you to join me in praying that Alexis' eye issues have all resolved on their own and that she doesn't have to have surgery.  I firmly believe that we are where we are today because of the millions of answered prayers that we have had for our family.  We can not thank each and every one of you enough.

We hope you all have a fun and safe Memorial Day Holiday!!!

What a difference a few days makes.....

Earlier this week with temperatures here in Indiana at barely 55 degrees, we were playing in the house with the girls new tunnel.  They love to crawl behind things (especially people) and crawl through things so Terry figured they would love a tunnel.  Addison, who has no fear, loves it and went right through.  Alexis was a little unsure of herself but eventually went through.  You will notice in the pictures that both girls are in long sleeves and I'm wearing a sweater....

Addison crawling through the tunnel.

Addison playing peek-a-boo in the tunnel.

Addison loving the tunnel.

Alexis not quite sure...

Alexis checking things out.

Today, with temperatures towering close to 90 degrees, we decided to fill up the girls pool and go swimming.  I figured since the girls love bath time that they would really enjoy their pool.  Of course, you have to wait 30 minutes after eating before going in the pool right.....So we had the girls model in their suits.

Above two pictures:  Miss Alexis proudly displaying her bathing suit.

Above two:  Miss Addison showing off her swimming suit.

Here are a ton of pictures of pool time:

Birthday SHOUT OUT!!!

Just wanted to wish a VERY special 1ST birthday to our fellow preemie friends.  Derek & David will be celebrating their first birthday's over the next few days.  David was born on May 16, 2009 weighing in at 1 pound 13 ounces and Derek was born May 19, 2009 weighing in at 1 pound 12 ounces.  (Yes, they are twins with different birthdays!)

Our friends, Jody & John have traveled this crazy journey with us this past year and we are so proud of their little boys.  They continue to thrive and beat the odds of most preemie boys.

Happy Birthday Boys!  Big Hugs to you all!!!

Could they be any cuter?

Official Tooth Count....

Sorry for the lack of posting recently.  Things have still been a little chaotic around our house.  Terry is doing much better but still has a lifting restriction of five pounds.  We are very fortunate that my Mom was able to stay with us after the party to help out.  The girls are loving having her around. 

About a week ago I noticed that Miss Alexis finally popped out another top tooth.  She now has four teeth.  Two on top and two on bottom.  Addison also still is holding strong with four as well.  We've been noticing that as the girls start teething more, that they aren't as interested in napping and their sleep is becoming more and more disturbed at night.  I'm hoping that this is just a phase.

I did talk to the girl's pediatrician on the phone the other day about the teething issue.  We had a chicken pox scare that I had originally called the pediatrician about, so while I had her on the phone I wanted to pick her brain regarding some other issues.  She assured me that the teething thing is all normal and the girls will eventually return to sleeping again.  I also mentioned to her that the girls seem disinterested in drinking their formula lately.  She again assured me that this too, is also normal.  She told me that as the girls start eating more and more solid table food, they will not want the formula as much.  She still wants us to continue with the formula until they are at least 15 months to help bump up their weights a little.  She told us that we may want to think about switching to a "toddler" formula. 

So, I was doing some research online regarding toddler formulas.  Obviously, it's recommended that you don't switch brands of formula.  We have always used Similac, so the girls are now using Similac Go and Grow toddler formula.  During the process of my online research I came across this toddler formula:

Does anyone else see a problem with this formula??  Is it me or am I crazy to think that chocolate baby formula is a little on the strange side????  I guess there must be people out there who use it otherwise they wouldn't make it but I still think it's weird.

So as I was pondering our formula options, and ruling out the chocolate formula, I started thinking how a dentist would feel about a toddler drinking chocolate formula.  Then it hit me....why haven't we been taking care of the eight little teeth that we now have?  I'm obsessed with oral hygiene so it shocked me that we haven't been brushing the girls teeth.  I can proudly say that I've only had 4 cavities in my entire, almost 33 years.  I didn't get my first cavity until I was in my late 20's.  I hope to be able to pass that onto my girls.

So we got out the girls toothbrushes and put them to work.  Of course, they didn't quite understand the concept of brushing their little chompers yet, but we are working on it.  Here are a few pictures:

Above Alexis:   "What the heck is this Mom?"

Above Addison:  "Mom, are you sure I'm supposed to put this thing in my mouth?  You just told me to stop putting everything in my mouth.  I'm so confused???"

Above two Alexis:  "I like chewing on this side better Mommy."

Above two Addison:  "Mom stop taking my picture, I'm really trying to concentrate here"

Above two Alexis:  "I think I got the hang of it now Mom".

Mother's Day #2

I must say that this Mother's Day was much better than the last.  While my first Mother's Day will always be special, I can't say that I missed spending the day in the hospital.  The girls were a mere 27 days old last year, while I can say I will never forget that day, I'm very happy to be looking forward as opposed to backwards this year!!

My girls were very thoughtful this year.  They got me some lovely flowers to plant in our yard as well as a manicure and pedicure.  With the help of my own Mom (since Terry still can't lift the girls), Terry had the girls sign the cards for me.  Of course their signatures consisted of the cutest little scribbles you ever saw.  I was wondering how Alexis got ink all over her face.  Apparently she was more interested in eating the pen than actually practicing her penmanship. 

The girls also got me one of those cards which plays music.  Off the top of my head, I can't recall the song?  Maybe that's because the girls took the card from me and thought it was funny to open and close it.  I'm pretty sure I heard the song close to 150 times yesterday?  Maybe that's why I can't remember what song it is?  I've blocked it from my head.  Regardless, it was pretty comical to watch the girls open the card and start dancing whenever they hear the music.

I'm very blessed to be able to call myself the Mom of two beautiful and healthy baby girls.  A year ago we weren't so sure that we would actually make it here.  I can honestly say that we couldn't have done it without the love and support of all our family and friends.  Not one day goes by that I don't thank God for granting me the privilege of being a Mommy.

Birthday Party PART 3 finally! And one year stats!

Sorry for the delay in posting these pictures.  It seems like in the last week or so, time has totally gotten away from me.  Terry's recovery is going well, but it seems like I have a lot more on my plate without him being able to help out.  I hate to admit it....but he does A LOT more than I give him credit for.  Here are the cake pictures that I know you all have been waiting for!  Enjoy!!  Stats at the bottom....

The girls were very intrigued by the idea that their highchairs were in the front yard.

Alexis left & Addison right.

Addison's first bite.

She didn't waste anytime digging into her cake.  I finally had to be the party pooper and take it away from her when she started gagging on the frosting.

Alexis' first bite.

Alexis wasn't quite as messy as Addison was, but you could tell she enjoyed it.

• ONE YEAR STATS

Addison Grace

• Weighed 15 pounds 11 ounces on April 14, 2010 (the day after their 1st birthday)
• Measured 28" tall.  Pediatrician still predicts she is going to be very tall.
• Is generally a great kiddo.  I know I might curse myself, but she is the better sleeper of the two.  If you put her in her crib, she will grab her blankie and lay right down.
• Eats very well.  The only thing she won't eat right now is cooked carrots.  She doesn't mind baby food carrots but doesn't like fresh cooked carrots.
• Still babbles a lot, says Da Da, Mama, up, and is the master "patty caker".
• She has the sweetest little personality.  I can honestly say that her personality has started to blossom more in the last month or so. 
• Still has blonde, super curly hair in the back.  The more humid it is, the curlier her hair is.
• Still wears size 6-9 month clothing and some 9 month clothes.
• Wears Size 3 Pampers Cruisers Diapers.
• Has 4 teeth, the top two and the bottom two.
• Not walking yet, but is a super fast crawler and can climb the stairs in record time.
• Love to take a bath.  I regret teaching her how to splash because she is now great at it!

Alexis Faith

• Weighed 16 pounds 13 ounces on April 14, 2010.
• Measured 27 1/2 inches tall.
• Is also generally a very good kiddo.  She has an attitude (wonder where she gets that from??) that pokes out from time to time.  She knows what she wants!
• Eats very well.  Love Cherrios.  Also does not like cooked carrots. 
• Talks a lot.  She's the louder and more vocal of the two munchkins.  Says Mama only when she is mad or wants something.  Says DaDa all the time.  Says Tat (aka Cat) and will mimic just about whatever you say. 
• Has become more reserved and makes you work to get smiles from her.  But when she smiles, it will melt your heart when she grins from ear to ear.
• Still has jet black straight hair & the largest brown eyes you have ever seen.
• Still wears 6-9 month clothing. And an occasional 9 month outfit.
• Wears size 3 Pampers Cruisers Diapers.
• Has 3 teeth.  Two on the bottom and one on the top.  I'm pretty sure she's working on more now.
• Walks like a pro except for when she is tired, she looks like a drunk.  She's become better at walking in just the last week or so.  She won't climb the stairs like Addison does.
• Also loves to take a bath.  I'm pretty sure she loves playing with her alphabet toys in the water more than she loves taking a bath.