Are You Surviving?

Are you surviving?  It's a question I get A LOT!  I know what people mean when they ask me this, but I also won't lie when I say "what did you expect me to do"?  Do people honestly think that I may not survive?  I hope not!! And dare I say that not only are we surving but I think we are doing it quite well!!  Now don't get me wrong, it can be hard sometimes but I can't help but think that this is the easy part, wait until they are mobile. 

In all seriousness I thought it would be fun to give a little insight into our "new" life with twins and a family of five.  What has really changed? 

We have tons of laundry these days, I didn't realize two babies could create so much more laundry but there is rarely a day where you won't find laundry in the washer and/ or dryer. We wash and sanitize on average 14-16 bottles a day, it feels like there are bottles in the sink to be washed constantly.  The amount of formula we go through is insane, we go through two 48 oz. containers every 11 days. Thank goodness for SAMS Club, we're regulars!   Diapers are a whole other story, we use approximately 16 diapers a day.  That means we use a typical box of 108 diapers in less than a week.

Loading up the car is another adventure, of course we had to buy a new vehicle.  Everyone says "did you get a mini-van"?  NO, I refused!  Would it make my life easier? Yes, probably.  I have always said I would NEVER drive a mini-van. I have nothing against them, it's just one of those things I never saw myself doing. Honestly we were already preparing for so many changes that a mini-van wasn't another change I was ready to make.  So, I settled for a third row SUV. I LOVE it and I still feel like "Me"!  Going anywhere takes a little more preparation and organization but we are taking it in stride.  Adam and I have never been a couple to sit at home so we figure we might as well break them in sooner rather then later.  The other night as I was laying in bed (exhausted), I realized I had loaded the boys in and out of the car 16 times that day...that's times TWO! The stroller was an additional 8 times in and out of the back of the vehicle.  I figure if nothing else I will have awesome arms after a few months of all this lifting.  Right now I can still carry them both in and out of the house at the same time but as they grow bigger I can tell that will be short lived.

Restaurants? Let's just say we chose them wisely and you become very friendly with the hostess.  When they see us coming with the bus that's my stroller they're usually more than happy to find us a spot we can all fit.  I am certain the other night at a local eatery the hostess cut us in line, the people before and after us were both told a 40 minute wait. It has it's perks I guess!  It only occurred to me the other night that as the boys grow we will no longer be able to sit in a booth or a regular 4 top table.

Another part that has been a major change is my job, I am no longer working full time.  The amount of money we would have been spending for three kids in childcare was insane, I mean we are talking $20-25K a year.  It was a hard decision but in the end it wasn't worth it to us.  Fortunately I have worked for my employer for over 6 years and they were willing to work with me, so I now work 2-3 days a week, approximately 18 hours a week.  It's perfect because I get to be a stay at home mommy and still fit in a little adult time at work, a paycheck isn't bad either.

Madelyn is adjusting fairly well, we have had a few bumps in the road but that's to be expected.  She seems super old to me some days and other days still feels like a baby.  She has become very independent and plays well by herself, I hope this will prepare her later in life.  I do find it a struggle to make sure she gets enough "mommy" time but I think we are finding a good balance.  She has gone from being in school 5 days a week to 3 days now, she will go to kindergarten next year so I am enjoying some extra time with her.  Maddy does very well with the boys, I can tell the newness is starting to wear off.  She enjoys holding, feeding and playing with them. The more responsive they become the more interested she is in trying to make them smile and laugh.

I am sure I could think of other changes and of course you have the typical "my house is a mess right now" kind of stuff, but all in all I think we are adjusting fairly well.  It all comes down to the preparation and organization!!!

What are the main changes you noticed after having a baby? Or two? Or three?

Seven Years & Going Strong

Where does the time go? It doesn't seem possible that Adam and I have been married for seven years and together for over 10.   I am blessed to have found such a great partner and best friend.

When Adam and I were dating and things began to get serious we naturally had a few conversations about children. He said he would like to have two kids, I said I  would like three.   After we had Madelyn we still hadn't agreed whether we would just have one more or would I get my way (wink wink) and try for two more.  Fast forward 3 1/2 years and we decide it's time to try for number two!  Fast forward another month and I am pregnant and headed to our first ultrasound at 8 weeks pregnant.  This is the day we got the "SURPRISE you're having TWINS"!!  I guess there will be no need for that future conversation about #3!

So, why am I telling you this? Because I knew I had an amazing husband, but it was on that day that I realized he was beyond amazing. I think most men would have had a freak out moment, Adam stayed calm...for me. I was having the freak out moment! Yes, I said I wanted three kids, I just didn't think I would get two at once. 

We are now 8 months after that day and we have 1 month old twin boys. My husband continues to amaze me and prove that I picked the best partner.  For example, every night Adam washes any dirty bottles and prepares the 6 bottles the boys will consume during the night. Then he will prepare bottles for the next day, once he is gone all I have to do is add the formula to the water.  He makes sure my coffee is ready to go each morning so I can have it when I wake up, for all you coffee drinkers you know how important it is!  Every evening Adam gets down in the floor with Carter and Colten to "play"! This gives me a few mintues to myself and also keeps them awake so they will sleep.  He is the best at getting Madelyn outside for a bike ride or sprinkler action.  I could go on but I think you get the point. I'm one lucky girl!!

Adam, thank you for being an amazing husband, father and best friend! Thank you for picking me to share this adventure with. I love you!

34 & 35 Weeks

I wish I had some fantastic news to share but not a lot has changed in two weeks other than becoming very uncomfortable.

We are estimating the babies to be between 10-11 pounds together at this point. I can still feel and see a lot of movement but can no longer tell who is who.  I love watching Madelyn's face when she watches the babies move, her giggle is priceless! I always ask her which baby she thinks it is and she always says Carter.  Carter is either already her favorite or he better be prepared for his big sister to show him who's boss.

I am continuing my twice weekly non-stress tests, so far they have all gone well. I keep thinking one of these visits they won't let me leave.  My blood sugar is being controlled pretty well with diet and a small pill dose of insulin. I am finding it more and more difficult to sleep and walk.  I can barely turn over in bed anymore, I really feel bad for Adam, I know he hasn't slept well either for a few months now.  As for walking I feel pretty good until mid-day and then the weight begins to take it's toll and I slow way down.  My newest issue is the itchiness of my stomach, it's unreal how much it itches from the stretching.  I slather it with cocoa butter numerous times a day but it's not helping much.  I have even made myself bleed a few times from scratching, maybe that's TMI but I am trying to document all of the details.

During this whole experience I have found it difficult to find a lot of "real" information on being pregnant with multiples.  Because of that I decided to document the good, bad and ugly.  I don't intend to sound negative because overall I have had a good pregnancy. Just trying to keep it real!!!!

Hope to meet these two boys soon!!