This Girl!

So lately I feel like people are always asking about the twins and they're great, fun and learning something everyday. But, it's my oldest "baby" who has really been amazing me lately! 

Madelyn who turned 5 a little over a month ago has literally turned into a little lady right before my very eyes.  I find myself looking at her in awe everyday as she does or says something that makes me realize she isn't my "baby' any more.  People are always asking if she is a good helper with the babies, I can honestly say "YES".  Now, she has her moments but don't we all?  She is a great helper and chooses to help more often then she plays the "I'm not the mommy" card. And yes, she really does use those words.  For example, a few nights ago Adam had put Colten to bed and went to take a shower. Maddy and I were still downstairs playing with Carter when I heard Colten crying from upstairs, I knew Carter would throw a fit as soon as I got up to leave the room and he did.  As I am upstairs trying to get Colten back to sleep I can hear Carter crying/ screaming downstairs.  I am silently praying for Adam to get out of the shower quickly to come help me but he had literally just gotten in. As I rocked Colten back to sleep and listened to Carter cry down stairs it took only a few minutes for me to realize Carter had gotten quiet.  I put Colten back to bed and raced down the stairs to find this!

Maddy had covered him with a blanket, put his paci in his mouth and laid down next to him while she sang to him...he was out!!!  I was so proud of her and she was very proud of herself.    I seriously looked at her in awe, she's an amazing big sister.  I also can't figure out how people have twins without a "little helper" at home.

*Maleficent Spoiler Alert*
I try to do things where Maddy and I can have some one on one time, this past Sunday was kind of gloomy out so I asked her if she would like to go see a movie. Of course she said yes, I decided to take her to see Maleficent.  For some 5 year old it may have been a little scary but my kid likes to watch the Pirates of the Caribbean movies so I knew she could handle it.  The movie was great and she was enjoying it and asking a few questions through out.  Towards the end of the movie you see the relationship grow between Aurora and Maleficent, their love is un-wavering for each other.  At one point during the movie Maddy looked up at me and her tear filled eyes met my tear filled eyes.  Of course she started laughing that we were both crying but it hit me hard.  My little girl is realizing the emotion and love in this movie and was actually moved to tears.  WOW, she really is growing up!

I love you like crazy, my precious girl!

*sorry for the dark iphone pics :)

Bottles Galore

This is my life these days...I wonder how many hours of the day I have a bottle in my hand. It would be interesting to know, right? Between preparing, feeding and washing, it probably feels like more time then it actually is.

It wouldn't matter if it was 24 hours a day, I wouldn't trade these two for anything!!!

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!

First Month- What Did I Learn

So we have one month under our belts as parents of twins, I can't say it has been easy but it's not as hard as I expected.  Now, give me a few more months when they're mobile and I may retract the above statement.

I thought I would share a few things I have had the opportunity to learn over the past month:

• A scheduled C-section is way better than laboring for hours before you get wheeled into the operating room.

• If you think you have enough diapers & wipes stocked up... you don't!

• Don't assume your babies will be on the same formula. 

• Boys are a whole diffrent adventure when it comes to getting peed and pooped on. Cover that thing up and quickly!

• Washing & sanitizing bottles for two babies is a full time job.

• You may be so tired at night that you think you're feeding one baby only to later realize it's the other baby...and wrong bottle. Oops!!

• Don't assume they will wear the same size clothes or diapers at the same time. This hasn't happened to us yet but only occured to me that it could a few days ago. 

• Your 4 year old will love them so much that she will want to smoother them with hugs and kisses...even at 4:00am. 

• You will plan ahead to make sure your 4 year old will get plenty of alone time only to find she will become hysterical if you attempt to make her leave her brothers.

• Eating lunch or anything before 6:00pm  will likely not happen often the first month. On the other hand, you will drink a pot of coffee every day!

• If you expect our entire family to be someplace tell us to be there 30 minutes before the actual arrival time. Otherwise, expect us to be 30 minutes late. (This is a huge pet peeve of both Adam and I, you can bet we will get better)

• Newborn pictures are a whole new level of stressful with two babies, especially when they both decide to be awake. A few drinks may be required!

• Our twins have an agreement to never sleep at the same time during the day. 

• They come out with their own language, or in our case their own grunting. They literally lay and grunt back and forth to each other.

I am sure there is more but that's all this tired brain can think of right now.  Here is to the beginning of month two!!

Hospital Pictures

Carter David with daddy

Colten Stephen with daddy

Big Sister Madelyn meeting the babies

All bathed and bundled up

Mommy & daddy comparing their looks

McCord siblings

Twin cuddles

Going home!!!

So far so good at home, I hope to update  again soon as I find time.  Will I ever have time again????

They're Here!! 38 Weeks!

38 weeks pregnant with fraternal twin boys!!  The morning of their birthday, July 2nd 2013.

Carter David is on the left, weighing 7 lbs. 4 oz. and 19.5 inches long!

Colten Stephen is on the right, weighing 6 lbs. 5 oz. and 18.75 inches long!

They are PERFECT and we are in LOVE!!

P.S. Big sister Madelyn is doing great also and seems to be smitten with them as well!!

36 Weeks with Twins

I really can't believe I am still pregnant with these guys. They just continue to plug along all comfy in there, I thought with my height (5'2") they would've arrived by now but I guess they are content!

My stomach has dropped and it's getting harder and harder with each day to carry them. My c-section is scheduled for July 2nd if I don't have them before that.  I went out and bought little 4th of July onesies for them! Next week we have a growth ultrasound scheduled on the 27th, I am so anxious to know how big they are. We are estimating around 6 lbs each. Whooaaahhh!!!

It's clear that my doctors primary concern is for the babies to stay put as long as possible.  Because they took me off work I have been able to rest and take things easy, I am positive this is why I have been able to carry them this long. 

My blood pressure continues to do well since being off work and the babies are doing so well with the non-stress tests. My biggest complaints are the heartburn and the stretchmarks which actually feel like burns at this point.  I am also experiencing quite a bit of pain around my original c-section scar, I guess it's scar tissue that is being pulled and causes a burning sensation.

Here is a picture Adam took the other night while I was sitting on the couch. The babies move around so much and it looked like one of them actually sat up, my stomach was so deformed looking. 

Here is to 36 weeks, working on 37!!

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!!

33 Week Update!!

So far this week I have had a non-stress test, ultrasound and doctor visit...and it's only Wednesday of a short holiday week.  My next visit will be Friday for another NST.

The boys are doing great! Their heartbeats are baseline around 130-140 beats per minute.  Carter is weighing in at 4lbs 8 oz. and Colten at 4 lbs 11 oz.  Yep, you can do the math!  It's extremely hard to get their length now because they're all bunched up in there but we believe it's about 35 inches of total baby. They are positioned like the number 7 across my belly and Carter is already sitting on Coltens head, poor little guy!

My blood pressure is great since my doctor took me off work and I haven't had much swelling yet, knock on wood.  I have a feeling with the higher temperatures coming that is probably short lived.   Both boys seem to be very active starting at 9:00pm, that's when I am most uncomfortable.  The back and pelvic pain is getting more and more intense as well and making sleep more difficult.  Overall I can't really complain, I have made it to 33 weeks with twins and that's an accomplishment in itself.

I can say that going out in public is becoming increasingly annoying.  People are just rude!!!  I told Adam a few weeks ago that people stare at me. He said "oh, it's just your imagination".  Well, after a weekend outing with me he agreed that people do stare and it's mainly women!  I actually had a lady come up and ask me "if I was having twins?"  I replied, "yes, actually I am having twins".  It's a good thing for that lady that I am, because she probably wouldn't have enjoyed my response otherwise!  So, I urge my fellow ladies to flash a smile at those  very preggo mommies you see rather than stare.

That's all for now, we will continue to keep everyone updated over the next month!!

32 Weeks with Twins

               View from my NST's.

Not much has changed since my last update other than being another week farther along. 32 weeks was another milestone for me, at this point in my pregnancy my doctors and I are just hoping for another two weeks at a time. My next goal is 34 weeks, if I can get to 34 then the percentage of possible issues and NICU time will drop significantly.  Next week I have a growth ultrasound scheduled where we can see how big they are and how much room/ fluid they have. 

Fatigue has returned, it's horrible in the first trimester and returns again in the third.  So if you call or text me and I don't respond right away it's probably because I am snoozing!

31 Weeks with Twins

I can't believe we are getting down to the last few weeks before our baby boys will be here. It brings all kinds of emotions, we are excited, anxious, scared and the list goes on.  

Quick update on what is happening at this point, at 28 weeks I failed my 1 hour glucose test. Yay for me, this meant I got to do the 3 hour glucose test.  I had the same scenario when pregnant with Madelyn but I passed the 3 hour test with  her, this time I wasn't so fortunate.  I guess it's more common to get gestational diabetes with fraternal twins because I have two placentas, something about hormones and having to regulate 3 people. I now monitor my blood sugar 4 times a day and have a specific diet to follow, I also take a small dose of insulin in pill form twice a day.

Last week I started twice weekly Non- Stress Tests (NST) at the hospital. I go to labor and delivery and the nurses hook me up to two fetal heart rate monitors and a contraction monitor for an hour.  They are watching for contractions but more importantly they want to see both babies heart rates fluctuate by 15 beats per minute over the baseline for 15 seconds.  My first NST was a little difficult because it was hard to determine two seperate heart beats, they were very similar and the nurse felt she kept getting Baby A's heartrate and Baby B wouldn't stay still.  She eventually got it and both babies passed. 

I will also see my doctor in the office once a week from here on out. This is to see how I am doing and monitor my blood pressure for any signs of preeclampsia and pre-term labor.

Many people ask how I am feeling, I have really tried not to complain (except to Adam) because I know how fortunate we are to be having another baby, let alone two. I have been doing well overall but at 30 weeks something changed and this got a lot harder.  Both babies are very low and putting a lot of pressure on my pelvis and bladder. Some days I feel like I might as well hang out in the bathroom. Sleeping is becoming much more difficult and uncomfortable, I can't seem to find a good position and as soon as I do, I wake up to use the bathroom. As most of you know I am only 5'3" on a good day so the babies have no place to go but straight out, this is causing increased back and hip pain. All in all I am trying to stay positive, I know it will all be worth it when we see our boys faces for the first time!!