Our homework

Practicing our tummy time homework...

Where to begin...

Boy has it been busy... and fun the last few days. Not sure where to start... we have been celebrating Christmas every day since the last post - With Wayne & Gail, with the Wood Aunts & Uncles and with the Kolkhorsts. Also, throw in a birthday celebration for Grandma Wood in between!

Charlie has been loving every minute. He loves opening presents and actually takes time to look and enjoy what he's opened, although the unwrapping has gotten a bit speedier with each day :o).

Pictured with Great Uncle Joe, here is his new digger made by Joe. It is perfect for a sand loving beach boy!!! He's also loving his new trains, (lego train and wood train). He went back to school today - reluctant to leave his toys.

It has been nice to be with crowds and have an extra hand for feeding and changing diapers as well. Matt & Will have done great, considering their parents have been keeping them as hermits (only to avoid germs per dr's orders), but they love hitting the road and are party animals like the rest of the Nystrom's.

Matt & Will's 2 Month APPT

Sat. the babies celebrated their 2 month birthday and had their 2 month dr. visit today.
Our last visit was 12/1.

Matt has gone from 8 lb 12 oz, 20 1/2 in to 10 lb 10 oz, 22 in.

Will has gone from 8 lb 12 oz, 20 in to 11 lb 2 oz, 21 1/2 in.

It was quite a long visit with waits in the lobby, the exam room and the lab after 4 shots (Yuck). Mom, Matt & Will were all exhausted AND HUNGRY by the end of 2 hrs, but we've all recovered now. Thank goodness.

What's next?
Well after a little more birthday celebrating and bowl watching, guess we'll be getting serious about our Nanny Search. We haven't had a lot of luck just yet, but are probably getting the results that have met the effort gone into the search. We'd like to find someone 5 days a week, but may have to do 3 or 4 days a week. We will see. Going back to work is coming around all too fast. I am supposed to return Jan 18. but may have a little leeway to make it to Feb 1. Seems only fair since we spent 17 of our days together in the hospital.

We have really enjoyed the past week with Charlie & Dad at home. It is a bit sad to send them off to school/work today, but looking forward to another 5 day weekend!

Matt is in Navy

Will & Dad are the birds.

Merry Christmas!

What fun we've been having!!!

we spent the day at the Wood's yesterday, making cookies (NAPPING for the only time in 4 days, yeah!!!) , eating and opening presents.

Today has been great. Charlie put out reindeer food and cookies for Santa last night. He was thrilled to come down this morning and find a choo choo train which is what he has been telling Santa he wanted.

More later...

Busy Weekend

It's been a whirlwind weekend! Jon and I scooted out Friday night to go to his work Christmas party while Ken & Linda watched the boys. It was nice to get out and socialize (and to know who Jon is hanging out with all day!). Although, about 9:30, we were both fading fast! Wonder why.

Charlie had quite a busy weekend too. We went to see Elmo's Green Thumb at the Richmond Coliseum. It was quite enthralling - for about 20 minutes :o)

We did make it through the 1st act and maybe half of the 2nd (who has an intermission when entertaining 2-4 yrs olds?) with the help of a light up Elmo toy and popcorn.

And yesterday we went with Grandma Wood (While Papa stayed with babies) to see Christmas lights and visit the James Center Lights (still the coolest) and the train display. Lots of fun!!!

Will & Matt are doing great. Both are now smiling here and there which is a big treat! They are both polishing off 4 oz bottles just about every feeding. Matt is catching up with Will's plump cheeks.

Good morning!

This is lined up for Diaper Changes this morning!

ha!

Count down is on...

Charlie is very excited about Christmas and going to see Elmo this weekend. Elmo and friends are coming to town!

Babies are good, we were only up 1 time last night. Yippee!!! You can see from pictures, they are both pacifier babies. Something new for us!

Prepping for the next game

Ok, at least if we are brainwashing our kids, it's not something horrific. There couldn't be anything wrong with being a dedicated Hokie from birth, could there?

Everyone is feeling great. Took all 3 boys to the dr. today. Charlie's double ear infection is completely cleared up and the babies are both putting on weight again and breathing good. Matt still has a little junk in his upper airways, but it's clearing out. It is a relief - especially for the bottle feeders, it is a little less risky these days (no throwing up!). Matt weighed 9 lb 1 oz and Will weighed 9 lb 12 oz.

Things are well in the Nystrom Household...

Right now, babies and Charlie are down for a nap. Not everyone is sleeping (Charlie) but at least everyone is taking a break. Both the babies seem to feel so much better. They actually slept from about 12:30 to 4:45 a.m. last night, which was great. After 4 consecutive hrs of sleep I felt like I could run around the block!

Charlie is catching on to this idea of Santa Claus coming to bring presents. We bought the "Elf on the Shelf" book/elf. The jist of it is, the Elf sits on a shelf and watches to see if you are naughty or nice. Each night that you are good, he flies away to tell Santa and comes back to a different spot the next day. If you are bad, he stays in the same spot... Our elf flew away last night and came back to sit in our family room today. We have been talking to the elf quite a bit... Maybe he should be sitting by Charlie's crib though...

Hanging out

Matt in blue/white, Will praying to go home :o)

Things are going pretty well since we came home. Charlie spent the night at Grandma K's.

Matt and Will seem to be feeling a lot better. Matt has had a few coughing spells and we have done 2 breathing treatments just to help relax him and try to help those, but otherwise he seems much better.

Aunt YaYa is here helping, while we are getting straigtened out (once again).

We busted out!

The Dr. thought we were well today and since Will had been on oxygen for just a little bit, they decided to release us. We are now home!

Friday

Good morning. We had a good day yesterday.

Will seems to be doing much better. His lungs are sounding clear and he has just a little cough here and there. We removed his oxygen yesterday about 9:30 a.m. He did great all day although he had to go back on overnight until about 4:00 a.m. It is very common for babies to have to go back on overnight for whatever reason...

Matt seems improved too. His lungs are still sounding course (congestion in the lungs) but they do seem to improve after breathing treatments and chest PT. He has coughing spells which don't help his eating (or reflux), but we're hoping at least that means stuff is breaking up. Matt came off oxygen about 1:00 p.m. and stayed off all night.

Funny, where is the logic? Matt has seemed to have a much worse case of RSV but Will dipped on oxygen... The babies have to stay off oxygen for 24 hrs to be considered for going home along with just general improvement...Our best case scenario for coming home would be Sat.

The grandparents took over last night. Ken and Linda were on the evening shift and mom (Jane) spent the night so I could come home and sleep (in my own bed at that). THANK YOU GRANDPARENTS!

So, we'll see how today goes. Thanks for thinking of us! Sally

It's a Roller Coaster

For those that don't know the full story, we are back in the hospital. Matt was admitted Sat. afternoon and Will was admitted Sun. afternoon. Jon and I became very concerned about Matt b/c he was not holding down any feedings, about 3 in a row after not taking much previously... His cough also became "tighter" and more frequent. Will's symptoms progressed about the same way, just a little later.

Since we have been at the hospital, Matt & Will's treatment has been the same for RSV. They were both put on oxygen (a tube to their nose), put on IV's and given treatments from Respiratory Therapists. The respiratory treatment has varied, but consisted of nebulizer breathing treatments of Ibuteral (this is done if they are wheezing), chest PT (thumping their back to break up what's in the lungs) and suctioning their noses.
Both boys have come of the IV's since they have been taking their bottles regularly and been keeping them down. The nebulizer treatments have only occured a couple of times in the past 36 hrs and are only to be down as needed. We did take both boys off oxygen yesterday. However, they both went back on oxygen overnight. That is to be expected that they need oxygen while sleeping though maybe not when awake.
They are being monitored with a pulse-ox for oxygen levels and heartrates...

Yesterday I thought we were doing a lot better, but last night after hitting a few road bumps, I'm not sure. They have to be off oxygen for 24 hrs before they can go home. That is the main thing the Hospitalist doctor's are watching. We have a nebulizer that we can give breathing treatments at home. We had hoped to get home Thurs. But I am thinking it will be at least Friday or Saturday now.

I am sitting at the nurses station now. There isn't wi-fi here on this floor so a bit more complicated to get on the blog although I can check email from my blackberry.

Charlie is back at school this week. Jon has been staying with him at night and I have been at the hospital. Luckily, our "village" has been here constantly and helping feed babies, change babies and hold them upright to help their congestion. We have been lucky to have at least 1 if not 2 grandparents here most of the day and the nurses are also great about helping out with feedings, etc.

Thanks to everyone for your calls and emails!

Hospital UPDATE

Hi. Just saw a pediatrician from our practice. Feel better after talking with her. She said the hospitalist is going to try and wean the babies off breathing treatments and oxygen today.
Also both put on weight. Will was up to 9 lb 2 oz ( a little higher bc of iv and board) but significant gain and Matt has put on 2 oz up to 8 lb 2 oz (he doesn't have an iv anymore) which is great.
I keep hearing that feeding is a sign of how they are doing and both are doing great, taking 4 oz the last 2 feedings which has been a continued increase over the past few days.
We will be here at least 24 hrs after they go off oxygen. Probably at least Thursday...

Laundry...

Jon and Charlie are off to soccer this morning. A group here offers soccer "play" for kids 18 months and up, so they are off to check it out with Charlie's buddy Holden.

Matt and Will are about the same. Dr. Barto came to our house yesterday morning to check on them. Both are still really congested, but do not have trouble breathing or have mucus in their lungs. We are having a bit harder time feeding them, and having lots of spitting up - really more than just spitting up (due to sinus drainage) I think since last night Matt has on his 4th outfit and I may have on my 4th change of shirt... Luckily our washing machine works great.

Today is Thursday, right?

Time is blurring together, yet some days seem like a few :o)

Charlie, Matt & Will are trying to recouperate. I think Charlie is feeling much better and not coughing/congested nearly as much. Matt & Will are about the same. Congested in upper airways, but it doesn't seem to have gone into their lungs. They aren't eating as much - understandable when you have so much gunk. But we are trying to make sure they get enough calories.

I can't say enough positive things about our pediatricians, Dr. Lora Christian and Dr. Judy Barto. The practice has been fabulous. I wouldn't have ever thought to ask if they make hospital visits, or call for follow ups, etc. But the practice sent someone to see us every day we were at Henrico Dr's with Matt. And Dr. Christian and Dr. Barto have been calling every day. We have been talking to someone 2 to 3 times a day. It just makes you feel very supported.

Hopefully we are nearing the hump or crossing over...

Due Date

Today is Matt & Will's actual due date. Hard to believe, isn't it???

Charlie seems to be feeling better... he has been playing with his Papa Wood (yesterday and today) while he is recouperating and to keep a little space between he & the babies.

We have been watching the babies very closely to see if they are developing RSV. Matt tested borderline on Monday but stayed the same until about this morning at 5:00 am. He seemed more congested and had a cough. Will also woke up congested for the first time (he hadn't shown any symptoms of being sick until then). So, we took them to the Dr's. this morning.

[RSV is serious in infants and our doctors have been so diligent about checking in and staying on top of this (they called 3 times yesterday!). It is serious due to settling in the lungs.]

Both Matt & Will's lungs were clear and they are not weezing. They are both eating well and not fussy, all good things. The next 24-48 hrs will likely be when symptoms could get worse. But we are keeping our fingers crossed that they don't.
Time will tell!

One positive :o), Dr. Barto, our friend and neighbor saw us this morning and gave us more formula samples. While we there, the Enfamil Sales Rep. was also there and she is having him send us a case! I asked if he drove a sleigh and Jon asked if he knew the Miller Lite rep. HA!

Friday 11/28, Mom & Dad with Twins

Life is good!

Doctor's Visit...

We had a 1 month check up for Matt & Will today... they are both doing well and weigh about 8 lb 12 oz. They are really putting on the weight! We are switching formula's to try and avoid so much spitting up. Now that they are mostly on formula, they have been a little more fussy/gassy, etc.
In case you see coupons - we are using Enfamil. They run in the paper every once in a while.

Charlie went with us to the dr. He has had a cough, but much more congested yesterday (although he was in a great mood) and today he is much worse. It turns out he has a double ear infection and RSV. He's on antibiotics and we're trying to disinfect our house. It's not serious for a 2 1/2 yr old to have RSV, but it can be serious for infants and won't be good for the twins to get it. We'll be keeping close watch over them this week...
We are going to do all we can to help Charlie recover as quick as possible!

Yeah Tech!!!

It was a little nerve wrecking - but glad we pulled out a win!

Getting ready for Christmas

Charlie & Jon spent the morning out back, decorating our outdoor Christmas Tree. It is complete w/Moose! After Charlie spent the afternoon pulling around his dumptruck and picking up sticks, we came in and pulled out Christmas ornaments. He is definitely related to his GG Aunt Betty. He looked at every ornament and said, "Oohh, Ahhh." I was amazed to see him sit still for so long!
I'm not sure if he fully understands the concept of Santa Claus, but he is starting to know who he is... We are reading our elf book or Santa book almost every night.

The twins are great. We've had a run of good nights since Tues. night, so that is very helpful to mom and dad!

PS

Hope you feel better Margaret!

And thanks for all the yummy desserts!

Happy Thanksgiving

What a great day - Our twins are exactly 1 month old today and boy, do we have a lot to be thankful for... We are really lucky to have such healthy children all around. It is amazing to think of all the advances in modern medicine since just a "few" years ago.
We spent the morning at the Wood's with Yaya, Tommy, Joe, Elizabeth, Grandma, Papa, G Uncle Earl and G Aunt Alice.
Instead of turkey, we went for a fantastic brunch.

Thanks to Alice for the beautiful crocheted blankets and to G Aunt Margaret for the quilts. Since we're doing a lot of laying around, they'll come in quite handy :o)

this is what life looks like in the Nystrom household

Disheveled!

This is from 11/10.

making it!

Things are going well here- we had a nice weekend. Charlie made it out to the Maymont Nature Center and had some of his friends visit to play. A nice entertainment break!

We are looking forward to seeing all our Aunts, Uncles, Cousins this week!!!
Hopefully we will get some good naps today (meaning MOM!). Matt & Will couldn't quite get comfy last night after there 2:30 am feeding and kept us up a little bit.

P.S. Yesterday's Weigh In

Both boys had picked up 5 oz since TUESDAY! That is quite remarkable.
Matt was 7 lbs even and Will was 7 lbs 4 oz.
We have another "weigh in" this coming Tuesday, but not sure how many more we'll need.
Hopefully not many :o). I just opened the pediatrician bill... yikes!

schoowee!

I will say, it is very nice to have use of my own body again!!! I can run up and down the stairs and walk to the mailbox w/o the need to sit down immediately or an aching back. Even though I never made it to official "bedrest" it was pretty much not an option to be moving around there at the end. It is great! I even bought a pair of jeans this week so I can wear a non elastic pair of pants ;o) (and we'll keep working on getting back into my old jeans! but for now I'm happy!)

Now off to 3 loads of laundry & daily dishwasher run...

Wed.

Things are going well here. Matt, Will and I attended an infant massage class yesterday. It is being offered at church for free, a 4 week class. They decided to sleep through most of it, so I had a baby doll to practice on!

Also, we are continuing with the weight checks. After our visit with Dr. Christian (pediatrician) last Friday, she thought we'd continue for another 2 weeks or so.

Yesterday, Matt weighed 6 lbs 11 oz, Will weighed 6 lb 15 oz. So they are both putting on weight at a reasonable pace.

Our big "night out"

It's always an adventure at Marilea Road. Yesterday our power went out about 3:30 in the afternoon. No biggie, but for a mom that is only "pumping" and not nursing, I need electricity!!!
Jon & Charlie were very helpful in getting many flashlights set up and providing light. Charlie also enjoyed trying to flag down the power man but no avail.
Therefore, we called our friends Mark & Kylie who were nice enough to let us go over to their house while they weren't even there... after packing up Charlie's PJ's, Twins, bottles, burb clothes, diapers, change of clothes, pump, etc. and picking up a Happy Meal from McDonalds.
Although not planned, we rather enjoyed our night on the town. And were able to catch up with Mark, Kylie & Noah when they came home. This was my 1st trip out of the house besides St. Mary's Hospital, Henrico Dr's Hospital or the Pediatricians (Lordy!) office in 3 weeks!
This week we have more on the schedule, and hopefully won't have to rely on a power outage to motivate!

Go Hokies!

Charlie is geared up for tonight's game!

sleeping babies

This picture was taken just a minute ago... Things are going really well. These guys have managed to get themselves on a coordinated schedule... Eating around:
7:30-8:00 am
10:30-11:00am
2:00 pm
5:00 pm
8:00 pm
11:30 pm
3:30 am

It's working out pretty well. Pump, eat, diaper, sleep... Takes a bit to get used to getting up in the middle of the night again. Jon is much better at staying on task and getting babies back in bed quick. I move slow and just sit there staring at the wall :o) but am getting better at cutting down the time awake.

We've had a lot of help this week from Grandma's and Papa. And dinner from Christy Hunter!

Charlie has been much more even keel after a week of regular routine. I think even towards the end of my pregnancy, he knew that something was about to hit the fan and was trying to adjust even then.

It is raining leaves at the moment. A nice dreary day to camp up inside.

Weigh in's

Matt weighed 6 lb 2 oz and Will 6 lb 3 oz today. Matt was discharged on Sunday at 5 lb 12 oz, so he is packing it on! Next weight check: Thursday. Stay tuned :o)

It's great to be home!

Will & Matt are both doing great. They both just ate at about 9:00 a.m. Hopefully we will get a normal schedule 1 day. Although, right now, I will settle for the fact that they are on the same schedule even though a moving target.
It is nice to get into a routine!

Home healthcare is supposed to come this afternoon for a weight check for Matt.

Charlie is adjusting pretty well, with only a few momentary outbursts. But who doesn't have those? (he is his mother's son :o)

3 feedings

well, we seem to have really turned the corner. Matt has taken 3 full feedings, 3 hrs apart. This is great, b/c in the hospital he was on a 4 hr schedule/same volume.
Also, Matt & Will seem to have self-regulated their schedules and last ate together at 5:00 p.m. Hopefully, we'll be able to keep up the synchronized schedule. They are laying face to face in the bassinet and so cute. Tonight is only our 4th night at home with everyone. Wow and it is Nov. 9th. Where does the time go?

Matt is home!

He checked out about noon today! He is doing much better.

Progress!

Matt has taken full feedings since last night at 9:00 p.m. and had his feeding tube removed today. He is really much more alert and waking up to eat. Should all go well tonight and he gain or stay at the same weight, he will come home tomorrow. Yeah!
It will be nice to have all my Nystrom boys under 1 roof!!!

Big Day

1- The twins 1st Hokie Football Game

2- 1st Bath

3 - Matt took 60 ml / 2 oz with the bottle and no feeding tube!

Matt seemed to be much more alert today and took his full bottle w/o the feeding tube at 5:00 p.m. feeding. That is a major accomplishment after struggling to get 20 ml. Hopefully, that trend will keep up. The speech pathologist says that the signs of hunger come in 2 waves. 1st, alert/open eyes. 2nd, turning the head looking for food/ crying/etc. It seems like we might have hit the 1st wave.

Matt will likely be at the hospital til he hits the 2nd wave and has a good 24 hrs. That is probably putting him there through Sun. at least.

Last night, Jon, Charlie, Will and I came home while Grandma W stayed overnight at the hospital w/Matt. Charlie & Jon went to school/work while Will and I went to stay with Matt during the day. We are at home again tonight and Grandma W is back.
It has been great to get home but also know Matt is in great hands.

GO HOKIES!

Day 3 of our hospital tour

On Monday Nov 3, we had our first visit to the pediatrician. We were concerned with Matt's eating over the weekend as he was not eating enough. We felt that he was not as alert as he should be. The Dr. agreed and suggested we enter the hospital to get feeding back on track. She felt that Matt was acting like a '35-week term preemie'.
We entered Henrico Doctors Monday afternoon. After observation the Dr. put Matt on a feeding tub so he does get the full amount needed.
We also met with a speech pathologist for infants and a nutritionist. We are adding calories (formula) to his milk for extra calories. We are also working with Matt on feeding positions etc to help. The speech pathologist believes he is experiencing reflux, wich is normal for preemies.

Today, day 3, Matt has put on some weight ( 2 oz) which is good, but Matt continues to be very sleepy during feedings. We are changing his feeding schedule from every 3-hours to 4 hours in hope that he gets more rest and wakes up hungry. This hunger issue should impr0ve with age and weight gain ( technically Matt should still be in the womb).
Meanwhile, Will is here during the day as a vistor along with his mom and Grandma W.
At night Will is home with his dad. Charlie is at school and Grandma K.
This has been exhausting , stressful, frustrating ans has its ups and downs. We are fortunate that this is the only problem we are having with the preemie twins.
We are not sure how long we will be in the hospital as we are just waiting for the 'hunger light to click.'
We are at a different hospital and in the PEDs unit as this hospital has a private room for Matt and mom stays as his guest. Matt and I are 'secret hsopital shoppers'. We miss the Wi-Fi at St Marys but appreciated the great nurses here.

Calls and emails are welcome. Marilea7716@yahoo.com and JonbNystrom@yahoo.com
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
Sally and Jon

Charlie in Charge

Well, we made it home and survived our 1st night home together. Jane, Charlie, Linda & Ken were there to help us settle in. Charlie went with Jon around the neighborhood as Bob The Builder to load up on sugar. M&M's for breakfast, aint bad.... little Charlie has been a big help taking care of his new little brothers. little Charlie and Jon took a break away from baby duty to enjoy the nice weather and wear off the M&M buzz.

BOO!! We're bustin out!

The twins busted out early Monday (3:35am), now we're bustin out just in time for tricker treaters..... (3:35pm Friday) Hopefully Greta and Charlie will think Matt and Will are treats :)

Hurry up & wait!

We are sitting in our hospital room, waiting to see if Will & Matt will be discharged today. We met with the pediatrician this morning and she thought they were doing well, but wanted to run the billyrubin test 1 more time (drew at 2:00, Billyrubin levels indicates how well the liver is breaking down red blood cells ?, what creates jaundice...) We should know in a few hours, but have packed up all our things. We are ready to bust out of here!

Day 4 in the World

Matt & Will are going to be spending most of today in the nursery under lights to treat billyrubin/jaundice levels. We saw the Pediatrician this morning and he wants to keep their levels under control and don't spike up. The more they eat and poop, the better that will break down the billyrubin.
Meanwhile, Dad is working to get things ready at home and mom is trying to get as much rest as possible before discharge tomorrow.
It is a day by day call when Matt & Will will be going home. We hope sooner than later! :o)

Who's Who?

Today the boys were taken off of their IVs and antibiotics. (two less cables to manage) This meant we were able to get them together to see who looked more like Mom or Dad. Please leave any comments on our blog as to your opinion. William "Will" is on the right and Matthew "Matt" is on the left. BTW, they are being moved from NICU to the nursery later today. (Hopefully we put them back into the right crib!) Updated by Jon while Sally's asleep.

Charlie meets his brothers!

Charlie came to the hospital yesterday afternoon and met his brothers. He was very excited to come into the NICU, put on his gown and meet baby Matt and baby Will. Charlie and dad had brought "presents" from home (thank you Aunt Betty) he gave them each a blankie toy (horse & cow). He was thrilled to see they brought him presents too!
Although, he may have been must excited to ride up the escalator ramp!

Charlie at Will's bassinett

Charlie, Mom & Baby Matt

As of this morning, babies are doing well. Both are coming off antibiotic IV's which will be much more comfortable and there is a rumor floating around that they may move to Well-Nursery today. We will see - nurses are very tight lipped :o)

Things are still going very well...

Both babies are down to just a regular bassinet although both seem to have jaundice setting in. No big surprise given their gestational age. They are technically 35 weeks today!
Charlie is headed up this afternoon to meet his new brothers. Yeah!

P.S. It may have been a given that we were due to have the twins Sunday. Heard from our friend Beth early Sunday that she delivered her twin boys. They were due the same day as Matt & Will and we seem to be living parallel lives (same treatment plan, same Doctor practices, etc). Her boys are doing well and in the NICU with Matt & Will.

Just back from NICU - 8:00 p.m.

We made it back down to the NICU, both boys are doing really well. Matthew ate about 24 cc's (almost an ounce?) which is really good (so they say). William is off the CPAC machine. We got to hold both babies which was a first for me!!! It was great. Both boys were opening their eyes and looking at us.

Welcome to the World!!!

Wow, what a night! Jon and I had a great time at the Dave Matthews/Tim Reynolds concert for Obama and hanging out w/Joe & Elizabeth.
We came home and went to bed - not more than an hour later my water broke and we were on our way to St. Mary's Hospital and Grandma & Papa Wood were back at the house to stay w/Charlie.

At 3:33 a.m. Matthew Bradshaw entered the world at 19 inches, 5 lbs 15 oz.
William Patrick followed at 3:35 a.m. weighing 6 lbs 8 oz, 17 3/4 inches. Both babies are being monitored in NICU. Doctors/Nurses are all very pleased at the baby's conditions at this point. Matthew needs no special care at this point and William is working his way off of his CPAC (breathing help) (he looks like a fighter pilot...)

Keep checking back for more updates and pictures!

hmm... what if

A thought just occurred to me... What if the twins are waiting to see who wins the election? I hope it's not like ground hog day and they decide to stay in for another 6 weeks (or 4 yrs!) if the wrong person gets elected.








Ah, Lordy help me. I might be losing my mind!

done

It's official, I have crossed off my to do's. The nursery is set up, sheets are on the crib. Pack n plays (bassinet) are ready to go for upstairs & downstairs, batteries are bought for all the bouncy seat/swings. Car seats are all over the place. We added a freezer to the basement to stockpile food for our winter hibernation and have started to fill it. Charlie's Jewish Holidays are over at school and he should be able to get back into a routine. My absentee ballot is in the mail, so I think I am ready any day. Would like to make it to 35 weeks next Tues. or possibly 36 weeks but I really have to talk myself into it. I don't know who I'm kidding - the choice will not be mine :o)

I have incentive to make it to Sunday - Dave Matthews acoustic concert (for free!). After that, not much. I guess I could still try and hold out for the holiday birthday. Halloween or Election Day? No to Veterans Day or Thanksgiving. Sanity will be gone by then...

Sitting atop the James River watching Trains go by

Jon and Charlie headed to the Richmond Folk Festival weekend before last... in addition to the music, they took in the scenery while there and enjoyed the bridge from Belle Isle. It is a great event and worthwhile the trip to Richmond!

Pregnancy Syndrome

Well, they say when a wife is pregnant, that her husband also puts on extra weight. In our household, it's even carried over to the dog. Greta had a visit today to check on her fatty tumors and has been put on a diet. She's gained 5 lbs in the last couple of months! ha. Guess we'll all be going on Weight watchers soon enough.

No change...

Had my 34 week appt. today. Both babies are doing well, scoring a 10 out of 10 on scores for movement, lung movement, heart rate, etc. The score is similar to Apgar, but pre birth.
According to Dr. Tate, I am going great - blood pressure is staying even, no change in fluid, etc.

After my appt. I scooted over to the hospital to visit my friend due the same day w/twins. She and I met at "expecting multiples class" and have a lot in common... She has started contractions (therefore put in the hospital last week) and been put on oral medication to hold things off a bit longer, although will be released perhaps tomorrow. She and I both agreed that although WE are READY, it's best for the babies to cook a bit longer.

Today is 34 weeks. After this point, they will not stop labor should it come on, but it is a bit early.

On another note, Jon was able to get tickets for us to see Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds at the VCU Siegel Center (The concert is to raise awareness for Obama) this coming Sunday. Joe & Elizabeth, Laura & Tommy are also going. Now just trying to figure out if I can get wheeled in :o)

It is 34 Days until November 18th!

33 weeks

Just got back from today's appt... it went amazingly fast, no wait today (you never know what will happen!)

During the ultrasound today, they checked for lung motion (preview of breathing skills?) and fluid around the babies. No growth measurements. It is always interesting, you never know what you're getting...

Did the non-stress test again (machine was there & ready, even before my appt time). I had to have a coke as the babies were sleeping to get some movement activity, but everything was fine.

Anyhow, Dr. Tate thought it was very possible I could make it to 38 weeks (Nov 18). And the only way she'd move things up is if something changes (fluid/non-stress test indicators/movement/etc). They said I was smiling too much to be in too much misery... darn.
Ah well, remembering it is all for the best. Once you make it to this point, you are over the long term health issues, but if you can make to 37-38 weeks, the other "smaller" issues such as jaundice/eating problems/sleeping all improve.

Touch a Truck

Papa Wood and Jon took Charlie took to a fundraiser "Touch a Truck." I think all of the boys really enjoyed it. Funny enough, Charlie liked seeing the SPCA's Cats (they had an exhibit) and the caterpillar trucks (b/c they were handing out candy!) the most.

We also enjoyed celebrating GG Aunt Betty's Birthday!

32 Weeks

I had my 32 week appt. this morning. After 3 hrs of ultrasound, waiting and stress test on the babies, I can report that both babies seem to be doing great. Dr. Tate is impressed that I am still up on my feet and not on bedrest, so I'll take that as we're all doing very well.
The babies are 4lb 6oz and 4lb 11oz, so that is a total of 9 lb 2 oz in baby weight!

Happy to hear Dr. Tate say that 34 weeks is our ultimate goal (That is only 2 more weeks, HOLY COW!!!). And although there is nothing telling her that I'll go early, she thinks that I will.
Trying to keep the buns in the oven until they're ready, but boy was that good news. Let's all keep in mind Charlie came at 36 weeks (I think I remember that all too well) and I can't mentally grasp going further than that.

Jon & Charlie are doing pretty good - Charlie woke up w/pink eye this morning, but seems to be feeling good.

2 for 2

Well on Nov 18th we'll be celebrating Laura & Tommy's 2 yr anniversary and 2 babies if they don't come earlier!That is the date they scheduled for C-Section (if we continue down that path or if we make it that long).That will be 38 weeks.

31 Weeks

Today really feels like fall. We are starting weekly appts. come next Tuesday. All with ultrasounds and stress tests for babies. Can't wait for the next ultrasound as it seems like a long time since the last one and curious how the babies have grown.

Babycenter's info for this week:
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too

Our bigger baby was close to 3.3 the last time! Can only imagine the next visit.

This is hilarious!

Dad & Governor Tim Kaine (amongst others!)

Va. Agribusiness Council Applauds Economic Impact Study
The results are in! Over $79 billion in annual economic impact is attributable to agriculture and forestry in the Commonwealth confirming that agribusiness is its leading industry. A new study released this week by Governor Tim Kaine demonstrates that every job in agriculture and forestry-related industries results in another 1.5 jobs in the Virginia economy. "This recognition of our industry's significant economic impact is a tribute to the farmers, foresters, and agribusinesses throughout Virginia ," said Charlie Wood, Chairman of the Virginia Agribusiness Council. "Not only are the beneficial impacts felt economically, but also on society and in our environment," he added.
Council President Donna Pugh Johnson stated, "To maintain Virginia 's business-friendly climate and its economic growth, it is important that we continue to advance the business interests of agriculture and forestry producers, processors, manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers. The study clearly illustrates the importance of agribusiness to all Virginians."

Pumpkin Patch

We had a great weekend - headed to the Chesterfield Berry Farm / Pumpkin Patch and enjoyed visiting their animals (horses, bunnies, chickens/roosters, turkeys, goats), tractor ride and picking out pumpkins.

Trying to get out as much as possible these days!

More pictures to come in slideshow.

latest & greatest Doctor report

Well, I had my 30 week appt. today and things are going "great" according to the dr.
No sign of any difficulties (high blood pressure, changes etc).

With twins, the Dr. is giving me the choice of C-Section or not... I am definitely leaning towards that. (Who wants to have 1 baby naturally then the next by emergency c-section?), so she is going to go ahead and schedule a date. Sounds wonderful to have a drop date and I can always change my mind.

Next appt. is 32 weeks (Oct 7 w/ultrasound). Then we start weekly visits...

30 Weeks (+1D) and 40 Days

Ok, I am really pregnant, but I have decided that I have to make it to Election Day!!!!
I can't take this campaign anymore and need to vote!!!
....or I suppose, the babies could come at least a week before Election Day and then I'm sure I could sneak out to get to the polls.

Here's Dave's top 10 from last night. In case you missed it, McCain canceled on him.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Top Ten Questions People Are Asking the John McCain Campaign
Top Ten

10. "I just contributed to your campaign -- how do I get a refund?"
9. "It's Sarah Palin -- does this mean I'm Pars'dent?"
8. "Can't you solve this by selling some of your homes?"
7. "Hi, this is Clay Aiken. Is McCain single?"
6. "Do you still think the fundamentals of our economy are strong, genius?"
5. "Are you doing all this just to get out of going on Letterman?"
4. "What would Matlock do?"
3. "Hillary here -- my schedule is free Friday night"
2. "Is this just an excuse to catch up on napping?"
1. "This is President Bush -- what's all this trouble with the economy?"

a little bragging...

Charlie's new preschool teacher called last night to give us a "status check" on how things are going. She said they will do that every month or so to give us an idea of what's going on at school.

She said Charlie is the sweetest kid... He listens to instructions and follows their routine well. Only takes a little bit of prodding for "clean up." She is working with him on talking in class (he doesn't say a peep! Can you believe?), but that he just gives her that smile.
She also told us how kind he must be, as he looks out of the other kids and told us about him sharing his play duh with another girl who came in late and didn't have any. Now that I think of it, maybe he's just a flirt!

Agh! I'm so tired!!

Ok, so maybe Polly positive has gone by the wayside and Nelly Negative is here for the afternoon. I dropped Charlie off at school and had my picture done today (for work, how fun at 7 months pregnant) and am exhausted. At least at this point, it is not constant but in waves.

Anyhow, I added a new section to the blog for followers. Am curious who is out there reading. I'm not sure how easy it is if you don't have an account with Google/Gmail, but give a shot if you are out there!

Swimming in clothes

It is a bit crazy to pull clothes together for 3 boys!

This pregnancy might have put me over the top in the organization/planning category, but I am not sure how you do it otherwise? I suppose the planning/organization is compounded by knowing a) we are having twins and b) Charlie was 4 weeks early and completely took us by surprise.

Fortunately, we have had lots of hand me downs from friends & family and just recently, more for the twins from 2 sets of twin families (lots of cute matching stuff for boys). The attached picture doesn't show the huge ziploc/storage bags of clothes for next size up, 3-6 mo, 6-9 mo and 12 mo. Nor does it show the 5-6 storage tubs in the closet from Charlie for the twins. When you change sizes every 6 months or so, you need a full inventory!

I'm also trying to get out winter stuff and next size for Charlie - hoping he will fit into what he's got for the winter. 3T & 4T.