Practicing our tummy time homework...
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
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...
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...
Monday, December 22, 2008
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.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
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...
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...
Saturday, December 13, 2008
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).
Friday, December 12, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
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...
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...
Saturday, December 6, 2008
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.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
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...
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...
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
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!
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!
Monday, December 1, 2008
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!
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!
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