Lena

What a blessing it is to have found a nanny that you feel comfortable leaving your children with. I truly feel blessed to have Lena in our lives. She was a true answer to prayer and I am so greatful we are able to have her take care of the boys. 

I found Lena through a Facebook page, Baylor babies. It's for moms who have delivered or are going to deliver at Baylor. Although I've never met the person who recommended her, we did personal message each other and she came highly recommended. This lady no longer needed her as much because her twins were going to be starting school. That's right folks- she's had twins before and that perked my interest in and of itself. When we interviewed her, we liked her a lot. We interviewed another potential nanny but she didn't come close to Lena. I liked the fact that we are her third set of twins, she has two adult sons, and she is willing to teach them Spanish! I truly believe God put her in our lives at the perfect time. 

She comes once a week now that Noel is back in Utah. We have her on Wednesdays from 10-2. She still works for two other families very part time and until I go back to work next month, this works out perfectly. She gets to know the boys and we are building a friendship/trust with one another :)

Today, Lena watched the boys while I did my thing. First stop,Starbucks. I made the mistake of buying decaf coffee to try to help with Pierce's fussiness and gas. HUGE mistake. Number one, how does one survive on decaf?!? Yuck! Pointless and truly doesn't taste the same AT ALL! Number two, it did absolutely NOTHING to help P with his gas or fussiness. I tried- no cigar!!! Tall sugar free vanilla latte extra hot coming right up!!!

Next stop was Cafe of Life.  I got there before it even opened and there was already a line! Crazy. I got adjusted and showed Autumn and Tom the pictures of the boys in their onesies that they had given us. Too stinking cute!!!

After CoL I got my eyebrows threaded and then headed over to the nail place for a manicure. Next time I will take my own polish off. It took forever! Grant you, it's been 3 weeks and only two of my nails chipped. She did a great job and luckily I got the same lady, Ann, again. I'm hoping that my shellac lasts just as long this time!!! I love my color. It's so ... Fancy!  It's gold sparkly. I can't remember the name but it's #178 on their nail samples :)

Kroger and the bank were my last two stops. I got all of our groceries except for diapers. Of all things, Kroger had ZERO Pampers swaddlers in newborn size. So aggravating. I'm going to have to get some at some point soon. We have enough for a day or two...

I got home and got a full report from Lena. She stayed and held P while I put the groceries away.  I love that she tells me everything that they did. From tummy time to reading books (in English and Spanish!) to who had a dirty diaper (neither of them :(. )

I fed the boys and they both napped - this rarely happens anymore. I was able to get some laundry done and put away. Our cleaning lady, Hilda had come to clean this morning so my house is in ship shape!!!

The witching hour was upon us come 5 o'clock. I have done nothing but hold these sweet LPs for the past 2 hours. And loving every second of it!!!

It's been a mcflurry kind of day and Nick is on his way home with one for each of us! Cheers!!!

 

Love these boys

I can't say enough about how much I love going to the chiropractor. I am 100% convinced that it helped me get pregnant. It just makes so much sense. If your back is in alignment, your reproductive organs are in alignment. Plus the atmosphere at Cafe if Life is contagious. It's such a positive energy in there. Autumn, Tom and their team are so energetic and in tune with each person who walks through the door.  It's incredible how they are able to palpate and "fix" you. 

I've been going to Cafe of Life for about 2 years now and try to go as much as I can. Today, the boys joined me. This was the 3rd time they have been adjusted. I told Autumn that neither of the boys have gone number 2 in about 4 days. I was getting pretty worried but I knew they were ok because they both had multiple wet diapers daily. I was also a little more worried about Pierce because he has been having some adult worthy gas. Man can it clear a room!!! Terrible! Anyway, Autumn adjusted Pierce first and noticed that he was off in his lumbar area which was effecting his digestion.  She adjusted him and he loved it. Knox was next. He did great as well and had the same issue.

We came home and I fed the boys. At their two o'clock feed, they were both screaming. I checked their bottoms and both of them had pooped!!! Hallelujah!!!! I never thought I'd be so excited about my boys pooping! My how things have changed :)

Kat came over Monday night. She thought she was teaching a class but she  had her schedule wrong. It was perfect though because it was an excuse for her to come hang out with us! Especially since Nick had to work late. 

I love hanging out with Kat. She just opens my mind to so many different ideas. She made me feel good- like maybe I am doing this parenting thing somewhat right! There are so many things you're "not supposed to do" that I often wonder if what I am doing is right. Plus I go against the grain in a few things. For example, I should be breastfeeding my babies on demand but instead, I pump while they feed and I give them a bottle of breastmilko. If I breastfed on demand and didn't have them on somewhat of a schedule, I would go insane and would only be feeding 24/7.   I'm not sure if that makes sense but there are so many opinions out there about how to parent. Kat made me realize that as long as Nick and I are on the same page and our babies are safe and loved (which they most definitely are!) then we are parenting well. Love you Kat. 

Kat with P and K

Nick got home late and the boys were fed and asleep. They had a pretty good night. 

Tuesday we spent the day hanging out and loving on each other. A big cold front came in so it was the perfect day to do nothing but snuggle :)

Knox was Milk Drunk!

Status post big toot from Pierce!

Snuggles in the pack and play. I love how their arms are intertwined and no, I didn't do it to them!!! I walked away to make dinner and came back to check on them and this is what I found :)

Love these boys!!!

Weekend Warriors

Nick and I have often talked about how we try to cram in everything in the span of a two day weekend. This weekend it was no different :)

Saturday morning was .... Rough to say the least. Pierce, my sweet sweet P, was up - ALL NIGHT.  Which meant that mommy was up all night too. I tried everything that night to console my very cranky, very tired, screaming baby. We nursed, we rocked, we walked, we sang, we changed diapers and received gas drops, we read books and even cuddled in bed ( something that terrifies me!). To no avail, Pierce was inconsolable. By the time he finally settled down it was 6 am. We were both beyond exhausted. 

Drakes "Frozen" 4th birthday party was today and due to the lack of sleep, we had to cancel. I am so sad because I have been to all of Drake's birthday parties. I was pretty upset but I knew it was the best thing for all of us. We all needed multiple naps. 

Saturday evening Lena came over to watch the boys so we could go to the Eli Young House Party at the Rangers ballpark. We tried to make things as easy as we could for her. The boys were fed when she got there and ready for some Lena snuggles!

We got to the concert while Pat Green was performing. We are huge PG fans. He's a fellow Texas Tech Alumn and while we were in college, that's what we listened to. After PG was Gary Allan and then Eli Young came on. My oh my, what a disaster that was. From the very beginning of them performing, something wasn't right. The guitar was drowning out every word that was sung and you couldn't hear a word he was saying in between songs. Their transition from one song to the next was really awful too. After 3-4 songs, the music just stopped. I'm guessing there had been some changes since their sound check. People began to filter out and it was getting cold. The band tried to keep people engaged by dancing around and taking selfies with the crowd but it wasn't enough. We took off. We had a great time but were anxious to get back to the boys. 

Me, Barbara, Sara and Whitney

The gang!

Lena said the boys did great! I knew they would be! We were so anxious to get those boys in our arms!

Selfie after the concert. 

Sunday morning we lounged around a bit and cuddled with the boys. Nick fixed our Apple TV and we streamed church. After church, Brent and Aubs stopped by to visit the boys - and us too :)

Ballard and Sarah stopped by and we walked Katy Trail. The plan was to walk down to Katy Trail Ice House but about 3/4 of the way there, Knox started to lose it so we turned around and stopped at Sangria, a Tapas place. Whitney and Jeff, along with Whitney's parents met us there do they could meet the boys!

I really wanted Whitney's parents to meet the boys. They attend the same church as my family in California and they have been praying for Nick and I through our whole journey - from infertility and throughout our difficult pregnancy. We are so thankful for their prayers and we love that they got to meet our little miracles!

Jeff held Knox and fed him. I tried to warn him that K tends to projectile vomit. Within minutes of finishing his bottle, Knox was like the exorcist, with spit up going all over Jeff's Burberry pullover. Aye aye aye. So sorry Jeff! Good news is, breastmilk doesn't stain! Knox and mommy give you our deepest apology. 

We made it home and everyone was exhausted. Nick and I even forgot to eat dinner until 9:30! I ate a grilled chicken ceasar salad that we had in the fridge and Nick made himself a sweet potato bowl with leftovers from Dickeys. This did not settle right with him and he was up at 4 this morning, very sick to his stomach. Praying it's food poisoning and not the flu... We've both had our flu shots but you never know!

It was a fun weekend and we had a lot of visitors!! Here's to a little rest tomorrow :)

Week in review

I didn't do a very good job of posting this week. So sorry. I've been enjoying my nightly tandem breastfeeding which has replaced my blogging time. I'm going to try something different next week. I'm choosing to give myself grace as I cannot get these precious moments with my boys back and I know they are going to be gone in the blink of an eye. 

Monday, Noel was supposed to come hang out with us but cancelled because she had to help Keith get a table out of storage for Brent and Aubrey's new house. I was bummed and definitely could have used a second set of hands. Both of the boys wanted to be held all day. I tried my best but I couldn't satisfy them both. We all cried a few times today but we made it!!!

Me trying to hold them both. They were super squirmy at times making it impossible to hold both. I was extremely thankful for my boppy pillow! Screams ensued by whoever was in the boppy, but I could usually buy about 5 minutes with it :)

Tuesday, my sweet friend Becky came over to visit. She took care of me when I went in at 27 weeks and has a set of boy/girl twins of her own. She gets it and when she offered to watch them for a minute so I could run an errand, I jumped at the opportunity. I ran to the store and got a few groceries so that we can make it through the week. Becky will never know how much this meant to me! I am so so bummed that I didn't get a picture of her with the boys. Not to mention she brought me an amazing latte and croissant!!! If you read this, thank you Beck. From the bottom of my heart!

Pierce on left, Knox on right

Wednesday, Lena came over from 10-2. We went over dates for her to come over before I return to work and I was able to give her what I have of my work schedule. I then got adjusted (which was much needed) , got a latte and spent too much money at Target :). It was pouring rain and Traffic was terrible. I made it back and Lena helped me with the 2 o'clock feed before takin off. 

Monday I found out that Noel and Keith were heading back to Utah on Friday. Noel and Keith were going to watch the boys on Saturday so we could go to a concert we committed to a few weeks ago.  They were going to stay at our house and spend some time with the boys. Now that they are heading out early, I needed to try and find someone to watch the boys - and fast. I was hoping and praying Lena could do it.  Lucky for us, Lena said she is available to watch the boys Saturday. Thank you Lena!!!! She was very excited about it because she wants to get to know the boys more. She is so good with the little presidents, and I am so thankful that God put her in our lives. 

Grammy and Grandpa with the LP's

Daddy taking a much needed nap after work. It was a rough night last night. 

Thursday, I met up with Jenny, Drake, Myrick and Charley at Neimans. It was so nice to catch up and hang out with two of my favorite little ladies. Drake turned 4 on Monday and MyMy is getting so big. She will be 1 the day after Christmas!!!

We enjoyed a long lunch over a glass of Savignon Blanc. Just like old times!!! We then went on the hunt for some baby hair gel. It was a bust :(. I guess Knox's hair will continue to be unruly!

We said good bye to Charley and walked the mall. We used to do this 2-3 times a week after Myrick was born and Jenny was on maternity leave. I loved that we were now doing it while I was on maternity leave. It all came around full circle. I remember being a little -ok VERY -sad after we would walk because I wanted to be the one pushing the stroller with the baby(ies) I had dreamed of and wanted so badly.  I cried when we left and I was in my car. I thanked God for this incredible blessing He has bestowed upon us.  Never in a million years did I think I would be walking the mall with not one, but two beautiful healthy babies who I love more than they will ever know.  God is so good. Although I was frustrated with His plan for us many many times, I am beyond thankful for the journey He led us down. I am a different person in the best way. 

Aunt Jenny with P and Uncle Charley with K. Drake and MyMy happy as ever!

Friday, I met with one of my favorite PostPartum nurses, Darci. We have always been friends but she saw a different part of me while I was on PP. She was there for me on day one eventhough I had a different nurse. She wrote her number on the board and I was able to call her whenever I had a question or concern. She was raw and honest with me in every way and it was just what I needed. While I was in the hospital, she told me she was pregnant! I could not have been happier for her!!! At the time she was 5 weeks and I was one of 3 people who knew. I didn't tell a soul! This week she is 12 weeks and the cat is out of the bag! So now I can share her joy with the world!  

We met at Corner Bakery at the mall and had a long leisurely lunch. I brought her my Doppler and a bunch of books on pregnancy that I had. I'm so glad I have someone to share those things with. 

We caught up on life and cuddled with the boys. We got A LOT of stares and a lot of attention from strangers walking by. It's so funny how much attention twins get. Even walking around the mall, I could hear several murmurs- "look, twins!" "Oh my gosh they are so new!"  I have to laugh because I used to be one of those people :)

Darci with the LPs

We got home and Pierce was stirring. I needed to pump so bad! I hooked myself up to my pump and fed Pierce. While I was pumping, sweet Whitney stopped by to drop off our tickets to the concert Saturday night. She stayed and helped me feed Knox and cuddled and loved on the boys. I love our friendship. She is a true friend and I love how God brought us together. 

 Whit snuggling Master P!

Knox on left and Pierce on right after their 8 pm feed Friday night.

It's Saturday morning and I am playing catch up. Pierce had a terrible night and was up every hour so I have been up every hour. I know this is such a short season in my life which makes this state of exhaustion I am in totally worth it.

 We have a busy day planned with Drake's birthday party this afternoon and the Eli Young concert tonight. We shall see what the day brings. In the meantime I am going to lay back down. The housework and laundry will have to wait a few more hours. Right now I want to continue snuggling my boys and embracing the moment. Love love!!!

Knox on left, Pierce on right

5 on Friday!

Hey y'all!!! It's 5 on Friday time. I know I've gotten a tad behind but here are a few if my favorite things this week!

1.  Target has amazing fur vests right now. I of course had to buy them in both colors!  Nick is SO NOT A FAN of my fur vest obsession but he can't get away from it. I would wear one everyday if I could!

2.  Tory Burch Amanda bag. Nick got me a TB purse as one of my push presents. I adored it but it wasn't practical for our lifestyle now. I really wanted a cross body bag so yesterday, I exchanged it for this. And I LOVE IT! (mine is tan!)

3.  Flannel shirts. I purchased 3 from Old Navy recently and they are perfect for everyone. Stylish and easy. Not to mention they hide the post Partum pooch pretty well too ;)

Me in one of the flannels

4.  Lactation cookies. I made these Wednesday night and I truly have noticed a difference in my production. Let me tell you, they are not the greatest tasting things but they could be worse. I really wish I could drink beer (gross!) but since I can't, I guess a cookie will do!!!

5. Neiman Marcus Spiced Tea. I love this stuff. I have tried so many times to replicate it. I've gotten close but not the same as the real stuff!

This is from the Big Oven App

Hope you enjoy my list of things that I'm digging. Have a great weekend! We have a lot going on and I can't wait to catch you up :). Until then, HAPPY FRIDAY from the Little Presidents!

They are milk drunk!

Gas...

Apparently 3-6 weeks is the peak of when a newborn has the most gas. And my oh my do these boys have gas!!! They have adult worthy gas!!!!

It's only natural that I would turn to Dr. Google to figure out what the heck is going on. Most of what I've found has said that this is completely normal. Thank goodness. I've talked to a few girlfriends and have inquired if I should change my diet and the repeated answer has been no (thank goodness!). 

Most newborns between 1-4 months have gas. This is due to an immature gut. Their gut is continuing to develop and digestion is difficult. It doesn't matter if your baby is breastfed ( like the LP's) or bottle fed. Gas does not discriminate! 

Here are some remedies I've found:

1.  Infant massage. There are multiple you tube videos on how to do this and I've found this to be hit or miss for us. 

2.  Little Remedies gas relief drops. These have helped us a lot. The boys usually get a drop when I can feel the gas in their tummies or they are being really fussy. It seems to help a little bit. Plus they like the way it tastes :) I hate that I'm putting chemicals in their little bodies and I am on the hunt for a more natural approach. 

3.  How you feed can play a big role in gas production for your little one. With the Table for Two, the boys sit up to eat. Babies should be at an incline (mouth above belly) when the eat no matter what venue (breast or bottle). Also the type of bottle you use may help. We use Dr. Browns for Pierce and Medelas with a special nipple for Knox. Both of which are supposed to help with gas.

4.  Burp burp burp your baby!  This is a hard one for us because Knox projectile vomits 80% of the time if we burp him. When we let him be, there's a 50% chance he won't spit up like crazy. Yesterday I read an article that stated you should "feed, wake, sleep" your baby. Essentially, feed your little one, and then wake them up to burp. If they don't burp, they may fall asleep, but their sleep will not be restful and more than likely, the baby will wake up 30 minutes later. Pierce is great at burping. Knox now gets burped VERY GENTLY. Look to your baby for cues as to when to burp. About halfway through their feeding you may notice that they slow down a bit. This is the ideal time to burp them. Otherwise they get mad and will swallow more air. No thanks!!!!

5.  My mom taught me this trick. Lay your baby across your thighs on their back, so their feet are near your tummy. Gently push your babies feet towards their chest. This helps alleviate any air pockets or gas in their belly. You can bicycle their legs to help as well. 

6. Tummy time is supposed to help relieve gas. For my boys, I think tummy time just makes it worse. My boys despise tummy time and end up swallowing twice as much air from their piercing screams. I'm hoping this eventually helps. In the meantime I have found that lying them over my forearm tends to relieve some of their tummy ache. 

Do y'all have any other tips? I would love to hear them. My sweet little presidents are in pain :(. I'm praying it's all downhill from here!

Sunday

So sad to see my parents go. We had a wonderful weekend with them. It was amazing to get a few more hours of sleep ( thank you mom and Nick)  and I love seeing my parents with the boys!

Sunday morning we went to brunch and the boys got to see Aunt Heidi again. They also got to meet Kallie, Kathryn, Brooke and Stephanie. The boys got lots of snuggles and cuddles. I'm so happy they finally met the crew :)

After brunch, mom and papa headed back to San Antonio. Justin was playing in a golf tournament Monday, so he came and hung out with us for a few hours and we watched football and played with the little presidents. 

Nick and I made dinner and fed the boys and then headed to bed. We were exhausted from such a fun weekend!!! 

The boys can't wait to see Tutu and Papa again!