Friday, June 14, 2013

To all my mommy friends: you are great moms!

To the mom who's breastfeeding: Way to go! It really is an amazing gift to give your baby, for any amount of time that you can manage! You're a good mom.

To the mom who's formula feeding: Isn't science amazing? To think there was a time when a baby with a mother who couldn't produce enough would suffer, but now? Better living through chemistry! You're a good mom.

To the cloth diapering mom: Fluffy bums are the cutest, and so friendly on the bank account. You're a good mom.

To the disposable diapering mom: Damn those things hold a lot, and it's excellent to not worry about leakage and laundry! You're a good mom.

To the mom who stays home: I can imagine it isn't easy doing what you do, but to spend those precious years with your babies must be amazing. You're a good mom.

To the mom who works: It's wonderful that you're sticking to your career, you're a positive role model for your children in so many ways, it's fantastic. You're a good mom.

To the mom who had to feed her kids from the drive thru all week because you're too worn out to cook or go grocery shopping: You're feeding your kids, and hey, I bet they aren't complaining! Sometimes sanity can indeed be found in a red box with a big yellow M on it. You're a good mom.

To the mom who gave her kids a homecooked breakfast lunch and dinner for the past week: Excellent! Good nutrition is important, and they're learning to enjoy healthy foods at an early age, a boon for the rest of their lives. You're a good mom.

To the mom with the kids who are sitting quietly and using their manners in the fancy restaurant: Kudos, it takes a lot to maintain order with children in a place where they can't run around. You're a good mom.

To the mom with the toddler having a meltdown in the cereal aisle: they always seem to pick the most embarrassing places to lose their minds don't they? We've all been through it. You're a good mom.

To the moms who judge other moms for ANY of the above? Glass houses, friend. Glass houses.
 

I found this post on blogher.com and loved it!

Friday, April 26, 2013

The Birth Story: Part 1

I've been wanting to post our birth story from the day it happened, but seriously, blogger moms, how on earth do you find the time to do this!!! Anyway...better late than never! Part One is the back story of my L&D and Part Two will be all about the actual L&D.

In the weeks leading up to my delivery day I was just praying and praying that I'd go into labor on my own and not have to be induced. My specialist had been saying all along that he didn't want me to go past 37 weeks due to the fact that my twins were monochorionic, meaning they share the same placenta. These types of pregnancies are higher risk than others and statistics show increased problems occurring in pregnancies that go past 37 weeks...not that I buy into all that negative talk, but that's just what doctors will tell you. My own instinct and conviction was that both of my babies were doing fine and I knew that I was doing fine...no swelling, perfect blood pressure, normal weight gain, etc. At this point, I was having a BPP (bio-physical profile) every 3 days so someone could have an eye on the babies. Each time they scored 8 out of 8...my little all-stars! I was always so proud of them! However, 3 weeks prior to delivery my specialist detected some discrepancy in their sizes during their growth scan. Baby A was measuring smaller than Baby B. I wasn't too concerned because I knew that the measurements could be off by as much as a pound and I just had conviction from the Lord that the babies were just fine.  Week 37 came and I was scheduled to deliver on that Wednesday morning. I was absolutely not ready....I didn't feel ready physically and I didn't have peace about it. I was scheduled to see my OB, Dr. Crochet, on Monday and I was praying that she would hear my concerns and be ok with letting me wait another week. Just as the Lord had answered EVERY SINGLE PRAYER throughout the pregnancy, he answered this one as well. It was the easiest conversation ever and my doctor even agreed with me that we didn't need to rush things as I was progressing so well naturally. At this point I was 3 cm dilated and probably 60% effaced. I had been walking a ton and was having tons of Braxton Hicks contractions. Prayers answered....Dr. Crochet said see you next Monday. At this point, I could tell my body was really getting close to being ready...I won't be too graphic, but things were happening. I continued envisioning myself going into labor....feeling that first painful contraction and calling Ross at work to come home or calling his parents to come pick up Julian.  Then I got a call on Wednesday. Apparently my sweet specialist, Dr. Magee, whom I loved, found out I didn't get induced that morning and said I needed to come see him.  I arranged for my sister in law to come with me and I nervously went. I hate disappointing people...especially people I like. Anyway, he did a growth scan and promptly told me that Baby A was 4 lbs 13 oz and Baby B was 7 lbs 13 oz and that I needed to go straight to labor and delivery.  I started feeling a little worry (mostly because baby A had measured 4.13 three weeks prior as well), but was able to cling to my original conviction that those measurements were off.  I even asked him to remeasure but the results were the same...actually a little worse. Then I just felt this peace that everything was going to be ok...even if I had to be induced. I knew my body was so close to going into labor on my own...unlike my experience with my first child. I asked Dr. Magee to call my OB while I was there to see what her response was and of course she acknowledged his concerns and agreed with his recommendation. So, I called Ross and had him come home from work then drove back to my house to pack a bag, eat a meal, and love on Julian before heading back to the hospital around 5 pm to check in at L&D. 

                                

  Here we are loading up in the car to go to the hospital on 3/20/13.  Look at that BIG BELLY!!! Stay tuned for Part Two: The Birth. :)

Monday, April 22, 2013

Sam & Miles: Month One

Yesterday marked ONE MONTH in the life of the twins. Wow, what a journey it's been the past 8 months! Time has flown from the time we were told I was pregnant with twins until their one month birthday! Here's just a quick update:

Eating: Nursing is going great! Both babies have been fabulous latchers and eaters from day one.  I am so thrilled. This past week I began feeding them on a 3 hours schedule and I love it. It has made life so much easier for me and the babies are in a much better groove since extending the feedings from 2 hours to 3 hours. Now when they get a little fussy around the 2 hour mark I'm seeing that they are really just tired and need to sleep instead of eat again.  It has seemed to help their nights too as they are sleeping more soundly and not waking as often in between feedings.

Sleep: Both are sleeping a ton during the day and have a fussy period in the late evening that lasts a few hours. They are consolable and don't cry the entire time....they each take their turn!! Currently they are sleeping together either in their crib or their pack n play at nighttime. During the day they bounce between the  crib, bouncers, pack n plays, and peoples arms.  Yesterday a friend gave me a Fisher Price Rock n Play Sleeper that I'm excited to start using too.  At night they initially were waking up often in between feedings but the past few night they've had some 3 and even a 4 hour stretch without waking. This has been amazing for Mama!!


Fun Stuff: We've been on 2 stroller walks with all three kiddos. One trip to the post office with Aunt Dana and one trip to White Rock Coffee with Daddy. The twins use the Double Snap n Go by Baby Trend and Julian uses his own single stroller. So, obviously I need 2 people to go on a stroller ride...this may be a problem in the future and I'm considering my options for a triple stroller. Any suggestions?


We made our debut at church yesterday on their one month birthday. Daddy was playing bass all morning at church and I was not up for wrestling all 3 kiddos at home alone. People kept telling me how brave I was to bring all three of my children to church by myself but I think it would have been more courageous to have stayed at home! I knew at church I could drop Julian off at childcare and then hangout with the twins in the nursing moms room. Church felt like a safe place for me! And it was a successful and fun outing...although exhausting. Then again, anything and everything in the past month has been exhausting. 

Hard Stuff: Julian has come a long way with adjusting to life as a big brother. He understands they are here to stay now and loves touching them....a little too much. I can tell its been hard on him having to share mommy. He initially was throwing lots of fits, but those have for the most part stopped.  We are working through how to handle his roughness with the babies. We want to encourage him to love on them, but there is a fine line between love and aggression with Julian. There have been lots of squeezing, suffocating, and toy throwing incidents....but I think it's going pretty well for the most part considering Julian is just 22 months old.

Things I want to remember: People have been so wonderful. My mom, sister, and mother-in-law have taken turns staying overnight with us to help with the twins during the night. They've changed countless diapers, done loads of laundry, and helped to entertain Julian.  Our friends have been amazing about bringing us meals. I have not had to fix a single meal since the twins were born other then heating up the occasional leftover or making a sandwich. It has been a tremendous help to us because I would not be making time to cook myself. What a blessing it's been to have delicious home-cooked meals without having to lift a finger. People have just been so generous and have gone out of their way to check in on us and offer help whether that means stopping at the grocery store for us, holding a baby, taking Julian for a playdate, or taking out our trash. I am just floored by the outpouring of love and support we've received from friends, family, and neighbors. I want to say it takes a village to raise twins and a toddler, but I know that some people out there don't have that luxury and I know I am blessed beyond measure to have such a great network. Because of all the help, I've been able to enjoy my newborns without so much stress. 

The boys are so strong. They move their heads around during tummy time. They LOVE being held. They like cuddling and being held tight. They like facing inward to be tummy to tummy with mommy. It is SO SWEET! They both grunt a lot but Sam does it the most. We call him "the grunter". 

Stats: At their one month appointment:
Sam: 8 lbs. 9 oz.
         20.75 inches
Miles: 9lbs 11oz.
          21.5 inches
Dr. Naidoo says they are both doing great and he was very impressed with their weight gain!




*Ok, finally got the pictures uploaded. :)


Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Have you lost that lovin' feeling?

I have historically not been a huge Valentine's Day fan. In high school, I just cringed at all the flowers and jewelry being given to girls in between classes. All that "love" in the air was just enough to make me want to throw up. I know I sound like the grinch of Valentine's Day and truth be told I probably was. My disgust for Valentine's Day was probably rooted in some jealousy and some self-protection...if I don't want it then it won't hurt as much when I don't get it. But despite that, I still felt that so many people were missing out on TRUE LOVE and reveling in the feeling of LOVE. 


When Ross and I started dating and eventually were married, we both agreed that Valentine's Day was kind of annoying and a "made-up" holiday, however we still enjoyed using it as an excuse to dress up and go out to a nice dinner. Ross, being the free-spirited one, does not like the idea of "one-day" designed for all people to express love for one another. That is too confining for him. At the same time, he still allows us to celebrate it because we do love each other.  


Fast-forward to this Valentine's Day...I am married and have an 8 month old baby. I have the two loves of my life. I am often tired, disheveled, running behind, and forgetting things. I feel like I am constantly a day late and a dollar short. And that "LOVE" feeling isn't exactly what I was feeling on Valentine's Day. I wasn't even sure I wanted to go out to dinner. 


But is LOVE really something that can be limited to a "feeling". Let's take a look at what the Bible has to say about LOVE.  

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."


Hmmm...that doesn't sound like a "feeling" at all. It sounds more like an action. So maybe the reason I wasn't FEELING love is because I was neglecting to ACT in love. It is sure easy to be in love when everyone is happy and healthy, the house is clean, we are well rested, and getting along...but what about when are circumstances are less than perfect? What about when REALITY hits and the dishes are piling up and the trash is beginning to stink? What about when you've been up all night with a teething baby? What about when you and your husband have been so busy that you've barely had a chance to talk outside of whose turn it is to entertain the baby? And the list of challenges goes on...


It is in these tough moments though that TRUE love can be displayed. Isn't it true that while we were still sinners, Christ DIED for us? Isn't that the perfect example of love? Wow, I've definitely missed the mark with God SOOOO many times, yet he doesn't hold it against me and even DIED for me knowing that I would sin again and again.    


A friend recently asked me, which of these characteristics of love resonates most with me. I looked at each one and was blown away that I hadn't been acting in love in ANY of these ways! Many examples flooded my mind of "being easily angered", "being envious", and "keeping records of wrongs". I realized that instead of focusing on how I'd "lost that lovin' feeling", I needed to be LOVING my family the way that Christ loves us. 


I am so thankful for God's powerful word and specifically for this reminder of what LOVE really is.  Happy Late Valentine's Day. :) 


Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Patience and Breast-friends.

"Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (February). For this month, we focus on back to basics. Participants will share advices - either the best breastfeeding advice they received OR/AND the best breastfeeding advice they can give to new moms.  Please scroll down to the end of the post to see the list of carnival entries."

All throughout my pregnancy I knew that I wanted to nurse Julian for a long time. My mind was made up about nursing because I knew all the health benefits for myself and that there was not a SUPERFOOD on this earth that I could give Julian that would compare with my own breastmilk. It was a no-brainer!

Breastfeeding has certainly brought it's share of challenges to me and to our family, however it has also brought us a lot of JOY! Today as I was cradling my little wiggle-worm and nursing him...I thought of all the hugs that I would have missed out on if I wasn't nursing him. It's hard to keep up with my little boy who is always on the move...but I get the special privilege of having extended time holding him up against me and cuddling with him several times a day and even at night. 

As a participant in the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival:

One challenge I had in the early months of nursing was being able to wear the right clothing and being able to nurse with ease in public. One of the most simple suggestions that a friend gave me ended up being some of the best advice. Here it is: TARGET nursing tanks and breastpads. This simple wardrobe change allowed me to be able to nurse him discreetly in public and always have my torso covered. It eliminated having to take off a shirt as well as a bra. Why didn't I think of that?? Now I just lift my shirt up and unsnap one side of the tank and we're ready to go!  

My 2 best words of advice for women who are breastfeeding would be: 

1. Be patient with yourself AND your baby. You are both learning something new and it may not flow perfectly the first time. For me anyway, it took a LOT of practice, patience, and persistence. 

2. Surround yourself with your BREAST-friends. These are the family and friends that encourage and support your decision to breastfeed. They are your cheerleaders when you have a cracked nipple. They are your support group when you are criticized by un-informed extended family members. It is Kelly-mom. It is all the breastfeeding blogs. It's your LC. My BREAST-friends have been out of this world amazing and have helped me push through tough times and make it to 8 months of breastfeeding and counting.


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Check out some other supportive and encouraging breastfeeding posts in my next post!

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Thursday, January 12, 2012

First Time Mama Drama

Things that are on my mommy radar:

1. Sleeping at night: Julian is now 7 months old and just this week has shown us that he is capable of only waking up 2 times at night. I know many of you are wondering if you read that last sentence correctly. Yes...ONLY waking up 2 times a night. For us, that is a miracle. Even just a couple of weeks ago, he was waking and crying sometimes up to 6 times a night!! Sure, I've probably made my share of mistakes in precipitating this matter, but as a first time mom I didn't (and still don't) have all the answers. I have a lot of shoulda-coulda-wouldas, but I'm done dwelling on those now. It's a new dawn and a new day. We're proud of Julian's accomplishments in regard to sleeping this week and continue to hope and pray that it just keeps getting better.

2. Food: We've found a winner: Banana Puree! He LOVES it! Finally, something he will devour! We are also so thrilled that our doctor is completely on board with using breastmilk as his primary source of nutrition for now if that's what we want and just supplementing his diet with fruits and veggies as Julian shows interest. Our doctor made it clear that introducing fruits and vegetables is just to create Julian's palette for different tastes but his only nutritional requirement is breastmilk. He said eventually we can replace a feeding with an avocado since it has healthy fat in it that baby needs. The doctor supported not giving Julian grains yet as well. It felt good to know we're on the right track and I'm no longer worried or wondering if there's something different I should be doing.

3. Germs: OK, so how dangerous are germs? I can't spend my whole day cleaning and wiping down Julian's toys that he drops. When you think about it there's a lot of nasty yuck on the ground...but really do I have to wipe down everything everytime? Is it just a wive's tale that the germs will build up his immune system or am I just being naive?

4. Babyproofing: OMG, this has recently become such a battle! We knew our house wasn't babyproofed, but I am just shocked at the things Julian manages to find! Shoes, papers, cords, dvds, wii controllers, remotes, phones, magazines, vases,...and the list goes on! If it's not meant for him, you can bet that's the first thing he'll migrate towards. I am finding myself saying "nonono", but all the while realizing it's my fault for setting him up. You should see some of the makeshift babyproofing gadgets we've come up with! Why does he love crawling into the bathroom of all rooms? Why does he like hiding behind the couch? Why does he insist on kicking the papasan chair over? Why does he seem to enjoy hanging out right at the corners of shelves, tv stands, cabinets, etc? I could make an entire post on this topic...which I plan on doing soon...including all the hilarious pictures of Julian getting into places he shouldn't be.

Here's a pic of our sweet boy trying to scoot underneath the couch at a playdate with his cousin.