1st Snow Day

Today was the first real snow of the season...we got about 2 inches overnight, which isn't a lot...but it was enough to coat the ground and wake up with the powdery white stuff everywhere. The high was only 21 degrees, so when I took the babies outside, we could only stay out for a few minutes...but enough to have them bundled in their snow suits, and definitely enough to call it their very first snow day. It was cute, and I loved taking pictures (however rudimentary) of our abominable snowbabies :)

Play time with Daddy

A few weeks ago, we took advantage of one of the last warm-ish days of the year and had some playtime outside in the backyard. Steve was home and everyone was enjoying the sunshine. Of course, I was the photographer in residence ;)

"Card Carrying" Member of...Shutterfly

So, every year, I harass Steve mercilessly because I insist on sending out family Christmas cards. I can't help it; I love sending and receiving them every December. I love reading about what all of our friends and family are up to and saying 'hi' in return. This year, Shutterfly is promoting their new 2010 holiday card line with a promotion for all of us bloggers. So, if you're late in the game this year (like I am), it's worth paying attentin.

Shutterfly is offering a special promotion to people with blogs….. I can earn 50 free cards for this post! Not only do they have great deals they also have an amazing selection of fun, fresh, hip holiday cards! I already have our Christmas card picked out for this year...all I have to do is decide on the photos. What I love most about these cards is that you have the ability to include more than one picture on many of them……it's too hard to choose just one! Shutterfly makes it so easy to upload your pictures and create a beautiful holiday cards you will be proud to share with all your family and friends! Check out all their great holiday cards at:
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards

While you are perusing their wonderful cards be sure to check out all their other great gift ideas like photo calendars http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars which would make the perfect gift for a Dad or Grandparent! You can even find the perfect invitation for your holiday party http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-invitations! They have everything you could want and more! Their photo books are absolutely fantastic gift ideas as well!!!

The holiday cards are all 30% off right now too! Have fun picking out your holiday photo card; I can't wait to see it soon in my mailbox!

Tree Hugger

This year, we opted not to go upstate to cut down our own Christmas tree as we have since we moved to New York. Steve and I just couldn't bring ourselves to make the trek, babies in tow, on only three hours of sleep. So, instead, Daddy went to the firehouse a block away, picked out a tree on his own and carried it back to the house...yes, he has some serious muscles ;) What a guy

Thanks and Giving...

This year, we are thankful that the babies didn't decide to "re"share their meal with us on Turkey Day...
We spent the day, just the four of us (and Maxx of course), at home listening to Christmas songs and making a yummy dinner. Turkey, stuffing, cranberry-jalapeno relish, sauteed artichokes, and yummy pumpkin pie. And, I decided the babies needed festive hats so I made them each a little Indian headdress. Granted, my original option was a pilgrim hat but they became way too long and involved so this is what we ended up with :) Gobble Gobble

A very merry birthday to...Daddy!

This was the first year we celebrated Steve's birthday with the babies...Not that we're wild party animals, but we have made a point to go out and make the day special for him in the past. This year, we kept it a little more low-key. Lunch with daddy at his favorite restaurant/bar during the day, then birthday dinner and cupcakes at home at night. It was a fun day. Happy 39th birthday to the most rockin' daddy!

A Summer to....Forget

Admittedly, I have been remiss in keeping our family blog updated in the past months. In short, May thru August were just absolutely brutal. There were times (more than I'd like to admit) when I questioned not only my sanity, but our original decision to take that long, arduous road to parenthood. Ours has been a journey riddled with obstacles since the beginning and once the babies arrived, boy did things get...louder...busier...
A friend pointed out in her blog that it is national preemie awareness day, and while our little preemies were much much luckier than so many others to be born no earlier than they were, it still makes me recall the emotional upheaval of this past spring and the months following it.
When the nurse told us that the night of May 3rd seemed like a good night for a birthday, I admit I had not yet prepared myself for the eventuality that I wouldn't be released from the hospital that evening. It had become so routine in the two and half months leading up to it. Too many contractions. Go into the hospital. Get hooked up to an IV. Talk of steroids to slow them down. Monitoring of the preeclampsia. Get sent home. However, I did make sure to remove my icky nail polish before going to the hospital that evening on the seriously off chance that they would be born...I didn't want my first pictures with them to be taken with chipping nail polish. Hey, every girl's got her thing ;)
But, that night Steve and I were hurled into the swirl of parenthood rather rudely. Molly was wheeled out of the OR before I could even see her and Wyatt was rolled into the nursery...Daddy followed close behind to make sure both babies were okay, while I waited rather impatiently to be sewn up and cleaned up.
What nobody told us that first week was all of the potential complications that come with having a preemie...even ones born relatively late by comparison. I admit to crying in the NICU when the neonatologist told us that Molly wouldn't be coming home with us. It was an eventuality I hadn't even thought about...never considered that there would be something to prevent both our twinkies from coming home with us. But, there you have it...one of life's little curveballs.
Once everyone was home, the first 4.5 months of their lives were colored by a kind of frantic desperation I have never known. Pumping six-eight hours a day...4 hours of sleep each night...babies screaming in pain...bottles that didn't work...you name it; it got piled on. Our preemie presents were unfortunately experiencing their own bouts of preemie problems...
So, imagine my surprise when, after all is said and done, we have happy little people at the end of the newborn road. In August, Molly's tummy troubles seemed to finally be under control...and thank goodness, because the only other option was a feeding tube. Wyatt continued to be exceptionally pukey - our living room rug is like a Superfund Site. But, it was like my fairy godmother (or whomever) finally took pity on me, and suddenly our babies started to resemble happier little people...We got to see them smile for the very first time.
This week, Wyatt finally found his giggle...and he hasn't stopped. Molly is perpetually entertained by her brother - can actually be found laughing hysterically at him for minutes on end. And, they both have an obvious love for music. It's so awesome, in the truest sense of the word, to watch them develop into these little people (who aren't so little anymore).
So, in the interest of sharing the love, I will do my best to stay better abreast of the blog...
Happy November!

Happy 4th of July

Fourth of July 2010
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We celebrated the babies' first 4th of July last weekend. It was hotter than all get out here, so we really ended up hibernating in the house most of the day because the babies can't take that kind of heat. But, it was fun just the same. Of course, the babies were having a not so fabulous day and were pretty grouchy (had to give myself a time out), but with all their tummy troubles...I guess it was to be expected. They sure looked cute doing it, though. I couldn't resist getting them each a 4th of July outfit. Molly's said "Mommy's Little Sparkler" - how cute is that?!?!? And, Wyatt's had a little red peace sign on the back. So, they were cute while grumbly.
In other news, my crusade for an answer to this digestive/reflux saga came to a head at the end of last week. After much researching and insistance, we got the babies on a new medication that seems to finally be giving them some relief. It's a totally different protocol than anything our pediatrician or pediatric GI have done, but both were willing to be more agressive because this has been so incredibly extreme. Steve and I also made the decision to switch their formula (I have to supplement their breastmilk because I can't make enough to feed them both exclusively). It got to a point with the hypoallergenic formula they were on that they were both screaming bloody murder at every single feeding. I started to wonder if it was because they simply hated it. So, last Saturday afternoon, Steve and I conducted a taste test of the hypoallergenic formula and my breastmilk (maybe a little cooky)...and oh my god, we couldn't blame them for screaming every time we came at them with a bottle. That formula was absolutely disgusting - suffice it to say, I had to drink half a bottle of tonic water just to get the taste of one sip out of my mouth. The breast milk, on the other hand, tasted like vanilla soy milk.
So, we switched them to an organic brand (it's milk-based, which we were nervous about) and it's been so much better. A girlfriend of mine actually wondered if they could have a sensitivity to pesticides (which aren't found in organic formulas/foods) as opposed to dairy proteins - I never would have even thought of that. But, who knows, it's a possibility. To be on the safe side, I'm still keeping dairy out of my diet, which has been easier than originally anticipated. And, at this point, we're just thankful that they seem to be a bit happier this week. If we can get through next week in the same fashion, then we know we're moving in the right direction. For now, we just wait.
Happy summer, everyone!

Mission: Possible

Daddy, Mommy, Molly & Wyatt - 8 weeks together seemed like a good reason for a stroll to the park down the street from our house.
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Maxx is the new Nana (remember the dog from Peter Pan). He's very sweet with the babies and always checks on them whenever he hears one of them cry - even in the middle of the night. Good boy, Maxx!
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My mom sent me flowers to cheer me up this week. They're so pretty; I just had to take a picture. Hydrangeas remain my perennial favorite!
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Well, this week brought some new revelations. Ellen (my mom's best friend) is still here and has been such an amazing help with the babies. Both Steve and I are a little nervous about what it's going to be like when she leaves. Just having another person to hold a baby is so helpful...but, we will persevere :)

The acid reflux saga continues and has gotten worse in the past two weeks, which has led me to start my own crusade for information and a solution to the problem. Both babies have now connected the dots between eating and hurting, so they're eating much less than they were. Luckily, they're still gaining weight, just much more slowly. So, we have infant oatmeal cereal added to their bottles for extra calories and to help them keep it down (thicker is harder to come up - thank you, gravity). And, now we have been switched to a new medication that promises to be our saving grace. From other mommies I've talked to, and message boards and a discussion with the lead researcher (Dr. Phillips) at the Midwest Acid Reflux Children's Institute, we have a much more comprehensive plan of action. So, we are now a day into the new medicine and so far, so good. No fighting the medicine, no arching the spine and contorting the body or screaming in pain when feeding or projectile vomitting (yeah, that's fun). Still fussy, and not eating as much - but those are behaviors that they're going to have to unlearn. So, it'll take more time. Patience is a virtue, right??? :)

Tomorrow will mark the two-month "anniversary" of the babies' grand entrance to the world. We are rapidly exiting the newborn life...it's a little bittersweet, time flying by so fast as we know we'll never get this time with them back. But, I think both Steve and I are really looking forward to the months ahead when they really start to develop their own little personalities. Though, they have already started, to be sure. In other news, our little MJ flipped herself over (TWICE!!!) this week. Wyatt is probably still a couple of weeks away.

Confessions of a mad mommy...

Wyatt learning to sit up all on his own...
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Big sister Molly giving her big girl chair a spin...
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Well, if someone had told me I'd be thrown into the deep end of motherhood from the get go, I might have turned tail and run as fast as my not-so-little legs could carry me. The last two months with the babies have been some of the most wonderful and yet, most difficult times in my life. I have found myself switching between absolute wonder at the amazing little people they're growing into, and then utter despair as they continue to encounter health issue after health issue. Our poor little beans have had to deal with so much in their short little lives - it's heartbreaking to watch. But, those days when they're feeling a bit more up to the challenges of the world make everything so worth while. They're tough little cookies, stubborn to the core - not unlike their mommy and daddy. If there's anything I hope they learn it's to persevere even when life is tough...because it all too often is. And, they are. I'm amazed at the way these little tiny people continue to greet each day with new wonder, even though they continue to have hurts and pains that we can't yet seem to fix.
Yesterday marked their first 8 weeks of life...and while I look back at the way things have changed, I cannot imagine our life without them. They're getting so big and learning to do new things each day. So, for all the sleepless nights, endless bouts of heartbreaking baby sobs, and frustrations at not being able to fix their hurts...my life as a mommy isn't something I'd trade for anything in the world. We wanted one, but got two in our bargain. For all the times I prayed and begged God to give us the chance to be parents, to help us find a way...I never expected this. They are beautiful little miracles (my very own little science experiments)...and like a woman recently told me...they are the flowers of God. I only hope that we are able to be everything they deserve as parents. But, more than anything, in spite of whatever frustration we may inevitably feel, I hope they always feel loved.

Daddy's 1st Big Day

The family at 7 weeks!


Daddy's 1st Big Day

Yesterday we celebrated Steve's first Father's Day...it was pretty mellow but definitely a time to reflect on the importance of dads in our lives. I've always known that Steve would be a great father. He's sensitive and kind and has a fun energy that says "I'm ready to play." The babies are lucky to have him for their dad.

When they were born (7 weeks ago today!), Steve's first words as they were being taken from me were a very teary "Oh wow." I don't think that simple sense of wonder has faded yet. He's continually amazed by all the little things that the babies do each day - "Oh, look, he's smiling!" or "She's grabbing my finger!" It's really the one thing I looked forward to most throughout the months of the pregnancy (and everything leading up to that)...seeing what he would be like as a dad. Well, folks, he's a pretty awesome one. He shares those middle of the night feedings and isn't afraid of a poopy diaper...but more importantly, he's just very loving and sweet with both of them.

Last week, a woman I met when my mom and I took the babies to Matterhorn Gardens told me that our bundles were the flowers of God. Well, daddy is their very special gardener. Happy Father's Day, Steve...you and I may have our differences every once in a while, but you will always have my vote as the very best daddy our little babies could ever possibly have. We are all lucky to have you.
Love,
G, Molly, Wyatt, Sydney & Maxx

To Grandma's House We Go...sort of

Wyatt & Molly - Our First Rainy Day
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Well, we didn't go to Grandma's house but Grandma came to ours!!! Last Saturday, my mom flew in again for some much-needed help and she's been amazing. We're really lucky that my mom and sister and our family friends have been able to come out and help us as we figure out how to adjust to life with the babies. I can't imagine what we would have done without them - perhaps it was the plea of desperation that they couldn't ignore ;) LOL
The babies are getting bigger every day and it's pretty amazing (if not a little sad) to watch them changing. Molly, in spite of her digestive troubles, is one tough cookie. She has learned how to hold her head up sand her new favorite place to be is on her tummy. It's really cute to watch. She is definitely not content to just lie down any more. She likes to be up and watching what's happening. She can frequently be found in her bouncy chair wherever we are. Wyatt is our little professor. He's definitely the thinker of the two. Usually quieter, he's content to observe what's happening around him and to stare out the window. He's starting to get stronger and bigger, but he still is our small fry :)
We went to see the pediatric gastrointerologist last Friday as we continue to try and work thru these digestive problems the little munchies are having. So, while things are still a long way from perfect, we're trying. Wyatt's reflux seems to be getting a little better with the help of his Zantac. Molly continues to struggle, but she's a trooper. The doctor seems to think she might have a dairy protein allergy on top of her reflux issues. So, we're currently eliminating breast milk from her diet for a few days to see if that really is the problem. If so, then guess who gets to eliminate all dairy from her diet??? That's right, this mommy does. Hopefully, we get to the bottom of this soon because it's heartbreaking to watch the poor little girl. Like I said to the doctor, food should be fun. And, right now, it's really not for either of them...but, especially for her.
This week, the babies also experienced their first rainy day. It was really cute because their jackets were so big on them, but I couldn't resist the photo op. At almost six weeks old, their still pretty pint-sized.

One Month Old

Wyatt & Molly at 1 Month Old
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Strollin' along
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Well, we celebrated the babies' one month "birthday" with a walk to the farmer's market yesterday for lettuce and tomatoes. Let me just say, couldn't have picked a more humid day. I think all three of us were happy to be back inside when we got home. However, they were probably more excited for lunch time :)

In the past month, life sure has changed. There have been moments of despair (what with a total lack of sleep and all), moments of wonder/awe, moments of confusion, moments filled with chaos, and moments filled with a kind of quiet joy that both Steve and I have come to love. My favorite time has come to be my 3am feeding time with the babies...it's quiet and calm (usually) and filled with cuddles.

The babies really are amazing little people - I know all parents say that about their kids. But, they are. They have grown and changed so much in such a short amount of time. I really look forward to the months ahead when they sleep through the night for longer stretches or are a bit more interactive, but I'm already missing those tiny baby moments. It's sad how fast it goes - even with the colic and reflux problems they've been having. It wasn't so long ago that Wyatt fit (with room to spare) on Steve's forearm...or that Molly was trying to crawl up the walls of her isolette in the NICU. It's amazing to think that we did this. Well, with the help of some pretty amazing doctors.

For those of you who don't know, Steve and I had to go through IVF to get our little bundles. So, it's been a long & emotional road (really long road) to get to this point. Starting with multiple rounds of fertility tests, then finding and meeting with our reproductive endocrinologist to a myriad of hormone injections each day to September 7, 2009 when the little eggies were surgically taken from me and inseminated...and life began for Miss Molly and Mr. Wyatt. It was just them and me for 8.5 long months (36 weeks to be exact) and it's been surreal, if not a little awe-inspiring, to realize that these little people belong to us for forever. Coming out of my post-partum haze, I feel really lucky and blessed to have our family - geriatric and epileptic dogs and all. It might be a crazy life, but it's our life...

Happy One Month, babies!!!

4 weeks old...

All dressed up and nowhere to go...
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Auntie Rachel loves to cuddle...
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Wyatt - I'm four weeks old today! That makes me a big boy :)
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I'm bigger and badder - 4 weeks old today!
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Today, the babies are officially four weeks old! I cannot believe they've been here for that long already. I guess lack of sleep and a constant list of things to do (for them and around the house) have kept time a-flyin' ;)
In the past four weeks, the babies have both grown so much. Molly officially hit the 8-pound mark yesterday. Her little brother is still about a pound smaller, and while he is pretty developmentally on-par for his age, Miss Molly prefers to move at warp speed. Wyatt is still a pretty mellow little man...content to be cuddled or practice his own baby version of Tai Chi (think slow motion movements of hands and feet...he could give lessons). Molly, on the other hand, wiggles and squirms and prefers to be in the mix of things at all times (even at 2:00 in the morning). Yeah, that part isn't so fun.
The biggest developments in the past several weeks have been our continued battle with the colic/reflux monster. Molly has developed a serious case of this and we have been chasing down that elusive fix for it. Now, it seems her little brother is following not so far behind her down this path. Because I have to supplement their breastmilk with formula, my thought is that Wyatt's newfound stomach irratiblity is due to an slightly increased amount of formula in his bottles. As I said to the pediatrician when Molly's ultrasound was being done yesterday, food should be fun not painful. Hopefully our little beans will find some enjoyment in it soon...we're trying...really trying.
This past week, Auntie Rachel came to visit and meet the babies for the first time as well. She was an absolutely AMAZING help - we were all really sad that she had to leave so soon. Let me just say that she was able to take care of things around the house for me that had been sitting for several months. Like I said, AMAZING. This Saturday, Grandma Madelene comes back to visit for a little while. We're really lucky that they have been able to come help because I think I might have pulled my hair out (or run away crying) if not. Still, it's hard to be away from family and friends...and these brief visits just bring that home all the more. But, we're so thankful for the time we do get to spend with them.

We're 3 Weeks Old Today!

Happy 3 Weeks, babies!!! (Wyatt on the left, Molly on the right)
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It's been three weeks (well, at 11:05 & 11:06 tonight really), since the babies first arrived. And, boy, have they made their presence known ;) Molly has developed a healthy case of acid reflux and colic, while her brother is still pretty mellow by comparison. It's amazing how much they've changed in just 3 short weeks. Not so long ago, they were just little baby bumps...now, they're starting to develop their own personalities. Molly is a little pistol, in spite of her health difficulties. She is developmentally ahead of her little brother and is lifting her head and wiggling up a storm - the standard sleep positioner is lost on her. She is cooing and is much much more alert than she was even just a week ago.
Wyatt is a pretty mellow little guy. He's content to be held and cuddled and doesn't fuss overly much...unless his sister is screaming bloody murder, then he often decides he wants in on the action - not so much fun at 2:00 am. He is definintely our little bobblehead baby. But, he's getting bigger every day. At his weigh-in this week, he'd ballooned up to 5 lbs, 15 oz. This is pretty major since he lost 5 ounces after he was born and was in the 2nd percentile for weight/size. Molly is up to 7 lbs, 1oz as of this afternoon. So, both babies are doing very well.

Happy 21 days little guys. Daddy and mommy love you both very much!

Week by Week

Molly is ready for a "swim."
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Wyatt, the little thinker, contemplates the importance of good hygiene.
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Well, the babies have passed their two-week birthdays :) They are officially 16 days old today. We celebrated with their first real baths. Both Steve and I expected Molly to pitch a world-class fit, but surprisingly (like her little brother) I think she kinda loved it. Don't get me wrong, she still wiggled and squirmed up a storm (she might have a future as a Chinese gymnast). Wyatt, on the other hand, was very relaxed and content to simply observe what was happening...it was all very cute :)

Hopefully, that cuteness extends to bed time tonight b/c I don't think we've gotten more than 4 hours of sleep since they were born ::sigh:: I can only pray that it gets better soon b/c this is rough...really rough.

Happy Birthday!!!

Wyatt's first photo op...he'll probably hate me for posting this one day.
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Molly's first photo op...it's a little heavy on the tubing, but that girl has spunk!
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No turning back now - the last photograph before 2 became 4...
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Well, I've been remiss in updating the ol' blog of late...our last post was on Monday 5/3, which proved to be an auspicious day. At 11:05 and 11:06 in the evening, Molly Joy and Wyatt Alexander were born. Steve and I were sent to the hospital by the on-call doctor at my OBGYN's office (someone I'd never met before). I started having some bleeding earlier in the evening and then a few contractions that were uncomfortable. Once I'd had 4 in an hour, off to the hospital we went. Neither of us thought we'd be there for the duration, but we did put my bag in the car none-the-less.
Upon arrival, they immediately started an IV drip (again, routine for me) and hooked me up to the twin fetal heart rate monitors and the contraction monitor. Again, routine. What was not routine however, was the spike in my blood pressure that they couldn't control or stabilize. So, after what seemed like a short period of time, I was being wheeled off to the OR and Steve was changing into scrubs. This was the point where I freaked out just a smidge ;)
But, after a spinal block (very strange feeling BTW) and being strapped down to the table, it was time.
Molly was born first and weighed in at 5 lbs, 13 oz...Her little brother followed one minute behind and weighed 5 lbs, 10 oz. As Steve likes to say, "There was almost 40 inches of baby inside you!" Yeah, no kidding - I felt it ;)
Wyatt was taken to the nursery, while little Miss Molly was carted off to the NICU and put on a CPAP (breathing machine) and subsequently also treated for jaundice. Needless to say, her hospital stay was a bit longer than ours - she stayed a full week. But, she was able to come home on Mother's Day - pretty darn awesome.
So, Happy Birthday, babies...daddy and mommy love you both very very much!!!

The Great PB&J Heist

Yesterday one of my very good friends came to visit with his son (my godson, Logan). It was wonderful to see them again; visits are too few and far between. We had a great time barbecuing and playing blocks with the little guy, even though it felt like summer outside (way more hot and humid than any of us were prepared for).

The pups did pretty well with Logan too, though they both love little kids and have been around him before. What they cannot resist is the lure of a good sandwich. Poor little Logan's size failed him this time...since he's the same size as the dogs, I think they found an easy mark in the food foraging department.

At one point, I heard Logan's squeaky shoes stop in the hallway and turned around to see Maxx standing in front of Logan (who was holding part of a PB&J) and then Maxx's slobbery mouth found its way around little Logan's hand (sandwich and all). At first, I thought...Oh my god, we're going to have to go to the emergency room...but, as gently as Maxx sucked in that little PB&J-weilding fist, he just as gently released. No scrapes, bumps, bruises or anything...just a mildly startled little baby who ended up giggling two seconds later. While Steve was alarmed, I was actually pleased - not at the fact that Maxx took it upon himself to steal a toddler's sandwich, but at the fact that he was so absolutely gentle when he took it. To be sure, he was reprimanded and had a time out, but this just reaffirms how gentle the pups have always been with little kids.

Incidentally, about 30 minutes later, Sydney sidled up to Mr. Logan (sandwich piece in hand again) and just stood there until Logan handed the gastronomic prize over. Well, nobody said they're perfect. They are dogs, after all...and, I have never met a dog who could pass up food...but, as usual they were very patient with the little guy's petting and block throwing (Maxx got beaned in the head by a Little People block that was hurled across the living room) and I think they were pretty entertained by a person who was just their size ;)

It's all in the DNA

Baby Wyatt was practicing his pout already...don't be alarmed by what looks like a second child on the far right - I was laughing and so the image doubled a bit when the tech took the picture.
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Well, we had our second to last appointment with the perinatologist yesterday. And, Wyatt actually cooperated for the camera...for the first time in weeks. His sister, on the other hand, was far too pre-occupied with doing headstands on my cervix. Yeah - it's not comfortable. Add that to the fact that Wyatt's head is shoved firmly up under my ribs...and I've got the double whammy.

But, as the ultrasound technician said, "they are mega babies." They each weighed in at just under 5.75 lbs...and, she guestimated that if we go another 10 days, they could each weigh in the mid-sixes!!! Holy crap...I mean, the idea of carrying around almost 13 pounds of baby is a little bit crazy. Good for them, uncomfortable for me ;)

And, it would seem that Wyatt is Steve through and through. From the nose to the chubby little cheeks to the lips...yep, he is his daddy.

Spec - tacular!

Welcome to the club...just remember, glasses are ALWAYS a fun fashion accessory!!!
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Well, as Steve puts it "it's all downhill from here." Nothing like a little optimisim, right??? For years, Steve has been saying that the only good thing he has left is his eyesight (periodically lamenting hair loss or a nagging tummy, which -incidentally- is total crap...have you seen his muscles???)
Well, the day finally came (at my insistance) that he saw my eye doctor and ponied up to the proverbial eyeglass bar. For the past several weeks, he has been coming home with headaches & tired eyes, probably from innumerable hours spent in front of the computer for work, and so I finally convinced him that it just wasn't normal.
So, we had a date with the eye doctor yesterday...Steve piggy-backed onto my appointment and look at what he came away with??? After a long time trying to figure out whether he wanted to have something a little more funky, or a little more conservative...we all convinced him that since he's not a conservative guy - why portray that to the world??? And, with two small children (who will inevitably like to grab at whatever they can) on the way, the plastic/funky frames were the safer and more fun option.
He's probably going to kill me for posting this picture - but I think it's cute :)

Reading Rainbow

Well, out our doctor's appointment today, there were two little kids playing in the waiting room while their aunt was being examined. At 4 and 3 years old, I'm not sure that I would have left my kids (or nieces/nephews) unattended like that but, that's just me.
Needless to say, both kids were very intrigued by how big my stomach is. I believe the 4 year old's exact words as I walked in were, "That lady has a really big tummy. Why???" It was pretty funny.
So, while I waited, the kids found an easy mark for a new person to read them stories - me. Yes, we read The Cottontail Bunny and Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes and discussed the merits of turtles and rabbits. The little girl was very excited to know that I'm a teacher because, as she put it, "I want to be a teacher and a doctor and an astronaut and a ballerina when I grow up." Well, it's nothing if not comprehensive ;)

Green at Last, Green at Last...Thank God Almighty, It's Green at Last

It's not easy being green ;)
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Look what popped up in the last 10 days - yes, you got it...that's grass!!! This is one of the things that I appreciate most about living in the northeast, we have seasons. Granted, I'm generally complaining and miserable during the summer when it's hotter than Hades outside. But, it's pretty neat to see the actual changes taking place. We really love our backyard in the spring and summer...especially when the wind rustles through the trees. It might not be the Four Seasons, or even the fancy part of Nyack, but it's pretty peaceful. And, I'm always entertained by Maxx trying to play with the squirrels...Sydney, she could care less.

Floor to Ceiling

Yep - he has this insatiable need to ham it up for the camera...but, check out those muscles. Note: this is the mid-point picture. Floors already sanded and awaiting stain.
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Floors beautifully sanded and just awaiting some stain...
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Well, my maniac of a husband took it upon himself to refinish the remaining floors in the house last weekend (our bedroom & the upstairs hallway). It was a ton of work for him to do on his own, and I felt really badly that I wasn't able to help this time. I think moving our big armoir is what finally did him in. So, while I've largely been able to overcome my OCD tendencies regarding the floor staining (that was always my job) & some spots that might not be perfectly blended, he did a really really great job. Steve might not be a naturally handy guy, but he sure gets an A+ for effort. It looks so much better than it did before and, hey, no more dreading floor refinishing...
To anyone out there who's crazy enough to think about refinishing your own floors, some words of caution from two crazy people once in your shoes. It's not rocket science, but there's a reason the pros charge so much - it's incredibly time consuming and physically demanding. But, the payoff is huge. Mostly, it's just plain awesome that we can say "WE did that!"

Adams, party of 1???

I'm probably going to hell for saying our child looks like Uncle Fester here...but, I say that with the most love possible.
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Well, at last week's ultrasound, Steve and I wondered if this was the Cooperman family or the Adams family ;) Little miss Molly looked decidedly like Uncle Fester - it was a little disconcerting. However, we've chalked it up to the fact that her brother's head was squishing her face. If she's able to make a lightbulb light up in her mouth, though, then we know we've got one crazy little kid on our hands. Her brother is a little more camera-shy.

To the letter...

Molly, Wyatt & I at 33 weeks...you can't tell, but they're both doing headstands on my pelvis - sounds fun, doesn't it??? ;)
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Steve and I at 33 weeks...he looks cute. Me, well, I just look like there's a WHOLE lot of me to love. LOL
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Miss Molly's marquis...she has to share billing with her brother...
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Wyatt's letters - not quite a name in lights, but fun just the same...
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Okay - we are finally finished. And, if we do say so ourselves, the babies' room looks pretty darn cute. Yesterday we hung up their letters and put their crib mobiles up...
So, now all that's missing are Molly and Wyatt :) And, a package of baby wipes - we have everything else under the sun but somehow forgot that ;) LOL

We are at 33 weeks now and counting. My OB was excited that I made it to 32 weeks when I went in for my appointment several days ago. Of the five doctors I see, none of them seems to think I'll make it beyond the end of this month. But, you never know.

They're going to put me on the schedule for my c-section 5 weeks from now, but are all set and ready to go should the babies decide they want to make their debut sooner. But with all the monitoring and weekly doctor's and hospital visits (Molly, Wyatt & I visit the labor & delivery unit each Monday for our non-stress test), we are very closely monitored.

In other news, Steve has been really great about helping me with whatever I need...he's even helped to fulfill my constant taco cravings. We made the absolute best scallop tacos a few days ago. God, were they good. It's making me hungry just thinking about them. Haha.

And, on that delicious note, enjoy the pictures!