Happy 13th Week!

Garrett and Ethan turn 13 weeks today. I can't believe it'll be August tomorrow. Time flies when your having fun and up at all hours of the night!

Garrett (L) Ethan (R)




We find out how much they weigh at the doctor's on Monday. I can't wait to see how much they've grown on the scale. I can tell just by holding them and by their clothes that they have put on a pound, or more.


At the last weight check, which will be two weeks ago Monday, Ethan weighed 7.2 lbs and Garrett weighed 7.6 lbs. They are three weeks adjusted, so they still act somewhat like newborns, but they are very strong. Both have rolled from tummy to back a couple of times and have great head control. They're both going through a bit of a fussy stage, Garrett more so than Ethan. But when it's time for night, night, they both sleep for about 5 hour stretches until the sun comes up. They're overall great-natured babies. Ethan has been on antibiotics for a stomach infection, but it doesn't seem to be bothering him. The only reason I knew something was going on is because he had blood in his stool. They eat 4 to 5 ounces at a time. I'm so thankful they're thriving.

I have noticed lately that Hayden plays with two baby dolls at a time now, instead of just one. SO CUTE!!! She's definitely a mini-me!






We've had a nice, relaxing weekend. Last night the Moss' came over and we had a blast, of course. Tanner and Hayden played outside until the sun went down. They only stopped for a second to eat, then got drumsticks for dessert. I don't know who enjoyed them more, the kids or the moms!! The night ended with a big splash in Mommy's bath tub. Lots of bubbles, splashing, and fun!







Tammy and Tanner came back over this morning to help with the twins while Travis and Spencer played golf. It's been a nice relaxing day at home as well. The sun's not out and it just rained. Now for a blockbuster movie and Japanese food to end the day. Looking forward to a much needed worship in the morning and a wonderful Sunday.

It's a log.....log...

Going from one to three kids has RoCkEd my world! I always thought I was pretty good at scheduling and organizing. HA! Boy was I wrong. I've been brought to a whole new level of scheduling and organizing, and it's still not what I think is good. How easy was it to get my first on a schedule? It wasn't easy, or so I thought at the time. Now that I look back on it, and considering my current attempt at scheduling, it was a breeze!

Introducing My LOG! My homemade, simply put, log (in which I can't live without). The LOG is in a 50 cent, three subject notebook (in which I can't live without). I write down all feedings, bottles, poops, vitamins, and medicines. I got the idea from another blogger, and boy am I glad I read that post!

Introducing Ethan and Garrett's LOG!




It's truly important enough to blog about!

Quiet time.... what??

Yep, found a few minutes to do a little update post. My house has been a zoo for the entire month of July. It has been fun, but looking forward to a quieter August, which still includes a toddler and twin infants.

I've had my brother, sister-in-law, sister, and dad here for July and they've all just recently left. It was nice having extra sets of hands around until I could get the hang of things (which is still a work in progress).





The boys are napping (a rarity) and Hayden is watching YO GABBA GABBA.


We went and spent the morning at Mandy's house and played with Gavin. Hayden and I love going there to visit. She loves Gavin, and all of his toys, and I love hanging with my bestie! It's nice because Mandy adores the boys and she has EVERYTHING in the world to accommodate the babies and the toddlers. While the boys fussed in and out of sleep, we got a little break in the pool, which I LOVED. I haven't seen much sunshine lately unless it's breaking through my blinds.






If I can get her out of the pool, she goes straight for Gavins rocking horse!



It's really hard to leave without prying Hayden off Mandy's leg. It's great to have such great friends!

The boys are growing so much and so fast. I've really been trying to hold on to and enjoy the fact that I've had newborns for 13 weeks now. It was tough to have them in the NICU, but since they've been home, I've soaked it all in. There adjusted age is 2 and 1/2 weeks so we've been experiencing the usual fussiness, restlessness, and gas. I know it's short lived, but it's still tough to see them so uncomfortable, especially with two of them and only one of me. BUT...I'm truly blessed to have such perfect, healthy children. I'm aware that one day I'll look back and wish I could have just ten minutes of this time back.



We don't have much planned for the weekend. Hopefully the Moss' will come over one night for dinner. Hayden and Tanner have so much fun. The last time they came, the kids had so much fun running and jumping on the air mattress, which was in the playroom, it was also Dana's bed! They're both potty training and were about to take a bath, which is why they were nearly naked!!






It's a crazy life, but a fun life! I give God all the glory!

Life Savers

OK, maybe I'm going overboard by calling my recent purchases "life savers", but they sure do enhance the quality of life with newborn twins and a two-year-old. I would've laughed five years ago, if you had of told me that in five years, a trip to Babies R Us could make the world of difference. Dana and I went shopping there yesterday after the boys' eye appointment and purchased two Mobys and two Halo Sleep Sacks. OMG! I would highly recommend both, especially if you have a squirmy little boy (or two) who loves to be held and hates sleeping in his crib. The Moby seems a little intimidating at first, but is easy to figure out and they LOVE it!

Dana and I both had a Moby on and a baby in it when we braved the mall after this purchase. We ate in the food court, fed them, and talked on our phones with such ease. Everyone that walked by did a double take, and some commented on how cute we looked, but I felt so liberated in the fact that I could cradle one of my sons AND use both of my hands at the same time. I think Dana felt the same and we both giggled like teenagers while we skipped through the mall. And did I mention that I can put both boys in it at the same time?! It holds up to 35 lbs., so we tested Hayden in it. She of course thought it was fun to have Aunt Dana hold her and do squats at the same time.

I also bought the Halo Sleep Sack for each of the boys and it saves so much time and effort than trying to swaddle them in a blanket that's probably too small, and in which they usually wiggle out of.

Unbelievable what a few pieces of fabric and a good idea can do for an exhausted mother!

July 4th on July 10th

I'm a little late on getting the July 4th pictures up, but I've been trying to catch up period. Our church has a spectacular firework show every 4th of July, so we decided to take the whole family and let Hayden see her first fireworks! It took a week for her to catch up on her sleep, but it was well worth it.

This week has been a little overwhelming, but in all good. I had a friend pass away from cancer last Saturday and her funeral was Tuesday. RIP Bonnie Blue, always in my heart.

The boys had shots on Monday and it took several days to get over that. Hayden has been doing very well with potty-training, but has had a few accidents. They all seem to be settling into a schedule. Overall I'm so proud of my family. I'm now not quite as terrified of being at home alone with all three as I was at first. I'm still so grateful to have had a lot of help and support.

On my prayer list: the family of Bonnie and my best friend's mom, who just found out she has stage 2 breast cancer. I love you Mary and you'll pull through and do fine. Our God is an awesome God. The power of prayer is unlike any other.

Happy 10 weeks Ethan and Garrett!

My Princess

This post is dedicated to my sweet girl, Hayden. It's always been all about Hayden, but since the boys have been born, I feel like I've short-changed her (even though she still gets plenty of my love). My sister, brother, and sister-in-law are in town helping me adjust to my new world of three kids and a household, so it's been a big party for Hayden. She gets two new brothers, whom she adores, and attention from every angle of my house.

Since she's turned two, it's like she's a new child. This new little person, who speaks in sentences that I can understand, starting pre-school soon, sleeping in a big-girl bed, and just recently started wearing big-girl underwear, has taken over my baby! I'm so proud to say that she's been potty-training for two weeks and has only had four accidents. She has surpassed my every expectation!

Some of her more recent pictures.......

Someone found mommy's mascara!

At least she knows how to use the suction bulb, but doesn't know where the balm ex goes!

I love you so much Hayden! You're going to be the best big sister to your little brothers!

Been kinda busy!

It's been a WHILE since my last post. Just haven't been able to find the time. Let's see, what's happened since March. Well, Hayden turned two, Spencer had a birthday, OH, I had the twins on May 1st. They were 10 weeks early and spent six weeks in the NICU. Talk about a rollercoaster ride. My water broke on Friday night at 11pm and they were born Saturday at 9 am almost. I delivered at Pitt Memorial Hospital and three weeks later, the twins were transfered to Wake Medical Center. Garrett James weighed 3 lbs and Ethan Spencer weighed 2 lbs 12 oz. They were both around 16 inches long. They came home on June 14, 2010. So far, life has been hectic, but absolutely wonderful.


Garrett James


Ethan Spencer




Hayden is in love with her little brothers.




They have been home now for 3 weeks and are 9 weeks old. They weigh 6.6 lbs (Garrett) and 6 lbs (Ethan). They are still like newborns, but are growing fast. My due date was originally June 11th.





One week old

Garrett
Ethan


12 Days Old

Ethan
Garrett


3 and a half weeks old

Garrett

Ethan


5 weeks and in the same crib!




At home finally! 6 weeks old!







2 Months





Looking back at the photos while writing this post has been humbling. How blessed am I? The NICU experience was difficult, but I have two healthy boys as a result. Both Wake and Pitt NICU teams were wonderful and did their best to keep us comfortable. Now my days and nights are filled with feedings, diaper changes and some crying, but I wouldn't have it any other way. My boys are definately little fighters!