[jenedens6102]

Evita, I can't believe Eva will be three months old tomorrow, already! Time just keeps flying by. I'm with you, some days are right on the money as far as schedules go and others are just off the wall. Ethan's sitter was off Monday and Tuesday for the holiday so he's been on his own schedule but still did very well at night. Today is his first day back at the sitter's so let's see how this goes. Especially with my DH being gone on business I'd like to rely on the schedule so I can get some things done on my own. You never know how much you truly rely on a person until they aren't there. Although I had a pretty good idea since I've not made dinner without DH being home, haven't taken a bath/shower without DH being home and I haven't gotten ready in the morning for work without DH being home. Luckily we managed just fine this morning.

Anna, I never know what Ethan's feeding schedule is going to be until we get the day started. If he only takes four ounces he'll be eating again within two hours (unless he's sleeping) if he takes six ounces then it could be three hours or even four. I'm thinking about changing him just before I head over to the church since I'm keeping him with me for Sunday School which is in the pastor's home right next door. That way he's got time to digest for a while. The dedication will be the first thing that happens once the service starts so then I can change him back into whatever outfit I bring when I get him to the nursery.

[amfandrmf]

Jen, Wow! I guess I didn't realize how varied Ethan schedule really is. With the twins, to keep my sanity, they are very regimented. During the day, no matter how much they eat, they get fed every four hours. So, it is actually quite nice for planning evenings out. We can go out to dinner or to a movie and someone can watch them between their feedings and they really don't start to fuss until about 3 1/2 hours later.

So, the interview went great! I think I nailed it. All the questions that start off as "Give me an example of a time when ..... happened to you and how you handled it" I just blew out of the park. Working for a hospital also has such great benefits! I'd start working June 16th and they said to give them a week or two so they can check references and so forth. I sure hope I get this because otherwise I have a feeling I'll have to go back to my old employer.

[jenedens6102]

Anna, yes we are still working on getting a feeding schedule under way. He's just a big eater yet when we try to give him more per feeding so he doesn't eat as often it back fires. In due time I guess. Congrats on the interview, sounds like you did nail it. Hoping it goes your way!

[amfandrmf]

Jen, I'll be thinking of you and Ethan on Sunday enjoying the dedication. I can't wait to see pics with Ethan in his cute outfit. Any other plans?

Saturday we have our Goddaughter's 2nd birthday party and Sunday, after church, we're going to make lunch for my mom for her birthday. Unfortunately, these busy weekends make it hard to get things done around the house. And with twins, I fall behind on so much stuff it is just impossible to get anything done.

[lauriej79]

Hey girls! Hope everyone has had a good week and looking forward to a great weekend. How exciting Jen to have the dedication this weekend! Anna - I saw the pics from your and the babies are beautiful!
Anna- When will you know about the job? It sounds like everything went great!

Evita- Congrats on the 3 month mark. We will be right behind you on the 10th! It's hard to believe. You need to post some new pics!

As for us, things are going good. Our girls are on a pretty strict schedule as well. I think we are about to graduate to just 4 feedings a day at 6 ounces a feeding. They are currently on 5 feedings a day 5 ounces so they will basically be doing the same amount per day just an extra ounce at a feed. We are going to try it and see how it goes. They are just sleeping so solid at night that they can't hold out to stay awake for the 11pm feed. They are ready to go to sleep by 9:00 or 9:30 and they sleep until between 6:30 and 7:00. Currently they are eating around 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm and then they would eat again at 11pm but they are just asleep before then and it is like pulling teeth to get them motivated to eat. I have tried feeding them at like 9:30 but they will only take maybe half because they are still full from the 7pm feed. I will let you all know how it goes. I think we will try it and see how it goes. They may not quite be ready but we will know pretty quickly I think. They started this morning and took 6 ounces with no problem so I guess we will see how consistent they will be.

Anna - I see you said that your girls eat every 4 hours regardless of how much. How much are you putting in the bottles and how much do they eat? How long do you work with them before you quit?

[jenedens6102]

Laurie, I am so impressed with both you and Anna. I wish I had that kind of feeding schedule with Ethan. He still is taking four ounces per feeding consistently. We tried 6 ounces per feeding over the weekend and it just didn't work. With his reflux I'm not forcing it on him either. He lets us know from time to time if he wants more and maybe two to three times a week he takes two 6 ounce bottles during the day, either first thing in the morning and after a long nap or just before bed time. He passes out with his bottle that he takes around 6 and is in bed around 7-7:30 p.m. He wakes up for a feeding at 3:30 a.m. which in my opinion is still good because it is 8 hours of sleep and 9 hours between bottles. But he still only takes four ounces and goes right back to bed. We are on a two to three hour feeding schedule. I know it would be longer if he took more but again with his reflux we are afraid if we force him to take more he'll be sick and we've experienced that plenty enough.

Anna, Sunday is also my 6 year wedding anniversary so DH and I are going out for a late lunch and a movie tomorrow afternoon. My mom has been dying to watch Ethan and honestly we haven't done this yet. Anytime she has him it's with us being there doing other things. I trust my mom, she's my best friend and obviously she's done this before....but I'm a ball of nerves worrying over Ethan when I'm not there. I'm a control freak that way. It's bad enough that I'm without him 9-10 hours a day during the work week. My mom is desparate to watch him overnight for the first time and I'm definitely not there yet. DH thinks I need to relax but I'm having a hard time.

Speaking of DH he got home from his business trip last night and surprised me. He wasn't supposed to be home until tonight. I even talked to him twice yesterday and not once did he mention he was coming home. The second time was just two hours before he showed up. He called again and asked if I was sleeping and then asked if I could come unlock the door for him to get in. So while I was excited to see him home he has made plans to go out with his friends to see Indiana Jones tonight so I still end up without him for tonight. As he puts it "he still has a life" so I shouldn't be mad at him. It's not that I'm mad that he wants to do something with his friends it's that I don't even get invited anymore and he feels no remorse for leaving Ethan and I while he continues to go out and have fun. I have yet to do anything with my friends and even what I have planned coming up Ethan will be with me because DH doesn't get off work until later. But I guess it's a bump in the road I knew we'd come to eventually. Doesn't help that AF started yesterday so I'm an emotional basketcase, I've never been like this before. DH asked if I was depressed because I can't even email him today without crying. But I was fine this morning and I'm fine now, just not happy about the situation I guess. Anyway, enough rambling from me. Not trying to be the downer!

[evita]

Laurie and Anna, i agree with Jen that you have quite impressive feeding schedules for the girls. It makes life much more easier that way. With combined bottle and breast, it becomes difficult for me. Eva's feeding is still two hours apart and she would take only 3-4 oz from bottle per feeding. I think my milk has reduced now but still she wants the boob between the feedings and in the morning and night. I have thought to wean her gradually coz a lot of comfort sucking is also involved. Still waiting for the AF but now i have a feel that i will get it this month for sure. Let's see. I want that the frequency of the feeds is reduced and the quantity increased but i think it will be an uphill task also because i am at home and give in to her first cues (crying, hands in mouth). It is getting difficult to find a help and i guess i will have to manage alone. Looking forward to this weekend when DH would be there to take care of her. Some of my friends are also dropping in tomorrow so it would be fun.

Laurie, i will post some pics soon.

Jen, enjoy the movie and time with DH without guilt. Your mom is there to take care of Ethan. i would say how lucky!

[amfandrmf]

Laurie, I'm really impressed if you can get the feedings down to 4 times a day! I sure wish I could do that. For our feedings, if they are still acting somewhat interested, we will try to feed them no longer than 30 minutes. We kept with the timing like they had in the NICU. Maddie will take about 3 to 4 oz each feeding and we put about 4 1/2 in her bottle. Mila will take about 3-5 oz each feeding and we just upped her amount to about 5 1/2 in her bottle. Lately, she's been finishing most of her 5 oz bottles, so we just increased it a little to see if she'll start taking more regularly. We have their last feeding around 8 p.m. each night. They wake up for 1 or 2 feedings during the night and are then wide awake by around 7 or 8 a.m. And, depending on when they wake up, I start 4 hour feedings after that. Sounds like your girls are doing great with the feedings. I hope that means you're getting plenty of rest at night! Enjoy the weekend.

Jen, sounds like Ethan does well at night before he wants a bottle. I'm sure he'll let you know once he's ready to start taking more and when he can go longer in between feedings during the day. Oh, and Happy Anniversary! Enjoy the dinner and movie! What movie are you seeing? When Ryan and I did that for Mother's Day, it felt so wierd not having the girls with us. We just kept thinking and talking about them and couldn't wait to get back to them. It was really hard for me because I'm barely away from them. Try and relax and let your mom take care of things. I'm sure she'll do great. And, if she doesn't handle things the way you would, I'm sure they'll still be perfectly fine. I know what you mean though. I'm still nervous about having my mom take the girls once I go back to work. She hasn't babysat anyone since I was a baby. So, she's a little out of practice. She still hasn't done a feeding alone with both girls. She's helped out, but I just haven't been able to let her do it on her own yet. Once I go back to work, I'll be forced to get comfortable with it. I'm sorry DH is acting that way. I would be upset if DH made plans without consulting me before leaving me alone with the girls. He should realize your lives are different now and he needs to handle things a little bit differently. Maybe if you just talk to him, he'll understand where you're coming from. Although, I might not be as upset if I didn't have twins right now. I would be okay with one, but its double trouble being here by myself.

Evita, I hope the transition goes well if you decide to do that soon. It is so much easier to just have the girls on the bottle. Let me know how it goes. I'm glad the weekend is here for you, so DH can give you a break. You deserve it. I think you should go out and treat yourself to something special, like a manicure/pedicure. Have fun with your friends tomorrow!

So, you girls are talking about getting AF. I was really hoping after the pregnancy that AF would regulate for me. I still have not gotten it yet. I guess we'll see what happens. Before the pregnancy, I would get it every 5 or 6 months.

[jenedens6102]

Anna, I have been talking to DH all day about this. I spent most of the morning crying after reading emails and then as I typed the next one up. Not sure why I'm so emotional but I'm going to blame it on AF for now. I LOVE that DH has such a good relationship with his friends still, he's been close to these guys since elementary school and not everyone can say that. They do a trip each June to play paintball in Michigan and they like to get together from time to time to play computer games together. But even now that Ethan is born he shows no signs of slowing down. But then when I mention that I don't get that same time he says "pick a weekend, pick a day and go...I'll watch Ethan." He has to slow down first! My mom does great with Ethan, I have no problems with her taking care of him. I just haven't left him during a weekend yet. It's hard enough still each day that I leave him with the sitter but I know I have to because of work. I don't HAVE to leave him on the weekend, he can go with us just about anywhere and anytime. But as DH says, I need a break from the house and a break from being a full time wife, mom and employee. I just need to get out and enjoy some "us" time like we haven't done since the day before Ethan was born. I have no idea what movie we'll see. Tonight he's going to see the new Indiana Jones so we'll see what is playing and go from there. I'm looking forward to Sunday though!

[amfandrmf]

Jen, I'm sorry your going through all these emotions. I know how hard it is to give yourself a break. DH says all the time to let him handle a feeding with both girls, so I can have a break. I just can't do it for some reason. I always feel like I need to be there for my girls. But, you really do need a day to go and enjoy and just relax from your daily life. I know I should be taking my own advice. Well, I hope you enjoy your weekend. Kung Fu Panda looks like a really cute movie!

[jenedens6102]

Anna, I was over it all by the afternoon. Just an emotional morning I guess. DH's plans didn't end up working out after all. I went out to eat with my parents and since a big storm was heading our way I opted to stay with them until it blew over. However, Dh's friend's car died (belt broke) on the way so I had to grab some tools and headed out to save them. This was a three hour process and by the time it was all said and done the car still wasn't fixed, the four boys were all soaked to the bone and they'd missed two showings of the movie. So they are rescheduling for next week. However, DH and I went out today and had a great time. We enjoyed a nice meal out, a movie and even took a few extra minutes to buy a fan for Ethan's room since it's been 80s and humid here for the past couple of days and will continue to be for the next week. Tomorrow is his dedication and I can't wait. I'll post pictures soon. I also got a video of Ethan's first big laughs from today. Off to bed now!

[akk]

Hi everyone,

Laurie - i am impressed that you have the girls sleeping so well...what is your secret?

Anna - Good luck iwth the job, sounds like you nailed it.

Jen - looking forward to the dedication pictures.

We're trying to figure out the sleeping/eating schedule with the kids too...they sleep well and have had some 6 and 7 hour stretches, but nothing consistent. it takes about 30 minutes to get our DS down due to teh reflux...he thrashes around alot and then finally calms down. DD is a trooper, just goes right to sleep.

I'm having a pretty difficult time with motherhood. it's been a struggle for me. I went to the OB and they did a screen for post partum and i am now on anti depression meds...i just get waves of anxiety and saddness...it really stinks. i have connected with a few of my good friends and they have shared that they too had it.

mine really started the weekend i got AF...it hit me like a wave....so AF and a few other things all happened and i just became overwhelmed with motherhood.

now that we are trying to have them on a napping schedule, i feel like i can never leave the house...i have horrible cabin fever. anyone else feel trapped at home? DH is great, he let's me take time to go to starbucks or meet out with a friend, but it's so hard to leave him alone...i know how hard it is for me to be home alone, so i don't like to do it to him.

anyway, i wish i was in better spirits so i could enjoy life a bit more.

[evita]

Hey akk, i can understand what you feel. You are not alone. I am sure every new mom has felt overwhelmed at one time or another. It is such a huge responsibility!! But when you see the lovely face of your LO, does anything else matter... We have become mothers after so much of trying and setbacks. What we have achieved is no minor thing. I hope you get to feel better with the anti depressants. And why dont you leave babies to a baby sitter or a family member/DH and go out and do your own thing...that would be a great refresher for you. Once you are well rested and refreshed, you can take care of the babies even better. What names have you chosen for them...can you post some pics for us...wishing that you get back to your usual self soon.

Jen, happy anniversary!! Hope you enjoyed your time. I also keep on having tiffs with my DH as right now all my attention is on Eva and not on him. For the past seven years or so, it was he who had been center of my attention and now suddenly things have changed. I feel it is more difficult for ladies like us who have children after so many years of marriage than the ladies who fall pregnant soon enough after marriage.

Anna, Eva still wants the boob when she gets up or is going to sleep. I am trying my best to wean her off, but i think it will take some more time as she keeps on coming to me and thus maintains my supply. She still bfs on each boob for 15-20 mins whenever she gets hold of me during the day. I am wearing supportive bra now so that i dont leak which has been my major issue since she was born.

Rest of the things are fine. My friends visited me yesterday and we had a good time, i was very nostalgic of my old times. They bought some clothes for Eva as gifts also. Today was a bit easy going and right now i am watching TV with DH, the finals of IPL T20 cricket match. It is fun!

[akk]

thanks evita, i appreciate your thoughts. I look forward to shaking this too...i just went out by myself for errands and it felt good to get out.

my DS name is Will (short for William) and our DD is Emery.

I am trying to post a pic...thanks for asking

[akk]

okay, anyone know how to post a pic? i changed it to a GIF, but i guess that didn't work.