Little Things Thursdays, Week 6

#1 Getting to bed before midnight. Several nights in a row. Uh. May. Zing. That said, the kiddos are waking up a bit earlier for their early AM feeding (i.e., 3:30am instead of 4:30am) which is taking some adjusting. Although it IS nice to get two more hours of sleep after that feeding instead of just one. But let's not look at last night as an example. Periwinkle woke up around 2:30, I got her to go back to sleep for a half hour and then I changed her and fed her a 2oz bottle hoping that would conk her out for a while, seeing as Indigo was sound asleep. Well, her crying managed to wake him up for once, so we gave up and fed them both. So then she calmed down and went back to sleep but then he was ornery, I think because he had a slightly raised temp. Baby Vicks and a smidge of baby ibupofen finally got him zen enough to go to sleep. The entire ordeal was about two hours. Next time maybe we'll just feed them at 2:30 instead of fighting them on it. Once their new bedtime is fully established then we can work on the middle-of-the-night feeding I guess. Live and learn.

#2. Coffee. Thank god for coffee. Especially today.

#3. Blue filling our Dr. Brown's pitcher before bed so I'm not making a new one in the middle of the night. He can do the proper maths when there are a few ounces in the pitcher already. I'm too paranoid I'm going to mess it up and put in too much formula powder or something, so I wait until it's empty before making a new one. Which had been happening for the middle-of-the-night feeding an awful lot lately. So, yay for hubby for being awesomely on the ball about that.

#4 The swing. It's this one:

Graco Sweetpeace Soothing Swing: Elefanta

And they are usually totally chill when they are in it. They are high enough up so they can see what is going on around them, so they are happier. Only downside is the real estate it takes up, but it's worth it!

#5 Avocados. I'm planning on buying one to go with the margarita chicken, black beans and mexican rice I'm making for dinner. Such an easy meal to make (marinate chicken in margarita mix for two hours; grill or bake) and soooo delicious. And avocado is like icing on the cake! I'm also buying an extra one in case we are feeling adventurous this weekend and want to introduce the babies to their first solid food. We'll see. They ARE 18 weeks old now. Wow. How did that happen?

What's kind of fun is that when I was pregnant, at 16 weeks they were the size of avocados. So long ago...

Operation Sheep Rescue Update

Fittingly, I'm wearing my sheep sweater today. And the sheep shared in my joy as I weighed in today and saw a loss of 1.6 pounds!

That means 7.6 lost since January 1st! Still over 37 to go, but I'm close to my pound-a-week goal so I'm feeling pretty darned good!

Zumba starts next week, so I'm pretty psyched for that.

I'm also psyched for the season premiere of Psych on USA tonight! Need to find out if Sean's dad died or not!

Four Month Checkup

Yesterday was doctor day for the kiddos. They were not too happy about it, mainly because we had an appointment in the evening and it crossed into their witching hour when the only cure is napping. Lesson learned. Also, they were not fans of the shots. Periwinkle even debuted a new cry that closely resembled a car alarm. Needless to say, they were in bed earlier than normal, which was great, because it meant we went to bed before 11 for the first time in a LONG time. It was glorious. But I digress.

Indigo is now 13lb 5 oz and is 25 inches long. That means he's gained 8lb1oz and 6 inches since birth. Go Indigo!

Periwinkle is now 12lb 2.5oz and 23.5 inches long. That puts her up two pounds and 1.5 inches from last month, and 7lb 1.5oz and 4.5 inches from birth. We're so happy she's growing so well!

I missed the head circumferences due to Periwinkle's crying, sorry. Indigo still has a big head, though. That much is certain.

And I believe they are both around the 25th percentile for height/weight, which is good.

We were told that if they start seeming unsatisfied by formula, we can slowly introduce solids at this point. Part of me is tempted, but since they both seem okay with just bottles right now, I won't jump the gun. I'm excited to see how they react to food though. We'll be doing it in two months, at the latest, anyways, which is soon enough I guess.

Besides, do I really need mashed banana and avocado all over the living room right now? No. No, I definitely do not.

Our future. Times two.

A Letter to Indigo at Four Months

Dear Indigo,

At four months old, you are still my mellow baby. That's not to say there aren't times when you are the fussier child, especially at bedtime lately, but in general you just seem to observe the world and offer up your big goofy grins. Daycare says you are smiling more and more as you get used to them, and I'm glad you doing well there. This month it seems I caught more of your smiles on camera than those of your sister, and I can't help but smile myself when I see those pictures.

Mr. Smiles

You are definitely in 3-6 month clothes, as you remain bigger than your sister. I let her wear some of your old clothes, I hope you don't mind. She can pull off the tomboy look pretty well. Don't worry, Grandma is keeping you in style with new clothes. You've outgrown your tie shirt, but your new cousin will rock that outfit so it won't go unworn.

You are still trying to talk, and sometimes you repeat back to me the noises I make. Still nothing that sounds like real words, but you are trying. I can't wait to teach you baby sign language so you can communicate before you master talking, but there's a few months before I can even do that. Last night I sat you on my lap and you stared at me and talked at me, grinning when I copied your sounds.

Hanging out with your sister

But lately you've been doing something else: In a flash, you go from zero to full out heartbreaking crying that doesn't sound like a tiny baby's cry. No, you sound like a solid, older baby with a solid, baby boy voice. It never fails to scare the crap out of me because you sound so distressed and unhappy, and usually it happens without an obvious cause. I jump out of bed or off the couch and run to you, and luckily you usually calm down once you are in my arms or your daddy's. Sometimes you even do it when I'm holding you, so I know it's not just an "I want attention" cry. We're still working on figuring that one out, but know that we are trying. We want you happy and feeling safe and secure.

Like your sister, you're working those legs. You are constantly losing your socks because your legs are always on the move. I think you are going to love it when you get to try an exersaucer. I can prop you on the couch next to me and you sit up pretty well, nice and relaxed. Sometimes that is where you are happiest, if nothing else is working.

Typical man with the remote

You still haven't rolled over yet, but you have found the baby in the mirror. You seem worried by him, rather than amused, but I'm hoping you get to be friends. You also seem to notice your sister, looking at her when she's near you. I'm not sure you know what to make of her yet, though. It'll be fascinating to watch that relationship develop.

In general you seem to be the worrier, looking around you in concern or with wide, somewhat scared eyes when you aren't sure of something. Relax, little man. We're here to protect you.

Love,
Mama

The worrier

A Letter to Periwinkle at Four Months

Dear Periwinkle,

Today you are four months old. Even though it's still bitterly cold outside, the promise of spring is hinted at by the slowly lengthening days. I can't wait to bring you outside so you can experience grass and flowers and warm rain. I was tempted to put you in your little snowsuit and toss you in the drifts after the big snowstorm we had two weeks ago, but the snow was so high you would have disappeared. We'll have to save playing in the snow for next winter, when you'll be crawling and probably even walking.

Periwinkle and White Cat notice each other.

If I hold you up now you stiffen your legs and it looks like you are standing, so I know you're working on strengthening those legs for movement. Buying an exersaucer is on the to-do list for this month, I think. I have no idea where we will put it, as we brought the swing downstairs to the living room and it's getting a bit crowded. But you love the swing, and I know you'll love being able to bounce up and down in the exersaucer, so the lack of space is worth it.

You also are still working on talking. You seemed very emphatic about a story you were telling me and Grandpa this weekend. I'm sorry we don't understand you yet. I'm hoping that if we teach you and Indigo baby sign language that will help keep you from getting too frustrated as you are learning to talk. First I need to learn it so I can teach you! You've started blowing little bubbles, which I've heard is a good sign on the road to speaking. I know you'll get there, and I'm loving all the noises and faces you are making along the way.

Giggly girl

You still wake up around 4:30am to eat. Sometimes you wake up closer to 2am, but a diaper change or a pacifier knocks you out for a few more hours. A few weeks ago you both slept straight through to 7am! You can feel free to do that more often, if you want. The good thing is, you always fall back asleep after eating, and you rarely give us a problem at bedtime, either. You've finally gotten the hang of napping, and we've finally gotten the hang of reading you so we know when to swaddle you and give you some quiet time. It makes life so much easier knowing what you need.

Finally napping

You had a cold for a little while, and it made me so sad to see you so sniffly and congested. You're doing much better now, though! I think all the naps helped.

You've been going to daycare for four weeks now. A whole quarter of your life. How did that happen? They say you are always smiling for them. I'm glad you are happy there, but I hope you treasure the weekends when we are together as much as I do. I wish you wouldn't cry so hard when I put you in your carseat to take you home. I know it's just because you don't like the carseat and not that you don't want to come home with me, but sometimes it's hard not to take it a little personally. But then you are smiles and nuzzles when I get you home and I know that you still love your mama.

You still haven't rolled over yet, but that's okay. You're finally grabbing a bit at things in front of you, and you seem to have taken to your diamond-ring rattle. You still love playing with the baby in the mirror, which I love to watch. You're more aware of your brother now, although you two don't really interact much yet. So much ahead for you to learn and discover! I can't wait to see it all!

Love,
Mama

Four-month birthday

Bright eyes

Did I mention napping?

Little Things Thursday, Week 4? 5?

I've lost track. And it's Friday again. Whoopsies!

#1. Both kiddos seem to be getting over their colds, which makes me happy. They were sounding rather miserable.

#2. I keep getting freelance editing work, which is great. Extra income is always nice! What's more difficult is finding the time to do it!

#3. Omlettes. Had one for breakfast and it was delish. I mixed things up by putting bacon in it. Yum!

Not my omlette. I ate mine before I thought to take a photo.

#4. Indigo and Periwinkle can sit up pretty well on the couch. Last night he was being moody but settled right down when I put him next to me while I ate dinner.

He did insist on having control of the remote, though. Typical man!

#5. This makes me laugh.

I have a weird obsession with T-Rexes lately and I don't know why. Beginning to think Indigo is going to end up with a dino bedroom one of these days. When he has his own room, of course.

It's kind of weird -- boys are less fun to clothes shop for, but way more fun to plan bedrooms for. Dinosaurs, trains, pirates, or space? I love all of these things. I'm just not a girly girl when it comes to things like that, so I have no idea what we'll do for Periwinkle's room. Nothing princessy or kitties or any of that. I guess we'll just have to see what she likes, though.

Weight Loss Update

Slowly but surely, it's coming off. Too slowly, in my opinion, but then again, I cheat at every opportunity, so it's really all my fault.

In any event, I'm down 6 pounds since January 1st. The sheep on my sweater are still lost in my tummy rolls when I sit down, but I am determined to rescue them (check out my posts from Christmas to see what the hell I am talking about).

But I seriously need to get serious. I'm sick of being paranoid that someone is going to offer me their seat on the subway, thinking I am a pregnant lady. I'm pretty sure I'd play along to save us both the embarrassment of correcting them...

And this isn't unfounded. The receptionist in my doctor's office remarked, "Soon, right?" when she saw me last month. I was mortified. And I did correct her, laughing, and then refused to make eye contact. I'm determined to be a bit more svelte when I go back in May...

Big Cousins!

A week shy of four months old, and Periwinkle and Indigo are big cousins! Blue's sister (the one we stayed with post-Sandy) had her little boy yesterday! He was 6lb 12oz and 21 inches long, so long and scrawny. I went to visit at lunch and Mom was looking fantastic and rested (I know I didn't look that good!), and the little guy was sleeping all bundled up like a baby burrito. He has a three-year-old sister and nearly two-year-old brother and they are all seriously the cutest kids ever, although the new addition definitely looks different than his siblings did when they were born. Can't wait to see what he looks like as he gets bigger!

I'm not going to lie, I got a few pangs of nostalgia for when ours were that small and kind of thought, "Hmm when can we have another?" I am insane. Don't worry--it's going to be at least another two years. Assuming we continue to do well with the two we have (we've been crazy lucky with pretty well-behaved kiddos). But I digress.

So, welcome little M! All of you kids are going to have so much fun playing together! This Christmas is going to be insane with five kids on the move...

And in a few short weeks, my stepsister is going to be having her little girl. Babies all around!

Who's Who?

We kept gender a secret until my baby showers for a reason: I didn't want a bunch of gender-specific clothing. Fat lot of good that did me, because as soon as I saw them I wanted to dress her up in girly stuff, whether pink or teal or purple, and I wanted to dress him in baseball onesies and little boy jeans. And I didn't realize how much I've come to rely on those markers of gender to identify who is who. I mean, they really don't look alike at all so it's not hard to tell them apart, but at a quick glance across a room, if I see pink I figure that's Periwinkle, and if I see little footballs on a sleep n play I figure that's Indigo.

Well, some of that gender neutral stuff did get sort of "assigned" to one baby or another, so now I associate certain outfits with certain genders/babies, even if the outfit is green or yellow and so on. Yesterday the in-laws were babysitting so we could go to a marathon of four of the nine Best Picture nominees (so far Argo has my vote), and I packed two extra outfits per baby. One of those outfits was one of the gender neutral ones, and when we went back to pick up the kids, Indigo was wearing what is, to me, Periwinkle's outfit.

She soon spit up on her outfit, and thus ended up in a very boyish dinosaur sleep n play because all we had left there were Indigo's two outfits. Fast forward to this morning and me napping hazily on the couch after their 7am feeding (PS they slept until 7:15am! After a 10pm feeding! Holy crap!) and gazing across the room and I was just totally confused as to who was who. Even once I'd woken up a bit and was holding Indigo, I kept forgetting I had him and not his sister, just because he was wearing the teal PJs with bunnies on them and I could see dinos across the room. CONFUSION!

I'm not proud to admit it after all my "no gendered stuff" insanity, but gendered clothing is useful, particularly for twins, and I've internalized gender-specific colors and themes and that's just the way it is, I guess.

Little Things Thursdays: Week 4

Okay, so it's Friday. And I missed a few weeks of these posts while we started up at daycare and got me sent off packing to work again. But I'm back.

#1. Fun Nailpolish. It just makes me happy.

It's from Essie. It might be a bit more pricey than your average Wet N Wild brand polish, but it lasts forever and comes in great colors. I'm usually pretty much a tomboy, so it's nice to get all girled up from time to time.

#2. Haircut and highlights. See above about feeling like a girl sometimes. Yay for getting a good deal via Groupon!

#3. New moccasins. I wore my old ones into the ground, so it was time.

minnetonka

#4. Coffee. It's what gets me through my day at work. Or the mornings, at least. I bought a fun new mug for going back to work.

#5. My Valentines. First off, I came home to the table set for a candlelight dinner, cooked by Blue. And homemade chocolate chip cookies. Good stuff. I also got to snuggle with these two for a while.

Doesn't get much better than that.

Week Two

Here we are, Hump Day of my second week back at work, and I am tired. Like, really really tired. Last week I worked half-days, so this week at full time is my first "real" week back. With a 1.5-hour commute each way that involves car, walking, train, and subway (as you may remember from when I was preggo), I'm gone a good 11.5 hours. And by the time I get home I'm beat. I know, wah wah, poor baby. It'll take some adjusting.

And today marks my first day picking up the babies on my way home from the train. Blue had been doing it because I didn't have the car seat bases in my car yet, but he squeezed them in last night (remember I have a tiny Mazda 2). They just barely fit. Needless to say, I'll be car shopping again soon. The leading contenders are a Honda CR-V (which we have one of already), a Mazda CX-5 (because I really like my Mazda and it comes in a nice bright blue color so I can still have a fun car even if it's a SUV), a Nissan Rogue, and a Hyundai Santa Fe. I need to go test drive the CX-5 and the Santa Fe. But there's just no way I can drive any major distance in my car with the car seats in it because the seat isn't too comfy as far forward as it has to be.

I feel like I hardly see the babies during the week. One way I've been "keeping connected" is by picking out their outfits. It sounds silly, but taking the time to pick out a week's worth of outfits for Blue to dress them in each day makes me feel as if I do see them in the morning, or that they are at least getting a little love from Mom even if I'm not the one dressing them and bringing them to daycare. I also make sure to read them a story when we put them in their crib for bedtime, and so far it's been me giving them their baths a few times a week. Little moments like these go a long way, or at least I keep telling myself they do.

But really, I miss hanging out with them all day. A lot. I mean, look at 'em!

Periwinkle looks a little sad because I gave her my cold, which I'm assuming I picked up on my commute. I feel so bad hearing her little sniffles, but she seems to be getting better. She's certainly eating better the last day or so, which is good.

Okay, off to find more caffeine...

Almost the weekend!

Settling in at work. Finding an odd kind of zen listening to my Mumford & Sons Pandora station while doing the less-than-fun project I'm working on right now. Ah well, it must be done and I'm the only one there to do it!

I've been enjoying my lunchtime walks, even though it's bitterly cold out. It feels good to get some consistent exercise again! When home with the babies I always have to hope they nap long enough to let me do a workout video or two.

Okay, that was a lie. I never attempted to do two.

Back to Work

It's fun when coworkers ask if it's good to be back. I just kind of cheerily say, "Sure!" sarcastically or "It'll take some getting used to" sincerely. I tried to pretend to be actually happy to be back, but it's not true and I don't think anyone believed me.

I hate it. I hate that some of the only people there I talked to regularly are gone (but I'm happy they found new jobs that are more suited to them), and that I'm not even doing my full job yet. For the next month I'll be doing "special projects," which means all the little side projects I'd try to squeeze in between my usual big projects. Since she has someone doing those big projects for now (my maternity replacement), I get to finish up all those side projects. Which aren't interesting. And it makes me a little nervous that she doesn't desperately need me back. Nothing like going back to work with two new mouths to feed and feeling like your job might be on shaky ground. I'm sure I'm just being paranoid. I hope. As much as I hate being away from the kiddos all day, we need me to keep working for the foreseeable future.

But everyone has been really nice, asking about the babies, asking to see pictures, and deeming them totally frakking adorable. So that's been fun. And I can finally sleep on the train again, now that Periwinkle isn't digging into my left ribcage. How I missed those 30-minute naps in the final weeks of pregnancy!

The babies continue to do awesome at daycare, saving most of their crying for us at home. Although they are sleeping great, so I can't complain too much! They've even slept straight through from 11pm to 6:30am a few times. It's glorious! We are so lucky they are both doing it at the same time. Although last night they were up at 3:30am begging for food, so we aren't at sleeping through the night EVERY night quite yet, but I will take what I can get!

Here's a photo from Day 31 of Project 365, which was Superbowl Sunday!

Indigo wasn't happy to be propped incorrectly (very briefly) on the Boppy for this photo, but I wanted them closer together. He was yelling at me. He cracks me up...