It's been 5 days since we lost Kisa. I knew I would be sad and I knew it would be hard after she was gone. But, I'm still a little surprised by the intensity of grief I've been feeling. Grieving a human relative or family member is so accepted and after 5 days, it's expected that one would still be grieving.
But, the death of a pet is treated differently. It's minimized.
When you think about it though, the relationship with a pet is sometimes stronger than that of a human. My aunt passed away a year ago from cancer and I was sad. I remembered the family reunions and how she loved to laugh. Growing up, I only saw her once, maybe twice, per year. And as an adult, I think it had been 5 or more years since I last saw her.
But, a pet? You see them every day. They are your daily routine. You get used to seeing them in certain parts of the house. You get used to hearing certain sounds. You know they will greet you at the door or rub against your leg or sleep beside you.
Every day.
When that is taken away, there is an abrupt change to the routine you knew. Upstairs is where Kisa spent most of her time. After a long day of work or after the kids are in bed, I often lay in bed and watch TV, write, search the internet, etc. Every night, Kisa would come in, give me the same greeting of "Meow" and lay beside me. When it was time for bed, she would snuggle up against me, right in the crook of my arm.
Every. Single. Night.
I've felt lost the last 5 nights. I keep expecting to see her. To hear her sweet greeting. My mind tries to play tricks and for a brief moment, I allow myself to believe that she's just sitting downstairs. She'll come up when she's good and ready. She's an independent cat, after all.
And then that sick feeling washes over me and I know she's not coming. Not tonight. Not ever.
I'm not a complete mess. I'm OK if I'm downstairs or at work. It's just the upstairs. When I hit the top of the stairs and I have to pass by her "room", it's still hard.
I forced myself to put the rest of her things out for the trash tonight. I had been dreading it. In my head, I know it's just a food bowl. A toy. A bag of food. An inanimate object.
But, it was the last piece of her. My last connection. Yet, I still felt guilty putting it by the curb.
The kids still haven't asked about her. They did come upstairs after I took the last of her things outside. They both walked in the room and asked what I was doing in Kisa's room.
It will be her room for awhile.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Goodbye My Sweet Kisa
We said goodbye to my sweet Kisa today. She was diagnosed with liver failure 18 months ago. The doctor told us we'd probably have another 2 years with her so I'm thankful we had the amount of time we did.
Kisa was the first pet my DH and I purchased together 14 years ago. She was my baby. My first child. If I wasn't in bed at 10:00 pm, she would come downstairs and yell at me. She would sit on the bathroom sink and wait for me to wash my face. She loved to play and cuddle. When she was a kitten, she would sleep on my chest, just under my chin. She slept with me every night until a few months ago when it became too difficult to jump in the bed.
I knew this day would come but you're never prepared. I've been trying to mentally prepare since we knew the estimated timeframe but it's not any easier.
Christopher is/was really attached to her. The kids know she was sick. We told them we were taking her to the doctor this afternoon but we haven't had the "conversation" with them. I don't know how I'm going to keep myself together to say that she's not coming home. I'm a mess already and the kids keep wondering why I've been crying all day.
Rest in peace, baby.
Kisa was the first pet my DH and I purchased together 14 years ago. She was my baby. My first child. If I wasn't in bed at 10:00 pm, she would come downstairs and yell at me. She would sit on the bathroom sink and wait for me to wash my face. She loved to play and cuddle. When she was a kitten, she would sleep on my chest, just under my chin. She slept with me every night until a few months ago when it became too difficult to jump in the bed.
I knew this day would come but you're never prepared. I've been trying to mentally prepare since we knew the estimated timeframe but it's not any easier.
Christopher is/was really attached to her. The kids know she was sick. We told them we were taking her to the doctor this afternoon but we haven't had the "conversation" with them. I don't know how I'm going to keep myself together to say that she's not coming home. I'm a mess already and the kids keep wondering why I've been crying all day.
Rest in peace, baby.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Red-Eyed Tree Frogs
I think my daughter has her first crush. Not only does she demand to watch Go Diego Go! like ALL OF THE TIME but, she now quotes from the show.
The other morning, she put on her gloves and said, "I'm a red-eyed tree frog"!
And, one night while tucking them in, she was looking for a stuffed animal. She asked, "Mommy? Where is my bottle-nosed dolphin"?
I'm not quite sure what that says about the amount of their TV time but at least she's learning something?
This morning, I was driving them to school and out of the blue she said, "Sloths don't like to swim".
Seeing an opportunity for learning, I said, "That's right. What animal does like to swim"?
Kendall replied with , "I'm a dolphin and I like to swim".
Christopher chimed in and said, "I'm a shark and I like to swim".
Feeling very proud, I said, "Yes! Both of those animals like to swim".
To which Kendall replied, "Mommy, you're a whale and you like to swim too".
Gee, thanks.
The other morning, she put on her gloves and said, "I'm a red-eyed tree frog"!
And, one night while tucking them in, she was looking for a stuffed animal. She asked, "Mommy? Where is my bottle-nosed dolphin"?
I'm not quite sure what that says about the amount of their TV time but at least she's learning something?
This morning, I was driving them to school and out of the blue she said, "Sloths don't like to swim".
Seeing an opportunity for learning, I said, "That's right. What animal does like to swim"?
Kendall replied with , "I'm a dolphin and I like to swim".
Christopher chimed in and said, "I'm a shark and I like to swim".
Feeling very proud, I said, "Yes! Both of those animals like to swim".
To which Kendall replied, "Mommy, you're a whale and you like to swim too".
Gee, thanks.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Trying to be happy
Back in July, my sister approached me and told me her name was being submitted for a promotion. I happily replied, "That's great!"
To which she replied, "It's in Nashville". My heart sank.
We are 5 years apart but we are very close. We even work in the same office for the same company.
I knew if she interviewed for the position she would get it. Some time went by and the position seemed to be stalled. I selfishly gave myself high fives thinking it had fallen through.
And then she interviewed and she got it. Just like I knew she would.
My sister and her family are moving. She starts her new job on January 14th.
I'm so torn. Of course I'm happy for her. She deserves this. She has worked hard.
But I'm also heartbroken. Aside from college, we've never lived in different states. And to make things worse, Nashville is a 10 hour car ride away. Not exactly "weekend trip" material.
Around the same time, my mom announced they would be retiring at the end of the year. I don't see my mom regularly but she did live an hour away and we had family get togethers fairly frequently (every 6 weeks or so).
The stars aligned and they were able to retire a little early on November 30th. They are now living in their beach house in North Carolina, which is about 6 hours away.
My mom's move has been easier to handle because I knew it was coming. But, part of me still feels like a little girl who has been abandoned. My whole family is moving away. I know that's stupid. In my head I know we'll see each other and it's not like they are gone forever. Right?
My husband's family is all local and I am close to them but it's not the same. They aren't my family. My support system. I've talked about my husband's depression issues before and I know I could turn to his family if I needed to. But, they are still his family. Sometimes you just need to talk and be with people who understand you the best. Does that make sense?
I'm sure some of you who have always been apart from siblings and/or parents are probably reading this and thinking, "Stop being a baby. What's the big deal?"
I guess it's all about what you are used to. I'm used to seeing my sister every day. She's my lunch buddy, my confidant, my support system. She knows me better than anyone.
That will all be minimized to visits twice per year (summer and Christmas). Sure we'll still have texting and phone calls. But, it's not the same.
To which she replied, "It's in Nashville". My heart sank.
We are 5 years apart but we are very close. We even work in the same office for the same company.
I knew if she interviewed for the position she would get it. Some time went by and the position seemed to be stalled. I selfishly gave myself high fives thinking it had fallen through.
And then she interviewed and she got it. Just like I knew she would.
My sister and her family are moving. She starts her new job on January 14th.
I'm so torn. Of course I'm happy for her. She deserves this. She has worked hard.
But I'm also heartbroken. Aside from college, we've never lived in different states. And to make things worse, Nashville is a 10 hour car ride away. Not exactly "weekend trip" material.
Around the same time, my mom announced they would be retiring at the end of the year. I don't see my mom regularly but she did live an hour away and we had family get togethers fairly frequently (every 6 weeks or so).
The stars aligned and they were able to retire a little early on November 30th. They are now living in their beach house in North Carolina, which is about 6 hours away.
My mom's move has been easier to handle because I knew it was coming. But, part of me still feels like a little girl who has been abandoned. My whole family is moving away. I know that's stupid. In my head I know we'll see each other and it's not like they are gone forever. Right?
My husband's family is all local and I am close to them but it's not the same. They aren't my family. My support system. I've talked about my husband's depression issues before and I know I could turn to his family if I needed to. But, they are still his family. Sometimes you just need to talk and be with people who understand you the best. Does that make sense?
I'm sure some of you who have always been apart from siblings and/or parents are probably reading this and thinking, "Stop being a baby. What's the big deal?"
I guess it's all about what you are used to. I'm used to seeing my sister every day. She's my lunch buddy, my confidant, my support system. She knows me better than anyone.
That will all be minimized to visits twice per year (summer and Christmas). Sure we'll still have texting and phone calls. But, it's not the same.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
The Battle of the Bubbles
When the twins were babies, they would get baths a few times per week. More if they had an especially "messy" day.
As they grew into toddlerhood, they got baths every other day. More if they had an especially "messy" day. Sometimes the baths would be done willingly and sometimes with a bit of a fight.
As they've gotten older, baths have suddenly become an "issue". The never ending questions of "why" are exhausting. I try to explain they need baths more often because they are more active, often coming home with paint, dirt, mulch and various other acouttrements of the day.
Still, I get the questions.
Except, the questions aren't from the kids. They are from my husband.
I don't know if he truly thinks the kids don't need baths that often or if he's just lazy and doesn't want to do them?
I've gotten so tired of fighting over it that I've just started doing baths alone. Every once in awhile, I'll ask and he'll do it but, for the most part, it's just not worth the fight.
I just don't get it? He insists that I'm a "clean freak" and the kids don't need baths every day. I usually respond with some smart ass comment about not raising the equivalent of Pig Pen from the Charlie Brown cartoons.
I know my sister gives her 4 and 2 year olds a bath every night so I know I'm not a freak.
So, blog friends. I'm asking you.
How often do you bath your 2-4 year old(s)?
Does anyone else's husband fight over giving the kids' baths and think they don't need them every day or, at the very least, every other day?!
As they grew into toddlerhood, they got baths every other day. More if they had an especially "messy" day. Sometimes the baths would be done willingly and sometimes with a bit of a fight.
As they've gotten older, baths have suddenly become an "issue". The never ending questions of "why" are exhausting. I try to explain they need baths more often because they are more active, often coming home with paint, dirt, mulch and various other acouttrements of the day.
Still, I get the questions.
Except, the questions aren't from the kids. They are from my husband.
I don't know if he truly thinks the kids don't need baths that often or if he's just lazy and doesn't want to do them?
I've gotten so tired of fighting over it that I've just started doing baths alone. Every once in awhile, I'll ask and he'll do it but, for the most part, it's just not worth the fight.
I just don't get it? He insists that I'm a "clean freak" and the kids don't need baths every day. I usually respond with some smart ass comment about not raising the equivalent of Pig Pen from the Charlie Brown cartoons.
I know my sister gives her 4 and 2 year olds a bath every night so I know I'm not a freak.
So, blog friends. I'm asking you.
How often do you bath your 2-4 year old(s)?
Does anyone else's husband fight over giving the kids' baths and think they don't need them every day or, at the very least, every other day?!
Friday, December 7, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Sneak Preview
Our next door neighbor's son and his wife had a daughter about 2 months ago. She was born at 28 weeks and basically, she's a miracle baby.
They asked if I still had any of Kendall's baby items that I was looking to get rid of. I donated alot of the twins' preemie outfits and diapers back to the NICU but I still have a few things that I wanted to give them. A portable crib, tons of receiving blankets, socks and a car seat.
The son is an amateur photographer so I jokingly said we could do an even swap. A holiday photo shoot for the baby items. He took me up on it.
This past Sunday, we met in an old, historic town that is about 15 minutes away. I was so nervous about trying to get decent photos. In years past, the twins just would not cooperate.
And, I'll be honest. I have saved all of these cute holiday photo ideas on Pinterest, just hoping that maybe we could capture some great photos ourselves.
We walked through the town, stopping to take pictures on different benches and in front of rustic looking walls. I tried to keep my expectations low. After about 10 minutes, the kids were really having a great time.
They seemed to "get it". We took pictures for about an hour and I felt really good about the shoot.
The photographer has only given me a sneak preview of a few shots but I am so pleased and SUPER HAPPY with them so far!
They asked if I still had any of Kendall's baby items that I was looking to get rid of. I donated alot of the twins' preemie outfits and diapers back to the NICU but I still have a few things that I wanted to give them. A portable crib, tons of receiving blankets, socks and a car seat.
The son is an amateur photographer so I jokingly said we could do an even swap. A holiday photo shoot for the baby items. He took me up on it.
This past Sunday, we met in an old, historic town that is about 15 minutes away. I was so nervous about trying to get decent photos. In years past, the twins just would not cooperate.
And, I'll be honest. I have saved all of these cute holiday photo ideas on Pinterest, just hoping that maybe we could capture some great photos ourselves.
We walked through the town, stopping to take pictures on different benches and in front of rustic looking walls. I tried to keep my expectations low. After about 10 minutes, the kids were really having a great time.
They seemed to "get it". We took pictures for about an hour and I felt really good about the shoot.
The photographer has only given me a sneak preview of a few shots but I am so pleased and SUPER HAPPY with them so far!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Christmas TV
As a child, I remember waking up on Sunday mornings and running downstairs to retrieve The Washington Post newspaper. Nestled inside was the TV Guide. And, inside that was the Holy Grail of Christmas TV shows!
My brother and I would scour through each night and circle every Christmas TV show we wanted to watch. We memorized the schedule.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Frosty the Snowman
'Twas the Night Before Christmas
On the night of the show, we would get our baths and PJs on without asking, settle in front of our gigantic box TV (complete with knobs and rabbit ears) and we would be in heaven.
It meant it was Christmas and Santa was on his way! There was an electricity in the air that I can't describe. It was magical.
I'm so happy I found this link on Pinterest so I can share those same cartoons with my kids. There's nothing like seeing Christmas through the eyes of children.
So, grab your remotes and set your DVRs! The show is about to begin!
2012 Christmas / Holiday TV Specials & Movies Schedule & TV Listings @ The Classic TV Database
My brother and I would scour through each night and circle every Christmas TV show we wanted to watch. We memorized the schedule.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Frosty the Snowman
'Twas the Night Before Christmas
On the night of the show, we would get our baths and PJs on without asking, settle in front of our gigantic box TV (complete with knobs and rabbit ears) and we would be in heaven.
It meant it was Christmas and Santa was on his way! There was an electricity in the air that I can't describe. It was magical.
I'm so happy I found this link on Pinterest so I can share those same cartoons with my kids. There's nothing like seeing Christmas through the eyes of children.
So, grab your remotes and set your DVRs! The show is about to begin!
2012 Christmas / Holiday TV Specials & Movies Schedule & TV Listings @ The Classic TV Database
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
Reminders
I still receive newsletters from our fertility clinic. Sometimes I think to myself that I should just unsubscribe. Having more children is not in our plans. Other times, a voice inside my head tells me I can't. I'm not ready to say goodbye.
Infertility is (in a way) a distant memory. Over the last 3 years, my life has moved from being consumed about getting pregnant to being consumed with taking care of my twins and my family.
As any mother will tell you, there are good days and bad days with your kids. The good days are so totally awesome that you want to shout to everyone about how awesome your totally awesome kids are.
And, on the bad days? Ugh.
On those bad days, I yell. I threaten to take their TV time away. The words "timeout" are mentioned more times than I like to admit.
I will admit this. On the REALLY bad days, I try to remember what it was like to be on my own schedule. To lay on the couch and have a lazy day without interruption. To have a clean house. To go out to dinner with my husband and have a conversation about something other than kids.
And then I give myself a kick in the ass.
And I make myself go back and read my blog when I was so desperate to get pregnant.
When the fertility clinic was my only hope. When those newsletters offered support and ideas and encouragement.
It's so easy to take things for granted when you have them. I'm glad those newsletters remind me of that.
Infertility is (in a way) a distant memory. Over the last 3 years, my life has moved from being consumed about getting pregnant to being consumed with taking care of my twins and my family.
As any mother will tell you, there are good days and bad days with your kids. The good days are so totally awesome that you want to shout to everyone about how awesome your totally awesome kids are.
And, on the bad days? Ugh.
On those bad days, I yell. I threaten to take their TV time away. The words "timeout" are mentioned more times than I like to admit.
I will admit this. On the REALLY bad days, I try to remember what it was like to be on my own schedule. To lay on the couch and have a lazy day without interruption. To have a clean house. To go out to dinner with my husband and have a conversation about something other than kids.
And then I give myself a kick in the ass.
And I make myself go back and read my blog when I was so desperate to get pregnant.
When the fertility clinic was my only hope. When those newsletters offered support and ideas and encouragement.
It's so easy to take things for granted when you have them. I'm glad those newsletters remind me of that.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Giving Back
If you've followed my blog for awhile (or atleast since the twins were born), you are probably familiar with my birth story. If not, you can read it here.
During the twins' delivery, I hemorraghed and needed a blood transfusion - 4 units of blood. Without that transfusion, I would have died. One month later during Kendall's meningitis battle, she required a blood transfusion to increase her red blood cells. Without that transfusion, she would have gotten sicker.
2 needs for blood within 4 weeks.
Since those days, I've always vowed that I would give back so someone else could benefit from the blood that I donate.
The American Red Cross is always in need. If you are able, please consider making a blood or monetary donation to this worthy organization. They are currently assisting 9,000 families with temporary shelter in the post-Sandy areas. They can't do it without donations from the public.
They touched my life and I'm extremely grateful.
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with the American Red Cross.
During the twins' delivery, I hemorraghed and needed a blood transfusion - 4 units of blood. Without that transfusion, I would have died. One month later during Kendall's meningitis battle, she required a blood transfusion to increase her red blood cells. Without that transfusion, she would have gotten sicker.
2 needs for blood within 4 weeks.
Since those days, I've always vowed that I would give back so someone else could benefit from the blood that I donate.
The American Red Cross is always in need. If you are able, please consider making a blood or monetary donation to this worthy organization. They are currently assisting 9,000 families with temporary shelter in the post-Sandy areas. They can't do it without donations from the public.
They touched my life and I'm extremely grateful.
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with the American Red Cross.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Step Off, Sandy. We have some trick or treatin' to do!
We made it through Sandy's wrath unscathed. Thank God. My thoughts and prayers are with those who were affected so horribly. The devastation is unbelievable in New York and New Jersey.
Things were back to normal around here by Wednesday. We got a shitload of rain (6 inches) and some strong winds but we never lost power and all of the surrounding trees stayed in tact.
Can I get an Amen?
Halloween went off without a hitch. We travelled about 20 minutes to my sister's house so all of the cousins could trick or treat together.
The twins had a BLAST! I can honestly say "they got it" this year. As soon as I picked them up from pre-school that afternoon, they both asked when we were going trick or treating.
They got 5 dress up costumes for their birthday this year so I figured we'd be set with costumes for Halloween. Um, no.
Chris decided he wanted to be "Piderman". I have absolutely no idea where that idea came from because he never showed any interest in that character and he didn't own anything "Piderman" at all.
So, "Piderman" it was.
I thought for sure Kendall would want to wear one of her three princess dresses. Um, no.
She wanted to be a..... wait for it. Wait for it.
A cow.
I really didn't want to spend $30-$40 on a costume so I started researching ideas on Pinterest. I found a cute idea for a homemade costume that I thought I could handle.
I excitingly showed it to Kendall and she replied, "No, Mommy. I want to be a brown cow."
Seriously?!
I happened to mention the costume to my mother-in-law and a few days later, she called me and said she found one on sale for $20 in Kendall's size. I told her to grab it.
She brought it over a few weekends before Halloween and when I opened the bag, this is what I found.
At first glance, it looks great. Until you squeeze the nose.
And it whinnies and gallops.
Kendall was none the wiser and stil thinks it's a cow costume. The nose has been squeezed multiple times and either she knows and hasn't said anything or she doesn't care.
So, back to trick or treating.
This year, the twins really understood the concept. They walked up to the doors, rang the doorbell or knocked and said "Trick or Treat!" like pros. And, they even remembered to say "Thank you" afterwards.
Their little Pottery Barn pumpkins were full to the brim after only 45 minutes. As we walked back to my sister's house, we kept asking if we could carry their baskets because they looked heavy.
Nope. They were too proud of their loot and wanted to carry it all by themselves.
Things were back to normal around here by Wednesday. We got a shitload of rain (6 inches) and some strong winds but we never lost power and all of the surrounding trees stayed in tact.
Can I get an Amen?
Halloween went off without a hitch. We travelled about 20 minutes to my sister's house so all of the cousins could trick or treat together.
The twins had a BLAST! I can honestly say "they got it" this year. As soon as I picked them up from pre-school that afternoon, they both asked when we were going trick or treating.
They got 5 dress up costumes for their birthday this year so I figured we'd be set with costumes for Halloween. Um, no.
Chris decided he wanted to be "Piderman". I have absolutely no idea where that idea came from because he never showed any interest in that character and he didn't own anything "Piderman" at all.
So, "Piderman" it was.
I thought for sure Kendall would want to wear one of her three princess dresses. Um, no.
She wanted to be a..... wait for it. Wait for it.
A cow.
I really didn't want to spend $30-$40 on a costume so I started researching ideas on Pinterest. I found a cute idea for a homemade costume that I thought I could handle.
I excitingly showed it to Kendall and she replied, "No, Mommy. I want to be a brown cow."
Seriously?!
I happened to mention the costume to my mother-in-law and a few days later, she called me and said she found one on sale for $20 in Kendall's size. I told her to grab it.
She brought it over a few weekends before Halloween and when I opened the bag, this is what I found.
At first glance, it looks great. Until you squeeze the nose.
And it whinnies and gallops.
Kendall was none the wiser and stil thinks it's a cow costume. The nose has been squeezed multiple times and either she knows and hasn't said anything or she doesn't care.
So, back to trick or treating.
This year, the twins really understood the concept. They walked up to the doors, rang the doorbell or knocked and said "Trick or Treat!" like pros. And, they even remembered to say "Thank you" afterwards.
Their little Pottery Barn pumpkins were full to the brim after only 45 minutes. As we walked back to my sister's house, we kept asking if we could carry their baskets because they looked heavy.
Nope. They were too proud of their loot and wanted to carry it all by themselves.
 |
| "I got MORE candy"! |
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Bracing Ourselves
Over the years, I've had several friends named Sandy. They were always fun and great to hang out with.
Apparently, we've got another friend named Sandy that is coming to visit and I don't think she's going to be very nice.
I live slightly west of Washington, DC and thankfully, it looks like the track has moved a little north. Better for us, not so great for New York or New Jersey.
Typical for this type of "event", our local news channels are walking the fine line of providing warnings sprinkled with a few hints at impending doom.
This morning's forecast is showing torrential downpours, 45-60 mph sustained winds and by Tuesday? Snow.
I've decided to err on the side of caution. You may remember the Derecho that knocked us off the power grid for almost 3 days.
Flashlights, candles and matches are gathered.
Extra jugs of water are in the fridge.
We have a case of bottled water.
And, we still have the generator that saved us during the last storm.
At least it's not 90 degrees like it was in July.
Let's just hope Sandy's bark is worse than her bite. Wish us luck!
Apparently, we've got another friend named Sandy that is coming to visit and I don't think she's going to be very nice.
I live slightly west of Washington, DC and thankfully, it looks like the track has moved a little north. Better for us, not so great for New York or New Jersey.
Typical for this type of "event", our local news channels are walking the fine line of providing warnings sprinkled with a few hints at impending doom.
This morning's forecast is showing torrential downpours, 45-60 mph sustained winds and by Tuesday? Snow.
I've decided to err on the side of caution. You may remember the Derecho that knocked us off the power grid for almost 3 days.
Flashlights, candles and matches are gathered.
Extra jugs of water are in the fridge.
We have a case of bottled water.
And, we still have the generator that saved us during the last storm.
At least it's not 90 degrees like it was in July.
Let's just hope Sandy's bark is worse than her bite. Wish us luck!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
3 Year Check Ups
The twins had their 3 year check ups today. It's so hard to believe they were 2 month preemies based on their measurements. They were in the 50-75% percentile in every category.
Christopher
Weight: 33 lbs
Height: 39 inches
Kendall
Weight: 33 lbs
Height: 39 1/4 inches
(she's been 1/4 inch taller than him for almost 2 years now).
The kids were so excited to go to the doctor's this morning. I feel so fortunate about that. I explained ahead of time that the doctor would look in their ears, noses and throats and then listen to their hearts. They were absolute pros. They both sat quietly while the doctor did his exam. This year, they were big enough to have their blood pressure taken and they liked when it "hugged" their arms. I also signed them up for flu shots and that was really the only part of the visit that I was worried about. The nurse told me they qualified for the nasal mist this year so we went with it. Phew, no shots!
He said they are both right on track developmentally. He asked the kids some general questions about counting, ABCs and colors. We talked about their sleeping and eating habits along with their activity levels, playing with other kids and potty training.
I haven't talked much about potty training in my posts. They are both in underwear all day and go pee pee regularly on the potty. Kendall has started to recognize when she needs to go and will now go in the bathroom by herself without any prompting.
I did share Chris' new trick with the doctor. I still can't get the kid to go poopy in the potty. He holds it all day until we put on their bedtime Pull Ups and then he goes. Well, he's gotten smart. He knows where we keep the Pull Ups so when he has to go, he takes it upon himself to put his own Pull Up on. The doctor laughed and said it's common. He suggested that I still let Chris put a Pull Up on but that I encourage him to sit on the potty with it on. He said he would outgrow it soon enough.
Kendall is also having some issues in this area. She suffers from constipation (sorry if TMI) so she's completely unpredictable. And, it's a vicious cycle. The longer she waits, it hurts and then she holds it again. I've been dosing her with Miralax but it's been hit or miss - sometimes I push her the other way. He suggested giving her a small dose everyday to get regulated. Hopefully that will do the trick. He said this is also common in toddlers and it's a result of their diet. They usually won't eat high fiber foods and what they do eat is "binding" (i.e. mac 'n cheese, bananas, etc). Yep, that's my Kendall. The picky eater.
Anyway, overall a really good visit. So proud of my little "preemies".
Christopher
Weight: 33 lbs
Height: 39 inches
Kendall
Weight: 33 lbs
Height: 39 1/4 inches
(she's been 1/4 inch taller than him for almost 2 years now).
The kids were so excited to go to the doctor's this morning. I feel so fortunate about that. I explained ahead of time that the doctor would look in their ears, noses and throats and then listen to their hearts. They were absolute pros. They both sat quietly while the doctor did his exam. This year, they were big enough to have their blood pressure taken and they liked when it "hugged" their arms. I also signed them up for flu shots and that was really the only part of the visit that I was worried about. The nurse told me they qualified for the nasal mist this year so we went with it. Phew, no shots!
He said they are both right on track developmentally. He asked the kids some general questions about counting, ABCs and colors. We talked about their sleeping and eating habits along with their activity levels, playing with other kids and potty training.
I haven't talked much about potty training in my posts. They are both in underwear all day and go pee pee regularly on the potty. Kendall has started to recognize when she needs to go and will now go in the bathroom by herself without any prompting.
I did share Chris' new trick with the doctor. I still can't get the kid to go poopy in the potty. He holds it all day until we put on their bedtime Pull Ups and then he goes. Well, he's gotten smart. He knows where we keep the Pull Ups so when he has to go, he takes it upon himself to put his own Pull Up on. The doctor laughed and said it's common. He suggested that I still let Chris put a Pull Up on but that I encourage him to sit on the potty with it on. He said he would outgrow it soon enough.
Kendall is also having some issues in this area. She suffers from constipation (sorry if TMI) so she's completely unpredictable. And, it's a vicious cycle. The longer she waits, it hurts and then she holds it again. I've been dosing her with Miralax but it's been hit or miss - sometimes I push her the other way. He suggested giving her a small dose everyday to get regulated. Hopefully that will do the trick. He said this is also common in toddlers and it's a result of their diet. They usually won't eat high fiber foods and what they do eat is "binding" (i.e. mac 'n cheese, bananas, etc). Yep, that's my Kendall. The picky eater.
Anyway, overall a really good visit. So proud of my little "preemies".
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
With an Oink and a Moo...
.... and a Cock-A-Doodle Doo!
The twins' 3rd birthday party was last Saturday and it turned out great! I literally spent 3 months planning this thing and tried to have every detail mapped out.
I've mentioned that I think I have OCD before, right? LOL!
I took Friday off from work and had 10 things on my "To Do" list for the day.
Item #1 - the barn birthday cake.
Item #2 - one dozen animal themed cupcakes
I also started putting up some of the decorations that afternoon:
Saturday morning, I started prepping some of the food and finished decorating the main table. I purchased 3 yards of burlap for the table covering and bought a small haybale from Michael's. It's hard to see but it's in the back. And, there's the barn backdrop that I made a few weeks ago!
For food, I made barbeque pulled chicken in the crockpot, cole slaw, mac 'n cheese and pigs in a blanket. There were also many, many snacks available (all farm-themed, of course!)
There were also fun "rides"
We had a full house with 29 people!
Is it time to blow out the candles?
The party ended way too fast but there were fun treats for the kids!
I had so much fun planning this party. Now what am I going to do with myself?
The twins' 3rd birthday party was last Saturday and it turned out great! I literally spent 3 months planning this thing and tried to have every detail mapped out.
I've mentioned that I think I have OCD before, right? LOL!
I took Friday off from work and had 10 things on my "To Do" list for the day.
Item #1 - the barn birthday cake.
Item #2 - one dozen animal themed cupcakes
I also started putting up some of the decorations that afternoon:
Saturday morning, I started prepping some of the food and finished decorating the main table. I purchased 3 yards of burlap for the table covering and bought a small haybale from Michael's. It's hard to see but it's in the back. And, there's the barn backdrop that I made a few weeks ago!
For food, I made barbeque pulled chicken in the crockpot, cole slaw, mac 'n cheese and pigs in a blanket. There were also many, many snacks available (all farm-themed, of course!)
 |
| Cheddar Apple Pie Dip (in the pie plate) |
 |
| Chocolate Pudding |
 |
| Oreo Cookies that were eaten WAY too fast! |
 |
| Rice Krispy Treats |
 |
| Chex Mix |
 |
| Old fashioned milk bottles |
 |
| The adult section |
There were also fun "rides"
We had a full house with 29 people!
Is it time to blow out the candles?
 |
| I think I know who ate all of the Oreo cookies! |
The party ended way too fast but there were fun treats for the kids!
 |
Thursday, October 4, 2012
I Remember
My babies turn 3 years old today....
I remember their birth with such vivid detail like it was just yesterday
I remember every visit to the NICU for the three weeks after their birth.
I remember every beep of the monitors, every cc of breast milk, every milestone that would bring them one step closer to coming home.
I remember every detail of the night Kendall was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis when she was 6 weeks old.
I remember the tears, prayers and sleepless nights spent at her bedside while she fought for her life.
I remember coming home from the hospital at night and hugging Christopher so hard that I thought I might crush him.
I remember being so happy when we were all together again for Thanksgiving
I remember spending our first Christmas in the hospital when Kendall's infection returned
I remember being thankful for the hospital breaking the rules and allowing us to bring Christopher so we could spend those 3 weeks together as a family
I remember Christopher crawled for the first time on July 5, 2010 and he took his first steps on August 23, 2010
I remember Kendall crawled the same day that Christopher took his first steps
I remember those baby giggles that would make me laugh, even if I didn't want to
I remember their first day of daycare and crying more than they did
I remember their first words
I remember their first trip to the beach
I remember every single moment of the last 3 years. But, most importantly?
I remember that I'm blessed with 2 amazing children.
They have grown into independent, walking, talking little people. There's not a day that goes by that I don't look at each of them with pure wonderment. I am so proud to be their mommy.
Happy Birthday my sweet angels.
I remember their birth with such vivid detail like it was just yesterday
I remember every visit to the NICU for the three weeks after their birth.
I remember every beep of the monitors, every cc of breast milk, every milestone that would bring them one step closer to coming home.
I remember every detail of the night Kendall was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis when she was 6 weeks old.
I remember the tears, prayers and sleepless nights spent at her bedside while she fought for her life.
I remember coming home from the hospital at night and hugging Christopher so hard that I thought I might crush him.
I remember being so happy when we were all together again for Thanksgiving
I remember spending our first Christmas in the hospital when Kendall's infection returned
I remember being thankful for the hospital breaking the rules and allowing us to bring Christopher so we could spend those 3 weeks together as a family
I remember Kendall crawled the same day that Christopher took his first steps
I remember those baby giggles that would make me laugh, even if I didn't want to
I remember their first day of daycare and crying more than they did
I remember their first words
I remember their first trip to the beach
I remember every single moment of the last 3 years. But, most importantly?
I remember that I'm blessed with 2 amazing children.
They have grown into independent, walking, talking little people. There's not a day that goes by that I don't look at each of them with pure wonderment. I am so proud to be their mommy.
Happy Birthday my sweet angels.
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