It's amazing how having babies makes you appreciate the little things: enjoying a glass of wine, taking a nice, long hot shower, sipping a hot cup of coffee, etc. Each of these "small" activities has become something that I savor each second of. I don't necessarily miss the way it was; I actually love how much more enjoyment I get out of it now.
Anyway, in a couple short weeks I'll be returning to work and that's a hard pill to swallow. I love working. I can't see myself staying at home to raise my babies, but I know I'm going to miss the hell out of them. Luckily, my husband is staying home with the babies for 10 weeks after I go back to work so that eases my transition slightly. After that, we're going to have to put the babies in day care which is heartbreaking but I'm kind of in denial about it.
I'm going to miss looking into my babies eyes all day, squeezing their thighs, kissing their cheeks. I love them more than anything. Time is flying by: today they are 14 weeks old.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Two of my favorite products
Before I forget, if you are pregnant or have a little one, you MUST buy these two products:
Boudreaux's Butt paste - at the first sign of a diaper rash, slather this on and poof, it's gone.
http://www.amazon.com/California-Baby-Calendula-Cream-4oz/dp/B0032YTT9E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361461423&sr=8-1&keywords=california+baby
California Baby Calendula Cream -our boy gets a little dry skin rash on his cheeks. We put this stuff on and it literally goes away within 12-24 hours.
http://www.amazon.com/California-Baby-Calendula-Cream-4oz/dp/B0032YTT9E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361461423&sr=8-1&keywords=california+baby
I'm pretty sure they are both miracle products.
Also, since I just mentioned diaper rash, I'd like to say that I think Pampers Swaddlers are truly a superior diaper. It seems that both times that we have tried alternative diapers (Huggies and CVS brand) a rash has developed so we have gone back to using the swaddlers. We also love our Pampers sensitive wipes. Amazon Prime and Amazon Mom has proved priceless. We get two day shipping and a 20% discount on the diapers/wipes so I highly recommend signing up!
Anyway, we are trying to get the babies used to sleeping in their cribs. I just put Hannah in there for her nap instead of the Rock n Play. Here she is, asking her mama why she's in there with no toys:
Boudreaux's Butt paste - at the first sign of a diaper rash, slather this on and poof, it's gone.
http://www.amazon.com/California-Baby-Calendula-Cream-4oz/dp/B0032YTT9E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361461423&sr=8-1&keywords=california+baby
California Baby Calendula Cream -our boy gets a little dry skin rash on his cheeks. We put this stuff on and it literally goes away within 12-24 hours.
http://www.amazon.com/California-Baby-Calendula-Cream-4oz/dp/B0032YTT9E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361461423&sr=8-1&keywords=california+baby
I'm pretty sure they are both miracle products.
Also, since I just mentioned diaper rash, I'd like to say that I think Pampers Swaddlers are truly a superior diaper. It seems that both times that we have tried alternative diapers (Huggies and CVS brand) a rash has developed so we have gone back to using the swaddlers. We also love our Pampers sensitive wipes. Amazon Prime and Amazon Mom has proved priceless. We get two day shipping and a 20% discount on the diapers/wipes so I highly recommend signing up!
Anyway, we are trying to get the babies used to sleeping in their cribs. I just put Hannah in there for her nap instead of the Rock n Play. Here she is, asking her mama why she's in there with no toys:
Monday, February 18, 2013
Raising twins
My friend M birthed twins one week before me. They also happen to be a boy/girl pair. She came over today for a visit and it was so great to see her and the babies and to hear what she is doing with them. It's so interesting how we all find our own way. I think M was shocked by our ways - feeding on demand, no onesies underneath sleep n plays, no swaddling at night etc etc. The key is to find what works for your babies and family unit. Check out all of our cuties:
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Jacob playing with my fingers
I absolutely love when Jacob plays with my fingers or when he reaches out to touch my face. It's one of the best feelings ever.
Exclusively pumping for twins
I've been exclusively pumping milk for my twins since their first week in this world. I don't think I could have ever done it without my amazing hospital grade breast pump: the Medela Symphony. Link here:
http://www.amazon.com/Medela-0240108-Symphony-Breast-Pump/dp/B001JA85K2/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1361116081&sr=1-2&keywords=medela+symphony
Now, I was lucky enough to have a bunch of money left over in my flexible spending account so I could purchase it outright. However, I know you can also rent it from hospitals. If you are planning on exclusively pumping for your baby or babies, I highly recommend that you do that.
Some tips:
1) Don't wear any tight bras or tops to help your supply. A nurse at the hospital recommended that I not wear a bra while at home to help my supply and even though I had the occasional leak, I think it really helped.
2) Drink LOTS of fluids. With how much fluid you will be removing from your body, you need to make sure you are hydrated enough to produce the milk and replenish it. Also, I suck at this, but do take a prenatal vitamin.
3) We use Medela bottles and they work really well for the babies. This is great because you can pump in them and feed out of them. However, because I am pumping so much I pump into 8 oz bottles but we use 5 oz bottles for feedings.
http://www.amazon.com/Medela-87131-Breastmilk-Bottle-Set/dp/B000WPVCQE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361115953&sr=8-1&keywords=medela+bottles
You can also get the playtex drop ins which also allow you to pump straight in them. You can then store them and feed right out of them.
http://www.amazon.com/Playtex-Drop-Ins-Premium-Nurser-Newborn/dp/B001QC3CKG/ref=sr_1_4?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1361115975&sr=1-4&keywords=playtex+drop+ins
4) Get an extra set of pump parts. That will minimize the constant part washing. Also, note that you can put your pump parts in the fridge after you use them for use all day long. I do this and then just run them through the dishwasher at night.
5) If you are freezing extra milk, I highly recommend the Lansinoh storage bags.
http://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-20435-Breastmilk-Storage-25-Count/dp/B001EPQ1QW/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1361116160&sr=1-1&keywords=lansinoh+breastmilk+storage+bags
They aren't cheap but they are sturdy. We have only had one incident of spilled milk. I love the double closure and you can store at least up 8 oz in the bags (or at least I do).
6) The hands free bra - it's a must! I use this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Hands-Free-Breastpump-XS/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1361116316&sr=1-1&keywords=medela+hands+free+pumping+bra
It allows you to tend to the babies while you pump which is key if you ever want to get some pumping sessions in while you are the sole caretaker.
And now the mental/physical tips:
1) Don't psych yourself out or question your ability to produce milk. When I start worrying about my supply, it somehow becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.
2) Take your mind off of pumping. If I don't need to tend to the babies while pumping, I do something pleasant such as watching Downton Abbey (free w/ Amazon Prime), browsing Reddit, etc etc. It helps to keep my mind off of what is happening.
3) In addition to the above, when you sit to pump make sure you have a drink by your side (I get ridiculously thirsty). I also usually have a snack - cookies, chocolate, nuts.. It may not be the healthiest snack but it makes pumping more enjoyable.
4) If you notice that you aren't releasing all of your milk, make sure you massage your boobs and try to get the milk out. Otherwise, you could end up with some really unpleasant side effects. It is REALLY important to drain your boobs. When I have a hard time with this, I sometimes take a hot shower and then try to pump.
5) This one has helped me a lot. Make short term goals - to feed them breastmilk till they are 2 weeks old, then till they are one month, 3 months, etc. Reevaluate once your meet your goals to see if you want to continue.
And finally, don't stress if you have to buy some formula. We bought some backup formula in the very beginning. We haven't had to use it yet, but if we do, I'll be the first to grab it. Good luck!
One of my first pumping successes - a 2.5 oz bottle of milk that I fed to Jacob 5 days after his birth:
http://www.amazon.com/Medela-0240108-Symphony-Breast-Pump/dp/B001JA85K2/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1361116081&sr=1-2&keywords=medela+symphony
Now, I was lucky enough to have a bunch of money left over in my flexible spending account so I could purchase it outright. However, I know you can also rent it from hospitals. If you are planning on exclusively pumping for your baby or babies, I highly recommend that you do that.
Some tips:
1) Don't wear any tight bras or tops to help your supply. A nurse at the hospital recommended that I not wear a bra while at home to help my supply and even though I had the occasional leak, I think it really helped.
2) Drink LOTS of fluids. With how much fluid you will be removing from your body, you need to make sure you are hydrated enough to produce the milk and replenish it. Also, I suck at this, but do take a prenatal vitamin.
3) We use Medela bottles and they work really well for the babies. This is great because you can pump in them and feed out of them. However, because I am pumping so much I pump into 8 oz bottles but we use 5 oz bottles for feedings.
http://www.amazon.com/Medela-87131-Breastmilk-Bottle-Set/dp/B000WPVCQE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361115953&sr=8-1&keywords=medela+bottles
You can also get the playtex drop ins which also allow you to pump straight in them. You can then store them and feed right out of them.
http://www.amazon.com/Playtex-Drop-Ins-Premium-Nurser-Newborn/dp/B001QC3CKG/ref=sr_1_4?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1361115975&sr=1-4&keywords=playtex+drop+ins
4) Get an extra set of pump parts. That will minimize the constant part washing. Also, note that you can put your pump parts in the fridge after you use them for use all day long. I do this and then just run them through the dishwasher at night.
5) If you are freezing extra milk, I highly recommend the Lansinoh storage bags.
http://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-20435-Breastmilk-Storage-25-Count/dp/B001EPQ1QW/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1361116160&sr=1-1&keywords=lansinoh+breastmilk+storage+bags
They aren't cheap but they are sturdy. We have only had one incident of spilled milk. I love the double closure and you can store at least up 8 oz in the bags (or at least I do).
6) The hands free bra - it's a must! I use this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Hands-Free-Breastpump-XS/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1361116316&sr=1-1&keywords=medela+hands+free+pumping+bra
It allows you to tend to the babies while you pump which is key if you ever want to get some pumping sessions in while you are the sole caretaker.
And now the mental/physical tips:
1) Don't psych yourself out or question your ability to produce milk. When I start worrying about my supply, it somehow becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.
2) Take your mind off of pumping. If I don't need to tend to the babies while pumping, I do something pleasant such as watching Downton Abbey (free w/ Amazon Prime), browsing Reddit, etc etc. It helps to keep my mind off of what is happening.
3) In addition to the above, when you sit to pump make sure you have a drink by your side (I get ridiculously thirsty). I also usually have a snack - cookies, chocolate, nuts.. It may not be the healthiest snack but it makes pumping more enjoyable.
4) If you notice that you aren't releasing all of your milk, make sure you massage your boobs and try to get the milk out. Otherwise, you could end up with some really unpleasant side effects. It is REALLY important to drain your boobs. When I have a hard time with this, I sometimes take a hot shower and then try to pump.
5) This one has helped me a lot. Make short term goals - to feed them breastmilk till they are 2 weeks old, then till they are one month, 3 months, etc. Reevaluate once your meet your goals to see if you want to continue.
And finally, don't stress if you have to buy some formula. We bought some backup formula in the very beginning. We haven't had to use it yet, but if we do, I'll be the first to grab it. Good luck!
One of my first pumping successes - a 2.5 oz bottle of milk that I fed to Jacob 5 days after his birth:
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Just photos
Just two photos from tonight of my favorite subjects.
I apologize for the poor quality - cell phone camera + artificial light.
I apologize for the poor quality - cell phone camera + artificial light.
Friday, February 15, 2013
How I have surprised myself
When I posted on a board asking moms of multiples what has surprised them about themselves since the birth of their children, I noticed we all have a lot of the same answers. I know I have surprised myself in more ways than one since I had my munchkins. Here are mine:
1) That I've been able to take care of my twins by myself while my husband works full-time.
2) That I'm able to function on erratic sleep patterns - little to no sleep some nights or lots of broken sleep.
3) My ability to multi-task - I can feed the babies while I simultaneously pump their milk. Or, better yet, I can watch Downton Abbey while I feed and pump...
4) That I'm way LESS Type A with my babies than I ever imagined. For instance, I always thought I would keep their bottles and pacifiers separated at all times, but that went out the window quickly.
5) That I've been able to get my babies on a "schedule" during the day - we follow EASY - http://noobmommy.com/2012/02/e-a-s-y-schedules-cheat-sheet-4-sample-baby-schedules-from-4-weeks-1-yr.html
6) That I'll do absolutely anything, no matter how crazy, to make my babies smile. When I change their diapers I sing this made-up gem to elicit some baby smiles:
"Did you kaka like a guanaco?
Did you pee like a bee?
Did you poo like a kangaroo?
Did you tinkle like Rip Van Winkle?"
7) That I have no issue leaving my kids alone (with my parents that is). I was sure I wouldn't let anyone watch them for the first year, but I practically run out the door when they get here :)
And a photo from a couple days after their birth vs now. They don't look like this at all anymore:
Taken approx. 1.5 weeks ago (the babies were 11.5 weeks):
They're growing up so fast.
1) That I've been able to take care of my twins by myself while my husband works full-time.
2) That I'm able to function on erratic sleep patterns - little to no sleep some nights or lots of broken sleep.
3) My ability to multi-task - I can feed the babies while I simultaneously pump their milk. Or, better yet, I can watch Downton Abbey while I feed and pump...
4) That I'm way LESS Type A with my babies than I ever imagined. For instance, I always thought I would keep their bottles and pacifiers separated at all times, but that went out the window quickly.
5) That I've been able to get my babies on a "schedule" during the day - we follow EASY - http://noobmommy.com/2012/02/e-a-s-y-schedules-cheat-sheet-4-sample-baby-schedules-from-4-weeks-1-yr.html
6) That I'll do absolutely anything, no matter how crazy, to make my babies smile. When I change their diapers I sing this made-up gem to elicit some baby smiles:
"Did you kaka like a guanaco?
Did you pee like a bee?
Did you poo like a kangaroo?
Did you tinkle like Rip Van Winkle?"
7) That I have no issue leaving my kids alone (with my parents that is). I was sure I wouldn't let anyone watch them for the first year, but I practically run out the door when they get here :)
And a photo from a couple days after their birth vs now. They don't look like this at all anymore:
Taken approx. 1.5 weeks ago (the babies were 11.5 weeks):
They're growing up so fast.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)