Solo

Yesterday I woke up with the determination that I would take a walk around the neighborhood by myself with the twins.  I didn't realize that preparing to take that walk would last much longer than the actual walk!  I started at about 10:45 am and we didn't actually leave until 1:15 pm!  First I had to feed both boys, burp them, and change them.  Then I had to figure out how in the world to even open the double stroller - after several minutes online looking for the owner's manual, I eventually just called Eric to ask him.  Then I got myself dressed and ready, but then the babies woke up to eat again (we're going through some sort of growth spurt so they wake up sometimes every hour to eat)!  So, I started all over again - feed, burp, change.  Once everyone was full and happy, I swaddled them in their fleece swaddles and put some knit hats on them - it was a lovely fall day, and about 57 degrees outside.  In their car seats they went, and we were finally off!  Although it took a long time, I know it will get easier as we get more of a routine, and it was worth it - the walk was beautiful, and it was just nice to have an outing to look forward to - even if it was just a walk around the neighborhood.  (Plus, I felt very proud for doing it all on my own!)  Here are some pictures from mommy's first solo walk.

The babies snug in their stroller, ready for the walk...

Close up of Asher...

Close up of Felix...

We were all tired from the walk (hey, it's been awhile since I've exercised!), so we all had a little post-walk stretch...

And, after a post-walk scream fest (the babies, not me), the boys are content with their favorite pacifiers...

In other news, we went to the doctor today, and Asher is weighing in at 6 pounds 8 ounces, while his younger brother is a porker at 7 pounds even.  Both boys are out of preemie clothes (they have been for awhile actually because they are so tall for preemies!), and Felix is even using newborn diapers!  Next challenge will be moving to cloth diapers when both boys are big enough...hopefully mom and dad are ready!

Survival with twins

Once family members kiss the babies goodbye for the last time and drive away, Eric and I are left with two emotions.  One - our little family has time to be by ourselves and bond, and two - oh crap, we're on our own now.  We had to quickly figure out a system for feeding, burping, diapering, bathing, sleeping, etc.  At first we both did everything together - for instance, we got up together for every feeding during the night.  That did not work, since we both ended up severely sleep deprived.  So, we borrowed a system from other parents of multiples - shift sleeping.  So, on this new system, I go to sleep early in the night, and Eric stays up until 2 or 3 am doing all baby care until then.  Thus, I feasibly get a good 4-5 hours of solid sleep.  Then, he brings the babies upstairs, and I take over all baby care until morning so he gets a good chunk of sleep.  We both try to sleep when the babies are sleeping at night, but that's sometimes easier said than done with two babies:)  During the day, we still share responsibilities (when Eric is home from class/work), although we have found that it is easier to have one of us responsible for feeding/burping/changing one baby each.

Today, Eric is out running errands, and I thought I would show how I set up for a double bottle (pumped breastmilk) feeding - thank goodness for Boppy pillows! (Asher is on the right, Felix on the left.)

And after a rousing game of Who Can Pee on Mommy the Most, both boys are wide awake in the Pack N' Play...

The first hike

Well, our flu swabs came back positive for H1N1!  Yikes!  Luckily, the doctor that swabbed us also gave us Tamiflu without waiting for the results, so we began feeling better almost immediately.  By Monday night, we had been fever free without Tylenol for 24 hours, so we were officially non-contagious and could take off our masks and move the babies up to our room finally!  (They had been sleeping in the Pack N' Play in the living room so they would be away from me and my germs.)

Of course, rather than fully resting the next day, Eric and I needed to get out of the house and decided to visit our favorite local hiking spot, Eno River.  We were so excited to introduce the boys to the place where we spent so much time in our pre-baby life, and where we will undoubtedly spend even more time in the future.  This trip was a little different from previous trips - bottles and diaper changes right when we arrived, and then a slooooooow and short walk for the recovering mommy.  But, it was a lovely visit anyway.  Felix fell right asleep in his carrier with mommy, and while Asher was a little fussy at first, he eventually relaxed with daddy and enjoyed the walk.  More fun to come in the future boys!

Saturday Baby Tip

The babies are here!

After 13 1/2 hours of labor, the babies arrived today!

Asher James Gavaletz arrived at 2:36 p.m. weighing 4 lb 14 oz.

Felix Christopher Gavaletz arrived just six minutes later, at 2:42 p.m. weighing 5 lb 5 oz.

I will share the birth story when I am not so tired and in pain!!  For now, Felix is fast asleep in his bassinet next to me in my room, while his big brother Asher is downstairs in the NICU for the night, but should be able to join us tomorrow morning.  Both boys are incredibly cute, strong, and amazing already.

Thanks for all your wishes, thoughts, and prayers!