The babies had their first "big kid" baths last night. Truthfully, they were baby baths in the big bathtub - without me in there with them. They kicked and played - so much fun. It worked out just fine. I was only brave enough to do one at a time of course - they can't sit up on their own just yet so they need full individual attention. But, we're just about ready for the swimming pool I'd say!
Mary Louise actually out grew the bathroom sink quite a few weeks ago - but I kept bathing her in it for the convenience - and I was a little nervous about trying the big tub. I don't have a baby bathtub, though after months of not wanting one, I may bite the bullet and get the over-sized - ridiculous to store hunk of plastic as these little ones will be little for quite some time. I'm just not sure what else to do.
Anyhow, things went well. We had our usual massage time afterward and the babies seemed to enjoy the whole experience.
After a couple of good nights with some nice 4 hour sleep blocks, both of our little guys decided it was time for a train wreck. We have therefore been up since the ripe old time of 3am bouncing, babbling, cooing - at least they smile pretty often - it's not all screaming. But they may be having another big growth spurt as they both suddenly couldn't put the bottle down!
Anyhow, growing is good if that's what they're doing. But, if this post doesn't make any sense at all, there's my big excuse.
Have a good weekend!
xo,
Heather
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Bless her little heart (she's perfect!) - and Happy 7 months!!!
Well almost anyhow...Mary Louise went back to the cardiologist today for a follow-up visit. Since her last visit with him, she has stopped using her oxygen and we've stopped her Lasix. In addition, we've started her on Zantac...
In the doctor's words,"her heart looks beautiful!" He was very pleased with her progress. Her tiny leak that I discussed from last time is almost gone and her heart muscle is now the appropriate size for her growth (it was slightly enlarged due to over working when we started all of this). He even said, "well, she looks like a real little girl now!" Ha - I was a bit afraid to ruin the moment by asking what he thought she looked like before so I bit my tongue on that one.
She was fantastic at the doctor - FOR ONCE she did NOT poop in her diaper as soon as we walked in the door. That is an absolute first for her. She smiled her way through, sucked away on her hands, drooled, laughed, wiggled, and batted those beautiful blue eyes with the Venus fly-trap lashes.
We had fun - and keep in mind we were at the doctor. He's cleared both David and Mary Louise to be re-checked once more just before their first birthday!
YAY MARY LOUISE!!!!
The babies are 7 months old today!! Oddly, this day last year was the day I found out that I was (apparently VERY) pregnant. My my how things work out. David is 19 3/4 inches and 8 pounds 8.5 ounces today. Mary Louise is 9 pounds 14 ounces. (I don't have a current length on her for today). They are just doing so well!!
We all went to the state park this afternoon as Brent took a day off to stay with David while I brought Mary Louise to her appointment. The babies were tucked snuggly in their carriers and Brent and I walked about 3 miles through the wooded trails - so nice - so much fun. We even took Lizzie along for the adventure. Brent and I joke that we'll soon have the strongest back muscles around carrying those bundles on our fronts and baby supplies in back packs on our backs. You'd think we were really traveling somewhere to look at us - lest you know those backpacks are filled with nothing more than a blanket, diapers, wipes and binkies - and of course a bottle or 2.
So we've had a wonderful day - happy 7 months babies. You are more than we could have ever dreamed, and we've only just begun! We absolutely adore you!
xo,
Heather
In the doctor's words,"her heart looks beautiful!" He was very pleased with her progress. Her tiny leak that I discussed from last time is almost gone and her heart muscle is now the appropriate size for her growth (it was slightly enlarged due to over working when we started all of this). He even said, "well, she looks like a real little girl now!" Ha - I was a bit afraid to ruin the moment by asking what he thought she looked like before so I bit my tongue on that one.
She was fantastic at the doctor - FOR ONCE she did NOT poop in her diaper as soon as we walked in the door. That is an absolute first for her. She smiled her way through, sucked away on her hands, drooled, laughed, wiggled, and batted those beautiful blue eyes with the Venus fly-trap lashes.
We had fun - and keep in mind we were at the doctor. He's cleared both David and Mary Louise to be re-checked once more just before their first birthday!
YAY MARY LOUISE!!!!
The babies are 7 months old today!! Oddly, this day last year was the day I found out that I was (apparently VERY) pregnant. My my how things work out. David is 19 3/4 inches and 8 pounds 8.5 ounces today. Mary Louise is 9 pounds 14 ounces. (I don't have a current length on her for today). They are just doing so well!!
We all went to the state park this afternoon as Brent took a day off to stay with David while I brought Mary Louise to her appointment. The babies were tucked snuggly in their carriers and Brent and I walked about 3 miles through the wooded trails - so nice - so much fun. We even took Lizzie along for the adventure. Brent and I joke that we'll soon have the strongest back muscles around carrying those bundles on our fronts and baby supplies in back packs on our backs. You'd think we were really traveling somewhere to look at us - lest you know those backpacks are filled with nothing more than a blanket, diapers, wipes and binkies - and of course a bottle or 2.
So we've had a wonderful day - happy 7 months babies. You are more than we could have ever dreamed, and we've only just begun! We absolutely adore you!
xo,
Heather
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
moving right along
We've had quite a good week this week filled with long(er) walks - even a trip to the park - and cooler weather. I remember waking up for school when I was little - way too early (as I've said, I've always been a fan of the nap). I remember one morning my dad seemed so chipper - well more chipper than usual anyhow - (umm he was one that would run anywhere from 5 to 10 miles BEFORE sun-up). I asked him what he was smiling about...he said (with a boyish grin), "I love cool weather. It makes the water come out of the faucets ice cold." Ha - always the little things with my family...
I've uploaded the photos of the week - there are plenty - I tried to get some of the 2 little ones together - almost an impossible task as they seem to take turns with everything (which is a positive attribute for anything but photographs I'd say). So, one kicks, then the other kicks and so on.
Oh and in case anyone is wondering, I did discuss the use of the Bumbo seats, etc with the physical therapist that comes here - I specifically mentioned the possibility of hip issues. She apparently really likes the Bumbo seat for its assistance in the development of back muscles as well as a few other things. She recommended that I not leave the babies in the seat all day of course. (ha - as if David would even tolerate being left in ANYTHING all day!) They have "playtime" anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. But usually by the 15 minute mark, they have had quite enough stimulation and are ready to eat and rest again. So that's the story on the Bumbo's 'round here.
In other news, the babies are starting to "belly laugh" pretty often. David is still easily upset by louder voices and sounds, but is getting a little better with stimulation (i.e. he doesn't scream with panic if a toy makes noise AND lights up at the same time).
Mary Louise's reflux has improved immensely. She is not drooling near as much, spits up upon occasion but nothing like before and is able to take in enough milk comfortably to satisfy her. So, the Zantac has been a success!
In addition, both David and Mary Louise have really gone full force with bringing EVERYTHING to their mouths. They chew on toys, pacis and fingers. Mary Louise is actually pretty aggressive with the whole thing. It is on that note that I make a request that should probably go without saying - but I'll ask it anyhow. If you visit, see, hold, or are around the babies in any way, please don't put anything foreign in their mouths - especially fingers - even if you've washed impeccably. It's very easy to hold them and not pay full attention - before you know it, they've gravitated to your hand and are sucking or biting away. Please don't let them. We have tons of (their) paci's and toys available at all times that you are welcome to give to them instead. We have done incredibly well with everyone's help so far keeping the little ones healthy. All we want to do is continue that trend. As always, we really appreciate everyone's understanding and support.
Have a good day and enjoy the mass of photos!!!
xo,
Heather
I've uploaded the photos of the week - there are plenty - I tried to get some of the 2 little ones together - almost an impossible task as they seem to take turns with everything (which is a positive attribute for anything but photographs I'd say). So, one kicks, then the other kicks and so on.
Oh and in case anyone is wondering, I did discuss the use of the Bumbo seats, etc with the physical therapist that comes here - I specifically mentioned the possibility of hip issues. She apparently really likes the Bumbo seat for its assistance in the development of back muscles as well as a few other things. She recommended that I not leave the babies in the seat all day of course. (ha - as if David would even tolerate being left in ANYTHING all day!) They have "playtime" anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. But usually by the 15 minute mark, they have had quite enough stimulation and are ready to eat and rest again. So that's the story on the Bumbo's 'round here.
In other news, the babies are starting to "belly laugh" pretty often. David is still easily upset by louder voices and sounds, but is getting a little better with stimulation (i.e. he doesn't scream with panic if a toy makes noise AND lights up at the same time).
Mary Louise's reflux has improved immensely. She is not drooling near as much, spits up upon occasion but nothing like before and is able to take in enough milk comfortably to satisfy her. So, the Zantac has been a success!
In addition, both David and Mary Louise have really gone full force with bringing EVERYTHING to their mouths. They chew on toys, pacis and fingers. Mary Louise is actually pretty aggressive with the whole thing. It is on that note that I make a request that should probably go without saying - but I'll ask it anyhow. If you visit, see, hold, or are around the babies in any way, please don't put anything foreign in their mouths - especially fingers - even if you've washed impeccably. It's very easy to hold them and not pay full attention - before you know it, they've gravitated to your hand and are sucking or biting away. Please don't let them. We have tons of (their) paci's and toys available at all times that you are welcome to give to them instead. We have done incredibly well with everyone's help so far keeping the little ones healthy. All we want to do is continue that trend. As always, we really appreciate everyone's understanding and support.
Have a good day and enjoy the mass of photos!!!
xo,
Heather
 |
| November 2009 at home |
Monday, November 16, 2009
By the way...
I should have mentioned it much sooner. Brent and I have known one another for 11 years as of this past Friday 13th. Ha!
Insurance oh insurance...
We had a nice weekend overall. We went to the state park for a walk on Sunday and David maintained his sanity through a ride there, 3 mile walk in the carrier and the ride back. He was hungry but still took things quite well.
Today the insurance drama had to sneak back into my life. UGH! you'd think the company could at least DENY claims properly. NOOOOO! I got delinquent notices from the Pathology lab - a whole slew of them - for bills that I discussed with BOTH businesses just 2 weeks ago (and spent a nice 3 hours dealing with might I add).
Actual conversation with our healthcare company:
After going through the ridiculously extensive menu of options, and staying on hold for 15 minutes, rep says, "yes may I help you?"
Me: yes, (recite member ID number...wait for him to type it...account is on his screen...) I am calling about the Pathology bills I've received for my son David and would like to be connected to the rapid resolutions department to discuss them (so I've done this before - 100 times - and the rep is surprised I even know what the raps dept is much less that I know to ask for it)
Rep: wait just a minute and we'll go over the claims together. First of all congratulations on your baby! Oh, it looks like you had triplets.
Me: yes, I suppose I DID have triplets. My son David has maxed out his life time payable benefit so these bills will not be paid. However, I need to speak with the rapid resolution department so the I can get them denied properly and they can then be reviewed by Medicaid. (try number 2 - still a no go...)
Rep: well if you'll just go through the claims with me, we can see what can be done. What are the dates of service.
(Mary Louise starts crying - I'm with her on this one)
Me: well, there are 17 of them, would you like them one at a time and will you just forward them TO THE RAPS DEPARTMENT PLEASE?!
(David starts to fuss)
Rep: oh it sounds like someone isn't happy. You must have your hands full with 3 at home.
Me: I'm sure I would have my hands full with 3 at home but I only have 2 which is a snap.
Rep: (feeling a little uncomfortable): well I think you need to speak with someone in our rapid resolution department. Will you hold for one moment? Have a good day!
Raps rep: How can I help you?
Me: Do you have the claims in front of you for my son David and did you speak with the first rep about the reason for my call?
Raps rep: yes ma'am?
Me: good, then I need you to deny the claims officially and properly so that it looks as if you would cover them but can't due to the lifetime cap - does that make sense?
Raps rep: I think so.
Me: here is their number, I've spoken to them but would prefer that you do so directly. I'll wait.
Raps rep: it'll be a few minutes.
Me: I understand.
Raps rep: 5 min later: thank you for holding. These claims will be denied and an explanation of benefits sent to the lab in 10 to 15 business days. I can only do 4 claims at a time though so I'll do the next 4 when I have down time from the phones.
Me: I'm sorry, what? So I have to wait until you have a break for you to take care of my claims?
Raps rep: Well, I don't have to have you on the phone. The computer system is set up to only take 4 at a time. They'll be right here for when I get time then I'll send the paperwork out.
Me: please send a copy to my house as well. Thank you for your help.
I then spent an hour discussing the pending claims with the path lab so that they could be marked as such rather than as delinquent. (and the argument with them about our benefits...that's a story by itself...maybe later)
UGH!!!
good times...
Today the insurance drama had to sneak back into my life. UGH! you'd think the company could at least DENY claims properly. NOOOOO! I got delinquent notices from the Pathology lab - a whole slew of them - for bills that I discussed with BOTH businesses just 2 weeks ago (and spent a nice 3 hours dealing with might I add).
Actual conversation with our healthcare company:
After going through the ridiculously extensive menu of options, and staying on hold for 15 minutes, rep says, "yes may I help you?"
Me: yes, (recite member ID number...wait for him to type it...account is on his screen...) I am calling about the Pathology bills I've received for my son David and would like to be connected to the rapid resolutions department to discuss them (so I've done this before - 100 times - and the rep is surprised I even know what the raps dept is much less that I know to ask for it)
Rep: wait just a minute and we'll go over the claims together. First of all congratulations on your baby! Oh, it looks like you had triplets.
Me: yes, I suppose I DID have triplets. My son David has maxed out his life time payable benefit so these bills will not be paid. However, I need to speak with the rapid resolution department so the I can get them denied properly and they can then be reviewed by Medicaid. (try number 2 - still a no go...)
Rep: well if you'll just go through the claims with me, we can see what can be done. What are the dates of service.
(Mary Louise starts crying - I'm with her on this one)
Me: well, there are 17 of them, would you like them one at a time and will you just forward them TO THE RAPS DEPARTMENT PLEASE?!
(David starts to fuss)
Rep: oh it sounds like someone isn't happy. You must have your hands full with 3 at home.
Me: I'm sure I would have my hands full with 3 at home but I only have 2 which is a snap.
Rep: (feeling a little uncomfortable): well I think you need to speak with someone in our rapid resolution department. Will you hold for one moment? Have a good day!
Raps rep: How can I help you?
Me: Do you have the claims in front of you for my son David and did you speak with the first rep about the reason for my call?
Raps rep: yes ma'am?
Me: good, then I need you to deny the claims officially and properly so that it looks as if you would cover them but can't due to the lifetime cap - does that make sense?
Raps rep: I think so.
Me: here is their number, I've spoken to them but would prefer that you do so directly. I'll wait.
Raps rep: it'll be a few minutes.
Me: I understand.
Raps rep: 5 min later: thank you for holding. These claims will be denied and an explanation of benefits sent to the lab in 10 to 15 business days. I can only do 4 claims at a time though so I'll do the next 4 when I have down time from the phones.
Me: I'm sorry, what? So I have to wait until you have a break for you to take care of my claims?
Raps rep: Well, I don't have to have you on the phone. The computer system is set up to only take 4 at a time. They'll be right here for when I get time then I'll send the paperwork out.
Me: please send a copy to my house as well. Thank you for your help.
I then spent an hour discussing the pending claims with the path lab so that they could be marked as such rather than as delinquent. (and the argument with them about our benefits...that's a story by itself...maybe later)
UGH!!!
good times...
Friday, November 13, 2009
Age appropriate toys
A work friend of Brent's gave us a walker for the little ones. Her daughter has outgrown it so she handed it along. (so so nice by the way - we are very appreciative) Age appropriate toy? Yes of course. I always get a kick out of things that the babies technically are developmentally ready for - but simply aren't big enough to use. (ok - I get a kick out of it but feel a little sad at the same time). Anyhow, the walker was really funny. I put the babies in it to see just how much they would have to grow before they could "walk" in it. In short - they may actually be walking before needing this particular assist ave device! No matter - they absolutely LOVED it!! I think they like the feel of their little legs dangling - they sure seem to get excited about it anyhow. They kicked and grinned and giggled and looked at things I put on the tray. Umm - of course I got video and pictures...
It was so fun - and the babies were definitely tired post playtime! I love that they are getting strong enough to handle the sitting required for the Bumbo and Walker. It's so much fun to see them explore their toys and drool all over (which by the way has much more to do with their reflux poor things - they are not teething).
Speaking of which, Mary Louise has had increased difficultly with her eating and swallowing. She is gagging frequently, wants to eat but then wails when she does. She can saturate a bib with drool within 10 minutes, and she spits up more and more in frequency and amount. In short, she has reflux. When we put her down - even on her nap nanny incline, she often burps and spits up so we have to watch her and keep her on her side. I am feeding her sitting straight up and holding her for at least 30 minutes afterward. I am also feeding her smaller amounts more often. It's not helping. I've phoned the doctor - he is aware of her issues, but as last night was worse than the night before with her and this morning wasn't any better, I phoned again and think I've finally made my point. She needs at least a tiny dose of reflux medication. I just heard from the doctor - Zantac it is. We'll start today.
They had their physical therapy here at the house this morning. Mary Louise did very well. David, bless him, just couldn't keep it together today. He did fine for about 5 minutes and then had had enough. He was hysterical. I calmed him and learned the exercises and will try again with him this afternoon. They are both developing well overall though. David must work a bit more on bringing thing to his mid-line and Mary Louise needs work on her rolling but is well on her way. So, great report again - hopefully, David will cooperate a little more next time. But, as I said, I can learn the exercises and do them on our own so it's not a total loss if he's fussy.
For those interested, we're still in limbo over insurance and waiting until the new requirements for state programs come out in March to really get any further. There are 2 state programs that are remote possibilities. That's about all we have as far as options though (and at least we have a small hope for getting accepted to one of those). I'm really quite frustrated and disappointed with the whole thing (as I'm sure I've said before).
That's it for now. Oh - and David is shiny in his videos because Mommy shamelessly attacked him with Aquaphor. That's all I have to say about that (sorry peanut).
xo,
Heather
 |
| walker play |
It was so fun - and the babies were definitely tired post playtime! I love that they are getting strong enough to handle the sitting required for the Bumbo and Walker. It's so much fun to see them explore their toys and drool all over (which by the way has much more to do with their reflux poor things - they are not teething).
Speaking of which, Mary Louise has had increased difficultly with her eating and swallowing. She is gagging frequently, wants to eat but then wails when she does. She can saturate a bib with drool within 10 minutes, and she spits up more and more in frequency and amount. In short, she has reflux. When we put her down - even on her nap nanny incline, she often burps and spits up so we have to watch her and keep her on her side. I am feeding her sitting straight up and holding her for at least 30 minutes afterward. I am also feeding her smaller amounts more often. It's not helping. I've phoned the doctor - he is aware of her issues, but as last night was worse than the night before with her and this morning wasn't any better, I phoned again and think I've finally made my point. She needs at least a tiny dose of reflux medication. I just heard from the doctor - Zantac it is. We'll start today.
They had their physical therapy here at the house this morning. Mary Louise did very well. David, bless him, just couldn't keep it together today. He did fine for about 5 minutes and then had had enough. He was hysterical. I calmed him and learned the exercises and will try again with him this afternoon. They are both developing well overall though. David must work a bit more on bringing thing to his mid-line and Mary Louise needs work on her rolling but is well on her way. So, great report again - hopefully, David will cooperate a little more next time. But, as I said, I can learn the exercises and do them on our own so it's not a total loss if he's fussy.
For those interested, we're still in limbo over insurance and waiting until the new requirements for state programs come out in March to really get any further. There are 2 state programs that are remote possibilities. That's about all we have as far as options though (and at least we have a small hope for getting accepted to one of those). I'm really quite frustrated and disappointed with the whole thing (as I'm sure I've said before).
That's it for now. Oh - and David is shiny in his videos because Mommy shamelessly attacked him with Aquaphor. That's all I have to say about that (sorry peanut).
xo,
Heather
Thursday, November 12, 2009
So easily entertained...
So if you ever questioned where my sense of humor comes from - and why I'm so easily entertained, look no further...
This would be Mommom "talking with her fingers". She has laid claim to having this talent since she was little. Umm - note how entertained SHE is...
Mommom's are so much fun!
This would be Mommom "talking with her fingers". She has laid claim to having this talent since she was little. Umm - note how entertained SHE is...
Mommom's are so much fun!
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