LeBlanc triplets

Parental confessions: sometimes, things aren't all that fun.

2012-02-15T06:58:00.000-08:00

Gah. This week. This week has been - well, less than stellar.

Mary Louise has been on a clingy streak for a number of weeks now. She whines constantly and she and David vie and fight for attention all. day. long. Don't get me wrong: the fact that I've now gone from "Momma" to "Mommy" is really endearing. Also the fact that Mary Louise and David are exploding with new and fun vocabulary has been amazing. But life, none the less, has been over exhausting; and things don't seem to be letting up any time soon.

David woke with rosey cheeks on Monday - not like him at all. Mary Louise was so whiny I could hardly take it. Honestly, it was the equivalent of someone following me all day long letting air slowly leak from a balloon while scratching a chalk board.

The culprit? teething. 2 year molars, as it turns out, are a beast to cut.

Mary Louise has one that has pushed through but the others are still just below the surface of the gum tissue. She has the meanest rash on her bum and I've started a 3 day round of yeast cream just to be safe. (in case you're wondering, she's in disposables right now) None of David's teeth have come through but they are obviously bothering him. Their digestion is completely wrecked - as in constipation - it only took thinking about dosing them to slow things down. The up side is that they are both eating and drinking like mad.

Last night, Mary Louise got up about midnight and had developed some really nasty sinus congestion, sneezing, and a slight wheeze. David had a tiny drip of a runny nose yesterday and I was REALLY hoping it was teething related. Obviously not. My current guess is another cold- type of virus. Mary Louise is no worse this morning and we're through 2 steroid breathing treatments so I'm hoping the snot stays in her face rather than seeping into her chest...but I'm on edge just thinking about another round of this mess.

She was doing really really well since the last illness finally subsided - off of treatments for weeks with no sign of wheezing or coughing. Even now, she is playing, "reading" and this morning asked for pancakes and syrup of which she ate a good portion. So, it **seems*** run of the mill right now. Time will tell.

A side note - maybe one day a teen Mary Louise and David will read this and think better of trying whatever the "cool" inhalant is at the time: The only (environmental) thing we have really noticed that the kids react to is cigarette smoke. It drives them crazy - coughing mostly. We've encountered it at parks a couple of times - a parent will sit on a nearby bench and light up, the wind will carry the smoke in our direction and we typically have to just leave. Nevermind that these places, in my opinion, should be smoke free...

So, life has not been a party here during the past few days. We'll get over it. There are other factors in play as well: anyone want to come give my spoiled dogs a bath and some attention?? How about opening a heart healthy take out place offering low sodium options??

*sigh* Hoping for a restful couple of days and nice Mardi Gras weekend without too many shenanigans.

xo,
Heather

P.S. David has been learning to hit a ball with a bat! He's working really hard and doing well with it...sometimes I wish he would maybe wait for outside time to do it - but his hand eye coordination is definitely improving so I'll just encourage him to limit his hitting to the ball...in the playroom or hall...and tell Mary Louise to duck and run when he has the bat. They'll work it out - it's not a very hard bat anyhow...ha.

Oh - and Mary Louise just pooped! My day has gotten infinitely better!

Family time

2012-02-12T19:29:00.000-08:00

This morning, Mary Louise and David decided 5:30am was an absolutely perfect time for a "Monkey George" viewing. (They absolutely adore Curious George). Brent and I reluctantly obliged and I set about defeating the developing laundry beast while Mary Louise and David snuggled on the sofa and Brent tended to the dogs and Mills (the cat).

We then settled in together and had a little family time. David graciously sang us a song while Mary Louise read aloud.

We made our way out of the house a little later for a family breakfast and to run a few errands. Mary Louise and David have taken to yelling, "GO FAST DADA!!" when Brent drives places...I have no idea where they picked that one up?! They were just so good during breakfast. It was the first time Brent and I were both able to finish our meals and head out the door without feeling as if we needed to stop at each table and apologize for even attempting to bring our heathens in public.

Once home, I rested for a bit on my own while Brent and the kiddos relaxed awhile downstairs. Brent and I divided and conquered the weekly house cleaning when I got up.

Suga and I hit 27 weeks of pregnancy today! 13 weeks (at most) to go! I am still feeling really good and am so thankful for the stronger and stronger kicks and rolls...ok - some of the rolls feel a bit concerning - but I'm trying to keep my over sensitive nerves in check and just enjoy this ride. Brent is sitting here next to me with his hand on my belly trying to feel the kicks as I type. I love watching Brent's face light up as my ever growing belly jumps and jerks.

xo,
Heather

Totally Blog-worthy Moments and Stories (mostly poop related).

2012-02-08T12:20:00.000-08:00

Me: Mary Louise? Do you have a stinky diaper?
Mary Louise: (matter of fact voice while shaking her head) No Momma. I no poo-poo. I just toot toot in my jammies.

In light of our switch to cloth, poop and toileting discussions are definitely the norm here lately. Things are going well. I've adjusted my washing routine a little to compensate for our hard water. I've also happily taken advantage of the sunny weather for diaper drying purposes which easily removes any remnant stains. Brent and I both keep saying how much we really like this whole experience - well - we like it as much as any parent can like dealing with excrement and awesome amounts of urine. We will soon run out of disposable wipes and switch completely to cloth there as well. If I'm washing one thing in a poop load, why not wash more? (no, I didn't buy the fancy reusable wipes - baby wash cloths and a few stitches in layers of "all too small" receiving blankets work wonders for a quick bum wipe).

The diapers have proven to provide some unexpected benefits as well:

Mary Louise and David LOVE to choose the color of their "fwesh fancy diaper Momma!" and get so excited when the color of their diaper matches their chosen outfit for the day. (ha - connoisseurs of fashion already those 2!) They are quickly becoming pros with all of their colors and the choosing process has pushed David to really start to grasp that colors and textures can match (a concept he didn't quite get before).

AND:

Flipping the solids with the flushable liners into the potty has offered a visible connection between poop and toilet - putting "things" where they go. Mary Louise and David proudly flush after a dirty diaper - an easy reward that is hopefully laying the ground work for potty training in the near future. Mary Louise has also asked to actually sit on the toilet a number of times - though the success of the squat is limited to the fact that she asked - nothing produced quite yet.

I'm still hopeful...one day...

They are both surprising me more each day with their speech as well. They differentiate between soy, goat and "dada's" milks when asking for milk in their sippie cups. (Brent drinks the 2% - I've never been much of a milk drinker - if they get "Dada's milk, they think it's just about the best treat ever!). Speaking of sippies, they are doing very very well with them and also working with open cups much much better as compared to just a few weeks ago. They regularly bring me books and often "read" them to me by attempting to describe the pictures and reciting the stories from memory.

They use words such as, "excellent", "beautiful", and "delicious". (they also say "yummy" and "good").

I have a cleansing spray that smells of orange and herbal oils to use when cleaning their bottoms. David makes me laugh when each time I clean him he says, "oooh, mells niiiiice Momma." He seems to have developed quite a southern drawl as he also replies in the positive, "yay-ah" like a little old lady from South Carolina.

David had a really rough time in speech today. The lady with the state program came to our house for her weekly visit and David actually seemed excited at first - but when they sat down to begin working, he burst into tears and wouldn't even face the therapist for the session. We moved outside thinking it would make him more comfortable, but he screamed even more. Finally, I tried going inside and looking through the window. With quite a bit of effort on the part of the therapist, and Mary Louise coaxing him along, David finally began to come around and played a little - though he didn't fully cooperate speech wise the entire time. I am hoping last week's evaluation hasn't somehow scarred him for future speech sessions...but it was really sweet to watch Mary Louise getting David involved in her made up game. I'm still not really sure what happened. David has never acted that way with his home therapist before...she gave compliments again saying that though Mary Louise and David have a ways to go as far as their maturity, she feels they are very bright and will eventually catch up and possibly surpass their peers universally. Amazing. (I have to say, I do agree...*grin*)

Suga is doing well too (it seems): kicking, moving, turning. No doctor appointment this week or next believe it or not. 27 weeks on Sunday!!!!

xo,
Heather

Time's a Flyin'

2012-02-06T05:29:00.000-08:00

I would say that I'm not sure where the past 2 weeks or so went...but I know exactly where they went - we've been busy. There are times when I literally feel like a secretary for Mary Louise and David...many times...and lately, that's been the case:

David had his evaluation with the public school system while Mere and Pops were here helping us. It went, well, badly really. I've never seen him so uncomfortable (and that's saying an awful lot). He clung to me so tightly that there was no way I was even going to TRY prying him loose. They didn't want me to leave or anything. The people were all very nice. But something about just walking in the building made David tense up like I've never seen. There were toys set up in accessible areas and he wanted nothing to do with them. There were 2 boys there when we first arrived to wait and he wouldn't even consider playing with them (they were MUCH bigger than him and seemed pretty aggressive...and one of them had a grandmother who constantly yelled at him - a little bizarre.)

Anyhow, they decided to do a brief hearing test as he hasn't had one in awhile. The audiologist actually walked around with us with the little headphones attached to David's ears to get a clear reading. (He had to be completely quiet - as opposed to hysterical - for the test to work). He passed and we were off to the next evaluation.

When the kids turn 3, they officially age out of the Early Intervention system here and are eligible for continued services (if qualified) through the public school system. It gets a little complicated from there. Certain deficiencies require trips to group therapy in a school setting and certain ones are offered in home from what I understand. I'm obviously still navigating it all and learning with the help of our Family Service Coordinator (who happens to be fantastic) and haven't asked that many questions as I'm not sure what, if anything, David will be eligible.

After the hearing test, I took a break with David in a little rest room. We talked for a minute and I explained, again, that I was not going anywhere and there were some very nice people who just wanted to see him and get to know how great he is - then we'd go right home. He nodded and seemed a little better - for a minute or 2. Then we walked into the room with 2 therapists and a social worker.

Toys were on the table, they all spoke very quietly and gave him plenty of time to warm up (which eventually he did) and by the end, he was sitting in the lap of the speech therapist after kicking a ball around the room and digging in every drawer he could reach. He didn't say all that much though so to complete the evaluation, the therapists and social worker thought it best to schedule a home visit. They'll be here at the end of the month and we'll see where things go from there.

Sweet David was totally exhausted after the - umm- experience...to be honest, so was I. We'll continue to follow through though and see what the completed evaluation says about our little guy and go from there...

In other news, we have officially and completely switched to cloth diapers! I'm pretty excited about it - and the money it's saving:

We were still spending about $100 per month in disposable diapers and supplies. David still had relatively chronic irritation warranting constantly application of diaper creams to keep his skin as healthy as possible - and let's not forget (for a second) about our little Sugs on the way!! So, the start up cost for 14 pocket one size diapers (I chose Fuzzi Bunz brand after MUCH research and milling over the issue) is right at $340. No joke and no small expense. It included the diapers with inserts- which fit babies from 7 to 35 pounds and are wildly adjustable - detergent for about 3 months (or a little less time than that), 2 dry diaper pail hanging bags, a natural cleaner for the kids' bums that I plan on making myself after this small bottle runs out, and 100 flushable liners (to catch poop) rather than using a "dunk and flush" system or a sprayer. The 14 diapers have proven to be enough of a stash for now with the little ones. I will likely order some cloth contours with a few covers for the new baby - at an estimated expense of $100 bringing the total investment to $440. There will be recurring costs for flushable liners which I have since found for about $8 for 200 as well as the detergent cost which is $15 for 90 loads and I do a load of diapers every day and a half or so - many times daily. There are no long soaks - unless the diapers get stinky which depends on the washing machine, water level, diet of the child, and proper detergent use from what I've read. It's actually comparable to loading, running and unloading the dishwasher: an extra thing in the day that can pretty easily just become part of a routine. The diaper "pails" make things easy and touch free with the way they are made and with very little practice, this has simply become part of our everyday. Oh - and that almost constant irritation sweet David had been experiencing is completely gone - no more creams (though we could use some in a pinch with the flushable liners in place) and the wash I got has made cleaning so much easier.

So that's that - I'm still learning - but I'm really loving the ease of this transition - and again, the money we'll save in the long run doing things this way. 4 to 5 months to almost no diapering costs? yes please! (oh, and I suppose it's work mentioning that this makes my hippie side pretty stinkin' happy as well - as in, it's doing a Woodstock-ish jig as I type).

And finally, my dear dear Granny made her way here for a visit. We've had Granny, Collin, and his girlfriend Lhee here for a few days and have so enjoyed their company. Though it's been an exceptionally difficult time for Granny, we've had a few laughs, a number of trips down memory lane, and a good cry - or 14: all part of life - especially now.

Granny has read to Mary Louise and David each afternoon as they snuggled with her on the sofa for a few minutes. Of course I took photos- desperately wanting to freeze each minute in time.

My burgeoning belly made 26 weeks yesterday. Today, I'll administer my progesterone shot and start the final 10 countdown (for those) as I stop the injections at 36 weeks gestation. Little Suga kept me up for awhile last night by beating up my right side. It was pretty fantastic even though I was exhausted. At times, my belly jumps and wiggles so much it can easily be seen through my clothes. Active little buggar - yep - another LeBlanc baby for sure!

xo,

Heather

Perinatologist Visit!

2012-01-30T19:35:00.000-08:00

I was discharged today from the perinatologist!!!! Let that sink in for a minute...

Suga is now 1 pound 13 ounces - growing well, and looking healthy. The brain, heart, kidneys, bladder, stomach, umbilical cord (all vessels), digits, spine - all functioning normally and looking healthy. My cervix is still over 4cm and very closed - even with some fundal pressure applied (the doctor pushes down on your abdomen relatively gently to see if any fluid is released or if the cervix changes in any way).

Our little one looked great and put on quite a show of grabbing his / her feet and putting them to his / her mouth...ok - really. I'm just going to refer to the baby in the male sense for the purposes of this post. We do NOT know the gender but it's getting a little tedious to continue making his / her references and "it" just doesn't do it for me...oh and **he didn't even cooperate during the last few ultrasounds anyhow so even if we wanted to know the gender now, we couldn't - ha!

The doctor even took a few 4D ultrasound photos for me - amazinf! We could see the facial features so well. In the middle of everything, the baby turned his head slightly giving me a profile view of an ear...DEFINITELY Daddy's ears! (so cute!)

After a full scan, I asked the doctor to review my chart to see if I could be discharged to only the care of my regular OB. The peri said he was fine with that adding that he would only want to continue to see me based on my history with pre-eclampsia. But if my regular OB was already doing in office ultrasounds to ensure proper growth of the baby (growth restriction, premature aging of the placenta and blood flow interruption or changes in the umbilical cord flow are signs of pre-e) he would discharge me and I could come back if needed in the future. He did question why I was still on B/P medication as my pressures have been quite LOW! ha! never thought you'd hear that right? I was 101/68 in the office today. Last time I was there, I was 90/50 believe it or not. I feel good though - not light headed - and the peri simply recommended I discuss things with my regular OB and think about trying to stop the medication as it's such an incredibly low dose that he thinks it's not doing much anyhow.

I'll discuss it with my regular OB as the peri requested, but I have a few reservations about stopping the medication - not the least of which is that I've tried stopping in the past only to have borderline readings start up again. I am taking 50mg of Labetalol twice per day though and have done well in the past with taking 50mg once daily instead so I'd bring up trying that first rather than weaning completely. My worry is that blood pressure naturally increases back to "normal" after about 24 weeks. I don't want to be weaning from medication at a time when my blood pressure would be rising anyhow and run into issues. So, we'll see about that...

Mary Louise and David are having a grand time playing with Mere and Pops who came in to help me for a few days as Brent had to leave for some training. I'm so very grateful to have some extra hands here! David has a few appointments concerning speech progress and re-evaluations so Mary Louise will even get some one on one time with the g'rents while David and run the roads. I'm sure Miss Sassy Pants will be more than a little pleased to have a little extra attention heaped on her!

25 weeks 1 day today!!!

xo,
Heather

I got a few

24 weeks 5 days...

2012-01-27T15:33:00.000-08:00

Sound familiar?

Yeah - I was being told the babies would "have to be delivered to give them a chance" and "we'll do what we can" by a very solemn group of nurses, doctors, anesthesia associates, respiratory therapists...and I can't remember who else...this time in my first pregnancy. I wept quietly as I was wheeled down the hall to the section "suite" (something seems ridiculous about that name) and held my belly one last time feeling Kuylen wiggle gently, Mary Louise kick wildly and David give me little fish bites from the inside...

At birth, Mary Louise was given a 50/50 shot, David about 30% and Kuylen a 4% chance of SURVIVAL. We didn't even bother discussing morbidity rates - the mortality rates said enough. We were told by medical professionals and social workers alike to pray. We stared at our babies through thick incubator plastic, shown "the latest advancements in preemie care" (because they were being used to keep our little ones alive) and given updates on our little ones' health status almost hourly...and I pumped...oh did I pump...

Brent and I clung desperately to one another as we had to make decisions and face realities that were well within the realm of every parents' absolute nightmare...then we had to repeat that decision process over and over as new issues and situations developed.

All we really wanted to do was agonize over the silliness of nursery colors, how we would pay for NEXT months' diapers, and do yet another load of puke laundry. All we wanted was normalcy. What we got was perspective, new understanding of what's really important, insight into the moment, and new found strength we wanted nothing to do with...

So today, I am 24 weeks and 5 days pregnant. Today I feel good. Today I got an hour's nap while Brent took David to speech and even squeezed in a quick shower while they were walking in downstairs. I put Mary Louise's hair in pigtails and dressed David in his very debonair Polo pullover. Today, I celebrated and mourned over the most precious, albeit unwanted gift I've ever received: personal experience with extreme prematurity. I sat in awe for brief moments as I remembered so clearly the most delicate perfections I've ever seen, then looked at the stunning example of complete innocence standing before me. I thought of Kuylen...alot...

Today, we painted...in pajamas:

and Mary Louise and David proudly sang the first "fun" song they've learned:

Today was a good day...and the good was not to go unnoticed. We had fusses (umm - see the end of the singing video above) and Mary Louise and David pushed their limits just as much as they do every other day. But nonetheless, in my heart, today was appreciated for what it was - good.

Tomorrow, I will be more pregnant than I've ever been...

xo,
Heather

Dental check up #2

2012-01-26T17:34:00.000-08:00

Mary Louise had their second ever dental checks this afternoon. I brought along a neighbor of ours for a second set of hands and we were off.

Things went really well. I can't say enough about the efficiency, empathy and patience of their pedi dental office staff and doctor. Really - they are that amazing.

Mary Louise was nervous, frowned a bit, but never cried. The discoloration (I've mentioned maybe once before - it's very light) on her front teeth concerned the dentist slightly. He noted it last time we were there and thought it best to start her on a topical fluoride treatment we'll do every evening to ensure any damaged enamel and possible cavities would stay the same rather than progressing over time. He didn't really know if the 2 questionable spots were definitely very tiny cavities - or if they were just slight discolorations as previously thought. But to really find that out, Mary Louise would need to be placed under anesthesia. As it's not an urgent - or even an overly concerning matter, I opted for the topical medication to help strengthen her teeth. We are to put a few drops on a Q-tip and rub it on the back of her top front teeth each night for strengthening purposes.

Considering her medical history, this is not at all surprising. She and David are both wonderful with brushing their teeth so that's no battle (thank goodness) and we'll continue along with that - only increasing frequency from one to 2 times per day to a definite twice daily process. I did discuss Mary Louise's breathing treatments with the dentist - as the steroidal one in particular can harm enamel. He said the nightly drops will help as well has making sure her teeth are rinsed after a treatment. She's doing well with them. We are down to about 1 every other day or so now - sometimes every third day. The warmer it gets outside, the more stable she is where her respiratory system is concerned. I'm still erring on the side of being over cautious so if there's a question, she gets a breathing treatment. I'm hoping that with some "well time", her lungs can heal and she can properly recover from the pneumonia way back when rather than things compounding like they have been. At any rate, I feel we really finally have safety measures in place to prevent utter panic and emergency situations again when snotty noses invade once more.

But back to the teeth...

David, though his grumpy paw-paw self, did well too - AND his teeth are very strong and perfect!

They both got new toothbrushes and trinkets on their way out. Re-check in 6 months. Overall, a good experience.

Brent got home this evening after a 3 day business trip. Mary Louise and David met him on the back porch waving their "noo toof-buses" in the air and yelling, "HI DADA!!! YEAH! DADA HOME!" They were so excited - jumping up and down...ok, so I wasn't actually jumping (uh - Suga does plenty of that for me), but it did seem like Brent was gone for absolutely weeks and I may or may not have been ridiculously excited myself...*and she grins*

xo,

Heather

Afternoon fun and fuss

2012-01-26T07:49:00.000-08:00

If one were to question why I am so tired at the end of every day...I would call the below video: Exhibit A. This was taken AFTER a trip to the grocery, Petco, rearranging and cleaning the fish tank, watching a Curious George show - or 2, breakfast, lunch, laundry, cleaning, games, reading, jumping on the trampoline AND and hour into their "free play". If you're curious, this activity - and on again off again fussing went on for 3 hours yesterday afternoon. This is typical. At the end, they got scared because the severe thunderstorms we'd been watching and waiting for all day finally began to roll through...and of course they wanted "Dada"...who was at work.

Those are my dancing monkeys! They were SO GOOD at the grocery yesterday morning! They listened, they looked, they learned. We talked about colors, sounds and flavors. Then they asked to "see the ani-mules" it took me awhile - and a call to Brent - but we finally figured out that they wanted to go to the pet store. As it was really over cast and windy, the park was out, so I talked to them about behaving and came to an agreement and entered Petco after lunch.

They were great there as well! We even chose a couple of new fish for our home tank and we rearranged plants and rocks and cleaned a little (maintenance) when we got home. They LOVED watching their chosen "pichies" swim out of the bag and enjoy their new home. So far, they are settling in well - checked on by the kids first thing this morning.

I suppose I can mention the HUGE news of the week now that it's been a few nights with no going back...we are bottle free!! I know, I know, they are beating on the door of turning 3. I'm not going into the great explanation (or defense) at this time - only saying that it was the right time for them, discussed (with Mary Louise and David) ahead of time, made to be a fun endeavor - that they were ready for - and overall, a non-traumatic, non-event - no tears!!! They haven't asked - even once - for their bottles and though their sleeping has been slightly interrupted (we used the bottles during sleeping times only - open cups, straws and sippies the rest of the time), they seem to be adjusting well. It's helped with night time leaks (bed wetting) and I'm seeing a very very slow turn in day time eating - but not as much as I would have expected (and we all know David in particular can't afford any kind of weight loss...). Anyhow, the transition is going really well and I would be happy to go into more detail with out decision making if anyone is (respectfully) interested. If not, I'll leave it under the "we've made decisions that were best for us - meaning mostly Mary Louise and David" heading and move on...

More news coming soon!

xo,
Heather

Sissy???

2012-01-25T12:38:00.001-08:00

So I took this a couple of days ago...I have no idea who Sissy is - Mary Louise has never mentioned a Sissy before nor after this...so...

Anyhow - it's a little funny to see her get irritated with my hovering and tell me, "I trying to talk on the phone!"

yep. hands full.

xo,
Heather

Milestone check off!

2012-01-23T07:36:00.000-08:00

Well, we're legal. I am officially 24 weeks and 1 day pregnant this morning and I'm actually surprised at how excited I really am about it. I feel good - really good...as in, if little Suga didn't kick constantly and his / her growth wasn't impeding on my ability to look down and see my own toes, I'd wonder if any of this was real. I'm still able to walk and exercise a fair amount - though I do take things very easy with pace and intensity. I gardened some yesterday, cleaned a bunch...and today, am not sore and don't feel over tired.

Oh - about that cleaning...it has been ridiculously humid here over the past few days. In the deep south, just so you know, if I am even bothering to remark about the humidity, rest assured it's basically been raining without visible drops - that damp...and warm. What does that mean for us??? (other than some pretty hysterical hair do's) mildew. gross.

The green funk invaded our shed in a mere 72 hours - and settled right in on my beloved BOB jogger stroller and bike trailer. I can only imagine that this hasn't happened before because the stroller was used at least daily and stored under a carport rather than enclosed...but no matter. BOB needed a bath - something fierce. Boy, did he get a good scrub down...Brent and I tackled BOB, and also scrubbed down a single jogger we picked up at a consignment shop over the weekend (great condition, $60, and will allow us to get out as a family after I recover a bit and the baby is ready for some stroller touring). Anyhow, it's no BOB - but the new to us find will serve it's purpose I think. Then we cleaned the bike trailer and planted our lettuce, and new herbs in the previously prepped areas around the patio - so exciting!!

It seems quite a bit drier and cooler out today so hopefully, the mildew will stay away for a bit...just part of living in the south - and I can't say that dear BOB didn't need a serious overhaul and a bit of love anyhow. 350+ miles with Mary Louise and David in tow is more than enough reason for a proper deep cleaning and greasing of the wheels. I even got out the screw driver and took off the relatively removable parts to wash in the washer. (don't laugh - I can work a screw driver if I have to)...I hope I can figure out how to put the parts back on now!

On Saturday, we had a great family day walking, stopping to explore the farmers' market, playing at the newly built park by the lake and walking down the promenade. There was a huge sportsman's show at the Civic Center so we walked and looked at boats, the helicopter that was offering fun rides and watched the ducks on the water. The kiddos were enthralled.

Uncle Sean left Saturday afternoon to head back to New Orleans.

I must also send some mad props to Brent for helping so much around the house lately. He vacuumed the entire house while I took Mary Louise and David on a walk and did a few little jobs that have been lying in wait for some time around the house. He's done whatever he could think of to make things progress a little smoother during my days while he's on the road and I don't even have the words to describe how much I appreciate him stepping up- and stepping in...

So 24 weeks on Sunday along with some serious cleaning and outside time - Mary Louise and David even got to play with water a bit while watering the plants in and had some nakey time for the first time in a while - they were so very excited!

While I am way too aware of what a birth at 24 weeks physically and emotionally means...it still feels comforting to know that we are more than half way through, I am at home, doing well, and Sugs is growing perfectly. While we really have no reason to believe that this will be a pregnancy ending prematurely, I can't help but mentally check off milestones like this as we bump along...2 pounds, 28 weeks, 32 weeks, gads! 36 weeks?!!!! It's all gravy from there!

I administered my progesterone shot this morning. I'll continue this every Monday until about 36 weeks (I think I stop at 36 weeks - not 37 - but I'll have to ask again). From there, I just wait for labor! So, 12 more shots. I haven't said much about them because, as it turns out, there isn't much to say. I did have a number of hip and round ligament issues early in pregnancy - and my right hip still hurts if I do too much. Early on, the added injection pain didn't do me any favors in the comfort arena. But now, with stretching and resting a bit, the joint and ligament pain subsides quite easily as opposed to lasting about 2 days before. The injections are certainly much easier to take than most vaccines and without any noticeable side effects (it's a dose of a hormone that naturally occurs during pregnancy), I'll happily self dose the shot even if it's efficacy is still a little questionable in some medical circles.

There is one HUGE exciting thing happening with Mary Louise and David right now - but it's only been one night - so I'm hesitant to put it in writing until we have a few more siestas under our belts...I'll talk about it really soon though...I'm confident it's something most people thought we had covered long ago...but we didn't...it just wasn't time...the time MAY be upon us now though...and I'm ridiculously excited about the mere possibility - never mind the success of this latest adventure in "all in their own time" preemie-dom...

xo,
Heather

Bubble Blowing fun!

2012-01-20T12:15:00.000-08:00

It was quite windy outside today and after watching a crew finish up the road work in front of our house for a bit, we went outside again on the patio to do some bubble blowing. Mary Louise finally got it! Her first time successfully blowing bubbles! David is still working very hard to catch on - he did get it a few times but had a hard time getting his mouth to pucker the way he needed.

It was loads of fun while it lasted. Inevitably, David gets tired, dumps out his bubble solution, and pitches a fit...at least he's consistent. I did redirect for a bit to play in the vegetable garden dirt and slide down the slides a number of times though.

He's off this afternoon for his private session of speech while Mary Louise, and Uncle Sean hang out with me here at home.

xo,
Heather

Compliments and Normalcy

2012-01-18T19:12:00.000-08:00

David did really well during his home speech therapy this afternoon. His therapist - typically VERY reserved with compliments said a few really remarkable things after the session:

David is becoming much much easier to understand AND his vocabulary (as it turns out) is amazing!- she predicts he will quickly surpass expected average vocabulary for his age once his annunciation gets a little better.

She feels his improvements in the short few months she's been making weekly visits are impressive and he's doing very well!

I'm so excited and proud of my little string bean guy!

I went to my regular OB later this after noon for an ultrasound and check up (aka - chat with the doc). Uncle Sean got to tag along as he's in town visiting for a few days. My cervix remains normal - over 4 cm. very closed and very stable. The baby is growing beautifully - just above average at 1 pound 7 ounces...that's right, kiddo number 4 is already bigger than his or her siblings' birth weights. (Mary Louise was 1 pound 6 ounces / 12 inches; David was 14 ounces and 10 3/4 inches and Kuylen was 10 ounces and 9 3/4 inches just as a refresher). The baby's heart rate was 157 - normal and average for him / her. The position was head down facing toward my back which I found odd and unsettling at first - but I was quickly assured that it's very normal and the fluid and everything else about the ultrasound was just fine - and really, the way this kiddo has been kicking and dancing, an odd position isn't all that surprising. The doctor felt the ultrasound was totally unremarkable (having nothing to say in medicine is typically a GREAT thing). My blood pressure was good - a little higher than it normally runs at home but within normal limits just the same. A little higher in office after being moved around a number of times for ultrasounds and change of rooms isn't really surprising anyhow.

So, things are coasting along right now. My cervix is no longer a concern for the OB and he has cleared me to not only stop seeing perinatology if I choose but also come back in 4 weeks to see him!! A whole month?!?! crazy! I discussed keeping my appointment with peri in 2 weeks and then stopping with them. He (my regular OB) feels that's very reasonable and is confident that he can handle my care from there.

I spoke with the doctor about delivery. I hadn't wanted to bring it up with all of the other monitoring going on but it seemed appropriate to discuss today. I have a classical uterine scar from my previous section and wanted to understand the risk vs. benefit of another c-section. It was an interesting conversation really...

Apparently, the risk of uterine rupture when attempting a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) is about 1 to 2% for BOTH classical and low transverse cesarean scarring. So, no increase in risk with my type of scar. However, 1 to 2% when considering there are 10's of thousands of births everyday is a considerable number. My doctor used to do and encourage VABC's until 6 years ago when he happened upon a rupture in progress while rounding on the L/D floor. The woman had a cesarean for her first birth, then 2 subsequent vaginal births - remarkable because it has long been an opinion that one successful VBAC would mean risk of rupture on future deliveries was lowered significantly - almost negligable. It just so happened that this woman already had an epidural in place, and the section suite was available and directly across the hall. Baby and Mom were saved simply because things happened that way - but had she not been in the very right place and the very right time, things could have easily turned out tragically different. (story of life right?)

So, my doctor no longer recommends VBAC's - but seemed to want to leave the final decision up to me (well, he wanted to, and legally, he sort of has to). At any rate, he seemed to genuinely understand and respect my concern, questions, and history...

I have never really discussed the babies' delivery in detail - and won't now - but to say that the very very short story is, the annesthesia did not work. If I said that wasn't a small concern of mine in going into another section, I would really be lying. But my biggest concern is, by far, the safety of the baby.

So, we have found a middle ground:

My doctor has said from the beginning of even discussing another pregnancy that he would "allow" things to progress as naturally as possible as long as we (the baby and me) are stable. He would love to see 39 weeks of pregnancy before scheduling a delivery. I am ok to go into labor naturally - but he would advise against allowing my labor to progress further than the beginning of regular contractions. This would mean that the baby is definitely "ready" and the subsequent surgery (section) would significantly reduce our risk of emergency.

So that's that. I'll continue to take things one day at a time and appreciate every thump and wiggle of our little one. But the tentative best case scenario plan is something that I really needed to wrap my mind around - and I feel at peace with it all after our discussion today.

24 weeks on Sunday! Of "legal" age little one! Keep it up!

xo,
Heather

Oh and P.S. thought you might enjoy my facebook status from this morning: My wake-up courtesy of Mary Louise: ‎5:45am: Mary Louise sits up in bed, grins, and "performs" The Wheels on the Bus complete with hand motions and 2 verses- the wheels go "wound" and "up and down". Life's sense of humor: demonstrated daily in giving me the most extreme version of "morning babies"...what can I do but laugh?

So grown up!

2012-01-17T07:53:00.000-08:00

Though I'm scared writing this down might end a few of the WONDERFUL things Mary Louise and David have done over the past few days, they totally deserve some mad props for their behavior improvements:

Accordingly:

They both tried and liked a low sodium, low fat, gluten free lasagna Brent and I made the other day. It had tons of veggies, fresh sauce Brent made from scratch and fresh mozzerella (lower sodium than preserved) on top. It was really delicious (before you read all of the stuff it DIDN'T have and think - YUCK!) but something so mixed and confusing tends to cause a bit of panic in the little ones. Once they tried it though, they were hooked and did so well with eating!

I made some whole wheat biscuits this morning. Now, Brent pokes fun at these as, when left out for a day, they literally turn into hockey pucks. But fresh out of the oven with a little fresh marmalade and butter? fabulous - and so satisfying. I add a bit of vanilla, cinnamon and turbinado and the recipe smells so fantastic it's really hard not to at least try. Mary Louise and David each ate half of a biscuit and a bowl (about half a cup) of fresh berries for breakfast. As for the speed in which the baked goods stale? I question what they heck is in that white bread that makes it not mold for months and stay soft - in the dryest of dry environments.

Yesterday afternoon, I was totally exhausted. Not at all uncommon - especially these days. It was almost time to finish up dinner and start their bath and bed routine but Mary Louise requested one viewing of "Monkey George" (they love Curious George). I conceded to allow them the 25 minute show so that I could set up their jammies, etc. upstairs. They were so good that I jumped in the shower, frantically washed, and threw my own pajamas on...Brent was gone on business for the night and I knew this might be my only 3 minute window to actually perform my own basic hygeine - welcome to motherhood. They were just where I left them!!! I could hardly believe it - thinking the whole way down the stairs that I'd surely just bought myself a night of cleaning up something- or many things - methodically smeared over any surface within reach. In fact, Mary Louise barely realized I'd gone. David was nervous - but just waiting at the bottom of the stairs. Amazing.

I changed their diapers downstairs and sent them up bare bummed for baths. Here's the mistake - too much credit. I popped out onto the driveway to throw the dirty diapers away and went right up behind them. They had listened intently to my request and gone straight to the bathroom. I knew as I reached the top of the stairs that they were entirely too quiet...then I heard the giggles. I found David COVERED - hair, face, belly, arms, legs, and toes - in Desitin. Mary Louise? yeah - just the palms of her hands were covered. Really. Guess who the culprit was. Eh - at least their skin was well protected for the night...

They did really well for bed time and fell asleep on my burgeoning belly as has become their usual routine. Sweet babies - we really did alot yesterday:

We walked to the vet clinic to pick up the dogs from their weekend of boarding. Then, I took the whole crew back to the house, watered the dogs and let Chester stay in the yard while I walked Lizzie (and Mary Louise and David) to the bank and back home again. about 2 miles done in all- my high average now- ha.

We then pulled some weeds and planted a few flowers after removing some spent annuals from the pots and patio beds. Mary Louise and David were so excited to get their hands dirty again! It was sunny and warm outside and I was happy to let them run around and play a bit before the next crazy weather flip. We went inside, got cleaned up and spent the afternoon doing housework and coloring with markers- a new favorite (they "help" clean with the sweeper, and "fold" laundry now, and I give them baby wipes to clean tables and surfaces they can reach).

Mary Louise finally finished her round of antibiotics this morning. She seems to be doing well - still just slightly congested - but her appetite is good and she's certainly playing and active as usual. We are continuing her breathing treatments as needed - typically one combo treatment in a 24 hour period now - and keeping watch for any changes. I've heard of a number of cases of toddler and infant RSV in our area so we'll continue to keep to ourselves as much as we feel is necessary for awhile longer- Lord knows we've had puh-lenty of exposure this cold and flu season!

xo,
Heather

Vision check 2012

2012-01-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

We made the trek down to New Orleans for Mary Louise and David's yearly eye exam. I made sure to discuss the trip with the pedi when we were there for the recheck and he ok'd it - as long as we took the kids' 8000 medications with us - seriously, the "med bag" was bigger than our clothing bags... I was really concerned about a set back in Mary Louise's healing, but in discussing things with Brent and the pedi, decided it was best to keep our appointments (we make them a full year ahead of time!) as IF there was an eye issue starting, it's best not to leave these things to fester.

We stayed with Mere and Pops as they are just about an hour outside the city. The trip USED to take just under 4 hours - but with a baby constantly beating up my bladder, and Mary Louise and David being the amazing travelers they are, it now takes closer to 6 hours...long day. But, overall, Mary Louise and David did well - and I **only made 3 bathroom stops (ha.).

Pulmacort is doing really well with Xopenex for Mary Louise's breathing treatments. I started with twice per day - again - worried that the stress of travel, interruption in routine, and a HUGE weather change (from the 60's to the 20's) would upset her system again. But the evening dose of Pulmacort proved to be too much for her system. She complained of stomach pain half way through and gagged and vomited a bit the first evening- we didn't know if it was the things she'd eaten during the day or something else, so we kept the med schedule the same another day. The second night, we just stopped the treatment halfway through and she felt better after a bit. She has since been fine. We gave the combo treatment in the morning only and used Xopenex mid day and evening if needed. Yesterday, she only got one treatment. So, she's certainly improving. She has a tiny bit of congestion in her sinuses but her chest sounds great and other than some remnant coughing if she gets too excited, she's back to her feisty self - telling us all what to do.

David started yet again with a slight runny nose with the weather change. Not surprising at all. Again, he faired well with it and it doesn't seem to be turning into anything more - in fact, the drainage is lessening and he's never even slowed down in playing or getting into things!

The eye exams went very well. As always, it was essentially an all day affair - waiting 2 hours to see the doctor...doing circus tricks in the tiny exam room while they dilate Mary Louise and David's eyes...always fun. The doctor's student was very nice this time - wonderful bedside manner - and as always, his nurse was beyond pleasant. David was not at all happy about any of it - but the doctor is so efficient, he can see what he needs to, I kid you not, in the time of a quick blink so really, the exam was over in no time.

Mary Louise watched and I calmly explained what was happening, telling her they were just washing their eyes so things could be seen a little easier. She nodded sweetly and asked questions: "David crying?" "Dada hold David?" "Yook in David's eyes Momma?" "No scared."

She cooperated beautifully - no crying - no fuss- and even allowed the student to gently take a peek as well. (They didn't even bother asking if the student could see David's retinas - ha - angry little guy).

We left, grabbed a bite to eat with Uncle Sean and went on to Mimi's house for a short visit and to give Mary Louise a breathing treatment. Mary Louise and David were wild at Mimi's. But sweet Mimi couldn't have cared less. She played catch with them...inside, let them rearrange her throw rugs, allowed them to feed her snacks (read as smash crackers and whatever else they dug out of her pantry into her face). In short, she was an incredibly great sport about everything and giggled at their antics the entire time.

Exhausted, we went home mid afternoon just in time to fit a little playtime, reading time and dinner time in with Mere and Pops followed by a much needed sleeping time - I fell asleep with them! (I'm pretty sure I earned the title as sleepiest house guest ever during our trip...I may have earned that title long ago though...)

We left on Saturday for the trip home - stopping at a park just over half way to stretch our legs and let the kids run. I can't say any of the travel was wonderful or restful. But we made it. Mary Louise and David's eyes looked wonderful - no glasses needed - and there's a good chance that they'll compensate for any loss of peripheral vision long term so really, they couldn't be doing any better!

We go back next year for another check up.

In other news, David counted to three this morning!!!!! We've been working very hard on counting, colors, and phonics. Mary Louise and David both seem to understand the concepts - there are numbers and a pile of many things can be counted, they can pick out colors when asked and outright name many of the eight basics consistently, and they "get" that letters make up words and that is what I read in their books at night. But they haven't been ready to count past 2, or say the alphabet past C (though Mary Louise can blurt out "ABCFG!" on occasion. I realize that tons of kids their age DO know things like counting and alphabets - but I think Mary Louise and David are doing just fine nonetheless. They are amazing with their understanding of outdoors - leaves, rocks, fruits on trees, equipment at the park. Mary Louise can put together her own nebulizer treatment and understands when it is finished. She has asked to use the "big potty" - and done so successfully - a number of times over the past few days. They both taught themselves to pedal tricycles in just a few days. Anyhow, point is, they are maturing and have always done things in their own time. David counting to 3 this morning - and understanding the concept rather than just memorizing the number order - is great progress! Congratulations smart boy!!

I do have a number of photos to upload - but have been having computer issues that I need to get fixed first. So, will add later.

Must run - the kiddos are on the move!

xo,
Heather

P.S. 23 weeks yesterday!!!!!!! woot woot!!

Our Game Plan

2012-01-11T19:26:00.000-08:00

We went to an early morning pedi appointment today for a follow up visit for Mary Louise. She is doing well- and has gained an entire pound since SUNDAY!! (thank you steroids) but has bitten David twice on his back - really bad bites out of no where really. Mood swings and temper tantrums...uhem. thank you steroids...

I spoke with her regular doctor at length about her most recent illness. He had read her chart prior to coming into the room which was really really wonderful. I asked him how he felt about her going on a daily medication at this point - considering her ventilation history and this winter season which has been rough to say the least. He prescribed Pulmacort for us to use in conjunction with the Xopenex treatments we are already doing via nebulizer. It *can* be used as a daily med. We are currently using it twice per day and can reduce to once daily as Mary Louise's congestion clears. After which, we can stop the neb treatments and use them as needed as soon as a runny nose or any other indication of an issue begins.

The pediatrician felt as if the added med might do the trick in keeping symptoms under control - but did not feel that a daily medication was warranted at this time as Mary Louise has shown no signs of environmental, food or contact allergies (other than her brief sensativity to adhesives during her NICU days - she can since put an entire box of Band-aids on sans issue...and often does!) If this does not work, rather than simply prescribing a daily med, he would like to refer us to an allergist or pulmonologist depending on her symptoms.

All of this was said without me evening whispering my opinion on daily control medications- which, at this point is, we must find something that works. The panic I feel every time that child has a runny nose is just over the top. I can still see her struggling to breathe just hours after we'd left the doctor - so much worse over night that it warranted immediate hospitalization.

Anyhow, we agreed on our game plan and I have plenty of refills on nebulizer meds and can call anytime for more.

During her exam, her chest was clear, sinuses stuffy, ears still had a bit of fluid - but getting better. She has 1 day of steroids and 6 days of antibiotics left. We started the Pulmacort this afternoon - after I switched pharmacies...

CVS - your pharmeceutical services are no longer needed. Thank you. In short - demanding over 24 hours to fill an in stock medication that, by the way, needs nothing more than to be removed, in box, from the shelf and verified by the pharmacist, is absurd. Being unable to fill a respiratory medication within the day is just bad business during cold, flu and RSV season. I mean really. I've written to your constomer service department and will be filling our truckload of medications elsewhere. This may not bring your empire down, but, after the eye rolling and rudeness I witnessed from your staff this morning, I feel I'm taking the high road in this matter.

Kroger, congratulations. You get to deal with, and profit from the LeBlanc family in yet another way. You provide over half of our groceries, gas up our cars, and now fill our meds with a smile. I feel I should have your people over for dinner or something.

At least our sweet ML is getting better!

xo,
Heather

Inhale...exhale.

2012-01-09T17:51:00.000-08:00

Inhale:
Brent got on the road early to attend his grandfather's service and spend a little time with family. Mary Louise woke at 5:30am and didn't hesitate to let me and David know immediately that she was not at all happy...

enter poop sheets.

Yep. she did. Apparently the antibiotics - or one of the other many many meds she's on didn't agree with her tummy.

Lights on. Sheets stripped. Mary Louise and David calmed and cleaned. Momma in tears...

Breathing treatment started. Thankfully, sweet girl agreed to hold her own mouth piece (with a few threats of using "the mask" dun dun dunnnnn if she didn't. I tidied up last nights party area (our beds, meds, kleenexes, dose syringes, med garbage and packaging, etc.) and sat down to read books while Mary Louise's treatment was in progress.

Sounding clearer and feeling a little better, we made our way downstairs for an early start on morning chores. Laundry started, Mills (the cat) let out - food and water freshened, dishes put away, new sink of hot water set, breakfast started.

We played and watched Curious George ("Monkey George!!") until the doctor's office opened and I attempted to phone them for a follow up appointment for Mary Louise. She (ML) didn't appreciate my efforts. My call waiting signal went off. It was Mommom's neighbor...

Enter super stressor number whatever of the morning...

Mary Louise screaming, I am holding her trying to calm her, I had been on hold with the appointment desk for about 5 minutes anyhow - ridiculous for someone who obviously has young children (really, why else would I call a pedi office) so I just hung up on them and answered the other line...

Lizzie and Chester had gone to Mommom's house earlier in the week as I was anticipating making the trip over the weekend - or at some point - with all of the arrangements for Granddaddy being in that direction. They are much happier there in a huge yard rather than a tiny vet kennel and Collin had agreed to give them a lift when he left here. Brent is to retrieve them today on his way home...

The neighbor was frantic. Apparently, the dogs had found a way to get out of the yard. She'd put them back a number of times and they of course didn't stay and she was concerned about them getting to the nearby highway. Good golly.

I tried to explain the situation and ask her to put the dogs in the house (over ML's screams) to no avail. She's a HUGE dog rescuer and kept fussing that Lizzie and Chester were STARVING and neglected and that no one was home because she'd knocked on the door and no one answered. (this news after I'd explained where everyone was).

Now, I absolutely appreciate her help and phone call. The situation has since been remedied. But, please know, Chester, at this moment could literally not eat for a week and he MIGHT recover his waistline after the past few months of Mary Louise and David giving him "teats! Momma!" (treats). That dog looks like a sausage on 2 inch sticks. Lizzie is a weimariner - inherently slim by genetic nature - but again, by no means emaciated- not even close. They may be muddy from mucking about at all hours and a bit alarmed by the do-gooder chasing them around, but they are by no means, no how, neglected.

Someone was checking on them - the night before and this morning - but they got out after she'd left I assume. Really, Mom and the boys just left yesterday. I'll leave the other details of the conversation out, and only add that, again, I truly appreciate the help and was and am responding only to the stress of the morning and of life in general here at this point...and I know the neighbor's main concern was the dogs.

Ok.

Exhale:
We needed some serious play time. With Mary Louise's activity restrictions and the torrential down pour outside, we took to the play room downstairs. With a few tiffs - one including a horrible bite mark dealt to David's back by an animalistic Mary Louise - we smoothed things out and somehow the kids got over their whines and wants to play outside and at the park. We had loads of fun with the doll cradle - Mary Louise and David took turns lying in it - legs dangling - and rocking one another back and forth while pretending to sleep. I read books of choice to them. We counted fingers, toes, fish in the tank, pictures in books, and more. We had snacks on Mary Louise's tea set followed by tickle time and snuggle time.

Every 4 hours, we made our way up the stairs for a change of scene and a breathing treatment. Once, Mary Louise waited for about 4 and half hours - but started a congested cough at that time and meds were needed. Her poor tummy is awfully upset from the medications. But she is drinking, eating, and not complaining. I have her on probiotics and have Niastatin creme on hand just in case our friend yeast comes to visit...Her cough is much wetter today and it sounds as if her congestion is breaking up rather than seeping deeper into her chest. She is amped up and ready to play at all times and her fever has remained at bay all day. - all good things and small improvements. Her biggest complaint is actually the steroid injection site on her leg. She keeps calling it her "boo boo" and asking for kisses. She was also very dismayed when the bandage washed off in the bath today...

I thought I needed some "me" time today. I thought I'd never be able to function. I thought I needed a quiet bath and some time to think and focus.

What I got was relatively typical chaos - with a few surprises thrown in...a shower that was steaming then freezing and cut short because the babies kept flushing the toilet and turning on the sink. Then they opened the door to Brent's office and helped themselves to dry erase markers. There was no quiet, no rest - only rocking, humming, reading and coaxing 2 super sleepy and grumpy babies to shut their eyes - even if for a minute or 2. There was Suga kicking and rolling, Mary Louise rubbing my belly, David exclaiming, "Momma baby" over and over while pointing. There were snacks spilled and rubbed into floors, tantrums thrown, "owies" kissed and many many "lovies" dished out.

As I read them to sleep this evening after a wild bubble bath, Mary Louise slept on my belly - Suga kicking and nudging softly, then settling - David in the crux of my arm, I smiled. Sometimes, those kiddos are so smart and I feel I don't know a thing about anything.

They were just what I needed today.

As she was playing, Mary Louise insisted on carrying around a book she'd found. It's a little paper back that (I think) my mom gave me just after my dad passed away. Name: Grief Therapy. I know - a little odd in the subject matter for a 2 year old - but if it makes her happy to carry it around, then so be it. She calls it, "my tiny book". Today, she brought it to me and for the first time ever, wanted me to actually read it. She opened it to page 18:

"Mourn not just for the loss of what was but also for what will never be. And then gently, lovingly let go."

That is one wise 2 year old...

xo,
Heather

So, she didn't get better...

2012-01-08T11:28:00.000-08:00

As a mom, I must admit defeat by the germs when presented with a big brown paper bag upon picking up medications at the pharmacy. Actually, I've never even seen a big brown bag at the pharmacy...until this morning that is...

Mary Louise worsened over night (again). To recap - she started with a basic runny nose on Friday afternoon. Saturday, similar runny nose (or a bit less discharge) but Sat morning, she had a bit of yellow nasal discharge that quickly turned clear again once a good nose blowing was done. Saturday afternoon, she started coughing - and I started regular breathing treatments as she seemed to be a bit more congested - with still a bit less discharge. Saturday night, I was up much of the time with her - breathing treatments every 4 hours, OTC oral cough syrup, low grade fever for which she got alternating rounds of Motrin and Tylenol. The breathing treatments worked...for a time - she's prescribed every 4 hours and at first only needed help every 6 or so. But overnight, her needs slowly increased to every 4, then really, she needed help and was restless every 3 or so.

Thankfully, her pediatrician office has an on call physician in office on the weekends for emergencies. I phoned the nurse this morning and got an appointment for within the hour.

The verdict? despite best efforts and following of orders, it seems we (or Mary Louise) was once more being systematically defeated by the common cold virus. She was wheezing, with chest congestion, and was showing signs of fluid behind her ear drums. The doctor was very serious and agreed that it was a good time to bring her in as our home meds were working, but she was still on the verge of another bout of pneumonia and in need of a round of steroids to relieve her bronchial swelling. She most likely as asthma related to (or exacerbated by) respiratory illness.

Medications she is now on:
1. she had a loading dose of a steroid injectable in office. It has successfully transformed her into a cross between a singing Merry Maid and a total psycho beast. Just do as she says and no one will get hurt. With 5 more days of oral steroids to look forward to, about the only thing I'm looking forward to is the consquential binge eating and the possibility that she might break the 26 pound mark (she was 25.4 pounds today after not eating for a little over a day - we've been focused on fluids).

2. Antibiotics for the starting ear infection and chest congestion.

3. Xopenex via nebulizer. I have been cleared to give a treatment as often as every 2 hours as long as her heart rate doesn't get too high.

4. OTC Robitussin CF - expectorant and decongestant

5. alternate Motrin and Tylenol for pain at injection site (expected this evening and tomorrow) and for fever.

But, she gets to stay home (provided the host of medications work) and we'll follow up at the pedi in a few days. We will then discuss a daily inhaler to prevent further wheezing attacks.

David is doing much much better and his runny nose has pretty much stopped (I wiped it twice yesterday and once today). No coughing, no fever.

So, on the day both of our grandfathers are to be buried, I will be quietly paying my respects at home in between med dosing and breathing treatment administering. I know they would understand...my thoughts are and will certainly be with our families as we all bid our final goodbyes to such wonderful men.

Welcome to life - full of unexpected twists and turns, ups and downs, smiles and tears. I suppose we can't have one without the other...but at this point, it seems we've been getting a HUGE dose of "other" and I'd like a dash or 2 of "one" mixed in very very soon...

22 weeks today - there's a smidge to smile about...*sigh*

xo,
Heather

The terribly good and terribly...terrible.

2012-01-06T16:22:00.000-08:00

Much has happened since my last post. I feel as if I could have written something every 5 minutes and would have had to edit the statement immediately after posting. So, here's a run down (in no particular order really though I'll try to focus on the really really great - or not so bad first off):

1. Brent got to feel our little one kick for the first time on Monday the 2nd of January!! He never felt Mary Louise, David or Kuylen kick so it was really a special moment for us. Since then, I'm pretty sure little Suga hasn't stopped moving (and I love love love my little nudgy reminders of *his or her presence)! (so much for our relaxed little one the second (or fourth) go round right??)

2. Brent and I celebrated 8 years of marriage on the third. Uncle Collin and his girlfriend Lhee have been visiting this week so we were able to manage a really wonderful meal together and a little time away after Mary Louise and David's bed time. Bonus - Mary Louise and David LOVE Lhee - and she seemed to have a good time playing with them and welcomed them as a distraction to her studying (she is also in medical school a semester behind Collin).

3. I had an absolutely wonderful, stunning, and totally uneventful perinatology visit yesterday. Cervix: fine - "very long, very closed". Baby vital organs (heart, brain, kidneys, bladder, umbilical line) - all forming "normally" all parts noted and accounted for. My b/p was 90/60 believe it or not. AND I didn't gain a pound in the past 3 weeks - BUT our wee love sure did! 1 pound 1 ounce - 53rd percentile for weight. The amniotic fluid looked great and the baby was right on target for growth in general. Quote of the day, "judging by your exam today, it would be highly unlikely that you would deliver anytime soon - as in over the next few weeks or month," love, your friendly neighborhood peri.

Let the flip side begin:
1. On January 4th, Brent received news that his grandfather (Granddaddy) - Mere's father - had passed away the night before. Though he was ill for some time with Alzheimer's disease, this news is (obviously) never easy...but Brent seems to be quietly coping and clinging to precious memories. Sweet gentle strength.

2. David started with a runny nose yesterday - very runny - like wipe every 2 minutes runny. He seems a bit better today - but I am keeping an eye on him.

3. Mary Louise woke during the night coughing with the same (or similar) profuse runny nose. She looked quite puny today - but hasn't spiked a temp or continued coughing during the day. I am begging for her to improve by tomorrow. Begging. Begging. Begging. We really haven't gone anywhere for goodness sake.

4. My dear sweet Papa (my dad's father) succumbed to pneumonia this afternoon. He was admitted to the hospital over New Year's weekend, quickly worsened and just couldn't recover.

My heart hurts.

xo,
Heather

Christmas take 2!

2011-12-29T17:30:00.000-08:00

Mere and Pops came for a visit - and to celebrate Christmas with the wee ones. They left today - leaving a weeping Mary Louise, "no Pops weave!" and David asking, "where going??" with a worried look. Their big gift to the kids? Shiny red tricycles - WITH horns!!! Let's just say it's all we've heard about since the initial delivery:

(no, she wasn't actually talking to anyone - but yes, that was our actual house phone...she's called India, Dominica - twice, Houma numerous times - and lefts messages that Mommom just loves, and she's called her Uncle Damon a number of times on my cell phone - as well as downloaded numerous videos to it - at least they're not obscene- yes, I put it out of reach usually but by golly if I slip up at all there's hell to pay!)
Proud baby girl:

In addition to the fantastic "bicycles", other from Mere and Pops included a doll with 2 outfits so Mary Louise can work with dressing / undressing. (Mostly undressing currently). A remote control car for David - he's getting really good already at navigating!, some combs just like Pops', some great books and some sweets.

All of this after receiving gifts from other family and friends (Mommom brought some of my childhood books over - LOVE)! Lucky lucky babies!

On the agenda for tomorrow? Cull the toys again!

We had a nice afternoon:
Brent worked hard in the yard as it was a really nice day outside. Mary Louise and David obsessed over watching:

I attempted some group shots - they turned out how they usually do...

Epic (albeit hilarious) fail. - but the album is pretty cute! (I'll give virtual daps to the person who comes up with the best caption for the above pic)

group shots attempt 1 2011

and so is this one:

watching Daddy cut the grass - Dec. 2011

Huge thanks to all of those who sent gifts, thoughts and prayers our way throughout the holiday. Wishing you all a wonderfully blessed and happy new year!

xo,
Heather

Merry Christmas little ones!

2011-12-26T17:30:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas little ones! Your precious lives have just begun...

You fill my world with love and light...

My sweet sweet babes, what examples of life!

Your grace and spirit shine and shine...

Moments with you are such precious time...

Memories kept within my heart, my soul...

It's such a privilege to watch you grow.

Thank you for choosing me to bear...
for charging me with your special care.
Merry Christmas little ones -
your stars are as bright as the yellow sun.

We had a wonderful quiet Christmas with Mommom, Uncle Kyle and Uncle Sean coming in for 2 nights before they left for Granny and Papa's in Florida. We expect Mere and Pops tomorrow - and Mary Louise and David think they have just done everything right to not only see some of their favorite people, but also open presents while everyone claps and carries on!

Brent and I THOUGHT we controlled ourselves quite well with the gift giving...in fact, I insisted we had PUH-lenty for the kids while he kept worrying over having "enough". As it turns out, it took Mary Louise and David all stinkin' day to open their gifts (of course they had to play with each one as they opened them) and we could have really stopped at just one! ha!

Their big Santa surprise was a toddler trampoline. It has been a big hit - especially with the nasty weather we've been having. It has certainly provided a much needed outlet for their everlasting energy when organized play just isn't in the cards.

On the illness front: Mary Louise has had quite a bit of coughing during the night but as of yet it has not be coupled with any congestion nor any symptoms during the day. So, for now, that's where we are. David is doing well, Brent seems mended and I am feeling fine once more.

Me and the Suga made 20 weeks on Christmas day!!! 5 whole months!!

xo,
Heather

OB checkup and what a day!

2011-12-21T18:23:00.000-08:00

19 weeks 3 days:

I went to my regular OB today for an ultrasound, cervical measurement and routine pregnancy checkup. Overall, things went well. The bottom lines are: the baby is very healthy and growing growing growing! and I am showing no (absolutely none!) signs of any abnormalities related to pregnancy / pre-eclampsia or incompetent cervix.

So there.

Mary Louise and David were up at 5:30am this morning and Mary Louise absolutely FLOODED their bed. Baths were a necessity - I didn't care what time it was. Brent got up to do my usual morning routine - dishwasher emptying, laundry starting, dog feeding, bed stripping, etc. etc. and I sat and bathed the wee ones who, upon waking up a little more, decided to have a little splashing floating fun rather than get upset about the whole thing.

At 10:30, though all pretty tired, we loaded up for speech therapy. I've been talking to the therapists for a number of weeks about updating goals and assessing milestones reached by Mary Louise and David. As of our last visit (Monday), they had suggested that Mary Louise graduate (yay!) but continue to come every session as support for David - essentially a prop - because they seem to work so well together. I later got a clarification (I was concerned about their limited benefits: our primary ins. policy approves 30 visits annually, our secondary policy is not accepted there - and the only place both policies are accepted here in our area has Mary Louise and David on the waiting list - supposedly for the past 5 months - as number 25 and 26...). Anyhow, Mary Louise's benefits would not be used if she went as support for David. However, after some thought and discussion with Brent, we agreed that David should at least try weekly visits independently. So we start with that the first week of January. He's generally shy and gets nervous pretty easily. But I feel that he'll do fine once warming up during the session. He will go once weekly for 1 hour rather than twice a week for half an hour (which is what we've been doing). I'm pretty sure Mary Louise will be a little upset about not getting to go - we'll have to have some special activities for her while we're gone - and if nothing else, she'll love the one on one Dada time.

All that to say that Mary Louise is being discharged from speech therapy!!!!!! Way to go baby girl!

David will continue on solo to work on annunciation and refining his speech. They are very pleased with his vocabulary!

We came home and got a visit from a neighbor. She brought Christmas presents for the kids: baby dolls with soft bodies and eyes that open and close. They are really beautiful and even have measurements: 12 inches in length - equal to Mary Louise's birth length. I just sat and stared as she carried hers around. It's dressed in a little pink onesie and has a pacifier and bottle. David's (yep - she brought a doll for him too) is dressed in blue with the same accessories. I didn't know how it would go over with David...or Brent...but thanked her over and over - what a lovely gesture! Meanwhile, Mary Louise and David were examining the gifts - Mary Louise immediately went to cradling, feeding, etc...

David looked the doll over - back to front - then quickly beamed it across the kitchen and giggled as it hit the back door with a thud and slid to the floor. Awesome.

The surprised neighbor sort of stared open mouthed for a minute as I assured her he was simply tired, it was nap time and I was sure he'd play with the doll later...

She smiled and left and we made our way up the stairs. By this time (oh 5 minutes later), Mary Louise was cradling both dolls and asking if they could "night night" with her. Of course I said yes...then I found out what Mary Louise really had in mind...

I put David to bed with little fuss. Mary Louise talked to the dolls. I offered to rock, read and anything else I could think of to no avail. Mary Louise talked to the dolls. I finally asked her to go to her "sleep room" and sit in bed quietly with them. She went - no fussing at all - and I rested. That child literally did not stop talking to those dolls for 3 hours!! No naps - no slowing down.

Brent got home from work and we got to chat for a minute before I had to go to the doctor. I couldn't find a sitter for today so I went alone. I was exhausted and nervous as I can't seem to let go of the fact that during the triplet pregnancy, I was doing the labs that got me admitted to the hospital at this time.

The waiting room was wild. One lady brought her 3 children and husband with her. While I can appreciate family affairs, her kids were 3 boys ranging (in appearance) from about 18 months to around 6 or 7 years. They played games by yelling at each other across the room, then argued over seating, tripped over me a few times, and generally climbed the walls. They were cute, but I just wasn't up for it today.

Finally in the back for ultrasound, I tried to relax and watch the show. The baby is doing really well and cooperated beautifully for photos! Heartbeat was in the mid 150's - normal. Measurements all right on target. Then the weight...ah the weight...11 ounces. He is one ounce bigger than Kuylen was at birth. I started to panic. Welcome to NICU PTSD.

I went down the hall for my blood pressure - tried to relax again. Took a few deep breaths...high reading...the first one in months...or years...my heart sank. They put me in a room and my doctor came in to chat. He assured me things were going well and yet another theory for the extra protein - other than it's just my normal - was that the excessive amount of fluid I drink everyday (water mostly) flushes my kidneys so much that I just loose a bit of extra protein. Bottom line - he's not concerned. I go back in 4 weeks.

They re-took my b/p before I left and it was back down to normal. Panic attack over. Yep. I'm a frazzled, neurotic ninny. What else is there to say.

I'm so ready for bed! (oh - and I took my b/p again when I got home just to be sure and it was back to low 100's over 70's - so good) and another upside - my ankle is feeling much better today. I'll wear the brace a bit longer - but it's on the mend!

xo,
Heather

No better no worse

2011-12-20T16:44:00.000-08:00

My OB called tonight to have a short discussion over my 24 hour urine results: .32 again. Meaning it's high - highest accepted normal for pregnancy is .3. Normal for non-pregnancy is .15. The .32 is marginally high and would be a possible marker for pre-eclampsia if I were showing more symptoms or further in pregnancy (it is relatively unheard of to have pre-e during the second trimester...yeah - except I'm really really familiar with this phenomenon...) Another explanation for the number is that I have some underlying renal insufficiency. In other words, my kidneys hate me. (The insufficiency can be easily explained with my hypertensive history - though I did have a full workup after the babies were born and there was absolutely no kidney damage shown...)

At any rate, there's nothing to do about it but continue monitoring. The positive side of this - sort of positive - is that the value is stable. I'll have another visit with the regular OB tomorrow - including an ultrasound. I'll feel a little better when I see that little one is growing well...

I did discuss the first value with the perinatologist last time I was there. He was unconcerned saying that it's not uncommon with a patient diagnosed with chronic hypertension even though I've been well controlled for some time.

Stress can also cause increased protein spillage. I'm pretty sure I don't need to go into anymore detail and just say that if another person in this house comes down with the snots, we're moving...to a bubble.

Mary Louise and David have been wild lately. Their new favorite thing to do is to use their potty seats as step stools to get into things like...a GIANT tupperware of flour and fill all the shoes by the door. Oh and while I clean up that mess (that happened yesterday when I went to the restroom for exactly 10.5 seconds), they quickly changed gears and worked together to get to a full box of dog treats...Chester, our mini dachshund...ain't so mini anymore - he is, however, very happy. Lizzie is fine - she never stops moving anyhow.

Speaking of...

Lizzie got crazy excited about going outside yesterday evening and barreled into my back off of the top step of the back porch. Of course my ankle gave out and now I sit in a brace with a super looking cankle in its place. I'm hoping with a day or 2 of as much rest as I can manage -with Thing 1 and 2 to chase -that I can get over it and move on (literally). I know - good luck to me!

Random story:
Last night David got up and went for a walk around the house around 3am. He's really quite funny - often talks in his sleep and has been known to "travel" a bit. We got him settled just in time for the little miss to wake and climb into bed with me. Almost an hour later, she was still tossing and turning and whining demands while still pretty groggy: "fock ock" (rock rock), "where dada?" (he'd begun coughing and went to rest in the next bed room), "Momma, go down-tairs?"...and on and on. Finally I just said, "Hush Mary Louise!" She smiled and said, "Neigh...horse says neigh Momma." It took me a minute to figure things out - but she thought I'd said, "horse" rather than, "hush" and was answering my perceived barnyard trivia question while half asleep!

With the days of Christmas ticking down and the end of this year becoming a big blur, I'm really looking forward to the END of the third trimester (note - NOT second - the THIRD Suga!). I'm respectfully nervous - I know way too well that no matter what I do in prevention, things can always change...fast. But right now, I really feel good and am trying to focus on and enjoy that...

xo,
Heather

Feeding the ducks

2011-12-17T19:18:00.000-08:00

We went to the lake this afternoon to feed the ducks. Mary Louise and David were beyond excited. We haven't been out very much lately with all of the sickness but try to take advantage of nice days while we still have them. It was cool but not freezing outside and today was quite sunny - not wet and muggy like it has been. So, we popped some pop corn, collected some old cereal, and made our way out.

I'm pretty sure it was a hit!

and the ducks got to eat **most** of the food we brought...

Mary Louise had a grand time bossing everyone around:

and we even witnessed an elusive "sharing" moment:

Booger:

Just because:

It was a great way to end our day. I was feeling pretty crummy and the sun was setting so we didn't stay long - but did get to enjoy the Christmas lights on the way home.

Mary Louise and David both have coughs but seem to be holding steady. I'm really hoping to feel a bit better tomorrow...but at least, in general, there were 2 tiny smiles to be seen around here. It was a pretty good, quiet, stay at home with a little dose a fresh air mixed in kind of day - especially considering all the mess we've had here lately. Phew.

xo,
Heather

Old Man Winter - What the heck?!?!

2011-12-16T17:21:00.000-08:00

Mary Louise started with a little cough yesterday that got a little bigger today - and also joined with a runny nose. Awesome. If I weren't so frustrated, I'd laugh over this. David has a slight cough as well, my throat feels odd and Brent is just barely getting to that wretched night cough phase. I don't even know what round this is - but I do know that despite my best efforts, we seem to be drifting down the familiar weather change cold road once more (along with the rest of this area). I'm still holding out hope for no wheezing - but I'll admit, I'm a little obsessed with listening to everyone's breathing sounds today...

Mary Louise picked up their stethoscope today and told David to lift his shirt and "breef". I don't know if it's a little sad - or a little impressive that a 2 and half year old knows how to properly ask for Kleenex, blow her nose really well and deep breathe on command...I suppose in our situation, these are all HUGE accomplishments...

I've washed sheets, towels, and any thing else I could fit in the washer countless times. I've vacuumed, mopped, cooked chicken soup of all kinds, pushed fluids, forced napping, and kept us pretty stinkin' secluded (ok, really stinkin' secluded) over the past few weeks (but for the trips to the doctor and going to speech - we did visit a park one afternoon with a whopping one other kid there who was older and busy with his own games, etc.).

Nonetheless, here we are.

All I can say is a big boo on this. (believe me, in my mind I am much less filtered).

Mercy.

xo,
Heather

A little of this and that

2011-12-14T19:20:00.000-08:00

We went to the perinatologist on Monday for a check up. It was, by far, the best peri visit I've ever had (believe me, I've had a few nightmare ones). In fact, the doctor even appeared bored with us as I had absolutely nothing questionable going on. My blood pressure was a whopping 98/64!!!!!! At the doctor!!!! My cervix was still over 4cm (normal - long - very stable), the baby is growing right on target - but I did have to giggle a little when they did a head measurement that was rated a few days ahead of everything else (definitely my baby).

Mary Louise and David went back to their private speech sessions on Monday as well. They were so excited when we walked in that they climbed on every chair and danced around the waiting room (thankfully empty) while we waited for their therapists to call them back. Mary Louise will likely graduate from their program in the next couple of weeks but they have asked if they can see her back with David to help him along with the refinement of his speech. His vocabulary is great but he's still got a bit of work to do with gaining clarity and annunciation.

Unfortunately, Brent woke up sick the morning after my last post. So, he's been resting as much as possible and I've been wrangling babies away from "Dada" so that we don't go in for a full family round...whatever this would be...Brent is feeling better today -but was running fever last night. Another day or 2 of "keep away from Dada" and hopefully, this mean MEAN bug will be out of our house for good.

Mary Louise went back to the doctor (regular pedi) for a follow up visit after her hospitalization. Her chest was clear and she was deemed healthy once more. The doctor was concerned about her developing history with bronchial infections (2) and now pneumonia (1). That combined with her preemie history puts her at very high risk for reactive airway disease (asthma). If she did have asthma, she would get sick once more relatively quickly - another month or so - and I have breathing treatments and medication to start immediately if I notice a wheeze so that (hopefully) she doesn't end up in the hospital again.

(totally a favorite - totally)
If months go by and she doesn't get sick again, it was most likely a viral pneumonia as suspected that put her in the hospital. A little about asthma - it's always an allergic reaction from what I understand - it can be environmental, food related or a simple over reaction of the lungs when met with an inflammatory process - virus or bacteria. Hers would be the latter (we have no reason to believe either of them have allergies other than David's to penicillin). So if she gets a cold, it can get serious very quickly (if she has asthma). Make sense?? Of course we'll take things as they come - and I realize that plenty of people live with asthma just fine. But I won't tell you that this isn't nerve wracking and upsetting. After 2 and a half years of diligent pumping, I was hoping beyond hope that we could get beyond some of these classic preemie issues...though I will also keep things in perspective and remain WELL aware that this, in the grand scheme of things, is a minor bump as of now - and *may* not be an issue in the future. We'll see...

In other news, we did get a Christmas tree - which I begrudgingly decorated...I was really excited about decorating pre-plague. But Mary Louise's hospitalization and the sickness that ensued just about did me in...none the less, I was out voted - not only on getting the tree, but also on the size...seriously, who can say no to this?

or this?? (Mary Louise after her very first hair trim)

And here's a little fun comparison:
Now and then hats

Mary Louise wearing one of the first Mere couture designs:

She was around 2 months old here - wild.

The Bubs in his first Mere hat - we were stretching them a bit at that time - a week shy of 3 months old...

The album below - a mish mash of photos - if you have time and interest...

Thanksgiving Early December 2011

xo,
Heather

Checking in:

2011-12-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

I am hesitant to put this in writing - but I THINK we are finally on the mend here. David got sick again Thursday and I was so frustrated, upset, over whelmed and utterly defeated that I couldn't even bring myself to blog about it. He's still got a cough but is getting better everyday. Mommom came after Uncle Collin left to help out for the weekend. I feel human again after all of the super wonderful family assistance but I think I might have just about done my "please God give me a break!" points in in one very busy week!

Brent was gone for 3 days making things very topsy turvy here. He had a great business trip (one that absolutely could not be rescheduled) and learned tons with the training offered so it was worth it but of course difficult with 2 sick babies and a half recovered pregnant Momma. Collin stayed in town until Brent returned and Ma Mere checked on us a number of times offering to come back in to help if needed. We got through.

I've gotten a bit behind on uploading again - am charging the camera as I write - and finally reset my You Tube password so I could upload videos from the hospital and beyond so a flood of fun is coming. (You Tube was blocked in the hospital and we've been so busy since that I'm just now uploading.)

Mary Louise in the hospital -a day or 2 in:

Feeling a bit better:

and a little better:

Home - back to her silly self!

Uncle Collin - the jungle gym:

Uncle Collin taught David and Mary Louise a few things while here - including but not limited to - how to make toot noises by blowing on their hands, and how to walk up to someone and flick them in the nose after making them look at absolutely nothing on their shirt. Wow. Thanks so much Uncle Collin. Can't wait for you to come back through town...

I'm pretty sure that's the video purge. Photos coming soon! Happy 18 weeks sweet Suga Bean! Hang in there in all of this craziness!

xo,
Heather

Because we just had to have one more thing...

2011-12-06T19:52:00.000-08:00

Because we have gone through bacterial and viral infections, we (or I) should have seen this coming...

Mary Louise started with a fungal infection today - yeast to be exact...when I say started, I mean the yeast came, and spread with a vengeance. I noted a little red patch earlier today. Mary Louise got a little fussy when I cleaned her during a diaper change - not like her at all - and told me her diaper hurt. She's had a very upset tummy since yesterday (the doctor is aware) but it's gradually getting better as she's no longer on antibiotics. This afternoon, I took a soiled diaper off and noticed the red patch had not only spread but taken over much of her left side (bottom) and where it wasn't tiny dots were beginning to show. I frantically called and made our pedi office find a near time for us to be seen.

We saw the internist an hour later and it was confirmed as yeast. The doctor also checked Mary Louise's mouth and throat for thrush, ears for any issues and listened to her chest (clear). Everything else was ok - so we got a topical cream (Nystatin) for the skin infection and were off. I picked up some probiotics on the way home as well as my sweet girl hasn't been too eager to gobble down vats of yogurt lately.

Uncle Collin has stepped in as an extra set of hands as Ma Mere and Pops went home yesterday.

Otherwise, Mary Louise is doing well - but is now walking as if she's ridden horses for the past 72 hours straight poor darling. The rash had actually spread again in the time it took me to get the meds (on the way home), feed her dinner and get her to her bath this evening. Hopefully, the ridiculous amount of medication I slathered on will improve things greatly overnight...

Our girl has certainly had quite a time and it's taking a toll - she's exhausted - tonight she actually fell asleep while holding the nebulizer in her mouth. Last night, she woke frequently and was wild with fear that no one was there and she was back in the hospital. It'll take some time, but I'm desperate for things to level out soon...

xo,
Heather

Homecoming and Baby Update

2011-12-05T18:53:00.000-08:00

Mary Louise is HOME!!!!!!!!!!!! The orders were given this morning and a mere 2 or so hours later, we were out the door and headed home with out sweet girl. She was taken off of oxygen completely at about 11pm last night and maintained her oxygen saturation between 91 and 96% during her sleep.

She is doing pretty well - definitely happy to be home and happy to see her "Dae-VID" (she started calling him David just over a week ago). She has to take things easy though (which is much easier said than enforced) as she gets easily winded and still has considerable congestion. We have a new family member - "Margo Moo" the nebulizer. I had nothing to do with the name - it was absolutely on the box when the home respiratory supply company (what - didn't know those existed? yeah. me neither. I could have gone 10 life times without that knowledge too...) delivered it about 2 hours late to my house. I practically mugged the delivery guy and tore into the packaging to get Mary Louise her meds - then I had to beg said victim to show me how to use the thing. Ha - make fun if you want - but nurses always have respiratory therapists to call in the hospital - I have never ever had to administer a breathing treatment.

I have now...it was less than spectacular...ok ok, I feel the urge to make a "that's what she said" joke here...never mind...

Both kiddos went to bed with minimal fuss after a horrific bath time - pretty sure they were just tired - but seriously, Mary Louise had not had a full bath since Thursday...

Things sound and look good so far - and I'm hoping I'll be able to relax into some sleep tonight rather than trying to sit up and watch the 2 of them breathe for ohhhhh the 100th ++++ time.

As far as our little Suga is concerned, my lab results came in today and I received an evening phone call from my OB a bit ago...(below is obviously personal lab results - very descriptive - but again, I need to write this somewhere that I have easy access to it for my own reference purposes...bear with me)

Most of the values are fine - BUT - (you knew that was coming) - I'll list the concerns below....
1. I was slightly anemic - solution: increase iron (I already take one supplement, and prescription prenatal vitamins - so...more than that.)

2. My cholesterol was a little high - but pregnancy increases cholesterol levels so it's really not a concern - also, my HDL tends to be high making my overall value on the high side normally. So, not a problem - though he felt the need to bring it up...

3. (the real concern): Typical parameters for protein levels (as a result of a 24 hour urine collection) of a pregnant woman is .3 (which, if you're curious, is double that of a non-pregnant woman...and I think man - so normal non-pregnant is .15). Mine is .32. So it's marginally elevated - but elevated just the same. If this was detected later in pregnancy, it could possibly indicate the very beginning of pre-eclampsia. Getting this value for a baseline can be attributed to a number of factors in this case:
a. It could be MY normal during pregnancy
b. There was a "large" amount of blood detected in my collection (explanation on this below) blood is also detected as protein in this particular lab so it could have contributed to the elevation. (remember this is referring to MICRO not MACRO values so a "large" amount of blood would not be enough to be detected by me - or anyone looking at the sample.
c. dehydration or missing collections - the latter didn't happen so doesn't apply. I can't guarantee that I wasn't mildly dehydration - the second half of this collection was done at the same time Mary Louise was being admitted to the hospital - I can say that I likely didn't drink as much water as I usually do that particular day - and I can say that I was hysterical for a decent amount of time that morning...so I don't know.

So...the blood detection was accompanied by a fair amount of bacteria detection. There is a likely possibility that I have a bladder infection (and didn't even know). I have been "going" more often - and in smaller amounts - but I thought it was just pregnancy - I was in the bathroom literally every 15 minutes with the triplets so this pregnancy is totally new territory to me. So, I'm starting treatment tomorrow for a bladder infection, and will repeat a UA next Monday. If the UA is negative, (which it should be after treatment), I will repeat the 24 hour urine collection. So - yay for more gas cans! (I still need to put that picture up) I wasn't expecting another so soon - but I'll take that to make sure things are continuing along safely...

good golly - are you getting a little tired of all of my precautionary care yet?? Bless my dear doctors - if I sneeze or wince they hear me and give me a call...ha - admittedly I'd much rather have this than the opposite extreme...but it is a little comical no?

xo,
Heather

Doctor's visit

2011-12-04T14:24:00.000-08:00

The doctor came in and explained that judging by the admit x-rays, they expect Mary Louise has a viral pneumonia - she shows mid line cloudiness on her x-rays. If it were a bacterial infection, she would need to stay in the hospital for 7 to 10 days for IV antibiotic therapy. As it is now, if she can wean off of her oxygen completely, she can go home. They will repeat her blood work before discharge to see if she needs oral antibiotics at home (indicated by an elevated white blood cell count...I think). This is the first time I've actually seen the doctor myself so I appreciated him catching me up on specific results, etc. He informed me that in the time she left the doctor on Friday and was admitted her that afternoon, he WBC (white cell count) had actually increased.

For now, she still needs her nasal cannula to maintain her saturation, we'll see how the night goes...the general plan is possible discharge in the morning - provided she can be weaned off of oxygen. If she cannot be weaned, blood work and chest x-rays will be repeated to assess for further progression of her infection.

She had a great visit with Ma Mere and Pops this afternoon and Uncle Collin is in town - he's like a circus ride by himself - so she is eating Goldfish crackers with him and they are "feeding" green frog as well - she's a very happy gal at the moment.

We got the kids "together" on Skype for a bit today. David talked quite alot - was jealous of Mary Louise's pop-sickle mostly - but loved seeing his "Dae / Meese". Mary Louise sat very quietly the entire time with a HUGE grin on her face. For now, we've found the next best thing to them actually being the same room.

xo,
Heather

Sleeping Beauty

2011-12-04T11:56:00.000-08:00

Mary Louise rested reasonably well last night according to Brent with one or 2 interruptions: she likes to keep her slippers on but her oxygen sensor is on her foot. She seemed to be breathing well but not maintaining saturation with sleep so they apparently removed her slipper to check the sensor...enter 2am fit thank you very much...Brent was unsure of the level of oxygen she was getting but knew they'd not been able to really wean her overnight as they'd hoped. When I arrived, they had her down to 1/4 liter which is where she is now - but she had been awake all morning so we're all waiting to see how she does with sleep...

Brent reported that she was in good spirits this morning - asking for "swipes" (baby wipes) to clean her board books, playing with her Play-doh, Sticky Wickies and reading and coloring with her Dada. I got here around 11am and she pretty happily at a bit of melon, a chicken tender, all of the carrots in her soup and some of the soup liquid (it'd be great if she'd eat like this at home much less in the hospital!). She continues to drink well too. Brent said she did pretty well at breakfast too eating some oatmeal and pancakes.

She finally fell asleep on my shoulder a few minutes ago and I was able to gently transfer her to bed. She was holding steady at 90% for a good 20 minutes, but I just checked her monitor again and she is at 88% now.

She has begun to have a very productive and congested wet cough - a good thing as it means the mucous in her chest is beginning to break up. The nurse said she sounded quite good this morning but became more congested just before her breathing treatment was due. She blew her little nose really well with me to avoid suctioning there for now, but we'll see how the afternoon goes...She does not cough on command which would really help move things along - maybe I can come up with some sort of game to entice her? Any suggestions??

That's the news for now. We're still waiting to see the doctor this afternoon - who by the way remembers us well from the NICU even remembering David's name, our little Kuylen and where each of their isolettes were while they stayed there- amazing right?

I'm feeling much better after a couple of nights of decent sleep. Ma Mere has been getting up during the night and early morning with David which has been a HUGE help to me. I still have some congestion, but can actually breathe through my nose today!! woot woot!

David still has a bit of a runny nose and dry cough but it seems to be slowing and the cough is pretty much down to that pesky overnight periodic business. He's been pretty grumpy today and I think has had enough with the upheaval of his routine and environment - and he's wondering where the heck his "Meese" disappeared to...I'm hoping he can hang in there for another day or 2 without making himself sick again.

Mary Louise wasn't maintaining her saturation again while sleeping - they just came in to increase her oxygen supplementation again...1 liter. Boo on this...

Updates as we know more...I still can't quite believe all of this is happening...over 2 and half years without even so much as a breathing treatment, very few illnesses in general and now this...and now this...

xo,
Heather

Night night little one

2011-12-03T19:30:00.000-08:00

Mary Louise after her sound nap:

I'm not sure what's happening with my phone, but I've had to upload photos to Facebook then grab them from there for the blog today...I'll keep working at it...

Mary Louise woke up just before Brent came for the night. She was in pretty good spirits though still pretty tired. Her oxygen saturation remains great (high 90's) while awake - it's during deep sleep that's been the problem (around 87 or 88% and the doctor wants it to be maintained at at least 90%) so she is still on supplementation via cannula. She's done wonderfully with her fluid intake and has avoided IV therapy altogether. I'm hoping tomorrow we can get her to eat a little something (more than 1 to 2 mouthfuls) but we'll see. Seeing her get winded just walking down the hall (about 3 hospital doors) today really offered some perspective on how badly and how quickly her little body has reacted to this bug...we have quite a ways to go when she does get released...

The staff has been really wonderful where she is and accommodated us with every request. They were also very respectful of her nap this afternoon - so appreciated.

Brent is hanging in there and says he feels well and isn't too tired. He's certainly been the rock through all of this as, let's just say, I did not take the news of Mary Louise's pending admit very well (umm - nervous breakdown). Mary Louise seems more than happy to night night with her Dada though and is eating up the one on one attention from everyone- as is David who is getting the royal treatment at home with his grandparents. (Everyone is of course more than happy to give it!)

Having so many prayers, messages, support, attentive care and so many loving, helping hands has definitely made things much easier throughout!

xo,
Heather

Afternoon update:

2011-12-03T16:02:00.000-08:00

I've spent most of the afternoon with Mary Louise. Brent is coming back (like the HUGE trooper he is!) to take the night shift in a bit.

After throwing up much of the milk she was able to take in during a coughing fit, Mary Louise has been doing well with juice and pedia-lyte mixtures during the time I've been here. The doctor heard much better air movement throughout her lungs when he was in and they have been trying to wean her from the nasal cannula since he left. She was totally off of oxygen for sometime and even walked down the hall a bit before asking to be carried. But when she finally fell asleep this evening, her saturation kept dropping so she was put back on to allow comfortable rest. She is currently on 1liter after a half liter wasn't cutting it...

She does seem to be feeling a bit better - easily fatigued - but my feisty baby girl for most of the time she is awake. She has been asking repeatedly to "go home Momma" and "where David?". There is talk of possibly sending her home after blood work results come in tomorrow - but she needs to be able to function without her cannula. Her blood work in the morning will determine weather or not she needs to take further antibiotics at home.

Brent just text messaged me saying David is asking for his Momma. They have both done very well with all of this - but things have certainly been turned upside down in their routines and comfort zones. They have never been separated - at all. Though they don't really appear to rely on one another heavily for things, this experience has proven just what partners in life they really are...

Sweet babies. My loves.

xo,

Heather

So far...

2011-12-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

Mary Louise was in fact admitted to the hospital for pneumonia yesterday afternoon. Brent has been by her side the entire time but for a few hours that I went to snuggle and try to get her to eat last night. Ma Mere and Pops made their way in yesterday afternoon to help us with whatever they could -and in particular, help to care for David.

After a night of rest (David tends to sleep quite well these days only stirring a couple of times per night and typically going right back to sleep after a little bed check), I feel much better than I did yesterday - just coughing, sneezing and stuffy nose left...sounds crummy - but I am very very grateful to be sans the body aches and sore throat of yesterday. Ma Mere got up early with David this morning, so I was able to sleep in a little longer as well.

Brent reports that Mary Louise had a pretty good night last night drinking 2 pints of milk - she was on her third when I talked to him this morning - and even trying tiny bits off of her breakfast tray. She hadn't eaten anything and was only taking minimal liquids until last night - her diaper from the morning was totally dry. They've placed an IV in her arm for antibiotics and steroids but were considering IV fluid therapy if her intake didn't increase. I worked with her last night and got her to take some frozen juice, and half a pop sickle. She also ate a few bites of a hot dog and considered some strawberries before I spoke to the nurses about trying a bottle...which worked wonders not only for her sleep but also her intake in general (this is what she took the milk from). Resist the urge to point out how old these kiddos are...they take comfort in occasional bottles and at this point, I'd much rather her have full access to that than constantly running IV fluids. She is still working very hard to breathe and the respiratory therapist and pediatric intensivist both say they "hear nothing" in the lower lobes of her lungs - this means she is not moving air at all there - but the breathing treatments are helping and she is negative for RSV - 2 good things.

Though we really don't know everything about what's going on (do we ever??), she seems to have a virus (cold) on top of a bacterial (pneumonia) infection. The combination just really knocked her down and settled in her lungs very quickly. Her x-rays apparently don't look too bad considering how hard she is working to breathe but the doctor thinks they'll show a bit more fluid today as things were just getting started yesterday and as the mucous breaks up with the breathing treatments, the x-rays will show a bit more.

David is hanging in there - they both really really miss one another and constantly ask about each other. They got to speak on the phone this morning which got smiles times 2. David isn't any worse with his cold and doesn't seem to be running a constant fever. He still has a runny nose and a bit of a dry cough that started today but doesn't seem any worse, is continuing to eat and drink quite well and is playing pretty regularly all things considered.

That's the update for now. I'm am, as always, incredibly grateful for the out pour of support and love from our family and friends.

xo,

Heather

A Big Bump in the Road

2011-12-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

And I'm not referring to my growing baby bump either...Mary Louise and David relapsed with their colds yesterday. Again, Mary Louise notably worse than David. I'll give the general basics below and add more as we know more...

WEDNESDAY: David's nose was a little runny - no fever or any other symptoms - he seemed a bit tired and a little over grumpy...

WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY: I heard David snorting a little in his sleep. During the night, Mary Louise had a sudden coughing fit and begged to "fock kock" - I realize how that sounds if you say it aloud, but she means "rock rock" - ha - even at 3 in the morning it makes me smile to hear it and see her standing there with the blanket her Mere made her when she was born. As I rocked, I heard an all too familiar wheeze and knew we needed to get back to the doctor asap. We went as soon as we could get in mid morning - she'd already progressed to bronchitis - no lower chest congestion noted via stethoscope. David was diagnosed with a viral head cold - no chest congestion noted. Mary Louise was started on antibiotics mid day yesterday for her chest congestion - but was thought to also have the same viral cold.

By the afternoon, I was sick as well - thank Heaven Brent was home and local with work yesterday...

THURSDAY NIGHT: David went to sleep without much difficulty. He slept quite well with only a little tossing and turning.

I literally stayed up almost all night with Mary Louise - taking a short cat nap here and there. She was extremely restless for quite some time - but did well with rocking and settled in for a few hours at one point seeming to be resting comfortably. At 4am she woke again and sounded terrible. She was putting forth extra effort in breathing but her color (around her lips, nails, etc.) was good. She rested with Brent in the rocker for some time and they made their way to bed for a little.

FRIDAY MORNING: I was up at 6am with David. They came down at 7am and I listened to her chest. Brent and I made the decision to take her back in - she was working too hard to breathe and was obviously getting worse. Her MD office has lab and xray capabilities so we could do diagnostics there rather than sitting hours in the ER. I felt (and feel awful) but David seems on the mend - playing, eating, etc. Oh - and I'm in the middle of my 24 hour urine collection to boot...

Brent took her in first thing this morning. They see 2 different doctors at the office - the one first available this morning saw her a few weeks ago when this initially started. He is very serious, very dry, but I like that he is extremely thorough and cautious. Anyhow, they saw him...then Brent called...

They'd immediately done a breathing treatment with little difference noted. Blood work showed extremely elevated white cell count and very high viral loads. They are doing a chest xray and trying one other breathing therapy and making a decision on admitting her to the hospital. Her regular doctor who was at a clinic about 20 minutes away was called and is meeting Brent and Mary Louise to assess as well since he just saw her yesterday.

It's wonderful that they are being so proactive and seem to be doing everything to expedite the diagnostic and treatment process. Brent seems pleased with the care - Mary Louise is understandably scared but doing ok under the circumstances.

Ma Mere and Pops are dropping everything to come and help us for a bit...and I'll keep posting little updates here and on Facebook as I know more...

xo,
Heather

Little Happies

2011-11-28T18:38:00.000-08:00

Things have been going well as far as the pregnancy is concerned. We had an appointment with perinatology last Monday and they noted no change in my cervix and a healthy baby with a great heart beat. The Dr. we saw was new to the group (since the triplet pregnancy) so I'd not met him prior. He was nice - as nice as a perinatologist can be...bless their hearts those men are some of the most sullen individuals I've ever seen - down trodden, sullen, dry, and straight to the point. I actually appreciate the last part though.

It was nice to have a new set of eyes on my chart. We discussed my history - again - and he seemed well versed on all of my past issues. For him, it all boiled down to the fact that it was a higher order multiple pregnancy. The outcome still warranted increased monitoring - because certainty is a luxury we just don't have (umm do we every in medicine???) - but right now, things are going great in all areas. He explained that an incompetent cervix would begin changing during weeks 16 through 20 - at least slight changes would typically be noted during this time. My monitoring would pick this up and intervention would be indication should any changes occur (intervention = cerclage). Last week and today (we went to my regular OB today) there were no cervical changes noted.

Furthermore, my blood pressure is still behaving beautifully. I am having a full baseline pre-eclampsia work up done this week. This will offer values to compare future labs to so that change in kidney and liver function can be detected. I'm pretty sure I need to post a pic of my special friend - the "gas can", pee bucket I get to store my wee in for 24 hours - geez - it makes me feel like I'm exhibiting symptoms of dementia to save my own pee in the fridge. Honestly. Anyhow, I'll get to a pic later...

Things are currently looking so great that I get a week off next week - no cervical ultrasound. Then I am due for another peri visit the following week and an OB visit after that - we all family now! I joke that I should just apply for a job in the office so I can get paid to sit there for hours on end. They are great though - the ultrasound tech came back to the office just for me today as there was a mix up on appointment times and I was scheduled in the afternoon after he'd already left. Nice fix - and it means I don't have to go BACK and sit another day this week.

Speaking of ultra sounds....a never before blogged little sneak peek... at our sweet darling...

The Suga Bean!! (in the first, you can just see his/her little feet snuggled up at the far left)

Stew on that a bit - will be back with holiday stories and pics after a rest or 2...a HUGE and gracious thank you for the thoughts and prayers now and throughout this pregnancy. I wrap my sweet baby in love - both yours and mine - every second of every day. We are so humbly and eternally grateful.

xo,
Heather

Sick days

2011-11-17T06:50:00.000-08:00

While both David and Mary Louise seem much much better on this - day 3- of their bout with the "super snots", Mary Louise still sounds pretty bad as far as congestion and was up from 2:30 until about 5:30 this morning. David was up at 6am (or a bit before - Brent watched him while getting ready for work) so she and I have had about as much sleep as we did during their newborn days...ok - their newborn days were totally worse concerning sleep than last night - but I'm tired just the same and counting the minutes until I can justify asking them to go "night night" again.

What are we doing to pass the time inside?? Anything we can think of really - but remember, these kids LOVE their outside time. We did escape yesterday afternoon for a little while when I walked them around the block and put in a couple of miles. It wasn't too hot so they did well and seemed to appreciate the fresh air. I cancelled their therapy yesterday - we'll start up again next week with the private sessions and David will have his home session on Friday.

David has an occasional cough and spiked a low-ish temp this morning, but I'd expect his temp to resolve today and the runny nose to clear slowly over the next week or so. He seems to be feeling well overall - as long as he rests, etc. His appetite has been pretty good too - goodness knows that string bean can't afford to drop weight!

Mary Louise is still pretty congested in her upper chest - but is improving. Last night, she needed to sit up for awhile to clear it and sleep more comfortably - even with meds, and a humidifier with camphor and eucalyptus. It was just a rough night but I'm very thankful she doesn't seem to be getting worse and her fever has stayed at bay since last evening. I'd expect a funky cough and runny nose over the next 7-ish days for her as well. She's had some pretty bad reflux flares again with all of the extra mucous - and her appetite was HORRIBLE for the first day and a half but she's agreed to eat a little periodically since yesterday.

In the meantime, I'm doing all I can to catch up on dusting, vacuuming and mopping around here - as well as washing all of the linens. I don't want dander or dirt to exacerbate their breathing issues and I certainly don't want the "sickies" hanging out in our sheets, etc. (and yep - I have new toothbrushes at hand as well). Of course the vacuuming is much much easier said than done. I have a little sweeper that I can use - but the "big vacuum" can only be taken out if someone else is here to either do the work or watch the kids. Poor Mary Louise is absolutely petrified of that machine. I once tried to push the envelope and vacuum a throw rug - seriously, and 8 by 10 area - very quickly and she got so upset she burst the blood vessels in her nose and started shaking as if I'd put her in a pile of snow. Yep - that bad...

Anyhow, the fun we've had this morning was painting...nails that is: Mary Louise and David (yes, David - calm down, it comes off - don't act like putting color on a nail somehow effects testosterone levels) - besides, he only let me do one nail, in navy blue no less, then promptly stuck that finger up his nose and tried to use my nail file as a sword. All boy that one...

His one blue nail:

Her red sparkles (good gracious, my dad would throw a fit about this!):

of course we did the piggies as well - a little sloppy but the excess will wash off in a good bath - and honestly, how long do you think this will last on this rough and ready chickie anyhow?? (again, I'll vacuum down here this evening - please excuse the blegh)

Showing me their painted jewels while answering questions on Super Why - P.S. they have finally given Mary Louise an official name: Meese (or Meez - not sure how to spell that one). David is always ALWAYS translated to "Dae Dae". So if you ask for their names, those are the answers you'll get.

Mary Lousie kept her "pinky up" for about an hour post painting (because a little more sass is exactly what that child needs right?)...then was running around and tumbling with her nose pickin' bro once more.

Here's to a little more healing, and little less snotting, and a whole lot more rest!

xo,
Heather

No in between

2011-11-16T08:07:00.000-08:00

Once again there are no "just snotty noses" in this house. When things go south in the health department, it happens quickly, furiously and seriously. Mary Louise and David were just fine - dancing and begging to go to the park and play just a little longer one afternoon. The next morning, Mary Louise sounded extremely congested and I heard a very slight wheeze in her upper chest. David was snorty and snotty and both had rising temps. We visited the pedi office yesterday and they did some blood work to confirm the bacterial infection(s): bronchitis and sinus infections all round. We started the loading dose of their antibiotics yesterday along with an expectorant for the mucous and an anti-inflammatory for fever.

They did relatively well last night all things considered - waking a few times - but just to whine and roll over, snuggle or want drinks. Mary Louise has certainly been hit the hardest.

They seem to be "getting rid" of some of the congestion today and their fevers are there but not quite as furious. So I think they are in the very beginning of mending. We are certainly taking it very easy today - and staying as quiet as possible by reading a mountain of books, doing puzzles and watching PBS...yeah. TV. They really like Elmo, Dinosaur Train and love to participate in Super Why activities. We try not to do this everyday, but really, if they learn their letters and want to read more because some cartoon or character on TV makes it look more fun, I'm ok with that.

My ultrasound yesterday went really well. My cervix remains unchanged and tightly closed. Length is still over 4cm. The baby is doing well - and we can actually find out the gender at this point...though we won't...but it's fun to know that quite literally everything is there in a tiny 4 to 5 inch perfect little bundle.We saw the facial profile, a tiny nose, fingers and toes, and lots of wiggles and flips. Apparently our baby is "extremely active" according to all of the ultrasound techs we've seen so far (3). (sound familiar to anyone besides me?? hmm?? *cough* Mary Louise and David?? *cough*)

We start p17 shots next week. I have my filled script here at the house and can do them at home - yay. A self inflicted intra muscular injection? woot woot. Why not? Hopefully I can stave off the illness around here and keep the excitement at a nice minimum.

We go back to the perinatologist early next week, then begin preliminary pregnancy labs the following week - who wants to let out some cheers for saving your own pee for 24 hours!!? anyone? anyone? (I know Brent totally does!) More on that later...but not much more... I'm pretty sure you've just heard all you every didn't want to hear about a 24 hour urine collection. ha.

So happy and thankful things are still going well with Suga and loving the extra snuggle time with my tiny snotters.

Oh! Suga is about 4 ounces in weight now! - a whole quarter of a pound!! Right on track with heartbeat as well at 158. Head and abdomen are measuring appropriately - about 2 days ahead of schedule but during the second trimester, it is normal to fluctuate in gestational age and measurements collected during ultrasounds. Also, the placenta is well (and properly) implanted, aging normally and functioning well. My amniotic fluid is at a great level too. That's the Suga Bean run down for now!

xo,
Heather

My Be bopper

2011-11-14T17:03:00.000-08:00

Mary Louise and David love music - especially something you can dance to. I loved it when she would let me put her hair in the little "Cindy Lou Who" do on top of her head. It would wave and bop with her little noggin. They still sit rear-facing in their car seats (don't judge - they'll sit that way until they really complain - or I suppose we'll have to turn them if the third car seat won't fit properly - we'll see.) I have mirrors above the seats so that I can glance and check on them every so often - and so that they can see me in my rear view mirror too. Many MANY times, we'll get in the car, I'll tune in some fun music, check my mirror to see them and to back out of the drive, and this is what I see...

It really makes me giggle every. single. time.

xo,
Heather

14 weeks!

2011-11-13T16:15:00.000-08:00

I think Mary Louise gets more excited than I do about taking new belly photos! Below was totally her doing - I asked Brent to take a couple of photos of my belly and Mary Louise said, "Momma? Bel-yee?? Momma? My bel-yee?

and without further ado - happy 14 weeks Suga!!

(David also gets quite excited about belly photos - and if you've followed from our humble beginnings, Lizzie is a constant in them as well.)

I'm feeling well - tired of course - but generally well. My right hip was almost constantly bothering me. Kuylen dropped there during his last few days in utero and as soon as my ligaments began to stretch once more, the pain came right back. I've done some yoga and stretching and I've had to take days off of walking and reduce my mileage considerably to get it to subside. But it has and I'm feeling better. My blood pressure continues to behave staying under the golden 120/80. (most of the time well under). Again, this is to be expected and my b/p should remain relatively low throughout the second trimester. During the third is when it would typically creep back up to normal and in the case of pre-eclampsia (please. no.) it would exceed "normal".

I feel little kicks and flips pretty often now - multiple times daily. Wild fun - it's very different with one vs. 3 little swimmers!

I'll have another cervical ultrasound this week then make my way to the peri's the following week.

I also begin meetings to discuss and plan the potential transfer of David's home speech services to the elementary school system after his 3rd birthday. (gasp!) I can't believe they'll be 3 so very very soon!!!

xo,
Heather

Such a fun age

2011-11-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

So I am totally and hopelessly in love with Mary Louise and David's age. They are learning so much and surprise me everyday with how quickly they can change, mature, and understand their surroundings. We've been busy busy busy - which honestly is not anything different - but lately, we've been the fun sort of busy. Between the speech therapy sessions (by the way, Mary Louise cried and stomped her feet when it was time to go after the last one...I haven't broken the news to her that she'll soon be discharged but I'm preparing for the door slamming and throwing of dolls when she finds out! - and yes I did say she'll soon be discharged!!!!!!! The tentative plan is to do so by this year's end!), we have been frequently visiting the area parks and have stopped in at the Children's Museum here in town too...

Mary Louise on the fire truck display at the Children's Museum. This is just one of her "cheese faces".

and this is another - at the park:

Mary Louise and David have also been doing really REALLY well working together and getting along. The other day at the park, neither of them wanted me to push them on the tire swing - nope - they wanted to be pushed by one another and were more than happy to take turns!

They have started to demand (err, ask for) what they want or need and by golly, if I don't answer immediately, they'll repeat themselves as many times as it takes. I love to hear their thoughts and whims...

Their new favorite ways to slide:

(tell me they don't look unbelievably grown up...)

Their balance and agility has been improving as well. Toe walking, while still and issue, is on the decline:

We've also done a few small projects. Mary Louise and David LOVE painting and have become our little modern artists as of late:

They loved coming with me to choose frames and mats, then seeing their work "all fancy Momma!" after their paintings were secured and placed on this mantle.

The rest of the park photos:

2011-11-11

Mary Louise and I doing silly self portraits while David was napping one day:

2011-11-04

My cervical ultrasound for the week was on Tuesday. In case you're wondering, (I've gotten a number or messages about it), these ultrasounds are done externally unless the position of the baby prevents proper viewing. I have to say though, if the threat of "the wand" comes up again, my dear docs may have a bit of a problem on their hands because I'm pretty sure I'd do a few back flips to try to coax little one into moving before allowing (uhem) things to get all up in my girly space again...Of course we took measurements of the Suga Bean as well. My cervix appears to be absolutely unchanged since 2 weeks prior at my regular OB office. My doctor wanted to compare Tuesday's scans to ones done with the same equipment by the same tech. He actually got a measurement of .1 cm longer this Tuesday. Since my cervix obviously isn't growing, this difference is considered negligible. So the measurement, as it stands now, is between 4.2 and 4.34cm in length. I will continue with these weekly measurements and begin P17 shots during week 15.

The baby was exactly where he (she) should be as far as length. Growth had gone from 2 to about 4 inches in just 2 weeks! The heartbeat was great -exactly on track - and we could see tiny hands and feet as he "danced" and wiggled about. It was wonderful!

Otherwise, the week has gone pretty well - but for Wednesday night when Mary Louise thought it best to have a 2am party session that ended in me (finally) getting up and rocking her to sleep between 3 and 4. So not cool. The upside though was that I somehow talked both kids into napping Thursday mid morning - then again today!! This has been unheard of in recent weeks and I've spent many an afternoon begging Mary Louise and David to play by the sofa or bring me books to read to them so that I could lie down for just a few minutes. So, as long as the napping streak lasts, I'll take it.

14 weeks on Sunday!!!!

xo,
Heather

1/3 done!!!

2011-10-31T20:13:00.000-07:00

Our little Suga is one third done! Happy 12 weeks (yesterday) little guy or gal!

Awkward pics post hard nap - but 12 week pics nonetheless. Hopefully, I'll get about 26 more weekly tries to get the perfect pregnancy photo.

We met with a perinatologist today...I'll try to hold back my excitement. Let's just say we weren't all BFF during the triplet pregnancy and the idea of seeing them again just about did me in in terms of stress. After today? Guess who else is not nor will it ever be my BFF? The speculum. Yeah. That thing is just wrong in all sorts of ways. Seriously. I'd rather have a urinary catheter placed again than have a cervical exam like that. Ok - I'm bordering on too much info...man my sarcasm could flow for days over this one...ok, I'll spare you.

So, a speculum assisted, and digital exam, with the added exciting bonus of getting all friendly with my newest mechanical family member: the vaginal ultrasound wand thing (doesn't that make you feel all sparkly?), and a very long conversation later, Brent and I left a little more confused than relaxed after hearing the peri's opinion.

The basics:
1. I have a "tilted" uterus which effects the position of my cervix.
2. My cervix is on the long end of average - not short at all.
3. Though things look a little weird on physical exam, this is NOT a reason to place a cerclage.
Bottom line: considering my pregnancy history and current physical state, there is no medical reason to place a cerclage.

I am to follow up with them in 3 weeks for a recheck to ensure that things are still stable.

I spoke with my regular OB this evening. His new treatment plan (after reading perinatology's report) is to have me come into his office weekly from now until at least 20 weeks for cervical ultrasounds. If there is any indication of shortening or funneling of my membranes, I am to immediately have a cerclage placed. I am currently at 4cm (40mm). So, that is where I need to stay to keep the red flags from flying. In addition, at 15 weeks gestation, I will start weekly P17 injections to reduce the risk of preterm labor.

So, here's how I feel (other than tired - emotionally, physically, mentally - I just don't want to be messed with anymore and honestly, it's taking everything I have for me not to attempt to crawl under a rock and hide for the next 6 months): nervous. I am trying to remember why I had such an issue with the cerclage in the first place. I've gone through the babies' delivery and events leading to it in my head so many times...I smelled the soap at the peri's office today - the same as the soap in the hospital...I thought I would literally drop to my knees for a minute...

So here it is:
I had more cervical ultrasounds than I could count during the triplet pregnancy. Never once was there a concern. The evening of the day we found out we were loosing Kuylen, I began bleeding (not spotting- this was profuse)- I later found I was in the beginning of labor- and having contractions. My kidneys were failing, my liver enzymes were critical, I was severely anemic. I measured the week before with a fundus of over 50 cm (as in over 50 weeks of pregnancy). Kuylen was in total distress and David was in the beginning of serious trouble. They were both dropping. With medication, the labor would not stop, and the babies were doing very poorly. I was delivered - for countless reasons. I was also in labor...for countless reasons - any one of the critical circumstances could have initiated it. With no other signal or sign ever of an incompetent or weakening cervix and without the classic "painless, asymptomatic dilation", there really isn't a medical reason to have a cerclage.

This is what I thought when the possibility was first mentioned. This is what the perinatologist said. After reading today's report, my regular doctor is respectfully nervous (as am I) but also quite wary of doing an unnecessary procedure. Close monitoring is what we are doing for now.

Happy happy 12 weeks little one. Hang in there!

xo,
Heather

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T19:15:00.000-07:00

Mary Louise and David have officially participated in a Trick or Treat holiday! (and I'm pretty sure, they'll be disappointed tomorrow when I have to break the news that Halloween is in fact only one day out of the year.) Our dear neighbors will not be on their door steps nightly just waiting for them to walk up with "book-its" (buckets) so that they may dump sugar into their eager hands.

Mary Louise and David had a GREAT time.

We went to our church first as they were having a small "Trunk or Treat" - mostly put on by parents and children associated with the school there.

Mary Louise and David are not into wearing things on their heads...as in, currently, I am not allowed to even think of trying to put pigtails in Mary Louise's hair and Lord help me if I try to use any sort of bow to pull the front out of her eyes (it would seem another haircut will occur in the near future). So we went the (very) easy route with costumes this year and made them...dun dun dunnnnn! SLEEPY SKELETONS!!! YAY! (note the slippers - and the skeleton pj's given to us by a friend of ours (seen in the end of the album - Ms. Karen)...

David spreading and counting his loot:

Yep - they partook in the chocolate feast - see? I can relax!

After the Trunk or Treat, we took a walk around our block. So, not only did we get to meet a few neighbors, but Mary Louise and David got to experience a bit more of their new favorite time of year!

xo,
Heather

Halloween 2012 - first trick or treat!

We're so uncool

2011-10-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

Mary Louise and David went for a 2.5 year check up today at their pediatrician's office. What? Never heard of a 2.5 year check up? Yeah - me neither...just another look-see to make sure I'm feeding the little buggars. They're doing well. Mary Louise: 25# 34 inches tall. She is in the 5% for her actual age for height and 10% for weight! David: 23# 34.5 inches tall - Mr. Slim. He still isn't on the charts for weight but continues to follow just below on his own curve. He is in between the 5th and 10% for height. The doctor was pleased with their progress in speech as they answered his questions (with one word responses or nods) and even allowed him to pick them up, do an exam on the table and put them down! I got a little advice on David's digestive issues - and voiced my concern that he has slow gastric motility (which is all fancy talk for the kid gets constipated no matter what I do). Meds and diet are our only options...that and keeping up hope that he will in fact one day out-grow it all. A daily dose of breast milk helps immensely - but as I'm not pumping or producing for the remainder of this pregnancy, I need something in the interim to help him along. Afterward, if needed, he can have a daily dose of the good stuff (don't make that face...yeah - I see you) just like he would take any other medication. Bonus: immune boost among other things. Win. Win.

We made it to the Halloween party at Mary Louise and David's private therapy facility. They spent a good portion of the time there in a bit of shock as children giggled and yelled and milled around "trick or treating" by knocking on classroom doors. It was fun - a little busy - but really nice of them to have all of us there and put out such a great effort.

And finally, Mary Louise has, as of this week, officially informed both Brent and I just how uncool we are - yeah - only took the kid 2 years to catch on right? The following are actual quoted conversations and life lessons courtesy of our darling Mary Louise. (I absolutely got permission to use the ones involving Brent - it took him a week to give me the go ahead.)

ML: Momma. Night Night?
Me: Daddy is going to night night with you this evening. Why don't you go choose a book?
ML: NOOOO!! Dada no night night!
Me: Mary Louise, it will be fine - you always love when Daddy reads to you and stays until you fall asleep.
ML: NOOOOO!! Dada no night night! (shaking her head AND her finger furiously with a very worried look on her face)
Me: Mary Louise. What is the problem? You ask for Daddy all day but don't want to night night with him?
ML: NO!
Me: Well why not?
ML: Dada toot toot!
Me: bahahahahahahaha!
ML: No Dada night night toot toot! (still concerned)

So apparently Brent passed gas - in a particularly loud and long sort of way - while doing bath time. I've told him about these things - I've said that the lax behavior around here will catch up with all of us very soon. We are knocking on the door of total public embarrassment teaching our kids all these confounded words. No more secrets here folks - and that's for anyone who'll listen.

The next night Brent was to "night night with them" he was giving them a bath. He warned Mary Louise:
B: Mary Louise? Dada is going night night with you tonight. What book would you like to read?
ML: NOOO! Dada no night night!! (head shaking / finger wagging) Momma night night! (head nodding)- she's pretty animated
B: What? Why not?
ML: Dada too big! Too big Dada!

Yep - in the same week Mary Louise told Brent he stinks and is fat...

She was marginally kinder to me...

David playing music on one of his toys...I start dancing in the kitchen doorway so both kids can see. I'm grinning - and laying the silly on pretty thick. David smiles and laughs a little...Mary Louise is standing in the kitchen with a stone cold look on her face. I dance some more to David's tune and ask her if she wants to join. She continues to stare...then the kicker- her fatal blow is dealt: "no. no Momma." Very seriously said as if I were about to give her a kiss after walking her into her first day in high school.

I knew this moment would happen - we would fall from grace and glorious heroism and be our kid's source of utter humiliation eventually - but really, I thought we'd at least make it through preschool!

xo,
Heather

P.S. Bridie (my dear internet preemie mom friend who has coddled me and come to my mental rescue more than she knows) brought up some good points in her comment on the last post. So in answer: My regular OB would actually perform the cerclage. He has 35 years of OBGYN experience and has never had a complication or loss carrying out his technique (which is the Shirokar rather than the McDonald - a little more complicated and invasive but delivers a little higher success and hold rate - and the bottom line is, he is my doctor, this is his technique and what he is comfortable with). So, if the cerclage is to be done, I feel he is the person to perform the procedure. That said, I'm interested to hear the opinion of perinatology - because I feel I can never throw too many expert opinions in the hat. So, I'll see what happens Monday, and go from there...I'll get over this as soon as I know one way or another and should the cerclage be placed, I get through the few days following sans complication. Hanging in there- and keeping the suga all warm and snuggly as the temp drops outside.

Ultrasound #2

2011-10-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

Brent and I made our way back to the doctor (OBGYN) yesterday to have a second ultra-sound, discuss the possibility of a cerclage placement and have a cervical measurement done. The short story is: my doctor feels the cerclage SHOULD be done, my cervix is currently 4cm and doing well - looking great which would provide optimal conditions for the placement of a cerclage, and our sweet little butter bean suga is doing really REALLY well. He (just a formal term - just as we did with our triplets, we are not finding out the gender of this baby either) has grown to about 2 inches in length. For comparison, 1 month ago, he was about 1/2 inch in length. We got to see his little legs kick, make out a tiny foot wiggling around, and seemed to get an approving head nod at one point - ha! His heart rate was 168 (very good!).

For a second opinion on the cerclage and some reassurance, I am scheduled to see the perinatology group this Monday. Afterward, I will discuss the results of THAT ultrasound and exam with my regular doctor and a final decision will be made on the cerclage.

So I'm nervous...and after all of the discussing and milling with doctors we did over even the possibility and/ or safety of having another baby, I'm still wondering how this was missed...realizing, of course, that this would really cover all bases...and that if I do really have a weak cervix, finding out later and having to do an emergent cerclage - if it was even possible - would drastically reduce success in the stitch. Beyond the risk of the actual procedure (breaking the amniotic fluid sack, infection - low risk), it would eventually provide a little security - another issue safe guarded as best it can be.

So, Monday, we'll find out more.

Moving on...

I caught Mary Louise "mothering" today - it was so cute...(she's feeding her baby green bell peppers)

Mary Louise and David have been doing so much together lately - really working together. I LOVE it (even when their powers are used for mischief). They frequently give one another hugs and kisses, have been known to hold hands while walking up the stairs or while playing, and team up to accomplish whatever they set their minds to do.

Today, David spent his full hour with his home speech therapist by himself! A first for him as Mary Louise and I typically stay with him during the sessions. He was happy, and the therapist told me he said at least 10 three word spontaneous utterances as well as his typical repeating and parroting whatever you ask. We are still keeping an eye on his shortened frenulum as well as his use of facial muscles (or lack there of)...but right now, he is doing really really well and making great progress.

And that is that. Mary Louise and David have a Halloween party to go to tomorrow!!! YAY!!

xo,
Heather

Great time (again) on the weekend!

2011-10-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

After a busy week - mostly apart - Brent and I got up with the kiddos early on Saturday and decided on an impromptu visit to the zoo. On our way, Nanny Zoo gave us a call and said she would meet us there. It was a wonderful day - even though Mary Louise suddenly decided that she was afraid of quite literally all of the animals there...except the reptiles??? She giggled at the snakes and consistently LOVES turtles and tortoises.

Riding the Safari Train - Mary Louise's face just cracks me up...

It was great to get away for the day - and even better that we ended up with an extra set of all too eager hands thanks to Nanny Zoo. We heard, "Bye Bye Zoo" and "Where Nah-nay??" All the way home.

David had his first real haircut on Friday. Don't get too excited - it's barely noticeable (did you notice in the above zoo pics?? hmm?) It was getting a bit frazzled at the ends from many a night of noogie-ing and he has an unfortunately sensitive scalp that makes combing a bit of a job. Anyhow, it's neater and his ends are healthy. Most importantly though: he was FANTASTICALLY behaved. Not one tear! In fact, I'm not sure he even noticed that much. He sat on my lap the whole time and Pilar (my hair stylist) was so quick and fun, he just grinned and giggled. He even sat around for about 30 minutes afterward so that I could get my ends trimmed too! The other people there said things like, "is he always so easy going?" and "if babies really acted like that, I could have 10!" ha! He really was so well behaved!
Before - a bit scraggly - but soooo cute!

After - cleaned up but still super cool! (what can I say, I adore those goldie-locks!)

Last weekend (I know, I'm way behind) we met friends at the nearby Pumpkin Patch. It was Mary Louise and David's first visit ever to such a display. They were excited! They've been seeing the pumpkins at the grocery, working on learning colors, doing fall projects during speech sessions and on and on - when we told them we were to visit a big pumpkin patch, they were beside themselves excited. "Puh-kings!!!!" they yelled all the way there:
Daddy is sooo silly:

Wagon ride with BFF Ally:

I love this picture:

And this one:

The album (Desi-gate photos at end):

The Pumpkin Patch 2011

And finally, with the end of warm weather nearing, Mary Louise and David (and I) have frequented the parks more than ever. We will still go in the cold (provided it's not just ridiculous of course) but scenes like this will be tucked away as memories until next year...

At the park during Mommom's recent visit (I totally need to stop photo hoarding...)

David's tough guy shot:

Here's hoping you had a wonderful weekend too!! Happy 11 weeks to our sweet Suga!!!!

(so excited!!!)
xo,
Heather

While "Dada" was away...

2011-10-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

Brent went on a 3 day business trip this week. We were busy in his absence:

1. I "HUTH" (hung up the horns - can you believe there's an acronym for ending pumping?) I may talk more about this later...Mary Louise and David were also introduced to goat milk. It's a win.

2. Mary Louise and David opted out of their regular sleeping patterns and instead tried their hands at a "no sleep at all" pattern...Mary Louise after sleeping 4 hours one night (it occurs to me that I should have videoed myself after all of this, but that would be sad - rather than kind of funny...)

The above awesomeness continued until nap time that day.

This is what happens when David misses his nap these days...

And yes, that would be a Pringle hanging out of his mouth like a duck bill - I'm a sucker sometimes.

3. We cleaned. Alot. We washed about 10 loads of laundry including all of Mary Louise and David's winter clothing and their sheets. We folded, sorted, and switched out summer clothes, packing them all neatly (sort of) to be stored, we cleaned the entire downstairs - they helped dust and wipe down the kitchen - they also helped pick up toys, vacuum, and mop. Yep, they're fantastic...but sometimes, when Mommy takes out the trash, they remind me just how devious they can be...(little buggars)

It was pretty funny though - and made for a great bath time...but I'm pretty sure Desitin is impossible to remove so their precious skin is now forever protected.

4. It has been 4 years since my dad passed away. I don't have much to add other than it still hurts terribly and I expect it always will. I don't even have the energy right now to write a letter to him...maybe tomorrow. It's hard to believe how much he's missed...and how much I will continue to miss him as I attempt to manage and learn from such a void in my heart.

We are all so glad to have "Dada" home.

xo,
Heather

Life in general

2011-10-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day across the world. We would like to invite you to take part in the global 'Wave of Light'. Simply light a candle at 7pm and leave it burning for at least 1 hour to join us in remembering all babies that have died during pregnancy, at, during or after birth.

www.babyloss-awareness.org

I have been in quite a funk lately...
Pumping is continuing to wind down as I approach 31 months. It probably sounds a bit odd to some, but the thought of my love/ hate relationship with my dear pump coming to an end makes me feel very nervous, somewhat guilty and a bit lost. This has been a major part of my day for just over 2 and a half years now- and stopping, especially during the fall / winter months with cold and flu season knocking on our door has me unsettled to say the least. Having said that, even if I was "allowed" to continue, my milk is drying up - as is the natural flow of pregnancy - the norm seems to be to go "completely dry" around 14 weeks. I am approaching 10 (can you believe it?!?!) on Sunday.

More about that pregnancy:
Overall, I feel fine...ok, not really, but I don't want to take on a complaining tone on here. I'll list my prego grievances quickly - with the thought that ripping off a Band-Aid all super fast like somehow lessens the pain involved.

I am having quite a bit of ligament pain associated with moving (especially turning over in bed during the night). I am in between sizes - you know - it's fat time - not ready for maternity clothes, but certainly out of my skinny jeans. Err-go I am in yoga pants and t-shirts the majority of the time. Ok, I wore that the majority of the time before getting pregnant - but now it's actually because absolutely nothing fits.

I'm having a bit of trouble figuring out a good dosing schedule for the multitude of medications and supplements I need to take: nausea related to meds is not my friend and does not do any sort of wonder for me getting through the day taking care of 2 toddlers, 2 dogs, etc.

I was crying - alot - like in public - spontaneously crying. It was quite awful. Of course with a new pregnancy, the horribles, the awfuls, the unspeakables from the last have cropped up, so some of the crying was well warranted - and quite fruitful. However, this brought new meaning to sad sack. I started an extra B vitamin and it actually seems to be helping. I feel much better. (I started the vitamin this week).

I was having trouble sleeping soundly - or sometimes, at all. I assure you it was not because I wasn't tired - or trying. But, there are no "A's" for effort where insomnia is concerned. Again, after starting the extra B vitamin, I am able to settle down a bit better as well. Weird. I know.

Last: I'M ITCHY. Holy cow. I woke one morning and my leg was actually bleeding from scratching in my sleep (umm - maybe this was also contributing to the insomnia??) I have tweaked my skincare routine -and it has helped - but if you have any suggestions, I'm all ears...excepting anything Neutrogena, or Oil of Olay (I'm allergic)- and if you recommend that damn Aveeno oatmeal BS I might hunt you down and give you a good talking to - with my finger pointed and waving. Yeah - my itchyness laughed at that mess.

Ok list done.

In other news, I'm enjoying food again (and you know I LOVE to enjoy my food). I am cooking all the time - and am having a bit of fun playing with recipes to reduce or eliminate the sodium content. Cooking is no rocket science - nor does it have to take all day. With a little understanding of spices and the knowledge that anything that comes in a package or especially a can can be cooked from scratch - sometimes without much more effort than opening said can and dumping the contents in the pot - it can be fun to cook. I love that Mary Louise and David have caught on and even though they don't eat everything we cook together, one day they might - and the knowledge that healthy cooking can be so easy that they were able to help at the age of 2 will hopefully carry them through adulthood. It is my theory that everyone strays from their "norms" at some point, but they typically "come home" to food and (some sort of) religion given a good, happy, and strong base in both areas.

Speech is continuing to go well. Mary Louise and David are working hard on learning colors, shapes and numbers as well as how to name various pictures, etc. in their story books. They have also started to "read" to us at times.

So, October hasn't been the easiest month - and with another ultrasound coming up and cerclage decisions to be made, it will be unsettled for the majority of it's remaining time, but we are all hanging in there.

First trick or treating this year!!!!

A few photos from Mere and Pops' recent visit:

October 2011

xo,
Heather

I'm that Mom - guest post:

2011-10-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

McCall and I have been friends since...we've been friends forever - seriously, we were in Pre-K together. We've lost touch a number of times over the years only to reconnect as if no time at all had passed. She's my definition good friend. One of the best...so when she asked me to guest post on her blog? I said, "sure!!" Ok, that was a lie. She did this series last year and tried to talk me into it, I didn't do it - more because I'm a huge procrastinator than anything else. But this year, I decided, "what the heck" and buckled down and committed. I was only 1 day late turning in my entry (and I'm pretty sure McCall put me on Friday because she knew this would happen). So, without further ado, I give you the link to my guest post - and invite you to read more of McCall's happenings over at her blog. She's fabulous. Really.

http://leemeandthegirls.blogspot.com/2011/10/i-am-that-mom-heather.html

xo,
Heather

The Run-Down

2011-10-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

1. I have photos from our first ultra-sound. They are bit blurry. I have yet to scan them...

2. Mary Louise was about to hit David today. I said, "MARY LOUISE!" and made "the face". It's taken me two and half years to perfect, but this morning, I apparently portrayed a little something extra. Miss Priss stopped in her tracks and stared very quietly for almost a minute!! (I am Mom. Hear me roar.)

3. I have begun the week in a rather muddled fashion. I got the speech schedule totally wrong (as in wrong days). Can I blame this on baby brain already?? (or should I continue to blame it on exhaustion?)

and finally: the real run-down...potential issues or areas of concern with this pregnancy (more a list for me, again, I have trouble keeping things straight upstairs lately):

1. Chronic hypertension: a non-concern at this moment. I went into this pregnancy with a well controlled b/p. My blood pressure is behaving beautifully and I check it obsessively twice daily and take a low dose of labetalol (50mg) twice daily to make sure it stays that way. I also take a baby asprin daily to help reduce the risk of clots and pre-eclampsia. I will get extra ultrasounds and monitoring throughout the third trimester to ensure the baby is growing appropriately and isn't in distress (chronic hypertension and pre-e can cause both of the afore-mentioned complications)

2. Pre-eclampsia: I've had preliminary labs done and they will continue throughout the first trimester. During the second, lab work will slow unless my b/p creeps up. During the third trimester, I'm sure I'll have some lovely 24 hour urine tests done...(if those are not started earlier).

3. possible incompetent cervix: so this is one I truly never expected. My primary OB was out of town at a conference when I was delivered with "the babies". Consequently, most of the information he knows about the actual delivery has come from me. I mentioned that I'd actually gone into pre-term labor just prior to delivery. We found out Kuylen was having reverse flow through his umbilical cord on Thursday. On Friday, I started bleeding. By Sunday evening, I was in an emergency section. I was checked after the bleeding started and found to be effacing. That's pretty much the only information I know - other than my fundal height was almost 55cm. during the week prior to delivery. (a physical measurement meant to represent the number of weeks of pregnancy - I was the equivalent of 55 weeks pregnant as far as size.)

I had numerous cervical measurements throughout the pregnancy and non were concerning - BUT the fact that I did go into pre-term labor - regardless of circumstances - is apparently cause for increased monitoring with THIS pregnancy. Accordingly, my cervix measurement was about 3 inches during the last (first) ultrasound. It was a fairly informal measurement - I asked the woman to do it out of curiosity and she went on about how the doctors wouldn't be worried about that now anyhow, blah blah blah. She muttered "a good 3 inches" so I was satisfied that all was forming well.

The plan: I will have another cervical measurement done during the next ultrasound at the end of the month. This will determine whether a cerclage is needed. If it is not, I will continue to have periodic measurements simply to ensure "all is well".

I have been given the go-ahead to continue with my walking - but have been advised to stop jogging (I was down to pretty much all walking anyhow). I will likely be asked to cut back on the walking later in the pregnancy as well but am hoping some type of exercise (yoga? stretching?) will be approved.

I have also begun to cut back on "the time at the mump" (David calls my pump "the mump"). Right now, I pump daily - in the morning. Down from 2 10 minute sessions daily. My supply is down to about 4 ounces per day and I will likely wind down with that over the next month. There would not really be an issue with me breastfeeding - as the older child usually weans during a pregnancy while the milk changes back into colostrum. The issue here is, the pump doesn't wean - and depending on time and uterine activity can cause uterine quivering and later on, softening of the cervix. In a "routine" pregnancy, this softening would most likely occur around 38 weeks when it wouldn't cause issue anyhow - but with THIS pregnancy, there are many many uncertainties...

Still hanging in there, but wanted to get all the info in black and white...

In other news, I am feeling very occasional thumps (and if it makes you feel better to think it's gas, fine - but I'll tell you that I felt very obvious movement with "the babies" before the first trimester was up as well - at any rate - it makes me very very happy.) The Sug was measuring at 2 days further than my calculations during the ultrasound and had a great heartbeat. It was amazing to watch the little guy (or gal) swim around a bit. The placenta implanted high and center (good and great) and my uterus has already "started to expand and fill" according to the doctor. (never thought I'd get so excited to be told I'm bloated - ha!). It's a little hard to believe how hard and how quickly I've fallen for this sweet bebe. With "the babies" I'm pretty sure I was in shock between being bogged down with clinical data and have small nervous breaks as we received difficult news over and over. This has been amazing - surreal - but absolutely amazing.

I've had a little nausea but not gotten sick. I've had some food aversions - mostly meat - so I'm being creative in eating a complete diet. (tonight was mega-veggie quiche- DELISH!!) I can focus less on weight gain (which was harped on a pushed for "the babies") and more on simple quality. (P.S. there is no data to support the notion that increased weight gain of the mother somehow increases the size of the baby (ies).) As long as Sug is growing, I'm happy - I'm so much more than happy - but the word happy is all I have right now...

Mary Louise and David seem to be maturing quickly - and speaking more clearly - everyday. I am so. proud. of them. We have been doing half of my miles, stopping at the park for 30 min to an hour, then finishing the miles. I can sit and watch them play at certain parks and they listen so well and stay where I can see them. We have lots of parks to choose from - so they get to choose everyday which we visit. They get so excited to see the park coming and relax a bit better on our rides knowing there is a big bonus in it for them.

Today, the father of the preemie boy born at the end of 23 weeks found us on our walk. I mentioned him when I talked about getting a glass table top a number of posts back. His son came home 2 months ago and is doing beautifully. I was so happy to hear the news. His little chunk is over 9 pounds now!!! It took Mary Louise and David almost a year to reach that!! The look of pride and love on this dad's face just made my day - absolute genuine and unconditional love - there is nothing like it.

xo,
Heather

LeBlanc house happenings of the week...

2011-09-30T06:28:00.000-07:00

Mary Louise has recently developed quite the maternal instinct...and today, when David was asked, "where's the baby?" by his speech therapist who was holding a picture of a baby, David turned and pointed to my belly! I do believe they are catching on...

We really enjoyed Uncle "Ky-gool"'s visit over the weekend - he came up with an amp-ed up version of one of Mere and Pop's go-to entertain the baby moves...

**A sidenote - I realize that pushing 3 years old means Mary Louise and David aren't technically babies anymore...however, it is more than likely that I'll be calling them "the babies" and the actual baby will develop a host of other nick-names. It's ok to buck the system on occasion...or often...it keeps things a bit more interesting eh? Besides, they'll always be *my babies anyhow! (and we still call my 2 youngest brothers "the little boys" even though, at over 6 feet tall - and in their early and mid-twenties, they are in no way little nor are they boys - just one of those things that stuck)**

And then there's Mary Louise's new dance: she began to do this earlier in the week when her therapists came to get her for their session. David simply runs to the back giggling - but Mary Louise did a little jig similar to the one below sans sound effects. It was a little surprising, and a whole lot of hilarious! (I'm glad she they enjoy therapy so much! ha - gives me something to threaten them with: Me: "Mary Louise! If you don't stop hitting David, you're not going to therapy!" ML: "Ok" ; Me: "David! You need to sit down in your high chair and eat if you want to go to therapy!" David: "Ok" - see? I don't know how long I'll get to ride that roller coaster for, but it sure works like a charm at present! (Notice David the budding football player)

We have done quite a bit of gardening around the patio in an effort to both freshen things up a bit and get into the fall spirit of things. "The babies" are a HUGE help and LOVE to garden and play in the dirt!

More later - David has had 2 sessions with the at home therapist and, in short, I think we'll keep her! Also, we had our first ultra sound yesterday!!! The baby is very healthy and has a great heartbeat - and I am doing well so far too! Many many MANY thanks for the thoughts and prayers throughout this pregnancy. We have a long road to go, but are celebrating each small milestone as they come: last weekend I past the 7 week mark which means the little Suga went from an embryo to a fetus! Yay!

xo,
Heather

xo,
Heather

Wal-Mart

2011-09-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure I could simply leave this post blank and publish the title and you could draw your own conclusions - but then I wouldn't get to spout off with a bit of my endless sarcasm and take the edge off of our day with a little good old journal writing would I?

I woke this morning...and wanted beef stew. I almost NEVER want beef - and we rarely keep any stock in the freezer, so I knew a trip to the store would need to happen if I was to quell the craving (we needed a few things anyhow). Mary Louise was in a FOUL mood first thing - so I really believed it just wouldn't happen today, but low and behold, a batch of banana pancakes with cinnamon and vanilla cure pretty much any gripes, grumps, or otherwise.

We took things pretty easy, played a bit, I showered and got ready for my day (yeah - by ready, I mean I showered. put on yoga pants, decided I was too tired for anything else and put a hat on - that was that Jack.) Mary Louise and David chose their clothes and I helped them put them on...

David pitched another fit about shoes. He's done this everyday since Sunday. I realize that that's a total of 3 fits (I started this post on Tuesday) - but it seems like a year's worth to me! Now, I don't care if he wears shoes at all - I don't care what color they are, I don't even really care if the darn things fit for a simple trip to the store - hell, I don't care if he wears Mary Louie's shoes...ok, maybe I care a little if he picks the ones with flowers on them - people always assume they are both girls and that doesn't make my case any easier...

So, we got the shoe thing settled (he went in with one flip flop on and carried the other), and we were off. We were all in good spirits - the babies were laughing, I was confident that I could make this a good quick trip as we only needed about 10 things...

We got to the parking lot and I parked in the first line next to the handi-capped spots (one of the advantages of shopping during senior citizen hours / before noon - ha). Buggy attained, kiddos in - David still had one shoe on and still opted to carry the other. Whatever works...

I pointed out the scrappy looking parking lot birds, others leaving with groceries, anything to get Mary Louise and David's attention - they seemed to be having fun...

We crossed the automatic door threshold...

down...down...downhill it went...

I swear, Walmart sprays some sort of irritating mist throughout their stores - or more likely, the sheer size of the place is just too much for a kid to handle what with the towers of balls in nets randomly placed next to truckloads of diapers, cat food, and sippy cups...

I was just about to close in on item number 5 when I heard, "OH MY GOSH! they're getting so big!"

It was one of the babies' night nurses from the NICU. Huge grin - totally together - beautiful and pregnant. David and Mary Louise were a bit wild - but nothing I hadn't seen before - and certainly not on their worst behavior. We chatted over whines for a minute - it was really good to see her - and we moved on.

The rest of the trip worsened by the minute and I quickly made my way to the check-out before the irritation came to climax. Seriously, how could I forget that with 42 checkout lines, Wal-Mart only employs 2 cashiers. Oy.

We waited, I pointed out things that seemed fun to look at - we said, "hi" to surrounding shoppers. I answered the "twins? twins? TWINS????" question another half dozen times and heard a few nostalgic, "my brother in law's aunt's cousin twice removed had twins back in 1902" stories and smiled and nodded politely...

I let the babies load the conveyor belt thing with groceries. The lady in front of us was moving rather slowly (or I was just getting really anxious about what was surely about to happen...the meltdown phase - I had to get out of there!)...I pushed our buggy up unwittingly putting David in line to press the buttons on the credit card keypad. He was enthralled. The lady in front of us? not so much.

I moved our cart out of the way, and it was finally our turn. Our nurse friend pulled through the line next to us - we were chatting while I juggled the checkout bagging and 2 babies who were itching to get out of that darn buggy. An angry David started...

He tried to beat his head on the bottom of the buggy - luckily, he was just testing the waters and not really serious...I stopped him- honestly, he hadn't done that in weeks. Mary Louise started shrieking to turn the attention.

All I could say was, "it's nap time." Thinking, "for all of us."

Finally packed up and ready to go, we bid our friend good bye. I signed and pushed toward the outer door and smiled at the 92 year old standing there with yellow highlighter in hand . Of course we set the alarms off. Of course we did.

Said 92 year old gave me a grin and told me to, "hold on honey," while she looked up Lord knows what on some list. I thought of running - but honestly, I wasn't sure if the babies had actually helped themselves to some odds and ends around the check out and really at that point, being hauled off to jail - no matter how peaceful it sounded, didn't really seem like an A+ option for me...

I'd bought some razor blades and after some discussion, and a cataloging of the package information (and another agonizing 5 minutes), we were allowed to leave.

The show they put on when I was putting them in their car seats is seriously not worth mentioning. But lets just say I was glad we were in full view of everyone because the noises Mary Louise and David made were so shrill and heart wrenching, even I had to check to make sure I wasn't beating them mercilessly with some sort of baseball bat.

Totally not worth the $3 dollars I probably saved by going to the "superstore". And the boycott of Walmart begins...holy cow.

xo,
Heather

P.S. The stew was really good - Mary Louise and David both loved it - Mary Louise even had 4ths the first evening!

Excellent Ortho!

2011-09-18T17:17:00.000-07:00

We spent a few days in NOLA last week for Brent's work and so that Mary Louise and David could visit their new orthopedist. Our concerns centered around their toe walking and the growth of their joints - specifically, their knees.

As it turns out, they are doing just fine. Mary Louise's knees are quite bowed, but it's not of concern at this time and her joints are still within normal positioning for a 2.5 year old toddler. She does toe walk some, but her reflexes and flexibility are fine so as she grows and gains weight, it is expected that she'll drops her heels more and more.

David's knees are not of concern (also normal for his age) and his very frequent toe walking is also expected to resolve in time. Because he started walking on his toes so early, the doctor was concerned about the possibility of mild cerebral palsy (secondary to his medical history). Thank Heaven I didn't wildly google "toe-walking" and find that tid bit! His reflexes were thoroughly checked and ligaments were stiff but appropriately flexible. I will continue stretching him manually at least daily. With time, it is also expected that he'll drop to his heels as it will help with balance in jumping and running.

We are to return in one year.

The orthopedist was incredible. He got giggles and grins out of BOTH Mary Louise and David and explained each issue during the exam. He also taught us how to tell if our areas of concern were worsening which was and is a huge relief for me. So, no more waiting "to see" if a problem develops only to have to treat it -we are on the prevention side!! YAY!!

We so enjoyed our visit to the homeland -

As I mentioned, we were there a number of days, so I was able to walk the river and downtown, we got to see Uncle Sean's new happnin' abode - and feed him a few times, we also had an afternoon visit from Mere and Pops, viewed the aquarium, stopped at Mimi's, and met up with Uncle Kyle and Sean for lunch at the park by the lake before heading back to the Chuck! (busy busy)

New Orleans is just an amazing city - taking in the smells, the sounds, the people...the thought makes me smile -

Before 9am, it's cologne and perfume with a hint of stale beer and maybe some puke (look, lets just be honest - everyone *tries to pass a good time, but a few sail right through it and into the gris gris of the night...), a hustle of heels and loafers of shop owners opening up for the day, chicory coffee, Bloody Marys, beignets...

Noon time - friers are going, bread is baked, lunch is cooking. There's a cafe, bar and grill or full on upscale restaurant on every corner - and a few in the middle! Garlic, onions, fresh peppers, roux, seafood and BBQ - the competing smells are intoxicating as they marry just outside the open eatery doors over the freshly washed sidewalks.

Walk by the water - the crisp humidity floats around you and blows your hair into a heap of hot mess - but no one cares - rarely will you pass a person, make eye contact, and not see a huge genuine grin in return.

I was very careful to watch what I ate - so difficult in the land of THE BEST FOOD! - but mostly vegetarian and very low sodium is where it's at for me and the Suga! My blood pressure has stayed around a beautiful 100/69 to 107/ 76 and other than some notable fatigue, I'm feeling great. I've backed off on the intensity of my running / biking - but am maintaining a good exercise schedule with moderate mileage (weather permitting). I am also taking tons of vitamins and am on a low dose Asprin schedule. In short, this pregnancy is being monitored very closely and though we (including my doctor) are all very hopeful and feel many of my more critical issues were secondary to 2 poorly implanted placentas, and a higher order multiples pregnancy, there is still a significant risk of my developing pre-eclampsia again...having said that, we are employing all known techniques in prevention - and praying...alot.

I am 6 weeks along today - and enjoying every second. David should start his state (at home) speech therapy this week. Otherwise, the specialist visits are pretty much done until dentist checks and eye exams in January!

Oh - and for those who like to stay "in the know" about my pumping, I have checked with both a lactation consultant and my doctor about continuing. My supply has already dropped significantly, and will likely decrease further with time, but I have been "ok'd" to continue and will officially make it to 30 months on the 19th! I'm taking it one day at a time (as if there is any other way) but, right now, this is what is right for all of us - giving Mary Louise and David a tiny extra immune boost through their third winter is a gift I feel wonderful about being able to give them.

xo,
Heather

We are...

2011-09-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

One in our hearts, 2 at home...we are absolutely thrilled to be expecting our miracle number 4. Our sweet suga-bean is due on May 13th.

Hoping for a ridiculously mundane, wildly boring, and very very long pregnancy...

xo,
Heather

Sickness over, speech has begun!

2011-09-09T17:22:00.000-07:00

We ALL ended up battling that nasty cold virus! It lasted a full 10 days and I even brought David in to the pedi to ensure it wasn't spreading to his chest or ears. All was well - just remnant mucous taking it's time to evacuate. Overall, Mary Louise and David did very well with it. This was by far the worst sickness we've had here since our NICU days and I must say that I am very cautiously optimistic at this time that with a little sense, a little caution, and a little getting out and about, these kids will eventually have a decent immune system...only time will tell (of course).

We made the best of our time here and through the sniffles, coughs and sneezes, we really cooked up a storm! Pancakes, chicken noodle soup, chicken fricassee, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, meatballs, eggplant parm, French onion soup and so much more- all from scratch, low sodium, whole ingredients. We've been on a cooking kick to say the least!

We've also been spending tons of time outside with the cooling of the weather and sunny sunny days (oh - except for the brief interruption courtesy of TS Lee of course).
(they love each other)

Pajama play time is the best!!

giving lovies:

In short, the sniffles and the funk didn't get us down too much - we had fun at home anyhow!

After some discussion, Brent and I decided it would be best to explore our options with private speech therapy for Mary Louise and David. David has been approved for services with Early Steps (the state program) as well, but with such a delay, we felt it best to be a little more aggressive and utilize any possible help we may have at hand.

Enter: Hope therapy...

We are so so SO very glad we started Mary Louise and David at this private facility. They have had 3 sessions so far and we are not only noticing differences in their communication, but also, their independence. Today, BOTH of them took their therapist's hand and walked to "the back" BY THEMSELVES!!! on the third day!!! The past 2 days, I have gone back with them and watched the evaluations and beginnings of therapy. I spoke with their ST's yesterday, and we agreed to try it without me today - boy did it work!! David was actually the dominant one in the room! (I'd discussed with them concern that keeping Mary Louise and David in the same room long term may eventually be an issue - as one (usually Mary Louise) dominates verbalization and attention).

We had an afternoon appointment and Brent was able to tag along to see the facility so that was nice. I was so proud to walk into the room and see my little guys hard at play with their therapists furiously writing all of the new sounds and words they were trying! The staff there has been extremely positive about Mary Louise and David's status and progress (already!! in 3 days!!) and feel very hopeful that they will be able to reach their chronological age goals with practice, diligence and a little time.

In other news, I have been terrible at uploading photos - accordingly, I will attach an album of happenings over the past month or 2 (so so sorry!)- included are: Sean's graduation, our last visit to Ma mere and Pops' house, and random happenings around here... a few favorites:
Mary Louise with her Pops:

David at a wildlife swamp reserve in Baton Rouge - I highly recommend stopping!!

You know darn good and well these are some of the cutest pig tails you've ever seen...

and the album:

Sean's graduation and at home - Summer 2011

Enjoy!!

xo,
Heather

Comedic timing

2011-08-29T18:33:00.000-07:00

Since David was just a wee babe of about 14 ounces (ha.), I've said that he has uncanny comedic timing. In light of recent (blog) postings, I thought it appropriate to mention some of his latest hard-e-har moments...

While the speech therapist was asking me about David's eating habits, the topic of "non-food" items came up...
Speech therapist: Does David eat non-food items regularly?
Me: "No." (thinking: you know, we really have been lucky - these babies have done every extreme stereotypical toddler and baby "no-no" I can think of but have NEVER EVER been very bad about mouthing or eating anything inappropriate.
ST: (with a serious face) "So David doesn't mouth things that aren't considered edible and you don't find him chewing on odd things at times?"
(coughing behind me)
Me: "No, both he and Mary Louise are very good about not putting things in their mouths..." (I began to stammer, thinking they were trying to get at something...)
Me: "I mean, they go through phases, but nothing I'd be...DAVID!"
I looked up to see that David (standing behind me) had shoved an entire Kleenex in his mouth. The whole shabang. He was choking. I yanked it out and tried to shrug it off...well I thought it was a little funny - he couldn't have timed it any better!
ST: "Does this happen often?"
Me: "No."
ST and Intake Coordinator: (audible scribbling on paper)
Me: (sigh)

This morning my little guy was playing with one of his favorite toys. He LOVES anything with buttons that make noise. I call them cause and effect toys - he presses, the toy responds, he presses again and so on. Mary Louise walked up to him and tried (in vain) to take the toy. David protested (every once in awhile he just has enough). They fussed for a bit. I looked beyond my pump, asked them to quit and said they should give each other "lovies" (hugs). Their responses?

ML: "No! No! No!" (shaking her head - she has recently picked up on the word "no" much to my chagrin)
D: (puts his fingers in his ears, shakes his head in a "no" fashion, grins, slaps Mary Louise in the face, giggles, puts himself in "time out" and proceeds to laugh quietly as he still has and is looking down at the dang toy they fussed over).

That, my friends, is quintessential David.

The day went really well today. I feel like a weight was lifted after blogging - and was really surprised by the support, positive insight and personal experience stories I've received by phone, email, and Facebook. I am so so thankful for such an out pouring of honesty and advice.

Mary Louise and David really got along well for the rest of the day! I ran/walked 3.6 miles, then did a 10 mile bike ride to really clear my head. The weather was gorgeous and the babies were so happy just to be out in the sun for a bit. It truly did us all good.

We've rescheduled Mary Louise and David's orthopedist appointment for a couple of weeks from now. New Orleans is having a major brush fire and has put out a health advisory warning anyone with lung issues, asthma, allergies, etc. to stay out of the city as there are harmful particles in the air that can irritate airways. Things should settle with some rain - but we'd rather be safe than sorry in this house!

xo,
Heather

"Severely delayed" and "At Risk"

2011-08-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

David and Mary Louise were evaluated by a speech therapist on Friday for their slow progress in expressive speech. Though David was my main concern, I had Mary Louise assessed as well since they (the therapists) would be here anyhow. She still doesn't qualify for services - not delayed "enough". I am keeping a close watch on her progress and if it slows, I'll get her into private therapy. Currently, however, she is doing very well in my opinion and literally says new things each day - my favorite of the week? "Buv-ooo" She said (her version of), "I love you" as Brent was taking her to bed last night. David actually said it exactly the same too!! It really was a good night...

David was evaluated for 2 hours. He played well after warming up to the therapist and I'll start by saying that above all, I do feel the results of his testing and assessment are pretty spot on...though the terms used and having my gut feeling said out loud and put on paper surprised me in the way it stung.

He is severely delayed in speech - as in he more than qualifies for services through the state program. After we begin there, Brent and I will more than likely explore private options too as the state program lacks in frequency in my opinion. I am hoping to be as lucky with our new therapist as we have been in the past with the in home care though and am anticipating a little more guidance in navigating private care for him.

The speech therapist and intake coordinator offered an autism screening for David. (and for Mary Louise but I declined for her. She scored extremely well - high average - for her age in all areas but expressive speech. There, she was low average - but still within what is considered a "normal" range. - she was at 87 and the lowest score in the "average" area is an 85 - in comparison, David was a full 2 below the mean - I can't remember the exact numeric value and am not up for doing the math right now- and only a 1.5 deviation below the mean is required for services. In short, he is severely delayed in the area of expressive speech.) 2 autism screenings were done. ****note: neither actually diagnose autism but only pin point "at risk" children between ages 2 and 3. Honestly, I don't completely understand the testing and need to see results such as these broken down on paper to properly process them. They will mail out the results to me and we will have another meeting to discuss them and set up therapy after it is all recorded in the Early Steps computer system. **

The bottom line of the results, however simply stated that David is "at risk" for autism on one test. The other test showed no at risk behaviors. It was explained to me that David (and Mary Louise to some extent) show very little independence. That coupled with David's lack of speech and the fact that he doesn't seem "very interested" in playing with other children (more on that in a moment) put his results in the "at risk" category. I'm not sure why I even opted to let them do the evaluation in the first place - I suppose it was because my only reason for not allowing it would be that I didn't feel like hearing what I already knew would be the outcome. In fact, I said, "I know he is at risk - gracious, we knew that as soon as they were born 16 weeks early!" and in my head, I added, "he's also "at risk" for allergies, heart disease, diabetes and skin issues by genetics alone - and hell he is "at risk" for falling every time he stands - WTF does at risk really do or mean?? nothing", I decided and allowed the test to go on...

How did I handle the results? I sat for a minute, then burst into totally involuntary tears that wouldn't stop. I should add that this week has been a little on the horrific side - complete with all 4 of us catching a Terrible (yes with a capital "T") cold virus which prevented any of us getting a full night of sleep courtesy of sweet sweet Mary Louise and her almighty snot bubbles - oh and her AWESOME hyper active reaction to the prescribed decongestant. (9pm one night: "yook Mama!" she said as she jumped up and down over and over. "OUT DIE! OUT DIE!" she began to yell pointing to the windows. She wanted to play outside. I wanted to go to bed...)

Back to the screening:
I blurted out that I felt Mary Louise and David's issues were soundly rooted in their immaturity and consequent but undeniable discrepancy between their emotional and chronological age. I stated that on paper they were almost 2 and a half, but my feelings about their behavior would dictate that they are AT LEAST 6 months behind that (Mary Louise) if not a bit more (David). I blubbered on that a system that couldn't mend to include a criteria for growth and maturation specific for micro preemies was simply too far behind our medical times to be considered anything but ridiculously invalid and that it was absolutely absurd to expect babies born at 24 weeks gestation to reach their full chronological and genetic potential by the age of 2- in BOTH growth and mentality. (phew!)

The therapist listened intently and nodded in agreement. The intake coordinator's opinion is truly of no consequence - and that's about as nicely as I can put that.

I asked what the therapists' feelings were on the results after playing with David for quite some time. She said she, "was not allowed to discuss that with me." I resisted the urge to fly off of the sofa and claw at them mercilessly and instead invited the intake coordinator to step out while I had a frank conversation with the therapist. Damnit - I have a professional sitting in front of me in my house no less but her hands are tied by some bull shit state regulation?? The coordinator looked down and the therapist bravely branched out and gave me some guidance saying that to provide continuity of care and essentially "the most bang for the buck" that this time and age are critical to language development; so, she, in short, would explore private care after first setting up in home care with the state system. She told me to be patient, and that it would take some time, but to follow my instincts and that her impression was that David was a capable and beautiful child. I don't have the words to tell this woman how much I appreciated her moment of candidness.

So that's the results.

David "failed" at the "playing with other children" portions of the testing for various reasons:
1. Mary Louise is, by far, the dominant child here and to be quite frank, can beat the crap out of David, takes anything and everything he has on a regular basis and vies for attention constantly- I wouldn't want to play with her either -though they have been known to be quite sweet together regularly. (please don't read into the above as anything more than a general description of frequent behavior - I do discipline but if toddlers- or any children for that matter- were that easy to work with 24 / 7, the world would be a bit boring eh? Anyhow, the above is not meant to have a tone of annoyance.)
2. David is almost painfully shy in new situations so he clings to me, but often, given time, does just fine
3. We have no other children for them to play with. We have been on a few play dates with a friend from church. She is a sweet baby girl about 4 months older than Mary Louise and David. She and Mary Louise get to playing together with dolls, etc. and David rides on whatever is available. He's not necessarily avoiding them - but isn't really "into" the girly girl activities. He does well with her when I bring him to church on his own though...We go to the park often, but I'm not kidding when I say every single kid that has walked up and tried to play with them gets yelled out by their parents to (and I quote directly on things we've heard), "get away from them babies!" or "don't hurt the babies" or "let the babies have that toy and you go play somewhere else". I have begged, within reason, for the parents to let their children interact with Mary Louise and David, but they smile and say their kid needs to learn to share anyhow and quickly divert them to other play equipment.
4. I stay home with them - there was an awful lot of discussion during the evaluation about their attachment to me(read as- them desperately searching for their perceived "normal" parenting measures by today's standards of mostly day care, extended family care and mother's day out kiddos and me desperately defending myself for keeping them home and healthy all of this time) For the record, I don't feel I have stunted their growth and maturation by staying home with them- or by keeping them home. Our primary concern over the past 2 years has been, quite literally, to keep them alive, well, and out of the hospital. period. I also feel that though they are quite attached to Brent and I, THEY ARE 2!!! Toddlers should be inherently attached to their parents for goodness sake. I believe their attachment - though exhausting at times - is very healthy. I love that they feel safe in their surroundings and know that they have loving arms to fall into every second of every day. I feel very very lucky to be able to stay home with them - and blessed to be able to fully enjoy and witness every whim and action. BUT, this has not by any means been easy and I resent the implication that I am somehow fulfilling an innate need of my own in staying with them; and also the implication that I have coddled them so much that I have encouraged some sort of delay.

Realizing of course that this may not have been the intention of our visitors -but one can only be asked the same question so many times before getting irritated: "Do you ever leave them alone?" "Do you take them to preschool or have you considered a Mothers' Day Out program?" "Don't they have cousins or any other children in the family to play with?" "Have you considered day care?" "I have noticed they are very attached to you. Do you feel this is "normal"?" "What are your future plans for their schooling?" "Did you know that locally, there are (xyz) groups at these locations?"

Really.

Having said that, we are able now, to explore the luxuries of outside classes and activities - so finding appropriate play groups, etc. is certainly on the "do now" agenda. I'm excited!

I will also admit that I was certainly harried from the week-o-fun we've had:

Mary Louise has in the past 10 days or so: combed her hair with toilet water, dumped half a pound of flour on the floor, "painted Chester, Lizzie (our dogs) and the cabinets with Nutella spread - thereby bringing the full picture of our crappy week to a literal fruition, fallen off of the back of the sofa - twice - in an attempt to "fly", stuffed AT LEAST a roll of toilet paper down the commode, attempted to stick a fork in an electrical socket (it was covered - they all are believe me) and begun to blame her poo diapers on the dog:
Mary Louise: (patting her bottom), "Momma, poo poo?"
Me: "Did you poo poo already or do you need to use your potty?" (I smell THE smell)
Mary Louise: "Po-yee."
Me: "I'm pretty sure you already pooped in your diaper so you can sit on the potty for a bit if you'd like, but if you already went, you might just be done, right?"
Mary Louise: "No no! Tes-tah poo poo." (again, patting her diaper)
Me: "Oh Chester pooped in your diaper? That's amazing Mary Louise!" (sarcasm does the Mommy good sometimes)
Mary Louise: "Okay. Po-yee Momma."
(she has also blamed the stench on her duff on Lizzie, David, "Dada" and finally "Momma" before conceding that she did, in fact, poo poo in her "dipah")

David has: run a water hose into the kitchen while I ran in to change the laundry over - at least the floor got a nice cleaning I suppose, increased his climbing efforts ten-fold: he no longer needs to pull out the drawers to use the little one inch gap provided by the child locks...no no, instead he just uses the drawer handles themselves to climb onto the counter. He has also climbed the built in shelves in the kitchen like a ladder and uses the pull out shelves in other cabinets to get on the counter in other areas. He climbs in the cabinet in the bathroom to get to the shelves where I (had been) keeping my vitamins - honestly, next time we're at the local Children's museum, we're spending some serious time at their rock wall - maybe he'll get it out of his system - Lord knows he can't really get any more agile with it all!

I have: left the sink water running in the kitchen, forgotten, and gave the babies a bath - upstairs - 2 hours later, we had a swimming pool where our stove and fridge reside (no permanent damage done),

AND

had a full conversation with a cock roach (if you know me, you know I am absolutely terrified of roaches - dead or alive): 3am: roach peers at me over the sink when I go to use the bathroom: I see it, and sit anyway:
Me: (sigh) "I don't even have the energy to scream or wave frantically at you. Nor will I dance around like a total spastic freak at this hour. Please go away. I hate roaches and yet don't even have balls enough to squash them. Lucky you."
Roach slowly moseys away and disappears. I wish I was kidding. I'm not because I know I was up for another hour kicking myself for not waking Brent to "get the roach". Consequently, I'm STILL paranoid about going to that bathroom...it's been 4 days.

Brent has: really done nothing stupid or crazy. Poor guy has just been trying to work in between dealing with all of our hootin' and hollerin'.

*** and did I mention that skank nasty snottastic cold we've all had? The one that has, in the last hour alone, caused 2 different coughing fits between Mary Louise and David? ***

Yeah, it's been fun.

All that in addition to an unspeakable tragedy as we heard of a near drowning of a 2 year old boy here. He passed away a day later from complications. He was the son of one of our babies' NICU nurses and also a twin. My heart just breaks for the family. (prayers of peace if you feel so called please)

After all of that, I may have been a wee bit on the sensitive side for the meeting on Friday. Nonetheless, it's done and we're in...and getting David (and Mary Louise) the help he needs was and is my bottom line...

xo,
Heather

Busy BUSY babies!!

2011-08-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

Though we are still in the midst of evaluations, Mary Louise and David are still very hard at work learning new words and phrases almost daily...

They are also finding new and exciting things to do with their "old" toys...like using them for step stools in an effort to explore things like knife drawers, stoves, and whatever happens to be on the counter at the time...(and if you can't tell what happened here - Mary Louise decided to "assist" with the taping of this video)...

**Yes, we deal with quite a bit of good old sibling discord here lately - but honestly, it's not too bad - videos can be a little deceiving (I mean, sometimes, I do clothe the kids!)- after this one, they held hands with each other and me while we giggled over 3 rounds of Ring Around the Rosey. The "time out" usually works a bit better too - they still laugh over it, but it diverts their attention, gives them a breath and seems to clear the air so a new game can be made - and really, I like that they giggle - in my opinion, crying doesn't need to happen to get a point across!**

And now for the last quick video: if you see our sweet babies aimlessly wondering the streets, please don't think we are bad parents who regularly leave our children unattended. These kiddos can break free in about 2.5 seconds flat. They climb, they run, and now they unlock dead bolts...good thing they still can't get along long enough to be overly productive! If they could, and were left to their own devices, I'm pretty sure they could would be off and driving before Brent and I could even get our shoes on! (and that would be a jug of protein powder they dug out of the pantry that they decided would make a perfect step stool for this particular mission)

xo,
Heather

THE ride home...(Uncle Sean's graduation continued)

2011-08-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

Yikes. Time is certainly fleeting. There are so very many daily moments that I would love to freeze...so many things I want to hold onto. Instead, I find myself focusing on the moment, wrapping myself in it briefly, then letting it pass as moments do - holding that mental snap shot and tucking it safely into the folds of time...

David has begun to use the potty - don't get too excited - it's only on occasion - but it's a start...and his proud face? yeah - it's so worth the wait for him to ask for his "poy-yee" like a big boy. (umm and that would be a dishwasher in the back - because when David asks, David gets his "poy-yee" - seriously.)

(and by the way, there is a distinct possibility that the above picture will surface should a mouthy grump of a teen David rear his ugly head around here. That's right, I'm collecting ammo..."What's that teen David? Shut up you say? Everything is stupid (read as B.S.) you say? hmm - when's that slide show at school again? Yeah - I'll show you stupid."-sometimes even I am amazed at my level of maturity.)

About that maturity...

We left Baton Rouge around 2:30. As the babies had napped for about an hour in the car between graduation and the celebratory lunch, I wasn't very hopeful for a quiet ride home.

They didn't disappoint.

We were stuck for a little over an hour in traffic just before the Atchafalaya Basin bridge when I spoke with Brent. We agreed on an alternate route to start on the exit I was inching towards the next exit and Brent told me how "simple" it would be to just pop off of the interstate and use "the old roads" to get home. It would take about 45 minutes on top of my 2 plus hour ride I had left - BUT traffic was at a standstill and that "Road Work: next 18 miles" sign didn't look too promising so I took the plunge...

Enter Heather's AWESOME (read as totally shitty - really - there is no other way to describe my) sense of direction...

I should say now that "back woods" Louisiana is absolutely stunning. I mean story book fabulous. There are Acadian style homes nestled among Spanish moss filled trees. There are gorgeous sugar cane fields. The farm equipment rests majestically under 100 year live oaks. Cypress knees peak out of milk chocolate bayou banks. The bayous hold the secrets of years and years of Cajun tradition and folklore.

In short, I heart Louisiana and really believe that it should be on the world's list of must see and have to explore places. Seriously - don't knock it 'til you try it. It's all kinds of fantastic and you're selling yourself short if you don't spend some time here.

BUT...

I (and certainly the babies) were ill-prepared for the scenic route on that particular day. Tantrums were a plenty. Kicking Momma's seat was the game of the day. I was actually sweating with stress as I drove E.M. (see the last blog entry about our sweet chariot) into crops and Cajun country fearing we might not find our way home.

30 minutes into unmarked road later, I phoned Brent...

Now would be the appropriate time to let you know that my total and utter lack of a sense of direction and the fact that I am void of any understanding of a map or verbal instruction having to do with travel is possibly one of our highest points of frustration. (I know, we're lucky like that. He's amazing.)

Me, "Brent, how long do I have to drive down this road before I get to (Hwy.) 190??"
Brent, "A while."
Me, "Great Brent. Great description. How long is awhile?? I've been driving for 20 minutes!!" (knowing I had been driving for 30 minutes but didn't want Brent to yell at me...)
Brent, "Sounds like you're ok. Keep going. It's a big road Heather. You can't miss it." (dun dun dunnnnn)

I missed it. In my defense though, 2 of the 4 lanes were dirt as they had been dug up to be worked on and ALL of the street signs were lying on the side of the road. Yep - awesome. It was unmarked due to construction.

I turned around eventually. 1 more hour down the tubes.

I passed over Morganza (see: the news lately). I saw the most amazing rest stop. Ever. I wish I'd stopped to take a photo but I was so irritated at the time that I couldn't imagine turning around and stopping - that would take more time!!! So, I'll paint you a picture with words...

Off to my right, the most beautiful bayou scene. Really - majestic oaks, trickling bayou, stunning scenery...tiny "state official blue" Rest Area sign...Along said bayou, there was (I kid you not) a Port-o-Potty (judging by the fungus growing down the door, and the faded blue color, I'd say it was about 10 years old - delish), and a rickety picnic table. Thanks for the welcome backwoods Louisiana.

I FINALLY made it to Oplelouses. Only an hour and a half to go!!!!

I miss the interstate turn (of course I do - see above for description of my sense of direction). Then I hear wind. I wish it was a baby toot - but alas, Mary Louise had OPENED THE BACK DOOR!!!!

EEE-GADS!!!

I'm pretty sure I was the one that needed the diaper at that point.

Mary Louise had apparently squirmed out of her car seat harness and opened the car door. She shrank back into her seat and sat quietly as I stormed around, engaged the car child lock (A+ Mom right here! - oh and thankfully it was the door that DID open from the outside), and strapped her TIGHTLY into her seat.

She got out...twice more. I was at wits end. I called Brent (because misery loves company and I just HAD to tell him what his spawn had done!). I made a U-turn to get onto the proper interstate...I saw blue lights.

Enter state trooper.

I pulled over just before the on-ramp to my golden brick road home. The P.O. (because that's what we traffic felons call the po-po's - you know Police Officer is just too much to type sometimes), got on the bull-horn...

Again, I kid you not:
P.O., "Step out of the car and proceed to me with your hands visible."
Me - leaned out of a cracked car door and yelling frantically at the top of my lungs, "I have 2 babies!!! I'm not leaving my car!!!"
P.O., "What?"
Me, "I. have. 2. toddlers. in. my. back. seat. I am NOT leaving my car!!"
P.O., "Ok. Open your window and show your hands. I'll come to you."
(really dude. paranoid of the random traffic violating mom-much?)

I go through the routine...which is when I figured out I didn't have a current insurance card. I looked for our agent's phone number...couldn't find it. Mary Louise started crying. I swear, I had a panic attack.

I burst into absolute hysterics.

The state trooper gave me a ticket for an improper U-turn...and a warning for the insurance.

After a moment - or 5, I got back onto the road home in the right direction and found my way there after a total of 5 hours (the ride should have been 2).

That glittery u-turn ticket?? $177.50. That's one expensive U-turn.

xo,
Heather

P.S. little door-opening booger...

Graduation (oy).

2011-08-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

Right - so FIRST off, Sean (Uncle Bean) walked for his LSU undergrad graduation yesterday. 5 kids, all with a minimum of a bachelor's degree = fabulous job Mom and Dad, Granny and Papa and Mommon (yes, we have that many parents) + thank you thank you thank you. I really was so so excited for him!! He's worked very very hard, has been accepted and enrolled in law school at Loyola for the fall, and has met the goals he's had since, I don't know, the age of 10. (Yep - this kid is THAT amazing - seriously, I have no idea how #5 got to be so well rounded as a human being - I suppose the rest of us took up all of the extreme corners of the universe and we needed a middle man?)

Brent had a meeting in Houston, we didn't know / forgot totally about the graduation ceremony until approximately 7pm the night before. I decided the babies and I would go for it - Mommom and Kyle would be there to help.

5am. Man, I so wish we'd gotten a room and been in BR already. Pumped, dressed, babies woke, dressed, car packed and on the road at 6:30. 2 hour drive begun. I felt reasonably good for 4 hours of sleep (courtesy of late night partying with Mary Louise), no coffee, no breakfast...ok - I knew my name, had my glasses on, and counted...1, 2, TWO babies in the back. My world was good. Driving continued.

Have I mentioned that Brent's work truck still hasn't come? No? right - so long story short: we sold his old truck to Mom for Sean, Brent had a loaner truck from his work, loaner truck broke - like totally, no fixing this hot mess broke, Brent began to drive our Sequoia and I borrowed my dad's old car (yes, it's still going) to use in emergencies and my for wildly involved social life (read as: I use the thing to get to the grocery and back). It has over 200k miles on it, no radio, the back driver's side door only opens from the inside, and one of the tail lights floods the trunk when you pop it. So, basically, it has a little personality. I call her Elsie May (Em for short- ha)...or piece of crap depending on my mood. As I said, it gets me where I need to go, and it's temporary...and the A/C works really well = WINNER!!

Point of the above warm and fuzzy tale? That's what we were driving- a 1998 Honda Accord - bless her big metal heart...I can't tell you how many nursery rhyme songs I busted out with - and made up- yesterday to keep the babies entertained. Mary Louise now thinks some fat kid lives in a hubbard and old ladies beat kids in shoes (she was crying in my ear again - WHAT?! like you would have come up with something different right??) We also thanked the Lord a few times for making fish and butterflies...I had to balance things out somehow.

We made it IN TIME - and Uncle Kyle came out of the ceremony to meet us, because I have a wee bit less than stellar sense of direction (more on that to come).

Though I only got to actually see about 15 minutes of the graduation, it was the important 15 minutes...Sean walked, I yelled like a super tacky banshee in a relatively quiet stadium. Sean heard me. My work was done for the day. At least I didn't have an air horn or pull out the old Arseneo Hall whoop whoop. (Maybe next time Sean)

During the rest of the 3 hour ceremony, I chased David mostly - and Mary Louise a little - and both of them for awhile. Don't worry, I wasn't alone. I was in the make shift day care of babies, bottle feeders, breast feeders, frazzled grandparents, tired dad's, aunts, uncles, smokers, drinkers (not really - but man, I might have made friends with that person!) and habitual all important cell users in the outer realm of the P. Mac (name of the building - you don't have to google it). So, I got to do a little bit of what I do best: people watch.

I'm pretty sure that there is no place on earth that is a better people watching set up than a graduation. I'm also pretty sure that the previous sentence is horribly written - but I digress...people watching at graduations: families with the elders in tow - stressed and happy at the same time- proud of the next generation's productivity and desperately wanting the older generation to take part as best they can. New moms and veteran moms shoved together - the veterans offering all knowing sympathetic smiles to the new moms who are actually still worried about the entire family being color coordinated and whether or not baby has his/her specially monogrammed spit cloth draped just write for which to puke upon. (oh, and then there are the uber judgey moms - like the one who gave me the stink eye while talking on her wildly fancy bedazzled phone, clutching her $1500 Louis Vitton bag and said pointing her freshly manicured finger at my AWESOME brood," see, THAT's why we left our kids at HOME." Thanks lady, pull that crap again and I might just stuff your over perfumed duff in my leaky trunk. Sometimes I must remind myself: people before things Heather, people before things.) I love watching dolled up momma's in 5 inch heels waddle after fast and furious toddlers as they touch every stinkin' unprotected outlet in the place (oh wait, that was me.)

Then, we did what any good southern family does to celebrate a life milestone - or to celebrate anything at all really...we ate. YUMMMM. The babies handled the day as best they could - there were no head banging incidents, no all out melt downs. A good time for all - but when we left, it was certainly time to get home asap.

Then we hit traffic...and the most awful, horrible, terrible, vile, heart wrenchingly, frustratingly, bad drive home EVER ensued. We did eventually make it home (I know, way to ruin the ending right?)...but only after 5 hours (it was supposed to take 2) of pure unadulterated hell on back roads. This story is totally deserving of it's very own post...

xo,
Heather

And by the way, I will get a breastfeeding post done - but just need to word vomit this out there to get it out of the way...my wee noggin can only handle so much these days...

JUMP!!!

2011-08-03T19:08:00.000-07:00

Until I had triplets at 24 weeks and 5 days...until I had physical therapists abound...until I had charts, graphs and plots all thrust at me repeatedly and each and every move Mary Louise and David make analyzed by their "teams" of doctors, therapists, case workers, chart reviewers, insurance companies, and consequently, an UBER frazzled momma!...I had no clue - none whatsoever - what a big deal jumping is...and I can now proudly say, "we can cross that off your to do list sweet baby Mary Louise!!" David is patiently working on it - and I'm pretty sure he'll get it sometime soon...

We have an appointment with the Early Steps program here in a few days to re-admit Mary Louise and David and have them both "officially" evaluated for speech therapy. We'll start there, then explore additional private therapy options should it be necessary for either of them (I have my eye on sweet David - BUT Mary Louise has learned likely 20+ words just this week (mostly pointing when prompted - not actually speaking though she can parrot many of the sounds) and just today, David began to have periods of MUCH MUCH more verbal communication - though he continues his fits relatively regularly). I really feel that I need to exercise (a bit more) patience, and find what interests David in particular and what will hold his attention. Mary Louise LOVES LOVES LOVES books. David, not so much - but he loves his computer-ish toys. I've borrowed and bought a number of them and he'll sit there and play with the ABC and color keys for ages - if I try to sit and do the same thing with a book? I might get to letter B before he's off and running. Again, baby boy, please be patient with your old Momma. I'm doing my best...

Happy Wednesday!! It's World Breastfeeding week!! I'll be dusting off the old soap box for (probably) the next post. I try to avoid the defensive backlash by not discussing it too much - I swear - breastfeeding talk these days might as well be grouped in with religion and politics...BUT I'll offer up a few words in honor of the occasion.

There, I've given warning BEFORE I even start the post. So, ignore the upcoming if it's not your cup-o-tea.

xo,
Heather

David's special Day

2011-07-31T07:15:00.000-07:00

We had a rather tough day inside as there was torrential downpour out. After braving the weather this morning for soy milk (I wish I was kidding), we retreated to the kitchen to make ooey gooey eggplant parmesan with the remaining motley crew of eggplant we harvested from our little veggie garden.

Mary Louise and David were less than pleased with the timing of my cooking efforts.

So, David's special day was a little rough. But nonetheless, I snuggled with him, and just loved loved loved the fact that 2 years later, he is a happy, healthy, SWEET baby boy.

Can you even believe this is David a few days before he got to come home (on his 99th day in the NICU!)??

On his homecoming day. It would have been Dad's 59th birthday...

Happy baby...HAPPY Momma...

Our family at home for the first time!!!

Our life for 27 months and counting...

We are so so SO lucky...

David is feeling much much better since his horrid hives and we have treated the yard and house for biting critters as well as retreated the pets with Advantage. So, the biting and hatching from the rain post drought should be down to a minimum now.

Nap time has been bucked again all week making for some very interesting (read as trying, loud, whiny, tantrum filled) afternoons. I am doing my best to hang in there, but in truth, it's weighing on me as well as their nap time was my only down time during the day. In short, I'm missing those snoozes! Honestly, I've never known another human being (excepting Uncle Damon...which brings about a genetic discussion in my head) to need as little sleep as these guys do. So please pardon my repetition, that glazed look in my eyes, the haggard appearance, and my audible sighs. I'm just tired. (Now, show me a momma who isn't!)

Despite the daily showers outside, we've made the best of things inside. Playdoh time has become a favorite. I get all my mixing bowls out and the babies "cook", smash, stir, and tear until their little precious hearts are content. They are very very well-behaved with their concoctions and have only been caught vigorously stomping things into the throw rugs once or twice.

A couple of cute play time videos to follow. The second is David in Brent's shirt while I was folding laundry. Props to these sweet babies. They are interested in all things Momma does - and I have fun working with their fascinations. They help me fold clothes, make beds, garden and you've already seen their enthusiasm for mopping and vacuuming floors! Yep, I might not be able to sit back and eat bon bons just yet - but that day is coming!! (ha)

Hoping everyone has had a great weekend. We've LOVED having Nannie Pan and Uncle Mike over here. The boys have been fishing and Amanda has helped IMMENSELY with Mary Louise and David. From the splash park to loads of outside time, we've been enjoying our little break from the rain as well.

xo,
Heather

Merry Maids

2011-07-23T13:37:00.000-07:00

So, I've never been accused of being a GREAT housekeeper. I try (many times in vain) to keep my head above water (and dust and dirt)...but apparently, I do clean enough to make it look like fun! Not only do Mary Louise and David love to push a broom and duster around, but they have also been known to request wipes to clean messes off of tables and the floor. They love to hold squirt bottles and pretend to clean things with them by making, "tsst tsst" sounds.

This would be David using a Swifter and Mary Louise "vacuuming" by shoving the hose around and making the vacuum sound... Ha!

Upon occasion, they have even been known to share very nicely to boot!

xo,
Heather

P.S. Just today, Mary Louise has verbally requested to have her "shoes" put on, and patted her bottom saying, "poo poo, blegh!" (and she was being totally honest and letting me know her diaper was dirty!). If only I could get her to tell me the poop is coming rather than telling me it's already here! Again, baby steps...

Speech progress

2011-07-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

Well, normally they are a bit easier to understand, BUT - this is funny anyhow (if I do say so myself). If nothing else, it's funny to see Mary Louise and David try to walk in Brent's flip flops - a very favorite game at the moment...

Mary Louise is really doing well this week with her speech. She is stringing 2 words together regularly and is trying harder words like "guacamole" or "mo-nay" - one of her favorite foods (this week). She also points to EVERYTHING asking,"what dis?" and many times tries to repeat the answer.

In addition, they are both regularly following (or appropriately attempting to follow) more complex commands.

Progress is progress - and we celebrate every step!!

xo,
Heather

Very special days indeed

2011-07-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

2 years ago yesterday, we FINALLY brought our sweet Mary Louise home from the hospital after 92 days of waiting, praying, hoping, begging and pleading. A couple of refreshers:

Just getting home

Ready for her first pedi appointment:

After one of her first baths at home:

To celebrate, we had a mash-em-up day! To start, we made banana bread as we had a few over ripe nanners just begging to be mashed. David worked the mixer (with MUCH supervision of course) and Mary Louise rubbed butter over the pan. The each got a bowl with 2 bananas, washed their hands, and went to mashing. After their initial shock and looks of, "I'm sorry Mom, you want me to do WHAT?!", they really had a ton of fun.

Nap time lasted the typical 45 minutes or so for Mary Louise while David took an extra specially long snoozer (try 3.5 hours of hard sleep...more on that in a moment.) So, Mary Louise got some much needed "only-child" time. We had an absolute ball with Play-doh. She smashed it, mashed it, squashed it, rubbed it around in her hands. We made things with it, laughed over it, broke it apart and made more things with it. It was way too much fun! We snuggled with snacks on the couch, went outside and watered the plants, and in between, we played "check on the Dae-Dae" in which we snuck up the stairs in an over exaggerated manner to peak our heads round the corner at the slumbering David. We made phone calls to Mommom and Uncle Collin - Mary Louise proudly said, "HI!!!" to each. She even said Hi to Papa! We had a really good time. Then David woke up...

I should preface this with a short bit about Saturday (last Saturday). We played outside - Mary Louise and David sans any shred of clothing - and ended up getting chomped on by seemingly invisible bugs - chiggers, red bugs, whatever you want to call them...mean little suckers...David even got bitten on his eye lid and looked like a prize fighter the next day...

Mary Louise's leg: (2 days post initial bite)

over the next couple of days, the bites seemed to get better on Mary Louise. But David kept getting more. We didn't go outside but for a few minutes in the afternoon one day and came right back in when David started to scratch -but it was too late, he'd already been bitten again...or so it seemed. The marks looked so angry and inflamed - as if he was also having a reaction to the bite. They would swell, I gave Benedryl, they would go down and look much better the next day. We sprayed them both with natural bug spray and began to wonder if that was part of the problem - though I'd used it many times before and not had this happen. We didn't go outside for the past 2 days other than to just let Lizzie and Chester run a bit. David's bites were pretty much gone - until yesterday post nap time. He woke up like this:

and this:

He played happily inside with little itching while I fretted over taking him to an Urgent Care (because of course it was 5pm by that time). He wasn't having trouble breathing and ate a great dinner and wasn't really all that grumpy until bath time. Then he went to bed with little fuss - especially considering the wildly long nap during the day. I had given him a low dose of Benedryl but otherwise kept everything else the same. He finished day 10 of his bronchitis antibiotics yesterday as well...and woke looking like this:

Want to know what a Penicillin allergy looks like?? See above. We rushed out to the doctor this morning - I brought Mary Louise too just to make sure. They both had bug bites...on top of which David had (and has) pretty severe, migrating hives from head to toe. He now has them behind his ears, over his scalp, under his arms, on his palms, around his ankles and knees. Sweet baby is miserable...and we have to carry an epi pen for him just in case. He has started a 4 to 5 day round of prednisone to keep the hives in check and help them to improve. Though I am not at all a fan of the rampant over-use of steriods, this is the reason those bad boys were made...and who knows, maybe my slim little guy will pack on a pound or 2 through this??? At any rate, though I'm pretty upset about this, at the very least we've caught the issue BEFORE having an all out devastating emergency.

As we were leaving the doctor, I said, "ok guys, let's go" and sassy pants Mary Louise turned toward David calling in a very authoritative tone," guys! GUYS!!" then clapped her hands in his face, but them on her hips and waited for his attention so she could let him know we were leaving. In that moment, I began to formulate plans in my head for building an apartment over the garage. This apartment would eventually be occupied by myself and Brent from approximately 2022 to 2027. Mary Louise and David can have the house through their teenage years. I'm already admitting defeat!

This afternoon, Brent had the most wonderful, fabulous, amazing surprise in store for me...an 80 minute massage followed by a pedicure at a wonderful full service spa. My very good friend, a massage therapist there, helped him to plan the day. To say that I am thankful is such an understatement. I relaxed, I was pampered, my every whim was fulfilled. It was just lovely. At the end of it all, after I showered, a second time (because I could), after I'd shaved my legs, even though I didn't need to - I just wanted to remember what it felt like to do so without having the cold water turned off in the middle, or my pajamas from the night before thrown in behind me, or a whole roll of toilet paper fly through the air and land at my wet foot while having one leg perched between toys and baby shampoo bottles - after that, after the massage, after the pedicure, after I dried my hair, and took an extra long time brushing it, I looked in the mirror, and there she was - me - I haven't seen me in so very long...I didn't even know if I (or me) existed anymore. It was me, alive, refreshed and so ready to get back to my sweet babies and husband. I smiled, called Brent and he came to get me. I can't thank him enough for the little and the large happies he gives me - just when I need them the very very most.

Unfortunately, David the Grump came for a visit this evening...as if he didn't look beat up enough with his awesomeness of hives, he got angry at me when I closed the door to use the bathroom (umm- he was IN there with me and this happened to be the one. the ONLY time he has ever wanted out). In the literally 15.5 seconds it took me to pee, he opted to beat his head on the door to push it open...my heart broke a little...he hasn't hit his head since the very end of June at a family reunion...but today, he did it twice - once at the doctor but it was just on my leg so no injuries, and then this...

whomever would like to tell me now (pediatrician) that "he won't hurt himself" and to "just ignore him" feel free, but don't take it personally if I kindly disregard the advice with the answer, "I'm sorry, that simply doesn't fit our situation"...a work in progress (sigh).

I have a speech therapist friend of a friend scheduled to evaluate Mary Louise and David on Thursday. I'll see what her feelings are on their expressive speech and go from there.

If you have time and feel so called, please send happy thoughts to sweet David. He has a rather itchy weekend ahead...

xo,
Heather

P.S. Pops is doing very well recovering at home and has even made it out of the house a time or 2. MANY MANY thanks for the continued thoughts and prayers during his recovery.

Things I love

2011-07-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

When going to sleep at night, Mary Louise loves to sleep snuggled in with her head on my chest. David loves to hold my hand...best feeling, ever.

Pajamas + fountain= good clean fun.

This face:

This face:

Running down hills and walking barefoot in the grass...

Superman swimmies and Mardi Gras beads...

That these kiddos hang in there with me even when I'm tired and flustered because we went outside to play and they ran full speed in 2 different directions (laughing hysterically because I couldn't do the same!)...

and I LOVE the fact that when Mary Louise and David are distraught, tired and grumpy, a good old tooth brushing while walking hand in hand turns their frowns upside down every time...

We had a good family reunion / vacation time - way too busy - but very very fun. Pops is doing very well post operatively, and was even sitting up with his feet dangling today when Brent stopped by to see him. Mere is also hanging in there and Brent reports she is eating well and though very tired, she seems calm and in good spirits - especially seeing her main man in such good shape after such a major surgery. She continues to update her blog often.

Mary Louise gave us quite a scare with a fever on Sunday night. Though it wasn't very very high (102.2 temporal), it bounced back and forth and never really broke. She appeared flushed in the face and just couldn't get comfortable when trying to rest during the night. I brought her to the Urgent Care clinic (we are camped out with Mommom for a few days with her not feeling well, Brent is working this area and Pops is a convenient one hour drive from here). After a couple of hours, the doctor advised that I take her to the ER as he couldn't find a source for her fever and suspected a urinary tract infection for which they didn't stock proper diagnostic equipment. 3 hours in the ER later, (which all things considered wasn't too bad - we were in our own room for 2 of them), her urinalysis was negative, but on a whim the doctor requested a chest xray and found sweet Mary Louise had the beginnings of bronchitis - no cough, no stridor or adventitious breath sounds of any kind - just a cloudiness in her bronchioles on xray. So, we got to go home on antibiotics. I called for round 2 from the pedi the next day when David woke with a temperature as well. Currently, Mary Louise and David seem to be on the mend - playing like mad, running, jumping, and doing Zumba with Mommom.

Many thanks for the continued thoughts and prayers for our dear Pops (and Mere) as he recovers and pathology reports are posted.

xo,
Heather

Pops

2011-07-11T05:55:00.000-07:00

Below is a link for our friends and family which Mrs. Cindy will do her best to maintain with short updates about Mr. Charles' condition...
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/leblanc

Our dear sweet Pops has a lung tumor to be removed on Tuesday (tomorrow) in the morning.

We stopped by their house on our way back from Florida. Mere and Pops both seem to be doing well with such stressing news. This absolutely beautiful couple will, no doubt continue to be a stunning example of support and love for one another. They are such amazing compliments to each other - and fabulous grandparents...

We will be anxiously awaiting news tomorrow of a successful lumpectomy and praying with all of our might for guidance, patience, and careful precision for the surgical team as well as peace and strength for Mere and especially Pops.

Mary Louise and David can't wait for you to feel better and are honing in their water gun squirting skills for a future face-off!!

We are thinking of you - Much love...

xo,
Heather

Reunion Time

2011-06-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

Well Heather and the Babies are in St. Augustine Florida with MaMom visiting Granny and Papa. I will join up with them on Saturday afternoon for the annual Bowe / Wages reunion. Uncle Kyle, Uncle Collin and I will take that long 10 hour drive over there all day saturday. I hope that it is uneventful, since I have had my far share this week. Heather drove the same 10 -12 hours with the babies on wednesday with mamom to help out. Can you imagine 12 hours in a car with 2 two year olds. I made that ride with Heather home last year when the babies were one, and I thought I was going to go crazy. Heather is sure stronger than I will ever be.
So this past weekend we went to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi for a family reunion for my dads side of the family. It was great, and I got to cook a 5 gal pot worth of Jambalaya for everyone. On Sunday I was going to cook 15 lbs of catfish, and burned my hand and foot with hot grease after the first batch came out. I was out of commission, and my dad finished it off for me. Pops is a much better fish fryer than me anyway. The babies loved the beach and all the attention they got form family that has only read about them on this blog for two years. David is fearless when it comes to the water. He runs straight into it and throws himself down and giggles. It is cute for a second, then a wave comes in and smacks him in the face. Don't get me wrong he is still laughing, we are just paraniod with him swallowing too much water. Mary Louise follows suit shortly after since it looks as if david is having fun. They are just to much fun to watch. They are growing so fast know (mentally). They are trying to communicate all the time. Mary Louise is great at putting words together, just hard to unsdestand her. You can ask her to repeat it, and she looks at you so matter of fact and repeats it. Too cute. she even rolls her eyes when you don't understand her.
So my week began with getting burned frying fish, and on tuesday my company truck overheated, water pump went out, and caused a cylinder in the engine to quit working. The mechanic wants $4500 to fix it, and I am waiting on my company to make a decision on what they want to do. This was a loaner truck while the one I ordered in March is waiting to be delivered to Houston. I just hope I can finish out this week without anymore issues, get to florida to see my Beautiful wife, and awesome children, and of course the rest of the family.

Heather will update soon

Cavity Free!!!!

2011-06-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

Can you even believe it?! We've avoided a cavity for 26 months!!

Mary Louise, David, Mommom and I made our way to the Dental Depot yesterday afternoon. It was amazing. The office is filled with artwork, and electric trains, tons of toys, and is just a happy place in general. We were able to play for awhile and get the babies comfortable, then were called to "the back" where Mom(mom) and I sat in the dental chairs while holding Mary Louise and David on our laps. David began to fuss, opened his mouth to yell, the Dr. took a very quick look-see inside and announced his teeth were beautiful, NO CAVITIES!! and he has 16 in so far so we should expect 4 more (molars) over the next year to a year and a half.

Mary Louise was a little more upset about the whole thing - but the doctor was just as efficient and made a similar announcement for her - with the exception of a (very) light staining line on her front tooth secondary to her prematurity. She was fine post exam - and even leaned in to give the doc lovies on the cheek before leaving.

In short, he (the dentist) is not only unconcerned with Mary Louise and David's dental health at this time, he is excited that Brent and I have obviously been so diligent about cleaning their teeth. I have been so very worried about this last area of health - preemies, and especially micro preemies who have been exposed to weeks of TPN (total parenteral nutrition) as well as other medications known to wreak havoc on developing teeth and enamel, have a host of considerations to monitor in dentistry.

The dentist even thanked me for being so aware and diligent about their oral hygiene. (umm - ok, the words "kooky" and "slightly crazy" may have been used - but in a good way)

I'm so very thrilled!!! Next check up in 6 months. (and a HUGE thank you to Mommom for making the trip to help me there, and with a few things around the house this week!)

xo,
Heather

What we've been up to...

2011-06-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Mere and Pops came for a visit...

June 3-5, 2011

As did Nanny Zoo (we've tweaked her "name" a little), Uncle Colly, AND we had a quick visit with Nanny Pan and Mike at Mommom's house!! Phew! We've had a busy busy couple of weeks!!

Brent is doing well with work - traveling tons but budgeting time and getting into a little bit of a routine.

We've had a really wonderful time with family and are gearing up for some HUGE doses of extended family over the next month or so. (EXCITED!!!)

I have had a number of opportunities to assist other mothers in their plights to successfully pump for their little ones. I can only share my experiences, and am no expert...but am diligent, and honest and feel I have something to offer (and happily give freely) on this topic. In consequence, my blogging has suffered. (frowny face). I'll get back to it - but feel this is an area that demands some attention right now. If I can help one mom to get that "good stuff" to her baby just a little longer, it's well worth it!! It's amazing the amount of misinformation - or total lack of information - existing and even bombarding women out there - and much of it is from the medical community in spite of extensive and involved publications on the issue. Having said that, the sometimes over - inflated expectations of breastmilk are perhaps equally as amazing. I could go on...I am very thankful for the opportunity to share my story (pumping, NICU and parenting)and relish the idea that someone might benefit from any of it (even if it's just a good laugh...or a commiserating vent).

Back to our current activities...
We've been practicing ZUMBA (just like Mommom!) (I would like to direct your attention to "the Diva's" shoes - which are in fact David's shoes...which she has insisted on wearing for 2 full days now.):

We are at an absolute standstill with (pre) potty training (because let's not kid ourselves, the horizon of actual potty training is no. where. in. sight. and Mary Louise and David are proudly sporting size 4 diapers now!):

Other than that, yet another non-sleeping phase has begun. I am, under no circumstances, allowed to leave the room of Mary Louise and David. Seriously, Brent has made every attempt to give me a break on this, but Mary Louise (moreso than David) seems to have taken a turn toward "Mommy's girl" and is giving the concept a determined go. She has quite literally slept on my chest, kicked me in the boobs (this fact only made more awesome after all those gals have gone through over the past 2 years), kicked me in the face (yes, face) and sometimes slapped me with her froggie in the mouth (P.S. she too has decided that she cannot sleep without one...after 2 years of not caring) for about a week now. David, though he was sleeping sound at first, has had a rough couple of nights...

The consolation to all of this (well, sort of consolation) is that I've learned after over 2 years of this that a year of baby time is about like 5 to 10 minutes of adult time. Honestly, it feels that fast. At the absolute tippy top of my frustrations, a year may slow to feel like a week or so (is this making sense??) but otherwise zooms by so very quickly that I fear if I didn't have it written and recorded somewhere, I could effectively swear it didn't happen at all. In short, this too shall pass - faster than the speed of light. So, in my heart of hearts, I'm exhausted, but absolutely LOVING the snuggle time.

Upcoming event: our first visit to the pediatric dentist. Heaven help us all...

xo,
Heather

Impromptu

2011-06-01T18:20:00.000-07:00

Mary Louise and David have been making more and more progress with their expressive speech. Favorites this week (in no particular order) include (but certainly are not limited to)...

"zizshi" - Lizzie
"ow-tide" - outside
"tester" - Chester
"dada" - Daddy
"baba" - bottle
"bowl" - bowl
"dog" - dog
"cack" - cat
"Pop" - Pop
"Mommom" - Mommom
"Momma" - Mom
"Kyle" - Kyle
"uh dat" - What's that
"ball" - ball
"More" - more
"cado" - avocado
"hot" - hot

We work hard every day to add expressive words to their vocabulary. Regardless, they certainly pick up all that happens around them - and regularly surprise me...

While cooking dinner this evening, Mary Louise and David started talking up a storm...

We went to the local gymnastics place to try out a toddler Karate class this afternoon. You read right - Karate. Now let me explain...

I went last week to ask about toddler gym classes over the summer. They didn't have any options - I'm limited in classes as I'm one mom, with 2 toddlers, so the "mom and me" type classes are kind of out for us unless the instructor can take a baby all class - the offer has not been made available as of yet.

While there for the inquiry, I met the Karate instructor who told me he was just trying out a simple class for younger children - no sparring, no contact (I was assured - after multiple eye surgeries, the LAST thing I need is for Mary Louise or David to get knocked in the noggin thereby increasing their very real risk of retinal detachment). The classes were about hand eye coordination and balance. The enrollment was very low (uhem - 1) and I was allowed to try it out for free.

What did we have to loose??

In short, I'm quite sure David just isn't ready for the class atmosphere and structure. He wasn't just glued in utter panic to my chest but refused to even face forward for more than half of the time we were there. Once forward, he wanted NO part of communicating with the teacher directly. Mary Louise warmed to the idea with a little time - and would likely do well with a few lessons...but is still a bit immature for the whole thing. We'll try again in 6 months or so - maybe the fall when they start gym classes again.

xo,
Heather

Chance meeting

2011-06-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

I went to order a glass top for our dining table last week. Brent waited in the car while I ran into the store. Jolie and Kyle were home with the babies. About 30 minutes later, I made my way back to Brent - in tears no less...

I run past this place with the babies in tow multiple times weekly. When I walked in, the woman at the counter made the connection quickly, asked how old the babies were now, said how big they were getting, and we laughed as she told me she'd watched them grow through the window over the past year or so. Then of course, "the" question came...twins???

I smiled and said they were surviving triplets born very early. She thought for a moment, and gave me an understanding smile. Her adult son was born early years ago - and spent 45 days in the NICU. I knew that look - the genuine ache she felt for me and for herself - 2 members of a most unfortunate club. Then, with tears in her eyes, she told me one of the "boys in the back" (the warehouse) had a baby boy born at 23 weeks 6 days - and at the time, he was 3 days old.

I burst into tears, apologized, she took no notice, smiled and said the baby was only 1 pound 6 ounces.

I finally blurted out that the babies she'd watched all this time were just less than a week older in gestation than this new baby; that the size was the same as Mary Louise's birth weight. Ecstatic, the woman begged me to talk to the new dad - to reassure him - to give him some hope.

My heart absolutely ached for this new family - I felt as if I'd been punched as I remembered so vividly the morning of David's emergency surgery...he was 10 days old and still weighed less than a pound. We had already cradled our sweet Kuylen as his heart stopped beating in our arms. I pleaded with a higher power that David would come through the surgery and that I would one day be able to hold him. I desperately begged that our babies one day breath on their own - poop on their own - I said that we would be so very proud to have that much. SO PROUD to have kids that could toilet and breathe!! I also made a totally unrealistic but absolutely heartfelt request that we be the last - the last ones to be thrown into the NICU abyss...obviously not...

What on earth was I going to say to this man - who mind you had tried for 10 years with his wife to have children? What wisdom could I bestow? The answer? none. NONE! I gave him the same gift a NICU nurse gave to me - just after David's surgery...she asked, "How are you doing?" As I rattled off the week's stats on the babies like some sort of zombie, she put her hand on my arm and asked again - a little more forcefully - while pulling up a stool and guiding me towards it, "no, I said how are YOU doing?" It was the first time I really cried after having the babies. It had been almost 2 weeks. I was alone with this nurse in the NICU and I sobbed and sobbed while she stood quiet and smiled.

Sometimes, all that is needed is a pause. I let the man talk for awhile, gave him my number, invited him or his wife to call or come by anytime, and left. Regardless, they will be in my thoughts and I wish them the very best NICU experience (if there is such a thing) life has to offer - and may they be able to hold their sweet boy soon...

And all of this started with the order of a glass table top...

xo,
Heather

How does your garden grow?

2011-06-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

Our vegetable and herb gardens have taken off despite the rather devastating drought around here. We have been able to harvest many Japanese Eggplants and there are lots of tomatoes ripening on the vines. We are still waiting on the bell peppers and cucumbers, but the flowers are promising.

The babies have enjoyed it all - and are beginning to pick up with their eating once more. They LOVE Brent's eggplant medallions - lightly fried with a homemade bread crumb crust.

For Memorial day, we cooked a large pot of good old jambalaya and corn maque choux all from scratch using fresh veggies and herbs (from our garden when possible) and local meats. I never thought I'd get past the first taste with Mary Louise and David - who BEGGED for a little bite...3 bowls EACH later...I was very pleasantly surprised...

But they didn't stop there! Happy with their new found food freedom, they have requested a whole tomato (thanks to Nanny Zoo for bringing some GORGEOUS heirlooms over during her weekend visit!!)...

and also, have sampled loads of other treats and eats. (fresh berries, salads - all parts, hummus, crackers, cucumbers are a current favorite, and of course Mary Louise's beloved "cado" - avocado)- all in the past few days alone.

We are so very proud of our little guys for their open minds and use of autonomy with their eating. It's frustrating at times, but in the long run, they have well shown us that they know what is best for their bodies. Way to go (and grow) guys!! Let the yummy eating continue!

Washing down their snacks with a bit of organic apple juice - THANK YOU for making toddler sized juice boxes!! (note the diva's fashion statement of the day...socks and sandals...I'll blame that faux pas on Daddy! ha!)

xo,
Heather

Hard to believe...

2011-05-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

How far we've come...

Mary Louise on her birthday:

David on his:

and how much we've endured...and how absolutely blessed, heartbroken and amazed we've been...

around their first birthday:

I don't want to miss one second of right now...

David in March 2011:

From Feb to March 2011

Mary Louise in March 2011:

From Feb to March 2011

Still wonderfully in awe and totally in love...

From Feb to March 2011

xo,
Heather

Gently used...

2011-05-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

I visited my friendly neighborhood orthopedist again on Thursday. The EXCELLENT news?! Contrary to previous thought, my ankle is not broken! Even better than that? no more boot!!!

I finished out the week in physical therapy and am to try things out at home from here on out. I have a prescription for more therapy if necessary, but the doctor felt I could do things at my leisure as my range of motion is much better and my pain is minimal comparatively speaking. The ankle gets very stiff if I sit for too long - and is especially touchy in the mornings - but feels much better after a little movement. I've already done just under a 2 mile walk with little discomfort so I feel I'm on my way back to running - though I'm taking things rather easy so as not to have a replay of recent events. Over time, I should be able to get back to a "gently used" quality with my bum ankle...and that will just have to be good enough for me!

xo,
Heather

Accentuate the Positive!

2011-05-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, I woke early (with the babies of course). We went outside for morning play time. Always fidgeting, I started to pull weeds, ended up getting hedge trimmers out, trimmed the palms in the back, cleaned up, bathed 2 dogs, watered plants...

We came inside - very dirty - so we trumped upstairs. Mary Louise and David were bathed, then I finally got a bath myself!

Nap time...for everyone!

In between duties, I pumped...

In the afternoon, Brent came home so I ducked off to the gym for some ab and arm work. (Uhem - did I mention I did all of this with a super cumbersome, really heavy, ridiculously hot black walking boot on?? hmm?)

I came home, finished cooking dinner, helped with night bath time, and Brent and I got the wee ones to bed.

For all of the above, I deserve a theme song...even if just for the day...if I do say so myself. Suggestions??

xo,
Heather

Sing it out loud!

2011-05-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

Mary Louise has been practicing her (arm) dancing skills lately - and is really fascinated with the beautiful blonde singer in Asteroids Galaxy Tour - I put the video for their song "Golden Age" on the computer while I was pumping - and ended up having to play it 5 times before just picking Mary Louise up and bringing her downstairs. Too funny!Ironically, Mary Louise's boogie dance is pretty much what the singer does in the video...

xo,
Heather

Parkin' in Pajamas!

2011-05-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

Mary Louise and David have not had a fever since late last night!! They woke this morning ready and raring to go! Though in theory, they have been on antibiotics long enough to be non-contagious, we didn't want to chance passing strep along to our church family so we opted instead to have some time down at the lake...

No need for formal dress, we hopped in the car, grabbed breakfast and headed down to the playground along the water for some pajama play time!

We were there prior to 9am so the park was empty but for a few fishermen along the boardwalk. Mary Louise and David LOVED playing on the "big kid" stuff and went wild as we've been a bit couped up for a number of days. There were ducks resting along the grassy banks - ducks that didn't escape the wandering eye of a certain "Day-day" as he ran after them yelling "cack cack! cack cack!" with Mary Louise just behind him.

They also got to see a few fish flopping around as they were being plucked from the lake for the fishermen's dinner. (Mary Louise did not exactly appreciate the excitement of said fish and hugged my leg as David pointed with a grin).

All went well until David pointed at one of the (black) elderly fishermen and said (very clearly), "Dada?" We all laughed...ok - so Brent didn't think it was quite so hilarious...ok - maybe I was the only one who was so entertained. I thought it was a riot as David continued to point and said it 3 or 4 more times. The man just smiled and took it all in stride (well, I'm not entirely sure if he really caught what David was saying)...

We had a nice afternoon - almost fever free. The temps rose as bed time approached and the babies went to bed with minimal fuss.

This morning, there were 99's all round - day 4 of antibiotics for Mary Louise. All in all, they seem to be feeling better and better - though they get fatigued quite easily. This funk has surely knocked all of us down considerably...but not too far down...

I call this photo, "get outa my room, Love, Lizzie and Chester" (dang those dogs are good sports!)

***a sidenote: kennel bedding AND dogs are washed very often and are kept critter free - I promise - also, the whole playing in the kennel thing? not my idea...but as Mary Louise and David seem to enjoy it so, who am I to rain on their parade? (but as of this morning, they learned how to lock said kennel...from the inside...CPS, please understand - again, not my idea!***

Mary Louise has especially taken to "dressing up" lately. She found her dad's tool belt yesterday, stuffed a few "tools" in it, and set about tidying up the yard a bit - thank you sugar for your hard work!!

From Drop Box

I'm quite sure I've been honored with caring for, and nurturing an angel. May she spread her wings beautifully and fly into her vast potential...

And when all the work was done, Daddy was there to give the ultimate "good job" and snuggle...sweet girl may love her momma - but the sun rises and sets with this guy right here...

Happy Monday!!

xo,
Heather

The battle ensues...

2011-05-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

David began to run a low temperature on Thursday afternoon. Hoping for the best - but noting that gut feeling something just wasn't right, I dosed him with Motrin as his temp reached 100 F and called for a morning appointment with the pediatrician on Friday. His fever never broke and continued through the night. In the early morning hours, he began to whimper and seemed to have chills in his sleep.

We got up early and (thankfully, Fridays are usually a little more flexible for Brent) Brent watched Mary Louise while we headed to the doctor. A short assessment and throat culture later, David received his official diagnosis: Severe Strep. I opted for an injection to clear things a little quicker and talked the doctor into giving me a "just in case" script for Mary Louise...

Honestly, who am I kidding? I knew she'd get it - it was just a matter of when she would begin to show symptoms - seriously, there is not a surface, snack or sippie that gets through days at our house without being tasted, sampled or touched by BOTH Mary Louise and David.

The doctor said not to start the meds prophylactically with Mary Louise - but to wait until she had symptoms...I didn't have to wait long - she was running a temp when I got home with David.

They each had long naps yesterday, a rough night last night, and with me hobbling on this darn ankle, things are pretty rough around here this weekend...but we're hanging in there and getting to the end of the contagious phase for the babies.

David's fever FINALLY broke during his nap this morning after reaching a staggering 102.7 temporal reading this morning. Mary Louise hangs out around 101, then drops to 99, then back up and so on. Hers did drop to normal readings with the last dose of Tylenol...or Motrin - whatever we're on now...

I have begun PT for my ankle and it seems to be helping an awful lot so far. I'll find out Thursday if the ankle is actually fractured. Right now, it is diagnosed as a "severe sprain" (we obviously don't doing anything half way in this house right?!)

In the meantime, "Old blacky" and I have found some common ground and are playing nice...

xo,
Heather

Musings and goings on...

2011-05-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

So we've started to use "time-out" here in an effort to break up the various tiffs and assist in redirecting attention when necessary. You be the judge of our "success"...

Monday: Mary Louise bites David's hand. I put Mary Louise in time out (nose to the corner) for a count of 10. She giggles...the whole time. Afterward, I ask if she'd like to give David "a love" to say she's sorry for hurting him. She shyly walks toward David, they touch foreheads (because they still think that "love" is to receive a kiss on the forehead so that is what they offer one another - ha! David giggles and thinks the whole routine looks rather fun. He takes a turn in the corner, gives Mary Louise love, and she takes another turn. They go to play...

Monday night: When "Dada" gets home, they immediately run to the corner to demonstrate their new game...lots of giggles and loves...

Tuesday: David has a little trouble with hitting - gets put in time out twice. Still laughing...

Tuesday bath time: David and Mary Louise spontaneously erupt into a full-fledged "game" of "Time out" - for no particular reason. As they are in the shower (because they LOVE their toddler shower attachment now), I get to look at 2 very cute baby bums as they press their noses into the tile walls with glee. They even started to "count" which consisted of very loudly saying, "dada, dada, dada, adda, adda, bub, adda, hehehe".

To get their attention, I pinched Mary Louise on her back side and made a squeaky noise at the same time. She thought THIS was so funny that for the rest of shower time, she alternated sticking her duff in my face, squeaking, and putting her nose against the wall while "counting".

Wednesday: We played outside an awful lot and went on a 2.75 mile run / walk with Lizzie girl - who did NOT appreciate the distance one bit - she collapsed on the cool(er) wood floors as soon as we walked in the door. She is used to going about 2 miles with me and has done very well getting back into shape, BUT with her age and general physique, I'm thinking we've found her ideal walking distance...

During the afternoon, my, uhem, foot incident happened. The aches, pains and awkwardness of the whole walking boot thing have turned out to be no joke at all. I am certainly wondering how in the world I'll get myself back up to snuff after this one...but know that given a sliver of opportunity, I'll take it and run with it (literally). That's the plan anyhow. PT to start on Wednesday.

Thursday and Friday are a bit of a blur involving x-rays, and ortho visit and packing to attend Uncle Kyle's college graduation. Congratulations to Mommom who, as of next weekend will have 5 children who have a minimum of 1 Bachelor's degree a piece. Ultimately, if all goes to plan, she will have at least a pHd / lawyer, nurse, MD, business man, and a lawyer for kiddos. Not too shabby.

We are currently watching the flooding of the south very closely - we are from here, we live here and we have countless family and friends here...

(half of this post is from the "lost" blogger post that seems to have reappeared since the big shut down...)

xo,
Heather

Accidents happen.

2011-05-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday evening, Mary Louise and David were playing, I was sitting for just a minute, Brent went to run a few errands. Mary Louise and David began to fuss over a toy, I got up quickly, not noticing the toddler Lego strategically placed (I swear) on its side. I stepped on said Lego, it rolled just fine - so did my ankle. 36 hours later, I sat at the orthopedists' office awaiting the results from my x-rays...

Possible break - but we have to wait another 2 weeks until the swelling goes down and the bone begins to heal to tell if it is in fact a break for sure...definitely a very bad sprain. The doctor kept asking how I was getting around - the answer? painfully - but with 2 / 2 year olds, movement is in fact necessary.

PT to begin next week. No running for a minimum of 6 weeks - likely longer. I am in a walking brace for at least 6 weeks- and just so you know, walking in a walking brace is a ridiculous task - if you'd like to try it, just tie and cinder block to one foot and see how far you get...then try to scale stairs...

In short, this stinks - and in the middle of summer, I'd say it's very likely to stink both literally and figuratively before too long - and on the vanity side of things, apparently it's not such an easy task to dress for a walking brace (oh don't even get me started on shoes!)

Oh - and I had a fun post written but Blogger has apparently had some significant issues over the past couple of days and my post got "lost". Looks as if I'll have to do some recreating over the next few days...poo.

xo,
Heather

It's on!

2011-05-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

The fits that is...

Mary Louise and David have long mastered the art of throwing fits - that's old news - they started that mess oh about the time they were born (and possibly before...) (see NICU stories about David letting his nurses know that he didn't particularly appreciate being wet or stinky while in his isolette - even while intubated...). But lately, things have gotten wild!

David is a head banger. I'm not even close to joking. I'd love to say that he's one that just does it for show -but when he hit his head on the old claw foot tub the other day because I didn't hold him (I put him down for exactly 5 and a half seconds to use the bathroom for goodness sake!), well, let's just say that his show consists of the aftermath of forehead bruises. Sweet boy - the pedi told us to try to ignore him and put him on a carpet somewhere. He does eventually come around - and usually wants a good snuggle - but I just wish I could keep him from getting set off in the first place. (But that's the golden question of all parents with tantrum throwing head banging kiddos right?)

Mary Louise on the other hand is true to her humor. Today, while in the midst of her biggest tantrum to date, she stopped, took a breath, smiled, squeezed my nose and said, "booooonk!" then went right back to screaming like a banchee and kicking her little legs. She was simply tired - and wanted her night night baba. (I was just trying to finish up her bath).

We'll eventually find our common ground I'm sure - peppered in between the "I wants", super fits, falls, trips, and all out giggle fests.

Just going through a rough couple of days...and the icing on the cake was last night when David projectile vomited his dinner down my front, the wall and the last 7 steps on the stairs. In a situation like that, all I can do is smile, sigh, grab the Clorox wipes and think of how I'm actually pretty impressed with that little guy's Exorcist type clearance!

xo,
Heather

The Budding Artists - take 2!

2011-05-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

Mary Louise and David have officially experienced finger painting...the experience was also shared with my hair, our cars, our house, the back porch, their slides, a few plants, Chester, and Lizzie (who moved back in with us after the house next door was robbed) - oh and finally with my good pal The Magic Eraser!

In other exciting news...we have - a pigtail!!!!

Some days, she even sports 2! And can I just say that I'm pretty sure she keeps an extra stash of sass up there - With her tummy out, and hands in dainty mode - there is no stopping this princess from strutting her stuff (and those curly cue pig tails) proudly!

David is hanging in there with his shoes - we give him lots of breaks which seems to help a bit. It doesn't matter how long he wears those things - or what we do to dress them up, he HATES them from the time they are donned to the time they are removed...I'm waiting for him to start hiding them - ha! They do seem to be helping a bit though so we'll keep at it!

xo,
Heather

ON the charts!!!

2011-04-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

That's right! We had our 24 month check up yesterday. Mary Louise is a whopping 22 pounds and 32 inches long. David is 20 pounds and 32 and a half inches long (my slim little guy!). Overall we were told "they look great and are continuing to grow slowly - but growth is growth and there is no concern at this time". Mary Louise is now in the 5th percentile for height and weight while David is in the 5th percentile for height. That's right folks! We's on the REAL charts now!! I mean the one for those "normie" families. What what?! Though I've always said that there is no real normal - I swear a caught a whiff of the elusive beast as I was told these kiddos were doing just fine...and can I just say it was a breath I needed.

Of course we can't relax too much - just as the initial high was hitting, we began to discuss David's walking - or toe walking to be exact. It's become a problem - especially with the continued issues of scar tissue and callous formation on his right heel. But above all, it's simply a habit now. We constantly tell him to "put his foot down". He does, but it takes concentration for him - as soon as something diverts his attention away (like .5 seconds later), he springs up on his toes and takes off. The mounding concern is that his ligaments and Achilles tendon might begin to shorten over time. This would minimal require intensive therapy and maximally require surgery (a very very painful surgery - even by the surgeon's disconnected standards!) I do exercises with his heels regularly - and again, he CAN drop them if and when he chooses...but this does not negate the fact that he is on his toes a good 85% of the time.

So, the doctor who's feathers never ruffle - the one who remains calm even when I'm ranting like a lunatic and in tears because he told me to "let them cry" if I wanted to get more sleep (umm - we're getting more sleep these days - and I've never let them cry by the way - it may have taken 2 years, but my conscience is clear...of that battle anyhow). That doctor who simply does not get concerned, is in fact very concerned.

The consequence of concern? CORRECTIVE SHOES. dun dun dunnnnnnnnn...better non-invasive now that terribly invasive later...better to let go of the "cool factor" just a little for the greater good...yeah - just as David what he thinks of his new kicks...

From Drop Box

not. a. fan.

In fact, my little grump pitched a fit that started in the store and dragged out through the morning, after nap time, and until I desperately strapped he and Mary Louise in the car and drove to the one park I can take them to alone - the one that has a secure fence with a gate around the entire play area. In addition, when Mary Louise stepped in one of those oddly placed puddles (you know - the ones that seem to come out of no where and have super muddy, warm and slightly smelly water that hangs on for dear life no matter how much you drag your soiled foot through the grass...that kind of puddle?), I did what anyone would do - marched both babies right over to the splash park and let them go to town in the fountains. Honestly, those clothes were destined to get wet in the washer - what the heck difference does it make if they are still inhabited when the cycle begins?? I removed David's cursed new friends when we returned to the car - because in my opinion, 5 to 6 hours of wear for day one is quite enough thank you! He transformed immediately into my sweet sweet (and just slightly grumpy) little momma's boy once more.

Other than that, things are going well. David's weight is obviously down a little. Reflux seems to have returned to our house - or more to the point, returned to David. He's put on a pretty impressive projectile display 2 night this week already. So, after at least 6 weeks of no medications, we've reluctantly started a very low night dose of Zantac once more. As with everything else, this too shall pass and we will sit, watch and patiently wait for the next time...

More birthday posts and photos to come!! And just wait until you see what the little artists have been up to (thanks to a particular Auntie Zoo we know and love!)!

xo,
Heather

Happy birthday little ones! (part one)

2011-04-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

And now for my 500th post!!! Happy birthday to my darlings - Mary Louise, David and angel Kuylen. May you all have a beautiful day!

David's eye is looking much better this morning. We did go to Urgent Care yesterday, antibiotics (Augmentin) were prescribed and started. The swelling has gone down significantly and we've been cleared to spend the day at the zoo!! It is thought that the swelling was more than likely caused by an allergic reaction - but the small possibility of cellulitis in his lid, coupled with his ROP history - and the fact that his left eye which had cryotherapy and is a bit weaker in muscular strength than his right - warranted the antibiotics - just to be safe. Mary Louise is showing no signs of a problem and neither are Brent or myself.

Must run - we are about to leave - but didn't want to leave everyone "hanging" for another day.

All is well, and we are forever grateful for the prayers and birthday wishes.

xo,
Heather

awesome...

2011-04-18T05:07:00.000-07:00

Up way to late AND way too early with David who, this morning, is showing some rather definitive signs of pink eye. Oh. My. Gosh. Not really what I had in mind for their pending birthday - again - read below about best laid plans. Ha - just when I think I have things figured out, life happens.

Will post later about our Urgent Care visit which is BOUND to be exciting. Wish us luck PLEASE! (and send happy thoughts that the whole family doesn't get the eye funk before all is said and done!)

xo,
Heather

In the week ahead...

2011-04-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

Reading and Talking...

Keep Away with an Angry David...

Enjoy!!

Lots of things happening around here all the time. Mary Louise and David seem to grasp the pronunciation of more words each day. Mary Louise is even putting 2 word phrases together now - "Hi Dada!" "What's this?" - and mumbles things constantly. David is experimenting with his voice with lots and lots of inflection (read as yelling) and echoing.

In climbing news, we've had to pull all of the chairs away from the dining room table as Mary Louise and David scale that thing within seconds if the chairs are available as a step. They climb on things like our storage chest coffee table regularly and are really starting to master the stairs. While holding on with one hand, Mary Louise has begun to alternate her feet while climbing the stairs - typically a late 2 / early 3 year old skill. David has begun to stand upright while climbing the stairs and holding on with one hand - though sometimes he still reverts to crawling them to get ahead of Mary Louise!

We are celebrating their SECOND birthday on Tuesday!!!! Can you believe it?!!!! That's 2 years of worry, 2 years of sleepless nights, 2 years of milestones, 2 years of more surprise, heartache, love, shock and awe than I EVER could have imagined! (oh and if I may just slide this in....2 years of playing nice with my dear friend Medela and their Pump in Style pumping system - and to think that when I registered for the thing, I had it in my thick skull that I would simply breastfeed 3 babies and not have to use such contraption! pft. best laid plans...)

We have a big week ahead of us - birthday on Tuesday, then Easter and Kuylen's day are one in the same this year.

Much more to come in the week ahead.

xo,
Heather

Hey! You! Get off of my cloud!

2011-04-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

I've said (many many) times before that I must have some sort of permanent sign on my forehead that everyone but me can see. The sign says, "I care. You can tell me." Even though most of the time I honestly don't (care) and would in fact prefer that you (that odd stranger in my path of vision locking eyes with me then darting back and forth between me and the babies) did not share what happens to be floating through your mind at this very second.

(I'll take a wild stab at what it is though - you want to announce, "TWINS???" in a really excited, all knowing kind of way. Then you want me to acknowledge your infinite intelligence with a minimum of a pat on the back and approving nod. But really you'd prefer to tell me about how your brother's cousin's sister in law's great grandmother had twins and that those twins are now 42...and a half. You'd also like to proclaim that you've observed that I have a boy AND a girl and isn't that just the most perfect thing in the world and you're so glad that I "got it all done in one shot" and "won't be having any more children" - because really, it's within your power and right to make that decision for me.)

So obviously, this has happened - oh I don't know - about 1053 times and though I've gotten pretty used to the Tourettes-ish tick that overcomes people and makes them explode into over-aggressive beasts poking at me with sticks shouting TWINS TWINS!!! (ok - that last bit is a little exaggerated - but I did have a lady physically pull on my arm the other day because, rather than pausing in a good conversation with Brent, I simply ignored her...) I keep my cool most of the time and have only been outright rude once or twice...ok maybe twice - or 4 times, whatever. If there's an opening, I'll say they are surviving triplets. If they ask if they are identical, I'll say no most of the time - and the times I don't simply say no, I gently point out that they are in fact a boy and a girl. Only twice have I felt pushed enough to point out that, sure, a boy and a girl can in fact be identical - except for those pesky genitalia that seem to get in the way.

I understand that people are curious - that babies are cute and beg to be ogled. I know that my chip comes from our particular experience, from the fact that no matter what, I see 3 and others see 2. I get that. My ache is my own. I just can't, for the life of me understand why so many people seem to regularly display a complete and utter lack of self reflection. Seriously.

So the point...or the actual happenstance that has brought me to rant and ooze sarcasm at an all new level...

We (Mary Louise, David and I) went to the mall this afternoon. I rarely (as in almost never) go there anymore - and really, today's experience didn't help at all. I only needed one thing - and couldn't find a free shipping coupon online so I opted to simply run into the store, grab, purchase and be on my merry way. The day was gorgeous. Mary Louise and David were in great moods and I knew I could squeeze a 15 or 20 minute mall excursion into our day before their fussy time hit.

We strolled to the store and just before we entered, a man came up to us - young - probably late 20's...he worked at one of the stands in the middle - some sort of uber classy hair extension place.

He announced, "Hey! Thems twins?? I gots twins - girl I gots to see them!" So I smiled, turned the stroller so he could take a look - see. "2 girls?" He said. (a little miffed as they were dressed in, to me, obvious boy / girl clothing and let's face it, David is a stinkin' cute little boy - but would be all sorts of awkward and off if he were a girl!) "No," I replied, "a boy and a girl."

"Oh! I gots that too! You done then! No more for you! Girl, I don't want no more - especially girls. I don't want no more 'dem girls. They crazy."

"You have no idea." I thought to myself as I calmed my insides and managed a smile while saying, "actually, we thought we might have 5 or 6 more." He paid no attention and went on with his story...

"My girl's all sassy and say hello to everybody. My boy don't say nothing to no one. Kind of like yours." He noticed Mary Louise grinning and David glaring.

"At first I thought about having another boy...cuz like I says, I don't want no more girls." (Obviously, he felt he could easily choose the sex of the hypothetical baby - who am I to correct him on biology?) "But instead I gots snipped." ("Awesome, we've reached an all new level of TMI with the public." I thought as he demonstrated what "snipped" meant by scisoring 2 fingers in the air around his nether regions - I needed that visual.)

"Yep - I gots snipped - but I thought about having one more boy..." (here comes the kicker) "you know, just in case my boy turns out to be gay or some sort of druggie, or dies or something. I'd have a replacement." (don't worry, he didn't stop there)

"Maybe that's wrong to say..." (I stood there, mouth open. I thought about giving a run down of our story, of our Kuylen and stopped short of starting - it would be wasted on such a moron. Seriously. I'm pretty sure I stopped breathing - and may have resorted to beating him with my purse- but I hadn't brought one in...) "But you know, I just wanted my boy and girl."

I paused a little longer, the squeaked out, "Ok, I'm going to move on now."

"Ok girl! Bye!" He called as I rushed off.

Tears welled as I left the mall - as I thought of cradling Kuylen in the NICU begging his body to heal so we could just bring some part of him home, staring into thick plastic and surrounded by machines at such a tiny broken baby boy. How fleeting life can be - and how lucky I am to know it.

I called Brent. "Oh Heather, I don't know how you find these people!" he said. "But there is a bright side...he may be an insensative and shallow idiot - but he did have enough sense to do the world a favor and get "snipped!""

"Best. point. ever. punkin!" I said as I took a breath and sank back into my world and pushed the moment with dummy out of my mind. My 2 precious HEALTHY babies in the back seat singing away...

xo,
Heather

apologies for the interruption...

2011-04-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

So, the wee ones had a wonderful time yesterday...but my computer, well, didn't...in short, I have ordered a new one and should be back up and running in a week or so. I have a blog in progress and will try to finish it - a fussy story really - but my internet time is very limited so, I'm not sure when it'll be finished.

At any rate, I'll be back soon!!

xo,
Heather

Our Budding Artists

2011-04-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

Mary Louise and David are officially in love - with 2 things...seaweed salad (a fairly odd eaters' post is on the brink) and coloring!

Apparently, when colors are concerned, nothing is off limits and absolutely EVERYTHING just NEEDS that little touch of "something" only Mary Louise and David can provide...

Looking for his next canvas:

The manlift it is! (I mentioned we're having the house painted right?? - wildness going on around here!)

Mary Louise was too busy with her ENORMOUS project to bother looking at Mommy!

A closeup of sweet lady ML's work (this would be the side of our house - at least it was PRIOR to the painting - and at any rate, the chalk washes off very easily - it's those darn permanent markers they keep finding that can be a bit stubborn!):

xo,
Heather

The little Monkeys

2011-03-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

I know I've said it about 100 times before, but Mary Louise and David are absolutely some of the most determined and avid climbers I've ever seen. They have uncanny flexibility and upper body strength - and boy, do they every use both!

The First Toddle play mat / gym has come in quite handy - especially on dreary or cold days when we just can't play outside. It has grown with them and I've changed the form a number of times to keep things interesting for the babies.

Today, while I was doing my mid day pump, they busied themselves...David was the spectator most of the time - as was I when I realized just what the little Miss was up to...

xo,
Heather

A little left of center...

2011-03-30T19:30:00.000-07:00

Well, we've reached all new levels of sleep deprivation in this house. It may be more aptly described as all new levels of activity - thereby causing more severe exhaustion...and you know Mary Louise and David aren't sleeping any MORE than usual - so...in short, Brent and I are, well, tired.

Brent's new job is going well. He's still getting a feel for things and working out a routine. That will take some time - months - but he has been received incredibly well and I've noticed a grin or 2 that might not have been there before. We get to see him most mornings now which is something I haven't had since, well, pretty much since Brent graduated from college! ha!

We are having quite a bit of maintenance done on the house right now too - early morning painters started coming today. We are having an interior room painted as well as the exterior of the house. Some carpentry work is being done too as a few spots of siding and a window sill or 2 need some repairs. It's definitely busy around here - but we're excited to get these projects done and behind us...

It has been difficult - to put it mildly - just to get contractors to show up for the jobs however. So I've been on the phone quite a bit getting quotes and assessors to our house for work. Mary Louise and David have been wildly patient with the whole thing - grinning (or hiding) when workers come by, and for the most part staying out of harms' way while people work.

Mary Louise has developed quite a little pseudo mommy role around here. She gives David tissue to blow his nose. Today, she attempted to clean his ears after his bath - and wipe his mouth after he ate. I've posted photos before of her "chatting" on the phone but the other day she just out did herself when she attempted to imitate what I was doing - talking on the phone with an ink pen in hand. I've got to hand it to that girl - she doesn't miss much! She got things *almost* right - but instead of a phone, she said, "hello" into the baby monitor...and instead of an ink pen, she perched a tampon at the corner of her mouth in the "I'm thinking" position.

(it's ok - go ahead and read that last bit again)

This evening, Brent and I were cleaning the kitchen after supper - in an exhausted stupor. I was collecting my blessed horns (the equipment for pumping), when Brent announced, "ok, I'm gonna go pump and go to bed."

Oh Brent - you have no idea how many times I've wished that could be the case - just for a little while!

Here's hoping for a good night's sleep, and a perky and "with it" tomorrow!!

xo,
Heather

MaMere's photos

2011-03-28T06:19:00.000-07:00

From our recent visit...

March visit 2011

xo,
Heather

to grandmother's house we go!!

2011-03-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

pretty typical car ride with the babies...

We had a very long - but really good ride to MaMere and Pop's house today! Looking forward to a wonderful visit!

xo,
Heather

and CHECK!

2011-03-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

Mary Louise and David had their LAST Synagis shot today!!!! AHHH!! this moment has been 2 years in the making! I'm thrilled and nervous about truly being "cut loose" of just about all of our day to day - or month to month preemie ties. We are going for wellness check ups with the pedi next month (ummm - can you believe these guys will be 2. years. old?!?!) - but we haven't been (for wellness)since Mary Louise and David were 18 months old. We'll see the cardiologist in a couple of years, the opthamologist in a year, and the audiologist in a year - but otherwise, we are truly done done done with the physical "extras"!!! (note***their expressive speech is still notably behind and therapy may or may not be recommended, but as I've said before, we'll cross that bridge if needed...)

Brent worked the morning in his home office and was done early enough this afternoon to accompany us to the park and fountain by the lake. Mary Louise and David had a BLAST!!! The weather has been gorgeous and we've been making very good use of our back yard play area (thank you for the millionth time to Mere and Pop!!) but sometimes, a field trip is just in order...

xo,
Heather