As most of you know, my SIL has been watching the kids all year. We agreed it would be for one year and she has done a great job.
The kids were supposed to start "real" daycare on February 1st but we've decided to push it up and they are now starting January 3rd.
I'm so excited (and nervous) for the twins. I know they are ready. They need more activity and stimulation than running errands with my SIL during the day. They need to be with kids their age. They need to learn.
And, if you currently have a child in daycare, you also know the cost. We've been bracing for this. $2,200 per month. OUCH!
We can do it but we are going to need to stay disciplined and on a tight budget. I'm talking $20 leftover out of each paycheck after all of the bills and essentials are paid. Double OUCH!
The twins have made some great strides over the last week with eating. They have successfully (and willingly) eaten chicken nuggets (whole grain breaded), diced chicken breast, meatloaf, Kraft mac 'n cheese and a 1/4 cheeseburger.
They are also learning how to drink out of a cup (without the sippy part). We have some work to do on that one.
Uh oh - naptime is over.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Updates
I have a few minutes while the twins are napping so I thought I'd make an appearance!
Thanksgiving went well. As I mentioned in my last post, we ordered dinner from Wegmans. It was good but didn't really save much time as far as getting the food to the table. It still took about 2 1/2 hours to heat everything but it accomplished what I wanted - spending more time with my family.
We've all been fighting "the funk" for the last month. I started with a cold that turned into a sinus infection and tonsilitis in early November. Yeah, I know. Who gets tonsiliits besides 10 year olds, right? One round of antibiotics didn't do anything and I ended up with bronchitis. So, basically, I was on antibiotics the whole month of November. I am feeling better now except I still have little bit of a cough.
The kids have been trading colds. I try to protect them from each other but let's face it. They swap spit on all of their toys so it's a lost cause.
We had an adult night out last night for DH's company Christmas party. It was a very fancy event and I even got to buy a new dress for it. It was nice to get out by ourselves but we're not the party animals we used to be. By 10:00, we were falling asleep and called it a night. That's how we roll these days.
The kids are doing great and hitting milestones left and right.
Kendall is so, so close to walking but she's not quite confident enough yet. She's a mad woman with her walker and she loves to walk holding our fingers but she's still very hesitant if you try to let go. She has taken 2-3 steps if DH and I sit on the floor and have her walk between us.
Christopher has been walking for about 2 months and he's all over the place. He is now starting to climb, which presents its own set of challenges. He pulls himself up on the ottoman and jumps off the other side. He can climb on the couch if he gets the right leverage.
They both have 8 teeth now - 4 up top and 4 on the bottom.
We are in full-on finger foods now although it's still hit or miss on what they will eat. So far, pancakes, waffles bananas, wheat bread and grilled cheese are a hit every time. They did have some mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and turkey on Thanksgiving. We have also tried eggs, most veggies and some fruit (they don't like the texture of some fruit like peaches). They are still eating the jarred 3rd foods but I always introduce "real" food first and then supplement with the jarred. They have been on cow's milk for about 3 weeks. Christopher transitioned well but Kendall has been battling constipation off and on. I just bought some pear juice so I'll try to give her that once/day along with some other fiber-rich foods and fruits.
They are both becoming much more interactive. They will both pretend like they are talking on the phone if I say "hello"? I even caught Christopher "talking" into a phone. He just kept saying "Da" and "Yeah". Christopher is saying "no" and I swear he's saying "Mmmm, good" when he eats. Kendall isn't saying any words that I can recognize yet but she definitely understands. She loves this sock monkey doll she got for her birthday and she will go and find it if I ask where it is. We also play the "give me something so I say thank you and give it back to you" game.
Well, nap time is over. Gotta run.
Thanksgiving went well. As I mentioned in my last post, we ordered dinner from Wegmans. It was good but didn't really save much time as far as getting the food to the table. It still took about 2 1/2 hours to heat everything but it accomplished what I wanted - spending more time with my family.
We've all been fighting "the funk" for the last month. I started with a cold that turned into a sinus infection and tonsilitis in early November. Yeah, I know. Who gets tonsiliits besides 10 year olds, right? One round of antibiotics didn't do anything and I ended up with bronchitis. So, basically, I was on antibiotics the whole month of November. I am feeling better now except I still have little bit of a cough.
The kids have been trading colds. I try to protect them from each other but let's face it. They swap spit on all of their toys so it's a lost cause.
We had an adult night out last night for DH's company Christmas party. It was a very fancy event and I even got to buy a new dress for it. It was nice to get out by ourselves but we're not the party animals we used to be. By 10:00, we were falling asleep and called it a night. That's how we roll these days.
The kids are doing great and hitting milestones left and right.
Kendall is so, so close to walking but she's not quite confident enough yet. She's a mad woman with her walker and she loves to walk holding our fingers but she's still very hesitant if you try to let go. She has taken 2-3 steps if DH and I sit on the floor and have her walk between us.
Christopher has been walking for about 2 months and he's all over the place. He is now starting to climb, which presents its own set of challenges. He pulls himself up on the ottoman and jumps off the other side. He can climb on the couch if he gets the right leverage.
They both have 8 teeth now - 4 up top and 4 on the bottom.
We are in full-on finger foods now although it's still hit or miss on what they will eat. So far, pancakes, waffles bananas, wheat bread and grilled cheese are a hit every time. They did have some mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and turkey on Thanksgiving. We have also tried eggs, most veggies and some fruit (they don't like the texture of some fruit like peaches). They are still eating the jarred 3rd foods but I always introduce "real" food first and then supplement with the jarred. They have been on cow's milk for about 3 weeks. Christopher transitioned well but Kendall has been battling constipation off and on. I just bought some pear juice so I'll try to give her that once/day along with some other fiber-rich foods and fruits.
They are both becoming much more interactive. They will both pretend like they are talking on the phone if I say "hello"? I even caught Christopher "talking" into a phone. He just kept saying "Da" and "Yeah". Christopher is saying "no" and I swear he's saying "Mmmm, good" when he eats. Kendall isn't saying any words that I can recognize yet but she definitely understands. She loves this sock monkey doll she got for her birthday and she will go and find it if I ask where it is. We also play the "give me something so I say thank you and give it back to you" game.
Well, nap time is over. Gotta run.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Gearing Up for the Holidays
Halloween is over and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. THIS is my time of year!
I will admit I had to do some soul-searching this year. I love to cook and Thanksgiving is like the SuperBowl of holidays for me. I have done Thanksgiving dinner for my family every year for the last 12 years.
And, I love it!
But, this year? I had to be realistic. I am now Mommy to 13 month old twins. And, while I try to present myself as Super Woman on a daily basis, I had to come to terms with the fact that I just don't have the time to do it this year.
Sure, I could stay up until 11:00 pm every night to get everything prepared and I could spend all of Thanksgiving Day in the kitchen but, when it comes down to it?
Spending the day with my family and my kids is more important than cooking.
Sorry, Rachel Ray. But, it is.
So, we're having dinner catered by Wegman's this year. And, I'll eat it knowing that my dinner would have been better but seeing my kids eat mashed potatoes and green beans at their first "real" Thanksgiving will be worth it.
I'm thankful for so many things this year. This time last year? Kendall was coming home from the hospital after the meningitis nightmare. I beam with pride and tears in my eyes when I look at her. She is a thriving, happy little girl and thank God, that whole ordeal is just a memory now.
We're gearing up for the holiday season in the "B" house. And, loving every minute of it!
I will admit I had to do some soul-searching this year. I love to cook and Thanksgiving is like the SuperBowl of holidays for me. I have done Thanksgiving dinner for my family every year for the last 12 years.
And, I love it!
But, this year? I had to be realistic. I am now Mommy to 13 month old twins. And, while I try to present myself as Super Woman on a daily basis, I had to come to terms with the fact that I just don't have the time to do it this year.
Sure, I could stay up until 11:00 pm every night to get everything prepared and I could spend all of Thanksgiving Day in the kitchen but, when it comes down to it?
Spending the day with my family and my kids is more important than cooking.
Sorry, Rachel Ray. But, it is.
So, we're having dinner catered by Wegman's this year. And, I'll eat it knowing that my dinner would have been better but seeing my kids eat mashed potatoes and green beans at their first "real" Thanksgiving will be worth it.
I'm thankful for so many things this year. This time last year? Kendall was coming home from the hospital after the meningitis nightmare. I beam with pride and tears in my eyes when I look at her. She is a thriving, happy little girl and thank God, that whole ordeal is just a memory now.
We're gearing up for the holiday season in the "B" house. And, loving every minute of it!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Fall 2010
I only have a few minutes but wanted to check in real quick. Everyone is doing great.
A few highlights:
For Halloween, the kids were a puppy and kitty. Christopher wouldn't keep his hat on.
Playing in the leaves:
A few highlights:
- Christopher is walking - everywhere.
- Kendall took her first steps the other day
- Neither is really talking yet - still saying nonsense words like "da do" and "mm ba". I'm sure they mean something but I haven't figured it out
- They both love containers and putting things in them. They got an activity cube for their birthday and Christopher thinks it is his personal safe. One day, I couldn't find his sippy cup and it was in the cube.
For Halloween, the kids were a puppy and kitty. Christopher wouldn't keep his hat on.
Playing in the leaves:
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
I'm sorry, I'm sorry
Yes, I'm a crappy blogger. Heck, I don't even know if anyone is still reading this or if you all gave up on me?
Or, if my stories are even entertaining at this point?
Well, just in case anyone is still reading... here's what has been going on over the last 3 weeks.
1) Both kids have had back-to-back-to-back colds. I can't believe how quickly the season started. It seems like things are getting better and then literally, one day later, we're all runny, snotty noses again.
2) The twins turned ONE on October 4th. Everything went fine. I decided to only invite family because I live in a townhouse and let's face it... no one likes to sit on anyone's lap. It was still quite a crowd with 13 adults and 5 kids. Here's a few pics from the day:
Handmade banner made by me
What can I say? I have learned to become very, very productive during a 2-hour nap:
I did a Sock Monkey theme:
And... of course we had cake:
Other than that, things have been as hectic as usual. They had their 12-month check-up this morning and both are doing great. They are both charting in the 50-75 percentile on the 12-month growth chart, which is amazing for being 2 month preemies.
Developmentally, I think they are right on track. Christopher is walking. Not for long stretches but he can take 6-8 steps before falling down. He has also become quite a ham. No matter what he's doing, if he sees a camera, he stops, turns to the camera and smiles. Seriously... look:
Kendall is also doing quite well. She is cruising and started crawling about 2 months ago. She knows how to give a kiss and is constantly talking. She's still saying "Da Da" alot with a few "Mmm ba" and "Da Doooo's" mixed in.
The kids are definitely interacting more. Their favorite game is to chase plastic balls around on the hardwood floor. Kendall also likes to be chased so she'll try to egg Christopher on and then crawl away quickly to see if he follows.
They also play Hide 'n Seek in the living room curtains.
Life with twins is exciting, exhausting, rewarding, exhausting, and oh yeah, exhausting.
And, I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Or, if my stories are even entertaining at this point?
Well, just in case anyone is still reading... here's what has been going on over the last 3 weeks.
1) Both kids have had back-to-back-to-back colds. I can't believe how quickly the season started. It seems like things are getting better and then literally, one day later, we're all runny, snotty noses again.
2) The twins turned ONE on October 4th. Everything went fine. I decided to only invite family because I live in a townhouse and let's face it... no one likes to sit on anyone's lap. It was still quite a crowd with 13 adults and 5 kids. Here's a few pics from the day:
Handmade banner made by me
What can I say? I have learned to become very, very productive during a 2-hour nap:
I did a Sock Monkey theme:
Other than that, things have been as hectic as usual. They had their 12-month check-up this morning and both are doing great. They are both charting in the 50-75 percentile on the 12-month growth chart, which is amazing for being 2 month preemies.
Developmentally, I think they are right on track. Christopher is walking. Not for long stretches but he can take 6-8 steps before falling down. He has also become quite a ham. No matter what he's doing, if he sees a camera, he stops, turns to the camera and smiles. Seriously... look:
Kendall is also doing quite well. She is cruising and started crawling about 2 months ago. She knows how to give a kiss and is constantly talking. She's still saying "Da Da" alot with a few "Mmm ba" and "Da Doooo's" mixed in.
The kids are definitely interacting more. Their favorite game is to chase plastic balls around on the hardwood floor. Kendall also likes to be chased so she'll try to egg Christopher on and then crawl away quickly to see if he follows.
They also play Hide 'n Seek in the living room curtains.
Life with twins is exciting, exhausting, rewarding, exhausting, and oh yeah, exhausting.
And, I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
11 Days
Good Lord - has it really been 2 weeks since I last posted? I really don't know where the days go.
Things here have been going well. Let's see... what's been going on?
My sister had their 2nd child on September 12th - Lucas Michael. I was so happy that I was able (and allowed) to be there for his birth. I am absolutely ecstatic that we have another little boy in the family and especially that Christopher will have a buddy as they grow up.
The twins have both been fighting colds over the last week. Christopher started with a runny nose last Monday and then Kendall started Wednesday. She actually ran a fever with hers so I was home with her Wednesday-Thursday last week.
I thought they were on the mend until yesterday. Christopher woke up at 3:45 am, which isn't completely unusual since we usually wake them up by 5:00 during the week anyway. Sometimes he does wake up a little early - especially if he didn't take a full bottle at bedtime. DH got up with him and gave Christopher a bottle and then tried to put him back to bed. Christopher started having a fit - again, nothing unusual.
He was clearly tired and seemed like he wanted to fall asleep but just couldn't. And, he was just really, really fussy. And, at times, full out crying.
He wasn't running a fever and his cold seemed to be clearing up so I just could not figure it out. We left for daycare as usual and I thought he would fall asleep in the car.
Nope. He cried for the entire 30 minute car ride. I started getting suspicious that something was going on.
I stayed at my SIL (daycare) house from 6:30 am until almost 8:00 am. I just didn't feel right leaving him until I either felt comfortable that he was OK or made the decision to take him back home.
He ate breakfast and drank a little more bottle so I was really conflicted. He did continue to be fussy though. Finally, I got him down for a nap around 8:00 so I decided to leave for work and told my SIL that I would check in around 10:00.
She said he woke up shortly after I left and was still super fussy. He also started running a slight fever.
OK - that's the sign I needed. I took him to the pediatrician and he had/has a double ear infection.
My poor little guy.
I am so glad I took him but damn! Those ear infections are hard to diagnose! I expected him to be pulling on his ear or to show some sort of other symptoms before the fever hit.
Kendall is still sniffly and coughing so I'll be keeping a closer eye on her. So far, mommy & daddy have escaped the dreaded bug.
So, why the post title of 11 days?
That's when my babies turn ONE! I can not believe it has been one year. That day is still so clear in my mind. Thank goodness I'm a super organized person because who knew they would come at 32 1/2 weeks?
We got an invitation from the NICU for the 2010 reunion. I am so excited! I want them to see what a good job we've done (Look! They aren't broken!) and how well the kids are doing. I can not say enough about the doctors and nurses where they were born. They are truly special people.
Well, if you don't hear from me between now and the kids' birthday - don't worry! I promise I will post pics of their b-day party on October 2nd.
Things here have been going well. Let's see... what's been going on?
My sister had their 2nd child on September 12th - Lucas Michael. I was so happy that I was able (and allowed) to be there for his birth. I am absolutely ecstatic that we have another little boy in the family and especially that Christopher will have a buddy as they grow up.
The twins have both been fighting colds over the last week. Christopher started with a runny nose last Monday and then Kendall started Wednesday. She actually ran a fever with hers so I was home with her Wednesday-Thursday last week.
I thought they were on the mend until yesterday. Christopher woke up at 3:45 am, which isn't completely unusual since we usually wake them up by 5:00 during the week anyway. Sometimes he does wake up a little early - especially if he didn't take a full bottle at bedtime. DH got up with him and gave Christopher a bottle and then tried to put him back to bed. Christopher started having a fit - again, nothing unusual.
He was clearly tired and seemed like he wanted to fall asleep but just couldn't. And, he was just really, really fussy. And, at times, full out crying.
He wasn't running a fever and his cold seemed to be clearing up so I just could not figure it out. We left for daycare as usual and I thought he would fall asleep in the car.
Nope. He cried for the entire 30 minute car ride. I started getting suspicious that something was going on.
I stayed at my SIL (daycare) house from 6:30 am until almost 8:00 am. I just didn't feel right leaving him until I either felt comfortable that he was OK or made the decision to take him back home.
He ate breakfast and drank a little more bottle so I was really conflicted. He did continue to be fussy though. Finally, I got him down for a nap around 8:00 so I decided to leave for work and told my SIL that I would check in around 10:00.
She said he woke up shortly after I left and was still super fussy. He also started running a slight fever.
OK - that's the sign I needed. I took him to the pediatrician and he had/has a double ear infection.
My poor little guy.
I am so glad I took him but damn! Those ear infections are hard to diagnose! I expected him to be pulling on his ear or to show some sort of other symptoms before the fever hit.
Kendall is still sniffly and coughing so I'll be keeping a closer eye on her. So far, mommy & daddy have escaped the dreaded bug.
So, why the post title of 11 days?
That's when my babies turn ONE! I can not believe it has been one year. That day is still so clear in my mind. Thank goodness I'm a super organized person because who knew they would come at 32 1/2 weeks?
We got an invitation from the NICU for the 2010 reunion. I am so excited! I want them to see what a good job we've done (Look! They aren't broken!) and how well the kids are doing. I can not say enough about the doctors and nurses where they were born. They are truly special people.
Well, if you don't hear from me between now and the kids' birthday - don't worry! I promise I will post pics of their b-day party on October 2nd.
Monday, September 6, 2010
POLL - Brand name or Generic?
My twins have been on Enfamil Premium Lipil since we switched to formula at 12 weeks.
I had 3 friends tell me the Target brand was the same exact thing and half the price. Not wanting to "skimp" on my kids' health, I continued to pay $37 per can (for the large 34 oz can). We go through one of these cans per week. Do the math, and it gets damn expensive.
Now, it appears Enfamil has discontinued the large can and is now selling refill bags for their 24.6 oz can. The box contains 2 refill bags at $34 per box. Still expensive.
DH and I are budgeting for when they start daycare in February. Our monthly cost will increase $1,200 from what we are paying my SIL now.
It's time to get frugal.
I went to Target yesterday and was absolutely amazed. Their generic formula matched the Enfamil Premium Lipil ingredients almost identically!
And? Their 24.6 ounce can cost $12 compared to Enfamil's $24 for the same size!
I bought 4 cans and introduced it this weekend. So far, no difference. The kids are drinking it fine and no ill effects.
What about you? Do you buy the brand name or generic and why?
(P.S - take my poll to the left)
I had 3 friends tell me the Target brand was the same exact thing and half the price. Not wanting to "skimp" on my kids' health, I continued to pay $37 per can (for the large 34 oz can). We go through one of these cans per week. Do the math, and it gets damn expensive.
Now, it appears Enfamil has discontinued the large can and is now selling refill bags for their 24.6 oz can. The box contains 2 refill bags at $34 per box. Still expensive.
DH and I are budgeting for when they start daycare in February. Our monthly cost will increase $1,200 from what we are paying my SIL now.
It's time to get frugal.
I went to Target yesterday and was absolutely amazed. Their generic formula matched the Enfamil Premium Lipil ingredients almost identically!
And? Their 24.6 ounce can cost $12 compared to Enfamil's $24 for the same size!
I bought 4 cans and introduced it this weekend. So far, no difference. The kids are drinking it fine and no ill effects.
What about you? Do you buy the brand name or generic and why?
(P.S - take my poll to the left)
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