The twins had their 15 month check-up today. They are both doing well.
Mr. Man gained 1 pound since their one-year check up and grew 1 1/4 inches. Ms. Kendall gained 1/2 pound and also grew 1 1/4 inches. Their measurements are so close, it's really amazing:
Christopher:
Weighs 22 pounds, 6 ounces (25th percentile)
Is 32.5 inches tall (75% percentile)
Head circumference is 18 1/4 (25th percentile)
Kendall:
Weighs 22 pounds, 7 ounces (25-50th percentile)
Is 32 3/4 inches tall (97th percentile)
Head circumference is 17 3/4 (25th percentile)
The kids are doing well at daycare. We've all been fighting colds for the last 2 weeks and Christopher ended up developing a sinus infection. He's back to his old self now and silly as ever. It took him about one week to transition to the new school and now, he's having fun.
Kendall has really blossomed. She is walking now. She was the only one in her class that was still crawling and I think she got motivated by watching the other kids. They are learning sign language and my smart little girl used it today. We were playing this morning and she came over to me and said "Mo" and put her fingers together to make the sign for "More". She was telling me she wanted breakfast! I was so proud - I swear I got teary eyed!
They are both saying a few words now:
Ma Ma
Da Da
Bye Bye
Hi
No
Yeah
Ut Oh
... and now Mo?
On a more serious note, I can't remember if I mentioned before that we've been watching Kendall's leg? When she was around 3 months old, I noticed her right thigh was thicker. If was shortly after the meningitis scare and the same leg they put the central IV line in to administer the antibiotics. And, the same leg that developed the blood clot from the IV line. At first, I thought it might still be swelling from that. I continued to keep an eye on it and it never seemed to get worse or bother her.
When she started standing, I noticed it more and thought it was best to have it looked at again. The doctor chalked it up to basic assymmetry and said she would outgrow it. At their 9 month check-up, the doctor examined it again and could see where there was not only a difference in circumference but, also a slight difference in length (about 1/4 inch) between the right and left leg. When measured, the length was the same from her hip to her knee cap but there was a slight difference in her tibia (from her knee to ankle). The doctor officially diagnosed it as hemihypertrophy. I've done extensive research since then and, as with infertility, you find good and bad information on the internet.
Kendall's case appears to be isolated to the one bone but there are more severe cases where an entire side of the body can be affected. So, when she turns 18 months old, we'll have an abdominal ultrasound performed to make sure her kidneys and liver aren't affected. Since it is classified as a "overgrowth syndome", her risk of tumors is greater. Most times, they are benign liver tumors. But still. What parent wants to ever hear or mention the word "tumor"?
If her scan is clear, the doctor said it's fairly safe to assume that it will be a cosmetic issue only. Meaning, she might have to wear a slight lift in her left shoe to make up for the 1/4 -1/2 inch difference in length. Her thigh is still slightly thicker but I think it's more noticeable to me because I know it's there. I don't think a complete stranger would stop and notice. He said that the overgrowth levels off by age 2 and that whatever the difference in length is at that point, it would remain consistent for the remainder of her growth years. He didn't notice any marked difference since he saw her 3 months ago so it doesn't appear to be any worse. That's good news considering she grew an inch and the difference still remained 1/4 inch between the 2 legs.
There is a part of me that is scared to death. I'm not going to lie.
My little girl already went through more than her fair share during her first 3 months. Subjecting her to ultrasounds and tests and prodding and poking makes my stomach hurt. And, if the u/s does show something, the thought of cancer and treatment makes me want to vomit.
Of course I would put my own life on the line to save her and we will do whatever we have to do. We'll deal with it and we'll win. But, do me a favor? Say a prayer that this turns out to be nothing anyway, OK?
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Heavy Heart
Please say a few prayers for 3 of our fellow bloggers.
I know most of you follow Jen @ Maybe If You Just Relax. If you don't, she recently lost one of her twin girls during delivery. I can't even imagine what she is going through right now.
Polly @ In2MeSee recently lost her father to pancreatic cancer just before Christmas. It happened post-transfer of another IVF cycle. Her beta levels aren't quite doubling like they should and she fears another miscarriage.
Tiffany@ Slow Journey just found out she is pregnant without any assistance and got some great news today - her beta doubled. She has a history of miscarriages so she is justifiably worried but today's beta is very promising!
I know all of these women could use your words of inspiration and support. Please stop by their blogs to say a few words.
I know most of you follow Jen @ Maybe If You Just Relax. If you don't, she recently lost one of her twin girls during delivery. I can't even imagine what she is going through right now.
Polly @ In2MeSee recently lost her father to pancreatic cancer just before Christmas. It happened post-transfer of another IVF cycle. Her beta levels aren't quite doubling like they should and she fears another miscarriage.
Tiffany@ Slow Journey just found out she is pregnant without any assistance and got some great news today - her beta doubled. She has a history of miscarriages so she is justifiably worried but today's beta is very promising!
I know all of these women could use your words of inspiration and support. Please stop by their blogs to say a few words.
Monday, January 3, 2011
We Survived
The twins started daycare today. Kendall seemed to fair a little better than Christopher but they both did fine.
I decided to take them for 2 half days last week and I'm so glad I did. The first day, we took them to their classroom and stayed for about 10 minutes. Both kids seemed interested in exploring and weren't clinging to us at all so I asked if we could observe them from outside the classroom. They had a monitor set up in their administrative office so we were able to go into another room and see the kids. As soon as we left, Christopher started crying and kept walking over to the door like he was looking for us or expecting us to come right back. The good thing is that he did go to the teacher for comfort so he felt safe with her. He cried for about 30 minutes straight before he calmed down.
Kendall seemed OK until he started crying and then she started. And, she cried so hard that she was hyperventiliating. It was horrible. I started crying just watching them. It was so hard to not to go in there.
The 2nd day went better. Christopher still cried when I left the room but he calmed down after about 10 minutes. Kendall never cried. By late morning, they were both running around and playing.
Today was their first full day. As soon as we opened the door to the classroom, Christopher dropped to the ground and started crying - he didn't want to go in. I stayed for about 10 minutes and then quickly kissed them goodbye and left.
I talked to the teacher around 11 and she said Christopher would cry for about 5 minutes and then be OK for a little while and then cry again. He seemed to get upset when someone new would come into the room or when one of the teachers would leave. She said he seemed to calm down again around late morning and he did take a nap and ate well. Kendall did great. She walked right in this morning and started playing. The teacher said she never cried or seemed upset. I'm wondering if she is doing a little better because she was exposed to different people in the hospital?
Christopher's reaction doesn't surprise me. He is definitely the more sensitive one and clingier than Kendall. He is such a sweet little boy and I hate that he spent today feeling upset. Unfortunately, daycare is something we have to do. I don't make a ton of money but I make enough to count. Trust me, I've run the numbers time and time again and there's just not a way for me to stay home.
I know he will adjust over time - it may take a few weeks but in the long run, I know he'll be happier in that environment. So far, I love all of the teachers and everyone I've met. My niece and nephew both go there as well as the daugher of my co-worker. This will be good for them.
In other news, the holidays were great - except for all of us getting the stomach flu. OMG - it was horrible. Kendall got it first and then Christopher got it that night at 7:00 and then DH got it at 11:00 pm. We made it through Wednesday and I thought I was in the clear and then it hit me Thursday morning. At least it was gone by Christmas Day. I haven't had time to upload Christmas photos yet.
In the meantime, here's a few pics:
I decided to take them for 2 half days last week and I'm so glad I did. The first day, we took them to their classroom and stayed for about 10 minutes. Both kids seemed interested in exploring and weren't clinging to us at all so I asked if we could observe them from outside the classroom. They had a monitor set up in their administrative office so we were able to go into another room and see the kids. As soon as we left, Christopher started crying and kept walking over to the door like he was looking for us or expecting us to come right back. The good thing is that he did go to the teacher for comfort so he felt safe with her. He cried for about 30 minutes straight before he calmed down.
Kendall seemed OK until he started crying and then she started. And, she cried so hard that she was hyperventiliating. It was horrible. I started crying just watching them. It was so hard to not to go in there.
The 2nd day went better. Christopher still cried when I left the room but he calmed down after about 10 minutes. Kendall never cried. By late morning, they were both running around and playing.
Today was their first full day. As soon as we opened the door to the classroom, Christopher dropped to the ground and started crying - he didn't want to go in. I stayed for about 10 minutes and then quickly kissed them goodbye and left.
I talked to the teacher around 11 and she said Christopher would cry for about 5 minutes and then be OK for a little while and then cry again. He seemed to get upset when someone new would come into the room or when one of the teachers would leave. She said he seemed to calm down again around late morning and he did take a nap and ate well. Kendall did great. She walked right in this morning and started playing. The teacher said she never cried or seemed upset. I'm wondering if she is doing a little better because she was exposed to different people in the hospital?
Christopher's reaction doesn't surprise me. He is definitely the more sensitive one and clingier than Kendall. He is such a sweet little boy and I hate that he spent today feeling upset. Unfortunately, daycare is something we have to do. I don't make a ton of money but I make enough to count. Trust me, I've run the numbers time and time again and there's just not a way for me to stay home.
I know he will adjust over time - it may take a few weeks but in the long run, I know he'll be happier in that environment. So far, I love all of the teachers and everyone I've met. My niece and nephew both go there as well as the daugher of my co-worker. This will be good for them.
In other news, the holidays were great - except for all of us getting the stomach flu. OMG - it was horrible. Kendall got it first and then Christopher got it that night at 7:00 and then DH got it at 11:00 pm. We made it through Wednesday and I thought I was in the clear and then it hit me Thursday morning. At least it was gone by Christmas Day. I haven't had time to upload Christmas photos yet.
In the meantime, here's a few pics:
 |
| Future Super Model |
 |
| Ready for my Christmas photo! |
 |
| "Look what I can do! I can climb on the couch in a flash!" |
 |
| My little guy |
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Starting Daycare
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.
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 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:
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