Month 5 Faves

Here we are in month 5 of life with these hilarious, adorable, entertaining boys. I'm not quite sure where the past 5 months have gone, but the first 3 feel like they are so far away and so close at the same time. I'm a walking cliche...sorry friends who hate those parenting cliches.
We are well established in our daily routine which is so nice to have. I'm definitely a routine snob. We are out the door by 6:45, usually even earlier than that. I like to be at work early so we sacrifice a few extra minutes of sleep. They take about a 45 minute-1 hour nap when they get home from the babysitter every afternoon and then are in bed for the night between 7-8! They eat once in the middle of the night, and are up again by 5 to eat breakfast. Mom guilt is real when you don't get to spend that much time with them during the week, so we smother them on the weekends, which we are perfectly fine with!
If you're keeping tabs, we missed Month 4 Favorites, Etc. because being a Working Mom Who Is An English Teacher does not leave much room for fun. I was trying to grade 63 large writing assignments this time last month and the blog wasn't even on the stove, let alone the back burner. But I have to say that not much really changed from month 3 to 4...same stuff, same activities, same clothes which, was nice. Now we're constantly pulling out clothes that don't fit that they wore like three times (it makes me sick) and are just-as-constantly wondering if we have enough clothes for them....but we're set through February, and then I'll panic again.

Anyway, here's a list and link to the stuff we're loving for right now, which is probably what you're here for to begin with. Happy shopping/adding-to-registry-ing.

Ingenuity Booster Seat These nifty little seats double as high-chairs (because have you seen our kitchen?!), and are about $10 cheaper than those overly popular Bumbo's. When I registered, I don't think Bumbo seats came with trays but now they do...these ones do as well, and the tray is storable underneath the seat. They have buckles and keep the boys pretty snug while they sit on top of our kitchen table to eat! At Target, there are toys that suction to the trays just for the Ingenuity seats, as well.

The Exersaucer This Exersaucer we got is super lame. It doesn't have lights or music.  I was a snob when registering and thought "I don't want something too overstimulating, kids are so overstimulated these days!" which I still stand by, but the Exersaucers need those lights and music. Excuse me while I chow down on those words some more. Some wonderful friends gave us this one that their son outgrew, and theirs is much more fun. BUT the boys seem to love them. We shove a blanket in front to hold them in place a little because they're not totally stable just yet, and it works wonderfully! (I also thought we didn't need two. LOL. You can laugh at me and I won't be offended.)

Oball Rattles A wonderful friend (hey Aunt Coop!) gifted us with these about 2 weeks ago and they have taken the cake as far as best toys we have for the boys. I bought more for the sitters house. They are perfect for our boys to grip with their itty bitty hands, and are able to chew on them as well. Register for these, buy them yourself...you need these!

The Baby Brezza Formula Pro Alright...definitely classify this as a "thneed" (things you think you need) unless you have more than one child drinking formula at a time, then this is a NEEEEEED if your budget or a family member can swing this for you. My normally not-an-impulse-buyer husband bought this on Amazon one night after losing his mind at the 1 AM feeding. I'm not sure WHYYYY I never read about this gem during my countless hours of research while pregnant, but I'm here to save your souls and convince you to buy it. Register for it. Whatever. It fits about a whole bag of formula in the top, and has 5 settings for bottle size, 2-10 oz bottles. You fill the reservoir just like a Keurig (I call it the Baby Keurig...these spoiled kids) and just press the button when it's ready to go. It heats the water to a perfect temp but you can also just run it when you want. If you are sick and tired of running sink water until it's the perfect temp, scooping and spilling valuable, expensive formula onto your counter, then this. is. for. you.

These Bibs I've said it before and I'll say it again...don't waste your money on someone else's kid or your own by buying crappy bibs. The cute ones that come with outfits are one thing, but don't buy someone crap. It's just frustrating. These bibs are big and cover the majority of their fronts, which lately have been soaking through because of the drooling situation, which my husband is begging them to be over very soon. (Cute.)

Gerber Oatmeal Cereal Yes I know there is the rice cereal, and then there's this stuff. Our pediatrician said the regular rice stuff will block them up and recommended we use this. Who wants to chance constipated babies? Not us. They get this once or twice a day preceding a bottle of formula.  It ties them over just a little longer and they pretty much love it! The first few times were messy, but they are basically spoon-fed experts at month 5.

Leaving The House With Twins In 22 Easy Steps

It's a weekday morning.

This means my husband leaves for work by 4:30 AM, and I have to be out the door absolutely no later than 6:45. My contract start time is 7:30, and that means students are in my room by 7:31, with the first class starting at 7:45. 

How do I do it? I'm wondering the same thing most days.

Here's our schedule: 

1. 4:00 AM: wake to the sound of whimpering babies who are hungry. Lay there for a few minutes in denial. 

2. Realize they're really awake and you need to get moving. Reluctantly get out of bed before the screaming starts. 

3. Make bottles and feed. 

4. Change diapers & clothes if they don't fall asleep. 

5. Hope they go back to sleep or can at least just lay there so you can get ready. 

6. Shower. Make self look presentable. Makeup, blow dry, and straighten hair if possible. 

7. Get my lunch ready, make coffee, make breakfast. (This means pulling a generic granola bar and Belvita crackers out of boxes in the pantry.) Set everything on the counter where I'm sure to remember I placed these things. 

8. Wake boys up. Get them dressed. (I realize I could have our fantastic sitter do this, but I already have enough Mom Guilt for leaving them. I can get them dressed.)
9. Load freshly dressed boys into carseat.
10. Wipe spit-up from shirts and car seat strap pads. (Every. Time. Without. Fail.)
11. First trip to the car: Boy's bag, teacher bag, my lunch, big water bottle, very full coffee mug, breakfast, phone. Start car.
12. Second trip to the car: Forgot to take coffee mug and breakfast. Try again.
13. Go back to the bathroom to make sure straightener is turned off; turn off all bedroom lights.
14. Make sure I have everything again. Lock front door.
15. Put Baby #1 on front stoop in car seat. Go back in.
16. Pick up Baby #2, awkwardly prevent cat from running outside, set down Baby #2 and give cat treats very quickly as distraction.
17. Pick Baby #2 back up, run outside with him before someone drives by and sees a baby sitting in a car seat on my front stoop.
18. Close front door, pick up Baby #1, awkwardly huff and puff down sidewalk to car with 2 car seats.
19. Set Baby #2 down on grass, ensure he's not breathing in vehicle exhaust. Hesitate and move him anyway.
20. Open car door, get Baby #1 locked in car seat base.
21. Pick up Baby #2, walk around to the other side, load him in.
22. Get in drivers seat. Realize I forgot my coffee AGAIN. Turn vehicle off, run back in house.

Repeat next day. 

Month 3 Favorites & New Pics

Month 4 is upon us...sorry, what? Time is a theif.

This past month has easily gone the fastest of all the months because:
A.  They're showing more signs of being human.
B. I go back to work in 1.5 weeks. (All the feels.)
C.  feel like I'm starting to finally figure this life out and am resuming pre-motherhood activities.
D. Mayyyybe...oh hell, I don't know.
E: all of the above!

If you answered E, you are correct! You get a gold star!
I made a quiz, which must mean I'm going back to school soon. True, sad, nauseating story. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my career. I love where I get to spend my career, and whom I get to share it with, both juveniles and adults alike. I thought by now I'd be ready to go back, and I am, but I think it's because it's actually back-to-school time, not because I need out of my house. I'm a homebody. Not sure that I could actually do the SAHM gig, but I love my career too much. If we could swing it, I might really consider it to be quite honest. Alas, Discover wants their money back for my time at BGSU...so many feels.

Month 3 was the month of smiling...legit, not-related-to-gas or sleeping smiles, but real ones. The kind where they're excited to see you; the kind that turn you into a puddle and make you want to cry. The first couple I definitely did tear up. Scroll down to see the cyuh-huuuuuutest picture ever, courtesy of my talented hubby! Gonna have that one blown up and put on a billboard, I think.
The boys are getting to be masters at Tummy Time and the neck control is fabulous. Their legs are getting pretty strong too, which makes me excited for the bouncy swing things and exersaucers! (But time can still slow down a little bit, k?)
This month we also started sleeping longer without eating more...that doesn't really add up to me but I'm definitely NOT going to argue! I can actually get things done! It's amazing! And we finally figured out a schedule, for the most part, which is exciting...it allows each of us to s l e e p. Yes, that's right. Sleep. Up to 5 hours straight. Praise Jesus.

Alrighty, on to the good stuff!

1. Carter's Sleepers These are cute alternatives (or in addition to) the sleep sacks...but a PITA to get on their little bodies, though becomes easier with practice. Don't give up! They are awfully adorable, too. Some of these are OS (one size) and others we have go by the months. The OS are more like newborn-3 mo at the most. They make midnight diaper changes pretty easy, you just have to slide the elastic bottom up to their bellies. No pants, no buttons, which is heaven at 3am.

2. Infantino Grow-With-Me Activity Gym & Ball Pit Kevin just busted this bad boy out the other day and it's pretty great seeing how animated the boys get when they're lying there under the little stuffed sea creatures. When they get bigger, there is a mesh side that can be put up and it turns into a ball pit. COME ON. I want one for myself. If you angle them just right, they can kick the legs of the arch and make it move on their own. There are fun little features on the dangling sea creatures, as well. Some have things to grab on to, a couple have that crinkly paper stuff inside that gets their attention, and the colors! At this age they are differentiating colors and we're encouraged to do what we can with bright colors to get their attention, so this is a great product to have! 

3. Lyfeline Milestones iPhone app I was in search of something to tell me activities to do with the boys, and at what age they should be doing certain things. I came across this app a couple months ago but just really started getting in to it. I would strongly encourage using it earlier than later! It has some great tips for certain ages, things to do and things to not do, and fun little facts that help you make sense of why babies do what they do when they do them.  You plug in info about what your baby does at certain stages and it can tell you if they're on target or not (Woah...teacher-speak there.) You can purchase the full app for $85 a year, but so far I'm just utilizing the free version. I don't know if I have time for all that  the full app offers, anyway!

4. Booger Sucker  More maturely known as a "nasal aspirator"...this gem has become a necessary favorite in the past several weeks. Following their 2 month Dr. appt and several immunizations, both boys have become quite congested, which is normal. I'm not the greatest at using this thing, but it does the job of sucking giant boogers out of my tiny boys' noses. And I mean GIANT. Bleh.

5. Gas Drops We have used both the Major brand and Little Remedies. Little Remedies are flavored and the boys don't seem to mind, but both do the job fairly quickly. I've used the gas drops when they're screaming and curling into the fetal position, as well as when it seems like the spit-up just. won't. stop. It helps them calm down within minutes, which is wonderful for all of us!

6. Munchkin Formula Dispensers As we've gotten more confident in traveling with the boys, we obviously require more things to survive. Since we (and our very generous parents) have the pleasure of funding a formula supply, I quickly realized we needed these gems. You can't pre-make formula bottles, as it's only good in the bottle for like an hour unless refrigerated. So I put the water in and just dump in the formula when they're ready. The top twists and locks over one of the compartments at a time and has a lid that fits perfectly just inside the top of a bottle, making for nearly mess-free dumping. And it's already measured out so you don't have to lug that measuring spoon thing (do they REALLY need to include one in every container??? What a waste!) with you, either. These are also nifty to keep next to your bed with a bottle if you don't want to make your way out to the kitchen at whatever hour of the night your little nugget(s) decides to eat.

7. Munchkin Sound Machine & Projector This machine is amazing! We've been using it for awhile just for the sounds, but now that they can see things a little better, we are using the projector feature a little more and they are totally entranced. It has six different sound options, including heartbeat (creepy), ocean sounds (favorite), and Beethoven. There are three different projector options as well, and you can change the angle the projector to have it on the wall or ceiling.  It also comes with a nightlight feature. (Currently on sale on Amazon!)

8. Ceiling Fan  Yep, you can buy anything on Amazon. Shortly after month 3 began, my boys discovered the wonder that is the turned-on ceiling fan. It has helped to cease many meltdowns and lull to sleep. Hopefully you already have one of these in your home, but if not...here ye be.

                                                

Owen having an identity crisis following bathtime...

                

Owen                                                          Payton

  

                                   

My three babies...my heart. Melted. 

                           

In their vacation outfits...which we are not going on. 

                 The first picture we have of both boys smiling at the same time! Good job, Daddy! 

                                  

                                Remember these onesies from January? They fit now!!

                                  

Month 2 Favorites & More!

HAAAAAYYYY EVERYBODY!! 

How are we here already? We survived month TWO?! It's all a blur of bottles, spit-up, and over 1,000 diapers to date. (An average of 20 a day, in case you were curious.)

We see little bits of their personalities starting to show here and there...
Payton is a little more laid-back, unless he needs to be held, in which case he screams until he's in your arms, and then he's good to go. But you better not put him down too quickly (the dishes can wait...) because you'll have to start all over again. He's more patient when it comes to food. Payton has the best burps of the two, which is something I never thought I'd be excited about.
Owen is an easily hangered boy. He goes from happy, sleeping little man to STARVING in a matter of mere seconds, and he will let you know it. However, being hangry about every 3-4 hours, you'd think he'd be an efficient/enthusiastic eater. NOPE. At most, he'll spend an hour taking a 4-5 oz bottle. I have shed tears over this situation. It's rough. I'm a patient mama, but hooooly Moses. Daddy likes to tease that they both get their whininess from their mother...Overall, though, they are happy and calm babies. They have both recently discovered the ceiling fan and it keeps them hypnotized for a good while, which is nice when I need to accomplish something during the day! The best thing they've been doing? Smiling. Big, cheesy, gummy grins!! Nothing in particular prompts the smiling that we can figure out, but it's just too terribly adorable when it does happen! We look forward to when they laugh and giggle!

Now...let's get to the good stuff!

1. Gain laundry sack. My mom gifted us with this for washing their little socks, and it's seriously awesome! We just keep it hanging off the side of their hamper and throw it in with their laundry. We have not lost a sweet little baby sock yet! 

2. Simple Wishes Hands-Free Pumping Bra. I know what you're thinking! "Jenny, you look fabulous! Your hair looks so different!" Why thank you!!! I love a good compliment. This bra has changed my life. (Don't you just love a good bra?!) I went from not being able to do anything at all while pumping to writing this blog! TMI? Sorry. But it's probably theeee best $35 I've ever spent on the wonder that is Amazon, and that's saying something. Ladies: don't hesitate to invest in this one if you're going to be pumping. This is a purchase you'll never regret!!! Trust. 

3. Flower Designs Coloring Book Speaking of doing things while pumping...I love coloring. There's been a surge recently of coloring books not for 5-year-olds. I purchased this one in April in preparation for potential bed rest, which never happened. But now, with the right bra, I have the option to color about 6x a day. I color mine with good 'ol Crayola colored pencils, the 24 pack with plenty of color options. 

4. The Pocket Nanny. We just started using the nifty little devices in the past 2 weeks. Each boy has one assigned to them that we use to track how long it's been since they've eaten, had a diaper changed, pooped, and slept. Otherwise, were trying to remember to write things down which, when you're focused on getting a nap or preventing your house from looking more like a disaster zone than it already does, doesn't always happen and it leaves the other parent guessing. If we only had one little nugget, I'm not sure we'd use this, but with two and not ever being able to remember the exact-ish time they ate last etc, it's totally necessary. They're not on the exact same schedule now, so these are a huuuge help. I plan on sending them to the sitter's as well since she'll have more than one kiddo and might find this handy! They come in blue, green, and pink.

5. Baby Trend Snap N Go Stroller We are loving our stroller! This particular stroller is just a frame to snap your car seats into and go, hence the name. This isn't a forever stroller, but for right now it's great. It folds up really nicely and takes up a lot less space in my tiny trunk than a regular stroller would. It has good storage down below, two cup holders, and a nifty spot to store my phone! It does not have the greatest shocks, so we're the people walking on the street instead of sidewalks. Sorry. (Our town is known for not having the best sidewalks...a sore subject for this town's residents.)

6. Enfamil AR. Freaking formula, I know. Wasn't in my plans at all, but here we are, exclusively using $25/can formula. About 4 weeks ago or so, the boys developed some super obnoxious reflux and had to do something about it. We tried the rice cereal but that stuff does not dissolve that well, so we buy this stuff. This formula is heavier and sits better in their bellies. They don't stay full longer, but it definitely makes a huge difference with the spit-up issue, which makes me very happy!

7. Carter's Terry Teething Bibs These bibs are the bomb.com. We received a few with outfits and not only are they super cute but discovered they are the most absorbent of all the bibs we have. The spit-up doesn't roll all the way down and off of these like other bibs. It's a double layer of super awesome terrycloth with a button in the back. I'm not a fan of the velcro bibs, those come undone way too easily.
They are a bit on the pricey side ($7 with no sale) but with your Carter's Cash (just like Kohl's cash, a vicious circle of spending) then it's a little more justifiable. I picked up the footballs for this fall at $4.something a piece on sale the other day. I know they're fantastic quality so I'm willing to drop a few more dead presidents on them.
Right here is the Amazon link to the same products; more selection than on the Carter's website, which is the link above.

8. This poop chart. Laugh all you want! When you have one baby, you can probably easily remember when they last pooped (I'm assuming. Never only had just one child.) Early on, we would go back and forth trying to remember who pooped and when...not great when you're worried about constipation and they're on an iron supplement, which can cause said constipation. So, with the help of Microsoft Excel, wah-lah! A poop chart. We have it taped to the wall next to their diaper pail with a pen nearby, so we just jot it down after we toss in the turdy diaper! (Bonus points if you can figure out where we changed formulas based on their BM's on this chart!)

9. Tandem feedings: Look at that...the non-cliche husband feeding not just one, but both of his children...AT THE SAME TIME!!! But it hasn't alwasy been like that... we were complete fools for the first 6 weeks. At 2, 5, 8, 11 AM and PM, the boys would be fed. Well, Owen would be fed and diapered. At 2:30, 5:30, 8:30 and 11:30 AM and PM, Payton would be fed and diapered (or whenever Owen finished...he's a painfully slow eater.) Then I'd pump after. What were we thinking!?!? Well, we weren't. My husband, a thinker and slightly less patient person than I, started to become frustrated with this ridiculous feeding schedule. Granted, it's logical and easy to remember but holy cow...who has that kind of time?? Not us. So he consulted this book which contains the answers to all of life's important twin questions, and it said we gotta tandem feed them. So we did...and our lives have changed. You have to work quickly to burp the little nuggets when you're tandem feeding, otherwise they get hangry and it's ugly, but otherwise it's pretty dang great.

Owen loves photo shoots...

Snuggles on mama's lap after a meltdown duet.

Post bathtime...so fresh and so clean! 

I mean, seriously. 

All of my boys hanging in the kitchen while I did dishes. 

 Smiles!!!!! Above, I was sending my bestie, Alicia, a selfie at 2AM and Payton had perfect timing with that grin. I teared up. Below, I just had the camera ready at the perfect moment. Thank Jesus for iPhones (ok, and Steve Jobs and Co.) How did anyone get pictures of their smiling babies before iPhones?? Those smiles disappear SO quickly. 

Month 1 Favorites/Shopping Guide

During my pregnancy, I read through a blog of a woman in Texas who has fraternal twin girls. Part of her blog was posting monthly about her favorite things for her babies, which I found suuuuper helpful. We even registered for a few things because of her recommendations. 

Below, I've compiled my favorites of the many things we use daily (or so) in caring for the Kirtwins. Links are included on most items for your shopping/perusing convenience.  

*I am not being paid by any of these companies to endorse their products.*

1. Fisher-Price Deluxe Rock 'n Play-The boys sleep in these (or not) when we're not holding them. These are small, therefore perfect, for our small house where there's not a ton of space. We just drag them to and from the bedroom and living room, which works pretty well. This contraption also has a feature that rocks it, as well as plays music/nature sounds for up to 6 hours, which is awesome so you don't have to worry about dealing with that at night. 

2. Aden and Anais Swaddle Blankets-We like these because they're super lightweight and are huge, which makes it easy to swaddle them in! The weather has been pretty mild so far this summer, and babies need an extra layer on top of their regular clothes. These aren't too heavy and work perfectly! This brand makes the swaddlers I talk about below, as well as everything else cloth your baby needs. It's a bit pricier than your Gerber or Carters, but I think well worth it.  

3.  Angel Care Bath Support Bather -Perfect for easing the munchkins into the bathtub situation. We could put them in the sink...but I like this better. It takes up a little bit of space but I think it's pretty awesome! 

4. Nail Polish-A must for any identical twin parent! Owen has orange and Payton has purple nail polish on a pinky finger so we can tell them apart. Judge me all you want for not being able to tell my babies apart, but no one else can seem to either. We'll come up with something a little more masculine when it comes time for them to go to school. 

5. Gerber Burp Cloths-We have a few different kinds, but these are by far the best. They're thick and therefore absorbent. Mama here does not like feeling the spit-up on her hand from the burp cloth, and these soak it up pretty well. They're also super soft, which I'm sure the boys appreciate when I'm wiping the milk off their cute little faces.

6. Dekor Diaper Pail-While researching the best diaper dumper to purchase, I came across this one that had reviews boasting that you do not need to purchase the specialty bags made specifically for that product. HELLO, you have my attention! With a number of colors to choose from and reviews like that, I was hooked. So far, we love it! We use our own grocery bags or regular, cheap garbage bags inside and works just as well. I was told by a few that we didn't need one, but I heard Rachel Green's mom lecturing her about how many times a baby goes and you can't leave them alone to take a single diaper to the dumpster...not that we have a dumpster situation in NYC, but I'm about efficiency and this does the job! 

7. Halo Sleep Sack Swaddler-This is probably our ultimate fave of all! The nurses in the NICU had the boys wrapped up in these and then sent us home with a few. (Which sounds nice and free, but you know that's not the case. I'm positive its on our tab.) Swaddling in blankets is an art form, my friends...and artists we are not. These are fleece so they keep your nuggets all nice and warm. They have velcro so they're easy to get them in and out of. I HIGHLY recommend these!! (Especially if you have two or more infants screaming in your house because they need swaddled. Ain't nobody got time to deal with a blanket in times like those!)
PS-Yes, that's my baby! 

8. Pampers Swaddlers-My favorite diapers. Not Kevin's. (He likes the Huggies.) But they both do their jobs soooo this recommendation is pretty pointless, isn't it? These are a bit more snug around our boys' little chicken legs, and I feel like the Huggies are a bit bigger on them. Which they are when you do a literal side-by-side comparaison of the two. 

9. Renu Rewetting drops...ok, this is for mama and any other contact-wearing person.  You sleep when you can and sometimes that means not giving a crap if you took your contacts out. For those who have those feelings, as I do, and have contacts that dry out a little bit after you sleep in them, as I do, then you need these. About $5 in the contact lens section of your favorite store. 

Stay tuned for another post in early August with our Month 2 favorites! 

The Kirtwin's Birthday & More!

Well, hello!! 
My last post was written a day before our boys, our beautiful, adorable, sweet boys were born. It was my 34-week update.
What we have below is a very detailed account of the Kirtwin's Birthday, when I was 34 weeks and 3 days. Get yourself a glass of vino (because I haven't had any yet...gasp!) and snuggle into whatever furniture you're seated in right now.

Monday, June 1st was by far the most emotional day in my 27 years.
I'm not sure much could've prepared me for the tsunami of emotions I went through on that day. (Not much could've prepared my poor husband for helping me deal with those emotions, but he was a real champ. A patient, patient champ. I'll get you a trophy or something, Kev.)
I had made it to the end of the school year, lasted every day with my awesome 7th graders in my first year at a new school, and third year overall. I'm pretty proud of that.
The last day of school was Friday, May 29th. I attended my district's graduation ceremonies on Sunday (teacher contract day) and then our singular work day on the 1st. HAH. Just kidding. I attended 2 hours of my work day.
I went to breakfast with a group of teachers, and then huffed and puffed up the stairs to finish packing my room and getting some things squared away for the summer and slightly prep for August.
I left for a doctor's appointment that morning at 10:30, another non-stress test to check the boys' heart rates and make sure they were increasing and decreasing as they should. The nurse practitioner wasn't thrilled with their activity that morning, and I fought for my boys since we were always there at 3:30 in the afternoon at the other NST appointments. Any woman who's been pregnant can attest to the fact that their babes were more active at certain points during the day. And as a teacher, as I was so active during the day, the boys weren't as active until the evening when I was relaxed. But my argument was essentially unheard, as she walked me back to a room with a table covered and paper and proceeded to check me. (That was fun.) She said I was dilated and was also concerned because I had some light bleeding over the weekend I had called about, and they didn't want to let that go.
This is when my life really began to change, but I didn't know it until about 30 minutes later.
They gave me orders to call my hubby and head to St. V's (the hospital my OB goes to that also has a NICU) for more monitoring, with a casual mention at the fact that that day could be D-Day I asked if I was going to the ER, and they said no, I was headed to Labor & Delivery. My heart skipped a few beats when they said that.
I made it out the door and into the parking lot before I started to cry and lightly hyperventilate.
So I call Kevin and tell him I'm picking him up. It was about a 10-minute drive up 75 N to where he works, and I sobbed the whole way. On the way there, a nurse from my Dr. office called and said not to eat or drink anything, because "there's a good chance this is happening today." And I lost it. So that was a safe drive.
We get up to the 7th floor of St. V's, the Labor & Delivery, as well as Post-Partum level of the hospital. (As well as my home for the next 4 days.) I walked onto that floor and didn't leave until Thursday night. I was fully convinced I'd be leaving and be home for dinner that night.
We walked to registration and met the nurse who knew I'd be showing up. I explained that I was told I'd be there for extra monitoring, a detail I latched onto thinking I'd be there for a few hours and be sent home. Hah. She said that it sounded like a 4pm C-Section was in the works. Heart-beat skipping, yet again.

The following 2 hours is a blur of multiple doctors coming to talk to me, my amazing nurse taking care of me (and probably thinking I was an absolute nutcase), my own uncontrollable crying, and my amazing husband holding my hand.
Finally, around 2:30, a doctor who has to be about my age came in for the second time, but this time asking me to sign a C-section consent form. It really had to happen that day. I didn't want it to. I wasn't ready to be done being pregnant. The medical community was collectively telling me, "Too bad, sweetheart!"
So, I cried some more and signed that paper. Reluctantly, I might add. Kevin told me later that he was afraid I wouldn't sign it. I figured by then if so many people were telling me it had to happen, I shouldn't argue.
I didn't want this going down by C-Section. I knew it was a possibility, but the boys had both been head down for weeks and I was seriously hopeful to do this the real way and get some of the greatest bragging rights in the female community. But, again...
We called our parents and my best friend to tell them it was the Kirtwin's Birthday.
At this point, I had accepted that it was happening. Or, so I thought. At 6pm, a few nurses arrived with my chariot to take me to the OR. As they wheeled me out into the hallway, I started to cry uncontrollably again. Those tears that, no matter what you tell yourself in your head, no matter what other people tell you to try and comfort you, absolutely cannot be stopped. I don't really know why I was crying, either. I was nervous for the surgery, but not enough to cry. I should've been more excited than anything, but I think the reality of this transition was hitting me and I don't do well with change like that. The entire pregnancy I was pretty calm, with no crazy hormonal changes. Everything caught up with me that day. (Seriously. I got off easy emotionally until this day!) I had to have been the hottest mess those people have ever seen. I will be the woman they tell other patients about to reassure them that they are handling things just fine. They will laugh for years. (It could be worse.)
At 6:40 pm on Monday, June 1st, Owen Donald and Payton James were born. Not even a minute apart.

My stay at the hospital lasted through Thursday evening, and the boys were released on Saturday afternoon. To keep the rest of this short and sweet, I'll just say that recovering (and experiencing) a C-Section is something I'd like to not have to do again. NOT that it wasn't totally worth it but...holy crap, that was brutal. It turns out the bleeding I had was from an abrupting placenta. We were informed in recovery that it was 50% abrupted already, which is not a good thing. (Did you know the placenta can come out before the baby?!) I wouldn't have made it through that week with that going on. So in the end it was the right decision by my doctor...shouldn't have doubted her or the others that talked to me in the hospital for a second.

The boys are now a month old and have each gained over 2 pounds since birth, which is unbelievable in itself. We have a routine-ish of feeding them every three hours (thank you, NICU!), and we go through approximately 25 diapers a day. They hate bathtime and being naked, which I know will change drastically, but for now I think we'll enjoy having children that enjoy being clothed. I'll be the cliche new mom who keeps saying "I can't believe it's already been a month!"
The transition is going well, though, as they sleep a lot, and there's only been a handful of overwhelming moments and then they're over as fast as they started. Overall, we're loving it!

Birthday picture! Kevin snapped this one as they were being wheeled out of the OR. 

Go ahead. Melt my heart. 

Payton

Owen 

 

Can you tell which of the boys is a little more relaxed?? Subtle personality differences so far...

 The chair was not working out...so we moved to the floor. Much better. 

If you've made it this far...thanks!! Hope you enjoyed it! 

A Teaching & Twins Post!

My first combined Twins & Teaching post….a little something of each.

Friday was the last day of school with my 68 kids.  I teared up several times in front of the kids, and once more after they left. Not many middle school teachers do that, I don’t think.

The first two years of my career were something insane and, to be honest, it was a relief for the kids to leave. I was way too stressed out in that environment, and it just wasn’t for me. This year? Super sap. I’m not ready to say goodbye. (Or “see you later”.) I know I’ll see them again when they come visit. They are just flat-out awesome kids. They are some of the sweetest, most thoughtful young humans ever. The incoming class has big shoes to fill, let me tell ya. I received a few very thoughtful gifts, too, as well as the sweetest card from a parent that I kind of want to frame. A significant majority of the time, they rocked. (Like 99% of the time.) Yeah, we had our moments, but they were very far and few between. I will miss them so much. How could I not, after them being part of my daily life since August? Daily as in weekends, also…oh the grading with being an ELA teacher. I worked my ass off this year, and was actually able to enjoy it SO much more because of the wonderful environment. Competent and effective administrators and well-behaved kids make an incredible difference. (Even the ones who weren’t as well-behaved were still great compared to the hell I dealt with my first 2 years. Still working on blocking most of that out while still keeping enough in mind to not take small issues for granted in my current position.) I definitely had some downs this year, but mostly ups.

What a year.
I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Next year should be insane. I return mid-September from maternity leave and am hoping to not completely lose my mind…not counting on it.

Now, onto the update!

How far along? 

34 whopping weeks.

Total weight gain:  

The scale at the Dr. office indicates 40 lbs…however I’m retaining a bit of water in my lower extremities and don’t believe that number.

Maternity clothes? 

Always.  I’ve given up on pants, though. It's such a struggle. 

Stretch marks? 

Did you know they hurt?! If I touch them or something touches my belly, it actually hurts/stings. So over that!!

Movement? 

Smaller since they're running out of space...

Sleep?

Ugh. I work up a sweat getting comfortable. 

Best moment this week: 

Fully finishing the WHOLE school year on Friday! And all the love from my students…I’ll seriously miss them.

And when the chiropractor fixed my ankles. She’s brilliant.

Miss Anything? 

Putting pants on without having to hold onto the bed for support. Not being hungry all the time. (Seriously, eating is a lot of work, people!)

Food cravings:  

I randomly craved champagne…and a strawberry smoothie. I believe I’ll make one of those two things happen ASAP.

Anything making you queasy or sick:

Nope.  

Gender: 

 Boys!

Labor Signs:  

My NP says I’m starting to efface…!

Symptoms:  

Back pain (Thank God for chiropractors), heartburn is getting worse, Michelin man ankles and feet.

Belly Button in or out? 

Flat. Oh, and numb. Didn’t know skin goes numb!

Happy or Moody most of the time:  

Happy…but uncomfortable!

Looking forward to: 

Lying on the couch this time next week with no commitments except Dr. appointments!