Already more than 100 days!

 

Rick threw a 100 day celebration party for the girls.  It was a success!! Despite heavy blowing snow, slippery roads and foggy conditions, we still had a great turnout!  Lots of kids came and dogs too! The girls wore their chinese dresses and were very smiley. Keira and Naomi are gurgling and kinda talking now, especially if you start talking to them. They are alot of fun! 

I can't believe its almost been 4 months with them!!   Its getting easier to take care of them because they are going back to their normal feeding schedule. I've been able to go out on walks, mall and for groceries all by my self.  But I recently acquired some help for sanity purposes! I have a nanny that comes in one day of the week who helps around the house and Rick alternates between working at home and taking a day off every week. Our biggest challenge right now is trying to get them to bottle feed so we have an appt with the lactation consultant this week.

Rick and I are doing great, we are sorta going back to doing normal activities like going out to restaurants.  I lost 60 lbs already.  I can't believe I still have 15 lbs to go!! However, I recently wore my xxs canadian goose jacket!  As for jeans...I can fit into them, but I don't like the snug feeling, esp around my thighs:)  Rick hasn't gotten fat or bald yet (he commented that he's just a liitle fatter and balder)...so thats good news.

Here's some more quick tips for new moms:

- Lactation consultants can help with bottle feeding challenges.

- Lecithin is great for blocked ducts, you can get them at natural foods stores...I stopped having them once I started taking it.  Its great for lowering your cholesterol too!

- My clusterfeeding sessions lasted more than a month, it's normal around 6-8 weeks post due date...the babies were tanking up so that they can sleep longer at night...it does get better, just hang in there!!  Currently, the girls are on and off with their clusterfeeding, BUT they are getting shorter!  They sleep for long periods at night now.

- Work out, do dishes or laundry when the babies are playing on their bouncers, they love watching mommy.  Don't wait until they nap...in fact, you can do everything except napping when the are awake!!

2011 Already?? What an adventure!

Naomi

Keira

 I've been super fortunate to have family visit in the past two months helping me out with laundry, cooking, burping the babies, changing diapers and bottle feeding.  It was heaven!!! My father in law came over and helped with my outstanding minor renovations.  I actually have a beautiful shower to use in my master bedroom now thanks to Rick and Steve!!  I also have a fabulous new walk in closet for my Christmas present :)  I will post pics of all my new renos very soon including the nursery !

Wow, everytime I look at Naomi, she keeps changing in width!  Haha.  She's well over 12 pounds, approaching 13 pounds very soon.  Keira is now over 11 pounds and eating up a storm just like Naomi!  Since 6 weeks post due date, the girls started to sleep through the night (at least 5 hours straight).  BUT the girls love to cluster feed for several hours in the evening before they go to sleep, so I've accepted this transition and just plunked myself in front of the tv  with my big tandem pillow.  

Taking care of two babies as a new mother alone is NOT EASY. I wish someone told me how crazy life is with two babies.  Here are my feeding tips for all you twin mothers and new moms:
- Feeding: Babies feed more often when breastfed.  Breastfeeding sucks up all your time and energy.   My girls eat every two hours starting at noon!  Then they cluster feed almost non stop around 8 pm till midnight or 1 am. Just accept it.  Your breastfeeding pillow is now your best friend, your main food source is water, and facebook is your new social life. With two babies taking up to 45 -60 mins to feed each, you have no time to fart around.
- Breaks: Pump when you can shortly after you finish feeding and at least once a day, feed by bottle.  Otherwise the babies get so use to breastfeeding that they refuse the bottle.  Trust me, we are experiencing this right now. This way you can go out with two babies alone for long periods of time and be able to nurse discreetly in public yet bottle feed the second baby.
- Nightfeedings: Learn to feed lying down asap.  You will feel a LOT better if you can do this.
That's it for now!