Saturday, December 26, 2009

Santa's here, Santa's here!!!



Yes, it's that time of year. Christmas. And what better way to share Christmas than with the three latest, beautiful, additions to the Stroessner clan?

Christmas this year was spent in Jefferson City, with the Grandparents, and we were very happy that all of us kids, and grandkids, could be there. It was a full house... but we all managed to get along and have a fun Christmas.

And when we returned to KC, we were greated with this. 8" of snow, and still snowing!








So, we settled in by the tree.



And as vision of sugar plumbs dance in there heads, a Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

December 2

I can't believe it's December! When did that happen? So here's the quick and dirty rundown.

Jeff has the flu. Not the swine flu (thank God!). Just the regular miserable flu. Both Jeff and I are going to the pediatrician today to get the H1N1 vaccine. I think it's funny that two adults without kids (we're leaving the girls with my mom) are going to be sitting in the waiting room at the peds office, waiting to be called back...

Lucy and Jane had their first visit to Loose Park Sunday. It was a beautiful day and they not only enjoyed a walk (by the way, that loop is MUCH longer when you're pushing twins), but they also had a lovely photo shoot courtesy of Jan and my mom. Get excited for the Christmas cards!




I never thought I would be so excited about poop. We cheer around here when the girls go number 2. From the looks of relief on their faces, I think they're cheering on the inside. And here's the funny poo story of the day. Most of you know we have a fairly friendly rivalry in this house. Jayhawks vs Tigers. And the border war was Saturday. I thought it would be a good time for Lucy to get to try on her KU onesie (thanks again Lacy!) and Jeff was surprisingly cooperative. Well, this was one of those times when Lucy hadn't pooped in a day or so and seemed pretty uncomfortable. So shortly after the game (which KU unfortunately lost), Lucy started grunting and Jeff excitedly changed her diaper and let out a cheer which quickly turned to a less cheerful sound when Lucy kept going. And going. And going. Like the Energizer Bunny but less fuzzy. And no drum. She dirtied at least two additional diapers, a handful of wipes, and got poo all over her KU onesie. I fear this one is going to be a Mizzou girl...

Okay, almost time for Jeff and I to head to the pediatrician's office.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Their cuteness is killing me!

No words are necessary. Which is good because I'm too tired to type them.


Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Only the cutest video.... EVER



And wait, there's more. Jane takes her first ride... I think I'm gonna throw up...

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Meet the Stroessners



Our little ladies had the pleasure of meeting the Stroessner clan last night. All three cousins were there, and all of the aunts and uncles minus one... we missed ya, Todd, but we didn't forget you.

And for you grandparents out there, Lucy and Jane were looking very cute this morning...



Also, it's official, they're on the grid.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

The NICU Experience

Actually, I'm writing this for anyone who may be surfing the net and may have to go through the NICU experience, or is just interested. First off, I have to say that although our experience was tiring and seemed to last forever, we were very fortunate. As the doctor put it, our babies were not unhealthy, they were just small and needed to grow up a bit. After the first couple nights, they were what are called Feeder Growers, which is the last stage before going home. They spent almost two weeks at Shawnee Mission Medical, under the care of a very professional and loving staff. We thank the world for their help.

So, fortunately, we cannot speak for those of you whose babies were very early, or have/had difficulties. We cannot imagine your worry and frustration. But we do know how much you love your babies, and how you just want them to be safe and home.

Our first recommendation; get to know your nurses. They are your 24-7 update line. They are serious, and can be intense, but they know their stuff and really are amazing. Plus, they usually have some good stories.

Second, don't be afraid to hold your babies if you can. Step in there and help with feedings. Change their diapers. Talk to them. Tell them stories. Sing to them. Let them know that their parents love them.

Third, and this one is extremely difficult, don't pay too much attention to the monitors all of the time. Have the nurses inform you on what they mean, and when you should be concerned. In our case, our babies would fall into deep sleep and they would almost stop breathing so we would have to wake them up. It didn't take long before I found myself staring at the monitors. About four days, that was the amount of time it took for me to realize that the nurses are not going to let anything happen to my little girls. Eventually, you learn to quickly asses the numbers and beeps, look at the baby to make sure they are fine, and go back to doing whatever you were doing. But, I won't lie. You won't forget the beeps after you leave.

Fourth, take breaks. Get your rest. Be there when you can, but be healthy so you can enjoy them when the big day comes.

Ok, that's enough for now. I'm posting a video of our experience. Like I said, our babies were healthy, but I hope our experience can help you in some way.

And we're back.

So, since last time, we have had some fun and exciting new developments. Here they are in chronological order. The abridged version.

Friday, November 6th.
Yeah!!!!, Tubes are out!!!! They look so different. Doctor says they may be coming home soon. Cross your fingers, count your chickens.

Saturday. Looks like tomorrow is the big day. The hospital is boarding us for the night, and we get to share the room with our little ladies. The nurses at Shawnee Mission NICU have been great. Thank you so much for taking care of our two beautiful girls. A special very grateful thank you to Jennifer and Loretta.

Sunday. Wow, not a lot of sleep last night, but they're home!!! We'll update tomorrow.

Monday.
One night down, and we have to say that we are soooooooo happy the girls are home. The pets spent a couple hours just staring at them. One of our cats, Mark, watched them for a while, then went over to a corner and stared at the wall. Way to go, Mark. But all is great, and we are very happy. This is so much less stressful now that they are home. AND, we got to give them their first baths at home tonight. I think they loved it. Not one whimper.

Tuesday. Had the first visit to Dr. Slaymaker this morning. The girls are doing great. They have grown by over an inch in the last two weeks!! We figure they should be about 3' 8" by this time next year. Grandpa and Grandma Hartman came over to visit. At the least, we would describe them as understandably excited. Congratulations!!

Wednesday. Ahhhhh, don't eat our babies!!!! Eva, Lucy and Jane's 6 month old cousin, came over to visit tonight. We will have to post this photo as soon as we get a copy. Let's just say, our only point of reference for the past few weeks has been our little angels. To us they just look cute, but sitting next to a 6 month old, they just look like bait. I'm fairly sure demon Jane will protect Lucy.

Grandma and Grandpa Stroessner and Hartman got to spend some time with Lucy and Jane. We still can't get any of the Grandpas to get even close to a diaper changing table. One of these days Gramps, one of these days.

Today. Three words, Awesome!! Lucy and Jane have officially been on their first walk. It was so nice to get outside and enjoy fall. It was just around the block, but we had a good time. Well, Shelly and I had a good time, Lucy and Jane slept.

So that is the update for now. We have settled into our routine. We get up every three hours, day and night, and make sure the girls are fed. We hold them when they cry, and take them on field trips around the house. We sing to them, and tell them about how goofy life will be. They are happy, and we are happy.

P.S.

What's new pussycat, whooooooooa whoooooa whooooa ooh!!

So, it's been a few days since the last post, and we've been getting some flack for not updating. So here is the latest... oops hold on, our new twins are crying and we need to take a quick break. Later.

Friday, November 6, 2009

November 6

Remember the story yesterday about Jeff not learning his lesson? Right, well, apparently the lesson to be learned is to wear an apron and possibly a face mask because Jane is a projectile pooper. That diaper comes off and you pull her legs up out of the way and watch out! This time the hospital staff gets to do the laundry.

This is the face Jane makes when she's pooping.


UPDATE

The girls are doing really well with their oral feedings. They even gained weight yesterday! It still tends to wear them out a little, so probably about a quarter of their feedings are still being done by tube.

Lucy after eating:

Thursday, November 5, 2009

November 5

NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH

My daughter, my very own flesh and blood, shat all over the place when I was trying to change her diaper. Her already very dirty diaper. Today was the first day Jeff and I had the girls wear those little footy pajama things that actually belong to us. Up until now, they've been wearing hospital garb. Which, incidentally, is much nicer than the gown they put me in. Well, we learned our lesson. Back to the hospital provided clothing. I pulled Lucy's diaper off, cleaned her adorable little bum, and then watched, dumbfounded, as mustard yellow poo started flowing, almost geisering, out of her little bumhole (like how I cleaned that up for the grandmas?) and all over her new, freshly laundered footy pajama thing.

You would think that Jeff would have learned from my mistake, but you would be wrong. After we finally got Lucy cleaned up (yes, it took both of us), and I was almost finished feeding her, Jeff started getting Jane ready. This involved a diaper change. A diaper change that turned out JUST LIKE LUCY's. Got that diaper off and poo started pouring out. Lesson learned: this twin bond that our daughters have apparently extends to their pooping habits.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

November 4




CUTE STORIES FOR THE DAY

When I put Lucy back in the crib next to Jane, I put her down a few inches away, facing Jane. I looked in on them 30 minutes later and they had squirmed together until their foreheads were touching. The nurse told me when she came in this morning, Lucy was sucking on Jane's head, apparently searching for her pacifier.

Jeff and I were changing their diapers this evening and getting ready to feed both of them. They were hungry! Shoving anything they could find into their mouths. When Lucy's hand flew in front of Jane's face, Jane seized the opportunity and started sucking in earnest on Lucy's fingers.

UPDATE

Both girls gained a little weight - Jane is now at 5lbs 3.5oz and Lucy is at 5lbs 5oz. Just a reminder - Lucy's birthweight was 5lbs 7oz and Jane's birthweight was 5lbs 4.3oz.

And they both took bottles really well today! We'll see if all that work wore them out when they weigh them again tonight.