Saturday, December 29, 2007
Activity Surge
On an average day my blog is visited by a handful people, picture day about 15% more and suddenly I've had a 400% increase, overnight. It doesn't make sense and I don't know what is going on, but something is afoot. I'll keep you posted.
Weekend Bonus Post
Our new routine is awesome!!! Parents LOVE it! I love it!
But best of all - babies love it!
But best of all - babies love it!
Friday, December 28, 2007
Jackson rolls!
Make way Jackson rolls!
Say hey! Jackson rolls!
Hey! Clear the way in the old Bazaar
Hey you!
Let us through!
It's a bright new star!
Oh Come!
Be the first on your block to meet his eye!
Make way!
Here he comes!
Ring bells! Bang the drums!
Are you gonna love this guy!
Jackson rolls! Fabulous he!
Jackson our-roller!
Genuflect, show some respect
Down on one knee!
Now, try your best to stay calm
Brush up your sunday salaam
The come and meet his spectacular coterie [of toys]
Jackson rolls!
Mighty is he!
Jackson our-roller!
Strong as ten regular men, definitely!
He faced the tummy time blues
A hundred people in shoes
Who rolled and made big news?
Why, Jackson rolls!
Say hey! Jackson rolls!
Hey! Clear the way in the old Bazaar
Hey you!
Let us through!
It's a bright new star!
Oh Come!
Be the first on your block to meet his eye!
Make way!
Here he comes!
Ring bells! Bang the drums!
Are you gonna love this guy!
Jackson rolls! Fabulous he!
Jackson our-roller!
Genuflect, show some respect
Down on one knee!
Now, try your best to stay calm
Brush up your sunday salaam
The come and meet his spectacular coterie [of toys]
Jackson rolls!
Mighty is he!
Jackson our-roller!
Strong as ten regular men, definitely!
He faced the tummy time blues
A hundred people in shoes
Who rolled and made big news?
Why, Jackson rolls!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
New Schedule
Without hesitation we began a new schedule today. Jackson and Tabitha have been cutting their first nap of the day short causing their awake period, before their big nap, to increase to nearly two hours. While two hours might not sound like very long, possibly some of you are thinking it's me who prefers not to have them awake so long, but spending two hours of awake time isn't the hard part, it's the sleeping afterwards. Their three hour nap that followed the two hours of awake time became a forty-five minute nap with a lot of fussing afterwards. Some days Jackson would do this, other days it would be Tabitha. The bottom line is, it became inconsistent with that forty-five minutes at the beginning being the only predictable part. If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times,
WAKING AT 45 MINUTES MEANS THEY ARE OVERTIRED.
This morning Roger and Sara aimed to feed them at 7:15 am, they made it to 7:05 am. Not bad.
I arrived at 8 am and the plan was for me to give them cereal and/or solids at 8:15 am. Good.
Our goal was to put them down for their first nap at 9 am. At 8:35 am Jackson lost it. Screaming, crying, done. Just by chance this corresponded with Roger's entrance into the situation. Roger can't handle telling either baby "no" or making them wait, for anything. We put both Jackson and Tabitha to bed. Jackson went to sleep almost immediately, 8:40 am, not too bad. Tabitha took another ten minutes of fussing, going to sleep at 8:50 am rather than 9 am, pretty good.
Jackson cycled around 9:20 am and went back to sleep, no crying whatsoever. Tabitha woke at 9:45 am and decided she was ready to play. She's just getting back to sleep now, after a little talking, a little playing and yes, a little crying. We're aiming for the next mealtime around 11 - 11:15 am to get down for their big nap around noon. But the key here is only to have them awake for one hour total, after that they get overtired and can't sleep longer than forty-five minute cycles.
This must be extremely boring to read, I apologize. I'm using my blog as documentation of each stage, transition and change.
.
And, a recipe!
This morning we tried cinnamon pears with sweet potatoes - YUMMY!
WAKING AT 45 MINUTES MEANS THEY ARE OVERTIRED.
This morning Roger and Sara aimed to feed them at 7:15 am, they made it to 7:05 am. Not bad.
I arrived at 8 am and the plan was for me to give them cereal and/or solids at 8:15 am. Good.
Our goal was to put them down for their first nap at 9 am. At 8:35 am Jackson lost it. Screaming, crying, done. Just by chance this corresponded with Roger's entrance into the situation. Roger can't handle telling either baby "no" or making them wait, for anything. We put both Jackson and Tabitha to bed. Jackson went to sleep almost immediately, 8:40 am, not too bad. Tabitha took another ten minutes of fussing, going to sleep at 8:50 am rather than 9 am, pretty good.
Jackson cycled around 9:20 am and went back to sleep, no crying whatsoever. Tabitha woke at 9:45 am and decided she was ready to play. She's just getting back to sleep now, after a little talking, a little playing and yes, a little crying. We're aiming for the next mealtime around 11 - 11:15 am to get down for their big nap around noon. But the key here is only to have them awake for one hour total, after that they get overtired and can't sleep longer than forty-five minute cycles.
This must be extremely boring to read, I apologize. I'm using my blog as documentation of each stage, transition and change.
.
And, a recipe!
This morning we tried cinnamon pears with sweet potatoes - YUMMY!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Wednesday after Christmas.
This boy enjoys tummy time! Look at close he is to rolling over - do it Jackson! Roll over!!
Today was very long, very quick, rewarding and frustrating all at the same time.
Both tomatoes are off of their sleep schedule, exhausted and having a hard time, again.
But they ate like champs! Jackson took a 230mL bottle today! Way to go Jackson! Great feeding Norah!
They are loving their solid foods, everyday. We are up to four foods, two fruits, one vegetable and rice. Technically they can have prunes because they've both had prune juice, but we haven't fed them solid, i.e. pureed, prunes yet. Today we tried cinnamon pears, banana-pear combo and pruney-rice with banana-pear combo. The "Samara-Pears" both varieties, were a huge hit as compared to the Ger6er pears which received scrunchy-faces and were pushed from both babies mouths. Samara's Pears have it!!
Finally, both babies were frustrated that I'd been away two days longer than a regular weekend.
Jackson refused to look at me this morning. Literally. He took away my eye contact as punishment for being away from him for so long. When I continued to talk to him, knowing he'd eventually get over being annoyed, valid feelings - his to feel, he started to cry. Without fail this brought Roger and Sara running, both to coo over Jackson, but mostly feel sorry for me. What a way to begin the day!
Then this evening, Tabitha decided that even though we'd had a great day together, she was angry with me too. Maybe her perspective is to think ahead to tomorrow, whether or not I'll be back, whereas Jackson thought about the past. As I told Roger and Sara about her beautiful, social mealtimes she started to cry. Loud. Strong. Sudden. Both Roger and Sara freaked out, decided there must be something wrong. She settled into Rgoer's lap, happy as a clam, we talked some more. As soon as I returned to the topic of her eating, she started crying again, just as she had before.
These are two very clever babies. Roger and Sara may not see it but I see more evidence of their intelligence everyday.
My time off was lovely. Lots of driving but wonderful family time, all with my in-laweos. There was only one tantrum had the entire visit! Sadly that was given by my sister-in-laweo who is in her thirties and still lives at home. I've suggested to Norah we buy Mr. Seahorse for she and my parents-in-law, but we've yet to agree on it as an option. Maybe "Santa" will leave a few copies in next year's stockings!
Today was very long, very quick, rewarding and frustrating all at the same time.
Both tomatoes are off of their sleep schedule, exhausted and having a hard time, again.
But they ate like champs! Jackson took a 230mL bottle today! Way to go Jackson! Great feeding Norah!
They are loving their solid foods, everyday. We are up to four foods, two fruits, one vegetable and rice. Technically they can have prunes because they've both had prune juice, but we haven't fed them solid, i.e. pureed, prunes yet. Today we tried cinnamon pears, banana-pear combo and pruney-rice with banana-pear combo. The "Samara-Pears" both varieties, were a huge hit as compared to the Ger6er pears which received scrunchy-faces and were pushed from both babies mouths. Samara's Pears have it!!
Finally, both babies were frustrated that I'd been away two days longer than a regular weekend.
Jackson refused to look at me this morning. Literally. He took away my eye contact as punishment for being away from him for so long. When I continued to talk to him, knowing he'd eventually get over being annoyed, valid feelings - his to feel, he started to cry. Without fail this brought Roger and Sara running, both to coo over Jackson, but mostly feel sorry for me. What a way to begin the day!
Then this evening, Tabitha decided that even though we'd had a great day together, she was angry with me too. Maybe her perspective is to think ahead to tomorrow, whether or not I'll be back, whereas Jackson thought about the past. As I told Roger and Sara about her beautiful, social mealtimes she started to cry. Loud. Strong. Sudden. Both Roger and Sara freaked out, decided there must be something wrong. She settled into Rgoer's lap, happy as a clam, we talked some more. As soon as I returned to the topic of her eating, she started crying again, just as she had before.
These are two very clever babies. Roger and Sara may not see it but I see more evidence of their intelligence everyday.
My time off was lovely. Lots of driving but wonderful family time, all with my in-laweos. There was only one tantrum had the entire visit! Sadly that was given by my sister-in-laweo who is in her thirties and still lives at home. I've suggested to Norah we buy Mr. Seahorse for she and my parents-in-law, but we've yet to agree on it as an option. Maybe "Santa" will leave a few copies in next year's stockings!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Early Intervention
EI came this morning to check up on Jackson and Tabitha. They came early because it is best for Roger and Sara and only interrupts Jackson and Tabitha's sleep a little. Both the PT and our EI nurse were impressed with the progress the tomatoes have made. Jackson was a little cranky, sleepy this morning but still did an acceptable job. He is a baby so we can cut him some slack, right?
We need to continue working on tummy time, floor time in general and some specific suggestions included side play, to encourage the separation of top and bottom, seated positions, to increase trunk strength, and putting toys in their hands, to increase grasping, opening of fists and toy transfer. Tabitha transfered a toy between both hands while they were here, I was very proud. Roger and Sara haven't even seen her do this yet! Jackson seemed stronger on his tummy, more of his chest and stomach were off of the ground. He was also infinitely more verbal but Tabitha saw plenty opportunities to share her raspberry-type spitting that I so loathe. Much as Sara and our EI nurse thought it was cute. I don't think either Roger or PT agree and I surely don't think it's cute in any way.
Tomorrow morning will be a weigh in and RSV for each baby. I'll come into work late but Norah will join me because she's on Christmas break from school, as of this past Monday, and today is her last workday before she gets a break from that too. I was telling her how the housekeeper received a Christmas bonus yesterday and hoping that meant I'd get one too, she was saying how she definitely won't get a bonus as her work is an unpaid internship. As she gets a three week break I told her, that is a pretty good bonus! Looking at it from that perspective she had to agree!
We need to continue working on tummy time, floor time in general and some specific suggestions included side play, to encourage the separation of top and bottom, seated positions, to increase trunk strength, and putting toys in their hands, to increase grasping, opening of fists and toy transfer. Tabitha transfered a toy between both hands while they were here, I was very proud. Roger and Sara haven't even seen her do this yet! Jackson seemed stronger on his tummy, more of his chest and stomach were off of the ground. He was also infinitely more verbal but Tabitha saw plenty opportunities to share her raspberry-type spitting that I so loathe. Much as Sara and our EI nurse thought it was cute. I don't think either Roger or PT agree and I surely don't think it's cute in any way.
Tomorrow morning will be a weigh in and RSV for each baby. I'll come into work late but Norah will join me because she's on Christmas break from school, as of this past Monday, and today is her last workday before she gets a break from that too. I was telling her how the housekeeper received a Christmas bonus yesterday and hoping that meant I'd get one too, she was saying how she definitely won't get a bonus as her work is an unpaid internship. As she gets a three week break I told her, that is a pretty good bonus! Looking at it from that perspective she had to agree!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Wednesday before Christmas!
Yesterday's most exciting news - and I forgot to blog it!!!
Eating together used to be a regular occurence around here. Two babies, two bottles, my two arms and a nice big lap - no problem! But with Jackson having all of these issues with eating, it hasn't been an option in a very long time. I missed it very much. I love those two little sweeties snuggled into my lap, looking up at me with those four bright eyes and holding onto my hands (okay they weren't doing this before but they are now!). It also cuts bottle time in half which leaves more time for playing together before they are both ready to go back to bed. And yesterday it happened! We did it! It was AWESOME!
They were starving and I told them,
"It isn't fair for Tabitha to wait to eat because Jackson has decided he needs to be held just so."
I turned to them, looking Jackson in the eyes, and stated,
"You can wait until Tabitha is finished or we can all eat together."
He looked up at me, screaming what I can only imagine was,
"Just FEED ME!"
And we did it! The three of us sat together with both of them eating, just like in the old days. Tabitha finished first, she'd actually eaten half of her bottle while Jackson and I discussed the situation, after she burped I put her down and finished Jackson in his regular position.
Today? Today was BETTER! Both babies took ALL of their bottles, did all of their burps and enjoyed snuggles together, the whole time! It was great. After we finished we tried,
Sweet Potatoes for the first time. They both really enjoyed them. I just baked a sweet potato, skinned it and mashed it with a fork. I thinned it a tiny bit with formula but left it a tad thick to see how they'd do. Sweet potatoes are naturally a little stringy, but they didn't mind at all. I think they liked them more than pears. Hooray! We'll have them three more days then try something new.
Eating together used to be a regular occurence around here. Two babies, two bottles, my two arms and a nice big lap - no problem! But with Jackson having all of these issues with eating, it hasn't been an option in a very long time. I missed it very much. I love those two little sweeties snuggled into my lap, looking up at me with those four bright eyes and holding onto my hands (okay they weren't doing this before but they are now!). It also cuts bottle time in half which leaves more time for playing together before they are both ready to go back to bed. And yesterday it happened! We did it! It was AWESOME!
They were starving and I told them,
"It isn't fair for Tabitha to wait to eat because Jackson has decided he needs to be held just so."
I turned to them, looking Jackson in the eyes, and stated,
"You can wait until Tabitha is finished or we can all eat together."
He looked up at me, screaming what I can only imagine was,
"Just FEED ME!"
And we did it! The three of us sat together with both of them eating, just like in the old days. Tabitha finished first, she'd actually eaten half of her bottle while Jackson and I discussed the situation, after she burped I put her down and finished Jackson in his regular position.
Today? Today was BETTER! Both babies took ALL of their bottles, did all of their burps and enjoyed snuggles together, the whole time! It was great. After we finished we tried,
Sweet Potatoes for the first time. They both really enjoyed them. I just baked a sweet potato, skinned it and mashed it with a fork. I thinned it a tiny bit with formula but left it a tad thick to see how they'd do. Sweet potatoes are naturally a little stringy, but they didn't mind at all. I think they liked them more than pears. Hooray! We'll have them three more days then try something new.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Super Tuesday!
Went to work this morning pretty sure Tuesday couldn't top Monday - but it did! Both tomatoes were adorable and sweet this morning. We ate pears again and they seem to be enjoying their introduction into solid foods. I baked them a sweet potato for later this week. Ooooo exciting!
They are both accomplished tummy players now. Tabitha grabs toys or her hands to chew. Sometimes they look around the room or at each other. This afternoon Jackson did an entire ten minutes of tummy time at once! And Tabitha did fifteen! This may not sound that impressive but a month ago it was torture for Tabitha to do thirty seconds! With this increased tolerance for tummy time they are both getting closer to rolling over. A very exciting milestone but I need some good tummy pictures before it's too late!
This morning I set up a backdrop and put them in simple white onesies, I love clean, white onesies with both on their tummies. And wouldn't you know it? I could hardly get them to stay still! Both leaning over as if they were about to roll! I took a few cute shots but accidently changed my camera setting, without realizing, and missed a good thirty shots due to underexposure.
I'm really looking forward to Christmas next week and everything coming up, both at home and with the babies development.
If there were pictures from today...I could ask, aren't they getting so big?!*
*fighting with my camera, pictures shortly.
UPDATE: Camera fight went on A LOT longer than expected. You wouldn't believe how close Tabitha is to rolling over!
They are both accomplished tummy players now. Tabitha grabs toys or her hands to chew. Sometimes they look around the room or at each other. This afternoon Jackson did an entire ten minutes of tummy time at once! And Tabitha did fifteen! This may not sound that impressive but a month ago it was torture for Tabitha to do thirty seconds! With this increased tolerance for tummy time they are both getting closer to rolling over. A very exciting milestone but I need some good tummy pictures before it's too late!
This morning I set up a backdrop and put them in simple white onesies, I love clean, white onesies with both on their tummies. And wouldn't you know it? I could hardly get them to stay still! Both leaning over as if they were about to roll! I took a few cute shots but accidently changed my camera setting, without realizing, and missed a good thirty shots due to underexposure.
I'm really looking forward to Christmas next week and everything coming up, both at home and with the babies development.
If there were pictures from today...I could ask, aren't they getting so big?!*
*fighting with my camera, pictures shortly.
UPDATE: Camera fight went on A LOT longer than expected. You wouldn't believe how close Tabitha is to rolling over!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Is it really Monday?!
Can it really be Monday?! It feels like Friday. Jackson and Tabitha have napped impeccably today. I'm not sure what to do with myself. All of my well-rested-weekend-energy hasn't been drained from reinstating regular naps. It feels surreal. Talking with Roger and Sara on Wednesday of last week actually made a huge difference and I'm so HAPPY!!! And the babies? They are relaxed, happy and hungry! All of this sleeping, awesome tummy-time and enjoyable social interactions have increased their appetites!
We're getting exceptionally productive tummy-time that I hope continues all week. On Thursday EI returns with the physical therapist (PT) to give us more suggestions and evaluate our progress. Then Friday will take us back to the pediatrician for our second round of RSV shots.
We're getting exceptionally productive tummy-time that I hope continues all week. On Thursday EI returns with the physical therapist (PT) to give us more suggestions and evaluate our progress. Then Friday will take us back to the pediatrician for our second round of RSV shots.
Labels:
awesome Monday,
caregiver,
child care,
early intervention,
energy,
monday,
nanny,
nap,
naps,
naptime,
RSV,
tummy time,
twins,
week
Friday, December 14, 2007
Cars
No post, babies are fine but it feels like Fridays are getting longer and longer. Yesterday's massive snowfall didn't help but was so beautiful I'm pretty much over the inconvenience. Although I had to abandon my car at work and take the train home, best choice under the circumstances but a bit frustrating today. After a long day of work, I enjoyed a snow removal party.
Speaking of unplanned car activities, here's an optimistic post that was referenced one of my favorite blogs and I just needed to share it again. It really worked for me.
Have a great weekend.
Just imagine two cute babies waiting for some yummy rice cereal, they love it!
Speaking of unplanned car activities, here's an optimistic post that was referenced one of my favorite blogs and I just needed to share it again. It really worked for me.
Have a great weekend.
Just imagine two cute babies waiting for some yummy rice cereal, they love it!
Labels:
babies,
car,
highchairs,
nanny,
photo,
photograph,
picture,
snow
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Big Snow Today
Propped Jackson and Tabitha up on the sofa to watch the snowfall today. Took an awesome photo of the two of them checking it out. They are so adorable!
Little Fingers
Jackson and Tabitha are doing great with their cereal! They really seem to enjoy it. This morning they were looking forward to it. I put them in their chairs and they both started smiling. Jackson began to smack his tongue and lips together. They both became a little giddy. It was adorable!
Roger and Sara were out last night, hence they were pretty exhausted and left late to work this morning. Roger loved watching someone else feed his babies. He didn't have to do anything, just enjoy them. I think he was as giddy as they were! And wonderfully enough not at all distracting. It was completely positive for ALL of us. He smartly took the opportunity to video them. They have really improved since my first feeding with them which came three days after Roger and Sara's first feeding, the babies first ever feeding. It is amazing how much they change in a few days. Tomorrow or Saturday they will start on another food, we're planning to do carrots. I LOVE carrots!!!
After solids we go upstairs, to their room, and drink bottles. Tabitha has started getting hers propped while I feed Jackson so neither of them has to wait. This isn't because waiting is bad but more that they have started eating and are hungry. It would be very frustrating for either of them to then just sit for twenty minutes while the other ate. She seems to be enjoying it and we're only doing it one time each day, after their cereal. She's also moving up to number three nipples. She's ready but Jackson doesn't seem to be interested. He gulps a bit then gets frustrated and then starts choking alternately with being annoyed. Whether it is on purpose or not he prefers the number twos and there's no need to rush him along.
When they are both finished I take my time and clean the last traces of cereal off their hands and faces. If you've ever fed a baby rice cereal you know how sticky, pasty and glue-like it can be. Then it dries all crusty and flakey. Somehow it gets EVERYWHERE even if you can only see it around their mouths, chin and cheeks. As diligent as you need to be to get it all off of their necks and faces, I love cleaning it off those little hands. Those little tiny fingers that have only been for fingerplays til now, suddenly are part of their meals. I find it exciting and special and nice. They lie on the changing table full-tummied and relaxed, looking happily up at me in their little food-coma way, while I gently clean their palms then in-between each finger. It is new and different but they just look up at me knowing I'll soon put them to bed, relaxed, full and clean.
What a great feeling.
Roger and Sara were out last night, hence they were pretty exhausted and left late to work this morning. Roger loved watching someone else feed his babies. He didn't have to do anything, just enjoy them. I think he was as giddy as they were! And wonderfully enough not at all distracting. It was completely positive for ALL of us. He smartly took the opportunity to video them. They have really improved since my first feeding with them which came three days after Roger and Sara's first feeding, the babies first ever feeding. It is amazing how much they change in a few days. Tomorrow or Saturday they will start on another food, we're planning to do carrots. I LOVE carrots!!!
After solids we go upstairs, to their room, and drink bottles. Tabitha has started getting hers propped while I feed Jackson so neither of them has to wait. This isn't because waiting is bad but more that they have started eating and are hungry. It would be very frustrating for either of them to then just sit for twenty minutes while the other ate. She seems to be enjoying it and we're only doing it one time each day, after their cereal. She's also moving up to number three nipples. She's ready but Jackson doesn't seem to be interested. He gulps a bit then gets frustrated and then starts choking alternately with being annoyed. Whether it is on purpose or not he prefers the number twos and there's no need to rush him along.
When they are both finished I take my time and clean the last traces of cereal off their hands and faces. If you've ever fed a baby rice cereal you know how sticky, pasty and glue-like it can be. Then it dries all crusty and flakey. Somehow it gets EVERYWHERE even if you can only see it around their mouths, chin and cheeks. As diligent as you need to be to get it all off of their necks and faces, I love cleaning it off those little hands. Those little tiny fingers that have only been for fingerplays til now, suddenly are part of their meals. I find it exciting and special and nice. They lie on the changing table full-tummied and relaxed, looking happily up at me in their little food-coma way, while I gently clean their palms then in-between each finger. It is new and different but they just look up at me knowing I'll soon put them to bed, relaxed, full and clean.
What a great feeling.
Labels:
25weekers,
cereal,
fingers,
food,
hands,
happy,
preemies,
rice cereal,
six month olds,
solids
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Walking & Talking
It was beautiful here today, all the way in the mid-forties! We had to get out for a walk! Despite Jackson's lack of nap and the amazing tummy-time that was occurring I hauled both of them downstairs, folded them into their coats, grabbed their hats and my coat, and headed outside. Mr Sleepy protested his hat venomously. He wanted me to get the stroller in motion and continue until he'd had his fill of stroller sleep. With warm ears we all enjoyed our walk.
Aside from the weather today's best news focused on laughter. This evening, instead of our regular sling-nap, I was helping an evening babysitter get them to bed and didn't see keeping them up late for her, for their parents is fine, but for a babysitter? nope. As I was saying, this evening I was playing with them, talking, reading, just enjoying some social time together, and I had them both laughing! They don't really laugh much, chuckle and smile but not laugh, unless you tickle them. Then on the rare occasion they have each giggled. But tonight, without ticking or actually touching them, I had them each laughing! It was AWESOME!
In less exciting news, I talked with Roger and Sara about Mondays and Tuesdays. It wasn't a planned thing and I didn't expect to do so. But when I arrived and Tabitha was having a terrible time getting back to sleep I just couldn't help myself. Par for the course, Sara was attentive and open to my suggestions. Roger was defensive and tried to convince me that they need less sleep and maybe they aren't sleeping because they aren't tired. Not long into the conversation he excused himself to get ready for work. I explained to Sara that this is as east as it gets for setting routines and expectations. They sleep through the night and can't really do anything yet. No rolling over. No pulling up. No words. Offering that I'm cognizant of how hard it is to hear them fuss and/or cry and that it must be 100x harder as their parents. But letting her know that in a few months typical cries can turn into pleading with specific names or titles. It will get so much tougher.
She mulled this over, paraphrased what I was getting at and asked,
"It gets harder if we don't figure this out. But if we can figure it out, it will get easier?"
She was so hopeful. And right on target.
"Absolutely."
It can and will get easier, if we can be consistent and show them what we expect, enjoy and love.
Aside from the weather today's best news focused on laughter. This evening, instead of our regular sling-nap, I was helping an evening babysitter get them to bed and didn't see keeping them up late for her, for their parents is fine, but for a babysitter? nope. As I was saying, this evening I was playing with them, talking, reading, just enjoying some social time together, and I had them both laughing! They don't really laugh much, chuckle and smile but not laugh, unless you tickle them. Then on the rare occasion they have each giggled. But tonight, without ticking or actually touching them, I had them each laughing! It was AWESOME!
In less exciting news, I talked with Roger and Sara about Mondays and Tuesdays. It wasn't a planned thing and I didn't expect to do so. But when I arrived and Tabitha was having a terrible time getting back to sleep I just couldn't help myself. Par for the course, Sara was attentive and open to my suggestions. Roger was defensive and tried to convince me that they need less sleep and maybe they aren't sleeping because they aren't tired. Not long into the conversation he excused himself to get ready for work. I explained to Sara that this is as east as it gets for setting routines and expectations. They sleep through the night and can't really do anything yet. No rolling over. No pulling up. No words. Offering that I'm cognizant of how hard it is to hear them fuss and/or cry and that it must be 100x harder as their parents. But letting her know that in a few months typical cries can turn into pleading with specific names or titles. It will get so much tougher.
She mulled this over, paraphrased what I was getting at and asked,
"It gets harder if we don't figure this out. But if we can figure it out, it will get easier?"
She was so hopeful. And right on target.
"Absolutely."
It can and will get easier, if we can be consistent and show them what we expect, enjoy and love.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Cranky.
Cranky. I am terribly cranky today. Mondays and Tuesdays are the most exhausting days of my week. They are spent starting over, yes, every.single.week. We just start over. It is so frustrating that 48 hours can usurp what I spend an entire week putting into homeostasis. I'm not working for dumb people. We have good conversations and when they are rational they completely agree with me. But then the weekends come or one of the babies fusses and their rationale dissipates. Where does it go? can their brains literally just deactivate?
These tomatoes came home from the hospital knowing how to eat and sleep. Now suddenly, at six months, they can't do either?
But wait! They can eat, if you hold them at the perfect angle, doing just the right motion using both of your hands, cooing, breathing at the perfect speed and giving it to them at just that perfect second of that one minute when they want it the most. You can't do that?! What's wrong with you? Aren't you a good nanny? This is what they NEED.
Can you imagine what that looks like for sleep? And Roger says they can't be overtired, they sleep all of the time. Yet whenever Monday comes they expect at least ten soothings during each sleep period. Seems like they are getting some seriously deep sleep on the weekends, they two opportunities they do get (opposed to four or five).
And here we are again. Starting over. Yes Tabitha, you can sleep. Roger and Sara said you slept the same time period over the weekend. Yet here you are yelling. You NEVER yell for them. And Jackson, you can't eat? It's the same formula, the same time, the same temperature, the same bibs, feeding location and you are hungry. But you just can't eat? Wow. It's just amazing how Mondays and Tuesdays ALWAYS mean lots of cranky, cranky people.
Listen. I know parenting is hard. I know this. I know that being a parent is completely different from being a nanny. Without question. And there's no instruction manual. But if you had someone you could ask for advice, someone you trusted, someone who had taken care of, say 55 children before yours, and she actually did what she was suggesting you do, wouldn't you listen to her? Honestly people, I go out of my way to make their lives as parents easier every day. They get an extra nap, that I hold them during, just because their parents want them to stay up later so they can have playtime every evening. And I do it, every evening. And I feed them, extra well so that if Jackson refuses to eat two bottles a day because they'd rather snuggle him than feed him, he'll still be gaining enough weight for his brain to grow. I make every bottle, wash every article of clothing, sheets, towels, set the schedule, follow the schedule, offer gentle suggestions and positive reinforcement, yet still, Mondays and Tuesdays happen. Every.single.week.we.start.over.
These tomatoes came home from the hospital knowing how to eat and sleep. Now suddenly, at six months, they can't do either?
But wait! They can eat, if you hold them at the perfect angle, doing just the right motion using both of your hands, cooing, breathing at the perfect speed and giving it to them at just that perfect second of that one minute when they want it the most. You can't do that?! What's wrong with you? Aren't you a good nanny? This is what they NEED.
Can you imagine what that looks like for sleep? And Roger says they can't be overtired, they sleep all of the time. Yet whenever Monday comes they expect at least ten soothings during each sleep period. Seems like they are getting some seriously deep sleep on the weekends, they two opportunities they do get (opposed to four or five).
And here we are again. Starting over. Yes Tabitha, you can sleep. Roger and Sara said you slept the same time period over the weekend. Yet here you are yelling. You NEVER yell for them. And Jackson, you can't eat? It's the same formula, the same time, the same temperature, the same bibs, feeding location and you are hungry. But you just can't eat? Wow. It's just amazing how Mondays and Tuesdays ALWAYS mean lots of cranky, cranky people.
Listen. I know parenting is hard. I know this. I know that being a parent is completely different from being a nanny. Without question. And there's no instruction manual. But if you had someone you could ask for advice, someone you trusted, someone who had taken care of, say 55 children before yours, and she actually did what she was suggesting you do, wouldn't you listen to her? Honestly people, I go out of my way to make their lives as parents easier every day. They get an extra nap, that I hold them during, just because their parents want them to stay up later so they can have playtime every evening. And I do it, every evening. And I feed them, extra well so that if Jackson refuses to eat two bottles a day because they'd rather snuggle him than feed him, he'll still be gaining enough weight for his brain to grow. I make every bottle, wash every article of clothing, sheets, towels, set the schedule, follow the schedule, offer gentle suggestions and positive reinforcement, yet still, Mondays and Tuesdays happen. Every.single.week.we.start.over.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Solids
This past weekend brought Jackson and Tabitha's introduction to solid foods. Both the pediatrician and the GI encouraged Roger and Sara to begin solids. Being new parents with that new-parent-need-for-firsts, kind of like that new-car-smell but it lasts longer, they were jumping out of their pants to get started. Okay, not really but pretty close.
They asked me about which cereal to buy. Personally I think it's all pretty much the same and parents choose based on availability, cost or organic content. I told them this, told them which fell under each category and waited for more questions. None followed. They returned from work with a large box of rice cereal, the kind that falls under the easiest to find or availability category.
Before I left on Friday, they asked about actually giving the babies the cereal. I explained that there is a recipe on the box for their first time. For time of day I suggested earlier in the day because they tend to be more tolerant, have more energy and there's more time left in the day if they do it for the 10am or breakfast feeding. When to do it in regards to the bottle also came up. As with time of day and type of cereal, this is an individual choice, based on babies preferences as well as parents or caregivers. Some infants eat their solids and then refuse their 'milk.' Caregivers for these children switch the solids to after the milk to keep their milk intake constant, later their can be another switch when families are ready to wean off bottles. I suggested they do half the bottle, offer some food because Tabitha can get very demanding and cranky when she's hungry, then offer the remainder of the bottle. Kind of a gentle introduction/best of both worlds suggestion.
On Saturday Roger and Sara put together the highchairs. Then Jackson and Tabitha had their first taste of cereal from a spoon. Roger and Sara took pictures and sent one of each to me just after the tomatoes ate. Aren't they thoughtful?!
Both tomatoes were interested but didn't take very much. Again on Sunday they had cereal before the 10am bottle. Roger and Sara said their quantities weren't affected at all because they ate such a small amount of cereal. Although they both seemed to enjoy it.
After packing this morning Auntie Laverne and Auntie Shirley were thrilled to be the ones to feed Jackson and Tabitha their cereal. I probably made it just a tiny bit thicker than Roger and Sara had, based on the positive response they said there had been. Auntie Laverne seemed to be having a much easier time with Jackson than Auntie Shirley was having with Tabitha. I encouraged them to trade, for pictures of course, and was able to reinforce Auntie Shirley at the appropriate moments until she and Jackson reached a rhythm that worked for both of them. Both babies (and aunties!) finished the two tablespoons I offered them. It was nicely done and the aunties took the tomatoes upstairs for bottles. Neither ate as much as usual but both did fine. I'm looking forward to my opportunity to feed them tomorrow.
Their sleep is still off, but I didn't hear of Tabitha starting any late night parties over the weekend. I'll ask specifically this evening when I reinforce and compliment Roger and Sara on taking their big outing of the weekend AFTER Jackson and Tabitha's big nap - rather than DURING. If this could be the norm you'd hear from a much happier Samara on Mondays and Tuesdays!
They asked me about which cereal to buy. Personally I think it's all pretty much the same and parents choose based on availability, cost or organic content. I told them this, told them which fell under each category and waited for more questions. None followed. They returned from work with a large box of rice cereal, the kind that falls under the easiest to find or availability category.
Before I left on Friday, they asked about actually giving the babies the cereal. I explained that there is a recipe on the box for their first time. For time of day I suggested earlier in the day because they tend to be more tolerant, have more energy and there's more time left in the day if they do it for the 10am or breakfast feeding. When to do it in regards to the bottle also came up. As with time of day and type of cereal, this is an individual choice, based on babies preferences as well as parents or caregivers. Some infants eat their solids and then refuse their 'milk.' Caregivers for these children switch the solids to after the milk to keep their milk intake constant, later their can be another switch when families are ready to wean off bottles. I suggested they do half the bottle, offer some food because Tabitha can get very demanding and cranky when she's hungry, then offer the remainder of the bottle. Kind of a gentle introduction/best of both worlds suggestion.
On Saturday Roger and Sara put together the highchairs. Then Jackson and Tabitha had their first taste of cereal from a spoon. Roger and Sara took pictures and sent one of each to me just after the tomatoes ate. Aren't they thoughtful?!
Both tomatoes were interested but didn't take very much. Again on Sunday they had cereal before the 10am bottle. Roger and Sara said their quantities weren't affected at all because they ate such a small amount of cereal. Although they both seemed to enjoy it.
After packing this morning Auntie Laverne and Auntie Shirley were thrilled to be the ones to feed Jackson and Tabitha their cereal. I probably made it just a tiny bit thicker than Roger and Sara had, based on the positive response they said there had been. Auntie Laverne seemed to be having a much easier time with Jackson than Auntie Shirley was having with Tabitha. I encouraged them to trade, for pictures of course, and was able to reinforce Auntie Shirley at the appropriate moments until she and Jackson reached a rhythm that worked for both of them. Both babies (and aunties!) finished the two tablespoons I offered them. It was nicely done and the aunties took the tomatoes upstairs for bottles. Neither ate as much as usual but both did fine. I'm looking forward to my opportunity to feed them tomorrow.
Their sleep is still off, but I didn't hear of Tabitha starting any late night parties over the weekend. I'll ask specifically this evening when I reinforce and compliment Roger and Sara on taking their big outing of the weekend AFTER Jackson and Tabitha's big nap - rather than DURING. If this could be the norm you'd hear from a much happier Samara on Mondays and Tuesdays!
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Friday's Big News
Nearly forgot the main reason why I didn't post on Friday...
Imagine a photo of two tired faces... Sweet lil'Tabitha thought it would be fun to wake up everyone in the house for a late night party. She started the festivities at 2am and kept everyone busy until 6am when she ate her am bottle and went back to sleep.
Everyone was exhausted when I arrived and the day's naps were exhausting because both babies were so overtired.
I'm not sure how this played out over the weekend, but I'll keep you posted.
Imagine a photo of two tired faces... Sweet lil'Tabitha thought it would be fun to wake up everyone in the house for a late night party. She started the festivities at 2am and kept everyone busy until 6am when she ate her am bottle and went back to sleep.
Everyone was exhausted when I arrived and the day's naps were exhausting because both babies were so overtired.
I'm not sure how this played out over the weekend, but I'll keep you posted.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Bad, bad nanny
I didn't post on Friday, I'm using a picture from Friday, December 7th and dating this post for Friday too. I'm a bad, bad nanny. I didn't make time to blog on Friday. I made time for laundry, formula, bottles, feedings, family interactions, baby-play, a walk, music, a few photos, getting paid, recapping for Roger and Sara then again for my wife, but I didn't make any time to blog. I apologize. I do think of it as one of my daily responsibilities and it is very rewarding to see folks actually visiting. It was especially rewarding to see my photos viewed so many times as I enjoy photography so much more than writing.
It was a good week. Auntie Laverne and Auntie Shirley really enjoyed their visit, the tomatoes and being here. And it snowed!
After our big debate about going outside that was followed up with strict rules surrounding taking the babies outside, including keeping outside time to a maximum of fifteen minutes, I haven't been out with the babies. It's just not worth it. To set up the stroller, put on their warm clothes, snowsuits, hats, dress myself, carry them down the stairs, lower the stroller with them in it down the outside unsalted stairs takes at least fifteen minutes. Add that same fifteen minutes for coming back in and you have a walk that takes longer to orchestrate than actually enjoy. And with all of that add Roger's drama about my freezing his children, which can come on unexpectedly, and I'm out of the game.
But I felt tough and went for it on Friday. Ten entire minutes outside. Wow. I'll just stop there, cause, wow.
It was a good week. Auntie Laverne and Auntie Shirley really enjoyed their visit, the tomatoes and being here. And it snowed!
After our big debate about going outside that was followed up with strict rules surrounding taking the babies outside, including keeping outside time to a maximum of fifteen minutes, I haven't been out with the babies. It's just not worth it. To set up the stroller, put on their warm clothes, snowsuits, hats, dress myself, carry them down the stairs, lower the stroller with them in it down the outside unsalted stairs takes at least fifteen minutes. Add that same fifteen minutes for coming back in and you have a walk that takes longer to orchestrate than actually enjoy. And with all of that add Roger's drama about my freezing his children, which can come on unexpectedly, and I'm out of the game.
But I felt tough and went for it on Friday. Ten entire minutes outside. Wow. I'll just stop there, cause, wow.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Laverne & Shirley
Auntie Laverne is the auntie who filled in a pair of hands while I finished my last position just after the tomatoes came home from the NICU. Tabitha came home a week earlier than Jackson. She had a great time, loves the babies very much and is willing to do anything to help out. She is very, very sweet. At home she is studying in undergrad, she has completed two semesters so far. This semester there has been a lot of frustration because administration is debating salaries, contracts and the like. It has been so bad that Aunt Laverne hasn't even begun her semester! She very much likes school and speaks so well. I think she should transfer what she's done so far and move here to finish. I found out yesterday, from her, that her brother, Roger, agrees.
Maybe she hesitates because she has a boyfriend at home. She's suggested her hesitation is related to other concerns. She loves these babies so much and is a very bright girl. There could be many benefits to her moving here. The tomatoes don't have any family here other than their parents. Everyone is a plane ride away. She could see them every day, help out and have more options. In her school system if she makes less than an A- she is unable to go into a specific program in graduate school. Undergrad, she has to get at least a 90. Right now she's earning a solid B, 83 average I think. And her home is a very, very angry place.
On the tomato front, I've taken comparison pictures. First was taken just before auntie left in August. The bottom one I just took this morning. On the top Tabitha is on the left, on the bottom she's on the right. I singled her out because she was pretty fussy this morning and not her usual smiley self. She wanted to eat and she wanted to eat right then!
They've both grown so much. Both of them really look like they could be six months old. Which is great since right around Christmas they will both be seven months old, really, really doing so well.
The GI told Roger and Sara to keep Jackson on the same medicine unless they'd like to stop the myl@nt@ because it's such a low dose it's probably not making a difference. We're trying that today. But he gained 8oz in two weeks and seems to be doing better. I've been encouraging Auntie Laverne and Auntie Shirley to feed both babies as much as possible. Roger and Sara aren't encouraging Auntie Shirley to help as much as they do Aunt Laverne, but they don't seem to mind that I do. I think it's tough for Roger because she's his youngest sister and he still sees her as very little. When Sara is here she doesn't seem to mind at all.
All in all things here are good. Chilly, but good. I'll have more pictures to post very soon, I took some great photos the first night of Chanukah and yesterday they were even more adorable than usual.
Maybe she hesitates because she has a boyfriend at home. She's suggested her hesitation is related to other concerns. She loves these babies so much and is a very bright girl. There could be many benefits to her moving here. The tomatoes don't have any family here other than their parents. Everyone is a plane ride away. She could see them every day, help out and have more options. In her school system if she makes less than an A- she is unable to go into a specific program in graduate school. Undergrad, she has to get at least a 90. Right now she's earning a solid B, 83 average I think. And her home is a very, very angry place.
On the tomato front, I've taken comparison pictures. First was taken just before auntie left in August. The bottom one I just took this morning. On the top Tabitha is on the left, on the bottom she's on the right. I singled her out because she was pretty fussy this morning and not her usual smiley self. She wanted to eat and she wanted to eat right then!
They've both grown so much. Both of them really look like they could be six months old. Which is great since right around Christmas they will both be seven months old, really, really doing so well.
The GI told Roger and Sara to keep Jackson on the same medicine unless they'd like to stop the myl@nt@ because it's such a low dose it's probably not making a difference. We're trying that today. But he gained 8oz in two weeks and seems to be doing better. I've been encouraging Auntie Laverne and Auntie Shirley to feed both babies as much as possible. Roger and Sara aren't encouraging Auntie Shirley to help as much as they do Aunt Laverne, but they don't seem to mind that I do. I think it's tough for Roger because she's his youngest sister and he still sees her as very little. When Sara is here she doesn't seem to mind at all.
All in all things here are good. Chilly, but good. I'll have more pictures to post very soon, I took some great photos the first night of Chanukah and yesterday they were even more adorable than usual.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Recap & Appreciation
I've really appreciated this bit of excitement on my blog.
My daily viewers have more than quadrupled (to about 400% the activity!), something I couldn't figure out how to do, opened different avenues and given me opportunities I wouldn't have had otherwise.
More than anything it has increased my dedication to this endeavor.
Oddly enough it has also brought in more than a few job offers from other preemie parents.
Thank you Aimee and Bree, you've really started something great here for me!
My daily viewers have more than quadrupled (to about 400% the activity!), something I couldn't figure out how to do, opened different avenues and given me opportunities I wouldn't have had otherwise.
More than anything it has increased my dedication to this endeavor.
Oddly enough it has also brought in more than a few job offers from other preemie parents.
Thank you Aimee and Bree, you've really started something great here for me!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Chanukah #1
Tonight is the very first night of my little tomatoes very first Chanukah! They are so adorable!
Yesterday was very exhausting. On Friday their two aunties arrived. Jackson and Tabitha had four adults jumping, fawning and responding to their every breath for two full days before I arrived to spend a very long Monday with them. Exhausting doesn't begin to cover it. But I made it and went to bed last night as soon as I possibly could. Today I'm back, rested and looking forward to his Menorah lighting tonight. Norah is going to join us and we'll all, eight of us, light the first candle together.
The tomatoes are doing well. Tabitha is all about the smiles, her cheeks seem to have grown even more over the weekend. And I think her nose is changing. I'm very excited, I love a nise with character (probably because I've never had one, just these teeny button nose). Jackson eats when he wants to and not otherwise. Roger and Sara have freaked the aunties out about feeding him just like they did with grandmommie when she was here. I think that is silly. No one person gets him to eat every single time, he eats when he wants to eat. This morning I convinced one auntie to give it a go and he did fine. Of course she did fine, it's just giving a baby a bottle. He goes to see the GI for a follow up tomorrow.
Tummy time yesterday was terrible. They both screamed as if they were being tortured. It was painful.
Getting through Tuesday the best I can. It's pretty rough too.
Hope everyone else is doing better than I am!
Yesterday was very exhausting. On Friday their two aunties arrived. Jackson and Tabitha had four adults jumping, fawning and responding to their every breath for two full days before I arrived to spend a very long Monday with them. Exhausting doesn't begin to cover it. But I made it and went to bed last night as soon as I possibly could. Today I'm back, rested and looking forward to his Menorah lighting tonight. Norah is going to join us and we'll all, eight of us, light the first candle together.
The tomatoes are doing well. Tabitha is all about the smiles, her cheeks seem to have grown even more over the weekend. And I think her nose is changing. I'm very excited, I love a nise with character (probably because I've never had one, just these teeny button nose). Jackson eats when he wants to and not otherwise. Roger and Sara have freaked the aunties out about feeding him just like they did with grandmommie when she was here. I think that is silly. No one person gets him to eat every single time, he eats when he wants to eat. This morning I convinced one auntie to give it a go and he did fine. Of course she did fine, it's just giving a baby a bottle. He goes to see the GI for a follow up tomorrow.
Tummy time yesterday was terrible. They both screamed as if they were being tortured. It was painful.
Getting through Tuesday the best I can. It's pretty rough too.
Hope everyone else is doing better than I am!
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