HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope that everyone had a safe and fun celebration welcoming the new year 2007! It's hard to believe that we've entered a new year again. I remember this time last year, looking so forward to a new year - and sure enough, 2006 has proven to be one of our best years since we got married with the birth of our boys.

We are planning on welcoming in the new year with a feast fit for a king (wine, surf & turf, special appetizers and nutty buddy's for dessert), prepared by C., in between diaper changes and feedings. There is no place we would rather be.

I wish I could say that we were going to watch the "ball drop" in NYC, but sadly, I have yet to gain control of the remote in our house and there is no way that C. is going to settle for watching the crazies in times square. Not to mention, the good football that is on (although we're rooting AGAINST the Ravens). Oh well, some things never change. That is a battle I'll never win. Football is just fine with me anyway.

May you all find peace, happiness and good fortune in the coming year! Love and friendship to all.

Slumber Parties are the best!

Any chance to sleep on our belly is a great thing!

4 Months Old Today!

Here are a few photos from today - Cole & JD's 4 month birthday.

Mommy & her babies...

Another heart melting smile

Cole, the happy baby!

Podee...the "other Mom"

Well, occassionally, desperate times call for desperate measures. As a Mom of multiples, I purchased the Podee hands free bottles, "just in case" I needed them. Until recently, the boys have been very patient around feeding times. In fact, usually I could get one fed before the other one woke up hungry. Well, times are a changin'.

It would appear that JD has the patience from the Leach side of the family. For those of you not familiar with our lack of patience, it definitely runs in the family. That said, he went from happy baby to screaming baby in less than 3 seconds the other day. Podee to the rescue! I had taken the bottle out of the package a couple weeks ago just to try it out so if I needed it in emergency, I knew how it worked. Thank goodness I did. There was no time for "learning" at that point!

I was calmly feeding Cole and JD was fast asleep; he started to stir so I told Cole to step on it and get going because his brother was starting to wake up. Low and behold, it only took a few seconds for JD to let us know that he was hungry - RIGHT NOW.

Cole has the patience of a saint so I put him down in his seat and scurried off to the kitchen to load up the Podee, hands free jobby. I gave JD a bib and stuck the nipple in his mouth and off he went. He went to town on that bottle - and finished it before Cole finished the second half of his! The only drawback with these bottles is that they don't get burped through the whole thing. That can make for a miserable baby if you're not careful. But we're working through that...

Here's how it works. And it really does work!





Bottoms Up!


I can honestly say that to date, that might be my best purchase thus far. It will never be a good substitute for feeding the baby because that is my favorite time with the boys - but when meltdowns are emminent, we can't live without it!

The Day After...

Well, it's a melancholy day today - all of the anticipation for Christmas and it's all over now. What a wonderful holiday it was. They day after is always sort of a let down - and I just wander around sort of aimless. There was not a second that went by that I wasn't so thankful for all that we have this year. I cried - alot. Just a simple glance at one of the boys and I cried. All good tears, of course. I know that so many people have my same sentiments around holiday time. I thought so much about how far we have come in this last year - and gave so many thanks for our little miracles. On that note, I also thought so much about my other friends who don't have children yet - I've been in their shoes and know that Christmas is a tough time. I know I mentioned this before but I have not been able to get my girls off of my mind all weekend. Especially my friends who lost the twins. Although I know how strong and resilient they are, it had to be the hardest holiday ever. I know that they were strong and made it through just fine; but inside, it's heart wrenching. Girls, you were on my mind all weekend and I hope that you found some peace and hope for the new year.

The boys had a very special first Christmas. They were spoiled rotten! Here are a few pics from Christmas Eve. Isn't it funny how parents love to dress up their kids - they don't seem to think it's nearly as cute as we do. In fact, Cole & JD, as cute as they looked, hated having reindeer antlers in their mouths all the way to Gramma's. Oh well, it won't be long before I can't dress them in whatever I want anymore. They sucked it up for Mom!

Cole had a little bit better time with the antlers...


JD just plain old didn't like em'!

Back to the grind this week....it will probably be a somewhat quiet week, considering most people take vacation this week. Was half temped to go to the mall and check out the sales - then again, am I nuts? Between the parking, crowds and germs, I've elected to hunker down with the kids and enjoy them instead!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

We hope that you all have a blessed holiday; Remember the true meaning of Christmas as you spend time with your loved ones and friends. Here's wishing peace, love and happiness to you all!

Love,
K & the boys (all 3)

We're growing like weeds!

Well, I guess it's a good thing that JD is storing nuts for the winter - he seems to have taught his brother how to do the same! They are stocking up with quite an appetite! We went to the doctor yesterday for the boys 3rd synagis shot (that is the RSV vaccine) and they both shocked us all with their weights. Fully clothed, JD weighed in at 11 lb, 3 oz and Cole was 8lb, 12 oz. So, take off a few ounces for their clothing and diaper and it looks like JD is about 11 lb, and Cole about 8.5 lb. The doctor and nurses were amazed at their cheeks and were so happy with their progress.

At one month old (4 months corrected), they are doing quite well.
THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A FAT BABY!





JD is eating about 5 ounces per feed now (every 4 hours) and Cole is following closely behind at about 4 ounces per feed. Cole's reflux seems to be a bit better with the increased dose of medicine and the rice cereal added to his formula. Thank goodness he is a little bit more comfortable and seems to be able to sleep a little bit more peacefully.

We are letting them sleep through feeds as long as possible at night and so far, we're getting between 5-6 hours at a time. They are great sleepers and at night time, go right back to bed after they eat. I wonder how long this will last? Each morning I wake up, I'm thankful for another decent nights sleep. I have a feeling that their NICU experience prepped them well for scheduled feeds and sleep times. One positive thing I guess right?

Here are the two monkeys in their seats...

Smiles are the best!

Old Chilean Remedies

I love my nanny! For many reasons, but not the least of which are her "old Chilean Remedies" that she brings to us for simple things, like hiccups. The other day we were discussing how often the babies get the hiccups. The next day she arrived with the cure. See the photo below for a glimpse of how this works. You might think that Cole was practicing being from India; but no, he's just being patient with Mommy as she tries this ancient remedy. To our surprise, IT WORKS! It's been tested a few times on both babies and it never fails...



The idea is to cut a small circle out of newspaper (better if it has lots of writing on it) and then lick it and stick it on the baby's forehead. Apparently it works the best only if the Mommy is the licker. Call me crazy - and my kids will be so angry at me someday for making them look so stupid. But they will also thank me since it has spared them some painful hiccups!

Moms, give it a try - and report back to me; it really does work!

For the first time in my life, I've found a reason why it might be hard to be a male...

And that reason is.....CIRCUMCISION! The boys got snipped today and OUCHY! They both did really well but boy, I've never seen either of them inconsolable and I never want to again. It was a tough day for them - and boy, did they let that doctor have it!

Cole pee'd on the doctor right out of the gates - he knew it wasn't going to be good! JD was a bit more docile while under the knife, but not so much afterwards. Needless to say, I need a stiff drink or two tonight! They are both total luggage right now since they wore themselves out being so upset. But rest assured, as I quickly reassured Daddy, the surgery went great and all is well. I think that most little boys have it done right after birth and it's not as traumatic for them. The nurse today confirmed that the older they are, the harder it is on them. And let me tell you, 16 weeks is plenty old to have it have a serious affect on them. Sadly, we could not get it done any sooner due to the NICU schedules and doctors vacation schedules - so we waited...and I wish we had not waited so long. Oh well, live and learn. Let this be a lesson to any of you who have not yet had a baby boy and do so in the future. Get them snipped as soon as possible!

Sandee, this one's for you!

A dear neighbor and friend of mine dropped these hats off on our doorstep this morning for the boys. They wore them to their doctors appointment today and they were a hit! Thanks Sandee!

Well, as my 5-7am quiet time comes to a quick close, I've suddenly realized that updating my blog has become lower on the list than I would like it to be! I miss my daily posting time! In an effort to beat my husband to the shower this morning, here is a quick update.

Cole's pulmonologist appointment on Friday went really well. I absolutely loved the doctor - she was fantastic. She educated me on his lung condition better and differently than any other doctor ever has. She also explained that his reflux seems to be directly coorelated with his oxygen saturations, which was news to me. I didn't even know that the two could be directly related. Long story short, we are going to be treating his reflux much more aggressively, and in the meantime, leaving him on oxygen for another month to allow him the energy and time to keep growing so well. If we yank his O's now, he will put that much more energy into breathing, taking away energy he needs for growth. It was a good decision in our view and both Chuck and I are extremely pleased with his progress so far. All in all, he's doing really well for such a sick little baby 16 weeks ago. He weighed in at 7lb, 13 oz so he's pushing that big 8 pounds now!

Well, we're ready for christmas! I'm all wrapped, cookies baked (I baked about 10 dozen yesterday), house decorated and spirits high. The only thing remaining is getting our Christmas cards out - and they are sitting on the dining room table, ready to go. Here's the kicker...imagine the irony. I ordered stamps on line about 2 weeks ago, in anticipating of getting the cards out as soon as they arrived. I ordered them from the US postal service, as I have for the last 6 months to save a trip to the post office with two infant preemies. Well, I'm still waiting for the POSTAL SERVICE to deliver the stamps that I ordered! How ironic huh? And the worst part? When I contact them to trace my order using the confirmation number that is ON THE PACKAGE, they can't find it in their system. It's lost. Super. I'm giving them one more day, then I'll make my way to the post office, which I'm certain will be a 3 hour event standing in line with all of the last minute gift mailers...be patient, the cards will be out soon. I hope.

We had a couple good photo opps this weekend...they speak for themselves! Enjoy.

Cole in his Bumbo seat:



JD in his Bumbo seat:



JD as we bundled up for a long walk yesterday. He was the lucky bjorn rider:



We hope that everyone enjoys the Christmas week this week. I'm sure it's a last minute scramble for many so try to enjoy it and keep those spirits high! As my friend always says "Happy Ho-Ho" to all!

Thank God for the Baby Bjorn...

We have a new routine around here - at the "witching" hour (which, by the way is new this week) when both babies decide to melt down simultaneously, the bjorn is magical! JD was the first to try it and he loved it. Cole runs a close 2nd and now, it's a fight over which one gets it! In all seriousness, it's awesome to be able to rock them to sleep while getting their night bottles ready and doing laundry. At this point, when the first one so quickly falls asleep, I do a quick change and the other gets a turn. Nothing like a sleeping baby riding around with you!





I tried to take some other pictures today and you'll see below how successful I was. Cole was ready and willing but JD had other plans.



Along the lines of updates, here's the latest.
Cole: We had an appointment at University of MD hospital yesterday for a sleep study to assess his continued need for oxygen and the monitor. I was a bit surprised at how unprepared I was, especially after having gone through the NICU drill for 12 weeks. Cole did great though - it wasn't painful or anything but it was just awkward and uncomfortable. I kept thinking to myself, how would you like to be stripped down to a diaper, hooked up to over 20 probes all over my body, have my head wrapped in gauze and asked to go to sleep for 90 minutes in a foreign crib? I wouldn't like it - and neither did Cole. I'm not sure who it was harder on - me or him. But he survived and gave them some good data. We have an appointment with his Pulmonologist tomorrow and we'll get the results of the study, as well as a plan going forward. He's still fighting his reflux issues - but we're working the meds now. Hoping that gets resolved soon too. He weighed in yesterday at 7lb, 3 oz! He's growing like a champ!

JD: He's growing well too and is officially out of his preemie and newborn clothes. As you can see from the photos, there is quite a difference between the boys in size right now, but I keep telling JD that Cole will tower over him someday! JD loves to eat and sleep - I have to wake him every night to feed him...I haven't weighed him lately but there is no doubt that he's over the 10lb mark!

Overall, they are both such fun, happy little guys. JD certainly has more to say about things, but he only speaks up when he needs something. Otherwise, they are pretty content to play and be loved. We're still waiting for the "on demand" smiles - I think we're getting close! We get lots of smiles now but they are only when they are passing gas or falling asleep...but I'll take em'!

Playtime Rocks!

We're learning how to share nicely!



Cole



JD (see my double, or should I say triple, chin?)

Tribute to the lost twins...

It is with GREAT sadness that I tell you that my friend who was struggling to hold on to her twins (boy/girl) at only 20 weeks lost them this weekend. She endured a long week last week, including an inverted bed (trindillenburg), a few bouts with labor, magnesium sulfate, lots of tears, and eventually, delivery of one stillborn baby and one who lived only a very short time. I ask for prayers for them and their family as they make their way through this tough time. It's been a VERY long road for them up until now with fertility treatments and prior losses over the last 5 years. To have this pregnancy end this way is absolutely devastating and words cannot even describe how sad and lost they feel. Losses during holiday time are especially hard and it just doesn't seem fair that two of the most loving, deserving people that I know have had their hearts ripped out, once again.

To my dear friends, H&C, you are in our thoughts and prayers always. Time heals but the pain will never fully go away. You have handled this situation with such incredible courage and love. You should be proud of yourselves for that. Take good care of each other and know that your two little angels will always be watching over you. Someday, you'll meet them again. We love you guys.

The Common Thread

The information below was written by another Infertility gal. I loved it and wanted to post it to get the word out. The blog it came from is www.stirrup-queens.blogspot.com.

For anyone who has experienced infertility or who is currently experiencing infertility. For anyone who has suffered through pregnancy loss. For those who have conceived naturally, utilized treatments, adopted, used third-party reproduction, or chose to live child-free: a movement.

It all began when Paz (another blogger) lamented that there should be a secret handshake for those who have experienced or are currently experiencing infertility. She was finally pregnant after multiple miscarriages and she wanted infertile women to know when looking at her pregnant belly that she was one of them still--in heart and mind. She was open to questions and to passing along any information she had obtained along the way.

This led to a lengthy discussion about a signal we could give one another as well as a tangible object that would invite questions and subsequently discussion about infertility. The conversation jumped from idea to idea--a pomegranate-shaped charm, a Livestrong-esque bracelet--until it finally settled on a simple thread.

With the idea being that it was an item that was easy to obtain no matter where you lived. It posed a minimal cost. It could be ornamented or braided any way the wearer chose. It could be sent through the mail. It was simple. It was discreet. We picked the embroidery floss #814 because it was the colour of pomegranates. Which was one of the fertility symbols considered along the way.

Royalyne stepped forward and got the ball rolling with a write up that we tweaked until it became this statement:

Pomegranates, a longstanding symbol of fertility, serve as a strong analogy to those suffering through infertility. Though each pomegranate skin is unique in colour and texture, the seeds inside are remarkably similar from fruit to fruit. Though our diagnosis is unique—endometriosis, low sperm count, luteal phase defect, or causes unknown—the emotions, those seeds on the inside, are the same from person to person. Infertility creates frustration, anger, depression, guilt, and loneliness. Compounding these emotions is the shame that drives people suffering from infertility to retreat into silence.

In addition, the seeds represent the multitude of ways one can build their family: natural conception, treatments, adoption, third-party reproduction, or even choosing to live child-free.

The pomegranate thread holds a two-fold purpose: to identify and create community between those experiencing infertility as well as create a starting point for a conversation. Women pregnant through A.R.T., families created through adoption, or couples trying to conceive during infertility can wear the thread, identifying themselves to others in this silent community. At the same time, the string serves as a gateway to conversations about infertility when people inquire about its purpose. These conversations are imperative if we are ever to remove the social stigma attached to infertility.Tie on the thread because you’re not alone. Wear to make aware.

For anyone who has ever had a miscarriage, struggled with pregnancy, and all things infertile...there is a movement upon us that you might want to join. It's rather simple actually: a discreet ribbon on your right wrist to signal to others that they are not alone in their struggles.

Just thought I would pass the word along. I know I have some IF readers, but many that are not IF sufferers but have been GREAT supporters over the years. So, if you see a pomegranate colored ribbon on someone, you'll know just what it means!

Christmas Preview

Well, we had our Christmas photo shoot - here are a couple of the photos. These are not the final pick but they were in the running! They were such good boys. I couldn't believe that they were both awake and so happy at the same time!

Little Santa's Helper, Cole:



Little Santa's Helper, JD:



We also had our last home nurse visit today and Cole is tipping the scale at 6lb, 14.5 oz. And we threw JD on the scale, just for kicks, and fully clothed and diapered, he came in at 9lb, 13 oz! Believe it or not, we're actually getting some sleep. Both boys are pretty good sleepers at night (hope that I'm not jinxing us by writing this...) and are up to eat about every 4 hours. We've refined the feeding routine a bit so within an hour or so, we're all back in bed and sleeping again (give or take a few minutes). I'm enjoying Mommyhood more than I could have ever imagined and not an hour goes by that I don't thank God for these little miracles.

It's been an interesting week, aside from the events at the Licameli house. Two of my friends who are currently pregnant with twins are experiencing bedrest now. One is only at 20 weeks and one is at 26 weeks. You girls know who you are and please know that my heart goes out to you during this difficult, scary time. I know you are in great hands with your doctors and I just pray that you are able to hold out a bit longer and deliver those babies healthy and safely. You've been on my mind non-stop and my phone stands ready anytime if you need to chat or vent. I've been there, and done it ~ and am hopeful that I can return the support for you that you so graciously gave to me. I also have another friend out there who recently lost her twins at about 8 weeks. It was a traumatic experience for her when the miscarriage occurred and I want you to know C. that you are never far from my thoughts either. When I see my IF sisters struggle, it breaks my heart. It's never a good time but during the holidays, it's even tougher. We lost our first baby right around Christmas back in 2004 and I know from experience that it certainly makes the holidays a little bit harder.

When I think back on where I was last year at this time, I can't help but remember how hard the holidays are for people struggling to have children. It's such a special and wonderful time of the year - and a magical time of the year for Children. A keen reminder of what those struggling with fertility issues can't have. Christmas is not ALL about Children of course, but it's hard to see that sometimes when having children is your primary focus in life. When the Christmas cards arrive, it was with mixed emotion that I ran to the mailbox. I always love to see the annual photos of the growing families, yet in a very selfish way, it was hard at the same time to see the growing families leave ours behind. I will always remember that feeling. Although we are in a different place this year, I still think of all of those who have not yet been blessed with Children and can't help but feel their pain. I am hopeful that by seeing my pictures here that you will continue to have HOPE and FAITH that your dream can come true. After many years of struggle, we made it. And you can too. You all hold a special place in my heart this holiday season.

Quote

Here's a good quote I thought I would share. I've always believed this and most recently with the birth of the boys, the belief has been renewed. Reminders are always good.

"How diffeent our lives are when we really know what is deeply important to us, and, keeping that picture in mind, we manage ourselves each day to be and to know what really matters most". - Stephen Covey

Here are a couple of snaps from the weekend. Cole had a check up today and is weighing in at 6lb, 9 oz. JD has got to be almost 9 pounds now. Both boys have really started to take interest in play time now too. Fun to watch!

Nothin like Saturday morning cartoons!



Cole loves his whoozit