2 months old!

Stella and Lucia celebrated their 2 month birthday yesterday!  We had a nice relaxing day to play with our new presents and take a nice nap. Talia and I did another photo shoot--it is not very easy to photograph them at the same time...but it is very funny!

                                           here's Lulu-

                                           here's Stella-

                                 we've been calling them "twisters"-twin sisters!

We had our 2 month doctor appts. today.  Stella weighs 7 pounds, 5 ounces and Lucia weighs 6 pounds, 10 ounces.  Both girls are gaining weight nicely, but Dr. Chen wanted to see Lulu gaining a bit more rapidly, so she moved her up to 24 calories too.  (I need to add "preemie protein"-which adds calories-to my breast milk.)  I was a little disappointed as I wanted her to tell me that I didn't have to fortify anymore and that I can solely nurse, but that was not the case this month.  We'll see her again at 3 months and we will go from there.  I also need to see a pediatric dermatologist for Stella, as her birthmark on her forehead is getting bigger.  Dr. Chen said that it would probably get worse before it gets better. :(  Both girls got 3 shots, but handled them very well.  They have been fairly crabby, so we have been giving them tylenol.  Poor babies!

At 2 months, the girls are officially out of preemie clothes and into newborn clothing.  They are on the same schedule for the most part, which has been very nice. They have more periods of being alert and awake.  They only cry when they wake up and want to eat, or when they vomit out of their nose because of their reflux. :(  Otherwise, they are the sweetest and happiest babies.  I am very lucky!

                                       Talia, Giana, Stella and Lulu's feet!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Although Talia and Giana were pretty congested and sick, we had a wonderful holiday.  It was so great to celebrate Stella and Lucia's first Christmas, and be together as a a family of six!

                                         How cute are these matching pj's???!!!

                                                 opening presents        

                                                       me and Stella

We headed to my brothers house in Lemont for a wonderful Christmas lunch.  By the time we got there, Stella had a diaper blowout, so I didn't even get any pics of her in her dress. I was very disappointed!

I heart my family!

Happy Due Date Baby Girls!

We've reached their due date!!!  Although they are 7 (!) weeks old, their due date was officially today, Dec. 16.  (It had changed to 12/12/12 due to the size of the ***baby*** at my 2nd ultrasound, but then moved back to the 16th once we all found out it was actually twins!)  Before they were born, I was told that they would probably not leave the hospital until their due date, but we have been so lucky and blessed!!!  It is amazing to be at this date and to have had both of my sweet baby girls here at home with me for the past month.

(aren't their hats so cute?! thanks, Marj!) :)

Stella and Lucia are wonderful and happy babies.  They really only get fussy when they are hungry or because of their reflux, when milk comes out of their noses.  It is so sad to see. :(  They are having more and more alert times, and are getting stronger lifting their heads back when they are on their tummies.  I finished the last of the preemie diapers, and I think that we are ready to head on to newborn size.  Last week, Stella weighed 6 pounds, 3 ounces and Lulu was 5 pounds, 13 ounces.  We will see the doctor again for their 2 month check up.

Stella has developed a little birthmark over her right eye, which makes it much easier to tell them apart.  Kenny is so thankful!

Talia and Giana seem to have adjusted well to their new sisters--readily happy to help and there are a lot of hugs and kisses going around!  We've had some really wonderful moments with all 4 of them.  So nice!!!

Here are some close ups that I took of my little Lulu:

 And here's a few of my sweet Stella:

The babies are the softest, cutest, tiniest things and I am so thankful for them and for what the journey has taught us.  Each and every time I hold them I still cannot believe this happened to me, that my body created them, that God chose us, and that I have twins!!! I am so excited and thankful for my life with the twins, and with all my girls! I look forward to watching them grow and spending every day loving them.  I look forward to sleeping through the night again too!

I will try to update more frequently...but no promises! :)

Stella and Lucia are 1 month old!

I am so happy that the girls were both at home to celebrate their 1 month birthday!  We had another doctor visit today, and the girls are doing great: Stella weighs 5 pounds, 11 ounces and Lucia weighs 5 pounds, 6 ounces.  Hooray for gaining weight.  They are both 18 inches long.  Our pediatrician is so pleased with their progress.

Talia and I had so much fun trying to photograph them.

Stella is on the left and Lucia is on the right

they were so awake during the photo shoot!

I love their little butts!!!

hanging out in their crib

Busy Days!

We've had some very busy but wonderful days at home.

We are all adjusting to sweet little baby noises and cries and loving every minute!  The big girls run to the pack and play as soon as they hear a little grunt and try to stick a paci in one of he twins' mouth. The twins have been given lots of kisses, cuddles, and toys from their big sisters.  It is very sweet.

                           sweet little sisters--not much bigger than a stuffed animal

                              my 4 special girls on Thanksgiving--so thankful!!!

       no matter how I lay them down, they always end up with their heads touching!

Day 25 in ISCU

When I talked to Stella's night nurse this morning, she said that Stella had a great night and was all ready to go...I got very excited but I knew that I would need to talk to the doctor for the official release.  I feel as though I was holding my breath when I walked into the ISCU.  Vivian, one of Stella's favorite nurses, had a box of bottles, diapers and Stella's things all ready to go.  I asked her why all of Stella's things were in the box and she just smiled and said that the doctors had not completed their rounds yet, but she was pretty sure that Stella was going home.

Around 11 am, Dr. Amer came in  and said that Stella was going to be discharged today!!!!  Hooray!  Thank you God!  Stella is coming home!!!

What an incredible feeling...25 days in the ISCU and I get to have both of my daughters home.  Amazing!  The girls are only 36 weeks, 2 days old gestationally, and they are both going to be home...wow.

Here she is all ready to go in her car seat!!!

And here are both girls in the car.

                                                         Stella and Lucia

And we're finally home...home sweet home....

Their first matching outfit:

                                               Lulu and Stella
  

                                        Lulu and Stella


Once again, I just want to stress how thankful I am to so many of you who have been there for us throughout these past few months.  It has been such an interesting time, and I am feeling beyond blessed to have both of my babies home.  Thank you all!!!

Day 24 in ISCU

Stella had another good day--she has been eating like a champ.  Taking a bottle with 70 ml (just over 2 ounces) every 4 hours.  I was also able to nurse her today and she did great.  She has a much stronger latch than Lulu.  It was so great to snuggle with her today.  We are hoping that she comes home either tomorrow or Weds., but no one is willing to confirm a day just yet...a little frustrating.

I'm sure they just want to stare at this beautiful face, but I just want her home!

Lulu saw our pediatrician, Dr. Chen today.  We just love her!  She weighed in at 5 pounds--big girl!   She said that Lulu was "perfect!"  I agree!