Happy Halloween!

The girls have had 2 Halloween outfits, the first Minnie Mouse which they both were but in different colors last weekend and a cute 1st Halloween onsie and skirt for tomorrow. The teeth count is currently Haylen 2 and Taya 4. They are both starting to babble a bit of da da da. They are both trying more standing on their own maybe 10 seconds or so max. They do think it is pretty funny and they are pretty cool stuff. They will take some steps when holding your hands and cruise around the furniture from object to object. They are getting good at opening drawers and emptying them, such good helpers:) Haylen still has her fake cough for getting attention and occasionally Taya will try it. We have tried the swings at the park, went to a parade, saw some friends, went to UNI homecoming (they got to wear cute purple and gold tutus), plus Clint started building our house so the girls have tried out dirt!

10 months!

So I thought they were really moving last month - Ha! They are crawling like crazy and pulling up to everything. We are now in the shutting the doors to all the room phase. I did loose Taya 2x in our small house - she moves so quick! They love to stand at the door and look at cars and squirrels.

Taya got her 1st tooth, they have both tried a momentary stand alone and they thought it was hilarious! Their hair is growing and they are getting longer or taller, although all of their pants are way too long.

They have enjoyed sporting their teams apparel for football saturdays. They are making noises at each other and crawl or sit on each other. Always a laugh and never a dull moment!

Mobile

The girls are now 9 months old! At their appointment Taya weighed 17lbs 6oz, and Haylen was 17lbs 1oz. It is up for debate, but Haylen might be an inch longer. They are doing good on the growth chart. About the 20th percentile. This means they can get off the super formula. They went to the Blank Developmental Clinic a week earlier and they were pleased with their progress as well. They are doing stuff at about the 7 month level based on that assessment. Taya did have one therapy session that she aced, so she no longer needs therapy.

The girls have mastered sitting and now are working on getting in and out of sitting. They also like to stand at the cube which is full of their toys. Taya is quite a commando crawler. She is pretty fast. Haylen has just figured out how to move forward. They are getting good at eating. Everything has been liked with the exception of peas and bananas. They are interacting with each other more. They hold hands, make each other laugh, take each others toys, and pull one another down.

The girls went to the state fair, another family reunion, a Lake of the Ozark trip, and watched mud volleyball. It has been a fun summer although quite a bit different than those past. Even though we have been boating, our own boat has yet to make it out of the garage!

Check out the dolls in the pics. Yes they are they same ones that were the same size as the girls in the beginning:)

Summer Vacations

The girls have really been traveling around. They went to Cedar Falls, to Newton to a family reunion, to the Quad Cities and the Mississippi River, and Table Rock lake. They are doing ok riding in the car and learning to sleep in the pack N plays. They are pretty funny when checking out their new surroundings. They experienced their first swimming pools, boat rides, met other little family members and entertained all of us of course.

They are 8 months old and continue to do new things. They are rolling like crazy. Eating cereal, applesauce, pears, and sweet potatoes. Haylen is starting to get up on her hands and knees. They are keeping us going for sure. They get big so fast. I think I have said that a million times, but as we were taking their pictures this month with those little doll from the very beginning, we can see that the doll that once was as big as their entire body is now only as big as their heads.

7 Months

Once again I am amazed at the changes in the girls and how fast time is going! At the last regular checkups the girls were 13-3 and 13-6, however that was quite a while ago. We are guessing 14-15 pounds now. We are no longer frequent fliers to the doctors offic which is nice! Haylen did visit because she tried a small stint of not eating well, but she is doing better now and really enjoying cereal! She really has the hang of it and is pretty funny doing it. She thinks she has to chew it, or at least really gum it :) She is sleeping much better at night and starting to not wake until early moring. Haylen is good at rolling from her tummy to her back, and she loves to stand! We call it water skiing when she gets pulled to standing from laying down! She has a fake cough that is comical and enjoyed sometime doing outside house work with Clint while she sat in her bouncy seat.

Taya does not enjoy cereal and makes an awful face. She is figuring out naps - I thought she never would! She likes to sit in your lap and also starting to stand. She has learned a new squeal. They girls were able to visit some twin friends and they definately learned some new things. Their twins are about 2 months older. Taya is also learning to make noises with her lips and blow bubbles or mostly spit.

The girls had their first trip. We went to Cedar Falls. They did very well and took everything in!

They were baptized this weekend. They had beautiful dresses and really were big hits in the service.

A while ago the girls went for a walk and got to officially meet their NICU friend. He slept during the walk but I am sure the girls thought he was great!

We attended a family reunion. It was fun for everyone to get to see them. We did learn that they now have thier nap schedule and they don't like that to be messed up by short car rides that are just long enough to fall asleep in.

We had their first set of professional pictures taken for 6 months. They were troopers and lasted quite a bit. I think we got at tleastg a few good ones!

It has been quite a month. Busy and fun. We are looking forward to getting the girls on the water and a few more trips this summer.

Big Changes!

We had last thought the girls were not going to need another injection for RSV, however we got a call that the levels in the community were too high and the girls would need another one. This is good to protect them but it means another month of not going much of anywhere.

At this appointment Taya weighed 12,7 and Haylen 12,4. This means they just made the growth chart. Only the 3rd percentile but hey a huge improvement. They gained well even on reduced concentration of milk.

I returned to work. It is nice to see the coworkers and patients but I do miss the girls. We have a nanny that is working with the girls so that is very nice.

We participated in the March of Dimes walk. We were hoping to take the girls so see some NICU nurses and nurse practicioners but it was a very cold morning. The girls went to the start of the race but then went home with Clint to get warm. I walked with some of my family and had a good time. They set up posters along the walk of all the babies, so that is neat to look at all the different stories. I was able to meet up with our good NICU neighbor. We have kept in touch but haven't seen each other. Their little guy wasn't able to come so we are hoping to get together with warmer weather.

The girls are doing well. They are both rolling some and have started talking to each other. It is pretty cute. They are great smilers and are getting pretty fun! They are playing with some toys and starting to chew on things. They are filling out and getting the hand and elbow dimples.

6 months!!! Yes six months this week. Time goes so fast. They have an appointment tomorrow so I am excited to see how big they are now.

5 months

Another update on the girls' size: Taya weighs 11 pounds and 8 ounces and Haylen 11 pounds even. They are still not on the growth chart but nearing it quickly! They are out of their newborn size clothes as they are much too long and getting a belly! We have been told that head size and length will catch up before weight and belly. They outgrew their sleepsacks and I had to order new ones. They seem huge at first but I am sure it won't be long before we say they are getting small.

They are both starting to move their legs and can lift them into the air. Taya enjoys rolling to her right side from her back and Haylen is getting good at holding onto things. It is not quite as accidental anymore. They are beginning to look at each other more and both of them are really giving us some good smiles!

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Stroller!

I just thought I would share a picture of our stroller travels. We have been making good use of it. We also tried out the carriers. They seem to enjoy it all. They are really starting to smile more and interact with us. I don't think they are quite fond of each other yet. Haylen has become quite a talker with her hands and they have enjoyed a new book with black and white shapes. The girls got an RSV shot and hopefully their last. The doctors office will determine how much RSV is in the community and see if the insurance companies will authorize them. I hope there is not much more and we can begin getting out more in May. At that appointment Taya weighed 9 pounds 14 ounces and Haylen was 9 pounds and 9 ounces. They are doing great! Their eating is going smoother and they are sleeping better at night. Still not figuring out napping well, but I am sure they will.

warm weather

Just a bit late on the update of the last appointments :) The developmental clinic was good at Blank. The girls look to be about right on schedule where they should be, correct from the due date that is. The appointment was very complete and they did a lot so that was nice. We did stop by the nurses in the NICU and saw some physicians. They were all pleased how big they are! They did get their 4 month shots at the pediatrician. Taya weighed 8 pounds 12 oz and Haylen 8 pounds 8 oz.

We were able to out for a few walks. The girls seem to like their stroller and don't complain too much. There was even a few days that they really didn't want to wake up.

Today we have another early access visit to our house from their teacher and a doctor visit on friday for their last RSV shot.

4 months!

Time is going so fast! They are doing well. The girls are starting to notice things, like looking at you, a rattle, or their favorite - the ceiling fan! They are sleeping a bit better at night, maybe 2-3 hours without waking and 30-4 without eating. Tomorrow we go to Blank for a developmental assessment, so that will be good. They are really holding their heads up well. Today we tried out the stroller for a brief walk. I think I might have had the most fun, it was great to get out and such a nice day!

Growing

I can't belive how fast they are growing! We had an appointment and Taya weighs 7 10 and Haylen 7 6! So hard to believe. They are starting to wear newborn clothes for length but can't hardly keep the pants up :)

They are enjoying meeting some friends and family. We are still plugging away at home, not a rigid schedule but it is working.

They have had early access out to the house and are scoring about 1-2 months when they should be at about 2-3 weeks. That is the due date not going from birth date. So that is very promising - they were very suprised and we are of course pleased.

We are looking forward to a stroller ride - at least I am. This sunny warmer weather is calling for us to get out. Maybe when it is nice we can sneak out, one way to get out without taking then around people :)

3 months!

The girls are now 3 months old! They have had a doctor's appointment and seem to be doing well. Taya now weighs 6 pounds 6 ounces and Haylen 6 pounds 2 ounces! They are too big for preemie clothes for length but swim in newborns. Taya was able to get rid of her monitor and Haylen finally passed her eye exam. They are doing good!

WE MADE IT!!!

Home - Yes HOME!!! The girls did well and they let us come home. The girls did well on their ride home and have transitioned well at home. We are truly lucky that they are already on somewhat of a schedule and we are well practiced at taking care of them. We have tried to continue regular routines including kangarooing and baths. I think we are getting the same sleep if not more than in the hospital. It is weird not having the nurses and other staff there though.

Taya did come home with a heart and lung monitor as she tried yet one more time to extend her stay. :) They allowed us to take them both home together if we use the monitor otherwise she would have had to stay a few more days. It is pretty rare that twins go home together so we were very lucky. The hospital crew had been taking bets on who went home first - we fooled them. If a monitor is all it takes we were all for it.

It is hard for us to remember that they are still immature and are not a typical newborn despite that is what they look and feel like. These girls haven't been held, rocked, swinged, bounced, had the noise and light of visitors and such. We often catch ourselves and remember that we need to avoid overstimulating them.

Because of this we can't wait for everyone to meet the girls but must be cautious on infections, sleep, and everything else, so we will likely ask you to wash your hands a hundred times. We are glad to be home. Your own bed and shower make a huge difference! The time did go fairly quick and they certainly are wort the wait!

second attempt

The girls have done a good job of eating so the feeding tubes are coming out again! Now they just have to keep eating and gaining weight. The end is in sight!

80 days

Monday was a huge day. Taya got off of her oxygen and has been doing well without it. They also took out their feeding tubes. They increased to having the girls eat as much volume as they wanted still every 3 hours for all of the feedings. However at some point the girls decided that they wanted to go backwards and stop eating. We are not sure why, it may have been the milk, the concentrate or something else. The problem was that because they took out their feeding tubes we didn't have any way to make up for what they weren't eating. They got more and more mad and more tired, so much that they weren't awake and we had to put their feeding tubes back in. They slept for a good half day or so and then have been back at making progress. They are again taking feedings well. Hopefully that is the last setback!

The picture is of Taya the first time without her oxygen or feeding tube.

I also added pictures of the girls trying out a bouncy seat - they really seem to like it. They got some hair bows from their cousins that I was able to barely make stay. Of course Clint is thrilled :)

Maybe a light switch?

So last week was pretty redundant and I said I was finally getting tired of it all. I had started to think the girls were content with hanging out here. Everyone kept saying they would eat on their own terns and time, it would be like a light switch comes on and they would do what they are supposed to do.

Friday, Haylen decided to start taking full feedings. They have now increased her to try to eat up to 8 times!!! Taya kicked in Saturday and she is now up to 6 feedings!!! hard to say if they will keep it up - I sure hope so!

Our friends from up here, just went hope. They did have 4 weeks on us, but there is hope :)

Look guys! No prongs!

Haylen no longer has her oxygen prongs. So far she is keeping it off!

2 Months!

Taya has reached 5 pounds and Haylen is nearing. Haylen is increasing her feedings and Taya is holding still. They are getting more consistent but taking much longer than I would like. We had been holding both girls together but now kangarooing both of them. The girls have been able to hang out together in 1 bed for a short time!Hopefully they will try to wean their oxygen down this week. They are looking great and starting to be awake more and try making faces. They are getting the pouty lip down pretty good :)

Eating

Again -sorry it has been a while. I thought I stayed busy at the hospital before but now both girls are feeding 3-4 times. This makes a full day so I can only guess what a entire day of feeding will be like. I did get a parking ticket because I had been there too many days and they thought I was an employee parking in the visitors lot :) They are nearing 5 pounds and are doing well. They are weaning down on oxygen but just can't seem to kick it. We have been finishing up all of our classes they make us take. We are almost ready at the house as well, so we are just waiting. Still a bit to go but getting there!

CRIBS!!!

Another big weekend for the girls! Haylen got off of her vapotherm and went to regular nasal canula. Both girls are using it less as well. They were able to put on sleep and plays and be moved to a crib! They wear their clothes and then a sleep sack that wraps them up snug, but otherwise it is all open. They were starting to look big in their isolettes but now look small again in their new beds. You can hear all of the noises they make which is quite a bit. A good step!!!!

Go Hawks!

Clint had to hang out with the girls for the Hawkeye game and it was the quietest he has ever watched a game. The girls did sport their Hawkeye booties! They are now both 4 pounds and I was able to get them out and hold them together. I am going to have to work on that a bit. They are having less troubles with their heart and breathing slowing so they can get off another med.

Big Girl Changes

This has been the week of changes for the girls. They are getting bigger and because of this they get to make changes. They are old enough to begin to get some light on their beds, so they only have to be partially covered. This makes them adjust to light and noise.

Then they were able to switch to a standard isolette or incubator. It has less temperature regulation and less moisture. They are much smaller so the room seemed bigger and they have smaller openings for us to put our hands in. Makes it tough for Clint.

The exciting "big" change - CLOTHES!!!! They are able to wear onsies and are in the preemie size. They are roomie, but they have been growing so much it won't be long. They start with short sleeve onsies and as they learn to regulate their temp with these on they will go to other clothes. It really makes them look like babies now! I think they are much longer, have filled out cheeks and are starting to get some substance on their arms and legs. They have gained about 1/2 pound this week.

With clothes on they were able to come out quickly for a family picture - our first, and we could have them both in it!

We were able to give the girls baths in a tub instead of just a washcloth in their beds.

We call all of these big girls changes but yet one more. They are moving out of their huge room to a standard room. This is good because they again have more light and noise to adjust to. It is much smaller but I appreciate the window. It is definately cozy and a good thing they don't have their "cadilac" isolettes.

Taya is on the right and Haylen the left in the pics. :)