Encouraged to Post

At the request, and of course repeated request, of one of my faithful patients I may just get an update on here. Notice when the last one was :( So a summer day today even though it was 64 degrees at the girls' swim lessons this morning and there was steam coming off of the 80 degree water. We have been enjoying a new pool in the backyard for the girls. They have taken numerous lessons over the last year and seem to like it. Haylen is quite a fish as she has discovered how she can dive under water to pick up things or see them with her new goggles. Taya is happy to be the dive ring thrower. We have been boating a few times and the girls have been tubing. They also jump, or slide, off the tube and swim back to the boat. We went up to the next size of life jackets from the infant ones and they are doing good! We had a short week of some local tourism, taking in the zoo in Des Moines and Omaha, and Adventureland. Clint made a job change that allowed some free time for that week. We made some trips to Davenport to help Amy and Kelly on some house projects this spring. They have a new cousin, baby Nora, that Haylen thinks is pretty special and Taya showed her, her own collection of dogs and horses. A 4th of July Zim family picnic with slip and slides, minnow races, hammock naps, and bobber hunts was a fun time. Taya's Goldie took in first place. The girls walked in their 4th of July parade at "school", attended a parade in CF and Bondurant. I think they are starting to figure out how to go for the candy after our nice neighbor girls went and brought them some. They played in their fist tball league. Mine were the kids who when running to the bases, went a few steps then bunny hopped a few :) We had a busy few months of wedding showers/wedding and baby showers that the girls were helpful with. They liked taking pictures and did some great dancing. Took in the Science center and thought that building the race cars was the most fun. We did the annual march of Dimes walk on a very cold windy day. New big beds, bunk beds even! The girls took in their first race at Knoxville and they had a great time, even falling asleep there! However, when asked last weekend if they wanted to go to the races again or go boating, yes they picked boating! We seem to stay busy. The spend lots of time riding their gator and playing at "their park". Who can guess when I will get back to this again?

It looks like I skipped fall, holidays and winter!

So much to say, so far behind! You should hear the girls now, they are so funny! So many words and new things all the time. They were still helpful on house projects, enjoyed snowmen, Christmas trees, birthday party, attempting to ride trikes, reading us books, craft projects, friends and family.

March of Dimes 2012

Join us and the TEAM JENSEN WEGNER TRIO for this year's walk!

Summer!

I have realized that I have not posted since we have moved! We are in and it is great to have space. We have lots of unfinished projects but they will get done some day. We enjoyed a few lake trips with friends and family, the girls first parade, visiting friends, seeing animals at the fair, and some good pool time :) The girls are saying more and more everyday as well as being more independent and looking less alike each day! It is so much fun and I laugh all the time!

Extremely overdue!

There is so much that I need to get caught up on. Yes the girls had a wonderful birthday party and Holidays. They looked adorable in their birthday tutus! They were more excited about paper and boxes for all of the presents and yes again they were spoiled. Christmas was low key and we enjoyed having them home! We did some swimming and Haylen really got into the splashing.

We have started on our house and Clint is making great progress. Only a bit of siding left to do, the inside is ready to be primed and textured, and I believe they are ready to turn on the heating system! We have enjoyed the family and friends that have joined us to work! Now just waiting on more lookers for our current house :)

The girls have been sledding and really thought it was great. We celebrated the one year anniversary of them coming home from the hospital last week and today they are 15 months old!!!! For Christmas we took gift to the hospital NICU as we were given many gifts this year. My family did some great work in getting burp cloths ready to go for all of the babies.

Taking steps? NO they have walking mastered! They are saying mama, dada, book, and starting to say up. They have a few "signs" down pat too. I thought they would never figure the eating thing out but they are getting it. Taya will eat about anything and loves her veggies, Haylen is more picky and prefers tacos, go figure :) They are getting themselves off of the furniture and love to sit on the back of the couch watching outside. They do not quite have the waving thing down though.

The girls had great one year follow up appointments with many people and everyone is suprised how much they are doing which is great. They are catching up very fast! They are hanging aroung the 19 pound number but Haylen has surpassed Taya. She was always 6 ounces behind and now about 6 ounces ahead. She is also about an inch taller. They continue to get their RSV shots every 28 days, not fun but helps protect them.

It has been a great few months, they are learning so much and can always make us laugh!

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!