Friday, February 25, 2005

Good News

First of all, I really want to say "hi" and "thank you" to my CO friends at GCPS for the thoughtful card they sent. It really brightened up my day on a day I really needed it. Thank You!

We had a really good visit with the pediatrician today. The best news is that the girls KPhos, calcium, and phosphorus levels are good and we can discontinue the TCP powder. Yay, no more medicine! We are continuing to fortify their breastmilk to 27 cal using formula (1.5 tsp/3 oz.), and they take a multivitamin with iron, but that's it for now. Other good news, today Holland weighed in at 10 lbs 8 oz, and Eden at 10 lbs 3 oz. We did try to feed them a lot over the past two days, but I am sure the difference from Wednesday has more to do with using two different scales than with actual weight gain. We have used their weights from the pediatrician's office since they came home (and we like them better), so we're sticking with them. Their doctor was satisfied with the weight gain, and says that it is okay for us to feed them when they are hungry, and let them sleep when they are tired. I feel so relieved that I don't have to try to force feed anymore! He says that it is not uncommon for babies to eat in spurts (corresponding to growth spurts), and that babies often go through a fussy eating stage around 4 months. So, I guess Eden will just eat when she feels she needs to.

I've been hesitant to discuss sleeping patterns because I don't want to jinx myself, but it seems I may have some future great sleepers on my hands. I put both girls down to bed in the portacrib in our bedroom around 9-9:30 at night. They are able to fall asleep on their own, and lately haven't been waking up until around 5 or 6am. I get them up and feed them, then they will usually fall asleep for another 2-3 hours. If only I could get myself to bed before midnight...

I partially owe their good sleep habits to Dr. Karp, author of "The Happiest Baby on the Block." Swaddling them tightly at night keeps them from startling themselves awake. If they are not swaddled they wake up frequently and have more trouble getting into a good deep sleep. This is by far the best mommy tip I have learned and will swear by it if anyone asks me for advice!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so happy to hear that both girls are now in the 10 pound club. They look adorable in their pictures(as usual). I'm also happy to hear how well they are sleeping, now you need to make sure you get some rest. I Love you all so much and can't wait to see John's band next weekend (I'll be the groupie in the front with Billie!) Love Liz

Anonymous said...

I am so happy to hear that both girls are now in the 10 pound club. They look adorable in their pictures(as usual). I'm also happy to hear how well they are sleeping, now you need to make sure you get some rest. I Love you all so much and can't wait to see John's band next weekend (I'll be the groupie in the front with Billie!) Love Lizllie!) Love Liz

Anonymous said...

P.S. no wonder the girls are good sleepers, it's in their genes!!! Liz

Anonymous said...

Yey! i am glad to hear the good news. now that they are sleeping, you should be too. i am sure it's not easy to relax, but you need to. the girls know and appreciate the good rest just like we used to :) hope all is well. love you all.
lisa
p.s. did you get the little pakage i sent?

Anonymous said...

Mmmmm...there is nothing like a sleeping babe, so precious. I am so very glad to hear that they are both over the ten pound mark. I know that must be a relief for you guys. Now you can stop trying to trick poor Eden with all those different nipple sizes, not that she was falling for your tricks anyways. Much love, Jess

Billie said...

Lisa, We did get your package and we LOVE it! Thanks so much. I sent you an email...did you get it? Do I have the right email address?

Anonymous said...

i rarely check the hotmail account. my new one is msruby99@verizon.net. glad you liked! miss you.
lis

Kendra Lynn said...

Hey there.
Glad to hear the girls are gaining weight like crazy! :)
And they look sooo cute in those little hats and sweaters!
Isn't it WONDERFUL when your kids start sleeping so many hours????
I was so relieved when Kelsey started sleeping all the way through the night. (it took her a year, the little stinker!)
Now I've learned to go to bed as soon as I can after putting the girls to bed...it surely helps me get enough sleep. :)
I love you. Glad that you are encouraged.
Love,
Kendra

Kendra Lynn said...

The Wonder

So tiny, so fragile, so wondrous
Almost snuffed out
By the harshness of Life itself

Their breath, so light
Like the faintest touch
Of God’s hand

More beautiful than anything
Ever formed since
The beginning of time

Their fingers, toes
The smallest of noses
I am fascinated

I marvel at the miracle
Of their tiny lives
Amazing beyond belief

There is no treasure
No talent nor discovery
More precious

Every smile, every laugh
Every cry, every tear
Worth more than diamonds

The miraculous thought
Of them forming
Is incredible

Only God could make
These intricate, delicate lives
And I am in awe


This poem is dedicated and inspired by Holland and Eden,
Two of the most incredible miracles I have ever witnessed.

Written Saturday, February 26, 2005
By Kendra Roberts Lynn

Anonymous said...

They sure look comfy to me! I do imagine that the swaddling works, good idea! I can't wait to see them both, they are adorable Billie. Remember way back when you never thought you would never get any sleep? Good things come to those who wait....sweet dreams!
Love, Mamma Jules

Anonymous said...

Billie,
Isn't amazing how you think you'll never get any sleep again and then suddenly the whole night is yours? That is just great. Enjoy, Kris