Evan, Aidan, Bella & Sophia » February 2005 Journal Entries » AboutMyBaby - online baby scrapbooks, photo albums, videos, birth and pregnancy announcements

< > February 2005

Mon, Feb 28, 2005 9:53 PM
Life with Evan & Aidan is sure different now. They are changing every day. Slawek and I noticed over the weekend that feeding them is a totally different experience now. Yesterday they actually seemed to enjoy their feeding. Evan was playing with his hands while I fed him, looking around and enjoying it. Aidan was kicking his little feet, playing around like he wanted to eat. (Sounds funny, but most of the time getting Evan & Aidan to actually eat anything is a real struggle. I can't even begin to describe the horrible feeding episodes we have had with each of them). Hopefully this is a pattern that really continues.

I have always said I can see the "little boy" in Aidan - I can look at him and really see what he will look like when he gets older. Evan has been another story. He has always looked so small and infant-like... that is, until now. I mentioned to Slawek yesterday that Evan has really taken on a new look. He really looks like that little boy. I can imagine him kicking a red ball in the yard, and running or skipping around. Slawek said he sees the same thing - that little boy look. It's as if Evan has changed in just about a week.

Both of them hold their heads up with amazing strength, and they both have rolled over now. They are getting to be such big boys!!!

We are planning their Easter and Baptismal portraits, which will be taken real soon. Hopefully they will be smiling on cue by then!!

I have learned that Mondays are horrible days for me and the boys. Over the weekends, Evan & Aidan get used to having their daddy around, as well as other friends & family. They like the attention and they love being held. When Monday comes, everyone leaves and goes back to work. Guess who pays the price? Us! Both boys cry and fuss a lot. Aidan cried practically all day (off and on) today. It's horrible. It takes me all day Monday just to get them back on schedule and into good, relaxing napping patterns. Hopefully tomorrow is a better day. I wish I knew how to make the weekends work so that we didn't pay the price on Monday. If some Mom or Dad has the answer to that, I would love to hear about it.

Good night!

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Sat, Feb 26, 2005 1:00 PM
Evan rolled over for the 1st time today!!

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Tue, Feb 22, 2005 8:38 AM
Today is my last day of employment with Shire US Inc. My maternity leave ends today. :o(

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Thu, Feb 17, 2005 10:52 AM
Well, we have managed to cut out 1 feeding per day now. Since the boys were in the NICU, they were eating every 3 hours around the clock (8 times per day). Just this week, we have managed to cut out 1 bottle from their feedings. They are now eating 7 times per day. The only thing that worries me is that they don't want to increase their other bottles. They are still eating 3 oz. per bottle only. They simply aren't as hungry as they used to be. They skip their 6 -8 am bottle. I wish I could switch that with the 3 am feeding! All in due time!

And now, as I re-read what I just typed, I realized that "we" didn't manage to cut any feedings out. The boys just decided they aren't as hungry!

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Sun, Feb 13, 2005 9:26 AM
Tonight, Slawek and I watched the DVD of my Labor & Delivery of Evan & Aidan for the 1st time. Let's just say I sobbed during the entire video! We can't wait to share it with the Gorczyk and Campbell families when we are all together at Eastertime.

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Fri, Feb 11, 2005 2:00 PM
2 mo. Pediatrician appt. today!

Aidan weighs 10 lbs. 3 oz., 22 1/4" long
Evan weighs 8 lbs. 11 oz., 20 3/4" long

They are doing great! Dr. Heaton was very impressed with the overall growth. Aidan is now in the 25th percentile (instead of <5th percentile like before). They are really getting close to being on the charts for their weight and length. It is all due to my breast milk fortified with the extra calories. They are catching up!!!!!!!

Evan and Aidan received 4 shots/vaccinations today (YUK). It broke my heart to see their little faces go into shock when they were stuck with those needles. I am glad that's over with! I guess we have a few months until the next round. I'll dread thinking of it until then.

Aidan rolled over twice again today! (He rolled over for the first two times yesterday). Dr. Heaton said it was VERY early for either one of our preemies to be rolling over, but Aidan did it! Aidan rolled over for my mom today, so now I have proof! (Plus I took a photo, see the Home Page).

Now we are preparing for their upcoming BAPTISM! The Gorczyk family is coming, and the preparations are under way. I am going to order their gowns this week! They will look so adorable.

Grandma Campbell bought Evan, Aidan & Richie matching Easter outfits. They will look too darn cute in them! I can't wait to post pictures.

That's all for now!

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Thu, Feb 10, 2005 10:00 PM
PS. Guess what I gave up for Lent? SLEEP.

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Thu, Feb 10, 2005 8:00 AM
For the 2nd day in a row, Aidan is MAJORLY projectile puking. I don't understand. Yesterday, I snuck a little of Evan's zantac out of his bottle and gave it to Aidan. I am going to tell the Ped (tomorrow) that I did so, and Aidan didn't have any other episodes the rest of the day, but they have resumed today. I remember the Neonatologist telling us that Zantac doesn't prevent reflux and puking, it only changes the pH of the acid in the stomach so that it isn't painful (causing an apnea/bradycardia episode). But, nonetheless, I still gave it to Aidan. The poor thing. Both babies have been extremely fussy today (probably due to their Synagis injection last night).

I am exhausted. Here was my night:

2:55 am - Evan wakes up, time to feed & change both babies
4:00 am - Finally done feeding, time to start pumping
4:30 am - Done pumping, time to start preparing more bottles
5:00 am - Done preparing bottles, time to get some sleep
6:00 am - Wake up and repeat process

Last night, Evan started crying (just like clockwork) at 2:55 am. I got up, fed him, changed him - then I woke Aidan, changed him, fed him. Both of them were pokey eaters (they just don't seem interested in the middle of the night, yet their internal alarm clocks keep going off anyway). I finally finished feeding them by 4 am!!!!!!! Then I had to pump. I was done pumping by 4:30 am and had to prepare bottles. I got to bed at 5 am, only to be awaked at 6 am to repeat the entire process. I don't know when I will get a good night's sleep in my bed again. I ended up sleeping in a chair sitting up for that 1 hour. I remember hearing about the sleep deprivation (pre-babies), but I never imagined really how hard it is. I don't know how women/mothers manage babies and a job. You are my heros!

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Wed, Feb 9, 2005 7:00 PM
Evan weighs 8.47 lbs (3.85 kilograms)
Aidan weighs 10.01 lbs (4.55 kilograms)

They both received their 3rd Synagis injection tonight from the home nurse (for RSV prevention).

Even the nurse was shocked at their weights! You know, I read today that breastmilk has more than 100 nutrients in it that cannot be replicated in formula or any other means of milk (not even cows milk). I guess those nutrients are doing them good!!

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Sun, Feb 6, 2005 6:25 PM
Today, Slawek and I took the boys to Sears! We purchased a DEEP FREEZER/CHEST FREEZER for all the breast milk I have in our refrigerator/freezer. The day was nice and warm, and the boys handled the trip just fine. by the time they got back, they were both crying and ready to be fed, though (see picture)!

This week my goal is to continue going to the gym! Slawek is going during the day, so I must keep up with him!

Have a good week!

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Sat, Feb 5, 2005 6:19 AM
Today we took the boys up to see Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Campbell ~ and Great Aunt Donna. We had a nice outting, and the boys did just fine. They really enjoyed all the attention and loving they received!

Afterwards, we drove back to my parent's house and spent the afternoon there. We can't stay out too long, as I have to get somewhere to pump - QUICK!

It was a beautiful day - around 50 degrees. We were very lucky we were able to get out and about!

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Fri, Feb 4, 2005 10:18 PM
Richie came over and visited Evan & Aidan for the first time today! He was a very good big cousin. He kissed the boys, held the boys. We had a very nice evening. Now don't go showing them any sort of mischief, Richie! Just kidding!

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Fri, Feb 4, 2005 3:23 PM
Me and mom took the boys to the CHEESECAKE FACTORY today!! Woo Hoo!! I wanted to go to Kenwood Mall to pick up a few things, so we decided to stop off, have some lunch, and feed the boys. It was a nice day out - wonderful weather!!

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Wed, Feb 2, 2005 11:00 AM
Evan & Aidan are growing like weeds! They are both eating between 3 - 3.5 oz. of expressed breastmilk + additional calories/vitamins every feeding now (8 times per day). They are really getting big! I can't wait to see what they each weigh at their 2 mo. Pediatrician appt. on 2/11/05!

I can tell they are "more mature" babies now. They have developed gag reflexes (something preemies do not have). They tend to gag when I give them their pacifier and bottle now. While I don't like to see them gag, it is nice to see them hit their milestones as they develop.

Aidan is really focusing in on us. He follows our voices around with his eyes and really shows that he knows you are there. He looks right back at you - right into your eyes. Evan does the same, except he started a few days later than Aidan.

Life with the boys has been such an adjustment. I no longer know what it means to have a minute of time to myself. By the time I feed both babies, it's time to pump for 30 minutes. I quickly grab something to eat, do some dishes (BOTTLES!) and then it's time to repeat the whole process. I don't know how single mom's do it! I really don't.

I plan on going back to the gym soon (possibly tonight?) I am feeling a need to do something I used to do in my pre-baby, pre-pregnancy life. So, Slawek is going to watch the babies and I think I will try to go a few times per week. Slawek is going back to the gym, too, although he will go on his lunch break at Fidelity, that way he isn't away from the boys any longer than he already is.

I met a couple of women in my Chiropractor's office that have been telling me about all there is to do in my area for moms and babies. From play groups, to library reading events, to walking in the evenings with other moms. It helps to get ideas for things to do, that's for sure! I can't wait until spring/summer, when I am no longer restricted to my house as much.

That's the news for now! Take care and have a great week!

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates