I’ll preface this entry by saying I truly love my husband dearly.
However, I don’t know any women (even those of us with momnesia) who have such issues when it comes to lists or toothpaste. It must be a man thing…
LISTS:
I made 3 lists and even reviewed them together with my husband prior to his 3 trips to the grocery store (over the course of 3 days, mind you). And I still didn’t get the final item I needed to make a simple dinner. All I needed was:
- chicken breasts
- 2 cans Cream of Chicken soup
- 1 can Cream of Celery soup
- 1 onion
- cooking wine
- shredded cheddar cheese
The cans of soup completely threw the poor man. First trip to the store: he came home with 1 can Cream of Mushroom, 1 can Cream of Chicken and he went bagel on the Cream of Celery soup. Second trip to the store: he brought home 1 can of Cheddar Cheese (I didn’t even know Campbell’s put cheese in cans) and 1 can of Cream of Chicken… still no Cream of Celery. Third trip to the store: he completely forgot the can of Cream of Celery soup on the list (a NEW list with more stuff on it). So, I decided to just hit the store myself… this was getting far too painful.
BTW: This is also the man who brings home “Cool Whip” whenever I put “Miracle Whip” on the grocery list. Even AFTER I make fun of him every time this happens. Good lord…
TOOTHPASTE HOARDING:
The other night I found myself wondering why the new tube of toothpaste I recently opened had disappeared. Where in the world could it be? I literally opened it last week. It couldn’t be gone already, right?! Then I get to thinking… hmmm… this has happened quite a bit in the past 2 months. I don’t get it. Is there a toothpaste black hole in our house or do the Martino’s just go through massive amounts of toothpaste? Doesn’t seem possible. So I start looking through drawers…
Aha! My husband is SO guilty of toothpaste hoarding. Seriously, super-guilty. I found 7 large tubes (I’m not kidding – SEVEN!) of opened toothpaste. Most were half used and a few close to empty. All are squished from the middle mind you… so all the toothpaste is stuck in the bottom half of the tubes and none at the top. So sorry if you’re reading this and are guilty of squishing your toothpaste from the middle and not pushing all the bottom toothpaste to the top. But seriously… that habit is VERY annoying to us who keep squeezing from the bottom. Seriously. Totally annoying. Anyway… in addition to the 7 large tubes, there were 2 medium sized tubes and several small travel tubes. WEIRD! So… because I only have limited amounts of time to actually talk with my husband these days… I decided to just take all 7 large tubes out of his drawer and put them back in the top drawer.
I’ll choose my battles. Who can waste time arguing about toothpaste. Honestly.
Again... love my husband to bits. Really honey... I do!
3/23/08
3/20/08
My how we've grown! Thursday - March 20, 2008
The boys are 10 weeks old today!
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Just to do a little compare/contrast - check out how different they look now versus during that first week of life.
Rocco during his first week in the world:
Doesn't this photo of 2 day old Gabby look a lot like newborn Rocco?.JPG)
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Rocco today:
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And, kudos to big sis Gabby who's given lots of hugs along the way!
To see more photos of the kiddos from January and February, visit: http://martino.shutterfly.com/
3/14/08
9.5 weeks old! Monday – March 17, 2008
The twins hit 2 months last Monday. My how time flies when you’re so busy you can’t think straight.
We visited the pediatrician for their 2 month appointment on Thursday and the boys have clearly been busy growing. Both are now on the percentile charts for height and weight… quite the accomplishment for preemie babes. And, Matteo has already more than doubled his birth weight… CRAZY!
Two month stats are:
Rocco: 11 lbs and 22 inches (30th %ile for weight & 25th %ile for height)
Matteo: 11 lbs 10 oz and 22 ¼ inches (45th % & 25th %)
Mornings tend to be the craziest time of day for us lately as the boys seem to have shark-like feeding frenzies. They just can’t decide how much food makes them happy. Then, Gabby… well, I’m lucky if I can get her to eat something in the morning. I usually consider it a super-successful morning if the following has happened by 1pm:
* contacts in (glasses off!)
* twins have had 3 feedings and are down for nap #3
* Gabby has eaten breakfast and/or lunch
* night dishwasher load emptied* bottles prepped for the afternoon & evening
* nobody has thrown-up on me
* mommy has eaten breakfast (or ANYTHING with calories)
* mommy has brushed teeth & showered
* Dan & I have smiled at OR talked to each other about something other than babies
On Thursday night, Matteo decided to gift us with 9 straight hours of sleep! That’s right… the little fella’ decided to sleep from 5:45pm – 2:45am. HALLELUJAH! Too bad I wasn’t in bed until midnight… sigh.
As a result of Thursday, all day Friday I was so excited… thinking we had finally started to turn the sleep corner. Both boys were in bed at 6:30pm and I was envisioning jumping into bed early… maybe even with an US Weekly magazine (they’ve been calling out to me and I just haven’t had the time to read them… I know… pathetic!), and sleeping undisturbed for a nice long stretch. Stupid me. Seriously. Both boys proceeded to wake up around 9:30/10pm... and there I was up with two unhappy babes until 2 a.m. DANG! And, for the past few nights they’ve been so ornery at night… as if to say “mom, you SO didn’t think we were going to start a sleep schedule, did you?” Blech!
The boys look so different now – I’ll post recent photos soon side-by-side with photos from the first week home.
We visited the pediatrician for their 2 month appointment on Thursday and the boys have clearly been busy growing. Both are now on the percentile charts for height and weight… quite the accomplishment for preemie babes. And, Matteo has already more than doubled his birth weight… CRAZY!
Two month stats are:
Rocco: 11 lbs and 22 inches (30th %ile for weight & 25th %ile for height)
Matteo: 11 lbs 10 oz and 22 ¼ inches (45th % & 25th %)
Mornings tend to be the craziest time of day for us lately as the boys seem to have shark-like feeding frenzies. They just can’t decide how much food makes them happy. Then, Gabby… well, I’m lucky if I can get her to eat something in the morning. I usually consider it a super-successful morning if the following has happened by 1pm:
* contacts in (glasses off!)
* twins have had 3 feedings and are down for nap #3
* Gabby has eaten breakfast and/or lunch
* night dishwasher load emptied* bottles prepped for the afternoon & evening
* nobody has thrown-up on me
* mommy has eaten breakfast (or ANYTHING with calories)
* mommy has brushed teeth & showered
* Dan & I have smiled at OR talked to each other about something other than babies
On Thursday night, Matteo decided to gift us with 9 straight hours of sleep! That’s right… the little fella’ decided to sleep from 5:45pm – 2:45am. HALLELUJAH! Too bad I wasn’t in bed until midnight… sigh.
As a result of Thursday, all day Friday I was so excited… thinking we had finally started to turn the sleep corner. Both boys were in bed at 6:30pm and I was envisioning jumping into bed early… maybe even with an US Weekly magazine (they’ve been calling out to me and I just haven’t had the time to read them… I know… pathetic!), and sleeping undisturbed for a nice long stretch. Stupid me. Seriously. Both boys proceeded to wake up around 9:30/10pm... and there I was up with two unhappy babes until 2 a.m. DANG! And, for the past few nights they’ve been so ornery at night… as if to say “mom, you SO didn’t think we were going to start a sleep schedule, did you?” Blech!
The boys look so different now – I’ll post recent photos soon side-by-side with photos from the first week home.
3/13/08
In Gabby news… Thursday - March 13, 2008
Gabby’s been busy lately.Tuesday’s & Thursday’s: School from 9am – 5:30pm
Wednesday’s: Gymnastics with her friend Livi AND a special weekly visit from Grandma Leo & Grandpa Kenny who come to watch the twins while we tumble.
Gabby started school in February and seems to really like it. Daddy dropped her off on the first day and there were no tears – she just ran off to play with the other kids. Apparently she cried when it was naptime and continues to do so (shocker!). The house is VERY quiet when Gabby’s not around… but it gives me the chance to spend some quality time with the boys AND breathe, eat and think.
Gymnastics class is a total hit. I’ve been going to class with her (it’s “Tumble with your Tot”) and I’m having just as much fun. However, I know I’ve gotten old when I get a head-rush after spinning around the bars. Gabby seems to think that’s pretty funny… so whatever… I’ll continue on with the head-rushes. Maybe this is proof that life is one big cycle… you spin around bars as a kid… then you get spins AT bars in your roaring 20’s… and then you go back to spinning around bars and getting spins, both, at the same time. Hmmmm…We’ve also entered into the world of time-outs. This may be apparent when visiting our home and Gabby puts a baby in time-out. Yes… her dolls do in fact get sent to the same corner she gets put in for time-outs. However, the dolls sometimes spend a whole night in the corner. Clearly the dolls must have done something real bad...
There is also a very real fascination with the potty chair. Watching her little friends successfully use the potty is always reason to celebrate. Oh… and we were at Target checking out the other day and Gabby yells out “Mommy, do YOU have to use the potty?” Me: “No, Gabby, I don’t have to use the potty.” Sorry teenage guy checking us out…
3/10/08
Since when is it ok? Monday - March 10, 2008
So… I’m in the kitchen fixing a bottle… both babies are laying on the playmate and big sis Gabby is playing with dolls nearby. Then, Gabby calls out “Look mommy, I’m sitting on Rocco’s tummy!” Ummmm… clearly, this is not ok. And, I of course bolt over to Rocco’s rescue… and find that his big sister is indeed sitting on his tummy. Gabby was in trouble, of course. But… oddly, Rocco didn’t even seem bothered… maybe he really is “the rock”… I mean, that is what the meaning behind his name is. Strange.
But honestly… since when is it ok to torture your little brothers this early in life. Good lord… I have a feeling it’s just going to get worse from here on out.
Who knows… I mean, maybe Rocco asked for it… he is constantly signaling those arms and hands. Maybe it was misinterpreted by Gabby as “hey, I want to lose my lunch… can you sit on my belly?” or “hey, I’m feeling a little fat in the mid-section today… can you see if you can squash my belly back down a bit?”
Clearly, I’m losing it… I’ve spent way too much time thinking about babies thoughts this morning.
But honestly… since when is it ok to torture your little brothers this early in life. Good lord… I have a feeling it’s just going to get worse from here on out.
Who knows… I mean, maybe Rocco asked for it… he is constantly signaling those arms and hands. Maybe it was misinterpreted by Gabby as “hey, I want to lose my lunch… can you sit on my belly?” or “hey, I’m feeling a little fat in the mid-section today… can you see if you can squash my belly back down a bit?”
Clearly, I’m losing it… I’ve spent way too much time thinking about babies thoughts this morning.
3/7/08
Turtle’s sick… Friday – March 7, 2008
Well, Matteo was diagnosed with his first ear infection. He was so abnormally fussy since Thursday morning. Very unlike his normal, mellow self. Honestly… this kid likes to chill.
After he threw up on me this morning I was suspect of the ear infection but hoping at the same time he didn’t have it… does this mean Rocco will soon get one too? They’ve both had the snuffalupagus noses all week. Ugh. Oh well. Two kids sick with ear infections still isn’t as bad as the flu we battled with Gabby in January 2007. Yup… we were being attacked from both ends… and it’s not like you can put a plug in their mouth OR butt. It was a vicious, month-long battle. Dan still has fond memories of flying *squirts*.
Anyway, I can tell Turtle (Matteo) was already more comfortable this evening. He was down for bed at 7:30pm... very unlike the other Martino kids, but true to what Matteo likes best (sleep!!).
Turtle, btw, is Matteo’s nickname thanks to his father. He always opens his mouth and eyes real big when he’s hungry. Dan thinks it’s very turtle-like.
After he threw up on me this morning I was suspect of the ear infection but hoping at the same time he didn’t have it… does this mean Rocco will soon get one too? They’ve both had the snuffalupagus noses all week. Ugh. Oh well. Two kids sick with ear infections still isn’t as bad as the flu we battled with Gabby in January 2007. Yup… we were being attacked from both ends… and it’s not like you can put a plug in their mouth OR butt. It was a vicious, month-long battle. Dan still has fond memories of flying *squirts*.
Anyway, I can tell Turtle (Matteo) was already more comfortable this evening. He was down for bed at 7:30pm... very unlike the other Martino kids, but true to what Matteo likes best (sleep!!).
Turtle, btw, is Matteo’s nickname thanks to his father. He always opens his mouth and eyes real big when he’s hungry. Dan thinks it’s very turtle-like.
3/5/08
Snuggles & loves. Wednesday – March 5, 2008
How CUTE is this!?!
We often catch the boys snuggling each other… sometimes they’ll be holding hands or one will have his hand on the other’s face. It’s SO cute to find them like this!
Hopefully, they’ll always be good buddies!
8 weeks:
3 weeks:
We often catch the boys snuggling each other… sometimes they’ll be holding hands or one will have his hand on the other’s face. It’s SO cute to find them like this!
Hopefully, they’ll always be good buddies!
8 weeks:
3 weeks:
Tipping Point. Wednesday – March 5, 2008
Two weeks ago I woke up with back pain… it felt like an elephant had slept on my back. I couldn’t figure out why. Lord knows it wasn’t from sex. I finally realized it was from loading all 3 kids into the Sequoia the day before.
It takes a small miracle to load two big babes (10+ lbs at the time) into the back row of seating in that vehicle. No sexy jeans should be worn (for fear of what bystanders might witness). And, core muscles are essential… which I of course have absolutely NONE of right now since my belly was stretched to China and back.
I love the Sequoia. Honestly. BUT… it is absolutely impossible to fit 3 car seats (2 being infant car seats) across in one row. Not to mention the fact that our second row of seating just has 2 bucket seats (seemed like SUCH a great idea pre-kids). Then you ask – oh, so why don’t you just put the infant car seats in the second row of seating so you don’t have to break your back, right?! GREAT IDEA… BUT… because infant car seats have the bases that stay in the vehicle, you can’t flip the seats forward to get access to the back row. And, I would need access to the back row to buckle Gabriella in. Realistically, she’d probably think it was fantastic if I threw her over the second row of seating. But yeah… that would be a bad parenting moment.
The boys will only continue to get bigger. They’re pushing 12lbs… and there are TWO of them. Gabby, mind you, was only 15lbs 8oz at her ONE YEAR appointment! Yes… you see where I’m going. Situation isn’t going to get better until at least one child isn’t in a car seat. And, with the rate at which Gabby gains weight… her brothers may just beat her out of a car seat.
Dan’s analysis of the situation:
We’ve hit the TIPPING POINT, my friends. Having 3 kids under 3 pretty much means we’ve entered the mini-van market. Yes. I know. I was never a fan. Suddenly – it’s calling to me… “No more back pain!”
Stay tuned…
It takes a small miracle to load two big babes (10+ lbs at the time) into the back row of seating in that vehicle. No sexy jeans should be worn (for fear of what bystanders might witness). And, core muscles are essential… which I of course have absolutely NONE of right now since my belly was stretched to China and back.
I love the Sequoia. Honestly. BUT… it is absolutely impossible to fit 3 car seats (2 being infant car seats) across in one row. Not to mention the fact that our second row of seating just has 2 bucket seats (seemed like SUCH a great idea pre-kids). Then you ask – oh, so why don’t you just put the infant car seats in the second row of seating so you don’t have to break your back, right?! GREAT IDEA… BUT… because infant car seats have the bases that stay in the vehicle, you can’t flip the seats forward to get access to the back row. And, I would need access to the back row to buckle Gabriella in. Realistically, she’d probably think it was fantastic if I threw her over the second row of seating. But yeah… that would be a bad parenting moment.
The boys will only continue to get bigger. They’re pushing 12lbs… and there are TWO of them. Gabby, mind you, was only 15lbs 8oz at her ONE YEAR appointment! Yes… you see where I’m going. Situation isn’t going to get better until at least one child isn’t in a car seat. And, with the rate at which Gabby gains weight… her brothers may just beat her out of a car seat.
Dan’s analysis of the situation:
We’ve hit the TIPPING POINT, my friends. Having 3 kids under 3 pretty much means we’ve entered the mini-van market. Yes. I know. I was never a fan. Suddenly – it’s calling to me… “No more back pain!”
Stay tuned…
3/3/08
Is it possible? Monday – March 3, 2008
Is it possible that I was a cow in a former life?
I’ve been wondering this a lot lately… I’ve been pumping massive amounts of milk. Is it strange that I can sit down after not pumping for 6 hours and get 17oz? That is not the average scenario, of course… but I can easily get 12-14oz at one sitting, several times a day. CRAZY, right? No?
If you’re a mom who’s breastfed a child – feel free to leave a comment either confirming I am cow-like OR telling me that, no, I am not a cow… and this is all very normal.
I’ve been wondering this a lot lately… I’ve been pumping massive amounts of milk. Is it strange that I can sit down after not pumping for 6 hours and get 17oz? That is not the average scenario, of course… but I can easily get 12-14oz at one sitting, several times a day. CRAZY, right? No?
If you’re a mom who’s breastfed a child – feel free to leave a comment either confirming I am cow-like OR telling me that, no, I am not a cow… and this is all very normal.
3/2/08
Stroller central... Sunday – March 2, 2008
3/1/08
What to do when… Saturday – March 1, 2008
Ever been in one of the following situations:
1. You have two hungry 7 wk old babies screaming AND a hungry 2 year old (and no husband in sight)?
2. You have two hungry 7 wk old babies AND a two year old who just poo'd in her diaper... and she's now walking around telling you her dipey smells and asking if I smell it too (no husband in sight)?
3. You have two hungry babies AND the two year old just spilled milk or OJ all over the kitchen floor and is about to begin playing slip and slide (she visualizes fun; you visualize a trip to the ER; husband is out chatting up the neighbors)?
Here's what I do...
1. You have two hungry 7 wk old babies screaming AND a hungry 2 year old (and no husband in sight)?
2. You have two hungry 7 wk old babies AND a two year old who just poo'd in her diaper... and she's now walking around telling you her dipey smells and asking if I smell it too (no husband in sight)?
3. You have two hungry babies AND the two year old just spilled milk or OJ all over the kitchen floor and is about to begin playing slip and slide (she visualizes fun; you visualize a trip to the ER; husband is out chatting up the neighbors)?
Here's what I do...
Yes, I know it's so NOT *politically/baby correct* for the 21st century. But, c'mon... I didn't grow up in a baby-safe bubble and I survived, right?! Sometimes it's all about survival... mommy-survival, that is!
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