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:
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!
2/24/08
Friend turned make-up artist. Sunday - February 24, 2008
Gabby had a few friends over for dinner last night...Tables were danced on, pretend food was cooked, strollers were pushed, chocolate cake was eaten... and well, Livi decided to take a shot at being a make-up artist... on Gabby's face. Good times. Gooooooooooooooood times.
Gabby was clearly a happy client, running around to the adults saying "I look PRETTY!" Livi was well compensated for her work with LOTS of hugs.
2/18/08
CoOkIe CrAzE!!! Tuesday – February 19, 2008
Since Gabriella missed the cookie making festivities over the holidays in Minnesota with all of her cousins, Gammy decided to teach Gabby how to do cut-out and sugar cookies while she stayed with us.Quick summary of the cookie bake-a-thon:
* Gabby probably ate more cookie dough than was baked. The child was crazy… not only was she stealing dough from the bowl and eating it, she’d transfer the cut-out cookies to her mouth instead of the pan for baking. True hints of her daddy living in her…
* Gabby must have been wearing a ½ pound of flour by the time the cookie cut-outs were finished. See photo.
* When making the sugar cookies… Gabby had more fun squishing the balls of dough in her hands than rolling them in the sugar like she was supposed to do.
* The REAL kicker to the cookie making was a true sugar-high. We discovered she had been eating handfuls of sugar. She kept running over to papa licking her fingers and saying “This is REALLY good, papa!” Papa thought she was pretending and not really licking anything… until Gammy busted her eating a handful of sugar. I then had the wonderful pleasure of being kept awake until 2am by a child on a 100% genuine SUGAR HIGH. Silly me… here I thought sugar highs were an old wives tale.
2/15/08
Growing strong! Thursday - February 14, 2008
We took the boys in for their 1 month pediatrician appointment today. Both are growing strong and are now on the growth percentile charts (they weren't big enough at birth). They are now in the 30th %ile for weight and 8th %ile for height. We're proud of the little guys for all the growing they've been doing!
One month stats are:
Rocco: 8lbs 14oz and 20"
Matteo: 9lbs 2oz and 20"
Rocco was the larger baby by 4oz at birth... but now is the smaller baby by 4oz.
One month stats are:
Rocco: 8lbs 14oz and 20"
Matteo: 9lbs 2oz and 20"
Rocco was the larger baby by 4oz at birth... but now is the smaller baby by 4oz.
2/12/08
Twins are 1 month old! Sunday – February 10, 2008
The twins are 1 month old! The past month flew by... and I'm still trying to remind myself it's 2008, let alone mid-February. Oh well... I guess it’s all about survival (parental survival, that is).First month in review:
* 25 diapers per day, minimum, for the twins alone.
* 8-10 diapers per day for Gabby (although, she’s beginning to potty train).
* 3 eye infections (Rocco, both eyes; Matteo, 1 eye).
* 3 nasty diaper rashes (Matteo – 2, Rocco – 1).
* 2 colds (Gabby & Rocco).
* 8 planned feedings for the twins per day (16 bottles).
* 2-4 unplanned feedings (snack sessions) per baby, per day (4-8 bottles).
* 3-4 meals to prepare for Gabby per day (2 of which she may actually eat).
* 2-3 loads of laundry per day.
* 2-3 dishwasher loads run daily; consequently also needing to be emptied (LOVE the dishwasher… but good lord, I’m so not a fan of emptying it!)
* 1 trip to the pediatrician (2nd trip is 2/14 for the 1 month appt).
* 2 calls to page the pediatrician on a 2 separate weekends.
* 6 times daily I sit down and do what I hate most… pump milk.
* 0-2 times I’ll nurse the babies per day. I have little to no time to be a snack bar on top of everything else.
* 38 days we were blessed with having Gammy live with us. She provided the twins with love and the family with much needed support… not to mention endless hours of help. THANK YOU, MOM!!
* Endless = amount of time papa spent entertaining Gabby with puzzles, games of “hide & go seek” and “get you”, etc., and most importantly, his love and attention.
* 3 Dan, Gabby & Jodi dinner date night while Gammy babysat the twins.
* 1 Dan & Jodi dinner date night while Gammy & Papa babysat all 3 little monkeys.
In addition to all of the above chaos, Gabby decided that it’s cool to start mimicking the babies’ cries… WHILE they’re both crying, mind you. So, just as you begin to lose sanity because two babies’ screams are echoing in your ears… the 2 year old chimes in with her version of it. Lovely. However, I can't complain... the boys are GREAT babies. Again, much easier than a baby with colic.
Oh - and daddy started a new job in 2008 that keeps him VERY, VERY busy. Honestly... the timing of moving back into our house, the arrival of the babies and the new VERY BUSY job for daddy couldn't have been more perfectly timed to coincide!
Welcome to our life.
But... we've got it EASY compared to "Jon & Kate plus Ei8ht"! Ever watch that show? Good humor...
2/3/08
It’s funny to think... Sunday – February 3, 2008
Three weeks ago today I sat down on our bed to take a nap by myself for the first time in 36 weeks. And by myself—I mean without babies in my belly. It was so quiet in the bedroom. My mom was watching the twins downstairs, and Dan had taken Gabby to the park. Instead of immediately falling asleep… as soon as my head hit the pillow I couldn’t help but start crying. I felt so incredibly lonely without those two babies in my belly.
It’s funny to think that I can pinpoint two of the loneliest times in my life to exactly 3 days after the birth of the twins and exactly 3 days after the birth of Gabriella. It sounds crazy—I know. And, it’s also crazy to think that before each child was born I was so incredibly uncomfortable and excited to get my body back that I could hardly wait for labor to begin.
Once again, I find this to be just the start of letting go and letting the little ones grow. They’re doing a fine job of it. Sometimes – it’s not fast enough. Especially in sleep deprived moments… or when I have 3 kids crying at me simultaneously. And, sometimes it’s too fast… like when I see the twins starting to fit into newborn clothes and cheeks filling out, or when the two year old is playing dress-up and getting into my make-up.
Life sure is sweet, short and crazy, isn’t it?
It’s funny to think that I can pinpoint two of the loneliest times in my life to exactly 3 days after the birth of the twins and exactly 3 days after the birth of Gabriella. It sounds crazy—I know. And, it’s also crazy to think that before each child was born I was so incredibly uncomfortable and excited to get my body back that I could hardly wait for labor to begin.
Once again, I find this to be just the start of letting go and letting the little ones grow. They’re doing a fine job of it. Sometimes – it’s not fast enough. Especially in sleep deprived moments… or when I have 3 kids crying at me simultaneously. And, sometimes it’s too fast… like when I see the twins starting to fit into newborn clothes and cheeks filling out, or when the two year old is playing dress-up and getting into my make-up.
Life sure is sweet, short and crazy, isn’t it?
1/19/08
A summary of week #1 with twin boys! Saturday – January 19, 2008
Here’s a summary of our first week with the twins:1. One nasty diaper rash (Matteo).
2. One newborn rash (Matteo).
3. One eye infection (Rocco).
4. One scare of possibly having jaundice (Matteo).
5. One little guy battling reflux while in the hospital (Rocco). It seems to now have passed and the doctors think it was more to do with the fact that he had swallowed amniotic fluid and just had to spit it all out before his tummy would settle.
6. Two umbilical chords have fallen off.
7. Number of dirty diapers per day (not including Gabby diapers)? 20-24
8. Number of times we’ve been peed on while changing diapers? We’ve lost count.
9. Number of times we’ve had poops shot at us? 3
10. Number of bottles used per day? 12 at minimum
11. Number of times I’ll nurse the babies per day? 2-4
12. Number of times mommy has to pump? 4-5
13. First baths.
14. Number of squishy kisses and hugs received from big sister? Countless…
15. Two long walks with Mommy, Gammy and big sister Gabby.
8. Number of times we’ve been peed on while changing diapers? We’ve lost count.
9. Number of times we’ve had poops shot at us? 3
10. Number of bottles used per day? 12 at minimum
11. Number of times I’ll nurse the babies per day? 2-4
12. Number of times mommy has to pump? 4-5
13. First baths.
14. Number of squishy kisses and hugs received from big sister? Countless…
15. Two long walks with Mommy, Gammy and big sister Gabby.
16. One trip to the park (to watch big sister Gabby go down the slide). 16.
17. Big sister, Gabby, took her first poo poo on the potty chair! Hooray!
18. First pediatrician appointment. Both boys checked out wonderfully and they are both within 2 oz of their birth weights. Both babies are not yet on the percentile charts, but their 5 day stats are:
Rocco: 5lbs 11oz, 19 ¼ inches
Matteo: 5lbs 7oz, 18 ½ inches
Life right now is one big 3 hour cycle for the Martino family. It takes at least one hour to change and feed both boys. Then you have two hours to use wisely… this is where you prioritize taking care of and tending to Gabby’s needs, eat, shower, brush teeth, dishes, laundry, pump, check email, cook, run errands, etc.
So far, the twins have been much easier than Gabby was as a newborn (knock on wood!). They are so quiet and such good little eaters. They seem to only fuss when hungry, if they have a dirty diaper, or if they’re not swaddled tight enough. They sleep wonderfully through the night… Rocco actually slept for 8.5 hours straight the other night and Matteo had been sleeping for 5 hours. I was able to get a 4 hour stretch of sleep in (yippie!!). Had I not been so sleep deprived I would have never let that happen while they’re so little. We’re trying to wake them during the night (if they don’t choose to wake us first) every 3-4.5 hours.
Gabby is adjusting well to being a big sister. She is now much gentler with her hugs and kisses so we no longer really fear her squishing the boys. She also talks about her brothers, is very proud of them and loves to see them and what they’re doing. But, she does have the uncanny ability to start crying and demand that we “hold you!” right as the adults in the room are tied up with the two boys. Go figure. Gammy babysat the boys on Friday night so Dan & I could bring Gabby on a special date night.
Also, the boys have officially melted and won the hearts of both their mommy and Gammy. We are so in love with these little guys! I already know they will truly miss their Gammy when she leaves. She gives them so much love and it will be hard to make up for not having her around anymore. Oh, and Gammy has also given the boys nicknames–Matteo is often lovingly called “Tiger” and Rocco, “Max”. We feel so lucky to have her here with us to enjoy our two newest miracles!
18. First pediatrician appointment. Both boys checked out wonderfully and they are both within 2 oz of their birth weights. Both babies are not yet on the percentile charts, but their 5 day stats are:
Rocco: 5lbs 11oz, 19 ¼ inches
Matteo: 5lbs 7oz, 18 ½ inches
Life right now is one big 3 hour cycle for the Martino family. It takes at least one hour to change and feed both boys. Then you have two hours to use wisely… this is where you prioritize taking care of and tending to Gabby’s needs, eat, shower, brush teeth, dishes, laundry, pump, check email, cook, run errands, etc.
So far, the twins have been much easier than Gabby was as a newborn (knock on wood!). They are so quiet and such good little eaters. They seem to only fuss when hungry, if they have a dirty diaper, or if they’re not swaddled tight enough. They sleep wonderfully through the night… Rocco actually slept for 8.5 hours straight the other night and Matteo had been sleeping for 5 hours. I was able to get a 4 hour stretch of sleep in (yippie!!). Had I not been so sleep deprived I would have never let that happen while they’re so little. We’re trying to wake them during the night (if they don’t choose to wake us first) every 3-4.5 hours.
Gabby is adjusting well to being a big sister. She is now much gentler with her hugs and kisses so we no longer really fear her squishing the boys. She also talks about her brothers, is very proud of them and loves to see them and what they’re doing. But, she does have the uncanny ability to start crying and demand that we “hold you!” right as the adults in the room are tied up with the two boys. Go figure. Gammy babysat the boys on Friday night so Dan & I could bring Gabby on a special date night.
Also, the boys have officially melted and won the hearts of both their mommy and Gammy. We are so in love with these little guys! I already know they will truly miss their Gammy when she leaves. She gives them so much love and it will be hard to make up for not having her around anymore. Oh, and Gammy has also given the boys nicknames–Matteo is often lovingly called “Tiger” and Rocco, “Max”. We feel so lucky to have her here with us to enjoy our two newest miracles!
1/12/08
Welcome Home, Rocco & Matteo! Saturday - January 12, 2008
Welcome home, Rocco & Matteo!!!
Rocco on the left, Matteo on the right:
Rocco on the left, Matteo on the right:
Matteo on the left, Rocco on the right:
A pround big sister and our new little family of five...
A VERY PROUD big sister! Friday - January 11, 2008
Gabriella spent the past day and night with her Gammy and Papa. She missed her mommy & daddy a lot. And they missed her a lot too! But, she knew mommy was at the doctor "getting better" and that mommy was "ok". When Gabby arrived at the hospital with Gammy and Papa, the front desk gave her two big stickers. Upon getting the stickers in her hand, Gabby told Gammy, Papa and the people working the front desk that she said "I'm going to give the stickers to my mommy... because she's ok... she's at the doctor... and she's alright... and she misses me... and the stickers will make her feel better." Then, as she walked to find my hospital room (approx 10 min's) with Gammy and Papa, she proceeded to tell everyone and anyone who would listen the same thing and "Tears... sniff, sniff.
Hearing this story of course brought tears to my eyes. I missed her so much while staying in the hospital and adding two new babies to our lives. It was SO difficult to hear how traumatized Gabby was about me not being home and how worried she was about me being "ok". I know she wouldn't fully understand why her daddy or I weren't coming home for a few nights... but it was harder on her than we could have predicted.
Right when Gabby walked in the room she came over to me VERY concerned and said "Mommy, you ok... you better... I brought you stickers, mommy. I saw a look of concern in her eyes and facial expression that I have never seen before. She looked slightly stressed and like she had been crying a lot or full of worry. It hurt my heart to see her serious compassion and concern. Stickers will make you feel better!" I cried, of course (but trying not to ler her see my tears). And, then, I got SO many hugs, kisses and "you ok" pats from this tiny little monkey... it filled my heart with love.
Dan was with the boys getting the circumcisions when Gabby, Gammy and Papa arrived at the hospital. But, when daddy arrived with the babies, Gabby was SO EXCITED! There was jumping up & down... lots of screams of excitement... and we had to somewhat manage the amount of love that was being squeezed through to the boys in hugs, love pats and kisses. Gabby was a VERY PROUD big sister and couldn't contain her excitement and love. I was so proud of her... proud to see how much love she had for her new little brothers and proud to see how she immediately had love for them.
Wonderful memories... lots of fun.
Two funny side notes:
1. When Gabby saw her new little baby brother's belly buttons with the umbilical chord clamped - she immediately asked what that was. And she is now constantly asking "Where's the baby's belican chord, mommy?"
2. Gabby saw mommy pumping. And later when mommy had visitors in the room... Gabby really wanted to help mommy pump. And, she attempted to pump herself as well. Monkey see, monkey do!
Memories of the big day... Thursday - January 10, 2008
January 10th was wonderful and amazing... and somewhat bittersweet.I truly wasn't ready for the babies to arrive yet. I wasn't ready mentally, emotionally or physically. And, I knew it would be best if they stayed in my belly longer. The average gestational length for twins is 36 weeks... and THAT was my goal! And, here I was falling short by two days... how could this be happening?!
Befor going into my weekly OB appointment that morning, I was told I needed to pack up my hospital bag 'just in case' they would need to induce me. So, frustrated that I might not be going home... I hastily threw some things in a small suitcase. I didn't include any baby clothes because I really wasn't ready for them to arrive yet. And, I figured... maybe if I didn't pack their clothes, I wouldn't have them today. Hmmm...
So, Dan and I went to my OB appointment with uncertainty as to whether we'd be able to go home. My doctor said I needed to be admitted to the hospital. She said we needed to start the labor because both babies heads were so low. Rocco was at 0 station, I was dilated 5cm and 90% effaced. And let me tell ya... I can truly verify the "0 station" with Rocco's head. Matter-of-fact, he had been that way for the past 4 days. Sometimes I even felt like his head was going to bust out of me when I would take too long of a step or while going up the stairs. It hurt. His head was hurting my "down there" regions. Seriously. Painful.
I tried to negotiate with the doctor. Afterall, I had a hair appointment scheduled (cut & color). It had been canceled two weeks prior due to a crazy winter storm power outage. I was supposed to get/feel pretty before the babies came! Also... I had SO MUCH to still do at home before the babies arrived. We were just starting to wash all the baby clothes. Painters were finishing work in our newly remodeled home. Cabinets were still being installed. Electrical work was still being done throughout the house. Plumbing was still being worked on. There were still boxes everywhere needing to be unpacked. It was a nightmare for any slightly Type A personality who was expecting TWINS any day. CRAZYNESS!
The doctor said she couldn't let me go home knowing how far along I was. She worried that my water would break and that I would go into a very fast labor (due to my stats). She didn't want me to have to deliver at another hospital that might not be prepared to handle us. She wanted to have her team ready in the OR, and do it today so that we could avoid any emergencies with the health of the babies or myself.
Ugh. Annoying. Ok fine. I guess I'm staying. That was my attitude. Defeat. Then, she left the room and I broke into tears... sobbing in Dan's arms. All I could think was that I wasn't ready yet. They need to wait until 36 weeks at least... they need to be healthy. They need more time.
We went over to the hospital, checked in, and I was trying not to be mopey. I was a tad bit excited... but still feeling a bit defeated.
They broke my water at 11:30am and then Dan and I spent the day camped out in L&D. I surfed the web for most of the day and fought through the contractions. The doctors and nurses thought natural labor was a very real possibility since the contractions weren't causing me any extreme discomfort. It was kind of crazy because I had been feeling such strong contractions for most of my pregnancy... that the labor contractions weren't really hitting me too hard. I guess I had just gotten very used to them.
Finally, I broke down and got an epidural around 7pm. I was getting tired. And, I knew it would make me more relaxed and maybe move things along faster. I was probably fighting off some of the progression of the labor becuase I'd get so tense with each contraction. The anesthesiologist was great... but he talked for so long that it was making me want to take a nap. Him and Dan were laughing and joking... and I felt like I was having an outer body experience... "Hello!? Remember me... I'm the prego lady... I'm tired... could you all zip it and let me get some rest? Because I'm surely not going to sleep for the next year... would seriously love a little catnap right about now!" But I just stared at them and acted like the nice (but crazy) pregnant lady.
8pm hit and I was ready to push the babies out. Dan and I joked with the doctors that I had to push the babies out by 9pm so we could watch Grey's Anatomy... a favorite TV show.
Since it was twin delivery, I had to deliver in the OR, just in case they would need to put me under at any point and do an emergency C-section. When they moved me into the OR's I was kind of surprised by the number of people gathered. It was a full OR! And, everyone was there to wait for the arrival of baby A and baby B. There were 4 OB doctors, 4 RN's, 2 anesthesiologists, 4 ped's doctors for each baby, and I'm not sure who else was there... but it was a full house to see the show!
I pushed for a total of 15 minutes. And I pushed both babies out within 7 minutes of eachother. The doctors were VERY impressed. And, Dan was especially proud of me and impressed (kind of funny, I think!). I was literally the talk of L&D that night. Apparently, it's pretty rare for twins to not be delivered via c-section. And, I guess it is even more unusual for them to be delivered so close in time when it's a vaginal delivery (sorry if you're sensitive... but that's what it was).
When baby A (Rocco) came out... I immediately felt relief... but then I heard him cry almost a second after he came out... and I started sobbing. In that moment, his cry was the sweetest sound I had ever heard. Suddenly, all I wanted was to see and hold him in my arms and tell him how much I loved him and how very sad and selfish I felt for not wanting him to come just yet. I was ready now. I knew it. I was ready and I wanted to hold and kiss and love him to bits. Seven minutes later... my beautiful baby B (Matteo) came out. I cried again. And, I saw him... and was convinced he was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen... especially fresh out of the womb. He was perfect. THEY were perfect. They were healthy. I loved them. I loved them SO MUCH. Already. I wanted to just hold them. In MY arms. I wanted everyone to just let us hold them and stop messing with them. And then, I couldn't help but also wonder... with a heavy heart... what this would have been like had I still been carrying baby C. But, I was grateful beyond belief for the two babies we had been blessed with... these two healthy, beautiful baby boys. And, I knew I had a little angel watching over us... and I would feel his presence every day of my life.
Daddy was VERY, VERY proud of his new little arrivals. He was SO proud and HAPPY. He kept kissing me, telling me how proud he was of me and our babies and how much he loved all of us. The nurses gave both babies to Dan to hold and he was so proud and grinning ear to ear and couldn't stop looking at them. He kept chanting "Men, men, men, men! Men, men, men, men!" What a goofball! Funny...
Then, I was able to hold each baby, individually for a minute or two, but not much longer. I was shaking uncontrollably and teeth chattering. My teeth were chattering so much I could barely talk or smile. I felt SO cold and could not get warm. My blood pressure was low... but it always is and always has been. I was so cold... I couldn't possibly get enough blankets. They rolled me out to the recovery room... and I asked Dan to go with the babies to the nursery while they were cleaned up and observed to make sure their vitals stayed good. I started to watch Grey's and fell asleep 3 minutes into it. At about 10:30pm, Dan and I were reunited back in the maternity ward... but where were my babies?! All I wanted was to just hold them. For the next hour... Dan was going back and forth between me and the babies. I was so anxious to have them with me and just watch and hold them.
FINALLY... close to midnight.... Dan and a nurse rolled my babies into my room. OHHHHH!! They were SO CUTE... SO BEAUTIFUL! SO PERFECT!! Now... now... I could go to sleep. But, no... then I sent an email to everyone I knew to tell them of the wonderful news. THEN, I went to sleep... at about 1:45am on Friday morning.
The only other time I've seen Dan so giddy and happy was when Gabby was born. Doesn't this photo of Dan say it all?!
1/11/08
Our little men have arrived! Thursday - January 10, 2008
Wonderful news - the boys arrived on Thursday, 1/10! After 35 weeks and 5 days, 40lbs of weight gain and lots of discomfort and preparation, we couldn't be happier. Big sister, Gabriella, will first be able to meet her new little brothers tomorrow... but we're sure she'll think they're pretty neat too.
We've also FINALLY decided on names.
Names and birth stats are:
Rocco Alexander Martino: Arrived at 8:26pm, 5lbs, 13oz and 19.5 inches
Matteo Tate Martino: Arrived at 8:33pm, 5lbs, 9oz and 18.5 inches
Mom and babies are healthy and doing well. Jodi's labor and delivery was actually much easier than it was with Gabby. The plan is for everyone to go home on Saturday.
I'm sure we'll be very busy in the coming weeks getting adjusted to having two newborns AND a 2 year old, but we'll try and return emails and calls as time permits. Oh, and we also still have some loose ends to tie up with finishing work at the house... lovely.
Feel free to swing by casa Martino 2.0 if you're healthy and have not been around anyone who's sick. It's unfortunately RSV and flu season and the babies will be very prone to viruses since they are premature and low birth weights.
We've also FINALLY decided on names.
Names and birth stats are:
Rocco Alexander Martino: Arrived at 8:26pm, 5lbs, 13oz and 19.5 inches
Matteo Tate Martino: Arrived at 8:33pm, 5lbs, 9oz and 18.5 inches
Mom and babies are healthy and doing well. Jodi's labor and delivery was actually much easier than it was with Gabby. The plan is for everyone to go home on Saturday.
I'm sure we'll be very busy in the coming weeks getting adjusted to having two newborns AND a 2 year old, but we'll try and return emails and calls as time permits. Oh, and we also still have some loose ends to tie up with finishing work at the house... lovely.
Feel free to swing by casa Martino 2.0 if you're healthy and have not been around anyone who's sick. It's unfortunately RSV and flu season and the babies will be very prone to viruses since they are premature and low birth weights.
1/3/08
Quick update! Thursday - January 3, 2008
Just a quick update.
Good News:
1. We moved into the house on Monday... FINALLY!!
2. My mom and dad arrived on Tuesday. HOORAY!! Gabby is having SO much fun with her gammy & papa and truly thinks she has 2 new best friends. She'll often refer to them as 'guys'... "Hi guys! Wanna come play over here guys?"
3. Ovens, stove top and dishwasher were all finally set-up to start working Wednesday. Truly love 'em.
4. Most of the boxes are put away.
5. My mom started washing baby clothes today and helped me for hours last night with unpacking boxes and organizing things.
6. My dad is going to help Dan with man-jobs, i.e. doorknobs, doors and other stuff like that.
Thank the lord for parents...
Bad News:
1. I'm dilated to 3cm and 80% effaced.
2. I've slept probably 5-7 hours every night since Sunday because I feel like I have to get up and do anything and everything possible to beat my race against time with the twins arriving soon. I'm exhausted.
3. We still have lots of boxes to put away.
4. Still need 2 baby cribs put together.
5. Still need cabinets finished in the house.
6. Still need Comcast to install cable and high-speed internet at house.
7. My list of to-do's at the house is still several pages.
What to do? Deep breath...
If you've called recently to check in on me - thank you!! Please know I'm not avoiding you, I've just been OVERLY busy (there truly isn't a perfect adjective to describe how crazy the past 4 days have been). Anyway, I'm hoping to return your calls soon!
My advice for all: Do NOT plan a HUGE construction project on your home any time you are hoping or expecting to add to your family.
Good News:
1. We moved into the house on Monday... FINALLY!!
2. My mom and dad arrived on Tuesday. HOORAY!! Gabby is having SO much fun with her gammy & papa and truly thinks she has 2 new best friends. She'll often refer to them as 'guys'... "Hi guys! Wanna come play over here guys?"
3. Ovens, stove top and dishwasher were all finally set-up to start working Wednesday. Truly love 'em.
4. Most of the boxes are put away.
5. My mom started washing baby clothes today and helped me for hours last night with unpacking boxes and organizing things.
6. My dad is going to help Dan with man-jobs, i.e. doorknobs, doors and other stuff like that.
Thank the lord for parents...
Bad News:
1. I'm dilated to 3cm and 80% effaced.
2. I've slept probably 5-7 hours every night since Sunday because I feel like I have to get up and do anything and everything possible to beat my race against time with the twins arriving soon. I'm exhausted.
3. We still have lots of boxes to put away.
4. Still need 2 baby cribs put together.
5. Still need cabinets finished in the house.
6. Still need Comcast to install cable and high-speed internet at house.
7. My list of to-do's at the house is still several pages.
What to do? Deep breath...
If you've called recently to check in on me - thank you!! Please know I'm not avoiding you, I've just been OVERLY busy (there truly isn't a perfect adjective to describe how crazy the past 4 days have been). Anyway, I'm hoping to return your calls soon!
My advice for all: Do NOT plan a HUGE construction project on your home any time you are hoping or expecting to add to your family.
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