Month 1, Week 3

Things are going pretty well for the boys. We weighed them yesterday and both were over 11lbs. I knew they were getting heavy, but not that heavy! They have the cutest cubby cheeks now, which makes them harder to tell apart. I've added a couple of new pictures to their website (pw: jma&z) so you can see.

Overall it's been quiet around here since the last post. No major trips or anything. In fact, I think our last adventure was Publix on Saturday. It was Jim, the boys, and me. Lucy had the day off to do some shopping and movie watching. The boys were fussy the entire time pretty much. So what was supposed to be a normal trip ended up being stressful. I took them out to the van while Jim went through the checkout line solo. As soon as I got outside, they were happy as clams, though.

They continue to do ok during the night, with their good days and bad. A highlight was Alex sleeping from about 11pm to 5am one evening. Unfortunately it hasn't happened since. A low point was when Zach woke up every hour crying because his belly hurt. Around 6am he found the solution, but the bed and I ended up getting hit in the process. Normally when the boys wake up at 1am, 3am, and 5am they barely even open their eyes, though. They want food and back to sleep. Once they can see that it's light outside, it's a different story. We have room darkening blinds but light still seeps through the cracks. I'm thinking we need drapes over those. Maybe they'll sleep longer, to like 8am. The 6:30am thing is kind of early.

This week they've started turning their heads towards sounds and tracking things. Jim was holding one of them when Furball made a clanging sound as she drank from her water bowl. The baby turned his head to see what was going on. They'll also respond to rattles and squeaky toys when playing on the floor now. Just this morning, Alex was transfixed on me while in the swing. Wherever in the room I went, he would follow me with his eyes and turning his head as needed. They're becoming a lot more aware of their surroundings!

The discussion continues on whether I stay home with them or go back to work. Jim's work is supposed to have a "Town Meeting" this week to go over their plans for the future. There are rumors of another month-long layoff happening this fall. The idea of living off one income in this economy makes me nervous. Neither of our friends that were let go a month ago have found jobs yet. One isn't limiting himself to this area, either. Part of me feels like if I have a job, I would be stupid to turn it down, even if daycare costs a big chunk of the take-home pay. Then if Jim did get laid off, or worse, we'd still be covered.

That being said, I really haven't been able to warm up to the idea of a stranger essentially raising our boys, along with 3 other kids at the same time. They're still really little, so it's not a socialization situation yet. There's also the germs. Our pediatrician recommends waiting until they're at least one year old before starting daycare if you have the option. That ways their immune systems are developed enough to deal with all of the bugs they'll come in contact with.

Lucy goes back to school in 3 short weeks. I guess at that point I'll get a good taste of what managing 2 babies is like. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit scared at the prospect. Right now the only way I get things done is to have her hold both of them. I guess they're going to have to learn about disappointment, patience, and how to take turns. hehe

Month 1, Week 2

The boys have been busy bees this past week. We made a second trip to Ikea but this time the Charlotte one. I had forgotten to get them a changing table when we stopped in Atlanta. The boys did well on the drive up but once we got there Zach had a mini meltdown. He was tired of being in his car seat and when Aunt Lucy took him out to burp him, it was very difficult to get him back in. We cruised around the entrance area until he settled down, then went to get our loots.

With all of the stuff we've picked up at Ikea, the living room needed an overhaul. Otherwise people would be sitting in a forest of baby equipment, barely able to see each other or move around. Lucy and Jim took charge of the situation and furniture began to fly. It's surprising how big our living room is with the couch against the wall.

Jim's family has a lot of July birthdays so we all went out to Sticky Fingers to celebrate en masse. There were 14 of us, with 6 being kids. That's a lot of ribs and BBQ eaten. hehe Our boys behaved themselves but Zach did start to get upset when Preston did. I guess he's just sensitive to crying in general, not just Alex's. Most of the family came back to our house for dessert. As the evening went on, our boys got fussier and fussier. This has started to be the trend lately.

In general, most babies get fussy in the evening but no one knows exactly why. We've been trying to figure out ways of keeping them calm and happy (or at least not crying). The Moby's have come in really handy. We have two now, so Jim and I each wear a baby. It's a lot like being swaddled to one of us. We also got a new swing that seems to be able to keep them asleep. The poor pack 'n play just doesn't work anymore.

Being outside also helps, so we've done everything from swing with them on the back porch, to take them for a walk around the neighborhood. Both of them love looking at the sky. We've been lucky to have cooler-than-normal temperatures so being outside isn't too bad.

Part of their discontent seems to be related to tummy pain. We started them on gas drops yesterday and they seem to help. They still grunt a lot but it doesn't seem to hurt them like before. I also brought out The Happiest Baby on the Block book for Jim and Lucy to read. We've had a couple of harrowing nights while I was napping and I think they've gotten good tips from the book. I need to reread it and get some myself.

I've posted some candid shots of the boys from the past two weeks. You can check them out on their website (pw: jma&z). I wish I hadn't left the camera in the van for the wedding, but oh well.

Addendum

DNA Solutions just called with the results of the boys' test. Alex and Zach are identical! While this doesn't actually change anything, it's nice to be sure when people ask us. It also is good to know from a medical standpoint, although if some condition were to develop where one boy would need to help the other, a more in-depth DNA test would probably be done. We just had 8 markers tested.

So even though we have Pumpkin Head and Skinny Head running around, that's most likely the result of their mild Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Environmental factors will always play a part to make them unique in their own ways. This also means that the chance of having another set of twins is as low as it was the first time, should we ever decide to expand our already pretty full family. It's not something that's hereditary through me.

Month 1, Day 11

Well, we survived the Chattanooga trip. In fact, the boys were surprisingly good. Zach slept the whole way there while Alex split his time between a little sleeping and a lot of looking out the window of the minivan. We left home about 10am and made one stop for diaper changes and burping around Atlanta. The boys are big enough to eat while in their carseats so that saved us some time. We got to the hotel around 2:30pm to change into our wedding clothes. Feedings, burpings, and diapers ensued so we didn't make it to the wedding until about 2min before it started. While I was getting ready, one of the boys threw up down J's dress shirt. Luckily you couldn't tell once he put on his tie and jacket.

The wedding was held in the bride's parent's house. It's a really large home that dates to the pre-depression era. They didn't have air conditioning back then, and the one they installed after the fact had a hard time keeping up with so many guests. even the babies were sweating. The boys slept through just about everything, including a baby grand piano playing directly behind us. The boys were quiet except for a little whimper from Zach mid-ceremony that was quickly silenced with a bottle.

J and I held the boys rather than trying to deal with carseats. It worked out ok and would have been better if it wasn't so hot. I felt like I was going to give Alex heat stroke and I don't know how J survived in a full suit the whole time. The babies' little faces were red and everything felt sticky. That didn't seem to slow down their admirers, though! Tons of people made their way over to see them. They get some attention when we're out, but nothing like the ohhs and awws they got there. I'd say they were the next biggest hit behind the bride and groom. It didn't help that they were sleeping with their little angle faces going full force. Unfortunately I left the camera in the car, but I'm hopeful that we'll get to see the pictures the photographers took of them.

We stayed the night in Chattanooga. J and I were wiped out by the time we got back to the hotel. He went and got us some dinner and brought it back to the room. The boys didn't much like the idea of being put down in the pack 'n play so we could eat. I guess they had gotten used to all of the holding. Taking care of them that night was rough since we didn't have the ideal setup like at home. I also didn't get my normal 2-3hr nap, so I was pretty tired. I think I'm still trying to catch up on my sleep, even now.

We left about 11:30am Sunday and headed for Ikea in Atlanta. We got the boys some furniture for their clothes and other items in the living room. I also got the frames I wanted for their monthly pictures. J would watch the boys in their stroller while I'd go around getting the items we needed. I'd look over and see all of these women around him, wanting to know about the babies. Who knew twins could be such a chick magnet? hehe

We got home around 7pm that evening, just in time for the boys to explode in anger at being trapped in their carseats for so long. I went to bed while J and my sister had to deal with the crying monsters the boys had become.

J mentioned to me last night that he thinks the boys are capable of being bored now. It seems like if we have them in one room for most of the day, by evening they are tired of it and want to see something else. Unfortunately their only way of communicating this is by crying. J and my sister have had some rough evenings figuring this out the hard way. Last night I think it was Zach that was bored. On a whim I took him from J and we went to check the mail together. A soon as we went outside, he stopped fussing and stared around in wonder. When we came back in, he started up again so my sister took him to the backyard for some swing time.

It might work out in my favor, though, because I'd like to start taking walks around the neighborhood in the evenings. If that matches up with their need for new scenery, then that's good motivation. J and I put on our Moby wraps Tuesday evening and went for about a 30min walk to the end of our subdivision and back. The boys were passed out but happy as clams.

Their need for holding has been pretty high, too. The Moby wraps (we have 2 now) came in handy. I held Alex while I put their furniture together from Ikea. J held Zach while we worked on my computer, replacing the motherboard. As I'm tying this, Zach is sleeping on me and Alex is passed out on my sister. They wake-up within a few minutes of putting them in the pack 'n play. The swing lasts a little longer but there's only one. We ordered a second one but it won't arrive until early next week.

Month 1, Day 6

This is just a quick update on the boys since it's late and we have an early day ahead of us.  J and I decided to go to his friend's wedding tomorrow in Chattanooga, TN.  It's a 4hr drive with two small kids.  I'm not sure if that makes us adventurous or stupid.  hehe  We're allowing a couple of extra hours for feedings and changings since previous attempts to feed them while in their car seats have failed.  The wedding is at 4pm and we're going to stay over Saturday night.

This will be their first trip outside of Greenville and the first time they've slept anywhere but here or the hospital.  We're taking the pack 'n play even though there's been a lot of resistance to sleeping in it during the day.  The swing has become a big hit, though, to the point we're going to get a second one.  Right now we're stuck taking turns.  There isn't much love for the bouncy chair, though.

I don't think I've seen these "milestones" in any book but the boys now hold onto you when you hold them.  They don't have a super grip but they try to hug you back by grabbing onto whatever they can.  For me, it seems like they go for my arm.  For my sister, they latch onto her shirt collar or necklace.  When in doubt, they go with the spread eagle, bear hug style of holding on.

Part of this new hugging is they'll latch onto anything they can get their hands on.  My hair became a fun toy to pull on, so I got it cut shorter.  The monkey on their play mat almost lost an arm to Zach earlier.  They'll also nab burp cloths and whip them around during diaper changes, as if they're surrendering via a white flag.

Another new trick is they cry with tears now.  Up until this point it's just been dry crying but little tears have started running down the sides of their faces.  I tried to explain to them that the screaming, contortions, and red faces were already plenty of motivation but they felt that going for the heartstrings gave them an edge.

They've been snacktime babies this week, opting for small hourly munching instead of big feedings.  This is pretty much the opposite of what we would prefer, especially since they don't like picking the same time to eat.  Luckily their cuteness still outweighs their bossiness.

So hopefully I'll have some fun pictures to post next week of their Tennessee wedding adventures.  I got them some cute polo rompers to wear.

Month 1, Day 3

It's been a busy time here around the Knox house.  The boys celebrated their 1 month Birthday last weekend.  We had most of J's family over for the 4th of July so it worked out well.  The nephews enjoyed the pool while our boys soaked up all of the holding and attention.

The next day our friend, Chii-Wey of Say Chiis Photography, came over to shoot their one month photos.  The boys had a good night but were fussy pretty much the whole time she was here.  It didn't seem to stop the cuteness, though!  She got some really great shots of the boys!

Our plan is to make this a monthly thing so I went ahead and set up a place where friends and family can see their pictures, plus any that we take around the house.  So from here on out you can always find the latest digital versions of Zach and Alex at http://alexandernzachary.shutterfly.com/  The password is jma&z to view the site.  I'll also be putting my favorite shots up on Facebook, but Shutterfly will have all of the pictures for viewing.

You have the option to download the pictures to your computer or buy prints through Shutterfly.  If you let me know which you like, though, we have a prepaid 4x6 package and can get prints for you.  I've added a link to the boys' site over on the left.  I'll post here when I make updates so you don't have to check more than one place, though.

On Sunday afternoon J's mom and husband came over to visit them.  J's mom got to feed both of the boys and spent the entire time holding one or the other.  They love the attention and got spoiled.  There was no way we were going to be able to put them down in the pack 'n play after that!

The boys had their 1 month check-up today and man have they grown!  Alex is now 9lb 3oz and 20.75in long.  Zach is 8lb 14oz and 20.25in long.  That means they've jumped from less than the 10th percentile to over the 20th.  Alex has also passed Zach in length.  Right before we left for the doctor's office both boys had wardrobe malfunctions so they ended up wearing newborn sized t-shirts.  Their bellies were sticking out, so it was obvious they had gotten bigger.  hehe

They also got their HepB booster.  The nurse that gave it to them was a pro but they still got upset for a minute or two.  Normally their cries during diaper changes and the like don't bother me, but to see them crying due to pain was upsetting.  I teared up and had to struggle to keep from crying myself.  J thought it was sweet but I felt pretty silly.

The nurse basically said to keep doing what we're doing.  The only thing she'd like to see for our sakes is the boys sleeping longer through the night.  She said to expect that to happen when they reach the 10lb mark.  On the bright side, they're pretty easy to put back to sleep at night so I don't mind.  Their next check-up is in 4 weeks!

Week 3, Day 6

From what I've been reading in the "What to Expect the First Year", I knew it was coming - less sleeping and more eating.  I tried to enjoy their just born sleepiness while it lasted.  Both boys have gone from a 3hr eating schedule to a 2hr one.  They also have begun to get fussy in the evenings for no reason, which is normal.

Our routine has become 1hr to feed, burp, and change both boys, followed by 30min to pump.  That leaves me with 30min to sleep until they wake-up again.  In the past I'd get 1.5hrs of sleep before the next groan of hunger was heard.  The change has been swift and severe.  I had to wake up my sister at 7:30am to take Zach and his bottle downstairs.  I just couldn't operate I was so tired.  Alex and I chilled upstairs until he became hungry.  Then we both went to he living room, me to crash on the couch for a couple of hours and L to take over caring for baby 2.

All of that being said, I still enjoy taking care of them, even if we're on the 5th diaper at the same changing.