Seven Weeks!

Evan is always sleeping when I try to get his picture!
This is what my bed is like each morning...

Seven weeks and two days ago, I was told that I would be giving birth the following day. On the one hand, it feels like a lifetime ago. On the other, I can't believe that so much time has passed. I also can't believe what a terrible memory I have. I've already forgotten how miserable I was during pregnancy. I can barely remember the day we learned we were having twins! (Just kidding, I'll never forget that day.... Todd and I had placed a bet on whether it was twins or not; I won, and he still hasn't paid up.)

Our sweet boys are developing their own personalities, but there are a lot of similarities between them as well. They "talk" to each other sometimes as they lie in their crib. "Eh, eh, eh," they say back and forth, generally in protest to me lying them down. Neither likes to lie flat at this time. Evan always wants to cuddle, and pouts when he doesn't get his way. (Who knew newborns could throw actual temper tantrums?) Joel is happy to sleep in his boppy pillow, and will actually stay asleep for hours on end once he is in it. I'm so tempted to put it in his crib at night, but refrain because the experts say not to put anything in with them. So, if anyone has any advice on getting babies to sleep for extended periods, please advise!

One new development... each of them have hernias, though in different places. Joel's belly button is so huge it looks like a cork is sticking out! Evan has an Inguinal hernia that appeared a few days ago (look it up if you want, it's too hard to explain). On the 30th we will be bringing them in to the surgeon for a consultation. Guess where... good ol' Lutheran General! At least we don't need directions on how to get there. They've both been checked, and are absolutely fine at this point, but Evan will definitely need surgery, and most likely Joel as well. Both are minor, routine procedures, so we aren't worrying, but I will be glad when it's all done.

Oh, speaking of going to the doctor, both boys were weighed today. At 7 weeks, Joel is 10lb 1oz, and Evan is 8lb 8oz. They are healthy growing boys!

Picture time!

Pictures of the boys taken yesterday (1 month, 4 days).

Joel:

I know this is a bit blurry, but Joel is smiling! Evan:

Aren't they growing a ton?!?!

Things have been busy around here! Joel and Evan are spending a lot more time awake now, so I have even less time on my hands than I started with. They love to be able to just look around; both stare out the window constantly from my bed. Aunt Jessi came up this weekend and was amazed to see how much they keep their eyes open now. Even though it means even less downtime for me, I absolutely love it. Unfortunately, nothing is getting done around here, but I say it's worth having a messy house to be able to play with the boys each day.

Milestone! Joel has started smiling. Not too consistently yet, but I'm definitely marking his first smile at 6 weeks. Evan toys with smiling, but I still don't know if it is a true smile that I see, so I'm waiting to call it official yet.

The tears are flowing, time to go.

Pics will be added when blogger is working properly!

Our Guy Reuben

On a sad note, I have to say that we are going to have to find Reuben a new home. He has been wonderful with the babies... he kisses them, watches over them constantly... but we are seeing that he is extremely stressed out, to the point that I am very worried about him. He was our first furbaby, so my heart breaks at the idea of sending him away, but this really is not a good situation for him; he has always been "emotional", but I didn't realize how hard it would be on him.

Anyway, if anyone is in search of a little dog that has issues but is very loving, we are looking for a home.

Belated Picture Post

I tried to post these a few days ago, but the internet was not cooperating. Here are some of the latest (one month) photos.


My mom with the babies (when she was here):
Evan is growing his own buddha belly! Can you tell Joel is a fan of food? The White Peapod!




Today, Oct. 10, is the boys' actual due date. (Just a little interesting tidbit... my aunt is also due today-- with her fourth boy! Any news yet, Karla?) I tried weighing Joel this morning. I don't know how accurate our scale is, but if correct, he is around TEN POUNDS! That's probably fairly accurate, because I am already needing to move up to the next size diapers with him. Speaking of which, for those who are wondering, we are using both cloth and disposable at the moment, and so far, the cloth are great. Thank goodness Evan is still a little guy (though growing as well); otherwise I might really have trouble holding the two of them.

One last note... just want to say thank you to everyone who continues to check the blog, ask about the boys, and show us all the support. I read all the comments (although I don't comment back because it wouldn't make much sense I don't think), and I am amazed at all the different people who check in so often. So, for the regulars:

Hi Morgan! Joel and Evan can't wait to see you!
Believers Church- Thanks for the prayers!
DCHS- Hi everyone! Hope all is going well. One of these days I expect to bring the boys in to say hello.
WCS- Can't wait for you to meet the little guys. Thanks for all the gifts and support!

I hate to tell you this, but you're getting old!

I don't know where the time goes, but the boys are already a MONTH old. (Yes, that means you have gotten a month older as well.) How did that happen? When did it happen? That means only 11 more times before it is their birthday??
I see Joel and Evan growing more each and every day. Last night, Joel slept from 11:30 until almost 5:00 this morning! Of course, Evan made sure we didn't get too comfortable, so he woke us up in the middle of the night. But even he only woke up once, at 2a.m., for a quick feed and change. Really, we can't complain; it could be SO much worse.
Evan is currently eating like a hog. He had nearly 4oz at just before 5a.m. Then, at just before 7:00, he decided he was hungry and had another 3oz. He still seems tiny to me, but I guess that is because I compare him to Joel, who I think is doubling in size on a daily basis. It's odd that when other people see him, they all comment on how tiny he is; I just don't see it!

Assuming I can get everyone to cooperate, Todd promised me that we would do a "big photo shoot" today. The last attempt at one was a disaster, so I'm hoping today goes much better. I'll post pictures if I get a chance. (Do you notice I get around to posting less and less these days? Now that it's just me home with the boys, I find time to sit doesn't really exist.)
And with that, the boys are crying and I must go...