12 month appointment

Friday the boys had their 12 month appointment. I was worried that Ethan wasnt going to get his shots because he had a fever the day before and was still warm when we were at the office.

The good news

Ethan got his shots and both boys are growing well.

Owen
Weight: 21lbs 2oz
Length: 29.5in
Head: 47cm

Ethan
Weight: 21lbs 14oz
Length: 29in
Head: 47in


The bad news
Ethan's murmur is still audible so he has to see a cardiologist. We still have to see the GI in SF the first week of Feb. AND after months of no eczema on either of the boys Ethan's whole tummy is rashed and Owen's whole back, up his neck, around his ears and in his hair are broken out. This is the worse I have seen it and nothing has changed to cause it.

Not what we were hoping for

Today the boys had a follow up with the GI. We were hoping to hear that Ethan could try dairy and soy now that was not the case. The boys are growing.

Owen: 19lb 13oz 29.5 in and a 47.7cm head
Ethan: 21lb 2oz 28.75 in and a 46.5cm head

BUT when they checked Ethan's poop there was still a trace of blood in it. So still no dairy or soy til this birthday. Then we get to try it and go back to the GI. If that appointment in Jan. still shows blood then he has to have a blood draw and an allergy panel done. BOO!

Im baaaaaccckkkk

We survived the move if just barely. Moving is hard. Moving with kids is harder. moving with kids when you have a fever of 103 and cant eat or drink because of the pain is the worst. For a few days before the move I had been telling Erick that I wasnt feeling well. I was functional, couldnt place what I was feeling, really thought that the stress of the move was getting to me. That theory went out the window when on the day of the move I couldnt swallow. It was hard to breathe. I had the chills. When I finally sat to take my temp it was 103. My fever didnt go under 100 for 2 days so I went to the Dr. I had tonsillitis. Yeah really not fun at all.

To add to the fun Erick and I have been together 7 years (yes we still celebrate that anniversary it is Oct 5th) and I couldnt even kiss him. I really was not even functional. I told Erick I was going to lay down for a quick nap and slept 3 hrs. Then went back to bed for the night 2 hrs later. I can still feel my body fighting the infection but at least I am not contagious anymore. Though I am taking more naps then I have sense the boys were newborns.

While all this was going on the boys had an appointment for their 9 month check.
Owen
18lb 10 oz 18%ile
27 in 10%ile
46 cm 69%ile

Ethan
20 lb 7 oz 47%ile
27 in 10%ile
45.5 cm 54%ile

So both boys have dropped on the chart for weight but they are a lot more active now. They are fast little buggers and are learning how to climb (thanks mom) and pass between objects. They love each other and are the best of friends. They look for each other and do this kissy thing that I have yet to catch with the camera.

So overall we are in a good place right now not only as a family and mentally but a good living space. As soon as I find the box with the camera cord I have all kinds of pics to post.

Long day

Erick and I had to get up at 5 am today. We were out the door by 6. The boys had an appointment with a pedi GI in SF at UCSF. The appointments were at 9 and 10. We thought by leaving that early we could sit in the cafe and eat before the appointment. Things didn't go that way. It took us an hour to go 35 miles on the freeway. When traffic came to a dead halt I did something very dangerous and while on the freeway I climbed through the van to the 3rd row to make bottles for 2 babies that wernt going to get any quieter. We FINALLY made it to UCSF and find parking it is now 8:45. WE rush up and they call our names as we are signing in.

The boys for weighed and measured Owen is 18.3 lb 27.2 in and Ethan is 19.6lb 27.5 in (butt naked). The appointment was a LOT of questions and history. She wrote out a script for Zantax for both boys telling us it wont stop the reflux but it will make for happier babies. She decides to do a stool test to check for blood (a sign of allergies). Can I just tell you how fun it is to hold a baby that just wants to crawl off on his side so a finger can be put up his butt to get poop for a test? Let me assure you it is not fun at all. They didn't scream but it was a fight. Then I had to hold them down to get gagged so she could see their throats. The poop tests came back and Owen is fine. Ethan is showing moderate traces of allergies. So she decides that Ethan needs a new diet. She changes his formula, this makes the 6th formula we have tried with him. He will be on Nutramigen for the next 4 months. We also have to cut out all dairy and soy from his diet. We go back to SF in 2 months to check progress/ tolerance.

When we get back to the car their is something on our windshield. Erick grabs it. It is a parking ticket. We had parallel parked in an space. They say we took two spaces. What do you think?


We are going to try to fight it because the lines are repainted and what they are saying is that the back of our car was over that line but all the tires were in the space. We thought we were up enough.

As we were leaving I had a thought. I need to change his WIC. WIC gives us 9 cans of formula/boy/mo. I call WIC and make an appointment for tomorrow to change it. I cant do it over the phone because to be on Nutramigen with WIC you need a script (which I have) because you have to see a nutritionist. So while on the phone with her I ask what to do. I already cashed my formula check for this month last week but I have the formula unopened, still sealed in plastic as well and need the new formula. I get told to call the store and ask if they will trade it. I tell her I got it from the WIC store. I get given that number and call. The store says WIC wont let anyone trade...sorry...hangs up. So now I have whole lot of the formula for Owen and no formula for Ethan.

While I am on the phone Erick is driving. We were going to have lunch at Ike's Place. It is a sandwich shop we had seen on man v food on the travel channel. By the time he gets there I am so up set I am crying. There is no parking and there is a line out the door. We decide to head home hungry.

When we get about 30 min from home it is clear the boys wont make it and we are hungry too. We still dont have any formula for Ethan so we find a Wal-Mart. Wouldn't you know it Ethan's new formula is $21/12oz can. We look and each can makes 87 oz of formula at that rate we need 8 cans just to make it to the end of the month. To compare Owen's formula makes 93 oz/12oz can and only costs $13/can. We always need to buy formula on top of what WIC gives so this isn't going to be good. Because on top of already needing extra WIC is cutting the amount we get by 2 cans/baby next month.

This couldn't have come at a worse time. We are moving on the first and our new rent is already and additional $100 in the budget. The parking ticket is another $70 (if we lose) and the formula but to make it til I can get it with WIC is going to cost us $170. I know... I know... We chose to have to boys and really I wouldn't give them up for anything in the world. BUT I also thought I would have a job (Thank you state of CA for that). We wernt expecting to move but I refuse to live with mice, mold and roaches (in our building but haven't seen any in our unit but if they are int he building they are in our place).

It was a long day and I am glad to be home and packing. Tonight we will make a new budget.

PS: I have started adding to/changing the wish list because of growing boys and upcoming birthdays and Christmas. In case you want to look.

6 months

So the boys are 6 months. They had an appointment and they are getting so big.

Owen: 16lbs 3oz 26 in long
Ethan: 17lbs 11oz 25.75in long

Owen is starting to push up on his hands and knees. Ethan is sitting for a few seconds at a time unassisted.

This weekend has been really busy. We are doing a yard sale with my mom. We went to dinner with Matt, Nina and Lj. It was the boys first trip to Hooters and I am sure it wont be their last. OK Im pooped its 5pm on the 4th of july and I think I am going to bathe the boys and head to bed. Sorry Jen I just to pooped to make it to your party. night all

Weight check

Owen had an appointment today to check his growth. He is now 14lbs 15oz and 25.5in with a 44cm head. That puts him in 50th% for height, 25th% for weight, and 75th% for head. We got the results of the upper GI and they prove he does have reflux (duh!) but because he is maintaining his weight pattern of being at the 25th% she isn't going to do anything for another month but watch it. She looked at his massive flat spot and is going to refer me to a neurosurgeon if insurance approves it because he might need a helmet (first thing she hasn't argued with me about). To help with the approval (should they deny it the first time) she said I should take 5 pics of his head (top and all sides) every month so we can track changes. So once again we are in a waiting game. Waiting to see if he maintains his growth path. Waiting to see if he stops spitting up. Waiting for a referral. Just waiting. They have another appointment (normal 6 month check up and shots) on 7-2. Erick is going to use some flex time and come with us if he can swing it.

4 months

Two days ago the boys turned 4 months but today was our appointment. Thank god my sister came with me so she could help while the boys got shots and witness the way the pedi is.

So first the boys got weighed and measured. Owen is 13lbs 11oz(25th %) and 24.5in long (25th %). Ethan is 15lbs (50th %) and 24 in long(25th %).

Then came the fun part... the pedi came in. Her and I have clashed before and I think I need to start trying to find a new one. Owen is where the pedi and I got into it. She was just going to ignore everything. She didn't even notice his head til I said something (which I have brought up as a concern before). Then I once again asked for the meds to make Owen not fight the bottle. Once again she said she doesnt give them unless there is no weight gain. Um excuse me you are not the one having to try to feed him. She once again told me to feed him less more often. He is still hungry though and cries when the bottle is empty and cries while eating because it hurts. His weight has also slowed as a result. So she ordered an upper GI (I really think she only did because I threw a fit and she doesnt believe me). He is also showing signs of torticollis. She told me to flip him in his crib and only play with him on his left and told me all kinds of stuff I am already doing. He also needs a roll under his neck to keep him off his head. Ethan was no problem though he has eczema and a flattening head (though his isnt that bad). So now I have to put a rolled blanket under his neck while he sleeps too. He also got a new formula (Soy) because of the eczema. That makes the 5th formula he has been on.

So things the boys are doing these days.... holding hands, chewing fingers, babbling, drooling, rolling, and holding rattles that are put in their hands.

Now for what you have been waiting for...pics!

2 months old

Today the boys had an appointment and had to get shots. Well we got to the appointment a little early because we had other things to do and most the time you get called in a first come basis even with an appointment. That was not the case today. We didn't get called til after our appointment time and then we waited even longer. This was not a good thing as I had to feed the boys early because I had to drop Erick off at work so by this time they think they are starving. This was made worse by the fact that they had to be in just a diaper and they dont like being undressed. By the time the Dr came in the boys were so loud that she had to yell to tell me their stats.



Owen: weight-10lb 3oz (22%), length-21.25in (2%), head-15.5in (12%)
Ethan: weight-10lb 6oz (25%), length-21in (2%), head-15in (12%)

The Dr left and we were once again left waiting and not being allowed to feed the boys. We had to wait for the nurse to come back to give the boys their shots but because one of the vaccines was oral they couldn't eat yet. At this point we have been in the office for almost 2 hrs. My mom was with us to help me but she had to go to the bathroom. So I am sitting in the little room with 2 very hungry upset little boys all by myself.

Finally the nurse comes in. I hold Ethan so she can give him the oral one... he spit it on her and me. Then I have to hold him down while he gets his 3 shots. He screamed and there was nothing I could do because the nurse need me to hold Owen to follow the same process. When both boys are done they are laying on the table and I give them the bottle. It was instant calm. This however was short lived because the nurse needed the room so we had to go. My only option was to pack them up and move to the waiting room (where my mom is because she couldn't get back in). When finally given the chance to really eat the boys scarfed the bottles and pass out.

Sense the appointment the boys have not been the same. They are not really napping/sleeping. They don't want to be held. Owen isn't hungry. Needless to say it has not been easy. It is 10pm now and they are in bed now. Im hoping they have better night then they did day.

***Follow up from yesterday***

I did make it to social security again today but by the time I got there his card request had been processed and sent. So my only choice is to wait 2 weeks to see if it shows up here (how could it they put the wrong street #, forgot my apt # and put the wrong zip). If it doesnt come then I get to request it again. If the card makes it back to them they will call me and I can pick it up at the office.

back to square one

I think I talked before about how Ethan almost didn't come home with us because he wasn't gaining weight and was spitting/choking. We were told that it was a mild case of reflux and it would go away. Well over the last week it has gotten worse. Not only that but Owen had started displaying the same symptoms. After a few cases of formula coming out little tiny noses and lots of grunts and back arching i got lucky and the Drs office called on Friday (as I was picking up the phone to call them). I was lucky and they got me in today.

The boys appointment went a little less than stellar. After getting weighed in (Owen-8lb 10oz and Ethan-8lb 5oz) the Dr came in. She examined them and felt tummies. We talked about what had been happening. She told me they both have reflux but she doesn't want to put them on the meds because of the side effects and they are still gaining so its not a threat just a nuisance. She gave me a paper to read. She wants to keep the boys on the same formula because of the extra calories so for now we have to try cutting the boys intake back down to 2oz at a time and bring it back to every 3 hrs (the same schedule we were on when we came home 5 weeks ago). On top of that we have to now hold the boys in a completely vertical position for an hour after every feeding (there goes my sleep). If that doesnt work then we can switch formulas or thicken (trying to avoid this because Owen is already on Karo syrup for constipation). We go back in three weeks for 2 month shots and she will check them again and decide what to do from there. Because we were there she took the time to listen to Owen's heart again and I was instructed for no reason should I risk missing his cardio appointment (um yeah way to make a mom worry more). So to say the least this is going to be interesting feeding, holding and diapering is going to take 1.5-2 hrs to do both babies that gives me 1-1.5 hrs between feedings to do what I need to do (eat, sleep, shower, or household cleaning). I hope this works... please let this work because this is still better then the screaming and the formula out the nose.

The first month

It sure was a crazy first month. The good news is that we found the camera cord so I do have new pictures. The boys are already so much bigger. They are out of all things preemie and in newborn clothes and size 1 diapers.




My boys

Things we are doing:
* eating 3-4 oz
* ganging up on mom
* practicing holding up heads
* sucking our fists
* focusing on people and things (when we choose)





Owen


Ethan


Attacking nana


nice cousin

And lastly the pics that will haunt my boys the rest of their lives....The first real bath.





Ok so upcoming events.
*Appointment for reflux
*Owen's murmur evaluation
*2 month shots

maybe not so good news

So yesterday Owen had an appointment. It should have been just to see how he is growing (which by the way is great he is just below the charts and should be on them very soon). He now weighs 7lb 3oz and is 19 in long. Well after all the measuring and stuff the Dr was listening to his heart and thought she heard something. She spent some time moving him and listening. Well she thinks she heard a murmur. So now we are waiting to get a referral to see the cardiologist. I am really trying not to worry but it is hard not to. We were told that it could be nothing and many children have them and grow out of them.

In other news I have a camera full of pics I want to post but in a sleepless stupor SOMEONE (Erick) did something with the cord to upload the pics and now we cant find it. So pics will be posted as soon as the cord is found.

Adventures with penises

A long time ago Erick and I decided that I dont have a penis so the choice to circumcise was his. If we had had girls the ears would have been my choice.

Well Erick wanted it done but while we were in the hospital the boys were to small. Before we left the boys pedi told us she would refer us out when it was time because her practice charges $600/penis (at the hospital it would only be $250). It is considered elective and cosmetic so insurance doesnt cover it. Fine.

Well they were finally big enough to have it done. We went to the new Dr and the boys were weighed Owen is now 6lb 12oz and Ethan is 6lb 1oz. They are getting so big. The procedure was explained to us. Owen was taken first. After what seemed like a long time he was brought back to me. He wasnt crying and the nurse said he did great. They said they needed to prep for Ethan she would be back. As soon as she left Owen was not happy. He screamed and was unconsolable. It was all I could do not to break down crying too. Finally he was somewhat calm and about 2 sec later Ethan was back. She said I was right and Ethan cried more but mostly about being tied down. Ethan didnt cry like Owen did in my arms but I didnt give him the chance. We packed up to leave hoping that the cry ride would put them to sleep. Thank goodness it did. We did some errands then headed home. The poor boys were so clingy. The rest of the day was so off and diaper changes have reached a whole new octave. Now we wait the 7-10 days for the plastibell and the foreskin to fall off. My poor babies.

I believe as a direct result of this eating and sleep is off. I really hope they get back on track before Erick goes back to work next week.

week 2

Things have been going really smoothly. I count my blessings that I have such easy babies. Both boys are taking in 2 oz at a feeding and sleeping really well. The hiccups are the only thing that really limit sleep. Both boys get them about twice a day.

Today Ethan and I had appointments. Mine again was first. My incision looks great according to the Dr I dont have to go back for another 4 weeks when I get cleared. The best news though has to do with the scale. I am down 4 lbs from last week. That is 4 lbs under my pre-pregnancy weight and just 2lbs above my lowest point in my weight loss over the last year.

Ethan's appointment went just as well. He gained and gained a lot. My little chunker put on 14oz. Yep you read right 14oz in 7 days. During Ethan's appointment we also found out that Owen has a blocked duct so his eye is kinda goopy.

Now what you have all been waiting for....PICS!


a few days old


New Years...first day home


One week old


compared to a teddy bear and a paper my boys are small


in car seats...12 days old


play time today


Jan 8th


nap time today

So can you see the size difference? So much has changed in them already. Time is just going to fast.

Follow up appointments

Today both the boys and I had appointments to check on us.

Mine was first. It started out great then turned a little sour. I get called back and they have me step on the scale and I am at my pre-pregnancy weight. woo hoo. I knew I had to be close because I am also in my old pants. Then we go in the room. The nurse ooohs and ahhhs over the boys. She then asks if I have any issues or problems I need to discuss. I tell her yeah there is a sore spot I am concerned about but that it has hurt sense before I came home. She leaves and the Dr comes in, he looks and I have an infection. He says I should have been wearing a pad across the incision. Why was I never told that? They had it open to the air in the hospital. I even told them before I was discharged that the spot hurt. Grrr

Then we go down stairs for the boys appointment. We no sooner sat down then we were called back. The boys get weighed. Owen is now 5lb 10oz. That is a whole 6oz above his birth weight. Ethan on the other hand is still at his discharge weight of 5lb 3oz. Once again they switch his formula. I really hope this works. We go back for him next week. Owen doesnt have to go back for 2 weeks. We also have to make another appointment with a different Dr to get the boys clipped but we have to wait 2 more weeks for that as well. Both boys a still a little jaundice but the levels are not a worry right now.

We are officially on lock down. The boys do not qualify for the shot to protect them from RSV but they have 6 of the factors that put them at high risk.
* premature birth (born more than 4 weeks early, with or without lung disease)
* being born boys
* low birth weight (under 5½ pounds)
* family history of asthma
* Infants who are not breastfed
* multiple births (for example, twins)

RSV is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in babies and young children. About 67% of babies are infected with RSV before their first birthday and virtually all children will have been infected by their second birthday. Most of these infections result in minor illness. But in some high-risk children (particularly preemies or children who have experienced lung complications) RSV can be life threatening.

We ask that all visitors do the following:
1. When you arrive, please wash your hands and use hand-sanitizer as needed before touching the babies.
2. Please, if it is possible, get a flu shot.
3. Please refrain from coming over if you are currently sick and have not been symptom-free for at least 5 days, if you live with someone who is sick, or have been in close contact with someone who is sick.
4. If you smoke, we ask that you change your clothing and refrain from smoking prior to visiting, as a preemie’s lungs are very sensitive to smoke. Most RSV sites recommend against passive smoke exposure.
5. If you are parents to a baby or toddler, please refrain from bringing them to our house during RSV season.
6. Please call before coming over so that we may limit contact and people handling.

The best part of all this is we are not allowed to take the boys out in public. Yep thats right after 6 weeks on bed rest I am still housebound. Only this time its not weeks its months. RSV season for our area goes til April.

We have boys

About the boys
So we are home now but I know you all want to know everything that has happened before now. Well I went in for an NST and Erick came with me at 8am 12-27-08. He had been to only one before then and we were there for 6 hrs for observation. This was my follow up to that appointment and Erick walked in and said that if we were going to be there another 6 hrs he didnt want to leave without the babies. Well about 20 min later they came in and said I was having some contractions and once again baby b's heart rate was dropping we were waiting to hear back from a call put into the dr. About 10 min later I was being told Erick got is wish. The Dr was happy that I was 36 weeks and didnt want to wait any longer. We were told to get me changes and I would be going in for my c-section at noon.

I got ready and Erick and I were talking. We were both excited and nervous. The Dr came in to talk to me about 930 he said he was ready and to get me ready. About that time though the lady next door started pushing so I got to wait. During the wait I met everyone and had everything explained to me. I also go preped and all that that entails. Just before 10 they came in and walked me to the OR across the hall. Erick had to wait (he said he paced the whole time). They sat me on the table and started to give me the spinal. He couldnt find the space it needed to go (i was warned that I may need to be put under). On the 7th (yes you read that right) time I poked me it worked. He said my spine was so deep it took the whole needle. They laid me down fast almost rolling me off the other side of the table. All of a sudden the room was full of people (11 medical staff). Erick was brought in. He sat by my head and they let me keep my had unstrapped so that Erick could hold it. At 10:29am they told Erick to stand and quick. 3 seconds later I heard a cry and Erick looked at me with the biggest grin. Owen Carlos was born weighing in at 5lb 4oz 18.5 in long. The one Dr then told everyone to stand back for the splash. Erick cringed and then smiled. There was another cry and at 10:30 (really 10:29 and seconds) Ethan Joseph was born 5lb 9oz 18.5in. I got to see and kiss the boys and off they went to be monitored. Erick went with the boys and I laid on the table crying while getting stitched.

Recovery was an hour long in a tiny room with Erick in and out and a nurse filling out the paperwork that didnt get done before surgery like it should have. Then I was taken to my first room. The babies were still in the NICU for observation and people were in and out watching me. This is where things get fuzzy. my mom and in-laws came to visit. They all got to meet the babies before me because they could walk to the NICU and I couldnt. It would be 8pm before I really got to meet Owen. They then told me it would be a little longer til I would get to meet Ethan. At 10 they finally got to meet my little man but I was told he couldnt stay with me. Erick stayed with me til 2 even though visiting wasnt allowed after 10 we were overlooked and it was great int he private room. Owen slept on my chest the whole night. After lunch the next day they finally brought Ethan to stay.

The rest of my stay was a sad one because the boys were taken away from me again due to jondice (sp?) and because I didnt have the boys I lost my private room. That is a long sad story. They wanted to send me home on Tuesday (12-30) but when I told them I was attempting to establish breastfeeding they said I could stay. Not long after that the Pedi came in and told me she was switching both boys formula because they were not doing as well as she would have liked and Ethan may not get to go home right now. He lost 5oz and was spitting up everything we were giving him whether it was breast or formula. This caused me a lot of tears. There was no way I wanted to come home with only one of my babies. After more crying and talking with Erick we decided that i would stop pumping and breastfeeding and just worry about the boys gaining weight and getting big and fat. This was a very hard choice for me to make and even trying to type this out I am crying. I so wanted to be able to breastfeed but to be honest it was killing me as well. In order to do it with the boys under the billy lights they would bring me one baby I had 30 min to feed him any way I chose. If the baby was put to breast I had to use the last 10 min to give him formula. Then I would walk (if thats even what you can call it) to the nursery with baby 1 and sit in the nursery to feed baby 2. Then I would return to my room and pump for 40 min. when I was done I walked back to the nursery and gave them the breast milk. Then I had 1 hr and 20 min to go to the bathroom, shower eat or sleep. Even with doing this Ethan was still getting sick.

It was not until noon on my last day there that I knew for sure both boys were coming home with me. Erick got up early and get everything ready then sat at the hospital with me. Finally at 2:30pm on New years Eve after getting my staples out all 4 of us got to come home together.

Our first night was a rough one as we were given very specific instructions on feedings and amounts but we made it through it and are doing great.