Hi sweet babies,
You are now just over 6 weeks old (I can't believe you've been here that long!) and you have completely changed my world. You are both holding your head up for extended times when we hold you, and you can lift it and turn it from side to side easily. Of course it is still a bit wobbly, but its very cute if you ask me. I got the jungle play mat out yesterday and you both like it...but Marlee is more of a fan than Parks right now. I love it when you are happy and content while awake...you are the sweetest babies ever. After the 6-week date on Saturday, the doctor said mommy could start exercising again, so we have started a little tradition. Every morning we wake up, have breakfast, and then get in the jogger and go for a walk/jog. You both seem to really enjoy it. You look around and stay awake for the first little bit, and then take a nap for the rest of the run. It is very funny because every time we hit a bump in the cart path, you both throw your arms up in the air instantly, but stay sound asleep. Daddy calls it he "Jackie Chan" with how fast you move your hands in front of your face. Today we jogged to Grandma Murray's tennis practice, so you got to meet some of her friends. They all enjoyed meeting you. :)
Tomorrow we go to visit the pediatrician again to do a weight check for Marlee (and we will weigh Parks too just to see how he is doing). I am praying for big gains and growth.
Marlee, you had a rough few days with eating. You were only finishing about 60% of your bottle and then you would just scream and cry and refuse any more. We went to the doc on Saturday and they said it was likely gas, so we have been giving you Mylicon drops and it seems to help. On Monday night we took you to our small group meeting, and you actually ate one and a half times your normal volume, and ever since then you have been doing much better. I hope you have turned a corner and will keep this up.
Parks, you have a hernia. Boo. It's no big deal according to the doctor, but I still wish you didn't have it. Your belly button pokes out so far. Supposedly it will work itself out in the first year or two of your life or the doctor will do a small procedure to fix it.
Keep growing little angels. I love you so much.
All my love,
Mommy
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Letters to Parks & Marlee (4/16/11 - 5:45pm)
Hi sweet babies,
Your mommy is getting a little bit delirious. You both decided to have a little party last night, so we didn't do much sleeping. This morning I spent about 10 seconds trying to fit the box of cereal into the refrigerator before realizing that it is the MILK that goes in the fridge...and the cereal should go in the PANTRY. :) Ahh, the joys of no sleep. Hopefully I will be able to laugh at it one day. Ha!
Parks,
We are trying something new today. Grandma Murray saw the lactation consultant this morning when she went to walk for the March of Dimes (by the way...we will get to do this walk next year!!). The Lactation Consultant said that we should try to go 48 hours without a bottle. I think we can do it buddy. You will probably be mad about it, but it will be better in the long run if we can manage to get you full from nursing. So far you have been doing good for about 10 minutes, but then we top you off with a bottle every time so you never learn to get full from just nursing. Hopefully this 48 hours will make a change. The LC thinks you are big enough and strong enough to do it at this point, so I am praying it works out and that you don't hate it. We went out to eat last night with all 4 our your grandparents and your Aunt Erin and Uncle T. We went to El Ranchero and had a good time. You had a bottle during dinner and did very good. You slept great after you ate...way to go. When we came home, Aunt Erin and Uncle T came over to visit with you and spend some cuddle time. You fell sound asleep on Uncle T's chest...but you were obviously ticked when he left (maybe that's why you partied all night? we will have to have a talk with him about leaving you!!). I love you sweet boy.
All my love,
Mommy
Marlee,
We have the cutest little dress from you from Tony and Claire, and I really want you to wear it for Easter. You need to put on a little more weight, but I think you are close, so let's keep our fingers crossed. You've been making some progress with nursing, although it is hard for mommy to remember that sometimes since it seems like the progress is so slow...and it is always two steps forward, one step back. I was about 3 seconds from giving up on nursing this morning, but God keeps giving me little nudges and encouragement right when I get to my breaking point, and I am still trying. I know that if it doesn't work out we will all be fine, but I also want it to work so bad that I don't want to quit before I have to. I do believe breastfeeding is best for you, so I will do everything I can do keep trying! You had fun with your Aunt Erin last night. She held you after dinner and you were so happy. You were wide awake and bright-eyed for a while, and then you snuggled in and took a nice nap with her. I am sure you will get lots of those naps with Aunt Erin. This summer we will get to spend time at the lake and I think you will love the warm sun and water...and most likely the boat engine will help soothe you to sleep too. I can't wait to get you acquainted to all of that stuff mommy and daddy love to do. Time for you to eat. I love you!
All my love,
Mommy
Your mommy is getting a little bit delirious. You both decided to have a little party last night, so we didn't do much sleeping. This morning I spent about 10 seconds trying to fit the box of cereal into the refrigerator before realizing that it is the MILK that goes in the fridge...and the cereal should go in the PANTRY. :) Ahh, the joys of no sleep. Hopefully I will be able to laugh at it one day. Ha!
Parks,
We are trying something new today. Grandma Murray saw the lactation consultant this morning when she went to walk for the March of Dimes (by the way...we will get to do this walk next year!!). The Lactation Consultant said that we should try to go 48 hours without a bottle. I think we can do it buddy. You will probably be mad about it, but it will be better in the long run if we can manage to get you full from nursing. So far you have been doing good for about 10 minutes, but then we top you off with a bottle every time so you never learn to get full from just nursing. Hopefully this 48 hours will make a change. The LC thinks you are big enough and strong enough to do it at this point, so I am praying it works out and that you don't hate it. We went out to eat last night with all 4 our your grandparents and your Aunt Erin and Uncle T. We went to El Ranchero and had a good time. You had a bottle during dinner and did very good. You slept great after you ate...way to go. When we came home, Aunt Erin and Uncle T came over to visit with you and spend some cuddle time. You fell sound asleep on Uncle T's chest...but you were obviously ticked when he left (maybe that's why you partied all night? we will have to have a talk with him about leaving you!!). I love you sweet boy.
All my love,
Mommy
Marlee,
We have the cutest little dress from you from Tony and Claire, and I really want you to wear it for Easter. You need to put on a little more weight, but I think you are close, so let's keep our fingers crossed. You've been making some progress with nursing, although it is hard for mommy to remember that sometimes since it seems like the progress is so slow...and it is always two steps forward, one step back. I was about 3 seconds from giving up on nursing this morning, but God keeps giving me little nudges and encouragement right when I get to my breaking point, and I am still trying. I know that if it doesn't work out we will all be fine, but I also want it to work so bad that I don't want to quit before I have to. I do believe breastfeeding is best for you, so I will do everything I can do keep trying! You had fun with your Aunt Erin last night. She held you after dinner and you were so happy. You were wide awake and bright-eyed for a while, and then you snuggled in and took a nice nap with her. I am sure you will get lots of those naps with Aunt Erin. This summer we will get to spend time at the lake and I think you will love the warm sun and water...and most likely the boat engine will help soothe you to sleep too. I can't wait to get you acquainted to all of that stuff mommy and daddy love to do. Time for you to eat. I love you!
All my love,
Mommy
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
My beautiful babies are 1 month old!
Yesterday marked the one-month birthday for Parks and Marlee. I can NOT believe they have already been here for a month. They are so amazing...and watching them grow is a miracle in itself. Tomorrow we take them to the pediatrician for their "one-month" visit, so we will get a weight and check-up to see how they are growing and developing. Say a prayer for us!
A couple of weeks ago we got some professional pictures taken of our little angels. We signed up for a "package" that includes newborn, 6-month and 1-year photos with this photographer. She did such an amazing job on the newborn pics...I can't wait to go back to her. :) [If you are interested in pictures, her website is http://www.brennabphotography.com/ and she is amazing!! Tell her I sent you!]
Here are some of the pics she took:
I love these babies!!
A couple of weeks ago we got some professional pictures taken of our little angels. We signed up for a "package" that includes newborn, 6-month and 1-year photos with this photographer. She did such an amazing job on the newborn pics...I can't wait to go back to her. :) [If you are interested in pictures, her website is http://www.brennabphotography.com/ and she is amazing!! Tell her I sent you!]
Here are some of the pics she took:
 |
| They love each other! [Parks on left, Marlee on right] |
 |
| Snuggled up in a dresser drawer :) |
 |
| Those lips!! |
 |
| Pretty sure Marlee couldn't breathe here, and Mommy and Daddy were sweating like crazy, but glad we got the family photo. :) Ha! |
 |
| So sweet. |
 |
| Mirror images! [Marlee above, Parks below] |
 |
| Look at Marlee's cute little booty up in the air! |
 |
| Daddy's idea! |
Monday, April 11, 2011
Letters to Parks & Marlee (4/11/10 - 11:30am)
Hi babies,
Just wanted to check in. We had a big weekend...taking a few outings. Yesterday we tried to attend church for the first time. You both loved the worship music at the beginning of the service, but once the message started, you both started getting fidgety and grunting, so we ended up leaving early. When you get bigger (and when Parks gets off his monitor) you will be able to go to Waumba Land and play with the other kids during service...so that will be nice. Mommy is going to try to take you for a walk today, and tonight is Mommy and Daddy's "Small Group" meeting, so you will get to meet our great friends from group for the first time. They are all very excited to see you and we are looking forward to it. We hope your schedule will work out and we can feed you and still spend some time with the group. :) You guys don't eat very much (quantity)...but you sure to eat frequently. I love you both.
All my love,
Mommy
Just wanted to check in. We had a big weekend...taking a few outings. Yesterday we tried to attend church for the first time. You both loved the worship music at the beginning of the service, but once the message started, you both started getting fidgety and grunting, so we ended up leaving early. When you get bigger (and when Parks gets off his monitor) you will be able to go to Waumba Land and play with the other kids during service...so that will be nice. Mommy is going to try to take you for a walk today, and tonight is Mommy and Daddy's "Small Group" meeting, so you will get to meet our great friends from group for the first time. They are all very excited to see you and we are looking forward to it. We hope your schedule will work out and we can feed you and still spend some time with the group. :) You guys don't eat very much (quantity)...but you sure to eat frequently. I love you both.
All my love,
Mommy
Friday, April 8, 2011
Letters to Parks & Marlee (4/8/11 - 12:00pm)
Marlee,
Yesterday was your 38-week due-date. That was the day we had planned to meet you. I can't believe you have already been with us for almost 4 weeks! Even though the minutes seem to go slowly, the weeks have certainly flown by. It just doesn't seem like 4 weeks at all. I weighed you in on Wednesday after your hearing screening, and you were 4 pounds, 15.9 ounces...so you were sooo close to 5 pounds. I think you are probably at 5 pounds by today for sure. Just keep growing ok? You've been struggling with your last few feedings and not really wanting to eat. I hope you turn a corner soon and start eating stronger. Your brother really seemed to do better after he got a few ounces into the 5 pound club, so I am praying you copy him. We got some beautiful pictures of you and Parks taken on Tuesday with a professional photographer. They turned out amazing. You are so beautiful...I still can't believe that daddy and I made you. God really is an artist! I love you sweet girl.
All my love,
Mommy
Parks,
You are growing so good big guy. Mommy just went through a bunch of your preemie clothes and lots of them are already too small. You are long, and you are getting heavier every day. When I hold your sister and then hold you, I can really tell a big difference. We want her to catch up to you as soon as possible, but we are still very proud of you for growing so well. I think you are in the middle of a little growth spurt right now because you just ate a huge bottle at your last feeding...almost 4 ounces. That's a lot for you (your norm these days is 2-3 ounces when you take a bottle). When I weighed you in on Wednesday, you were at 6 pounds, 6 ounces! Yesterday and last night you had a rough time. I think you've had a tummy ache and you have been feeling pretty fussy and uncomfortable. You are sleeping very soundly right now though, so hopefully that got worked out. I hate it when you don't seem happy. I love you so much.
All my love,
Mommy
Yesterday was your 38-week due-date. That was the day we had planned to meet you. I can't believe you have already been with us for almost 4 weeks! Even though the minutes seem to go slowly, the weeks have certainly flown by. It just doesn't seem like 4 weeks at all. I weighed you in on Wednesday after your hearing screening, and you were 4 pounds, 15.9 ounces...so you were sooo close to 5 pounds. I think you are probably at 5 pounds by today for sure. Just keep growing ok? You've been struggling with your last few feedings and not really wanting to eat. I hope you turn a corner soon and start eating stronger. Your brother really seemed to do better after he got a few ounces into the 5 pound club, so I am praying you copy him. We got some beautiful pictures of you and Parks taken on Tuesday with a professional photographer. They turned out amazing. You are so beautiful...I still can't believe that daddy and I made you. God really is an artist! I love you sweet girl.
All my love,
Mommy
Parks,
You are growing so good big guy. Mommy just went through a bunch of your preemie clothes and lots of them are already too small. You are long, and you are getting heavier every day. When I hold your sister and then hold you, I can really tell a big difference. We want her to catch up to you as soon as possible, but we are still very proud of you for growing so well. I think you are in the middle of a little growth spurt right now because you just ate a huge bottle at your last feeding...almost 4 ounces. That's a lot for you (your norm these days is 2-3 ounces when you take a bottle). When I weighed you in on Wednesday, you were at 6 pounds, 6 ounces! Yesterday and last night you had a rough time. I think you've had a tummy ache and you have been feeling pretty fussy and uncomfortable. You are sleeping very soundly right now though, so hopefully that got worked out. I hate it when you don't seem happy. I love you so much.
All my love,
Mommy
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Letters to Parks & Marlee (4/3/11 - 4:30pm)
Parks,
We just got back from our first family walk. It is such a nice day out, and we packed you and your sister up in the "B.O.B." jogger stroller and went out to enjoy the weather. You slept so soundly the entire time...that makes me very happy, since I have envisioned taking you out in the stroller my entire pregnancy. Last night was hard. Mommy got overly exhausted yesterday and it made for a rough night. I have some really crazy sleeping patterns as it is, and adjusting to sleep (or lack of) with two newborns has definitely heightened my crazy dreaming. Every night I think I have you or Marlee in the bed with me, and I get so confused and worried that I lost you in the covers. I don't bring you in the bed at all, but that must be an underlying fear so I have these dreams and talk to Daddy about it at night. It's really weird. Anyway, I do a much better job when I get a nap or two in and try to get a couple of hours of sleep. It's not always easy to do...but I see how crucial it is now. Yesterday we took you in to the hospital to get weighed again. You gained weight pretty good for the time frame. You were 5 pounds, 14 ounces. Maybe next time you will join the 6 pound club!! Wouldn't that be exciting!?!? I can't believe you are a whole pound bigger than you were when you were born. Just keep growing big guy. I love you tons!
All my love,
Mommy
Marlee,
Hi sweet girl. We just finished our first family walk, and you weren't quite sure what to think. You were either sleeping soundly, or a little fussy. You seemed to like it for the most part, but once in a while you would either get uncomfortable or worried or something. I am hoping you start to enjoy the stroller because I want to be able to take you out for walks and jogs all the time. We weighed you in at the hospital yesterday and you were 4 pounds, 10 ounces. You aren't growing at the speed we are hoping for yet, so I am praying hard that you will turn the corner and start gaining weight faster. I am going to call the pediatrician tomorrow to take you in to see the doctor again. If we need to add some fortifier to your feedings we can do that. Whatever you need baby girl. During our walk I was finally able to take a step back and look at the big picture. This phase we are in right now is harder than I ever could've imagined...but it's also temporary, and I know in a few months it will only be a memory. As much as I look forward to the time when you are strong and healthy and we don't worry about every feeding and every fraction of an ounce, I realized I need to enjoy these moments as best I can. I am all worry and concern, and that is taking away from my chance to just simply enjoy you. I'm going to try to do better about that. I love you so much.
All my love,
Mommy
We just got back from our first family walk. It is such a nice day out, and we packed you and your sister up in the "B.O.B." jogger stroller and went out to enjoy the weather. You slept so soundly the entire time...that makes me very happy, since I have envisioned taking you out in the stroller my entire pregnancy. Last night was hard. Mommy got overly exhausted yesterday and it made for a rough night. I have some really crazy sleeping patterns as it is, and adjusting to sleep (or lack of) with two newborns has definitely heightened my crazy dreaming. Every night I think I have you or Marlee in the bed with me, and I get so confused and worried that I lost you in the covers. I don't bring you in the bed at all, but that must be an underlying fear so I have these dreams and talk to Daddy about it at night. It's really weird. Anyway, I do a much better job when I get a nap or two in and try to get a couple of hours of sleep. It's not always easy to do...but I see how crucial it is now. Yesterday we took you in to the hospital to get weighed again. You gained weight pretty good for the time frame. You were 5 pounds, 14 ounces. Maybe next time you will join the 6 pound club!! Wouldn't that be exciting!?!? I can't believe you are a whole pound bigger than you were when you were born. Just keep growing big guy. I love you tons!
All my love,
Mommy
Marlee,
Hi sweet girl. We just finished our first family walk, and you weren't quite sure what to think. You were either sleeping soundly, or a little fussy. You seemed to like it for the most part, but once in a while you would either get uncomfortable or worried or something. I am hoping you start to enjoy the stroller because I want to be able to take you out for walks and jogs all the time. We weighed you in at the hospital yesterday and you were 4 pounds, 10 ounces. You aren't growing at the speed we are hoping for yet, so I am praying hard that you will turn the corner and start gaining weight faster. I am going to call the pediatrician tomorrow to take you in to see the doctor again. If we need to add some fortifier to your feedings we can do that. Whatever you need baby girl. During our walk I was finally able to take a step back and look at the big picture. This phase we are in right now is harder than I ever could've imagined...but it's also temporary, and I know in a few months it will only be a memory. As much as I look forward to the time when you are strong and healthy and we don't worry about every feeding and every fraction of an ounce, I realized I need to enjoy these moments as best I can. I am all worry and concern, and that is taking away from my chance to just simply enjoy you. I'm going to try to do better about that. I love you so much.
All my love,
Mommy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)