Post Pregnancy Update

My blogger friend Meredith did this and I thought it was a fun idea.  Rather than the repeat talk of babies, we can take a moment to recognize this momma, post labor and delivery.

How Far Along? We made it to 37 weeks and one day.  I cannot believe I actually made it to 'term' with the twins- by God's sweet grace he kept them snug in my belly.  For the last 6 weeks of my pregnancy, Jordan and I would load the car up with all of our hospital bags every time we went to the doctor.  We were always going to be 'prepared' for them to tell us it was time to be admitted or it was time to deliver.  Never did that ever happen, and we would come home and unpack our bags.. just to repack and reload them a week later before our next appointment.  I suppose traveling this way has prepared us for toting all the 'stuff' we need now with the babies in tow..  it is unreal how long it takes.  Leaving the house solo is unfathomable to me at this time. 

Size of Baby(ies)?  At birth Jolie was a petite 4 pounds 8 ounces and Parker weighed 5 pounds 14 oz.  The doctors and nurses in the OR were set that at least Jolie would be making her stay in the NICU, but she was completely stable and no one saw any need.  I was so thankful for my little bit to come back with me to my room!  Both girls lost weight at the hospital--but only about 7% of their birth weight (up to 10% is normal).  At their two week appointment both had surpassed their birth weight (Jolie was 5 lbs, and Parker was 6 pounds 5 oz) so our pediatrician was more than happy with their growth.

Maternity Clothes?  I'm officially out of them!  But.. to be truthful:  I cannot (will not?) stop wearing a pair of maternity under the belly leggings.  I have worn them every single time we have left the house (I can't believe I've admitted this.. but in my defense, we haven't left the house but a handful of times.) I'm semi-fearful of the zippers and buttons on my non-maternity pants and jeans, and these don't irritate my healing c-section scar.  I also LOVE the length of my maternity tops now that there isn't a gigantic belly to fill them.  I am wearing most of the maternity tanks I have for ease of breastfeeding the babes.

Weight Loss?   By my scale at home I gained 39 pounds while I was pregnant (Doctor's office scale confirmed only 36 pounds).  On the day I left the hospital I was down 10 pounds and at my two-week appointment I'd lost 30 pounds.  As of this morning I am officially down to my pre-pregnancy weight- and just for grins I tried on my favorite pre-pregnancy jeans.  They fit!  Now, before I'm bombarded with the "How did you do it" and "What's your secret" questions I lost a TON of muscle mass while I was pregnant and on bed rest for 4 months.  Yes, I've lost quite a bit of weight, but I still have a gross amount of loose skin on my belly that I will be working my butt off to tighten up over the next couple months before swim suit season.  You better believe me and my girls plan to spend plenty of time poolside- so I have got to get ready.  The Victoria's Secret Swim Catalog came in the mail this week.  They obviously know I've just had (two) babies and that this catalog was plain mean for me to torture myself looking through.  I now understand the complaint that your body is never the same after having kids.  But, who's complaining?  Not this momma- I've got two beautiful little girls to show for it.

Breastfeeding?  All day.  

No, I'm kidding.. 
Right after the girls were born I did 'skin to skin' in hopes that they would be able to be successful in finding their way for the first time to feed.  As I was doing this, the nurse in the room was explaining to me that babies this small usually don't latch well, wont be able to nurse right away, and tandem feeding them is unrealistic, my girls latched perfectly and nursed for the first time just minutes after being born. From their very first minutes these girls were impressing people and that continued throughout our stay in the hospital.  I had a fantastic lactation consultant that understood my determination to breast feed the two girls and made the commitment to spending hours with me, and came to visit on a daily basis to make sure I was successful.  My milk didn't come in until day 5 (the day we were leaving the hospital) and since the girls' weights were of concern we supplemented with formula for the first couple weeks until my supply became regular.  I am happy to say that we no longer have to supplement as I have been fortunate enough to be able to feed them both with the supply I have.  I feed them at the same time (quick and easiest way, for sure!) and can finish the feeding process in about 40 minutes, give or take a few.  I am OCD/Type A and have been reading and researching like a crazy person about milk supply and how to keep it up and adequate especially with my unintentional rapid weight loss (who ever in their right mind complains about this?  Me, apparently..) and the fact that I have to feed not one, but two babies.  I hopped onto the herbal remedy crazy train and purchased Fenugreek yesterday afternoon.  I'll let you know if I see a difference.

Sleep?  From the very beginning the girls have been good sleepers.  As I said in their one month post- during the early weeks we actually woke them to eat every 2.5 to 3 hours, and were setting alarms at night to make sure we woke in time to feed them on the schedule.  Now that they are almost 5 weeks old they wake themselves up during the day and just twice a night to eat.  Last night they slept for almost 5 hours before waking us up- and it is amazing what consistent sleep will do for your mind.  There have been a couple days where I felt physically ill because I was so tired.  Jordan came home from the fire station a couple days ago and bragged that he slept all night.  I almost chunked my cup of coffee at him.. but I didn't want to waste the real effort it took to make the coffee, so I refrained.  I am ready for the nights when they sleep a little longer and momma and daddy get some good shut eye.    

Food Cravings? Just make me a dozen cookies and call it dinner.  Sweets are definitely not my thing, and FOR SURE weren't something I wanted while pregnant (salty was all I could think about).  Now that I'm sans babes all I want is cookies, cake, candy, ice cream.. it is a wonder I've actually lost any weight at all.  Since the girls were born we have been having friends and family bring us dinner a couple times a week and occasionally that dinner comes with some kind of dessert.  I usually eat the dessert for the both of us.  Poor Jordan.  Another 'craving'? Pasta!  I missed pasta so, so much while I was pregnant.  It made me miserably full, so after about month 4 of pregnancy I stopped eating it all together.  To sum it up for you: Carb and Carb.  At least I can swing the whole wheat variety whilst eating pasta on occasion.

What I Miss?  I honestly thought I'd really miss being pregnant and told Jordan on multiple occasions that I'm not sure how well I would do when I couldn't feel the girls kicking me anymore- but I must say it isn't as bad as I thought it would be.  I didn't realize how uncomfortable (and swollen!!) I'd gotten in the last few weeks until I was no longer pregnant.  I was SO very slow moving and every part of my body seemed to ache there at the end.  After we got home Jordan commented on how thin my face looked and that I must have grown 2 inches after the girls were born.  It was that heavy belly slouch that I had going on!   

This past weekend USA had a Law and Order SVU marathon going and it reminded me of when I would spend my entire days on bed rest in our room watching marathons of this show over and over again.  It made me halfway miss being pregnant- but only because of that fact that I was so lazy and did nothing all day.  My how my world has changed!  

Symptoms?  Nothing to make note of really.  The first couple weeks both Jordan and I cried a lot. We cried tears of fear/anxiety/sleepiness and of joy/disbelief/happiness.  The first night home we sat on the floor of the nursery and cried because we didn't want to be home yet.  We wanted to go back to the hospital.  We had such an amazing experience with everyone that cared for us we weren't ready to leave.  Now symptoms are more along the lines of exhaustion, irritability (related to the exhaustion) and the occasional headache.  I've found myself getting so dehydrated.  I drank gallons of water while I was pregnant and that pretty much came to a screaming halt after we got home from the hospital.  Been trying to do better about this (especially to help keep my milk supply up!).  I'm still tender around my incision and my stomach is 'sore', for lack of a better word, to the touch.. like when I apply lotion or am in the shower.  Still healing and making its way back to an original state, I suppose.

Belly Button?  It is back to being an 'innie' but I'm pretty sure it will ever look the same again- definitely not the bottomless pit it once was.  Jolie lost hers the very first week- she was one week old, actually.  I don't think it was ready to come off.. it came off by accident. Kind of a funny story- I was getting ready for bed and looked down to see a belly button stuck to my shirt.  After a slight feeling of nausea and then a minor freak out and Google search to make sure it was okay that it had come off already, we stripped the girls and realized it was Jolie's.  It had come off (stuck to my shirt) while she was laying on my chest in her diaper after eating.  Parker's stayed on another week before falling off. 

Best Moment of the Week?  Most days, while tiring, are pretty fantastic to be honest- but this week was fun to take their one month pictures and watch their little personalities shine through.  I love waking up to them every morning- after their first feeding they are in the best mood and will almost smile at me!!  My parents and youngest brother are coming in town this week- they haven't seen the girls since they were born, and Sam (brother) hasn't met them yet.  I'm really looking forward to that! 

Announcing..

Front

 Back

Special Thanks: 

Photo by: Brittany of B Faith Photography

Announcement by: Erika at Q's Flower Stand

Parker & Jolie- 1 month

Our babies are one months old!  How in the world has four weeks past already?  I am physically in awe of how much they have changed and grown since we brought them home.   I still cannot believe that these babies are a result of the past nine months (well, technically ten months now..)

Even with the occasional scream sesh of babies times two and the lack of sleep (running on fumes is the new norm) these girls still lighten my mood the moment I lay my hands on them.  Every single emotion you can think of has been felt by Jordan and me.. most so exhausting.  But- the days, and nights, are getting easier as we are getting the swing of this whole parent/mom/dad thing.  It has truly been nothing short of amazing to say the least.  

We went for their one month appointment on Friday and both did really great.  This was the third time they've been measured, weighed, and examined by Dr. Butler- and every time its getting easier and easier with less fussing out of both of them.  

Both girls are making great progress in their uphill climb for weight gain.  Thank goodness for that, because this mommy and daddy have been busting the seams with effort to help Parker and Jolie put on the pounds.. well.. ounces, at least!

Jolie @ 1 month: 
Weight: 6 pounds (Birth: 4 lbs 8 oz) 
Height: 19.3 in (Birth: 18 in)
Head: 13.5 in (Birth: 12 in)

Parker @ 1 month:
Weight: 7 lbs 9 oz (Birth: 5 lbs 14 oz)
Height: 20.7 in (Birth: 18 in)
Head: 14 in (Birth: 13.2 in)

Our pediatrician was really pleased with their stats.  Parker is growing rapidly, and Jolie, while not quite on the growth charts just yet, is truckin' right along with her sister. Looking at both of them together, Parker seems huge.. but is still actually smaller than some newborn babies!  

EAT
From day one both girls have been excellent breastfeeders.  Jolie is all business and will consistently feed for 22-30 minutes, while Parker seems to be more distracted and will pull off a couple times before she is finished.  I say distracted- I think most of that distraction attributes to the fact that she is very efficient and finishes quicker than her tiny sister.  To keep my supply strong, I pump after almost every feeding.  Some might say this is overkill- but it gives my Type A personality piece of mind to know that I will be able to feed two babies to satisfaction if my body knows I need it.  After much research I've figured out that my supply is dependent upon the demand.  In the beginning while my milk was still coming in and when weight was of major concern we were supplementing with about 1-2 ounces of formula or if I had pumped enough- breast milk after each time they fed- but as of this week the girls have started to refuse the bottles after.  They have gotten so much better at the breast feeding business and that makes my heart happy.  Not to mention my life SO much easier.  It was tough feeding them once, and then feeding them both all over again.  Twice a day we bottle feed them expressed milk, just so I know they are getting enough. When we do use bottles they eat about 3-4 oz every 3 to 3.5 hours.  After they eat they're awake for a bit and then fall asleep for the last hour and a half or so before its time to eat again.  

At night, if Jordan is home with me, I breast feed one while he bottle feeds the other.  Sometimes BF both can take forever- Parker occasionally gets fussing while feeding, which distracts Jolie, and at night when I'm ready to get back into bed, this is not something that either one of us really want to deal with. So, we bypass all possibility of frustrations by just doing one at a time. Also at night, we've been attempting to push 4 hours between feedings, just getting up 2 times rather than 3 and sometimes 4.  We don't always get that 4 hour stint, though.    

I have really come to enjoy breastfeeding the girls and appreciate and all of its benefits, but it is exhausting.  I didn't realize how tired it would make me- on top of interrupted sleep patterns.  Even though I feed them at the same time, it is still quite time-consuming with twins, especially on the days that I'm home alone for 24 hours while Jordan is at the fire station. My girl, and fellow twin mom, Meredith, put it best when describing the twin feeding process: 

The process involves changing two diapers, grabbing two burp clothes, setting up My Brest Friend (a MUST have for twin BF mommas), picking up the kids and getting both adjusted on the pillow, feeding, burping one, then the other, getting them re-adjusted, feeding, burping one, then the other, and half of the time changing both diapers again before we're done.  

Seriously.  That is exactly how it goes.  I am very thankful for Jordan.  He is so, so helpful and will burp one and then the other if needed, and gets up at night with me, too.  I can totally tell the difference when he isn't home to assist.  

SLEEP
In the early weeks, the girls spend 98% of their time snoozing.  We would actually have to wake them to eat- setting alarms at night to get them up after 3.5 hours or so.  Now, they are waking themselves up during the day, right at 3 hours, and most of the time will do the same at night.  We still set alarms at night, just to make sure they are still eating on 'schedule'.  They spend a lot more time awake and alert- looking and taking in their surroundings.  It is so fun to 'play' with them during their awake times.  At night they sleep in our room in the pack and play and occasionally their bouncy seats.  The first few weeks while they were still 'learning' to breast feed, they would swallow a lot of air- Jolie especially because her mouth is so small.  So feeding them at night and then laying them down to sleep was miserable for their tummies.  Putting them at an incline made it much easier to drift back to sleep.  But, the past two weeks they have gone back down, for the most part, in the pack and play after they eat. 

And now for the letters to my baby girls..

Sweet little Jolie,
My oldest baby girl (by just two minutes..)  In the beginning we thought you were in fact the drama queen of the house.  But, this first month, you have developed into one with the sweetest personality and are as laidback as it gets.  You could care less about the dreaded diaper changes or lotion lathering.  You still have all of your crazy hair- Momma could almost pull it back into a pony tail holder- if they make them as little as you.  While we all thought, for sure, you were your daddy's little mini-me, your lips, eye color, and olive skin tone resemble more of your momma's everyday.  I'm often taken back by your perfectly intricate little features- you are so beautiful. You're finally filling in the newborn sized diapers and have grown completely out of preemie clothes, even though the newborn sizes still just about swallow you whole.  You've started to gain more motor control- lifting your head and looking around you, and you particularly love the Christmas tree.  It makes me sad to take it down because it interests you so.  You've found your voice this week and make screeching and sweet baby voices every now and then.  You are a loud sleeper- 4 weeks old and already can out snore your daddy.  You love to cuddle and sleep best on mommy or daddy's chest- but are totally content with anyone that is holding you at the moment- as long as you are upright and not cradled like a baby- go figure. You adore bath time and become so relaxed that you are like a rag doll when mommy is trying to wash your little head.   You are usually the last to get in the tub so you can spend a little extra time in there if you want.  You are slowly starting to hold a gaze with momma when I talk to you- and will crack a halfway smile which brings me such delight in my heart.  I am so eager to see what month 2 brings to your personality.  

I love you more than anything, precious Jolie Polie.

Parker Jane- my favorite 'little' sister,

What a big girl you are.  This past month your personality has shined through to be our little diva.   So much sass- and I adore you for it.  You absolutely despise being 'naked', so diaper changes and bath time are not your favorite moments of the day.  You have quite the appetite and can down 4 ounces of milk in no time.  Your most favorite place to be is snuggled deep into your daddy's neck.  We call you our little 'frog baby' because of the way you sleep with your arms curled under you and your legs frogged out to either side.  While your features are of your momma's, your skin is fair and delicate like daddy- you are so beautiful, and every one says so.  

You still have all your hair, but much less than your sister.  Your facial expressions are priceless and make your dad and I laugh all day.  That entertainment alone gets mom through the days when she is solo and I'm so thankful for you to keep me sane.  You are so very strong and can lift yourself up off our chest to look around, mastering the art of tummy-time for sure.  You have also recently started to use your legs and can stand with our support.  When we talk to you, your face lights up with glee- while there are no smiles just yet, I can only imagine how beautiful they will be when you start giving us that face in return.  

Sweet frog baby- you have my heart.  I am so excited for the next month and all that it will bring my growing girl.  I love you sweet angel baby.

These kids make us so happy.  Who ever thought such a delight would come of the littlest movements, noises, and actions of these two. 

At the attempt of their one month pictures.. we got several that made for a good laugh

Almost there with the head control..

This picture can be best described by little Jolie:

"This big girl is squishing me - flashbacks of the womb.. Nooooooooo"  

Happy one month birthday, girls!!  

Month by Month Stickers: Project Baby Smiles
Head Bows: Laura Beth Creations

Year in Review | 2012

This year was uh-ma-zing.  That is probably an understatement.  I've been rehashing the 12 months before on January one for the past couple of years now, and I will always remember this year as a favorite.. the year of so many milestones- in my marriage, spiritually, emotionally, physically.  I wish I had hours to go over every detail- but, most likely you will get bored, and I would end up with two very unhappy and huuunngry babies to deal with.

Look back at 2011
Look back at 2010

I will leave you with a recap of my favorite memories of 2012

January

After moving to Fort Worth in August 2011, we lost the ease of close proximity of friends and family, requiring that we spent so much more time together.  I loved hanging out with my bestest friend all the time!

We also finally completed the 6 month ReEngaged curriculum through the marriage ministry at Watermark- such a milestone for us!

February 

We spent Valentine's Day in at home with a living room picnic of homemade pizza and red wine.

 ..and I got a new lunchbox.  Serious highlight I cannot forget

We also embraced the foodie community of Fort Worth with yummy dinners out on the town.  Tim Love's The Woodshed was walking distance from the loft- so we dined there frequently.

March

Celebrated Jordan's 30th birthday with a surprise party hosted by his momma and me.

We also had some St. Patty's Day fun with some of our favorites!

Jordan and Chris.. never a dull moment.

This was also the month we decided to make a visit to the reproductive endocrinologist for some help we thought we needed.  We were so ready to be pregnant.

April

The Tapella's hosted us for an extra special Supper Club- Lobster!  Yumm!

Just days after this fun time with friends we found out we were pregnant:) So did Diana and Chris!

May

Summer is upon us, and we took full advantage of watching the Rangers win a few.

Diana and I are both pregnant in this picture..and not telling anyone just yet:)

This picture was taken just minutes after telling the Dunaway's we were preggo!

June

This was a busy month!

Jordan and I announce we are pregnant!!

We celebrated Landon's first birthday with Elmo

Had an amazing time at Cedar Creek Lake for a mini-vacay.

We also revealed that we are having..
GIRLS!

July

The blog underwent a face lift in honor of the new babies

My winning recipe was featured in Simple & Delicious

August

We celebrated 7 years of marriage.  I adore him more and more as each day passes.

My sweet friends at work surprised me with a baby shower luncheon

Finally we moved into our new home!

September

Just two weeks after going on modified bed rest, I was placed on strict bed rest due to funneling and decreased cervical length.  Thankfully it resolved itself, but I was forced to stay in the bed to keep these babies put!  Not what I had planned, but so thankful to have been able to be home to take care of myself.

My mom came to visit and wait on me

I also had my first 'official' baby shower.. but alas, stayed in the horizontal position

October

October brought (more) Baby Showers galore!  These were so, so much fun:)

The Massey Shower

A Sugar and Spice themed shower hosted by my best girlfriends

We even got to have an impromptu maternity shoot.  I thought I was destined to be without maternity photos, but my girls came through to surprise me after the shower.

November

With on and off again talk of early delivery, we hit major milestones with this twin pregnancy- reaching 36 weeks!  Just a week shy of being full term. The nursery was finally finished and we were so excited to meet our baby girls:)

December

One last belly picture: 37 Weeks and 1 day

 We welcomed our healthy baby girls!

Had pictures taken within a week of being born

Spent our first Christmas as a family of four with BB and Poppa. We were elated to watch Parker and Jolie's first Christmas turn into a white one!

What a way to end this amazing year.  There were so many ups and downs- especially with the unavoidable risk and difficulty that comes with carrying twins, but we have been incredibly blessed.  I am beyond thankful for all of the wonderful people in our lives.. each one of you have impacted us on a different level throughout this wild year of unknowns.  Life is so unexpected- but I know and have faith in His perfect plan for me, for Jordan, and now for my little Jolie and Parker.

I cannot wait to see what's in store for us Massey's in 2013.  How exciting to think about!

Happy Happy New Year, sweet friends!