Home Front Update

Nico - 9lbs 11oz (a whole pound more than what I guessed him at!), 47%. 20.5" long, 48%.
Lucas - 10lbs 4oz, 64%. 20.5" long, 48%.

Both are very healthy with no more RSV! I have to do neck stretches with Lucas like I did with Mateo, as he has a tendency to only turn to the right. (I turned down doing physical therapy since I've done that before and feel confident about what to do.) I think I'll do some of the stretches with Nico, too, because he doesnt seem to like turning his head in any direction.

Lucas also has what I'm calling a "Nemo ear." One of his ears is slightly malformed and too small, but it's strictly a cosmetic issue. Only plastic surgery will fix it, but that seems silly. When he's an adult he can make that decision for himself, and really it's not that bad.

And I'm marking the date - 2 months and 1 day - because on that day within an hour of each other they each smiled real smiles! They coo a wee bit now and then and loosely bat at my nose if I get close. They eat about every 3.5 to 4 hours and are sleeping less, but I think Rafi and I are sleeping more.

Mateo is still doing great at school. He's obsessed with playing Mario Kart on the Wii and is willing to do any chore you throw at him in order to earn playing time. His 5th birthday is approaching, as he has requested a redo of his birthday party last year but with more focus on Yoshi (a Super Mario Bros. character). So, that's what will happen. He's still very happy at his school. This unit they are learning about types of communication. At home he speaks of cave drawings (they made their own with pieces of burnt wood) and practices the sign language he learned at school. He loves his baby brothers and likes to hug on them - briefly in between Mario Kart breaks. :)

And that's about it on the home front. After a year of neglect due to the extreme drought, heat, and me bring sooo pregnant with the twins, we are starting work to catch our house up. Lots of repairs, cleaning, and yard work to be done.
Happy 2012!

Happy New Year!

Much happened in the last year.  During 2011 we were finally able to get pregnant, resulting in two beautiful baby boys.  Mateo started school, which he loves.  Rafi continued to thrive at NVIDIA.  And I survived being pregnant with twins!  It was a great year for us.

We foresee 2012 as being hectic with two new babies in the house, but having our family grow and thrive is worth every minute of missed sleep (and there will be lots).  I usually make a handful of resolutions, but this year I'm going with a different approach.  I'm choosing a theme word - Peace.  I'm not a religious person at all, but each night (and whenever I feel the need) I hope to think about this word and what actions I need to take in order to create/maintain Peace with the different aspects of my life - marriage, three needy boys, friends, my health, family, etc. 

My hope for you, reader, is a year full of Living, whatever that may mean for you, and that Peace be with you and yours.  :)

Unwanted visitor.

We have an unwanted visitor in this house - RSV.  Both babies have it.  Lucas began with a snotty nose, and Nico developed a sad sounding cough afterward.  Ever since we came home from the hospital there has been someone in this house that was sick, whether it be Mateo, Rafi, me, or even visiting family.  So I suppose it was inevitable for them to get sick, as well.

Teeny babies are so sad looking when they're sick, and it's scary being the parent of a teeny sick baby, much less two of them.  RSV can be very dangerous, even rarely deadly, for babies of low weight, so we and the doctor are being very vigilant.  The boys have their noses suctioned frequently during the day, and we feed them in small amounts frequently.  They are unable to lay flat, so they sleep in these awesome Rock 'N Plays that my brother and sister-in-law bought for them.  They are too young to take medicine, so at least once or twice a day I take them in the bathroom for a steam (which gets very sweaty, I may add).  So far they are still eating well, so that makes me feel better.

I'm ready for our unwelcome visitor to leave and for our two babies to feel better!

Four weeks old.

Lucas and Nico.

Cute babies at 2 weeks.

Nico.

Lucas.

Welcome to the world!

I'd like to introduce to you our two new sons - Nico Benjamin (Baby A) and Lucas Oliver (Baby B).  They arrived on a very cool date, November 20, 2011 (11-20-2011) at 7:50 and 7:51am.  Nico weighed in at 5lbs 3oz, 18" long, and Lucas at 5lbs 11oz, 18.5" long.  They came out with strong healthy cries, which was a big relief.  They did have some issues with their blood sugars and maintaining their temperatures at first, but thankfully after some time under a heat lamp and a few meals they were good to go.  As for looks, they are definitely fraternal!  They couldn't look or act more different.  Nico has blonde eyelashes, light hair, and features from my side of the family.  Lucas has black hair and eyelashes and looks like a miniature Rafi.  Nico is laid back and cries quietly.  Lucas screams and likes to complain - good thing he's cute!

As for a birth story, the short version is that I began to have contractions during the middle of the night, headed into the hospital around 4am, I think.  My memory of time is a little hazy.  I had dilated to 6cm, and was then prepped for surgery since Lucas was breech and larger than Nico. The surgery mostly went according to plan (aside from difficulty administering the spinal block), and come to find out later, my doctor (unbeknownst to her at the time) operated on me with a broken foot!  My recovery has had some ups and downs, the worst being me coming down with a small flu right after returning home, but I'm feeling almost back to normal at 3 weeks out - sleep deprivation not included!

Mateo is happy about the babies and likes holding them from time to time, and Rafi and I are enjoying a large learning curve!  Thanks to all who visited us in the hospital, as well as a special thanks to my family and Rafi's for helping us out in these first weeks. 

Mateo's Halloween Photos

Here's a link to Mateo's Halloween photo proofs.  Melisa Ackermann did a wonderful job!

These were our favorites:

Close call...

So this weekend we had a very close call.  I woke up Saturday morning with an unusual back ache that persisted throughout the day, often feeling like contractions in my back.  This back labor turned into full blown contractions by 1am that morning.  By 2am we were headed to the hospital.  Once I was hooked up to monitors, my contractions were 2 to 3 minutes apart, and I was dilated to 4cm!  We were a little shocked at how quickly everything was moving.  It was an on-the-fence call on whether to stop the contractions or go ahead with the birth plan, but the doctor on call chose to stop them.  So I was given multiple medications and monitored all night.  It was one of THE most uncomfortable nights of my life - probably Rafi's, too.  But, they stopped, and eventually we got to go home.

So, as of today's doctor visit, the babies both look great.  A is estimated at 4lb 14oz, and B at 5lb 12oz.  I have been ordered to stop taking the contraction preventing medication and am now just waiting for things to start happening again.  Maybe this week even?  Only time will tell!

And now I will shock entertain you with photos of me at 34 weeks and 3 days.  Bring on the puffy face!

The nursery of L and N.

Well, the nursery is finished, so now we just wait while the babies and I grow bigger and bigger!  We have a schedule C-section date of November 28, but neither of my doctors think I'll make it until then.  This Friday I will be 34 weeks along; my goal has been to get to 35 weeks. 

Some things to note about the following nursery pictures.  The quilt on the bed was my grandmother's and is very old.  It's always been my favorite quilt.  The crib on the left was Mateo's.  We did our best to find one that matched as closely as possible (the exact one isn't made anymore, nor could I find a used one).  The chair is the same as Mateo's but in a different color.  It turned out a little more melon in color rather than the true orange we were after, but no matter.  The babies will sleep together for a few months in one crib before they sleep apart.

We can't wait to bring them home!

Happy Halloween!

This Halloween was a little different than our usual.  First, we had to cancel our annual Halloween party because our doctors predicted we'd be giving birth around then.  Well, surprise!  I'm still pregnant, and the babies seem to be doing well!  Second, since Halloween was on a Monday, we had already participated in some festivities before trick-or-treating - pumpkin carving at NVIDIA (Rafi's workplace), more pumpkin carving and scarecrow making at MIS (Mateo's school), and then a Halloween festival in a nearby town.  This Halloween was the one that would never end!

That said, Mateo was super excited about trick-or-treating.  He dressed as a Superhero Penguin - his request since August.  We failed to take too many photos this year, but besides the above mentioned events, we also carved pumpkins at home and baked cupcakes. (Mateo did all the mixing - even the cracking of the eggs.  I did the fishing out of the shells.)

While Mateo went trick-or-treating with Rafi, I manned the candy giving here at home.  Here's a really poor quality example of what our house looked like.  (We didn't do it up quite like we usually do, but it was good enough.)



And here are some final Halloween photos!

34 Weeks!

Wow.  We really didn't think we'd make it this far, but here we are, still growing two seemingly healthy boys!

We had a doctor's appointment yesterday during which their weights were estimated again.  The progress Baby A is showing couldn't be better.  He is estimated at 4lbs 8 oz, which is awesome and incredible considering how small he once was and the discordance between the babies.  He even awed the sonogram technician (and Rafi and me, too) by playing with his mouth, trying to get his fingers in there and sticking out his tongue.  It was like watching a REAL baby, lol!  His placenta pressure is still elevated but stable, so for now he's still better off with me instead of out.

Baby B had previously had some excess fluid on one kidney that was being watched and measured, but as of yesterday that is gone!  He is weighing in at 5lb 6oz.  His movements have waned somewhat, creating a little concern in me, but the doctors reassured what I already suspected - he's just growing too big to move very much.  He is still in the breech position, and because he is bigger than Baby A, this has guaranteed me a spot in the operating room for a C-section.  I'm a little nervous about this, but I know I'm in good hands.

MIS Fall International Festival

Have I mentioned how much we LOVE Mateo's school?  :)

This last weekend was their Fall International Festival.  It was a great half day of various ethnic foods, demonstrations, crafts, activities, music, and more!

                            

Mateo was a little scared of the loud music, but we all agreed the Chinese dragon was super awesome. 

                    

 Of course Mateo had to have his face painted.  This was his first time; he wanted a scary spider.

And then the kids got to bust into the largest piñatas we've ever seen!

We wish we would've thought to bring our big camera, but alas these few videos and photos will have to do.  We had a most wonderful time!

32 Weeks Update.

We had excellent news this week!  Both babies grew and grew well.  Baby A is estimated at 3lbs 8oz (25th percentile), and Baby B is estimated at 4lbs 13oz (90th percentile).  Since the placenta Dopplers came back stable, I'm still good to go.  And now my doctors went from saying I'd go within the last two weeks to saying I could go two to four more!  We're very excited about this news, as it will give Baby A more time to grow.  My hope is that both make it over 5 pounds - B will likely make that within a few days!

Getting good photos is becoming more difficult as the babies are getting more and more squished, but here are the latest.

Baby A

Baby B

31.5 Week Update

In just a few short days we will have made it to 32 weeks!  So from there my goal is to get to 34 weeks.  The doctors didn't think we'd make it this far, but here we are still keeping on keeping on!  The past few appointments have shown that the babies and their placentas are stable.  Baby A still has some high pressure in his placenta, which results in a slower blood flow, but there are no absent periods of this flow, so for now we wait.

As for me, my legs itch terribly most nights, and my belly skin feels at night like it will just split open.  That said, I have one very light stretch mark, so I'm not complaining.  I deserve many more, I'm sure.
Mateo is getting excited and occasionally asks when the babies will get here.  I keep telling him after Halloween (hoping that that comes true).

Both babies, from what we've seen on the rendered 3D images, look very much like Mateo did as a baby.  This will be very interesting to see once they are born.

So that's pretty much it for Baby(ies) Watch 2011!  Friday will be a very important appointment, as their growth rates will be measured, and who knows where those results might take us!

30.5 Weeks Update.

The babies are stable for now, and we'll take it!  My OB warned me yesterday to get my bag packed, as she has seen these situations of slow growth/deteriorating placentas go fairly quickly (within a week or two), and today our perinatologist backed that statement up.  However, he said that while this issue never gets better, stable is very good, and the longer we can stay stable the better.  We are still praying and hoping we make it to 32 weeks, as the babies will be more developed in every way.  After that, the doctors seem pretty willing for them to join the world at large!  Obviously the babies won't be coming home right away, but we feel they are in very good hands with the team we have chosen to help us grow our family.  It's been a long 3.5+ years to get to this point, and we're happy to wait a few more weeks if possible!

A good snooze.

Mateo has been a little sick the past two days, running a fever today. I left the playroom shortly, and when I came back I stumbled across a snoring hard snoozing Mateo (he's under his blanket). I guess he finally gave into what his body has been needing all day.

30 Weeks Update.

I'm 30 weeks now, and had a perinatologist appointment yesterday, but the news wasn't as good as we'd hoped (though not devastating).  And since I feel a little overwhelmed with the situation, I'm going to just write it out in statements instead of paragraph style.

Baby A is not growing at the minimum expected rate.  He is estimated at 2lb 12oz.  He grew an average of 90 grams per week.
Baby B is growing like a dadgum weed!  He is estimated at 3lb 13oz.  He grew an average of 200+ grams per week.
The bare minimum they look for is 100 grams per week.
Four weeks ago they were 16% apart in size.  Now they are 32% in size.  They worry if it's more than 20%.
They have separate placentas and sacs, so B is not "taking away" from A.
A has a placental issue that makes the blood not flow as easily in and out.  The doc compared it to the placenta having "high blood pressure."
They've ruled out any maternal reasons and fetal reasons, saying that A still looks healthy with good heart and organs, but he's just really tiny and not growing like he should.

SO... what this means is that I received the steroid shot and will take another today.  This helps the babies lungs, intestines, and brain develop faster.  Then I'm monitored twice a week instead of once a week.  Basically he said he expects me to go into the hospital at some point, but he's not sure when.  The doctor's goal for us is to hopefully reach 34 weeks.  I was hoping for that as a minimum, but at this point Rafi and I are hoping for 32 weeks.  The doctor said nothing will change overnight, so that we can sleep better at night, but that things can happen quickly.  So now my fear is not so much preterm labor (despite being dilated 1cm my cervix length has not changed - hurray!), but that Baby A won't grow enough and they'll have to be taken too early.

I'm sure more was said, as we talked with him a long time, but it was a lot of info, and that's the important stuff I remember.  It's almost certain we will have NICU babies, which isn't ideal, but thankfully we made it past the 30 week point, so their odds of survival is much higher.  We worry about disabilities, but we'll deal with what life gives us.  What choice do we have, right?

We are feeling both optimistic and realistic - with lots of worry in between.  The doc says my nutrition (or lack thereof) is not to blame, as the placenta was probably always more or less this way since A has always been smaller than B.  And obviously B is doing quite well with what I provide, haha.  Knowing that they'll be in the NICU for a while makes me relax a bit about having the room ready.  On the bright side, I might have some time after the birth to catch up on some sleep and really prepare myself for them as much as I can.  I'd rather them stay (despite the money) in NICU as long as possible with around the clock monitoring and care than rush bringing them home because I have NO idea what I'm doing with babies that are that tiny.

So for now, I take it easy, and send Baby A lots of fast growing vibes!  We ask that you send the same.  :)

Baby A

Baby B

Mateo's First Soccer Game.

Mateo and his fellow students have been working on a Unit of Inquiry about teamwork.  Today, the last day before their week-long October break, the two PP4 classes battled it out on the soccer field (i.e. the concrete patio) as a display of not only their class solidarity but also of good sportsmanship.  The parents came out en masse to support the kids with pompoms (that was me) and big painted signs.  The kids played hard, but in the end, Mateo's class "Amigos" won!  Mateo did a great job trying to get that ball, and we are very proud of his teamwork!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uynt8uMJijw



For "live" action, here's some video Rafi took of the event so you can see Mateo in action!  (Notice all the thumbs ups at the end.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obBKU9009uo

Mateo's Number Project.

This week Mateo's homework was to go around the house and find numbers.  He was to photograph them, and then we were to discuss their importance.  His teacher asked he either write down what he saw or email a photo or two to her (with help, of course, for either), but we opted to make a photo slideshow instead.  He was really excited about his project, and remembered even later what all the numbers meant.

So, for your brief enjoyment, I present to you Numbers Around Our House!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYS_V3vOXsE

House full of boys...

So in case I haven't mentioned it here yet, we're having two boys!  They both presented themselves at the same time making everyone in the room sure of their genders.  Rafi has asked the doctors several times if they were SURE they were boys, as we were SURE they were girls (at least one of them), and the doctors' responses were that normally they don't give 100% guarantees on gender, but in this case they were!  This means my only female partner in crime around here is this piece of work:

 Which, let's face it, isn't particularly feminine.  Then again, I'm not particularly girly, though I have my moments.  But she's my sweet Marley girl, and we'll have to stick together.

In the meantime, here's a pregnancy update.  (Warning:  Discussion of girly parts ahead!)

Today I am 28 weeks.  The babies look good.  They are both looking similar to Mateo (in our opinions) but still different from each other.  Baby A is a little smaller than Baby B but nothing to worry about at this point.  Their hearts look good as do their other body parts.  And they have hair!  I am hoping this is a sign that maybe one of our offspring will inherit Rafi's thick nice dark hair instead of the thin straightness that's perched on my head.  (Mateo, sadly, got my bird nest.)

This is Baby A.

And this is Baby B.

Our main source of worry is my having a short cervix, but so far it seems stable.  This *can* be a sign of preterm labor to come, but every two weeks I get an ffn (fetalfibernectin) test (which, if positive, says you are at high risk of going into labor within two weeks), and so far mine have all been negative.  This is a VERY good thing.

I continue to grow and grow in size.  Just when I think I'm humungous, I look online and see moms of twins way bigger (and some way smaller) than me.  So I continue on.  No stretchmarks yet, but no doubt by writing that I've just jinxed that situation!!  In truth, I'd take all the stretchmarks I could if it meant these babies will be born full term, plump, and healthy.  Up until this week I was (I thought) looking pretty good, but I was informed (ahem) last night that I'm starting to look pregnant from behind.  Guess it had to happen sometime!

Mateo is very excited about having two brothers, though it took him a while to understand there wasn't going to be a sister.  He wants to name them Brick and Carson.  Cute names actually, but we're not using either.  The names we have picked, however, begin with L and N.  So between the three of them I'll have my LMN boys.  I kind of liked that.

The nursery is still a work in progress.  It's been interesting to see how I'm not quite as "nesty" as I was with Mateo. It'll get done eventually.  I've been spending more energy just trying to keep the house remotely clean (it's a struggle when you can't bend over) and reading about preemies - just in case.

So that's about that!  Our next goal is to get to 32 weeks and then after that to 36 weeks.  And then the chaos shall begin!

Back Posting.

Okay, folks.  I'm finally getting caught up with this summer's shenanigans.  I'm back posting them so as to keep them in chronological order for myself, so feel free to scroll down and see what's been going on around here!

International Peace Day

Today Mateo and his school celebrated International Peace Day with a cute assembly.  The different grades participated in different ways.  Mateo's class sang a song ("Paz Paz Paz" by Juanes).  They wore white doves of peace on their headbands.  He did so well!  For the first time ever he fully participated, sang in Spanish, and did the hand movements with no crying or hiding or pouting.  He's growing up!  He even gave us thumbs up after it was over.  We're very proud, as he was the best one there, of course.  ;-)

Oh that Santa...

This is just too good...


Mateo was in bed, and Rafi and I were downstairs watching a recorded football game.  (Okay, he was watching it; I was surfing the interwebs.)  We were talking about nothing important when we heard a little someone sneak downstairs and run to hide in the office out of sight.  We paid no mind and continued our conversation when... Eureka!  An idea struck!  Then our conversation went like this:

"Oh, Rafi!  I forgot to tell you what I heard on the news!  They had an interview with Santa."
"Oh, did they?"
"Yes, and Santa was making a very important announcement.  He only comes at Christmas and brings special toys for kids that stay in their beds at night.  It sure is a good thing Mateo is in bed because I know how excited he's been to write a letter asking for the Mario Kart Wii game."

Instantly we hear little feet hauling up the stairs, the gate shutting, and his bedroom door slamming shut.  Not in a long time have we laughed so hard!  We even high fived each other.

Next thing I hear through the monitor is:

"Mommy!  Mommy!  Mommy!"
"Yes, Mateo?"
"Mommy, I want Santa to come!"
"Well, you are in bed, so I'm sure he will.  Goodnight!"

Didn't hear another peep out of him.  :-)  Now THAT, folks, is fun parenting!

Thing 1 and Thing 2 Baby Shower.

First, can I just say that I have THE best group of friends in the world?  Most of us have known each other 10 years now - have seen each other plan weddings, get married, have babies, have more babies, etc.  They threw me the most wonderful shower a gal could have!

I couldn't believe the details they covered - labeling the food, making ceiling poofs a la Martha Stewart, decorating with fresh flowers, preparing super fun games and super delicious foods, etc.  Everything had a Thing 1 and Thing 2 theme to it.  I was in awe the second I walked in!

I send a heartfelt and huge thank you to all my friends who hosted and all my friends who attended.  You are the best kind of friends a gal could have!


For more photos, visit our photo share site.  Password is Rafi's last name.

First day of school.

Mateo is officially a preschooler!  He is in Ms. Gabriela's class at Magellan International School, which will be his "forever school."  The instruction for this grade level is in 80% Spanish and 20% English.  Mateo did very well his first day - no crying at all!  In fact, he just winked at us as he walked into his classroom.  We are very proud, and doesn't he look handsome in his uniform?  We were very happy to have Mima (my mom) in town to witness his first day - and help take photos!

After school he was a smiling boy!

My apologies...

My apologies for neglecting this blog over the summer.  Between vacations, a dead laptop, and just being flat tired from carrying two babies at once, I haven't been on top of my documenting.  But now that Mateo is in full-time preschool (more on that later), I should be able to catch up.

So, more to come!

Trip to Panama.

Because I'm due to have these babies shortly before Christmas, we decided to squeeze in a trip to Panama this summer.  It was wonderful, as always!  Our summer is their winter, meaning it rained about every day.  Rafi, Mateo, and I LOVED the rain.  This summer has been so brutal in Texas, that even Mateo was in awe of the downpours. 

During the rain breaks we visited the beach...

... and friends...

... and our lot, daydreaming of what could be - the same thing we do every visit, ha! 

We even found time to meet a celebrity!  This is Panamanian boxer Roberto Duran.

Mateo was in heaven visiting his cousins.  They all love each other so much. 

I had good days and bad days, but since Rafi comes from a family of OB/GYNs, there was plenty of advice to be found!  Most of the time I could be found sitting like this:

 The plane rides back were pretty rough on all of us.  The layover in the Bahamas sounds much nicer than it was, but it was worth it for the wonderful vacation we had.  A BIG thanks to Rafi's parents for putting us up for the couple weeks we were there!  They always make us feel welcome and at home.  :)