One Week Old!

I can't believe that it was a week ago that I was holding my brand new babies in my arms! Seems just like yesterday! I bet I'll bee saying that for the next 18+ years.

The week has been full of lots of ups and downs, but I wouldn't trade it for the world! We are working on trying to get a night routine down, but are no where near accomplishing it. Breast feeding is a challenge too! They both are finicky and will only breast feed when THEY wan to.....even when they are hungry! So, I have become a slave to the pump. At least they are getting breast milk...

It is so fun to see Megan and Lucas' personalities come out. Megan is definitely more calm and laid back like Nate. She has her moments, but is overall more calm than Lucas. My little man, on the other hand can be a pistol! When he gets mad...he is mad and there is very little calming him down. Neither like diaper changes, but both don't seem to mind baths.

Even through the trying times and behaviors I wouldn't give it up for the world! They say you never could love anything more than your own child, but you don't get it until they are yours. I still can't believe they are mine! Every time I look at them, my heart skips a beat and I can't help but smile. We are so blessed!!

Hospital Pictures

Here is the website for the babies' hospital pictures. Check them out!

http://www.our365.com/newbornportraits/babydetail.aspx?birthid=75df51a0-30c1-4fd0-bbfc-70b205426eee&babyid=5e3fec46-b267-4e5e-acc8-94d5ed3c1f2d

Coming Home

The home coming was rather uneventful......for the babies at least. Mommy had a hard time. I was (and still am) very emotional. It is crazy to think that these children that I have taken care of for the past 2 days are actually ours! We get to keep them! Being home alone without nurse or doctor telling you that you are doing everything right or wrong is rather scary, too.

As soon as we got home, the babies ate and we all took a well-deserved and much needed nap. The we had visits from Grandma and Grandpa Bartman and Uncle Brian and "Aunt" Andrea. We have already been trying to establish a routine. I am feeding them every 2 hours during the day in hopes that they will sleep longer at night. Plus, I really need to get my milk supply up. With two of them, I need to make sure I keep up.

The tour was postponed until tomorrow due to shear exhaustion on Mommy and Daddy's part.

We also gave them their first bath since the post-birth bath. It was a sponge bath of course, but the both did very well and only cried a little in the beginning. We are now off to bed for the night. I worry about not waking up when they cry or need something. I have so far these last few days, but they have been right next to me. I have the monitor turned up loud! I hope that sleeping in our own bed will produce a more restful sleep......even though we fully anticipate to be up often!

Day 2

We had a busy night last night. The "feeding frenzy" that they said would happen seemed to have begun. We......well, mostly me, were up every 2 hours or so. Mostly it was to feed, but some times, Lucas was just not happy. He is rather congested nasally, likely from his initial birth issues, but also, I think his man parts we so sensitive that every time he peed, he was in pain. I hope that both pass soon! Megan was an angel most of the night.

Nate and I were up and moving at 6am. Not sure why, as we both SO could have gone back to sleep, but alas here we are.....watching the news and updating the blog. Megan and Lucas are sleeping away, but I am sure soon to be awakened by the doctors and nurses soon to visit.


We have been cleared to go home by both my OB and the pediatrician. Nate ran home earlier to let the dogs out and get them ready for the home coming. He took a couple baby blankets home for them to smell and sniff and hopefully they won't to bee rambunctious when we get home. I am packing up our stuff and getting myself and the babies ready. As soon as Nate gets here, we will be on our way to getting our new life started.

I have to say I am so overwhelmed with emotion right now and can't believe I am believe I am bring our CHILDREN home today. It is surreal. I am excited, scared, anxious, hopeful, and any other emotion under the sun you can think of. I hope I am a good mom......

Day 1

Day 1 started eventful. We were awoken early at 6:30 to blood draws and immunizations for the babies. They both did very well. Mom also got her TdAP vaccine too. Daddy will have to get one too! Shortly after, Megan and Lucas got to met their Great-Uncle Buddy. They slept through most of the visit, but it was a good one. They then got the daily once-over with the pediatrician Dr. Deltove, who is so wonderful. We discussed circumcsion of Lucas and decided to do it today. Not even 5 minutes later, they came to get him. Daddy and I both went with him. He did vey well through the whole procedure. "Sweeties", lidocaine and an binky all saved the day. While Lucas was being circumcised, Grandma Bartman stayed with Megan and they started her hearing test. Lucas got his when he got back. They both passed with flying colors.....though Megan passed hers super quick.

Megan and Lucas also got to get all dressed up for their first official photo shoot! The hospital photographer came in and took shots of the individually and as a "couple". The proofs we have are super adorable and I will send the website along as soon as they get posted.

The rest of the day consisted mostly of still "getting the hang of things" and meeting more visitors. Grandma Bartman hung out with mommy while daddy went home to take care of the doggies and other things that needed to get ready before we come home. At the hospital, we continued to work on breastfeeding, and Lucas was a little "punky" most of the day.....but who can bame him; his mom and dad made him get he weiner whacked! He started to perk up in the evening and by the end of the day, they were both feeding like champs.

Day 0

Day 0 is the day of delivery. It is almost like ground zero. Lift off! You are a parent! I got back to my room after delivery and was able to take Megan with me. Lucas was whisked away to the NICU for fluid on his lungs. My mom met me back in the room and met her grand daughter. She was elated! I was too.....but SO exhausted. She got to visit and Nate came and updated me on Lucas. He was to stay in the NICU until his respiratory status improved.....hopefully only a few hours. Nate then took mom to the the NICU to meet Lucas. Mom had to leave and shortly Nate's mom came to visit. She met both babies and was happy too. I then got to rest for some time while they waited for a room for me to be transferred to.

I was attempted to get up to the rest room to assess stability before transfer. I got up well, but while up, I got very lightheaded, nauseated and almost passed out. I got back into bed and got some more fluids and rested more. As soon as my room was ready, I got up again and did better. Megan got a bath and was all squeaky clean for her new room and to visit her brother.

On the way to our room, Megan and I visited Lucas in the NICU. He was breathing much better, but had dropped his blood sugar and temp, so needed to stay for a bit longer.

Once in our room, Megan got to meet other visitors including Uncle Brian, Grandpa Barker, Aunt Sheri, and cousins Ashley and Carter. I unfortunately was so tired I fell asleep during on e of the visits, but was gladly awakened to Nate bringing Lucas to me. I was SO excited! I had not held him since he was born and was overwhelmed with emotion to finally meet and bond with my little man!

The rest of the day involved more visitors including Grandpa Bartman, Uncle Jon and Uncle Andy. The babies and I were checked regularly and we all were doing well. Both babies were pooping, peeing and all 3 of of were working hard to breast feed. It is a steep learning curve and I completely appreciated the expertice of the nurses and lactation consultants.

We went to bed around 10pm and had decent night with wake ups every few hours for feeding and changes. I have to say it was a rather restful night.....surprisingly.

its over!!! we are parents!!!

Megan Grace was born at 435 and weighs 5# 13 oz..Lucas Nathan was born @451 and weighs 6# 10 oz..

What time is it?

It is about 2:20 am am my water has been broke now 12 hours. Antibiotics will be started here shortly to decrease risk of infection. I was checked about an hour ago and was 4cm, 90 percent effaced and 0 station. Things seem to be moving along now. They also put a foley in and a scalp monitor on our little girl, as she wouldn't stay still for the external monitor. I have been trying to get some rest...which is tough when the blood pressure cuff keeps going off and the nurse keeps coming in to re-adjust the baby boy's monitors. Oh well. I am starting to feel more pressure down low. Wonder when they will check me again.....

Bless my mom's heart too. She is resting in a waiting room getting no sleep at all. I feel so bad but love her even more just for being here!

now she is comfy =)

just had an epidural.no complaints at all.catheter at one.progress check around 2:oo

these kids are in no hurry..jeez

well we are just trying to get a little rest in between contractions that are getting stronger and stronger.nothing big yet..oh and pitocin maxed at 20.

Seriously?

So we have been here almost 7 hours and almost 8 since my water broke. I am not feeling much discomfort and am getting rather frustrated. The pitocin is at 15ml/min and the max is usually 20. They say some women just don't respond. Hopefully I start feeling stuff soon! The wonder now is if it will be close to midnight with them having different birthdays!

and waiting....

we are still waiting for something...anything to happen.Pitocin level jacked up to 13.Max out is 20.Anytime now babies I am starving and Melissa won't let me eat in front of her.

still waiting...

we are still waiting and waiting..its gonna happen,we just don't know when.Keep posted.

takin thier time...

we are just playing rummy with Melissas parents.They keep upping the Pitocin dosage.Now I am beginning to get even more anxious.No real progress,but I am thinking its gonna be soon.Just wait and see.

Puttering along on the Pit

So not much happening on Pitocin yet. They just upped my dose from 1ml to 2ml. We'll see how it goes....

wow..me a dad!!!!

well, I am finally going to meet my newborn son and daughter.It is 4:19 and they are going to give Melissa Pitocin to start things along.She is in good spirits,talking to her mom on the phone.I am in awe of my very beautiful soon to be not pregnant wife.She is amazing in every aspect of the word.I will try to keep hourly updates to inform our progress.Wish us luck!!!

Let's get going!!

So, I have been on the monitor for an hour and not much is happening. They are going to get an IV started and start Pitocin. We will keep you updated.....well Nate probably will!

Niagra Falls!

So my water broke at about 2:20pm today and was admitted to Labor and Delivery at abot 3pm. I'm here for the long haul. No real contractions yet and still only 1-2 cm dilated. At this point we wait to see how things progress and if they need a nudge, we will start some meds. I guess they still wanted to do things on their own and not be told when to come. Boy are we gonna have our hands full!

The end is near!

My appt today went okay. I had an NST. They had trouble getting the heartbeats at first, but all was well. My blood pressure was up a smidge again, but nothing terribly concerning. My cervix was dilated 1-2 cm and very thin. So, the plan is to induce my labor on Monday, August 24th at 8am....that is unless they decide to show up this weekend on their own!

37 weeks

.....and I am still pregnant! I cannot believe it! I feel pretty good for the most part but and still suffering from intense itching of my belly and heartburn from hell. It is to the point that I almost can't stand it. I keep telling myself that it is less than a week away!

Nothing else really exciting to tell.....we are just waiting!

36 weeks

2 more weeks! I can't hardly stand the wait! I am off my medication and just waiting for the contractions to begin or my water to break. Any day now, kiddos. I am feeling decent otherwise. I have good days and rather uncomfortable days. This last week, being in the 90's, has been rough to go outside, but I am blessed that it has been an unseasonably cool summer. I can't complain! I am no longer restricting my activity, though Nate still gets nervous about me doing too much, but at this point we are safe and they can come any day!

Had an ultrasound today. The tech did not seem as thorough as many others and took no pictures for us! Boo! She had a really hard time seeing the girl's head for measurement......as she is very far down in the pelvis. Makes me ask, "what are you waiting for little girl?!" The girl was measuring 5lb 12oz and the boy 5lb 10oz. Again, as she didn't seem very thorough, I don't know how accurate those are, but the sure feel bigger!!

We finally have the names down, except the girls middle name.....but don't ask...we aren't telling! You will find out soon enough!

Edited to add: 36 week appt went well. I had an NST and both babies were fine. Secretly I was hoping they would tell me I had to go to L&D now and have the babies right then and there. Alas, my kiddos are strong, and apparently strong willed! They will come when they want. I have another appt and NST on the 21st, and if they aren't here by then, the plan is to induce on the 24th. We may just have to change these kiddos' minds for them!

35 weeks

I thought I should start posting weekly as we have less than 3 weeks left to go and who knows if we will go early or not. I am voting for going early!!! Not much has changed since last week. I am still taking my Procardia for a few more days and the contractions have been mostly under control. 2 nights ago I had them for about 2 hours, but they did eventually go away. Damn!

My appt today went as expected. No change in my cervix, but the doc said he could feel her head. So, maybe she is starting to get ready. He was a bit worried about checking my cervix not wanting to "stir things up", but I said "stir away!".

I am still not sleeping well and last night was afflicted with not only heartburn that felt like I swallowed battery acid, but also my ever-present restless leg. I also got a nice new symptoms last night, too.......uncontrollable itching of my belly. This is especially at my stretch marks.....which are very evident below in the pics. I tried everything from cocoa butter lotion to benadryl cream to cortizone cream to oral benadryl!! I thought I would make myself bleed it was so bad. Of all the times you would just love to have a glass of wine to mellow you out, you can't!!

Here are the latest pics. I think I look a bit lower and like I said above, the stretch marks are a very noticeable shade of purple!