1st Time at the Beach....and Measles

Thomas and Elizabeth had their first beach experience recently. Last Sunday we drove to Hilton Head to visit Tim and Helen, some friends who used to live in Georgia but now live in Delaware. They go to HH every summer with their family and were nice enough to invite us to stay with them for a few days. It is only a three hour drive from us so we took off when it was time for the twins' morning nap. They were good travelers though they did not have much of a nap. We went to the pool Sunday afternoon -- the resort had a great baby pool. T and E LOVED it crawling, splashing, going under (accidentally), swallowing water, etc. They were not the least bit afraid of the water. On Monday we took them to the beach once they woke up from their morning nap, and they really loved it. I was certain Elizabeth wouldn't like the sand since she has her "sensory issues", but she proved me wrong. They both loved playing in the sand....the wet sand where the surf came in. They loved the water. We really had to watch E because she would crawl in the water deeper and deeper without stopping. It didn't matter if it was covering her mouth/face she just kept crawling. They both made funny faces whenever they got saltwater in their mouths! I remember my first taste of the ocean...Yuck! E was good about keeping her sun hat on, but T didn't like his. We finally gave up on his hat. No worries...they were bathed in sunscreen... Helen and I made sure of that. Helen's family had a huge tent like contraption that the twins sat under to have their lunch. The weather was perfect -- not too hot and there was a nice breeze blowing. T and E played a little after eating their lunch but were getting sleepy. We took them to the pool to get some of the sand off, and then they both had baths and a nice long afternoon nap. David and I had a nap as well -- we were on vacation, right?

The entire trip was wonderful! There were lots of grown-ups and big kids who played and fussed over the twins. T and E loved the attention, and David and I loved having the breaks. We haven't gotten to visit with Tim and Helen much at all since we got married so that was nice as well. It was refreshing for me to get out of the house and around other adults. The sun was heavenly and no gnats there! The gnats are so awful at our house that we rarely go outside...they swarm T and E.

We have lots of cute pictures from the trip and will post them soon.

Now the twins aren't feeling so well. They have slight cases of the measles from their vaccinations. Technically, they have not had a fever (E's was 100.5 tonight....pediatrician does not consider that a fever) so I hope we have not exposed anyone so far. I didn't realize what was going on until Friday afternoon. When I spoke to the nurse she talked to me like I was an idiot. I have a good mind to call and complain about her. I definitely have my moments (numerous moments) of insecurity as a firt time mom, and the last thing I need is to be "talked down to" when I am concerned for my children's health. I can't imagine I am the only mom in history to call about vaccination concerns. I read the information sheets about each vaccination but wanted to talk to a health professional to ease my mind. Initially I thought it might be a sun rash, but the more I thought I kept hearing my inner voice saying "vaccinations.....vaccinations... vaccinations." It clearly states on each info. sheet to call/report any concerns. Anyway, I haven't decided whether I will call and complain or not. Any opinions out there?

Birthday Party Recoup

The last of our company is gone. Callie flew out about 5:30 yesterday evening. I am always so sad when my family leaves but try to keep my tears to myself. No need to upset anybody if it can be avoided, right?

The birthday party was a success. The food was great ( I did not cook...had it catered) and friends and family were wonderful. David and I were afraid Thomas and Elizabeth would be miserable with so many people and so much noise, but they had a blast. They enjoyed their cousins, enjoyed hamming it up for pictures before the festivities began, enjoyed birthday cake, and they enjoyed playing while I, along with their cousins,opened gifts. Most of our family seemed to be happy with how things went. I wanted the day to be a celebration of life...the twins' first year. David and I are so blessed to have been given these extraordinary children, and to have had the ability to celebrate their first year. Many parents don't get that much time with their children. As parents our children are a gift from God....on loan until he is ready to call them home.

On a much lighter note, Callie went with me to the pediatrician's office on Monday for the twins' 12 month well visit. Thomas weighed in at 20 lbs and 1 oz, and measured 28 inches long. Elizabeth weighed in at 17 lbs and 8 oz and measured 27 1/2 inches long. They remain in the 5th and tenth percentiles in terms of height and weight -- not a concern because they are proportionate. Neither David nor I are big adults so we don't expect to have big children. Thomas is not crawling, but the doctor was not concerned....she said crawling was no longer considered a developmental milestone because it is not really necessary. She did say that she wanted Thomas to be able to pull to stand independently and to get from a lying position to a sitting position independently by his 15 month checkup. If he is not performing those two skills by then she will send him to an orthopedist and a physical therapist. Callie who is a physical therapist gave me some exercises to do with Thomas to help him along. She also told me to "stop giving in to him" when he fusses. I have already had him working this morning. As you know, I have been concerned with the twins' milk intake and talked to the pediatrician about this as well. She said they needed at least 12 oz of milk a day but no more than 20 oz. If I can't get them to drink 12 oz a day then focus on calcium rich foods such as yogurt, cottage cheese and other cheeses. She was not opposed to giving them strawberry or chocolate milk -- just wants them to get their calcium. I feel much better now that I have some guidelines and won't feel like a bad mom if I have to resort to choc. milk. They each got three shots (MMR, HepA, and chicken pox) one in each arm and one in a leg. I am so glad Callie was with me to comfort them. Needless to say they were both mad. I don't think I have ever heard Elizabeth scream that loud. All in all in was a good checkup.

Here's to another year full of excitement!

Hide and Seek

Elizabeth has developed a new game for mommy now that she has discovered the freedoms her mobility has allowed. She hides things....toys, diapers, books. Lately, during my nightly ritual of picking up toys I have been unable to find blocks, puzzle pieces, etc. Yesterday I discovered that Elizabeth had put those items up for me but in her own place. She likes to hide things in the changing table, under the changing table, and her swing. I laugh each time I find a toy in a new place. She seems to have so much fun taking things out of place and finding a new place for them. She is such her own little person. Today she learned she could take the diapers out of the diaper hanger and spread them on the floor. We played a great game of throwing them up in the air and watching them fall. Thomas laughed until he couldn't breathe! He loved this game.

Speaking of Thomas, he has developed quite a temper. I think he is becoming frustrated that he can not move and get things that he wants which results in him screaming at the top of his lungs. Several times this morning he was so mad I had to just leave him be to have his fit. Other times he wanted me to hold him, but it lasted for about a millisecond, and he would fling himself in the floor. Where did my easy going baby boy go? Poppy will love Thomas' temper.....says I need to pay for my raising.

We are welcoming our first round of family tonight. Mama, Jo, Grace, Caitlyn, Caroline, and MaryJo are on their way, and I am so excited! I can't wait to see them. I think David is excited too.

Gotta go...naptime almost over.

Progress at the Gym!

I took Elizabeth and Thomas to My Gym yesterday morning, and they had such a good morning! Neither one of them cried until the very end of the class, and I am assuming it was because they were tired. Elizabeth didn't cry during separation time at all. I was so proud of her! She crawled off to do her own thing several times, and after a few minutes would look back to see where I was. I was completely thrilled! They both tried new skills....no crying. I should mention it was a calmer class with fewer children, and the children were weirdly calm. They all must have been tired from Independence Day celebrations. I'm hoping this is a sign that they won't be too miserable at their birthday party with all of the family and friends we are expecting.

Both Elizabeth and Thomas drank their milk at lunch yesterday, but they did not drink much today....disappointing. We will keep trying. They are both napping now. Time to do some much needed housework. I've been so busy running errands and making phone calls this week that I haven't done my "daily chores". Hmmm, I hate the way that sounds.

News

It turns out my husband is a pretty smart guy. I tried his recommendation -- giving the twins milk before their solids today at lunch, and it worked. Both T and E drank a little over 3 ounces of very cold cow's milk Yay!

They have actually tried many new table foods so far. Here is a list:

Turkey (deli meat) T liked, E did not
Ham (deli meat) T liked, E did not
Cheddar cheese T liked, E did too
PBJ sandwich T liked, E did too
Whole wheat bread T liked, E did not
Biscuit with jelly T liked, E did too

I plan on trying cantoloupe this evening. They are ever changing little people.

Chocolate Chip Cookies!

I made cookies yesterday during the twins' afternoon nap. It was the first time I have baked since they were born. David had hinted several times for me to make CC cookies, and we were going to a cook out last night so I thought I would bake. They turned out really well! When David got home from work he shared his cookie with T and E, and they LOVED it! Not really such a big surprise to me. CC cookies before birthday cake....had not been my plan but who cares? It was funny listening to their "more" sounds, especially Thomas' sounds.

Gotta go! Pack and play time is over.

Two Refusals!

Neither T nor E would drink their milk after lunch today. They had green beans and rice and strawberry yogurt -- shared about 14 oz. Maybe they were too full? I'm not sure because after they ate I had a sandwich and a banana. Thomas wanted some turkey and did well eating it. He and E both had some banana with me so I am thinking they couldn't have been too full for milk. David suggested we try giving them the milk first and then giving them solids....I don't know....

Gym -- Milk Update

I took the twins to My Gym this morning, and they both had a better day. They still cried some, but Thomas more willingly tried new skills even laughing during some of them but crying a little after each was over. Elizabeth tried as well but cried during each try. She cried again during separation time....practice, practice. Thomas has done well with the separation time ( I should mention here that Thomas loves women and is surrounded by pretty girls during separation time) but doesn't like the clean up afterward. He doesn't want to put the balls up......LOVES THEM! I was exhausted when we got home..so out of shape! Thought about napping during the twins' afternoon nap, but decided against it.. would be a waste of time. I cut foam for my dining room chairs instead -- fun fun!

Neither T nor E drank much cow's milk today, but they ate more solids than usual. I did not give either one a bottle of formula but did try formula in a cup for E. She refused so I thought I would go with it....see what happens. The worst case scenario would be waking up early from nap wanting something to eat. So far that has not happened. I'm guessing that now is the time that food will become more important than fluid intake? I talked to Daddy about it this morning, and he said some babies just don't like milk.... give her water or juice and make sure she eats well. Of course, he encouraged me to keep trying the milk.....sometimes it just takes time. I don't like milk myself, but I don't want to impose my likes or dislikes on my children.

I got the twins' birthday outfits in the mail today, and they are just precious! I'm not sure if Thomas' will fit so I will have to try it on as soon as he wakes so I can exchange it if necessary. I spent more than I should have, but you only have one first birthday, right? It's only money, right? We can't take it with us when we go...Besides, I plan on having A LOT of things to sell at the twins club consignment sale in the fall.


Birthday party countdown.... 1 week and four days.

New Experiences.....New Refusals

We had a great weekend with Aunt JoJo and Poppy. It was hard to see them leave this morning as is always the case when I have to say good-bye. They will be back in two weeks though for the birthday party. Thomas and Elizabeth had a good time with them both, and David took some outstanding pics. He never disappoints, that husband of mine.

Yesterday we tried giving the twins cow's milk in their cups following their lunch. Thomas drank a little bit, but Elizabeth kept spitting her milk out. So, I ended up giving them both a bottle of formula. I tried again today, and Thomas drank a little over 3 ounces (yay!) Elizabeth spit hers out again and drank a bottle of formula. Our baby girl is remaining true to form...she refused the bottle at first and now cow's milk. She takes her juice really well from the cup so I know the cup is not the issue. We will keep trying. I guess we may have to try soy milk if she continues to spit her cow's milk out. No worries at this point.

Any advice from those who have been there?

Birthday party countdown....two weeks.