Since the boys are "premie" babies and spent a stint in the NICU, the neonatologist and neurologist like to do a neurodevelopment check when the babies are between 4-5 months old. Our pediatrician had told us they had written this to her in their discharge summary and we would receive a letter. So, we received the letter two weeks ago stating our appointment date. I have been the skeptical one even going. It said we would meet with the nurse, nurse practitioner, physical therapist and neurologist. To me, it was just a way to charge my insurance. My babies are amazing, doing things normal four month olds would be doing (or at least a lot of things). So, I went in with an apprehensive attitude.
So, Alan went along with me to the boys appointment this past Friday. Of course it was a morning appointment, which was right during the boys' nap time. This made for lethargic, unhappy babies. The physical therapist came into the room first. She looked at Zachary first. She asked me a lot of questions about if he was doing things and tested him on several things, as well. She was concerned because he wasn't holding his head up like he was supposed to while he went from lying to sitting. Also, he wouldn't stand up for her when he was placed on his feet. She said this was concerning and gave us some exercises to work on with him. She, also, is calling to get in home physical therapy for him. HOWEVER, he did roll over from his tummy to his back for the first time, second time, and third time while lying on the table! (Now he hasn't done it since he has gotten home, but still!). He, also, was good at tracking objects with his eyes.
Ayden was next. He of course showed off - how he can jump when he puts his feet on the table, grabbing things, and way too active. The only thing she said about him was that his muscles are really tight (which is quite funny since his pediatrician and the GI surgeon both say he has a tight butt, as well). We are going to have to do stretches with him daily to loosen his hamstrings.
The nurse practitioner looked at them next and it seems everything she checked out was good. They actually liked her and smiled. Then came in the neonatologist/neurologist. He checked out each boy. He confirmed to us that Zachary had a brain bleed (which I told him we were never informed of this in the hospital and not until my pediatrician informed me which I was unhappy about). He said it had cleared by his discharge. As well as, he may have suffered a seizure in the hospital….another bit of information that was new to me. I got pretty emotional and upset because I had not known these things. He said that Zachary is a little behind which may be because of the bleed or may be because of the fact he is just a little lazy, but either way, we will need a follow up appointment in 3 months and at home therapy. Ayden is doing really well. He is right on track. He will have a follow up appointment, as well.
Oh, and a side note - these boys have GAINED SOME WEIGHT! Zachary is up to 15 lbs 3 oz and Ayden is up to 13 lbs 13 oz. They love their food!
On the way home and since the appointment I have had a hard time. I have worried about Zach since his birth. I can't even count the times I've asked Alan and my mom if they thought something could be wrong with Zach and they just telling me he is lazy. I have prayed and prayed and continue to pray. He is kinda lazy. He loves to sleep and when he plays, well, he just gets tired quicker - I mean have you seen his belly?? He has actually met the cooing and laughing and attention milestones before his brother. But, the jury is still out on anything. So, I have to just keep praying that there are no true residual effects of his brain bleed or possible seizure.
These boys are just precious and absolutely hilarious. They have noticed themselves in the mirror the past few days and get really excited about those babies laughing and talking back to them. They are also loving to see each other (FINALLY!). My time is nearing for me to go back to work and I am struggling with even thinking of it, but enjoying each moment with these boys. They are definitely starting to eat more and interested in what everyone else is eating. It's just so crazy how fast they are growing. I'm just going to keep believing my babies are perfect, because that is how God made him. They are such sweet boys.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Monday, November 17, 2014
The True Meaning of Holidays
I've mentioned it before, I am quite a sentimental human being. On top of that, I get just as excited when holidays come around as I'm sure any kid (I thank my Daddy for that). We decorate to the ultimate degree (5 or 6 Christmas trees in the house growing up), but, that isn't what I want to especially address today. See, lately, I've heard way too many times that "Holidays are just another day of the year." Or "I'm too busy with work." or "Live too far away." or "We just don't get along to spend holidays together." And honestly, this saddens me more than I can imagine.
First, Holidays. I'm talking Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Fourth of July, the whole shebang are all based on something. Easter isn't just another day, it is the celebration of the rising of our Lord from the tomb. Thanksgiving, celebration of thanks for all of our blessings in this country. Christmas, the birth of our Savior (even though it has been secularized into Santa and other customs, there is a spiritual beginning). Fourth of July, our freedom. And so on, and so on. So, to say they are just another day is, well, negating anything of any belief. And honestly, that is sad that you have to think that way and there is no joy in your life to celebrate something.
Secondly, and really my secondary belief, is that holidays are for families. They are supposed to all get together and just enjoy each other. Now, my family is a prime example of how we are scattered near and far. But, I can tell you that my most treasured memories are those that we drove the 14 hours to South Georgia every year to spend with family at each holiday. Also, it is a time where people need to mature up a little and get over bitterness or grudges. How hard is it to put things behind you for a few hours or a few days to truly be able to enjoy family and make memories? I mean, I am not asking you to be best friends with every single person in your family, but don't act like we are in high school and ignore or not show up because one person made you upset 10 years ago by beating you in a cooking competition or stole a toy soldier from your room when you were 7. That's not what family is about. I wish my family was closer together so we could spend time more frequently together, but it just isn't that way. And our times together are just so sweet and are way too short. It is so great seeing people you don't see all year and double over laughing from memories past. Then it is sad to see those that choose not to be apart of family because of their pre-determined idea of how miserable they will be because so-and-so will be there or they are different than others. It just makes me so sad to see people hurt themselves by not coming to family events. They will not admit to it, but, loneliness is there, I am sure of it. Also, family just isn't blood relatives, but friends too. Including those that have no one close and involve them in your family is only spreading the joy that we should all have….my philosophy has always been the more the merrier! And I have to say the years we have been apart of the "Parson Family Thanksgiving" when we can't make it to our own family events has become a tradition I am going to miss.
Thirdly, food. Now, we all know that I do not lack in eating, nor anyone in my family (sorry folks). But man, that is one reason why I love my family! We have some of the best cooks in the world! And, NO ONE can be unhappy around some good cooking and amazing desserts. Have you ever seen someone eating something good that is mad? Ham, turkey, barbecue, casseroles, pies, cakes, and every side you can ever think of…I don't even attempt diets when holidays are around. If for any reason, put aside your differences and just enjoy a good meal…you may surprise yourself at how much fun you will have.
Thanksgiving and Christmas are fastly approaching as we all know. I am truly excited this year because it is my first year with my own children to enjoy it (though they won't remember one thing about it), but also because it is the first year that we will have both holidays with both sides of our families. I live for this. I love making memories and I am so excited that my children, nephews, and step-kids can have memories that will last for years to come. It's not about gifts (though I love watching the joy on people's faces as they open them), it is about the quality time with those we love and making memories with them. It is soaking in each moment so that one day, because yes, one day, someone will no longer be here to enjoy them with us and we want to remember those moments. It is laughing until tears roll down your cheeks at stories from years past. And it is watching new relationships form as a new generation arises below us.
See, the true meaning of Christmas is celebrating Jesus' birth. God's love for us in sending his Son began a reason in of itself for us to celebrate daily. Each day isn't just "another day" they are all reasons to celebrate. But, in our world, people have set aside days where we can truly relax and commemorate those days. So, this year, I challenge you not to treat holidays as just another day or not attend a family event because someone has upset you, but embrace it all. Let yourself go and enjoy people, the ones who love you and who think you are weird and still want to be around you (whether you believe it or not). Don't let your own insecurities get to you this holiday season. Embrace your family and friends and loved ones. Make memories. It's what it's all about.
And if you need somewhere to spend holidays, know our door is always open :)
First, Holidays. I'm talking Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Fourth of July, the whole shebang are all based on something. Easter isn't just another day, it is the celebration of the rising of our Lord from the tomb. Thanksgiving, celebration of thanks for all of our blessings in this country. Christmas, the birth of our Savior (even though it has been secularized into Santa and other customs, there is a spiritual beginning). Fourth of July, our freedom. And so on, and so on. So, to say they are just another day is, well, negating anything of any belief. And honestly, that is sad that you have to think that way and there is no joy in your life to celebrate something.
Secondly, and really my secondary belief, is that holidays are for families. They are supposed to all get together and just enjoy each other. Now, my family is a prime example of how we are scattered near and far. But, I can tell you that my most treasured memories are those that we drove the 14 hours to South Georgia every year to spend with family at each holiday. Also, it is a time where people need to mature up a little and get over bitterness or grudges. How hard is it to put things behind you for a few hours or a few days to truly be able to enjoy family and make memories? I mean, I am not asking you to be best friends with every single person in your family, but don't act like we are in high school and ignore or not show up because one person made you upset 10 years ago by beating you in a cooking competition or stole a toy soldier from your room when you were 7. That's not what family is about. I wish my family was closer together so we could spend time more frequently together, but it just isn't that way. And our times together are just so sweet and are way too short. It is so great seeing people you don't see all year and double over laughing from memories past. Then it is sad to see those that choose not to be apart of family because of their pre-determined idea of how miserable they will be because so-and-so will be there or they are different than others. It just makes me so sad to see people hurt themselves by not coming to family events. They will not admit to it, but, loneliness is there, I am sure of it. Also, family just isn't blood relatives, but friends too. Including those that have no one close and involve them in your family is only spreading the joy that we should all have….my philosophy has always been the more the merrier! And I have to say the years we have been apart of the "Parson Family Thanksgiving" when we can't make it to our own family events has become a tradition I am going to miss.
Thirdly, food. Now, we all know that I do not lack in eating, nor anyone in my family (sorry folks). But man, that is one reason why I love my family! We have some of the best cooks in the world! And, NO ONE can be unhappy around some good cooking and amazing desserts. Have you ever seen someone eating something good that is mad? Ham, turkey, barbecue, casseroles, pies, cakes, and every side you can ever think of…I don't even attempt diets when holidays are around. If for any reason, put aside your differences and just enjoy a good meal…you may surprise yourself at how much fun you will have.
Thanksgiving and Christmas are fastly approaching as we all know. I am truly excited this year because it is my first year with my own children to enjoy it (though they won't remember one thing about it), but also because it is the first year that we will have both holidays with both sides of our families. I live for this. I love making memories and I am so excited that my children, nephews, and step-kids can have memories that will last for years to come. It's not about gifts (though I love watching the joy on people's faces as they open them), it is about the quality time with those we love and making memories with them. It is soaking in each moment so that one day, because yes, one day, someone will no longer be here to enjoy them with us and we want to remember those moments. It is laughing until tears roll down your cheeks at stories from years past. And it is watching new relationships form as a new generation arises below us.
See, the true meaning of Christmas is celebrating Jesus' birth. God's love for us in sending his Son began a reason in of itself for us to celebrate daily. Each day isn't just "another day" they are all reasons to celebrate. But, in our world, people have set aside days where we can truly relax and commemorate those days. So, this year, I challenge you not to treat holidays as just another day or not attend a family event because someone has upset you, but embrace it all. Let yourself go and enjoy people, the ones who love you and who think you are weird and still want to be around you (whether you believe it or not). Don't let your own insecurities get to you this holiday season. Embrace your family and friends and loved ones. Make memories. It's what it's all about.
And if you need somewhere to spend holidays, know our door is always open :)
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Life With Twins
Life is crazy with twins. I am sure any twin parent can attest. It is all about controlled chaos though. Schedules are my best friend. When we get off our schedule, it is brutal. For all of us. Alan, actually, learned last night why I am so strict on the babies finishing their bottles at night….it isn't fun waking up only a few hours later instead of sleeping through the night. Mornings are our best time. After our first bottle feed between 6-7 AM, the babies go back to sleep until 10-11 AM, which is a wonderful thing. When they wake up, they are the happiest of the day. Cooing and playing and smiles galore. Afternoons are a little chancier. And if you think you have a chance after 4 PM to guess moods, think again!
Going out in public has become a feat in itself, as well. I've only forgotten the pacis once and nipples to the bottles once. They usually are pretty good as long as we are moving. I try to keep them in their carseats in their stroller as much as possible, but when grocery shopping it is easier to put one in the buggy in the carseat and wear the other one in the baby bjorn. And, like all things, we do it all quickly.
It is quite funny going out with the boys. I actually took them when I went to vote the other day. While standing in line the man behind me counted how many times I was asked certain questions. Now let me preface this with I had blue blankets on the boys. He said to me, "You just need to make a sign. Yes, they are twins. No, they are two boys. They are 16 weeks old. No, they are not identical." And, that is pretty much the questions I answer on a repetitive basis. He had counted over 20 times while in line for 45 minutes with people who were standing right beside each other. It, also, is like a moving spectacle. The "aw, twins" we get always make me smile. Someone told me before they were born to be prepared for people always looking at us and saying something. They were right! I don't mind it one bit, it makes me smile, and also laugh at times.
Like I said previously, schedules are our best friend. When we get off this due to sickness or one baby not cooperating, it is ROUGH. When you get to feed them at the same time and put them down to sleep at the same time, so much more can get done in the day! And, I have learned how to do all things QUICKLY in that nap time. Because you never know how long it is going to last. Thankful for advice from friends, we have developed our nighttime routine which has helped get the babies to sleep through the night. And yes, when you have twins, the best thing to do is feed them at the same time. It isn't hard.
But, what I have learned with the life of twins is a dirty house is okay and I can't freak out or fuss if everything isn't in perfect condition. Laundry may go undone, dusting lacking, and vacuuming just a dream. As long as babies are fed, bottles washed, and my children happy, life is good.
I have wonderful boys. They are such good babies and I am beyond blessed with this. They are sweet and love everyone. They love to "talk" to you and think they are hilarious. I couldn't imagine twins any other way. It's so fun to watch their continued personalities come out. Zach is the more sensitive of the two and his feelings are hurt pretty quickly. He also has quite the temper that goes 0 to 60 in a matter of seconds. He loves to talk and be verbal. He also loves his sleep. We have had a few 10 hour sleep nights already. Ayden is a little quieter on a daily basis, but when he gets upset, he has a high pitch cry that can pierce anyone's ears! He is a mobile little thing and loves moving his arms and legs all of the time. He continues to love being a social being. They are both snugglers. They are no longer premie looking and Ayden has tripled his birth weight (something he is supposed to do by the age of 1, not 3 months). Zach is one pound from tripling his birthweight. We are eaters! Enjoying my moments with them.
Going out in public has become a feat in itself, as well. I've only forgotten the pacis once and nipples to the bottles once. They usually are pretty good as long as we are moving. I try to keep them in their carseats in their stroller as much as possible, but when grocery shopping it is easier to put one in the buggy in the carseat and wear the other one in the baby bjorn. And, like all things, we do it all quickly.
It is quite funny going out with the boys. I actually took them when I went to vote the other day. While standing in line the man behind me counted how many times I was asked certain questions. Now let me preface this with I had blue blankets on the boys. He said to me, "You just need to make a sign. Yes, they are twins. No, they are two boys. They are 16 weeks old. No, they are not identical." And, that is pretty much the questions I answer on a repetitive basis. He had counted over 20 times while in line for 45 minutes with people who were standing right beside each other. It, also, is like a moving spectacle. The "aw, twins" we get always make me smile. Someone told me before they were born to be prepared for people always looking at us and saying something. They were right! I don't mind it one bit, it makes me smile, and also laugh at times.
Like I said previously, schedules are our best friend. When we get off this due to sickness or one baby not cooperating, it is ROUGH. When you get to feed them at the same time and put them down to sleep at the same time, so much more can get done in the day! And, I have learned how to do all things QUICKLY in that nap time. Because you never know how long it is going to last. Thankful for advice from friends, we have developed our nighttime routine which has helped get the babies to sleep through the night. And yes, when you have twins, the best thing to do is feed them at the same time. It isn't hard.
But, what I have learned with the life of twins is a dirty house is okay and I can't freak out or fuss if everything isn't in perfect condition. Laundry may go undone, dusting lacking, and vacuuming just a dream. As long as babies are fed, bottles washed, and my children happy, life is good.
I have wonderful boys. They are such good babies and I am beyond blessed with this. They are sweet and love everyone. They love to "talk" to you and think they are hilarious. I couldn't imagine twins any other way. It's so fun to watch their continued personalities come out. Zach is the more sensitive of the two and his feelings are hurt pretty quickly. He also has quite the temper that goes 0 to 60 in a matter of seconds. He loves to talk and be verbal. He also loves his sleep. We have had a few 10 hour sleep nights already. Ayden is a little quieter on a daily basis, but when he gets upset, he has a high pitch cry that can pierce anyone's ears! He is a mobile little thing and loves moving his arms and legs all of the time. He continues to love being a social being. They are both snugglers. They are no longer premie looking and Ayden has tripled his birth weight (something he is supposed to do by the age of 1, not 3 months). Zach is one pound from tripling his birthweight. We are eaters! Enjoying my moments with them.
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