(Oct. 17 – Nov. 17)
Terry, Pat’s stepmom asked me if the past few months have been easier or harder than I expected, and without hesitation I answered, “Harder!” It’s been rough, really rough, but this last week went much smoother, and I’m hoping it’s only uphill from here.
Month three kicked off with a lot of crying. Both boys cried all day (and sometimes all night) long! After three months, the crying gets to you. I admit, I had plenty of breakdowns myself. I purposely moved the boys to two different schedules – hoping one crying baby would be easier to handle. Though it was easier, it also meant I never got a break, I mean never! I always had a baby to tend to. Both boys hate the swing, vibrator chair, and until recently the bumbo, so I rarely had free hands. (Thank goodness for my Moby wrap!) Cannon struggled sleeping at night, and Cruiz would stay up during the day. Both boys couldn’t seem to function while being awake. Pat’s been soo good about coming home and dealing with the chaos. He usually immediately begins picking up or making dinner without complaining. Ah, I’m lucky to have him!
Cannon
Anyway, on to better news. About half way through the month, Cannon began showing improvement due to different formula, regular chiropractor visits, meds for acid reflux and probiotics (Thank you for the comments for all of these tips) Cruiz took a little longer, but these past few days he’s shown major improvement as well! Last week I brought up the jumperoo and exersaucer and the boys loved them! It’s the first time they have been content being by themselves while being awake. This has enabled me to accomplish a few things during the day, even if it’s only jumping in the shower. And it’s made Ledger a happier boy as well. Now that they are improving, my main struggle is getting them back on the same schedule.
Cruiz
Ledger thought it was unfair that he didn’t have his own “Jungle.”
Cannon – sleeping again, once feeling better this kid started sleeping much better!
This picture cracks me up, Cannon finds Ledger soo funny. Look at that chubby face!
Cannon Ball – Has been so fun these past two weeks. He has a unique smile, and will babble with a very serious face for hours. He still doesn’t love to snuggle next to Cruiz, and won’t look at him very often, but will watch Ledger like a hawk. He definitely gets less time with me because Cruiz is much more needy, but he’s usually a good sport about it. His personality continues to match what we saw during ultrasounds, he’s more active, and seems more driven. His head practically grew over night and now reminds me of his older sister’s, but everything else matches Ledger (minus an open mouth). His head is beginning to go flat in the back so we all suffer through tummy time while he screams the entire time. But he is super close to rolling over.
Cruizer – is a straight up Momma’s boy. He’s incredibly needy and my cuddler. There’s nowhere he’d rather be than in my arms. His personality continues to match what the ultrasounds showed as well – he is content when he is next to someone. He probably loved being squished up next to Cannon for 9 months, and sometimes I feel that’s why he was in the NICU for so long…as long as people were there holding him, he didn’t need anything more… Once he’s around people, he’s completely on show – jabbering to anyone who makes eye contact with him. He’s started to jabber and coo all day long, and I find his dimpled grin irresistible. He is a great sleeper during the night, but struggles with naps during the day. Just this past week we put him in Ledger’s room at night, and he’s done great. When he’s happy, he reminds me so much of Preslee, definitely more than his two brothers..
This past month both boys are…
drinking 5 ounces every 3-4 hours.
beginning to go for longer periods without being swaddled. But if we want them to sleep, we swaddle them right up!
wearing 6 month clothing, Cannon is a little heavier.
wearing size 2 diapers
d with binkies
talking more than any of our other kids
And I’m beginning to be able to tell their cries apart…sometimes.
I’ve suddenly had multiple twin mom’s say 4 months is when everything turned around. So here’s to hoping it does! C’mon boys, we’ve got this!
Cannon, Cruiz
Cruiz, Cannon
Love you two!
You're a saint! And those boys are darling.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! Not sure how you do it all, but you do and you do it all well. Fun post!
ReplyDeleteI only have one baby boy that is 4 1/2 months old. He was the grumpiest little thing for the first few months and a couple of weeks ago like magic he turned into this happy little baby. Simply amazing. I can't even imagine what I would have done if there were two of him. Your boys are just darling!
ReplyDeleteThey look happier!!! Good luck and keep on keepin' on!!!
ReplyDeleteYou momma, are a saint! I can't imagine the amount of patience you have to have, but you look good doing it! Keep your head up, I'm sure it will get better! And its so worth it- look at them! ADORABLE!
ReplyDeleteI see SO MUCH of Preslee in Cruiz! I really really hope things get better. It's tough with one kid...I can only imagine how it is with multiples plus a two year old! :-) You're doing a wonderful job, mama and daddy!!
ReplyDeleteYour boys are oh so handsome lil men.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, are they identical twins? they sure do look identical :)
Good luck... I'm sure the first year is always the hardest.
Follow WWW.GIRLSGONECHILD.NET
she has twin girls and has chronicled from her pregnancy too :)
Hang in there! My twins are 18 months this week. It does eventually get easier but every stage has difficult things about it. Make sure to get Ashley time often. And drink plenty of diet coke (or whatever you like). Ha!
ReplyDeleteLove the updates. Just reading about it makes me tired! Newborns are hard that way in that you don't get a break and it's hard to start over when your kids are older! Hang in there! And with all those grandparents and aunts and uncles around, make them watch your kids a little more :)
ReplyDeleteYou are doing awesome! All I can say is that I can relate completely, 100%. And somehow I survived! Mine are now 2 but I remember those first months like it was yesterday. Be sure to squeeze in a little more time for yourself even if it doesn't seem possible..a little alone time goes a long way! If I lived by you I would seriously scoop you up for a couple hours out..or babysit the cuties! :)
ReplyDeleteOh man....are your children cuties!! It is amazing those little tiny boys are now chubby and sitting up in their little "jungle gyms." You have an adorable family. Unless you've been there with twins and a 2-year old, it is hard to imagine but I'm sure it will get easier, then harder (toddlers), then easier (adolescents), then harder (junior high), then easier (teens), then harder (missionaries).....well, you get the idea. I only have one son (we adopted) but it was a good thing only one because he was very high maintenance but worth every minute. Now I'm a grandmother and it is the best job in the world. Cherish each and every minute because as you know, they grow so fast and time flies by. You have a sweet family indeed!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the jumperoo!!! The boys love jumping, and I can put them in earlier, the other one is much wider and I have to stuff a blanket around them, and then they still struggle. The jumperoo is deeper, and has more of a head rest.
ReplyDeleteNothing is more delightful than a Sullenger update! Keep up the great work. So proud of you for hanging on to your sanity!
ReplyDeleteThey are so cute! Happy 4 months, boys!
ReplyDeleteI have twin boys too... they will be 2 1/2 this month and keep me very busy, and so does my older son who is 5. 2 years ago I was doing very similar things that you are now. I remember hoping it would get easier, and it does in a lot of ways. Simple things like them holding their own bottles or playing with toys are triumphs. Every day is a new day, and in a way, a clean slate.
ReplyDeleteI have twin boys that are 14 1/2 yrs old now. I remember those days of constant crying too. :) You will make it through. What probiotics are you using with your little ones?
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