Well, it's been a long & somewhat crazy month! We're so glad to finally have both of the home! They are not sleeping regularly at all and are eating like champs at this point- they both are taking between 2.5 - 3 oz at each feeding (about every 2 hours). Unfortunately, I am having to supplement with formula for just about every feeding because my body can't seem to keep up with producing enough milk for both of them. Fortunately, it continues to get a little better each and every day- I'm pumping plenty of milk about every 2-3 hours during the day and trying to nurse each of them at least 2 times every 24 hours. The Lactation Consultant recommended that we feed them via bottles for the first 4-6 weeks because they were preemies and exert alot less energy when feeding this way vs. by breast. As of the 12/21 doc appt, Sophie was already 6 lb, 4 oz (she was 5 lb 7 oz at birth) - the doc was very happy with this weight so we're doing something right! I wouldn't be surprised if Genevieve has already surpassed her sister with her weight!
For the first couple of weeks, the only clothes that really fit them were the preemie outfits (1 for each) that Jennifer Pilch bought them. I was so sure that it would be too small but luckily, I didn't have a chance to take it back before they were born. As of last week, the Newborn outfits fit them perfectly and I bet it won't be but another week or so until they outgrow those. Both of the girls have larger than normal feet (thanks to their Father:)) so they will likely move into the "0-3 months" clothes very soon.
Both Genevieve & Sophie are beginning to pull their heads up regularly and startle easily to loud noises or if you begin talking to them when they're sleeping. They also both have bad gas- I never thought someone could have gas as bad as myself but they have definitely outdone me. They both continue to smile regularly when sleeping and seem to be absorbing every little thing when they're awake. Both Sophie & Genevieve have smiled at me when awake a couple of times but I'm not quite sure if these are the "social smiles" that the doctor said should be coming soon- it's not real obvious if they truly recognize me at this point. However, they definitely open their eyes and recognize my voice if my mom or Jim are holding them.
Grammy McManus has been a HUGE help to Jim and I for this entire 4 weeks. She and I have begun alternating "shifts" at night so we are getting around 5-6 hours of sleep a piece. Without her, we simply don't know what we would do. She has also been so supportive with everything- my mood swings, the girls' very inconsistent schedules and just helping out around the house. We definitely don't expect her to do alot of these things and are forever appreciative. If I can have the relationship with these girls that my mom and I have, I couldn't ask for more. She is my best friend (in addition to Jim, of course) and will be a wonderful Grandmother to the babies.
For the first couple of weeks, the only clothes that really fit them were the preemie outfits (1 for each) that Jennifer Pilch bought them. I was so sure that it would be too small but luckily, I didn't have a chance to take it back before they were born. As of last week, the Newborn outfits fit them perfectly and I bet it won't be but another week or so until they outgrow those. Both of the girls have larger than normal feet (thanks to their Father:)) so they will likely move into the "0-3 months" clothes very soon.
Both Genevieve & Sophie are beginning to pull their heads up regularly and startle easily to loud noises or if you begin talking to them when they're sleeping. They also both have bad gas- I never thought someone could have gas as bad as myself but they have definitely outdone me. They both continue to smile regularly when sleeping and seem to be absorbing every little thing when they're awake. Both Sophie & Genevieve have smiled at me when awake a couple of times but I'm not quite sure if these are the "social smiles" that the doctor said should be coming soon- it's not real obvious if they truly recognize me at this point. However, they definitely open their eyes and recognize my voice if my mom or Jim are holding them.
Grammy McManus has been a HUGE help to Jim and I for this entire 4 weeks. She and I have begun alternating "shifts" at night so we are getting around 5-6 hours of sleep a piece. Without her, we simply don't know what we would do. She has also been so supportive with everything- my mood swings, the girls' very inconsistent schedules and just helping out around the house. We definitely don't expect her to do alot of these things and are forever appreciative. If I can have the relationship with these girls that my mom and I have, I couldn't ask for more. She is my best friend (in addition to Jim, of course) and will be a wonderful Grandmother to the babies.
