Spring?

Seriously, Mother Nature, did you forget to flip the "spring" switch on or somethin?  We still have at least four feet of snow in our backyard, icicles hanging from the soffits, and need to wear a hat when out most of the time.  It was a full on blizzard today! Don't get me wrong, we LOVE winter.  Maybe it is this whole not getting out much to recreate ourselves as a result of our new additions that is starting to wear on us. Winter has been great for spending time inside as they spend much of their day sleeping.  But now, Ruby and Owen are mature four month olds, and we are ready to hit the wide open world OUTSIDE our house.  Whatever it is, we were pretty intoxicated by these gorgeous flowers that Daisy brought by from the farm.

  Ruster and OT spent hours sitting in their chairs next to the flowers- absorbing their brilliant colors and promises of more to come....I think!

 We even got so excited about the flowers and spring that we got out the Baby Banz and practiced for our future warm weather outdoor adventures. 

Some other inside moments

Tandem Tummy Time 

  Ruby

This is how Chip came home from work and found me one day- "stranded" on the rocker since they both crashed for an evening nap in my arm simultaneously...which happens pretty often, but usually I am better prepared to put one down somewhere so I can use the time to make dinner or something.  However, I must admit, I love getting stranded like this...even if it means missing dinner altogether!

"Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" 
 ~Robin Williams

Love em'

About once a week I wake up full of anxiety.  I feel overwhelmed and scared, like I am walking a tightrope and on the verge of falling off.  These feelings are caused by a desire to get this whole thing right.  I have never wanted to get something so right in my life.  It's just cause I love em' so much....SO much.  And then, I have to remind myself of the masterpiece (see "Parenthood" entry in March), and that this isn't a puzzle to "get right".  I don't want a "color by number" creation.  I want a unique and gorgeous canvas full of intricate details and color.   I guess I am afraid of ending up with a big brown mess.  But then, I look at them, and realize that is so impossible.  And, I feel better.    

Owen Thomas

 Owen continues to be our little man of many expressions. 

Ruby Elizabeth

Just Chillin

Dana MADE this burp cloth...again, impressive.  And, it doubles as a dress for Ruby.  Perfect.

 The photographer (of these and many of our pictures on the blog in case I haven't mentioned that lately) and one of his favorite subjects.

Breastfeeding

Wrote this entry about a month ago and never got around to posting it.  Maybe because of the somewhat risky nature of writing, let alone positing pictures, of us breastfeeding.  But honestly, this is what I spend a lot of my day doing and feel that this story of our journey would be incomplete without  documentation of this activity.  I will try to keep it as tasteful as possible, but feel free to stop here if you are uncomfortable.  Actually, I found that when most of our friends and family came to visit, they always wanted to hold and visit with the babies of course, but soon enough, they would cautiously ask about how exactly I am able to feed them at the same time and wondered what it looks like.  So, here it is.  And, I will begin with the older post and include corrections as far as what our current story is along the way....

Breastfeeding twins is no small feat...of will or luck.  There are many things that could get in the way of breastfeeding twins.  I personally battled with a few, but was able to somehow make my way through and end up in this place where we are still breastfeeding exclusively at three months.  I am not sure how much longer it will last- every day is a gift I pray I can continue to give to them, with the ultimate goal being a year. (Update- the babies didn't gain much weight for a few weeks so we started having to supplement at 3.5 months...very sad for me as this was not what I wanted to do yet...good news is they are doing awesome now and we are working hard towards reducing the supplementation...no matter what happens, we are just so grateful they are healthy and gaining weight)

Starting at the beginning...the hospital.  We were there for three days, my milk did not come in, and Owen wouldn't latch or suck.  The twins got way more formula than was ever part of my plan, but I couldn't stand the thought of them being hungry. The little (although very rich) colostrum I was producing had to be split!  I mean, sometimes it was only a few milliliters...talk about a humbling experience right out of the gates.  We went home, hoping the milk would come a flowin soon.  I spoke to some of my friends about when their milk came in.., "oh, it took a long time...like 48 hours or something."  This response really started to frustrate me as I was approaching NINE DAYS without milk for my babies!  But, alas, with patience and some coaching from a friends and mentors, I stopped supplementing, which probably increased their sucking, and my milk came in.  It didn't come gushing like many friends described to me also.  No squirting milk, leaking, or even engorgement, but I will never forget that first time I pulled Ruby off the source and saw milk drizzling out of the side of her mouth.  My heart danced.

So, we are rolling, right?  Well, sort of.  My nipples were REALLY sore.  I knew that some of this was to be expected but, as the pain got worse and worse (we are talking 7-9 on a pain scale people), I thought, "How is it possible there are this many human beings on earth?  This sucks."  (pun intended).  I eventually found out that I had an infection that all three of us needed to be treated for.  As the infection started to clear, a clogged duct came out of the woodwork, requiring me to massage and heat the area as well as sleep on my back until it cleared.  Annoying.

The good news is, we made it through.  However,  I know there will be other challenges to overcome as they get older, demand gets higher, and life continues to be generally insane. (predicting the future here I guess)

I feed them at the same time.  I can do it by myself when I need to like throughout the night and when Chip is working.  It took some practice, guidance (thanks, Wendy!), and gumption.  But, now, it is second nature.  However, in true Chip form, he is always very involved when he is here- burping a baby or handing them to me as I get settled (update- and now feeding one a bottle when we are done at the breast).  I don't think you could even attempt to breastfeed twins without significant partner support- emotional and otherwise. ;)

Every day I eat a bowl of oatmeal , drink a beer (it's the hops that is helpful- usually have it after my last feeding of the night), and some special tea for breastfeeding moms-  all ways to increase milk supply.  Drinking enough fluid and eating enough calories are also ways to keep the party rolling.  This is actually the hardest part. When is a mom of twins supposed to drink 5 liters of fluid and eat more than average?  So, whenever you have spare positive energy to send us for this continued venture, please do.  We accept prayers, intentions, love, thoughts, helping hands, and encouraging words.  Thanks in advance!
Sincerely, Team DuRoss  :)

Random moments

 Thanks to Aaron for taking a family photo- have hardly taken any since they were born...mostly because I refuse to be in them or delete them once taken.  This will get better, right?  I will look like myself again one day.?

 A moose visitor lurks in the background of this photo while Owen and dad sleep in the foreground.  Pretty serene.  Pinch me.

 Mom and Ruby enjoying our visitor.

 Owen

 One of Chip's favorite ways to position them for photos.  How am I supposed to know which way is up?  Ruby, next time you will be right side up- promise.

 They are both smiling up a storm these days.  When they do it together...I almost lose it.  So cute I want to squeeze them tighter than I should, ya know?

These are Bumpos.  Didn't know what they were before a friend (Thanks, Bella) clued me in.  Awesome.    They look so grown up!

"Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children; now I have six children, and no theories."  ~John Wilmot

Hat People

Chip and I are hat people. It is seldom that you will see Chip without a visor, ball cap, or ski hat on or myself without a beanie or my city cap.  We are trying to teach Ruby and Owen the ways.  They have so many hats I just couldn't resist the urge to share all the looks they can sport.

These are hats Ruby and Owen wore in their early days- made by Meegan.  SO stinkin cute.  Wish they still fit. 

Owen wears what was one our favorite hats for a while because it was so easy to get on.  Ruby dons mom's handmade version of something could also easily be slipped on.  They actually fuss a lot when you try to put hats on.  We have leaned lately toward hoods to avoid this fussing.  I have a feeling this won't be the first thing we try to impose on them that they resist. ;)

Owen sports a city cap and Ruby a beanie (fruit doesn't fall far)

Kids dressed as animals- gets me every time.

A Smartwool commercial waiting to happen. (Thanks to Aunt Mindy)

Random silliness.

Love these owl hats that Brooke B made....MADE...can you believe the talent in some of Ruster and OT's loved ones?

"A politician should have three hats. One for throwing into the ring, one for talking through, and one for pulling rabbits out of if elected."
-Carl Sandberg

It takes a village...

..to raise twins.  After being a part of so many other people's villages through teaching and counseling, it is so nice to be on the other end...creating and discovering the village who will help us raise Ruby and Owen.  There have been so many visitors and so much help these first months with Ruby and Owen- the village is bigger than we ever expected and is really stepping up to the challenge.  

We are so appreciative of everyone's efforts in making the trip to see us or stopping on their way through and lending as much help as possible while they are here.  The amazing faces in these pictures helped us run errands to boring places, strolled our babies around and soothed them when necessary so we could get things done.  They made food, washed dishes, walked the dog, vacuumed, held babies, entertained us, and most of all, loved our kids.  Also, not to be forgotten are our local friends and family.  There are a few of you here, but we will get all of ya eventually as your efforts with meals, walks, phone consultations, and general support has been invaluable!

 Amy, Shelly, and Bonnie sharin some love

 Shelly came with her own baby- Finn the Rhodesian Ridgeback.  Puppies and babies- pretty cute.

Aaron(allowed us to convince him to hold both), Uncle Chris (matching outfits), Amato(yes, its true, Owen fell asleep in his arms), and Cousin Finn (just sweet, eh?)

Where we at- Three months

Ruby and Owen are now three months old!  It seems impossible that three months have already passed since those first days at the hospital and home where we did not have a clue, were in awe and scared at the same time of what we just started, and had so much healing to do (mostly on my part) to get back to some semblance of normal functioning....and here we are!  Feels good.  

This entry may have more words and facts than you care to read.  Don't.  Just look at the pictures, enjoy, and I promise I won't quiz you on anything I wrote in here later (not even Oma or Nana!).  It is mostly for when we "book the blog" (love that term, Bella).

Every day is a little different around here.  Although composed of a small handful of activities in a systematic order, the times are always different, the speed at which we cycle through "feed, wake, sleep" and the collateral events that accompany those things (like changing diapers, playing, and walks in the neighborhood) is different and, the people who are here to help changes as well.  

Ruby and Owen are changing...developing...so quickly!  At this point they are alert for two hours at a time before they need a nap, and are able to coo, smile, and interact with the world around them- so incredible.

Ruby -

Length- 23"

Weight- 9lbs 1oz

This little gem has been smiling the biggest baby smile I have ever seen since about 8 weeks.  She practiced many times before this in her sleep or when she was "getting her money's worth out of her diaper", but around 8 weeks, she would do it in response to our smile, or something that we did that caused her utter joy.  Things that make her smile are; getting her diaper changed, specific rattles, and reclining on our bent legs facing us for a conversation.

Ruby has a significantly larger head than Owen, so when she lagged behind him a bit in holding it up on her own, we were not surprised.  However, once she decided to hold it up, she figured she would apply this skill to tummy time as well and suddenly seemed totally confident wielding around that beautiful head.  I think she might actually like being on her front side now.  For most of the three months tummy time has been a struggle for us- not that fun to have your face smashed into the ground.  Anyway, things are looking up (ha!) in this department.

These are the sweet packages that I bring home from our walk each day to unwrap and feed

She has also started batting at things hanging from the gym and over her bouncy chair.  At about 9 weeks she started to do this really cute hap hazard swinging, like her arms where numb or something, but she had a little bit of control over where they ended up.  Then, over night, at about 10 weeks it became very directed hitting.  She loves to hit this snail and watch him swing around all crazy in front in front of her.  Chip says it is no wonder kids are so drawn to drugs, what with all the floating and swinging animals we expose them to so early in life.

Other randomness- Ruby loves mobiles, especially the one in her pack and play.  She also loves to kick her legs while laying on her back.  she will have these periods of total spastic leg kicking that will go on for 10 or 15 minutes.  Hilarious to watch and seems to fit her feisty personality.  It is also probably why she is not able to sleep unswaddled yet...we tried...which led to several sleepless nights.  Maybe in a few weeks we will try again.

Owen-

Length- 22.75"

Weight- 8lbs 7oz

Our boy wonder.  He smiles, but more with his eyes than his mouth.  They get really big and full of wonder and he looks so pleased, usually after doing something really fun and new or while cooing at you.  

Oh my! The cooing.  I could not have told you what cooing sounded like...and then I heard it.  It is definitely the best sound in the universe.  Owen loves to coo, and I love to listen.  I want to eat that sound.  It would be the most decadent morsel one could consume.  

Owen has also been holding his head up for some time now.  I sure am glad that both of them do because without that skill, I am not sure I would be able to get them both in my arms at once when I am alone.  Owen's other physical feat is his ability to not only hold his own weight with his legs, but if you pull him into a sitting position when he is laying on his back, he can push himself up into a standing position.  And, he has been doing that since about 6 weeks!  It looks unreal...impossible...like when an ant picks up a twig five times the size of its body. 

Not to sound repetitive, but Owen can also bat at things hanging with precision.  Very cool to watch.  And the crazy thing is that both Ruby and Owen developed this skill at almost the same exact time.  It is like they are already watching and learning from each other.

Randomness about Owen- he LOVES his binkie (Chip prefers we use the word binkie because he had no idea what a binkie was before these two were born and therefore really feels part of the parenthood club when he uses the word).  I actually worry about how much he loves his binkie, but he is so small and sweet and sensitive that I am really glad he is so comforted by something so simple.   Owen, is sleeping swaddle free as of 10 weeks- also fits his mellow personality.  And, he looks so stinkin cute laying there with his arms sprawled about in total peace when he sleeps- love it.

"Change always comes bearing gifts."
  ~Price Pritchett