Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Our first bath
We had our first "big kid" bath today - since our belly buttons finally fell off - mom decided it was time for a real bath - instead of a sponge bath! here are a few pictures of this great experience...we LOVED it - especially getting the water poured over our heads!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Two weeks old already!
I can't believe how fast time flies...on Tuesday, our babies will be 3 weeks old! During thier 2nd week, Joyce stayed with us. She helped make formula, change lots of diapers, and helped drive me around - since I wasn't supposed to drive yet. We took the twins to their pediatrician appointment on Tuesday, March 17th. Both babies are looking great! Matthew is weighing in at a whopping 7lb 5oz and Arianna weighed in at 7lbs even. Both babies are chow hounds! The doctor said they both look great and we have to go back in 2 weeks (4/3). They will get their second round of shots that day too.
On 3/17 we took the twins on their first visit to David's work and my work. They were so good and well behaved...heck ... they slept through the enitre thing. Then later that night we were able to hook up the webcam and SKYPE with Dad, Heidi and Jake. It was Jake's birthday and they were able to see the twins - so that was pretty cool too.
The rest of the week was pretty low key. We ran a few errands (Target / Walmart) and then on Friday we attempted to go grocery shopping. It is definitely a 2 person job to go grocery shopping with the twins. Their carseats weren't hooking onto the cart - so we had to get 2 carriages and put them in the basket - and we had the food piled around the kids. When we checked out the bags wouldn't fit in the carriage - so we had to get a 3rd carriage to bring the groceries to the car. It was quite the adventure! On Saturday - we all piled in the car and went to Dominic's basketball awards. Milestones this week...both Arianna and Matthew are lifting their heads up and pushing themselves up. Matthew smiled all day on Saturday.
On 3/17 we took the twins on their first visit to David's work and my work. They were so good and well behaved...heck ... they slept through the enitre thing. Then later that night we were able to hook up the webcam and SKYPE with Dad, Heidi and Jake. It was Jake's birthday and they were able to see the twins - so that was pretty cool too.
The rest of the week was pretty low key. We ran a few errands (Target / Walmart) and then on Friday we attempted to go grocery shopping. It is definitely a 2 person job to go grocery shopping with the twins. Their carseats weren't hooking onto the cart - so we had to get 2 carriages and put them in the basket - and we had the food piled around the kids. When we checked out the bags wouldn't fit in the carriage - so we had to get a 3rd carriage to bring the groceries to the car. It was quite the adventure! On Saturday - we all piled in the car and went to Dominic's basketball awards. Milestones this week...both Arianna and Matthew are lifting their heads up and pushing themselves up. Matthew smiled all day on Saturday.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
woo hoooo Our children rock!
Our babies are so good - we couldn't be more blessed! They eat and sleep and only fuss when they are hungry or getting their diaper changed. According to mom and Joyce - that is how David and I were as babies - so I guess our good demeanor wore off on our children! Both Arianna and Matthew go about 3-4 hours in between meals - and they sleep about 3-4 hours at a time. Sometimes it is about 2.5 - but sometimes Arianna will sleep for 5 hours at a time.
Last night they had their first pizza party. We had Shanni, JJ, Lynn, Shane, Dave, Tammy, Mom, David and I. They all wanted to come visit the babies (well and I guess us too) but we don't really count anymore. They slept through the noise and being passed from one person to another - we certainly weren't quiet - and I don't want to get them used to quiet either. I'm hoping they are deep sleepers like Dominic...who can actually sleep through fireworks!
It has been 10 days since the birth of the babies and I wore my "pre-pregnancy" jeans today! I've lost 30lbs and only have 8 to go until I'm at pre-baby weight! I can't believe it!!! Everyone kept saying I was all baby - but I thought that I had some other "chunk" but I guess not! LOL
I have their next pediatrician apt. on Tuesday - so I'm anxious to see how much they weigh. At each feeding they are drinking between 3-4oz. and can't get it in their mouth fast enough!
Last night they had their first pizza party. We had Shanni, JJ, Lynn, Shane, Dave, Tammy, Mom, David and I. They all wanted to come visit the babies (well and I guess us too) but we don't really count anymore. They slept through the noise and being passed from one person to another - we certainly weren't quiet - and I don't want to get them used to quiet either. I'm hoping they are deep sleepers like Dominic...who can actually sleep through fireworks!
It has been 10 days since the birth of the babies and I wore my "pre-pregnancy" jeans today! I've lost 30lbs and only have 8 to go until I'm at pre-baby weight! I can't believe it!!! Everyone kept saying I was all baby - but I thought that I had some other "chunk" but I guess not! LOL
I have their next pediatrician apt. on Tuesday - so I'm anxious to see how much they weigh. At each feeding they are drinking between 3-4oz. and can't get it in their mouth fast enough!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
1 week old...Mom and Dad survived!
Well, the kids turned 1 week yesterday! We had a busy day! They slept pretty good through the night - every 2-3 hours and sleeping awesome! We are changing LOTS of diapers and in 2 days we went through an entire box of 64 wipes! YIKES! I've been pumping instead of nursing so David and mom can help with the feedings - and we've been making formula - it's like an assembly line!
On Tuesday, the twins had their 1 week check up at the pediatrician. Dr. Feudo is really nice and down to earth! She asked me a few times if they had my due date wrong because the babies were smiling, full of emotion and Matthew grabbed her hands and pulled himself up...HE'S A WEEK OLD! They enjoyed their trip to the doctor - I hope all trips are like that - but I don’t think I will be that lucky! Matthew is now 6lb13oz and Arianna is now 6lb8oz - they went home from the hospital at 6lb5oz (M) and 6lb3oz (A). So she said they are growing great and doing very well!
From there, Mom and I made our first trip to Walmart & Target with the babies! What an adventure! We each had a shopping cart and the babies slept the entire time! We were out and about for about 4.5 hours and they were happy, smiling and sleeping the entire time. We needed some last minute "stuff" that I didn't think I needed - but figured it would make my life easier.
David went back to work on Monday - so he misses the babies during the day. It's sad with out him here, but Mom has been such a huge help. She's done probably 16 loads of laundry (since Saturday), made probably 100 formula bottles, and she's a pro at my bottle steralizer now!
Well I'll post more later - Mom just ran to CVS and back to walmart - its my first time alone w/the babies and Matthew is waking up from his nap! Arianna is sitting here smiling!
On Tuesday, the twins had their 1 week check up at the pediatrician. Dr. Feudo is really nice and down to earth! She asked me a few times if they had my due date wrong because the babies were smiling, full of emotion and Matthew grabbed her hands and pulled himself up...HE'S A WEEK OLD! They enjoyed their trip to the doctor - I hope all trips are like that - but I don’t think I will be that lucky! Matthew is now 6lb13oz and Arianna is now 6lb8oz - they went home from the hospital at 6lb5oz (M) and 6lb3oz (A). So she said they are growing great and doing very well!
From there, Mom and I made our first trip to Walmart & Target with the babies! What an adventure! We each had a shopping cart and the babies slept the entire time! We were out and about for about 4.5 hours and they were happy, smiling and sleeping the entire time. We needed some last minute "stuff" that I didn't think I needed - but figured it would make my life easier.
David went back to work on Monday - so he misses the babies during the day. It's sad with out him here, but Mom has been such a huge help. She's done probably 16 loads of laundry (since Saturday), made probably 100 formula bottles, and she's a pro at my bottle steralizer now!
Well I'll post more later - Mom just ran to CVS and back to walmart - its my first time alone w/the babies and Matthew is waking up from his nap! Arianna is sitting here smiling!
Monday, March 9, 2009
We're Home
Well we arrived home on Saturday - the car ride was pretty funny! I felt like we were in a mini bus! Mom and Dominic rode in the way back, the twins were in their seats and David and I were in the front! We were a full passenger van! haha
The babies have adjusted very well to being home! The first night was rough - Matthew was trying to nurse for about 3 hours and he was screaming. Come to find out the next day when I was pumping - I was bleeding (I'm assuming due to being so chapped) but I don’t think he was getting any milk - thank goodness for formula. Finally at 530 am I had my first breakdown when he peed all over me and his clothes for the 3rd time from being so upset. I started crying and couldn't stop because I just felt so bad that I couldn't help him. He finally went back to sleep around 530 and woke up at 930! Arianna was the complete opposite - she slept, ate, pooped then slept for 5 hours straight!
Yesterday we had a lot of visitors - the babies loved being held and were so good all day! David has been absolutely wonderful! He made lunch, dinner, bottles, etc. yesterday. He's back to work today - so it's pretty sad! Dominic is so good with the kids - he absolutely adores them and gets so excited to hold them!!
Last night was great - both kids were up every 3-4 hours and they are only 1/2 hour behind each other - so once I was done giving the bottle, the next was ready - so they are on the same schedule for the most part! I got to sleep quite a bit last night - and mom and I are having a relaxing day today!
Everyone has been bringing over food - so our freezer is full of goodies and dinners!
that's it for now...oh...well about me! I am doing GREAT! I don’t even feel like I had surgery. I'm up, doing stairs, sitting, and in no pain. I've only taken 3 Percocet’s since I've been home. I think my doctor did such a great job - most people who have a c-section are in a lot of pain - but I feel wonderful!
I've also looked at our baby pictures - Arianna is DAVID and Matthew is ME!
The babies have adjusted very well to being home! The first night was rough - Matthew was trying to nurse for about 3 hours and he was screaming. Come to find out the next day when I was pumping - I was bleeding (I'm assuming due to being so chapped) but I don’t think he was getting any milk - thank goodness for formula. Finally at 530 am I had my first breakdown when he peed all over me and his clothes for the 3rd time from being so upset. I started crying and couldn't stop because I just felt so bad that I couldn't help him. He finally went back to sleep around 530 and woke up at 930! Arianna was the complete opposite - she slept, ate, pooped then slept for 5 hours straight!
Yesterday we had a lot of visitors - the babies loved being held and were so good all day! David has been absolutely wonderful! He made lunch, dinner, bottles, etc. yesterday. He's back to work today - so it's pretty sad! Dominic is so good with the kids - he absolutely adores them and gets so excited to hold them!!
Last night was great - both kids were up every 3-4 hours and they are only 1/2 hour behind each other - so once I was done giving the bottle, the next was ready - so they are on the same schedule for the most part! I got to sleep quite a bit last night - and mom and I are having a relaxing day today!
Everyone has been bringing over food - so our freezer is full of goodies and dinners!
that's it for now...oh...well about me! I am doing GREAT! I don’t even feel like I had surgery. I'm up, doing stairs, sitting, and in no pain. I've only taken 3 Percocet’s since I've been home. I think my doctor did such a great job - most people who have a c-section are in a lot of pain - but I feel wonderful!
I've also looked at our baby pictures - Arianna is DAVID and Matthew is ME!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
They're Here!!!
Well - I am sitting in the recovery room - 3 days after the birth of Matthew & Arianna - and still in awe that they came out of me! Here's their story...
On Tuesday, March 3, 2009 (which we later found out is "square root day" 3x3=9) - and only happens 1x a century for this date! The next "square root day" will be 4/4/16)...so back to the story...
I didn't get much sleep the night before due to the excitement and anxiety of meeting the babies. We got up at 5:15, showered and headed off to the hospital. We got to registration and checked in and headed down to Labor and Delivery. I got changed into my Johnny and they hooked me up to the fetal heart monitors. The nurse kept coming back in so that she could check the monitors because she kept getting the same heart beat! At 8:00 a.m. - Dr. Pang came in to check on the monitors and he was having trouble getting two separate heart beats as well. They wheeled in the ultrasound monitor and we realized that Baby Boy was "transverse and breached" so before going any further he said I was going to have to have a C-Section. I was surprisingly ok with the news - but then called mom and started crying. She decided to come up and stay with us in the room to help David keep his mind off of me having a C-Section - he had already said he wasn't going to go in with me! So just in case, mom was there if David freaked out.
Since I had breakfast at 5:30 a.m. - I wasn't able to have my C-Section until 1:00 due to the fact I had food. Oh well - We only had to wait a few hours to meet our babies. The time was now 1:20 and David started putting on his scrubs and Anesthesia finally arrived. She went over some paperwork with me and off I walked to the Operating room.
I entered the operating room and there were enough people in there to play for the Red Sox (haha) - I sat up on the table and the Anesthesiologist started doing the spinal tap. I was thinking this was going to hurt SO unbelievably bad, but the nurse that I had walked me every step of the way and held my hand through the entire process. I felt a little pinch with the Novocain, but other than that, I didn’t' feel anything. They laid me down on the bed and Dr. Pang started "painting" my belly with iodine. He kept saying he's in the wrong profession and that he should be a painter! I told him that wasn't funny! They put the oxygen mask on my face and I started feeling nauseous so I had to have it taken off my face. They then put up the blue tarp and one of the nurses escorted David in the room where he sat right next to my head. He came in at 1:50 p.m. and by 1:51, I was vomiting! It was so hard being tied down to the table and vomiting at the same time! I got everything out of my stomach and all seemed to go well from there.
At about 1:57 Dr. Pang I would start to feel some pressure on my stomach - and boy did it feel like David standing on my chest. Arianna Lynn Manzello made it into the world at 1:58 p.m. after only 8 minutes of surgery! They took her over to the warmer to clean her off and as soon as I heard her little cry, I started to cry. She was finally here! She weighed in at 6lb 9 oz and was 19 inches long. They then were working on getting the 2nd baby out. They told me that I would feel pressure again, and this time it felt like I had a giant elephant standing on my chest cavity! After 2 minutes, Matthew Robert Manzello made his way into the world, weighing in at a whopping 6lb 10oz and being 19 1/2 inches long!
I was able to see him being taken care of in the warmer and being cleaned up due to the location of his warmer. It was so amazing to see and witness! After a few minutes of being cleaned up, Arianna was handed off to David for our first family picture (which I will post when I get home). After a few more minutes Matthew was handed off and David finally had both babies in his arms - we were able to get a great shot with Dr. Pang and both babies.
They then wheeled me back to my room where I had to recover for about an hour before I could have any visitors. My legs were still completely numb and they had me on pain medicine - so I didn't feel too much. After an hour, Mom and Steve were able to come in and visit with their new grandbabies. They were so excited and the babies were so excited to meet them too! They were in there for about 10 minutes and Uncle Brian came in to meet his new niece and nephew. The nurse then came in and told us that they had to be shipped off to the nursery for their tests and to be fully cleaned up. As they were being wheeled out, Auntie Marci showed up along with Joyce and Mike! The babies had lots of visitors!
At about 7pm - and a few hits off my morphine drip I started feeling really sick. Morphine has the same effect Codeine has on my stomach and it makes me vomit. After I ate some jello and got some juice in my stomach, I quickly lost it all and threw up 1/2 the night! I had them take away the morphine around 11:00 pm and get me something else because the pain in my stomach from throwing up and the result of the C-section really hurt my belly!
The first night we kept the babies in the nursery so I could get some sleep and had the nursery take care of their feedings - I tossed and turned most of the night and was pretty uncomfortable. They did give me more pain meds and that seemed to help a bit!
On Wednesday a.m. - they were able to take my IV out and I was able to get my bandage off and was able to take a shower! That felt GREAT! We've had lots of visitors and the babies are doing so wonderful! They are little love bugs and only seem to fuss when they are hungry or when we take their diaper off and they are cold.
Thanks to everyone for your support, emails, phone calls and visits! Feel free to visit at any time - we are always looking for diaper changers!
Love and Kisses
Tara, David, Dominic, Arianna & Matthew
On Tuesday, March 3, 2009 (which we later found out is "square root day" 3x3=9) - and only happens 1x a century for this date! The next "square root day" will be 4/4/16)...so back to the story...
I didn't get much sleep the night before due to the excitement and anxiety of meeting the babies. We got up at 5:15, showered and headed off to the hospital. We got to registration and checked in and headed down to Labor and Delivery. I got changed into my Johnny and they hooked me up to the fetal heart monitors. The nurse kept coming back in so that she could check the monitors because she kept getting the same heart beat! At 8:00 a.m. - Dr. Pang came in to check on the monitors and he was having trouble getting two separate heart beats as well. They wheeled in the ultrasound monitor and we realized that Baby Boy was "transverse and breached" so before going any further he said I was going to have to have a C-Section. I was surprisingly ok with the news - but then called mom and started crying. She decided to come up and stay with us in the room to help David keep his mind off of me having a C-Section - he had already said he wasn't going to go in with me! So just in case, mom was there if David freaked out.
Since I had breakfast at 5:30 a.m. - I wasn't able to have my C-Section until 1:00 due to the fact I had food. Oh well - We only had to wait a few hours to meet our babies. The time was now 1:20 and David started putting on his scrubs and Anesthesia finally arrived. She went over some paperwork with me and off I walked to the Operating room.
I entered the operating room and there were enough people in there to play for the Red Sox (haha) - I sat up on the table and the Anesthesiologist started doing the spinal tap. I was thinking this was going to hurt SO unbelievably bad, but the nurse that I had walked me every step of the way and held my hand through the entire process. I felt a little pinch with the Novocain, but other than that, I didn’t' feel anything. They laid me down on the bed and Dr. Pang started "painting" my belly with iodine. He kept saying he's in the wrong profession and that he should be a painter! I told him that wasn't funny! They put the oxygen mask on my face and I started feeling nauseous so I had to have it taken off my face. They then put up the blue tarp and one of the nurses escorted David in the room where he sat right next to my head. He came in at 1:50 p.m. and by 1:51, I was vomiting! It was so hard being tied down to the table and vomiting at the same time! I got everything out of my stomach and all seemed to go well from there.
At about 1:57 Dr. Pang I would start to feel some pressure on my stomach - and boy did it feel like David standing on my chest. Arianna Lynn Manzello made it into the world at 1:58 p.m. after only 8 minutes of surgery! They took her over to the warmer to clean her off and as soon as I heard her little cry, I started to cry. She was finally here! She weighed in at 6lb 9 oz and was 19 inches long. They then were working on getting the 2nd baby out. They told me that I would feel pressure again, and this time it felt like I had a giant elephant standing on my chest cavity! After 2 minutes, Matthew Robert Manzello made his way into the world, weighing in at a whopping 6lb 10oz and being 19 1/2 inches long!
I was able to see him being taken care of in the warmer and being cleaned up due to the location of his warmer. It was so amazing to see and witness! After a few minutes of being cleaned up, Arianna was handed off to David for our first family picture (which I will post when I get home). After a few more minutes Matthew was handed off and David finally had both babies in his arms - we were able to get a great shot with Dr. Pang and both babies.
They then wheeled me back to my room where I had to recover for about an hour before I could have any visitors. My legs were still completely numb and they had me on pain medicine - so I didn't feel too much. After an hour, Mom and Steve were able to come in and visit with their new grandbabies. They were so excited and the babies were so excited to meet them too! They were in there for about 10 minutes and Uncle Brian came in to meet his new niece and nephew. The nurse then came in and told us that they had to be shipped off to the nursery for their tests and to be fully cleaned up. As they were being wheeled out, Auntie Marci showed up along with Joyce and Mike! The babies had lots of visitors!
At about 7pm - and a few hits off my morphine drip I started feeling really sick. Morphine has the same effect Codeine has on my stomach and it makes me vomit. After I ate some jello and got some juice in my stomach, I quickly lost it all and threw up 1/2 the night! I had them take away the morphine around 11:00 pm and get me something else because the pain in my stomach from throwing up and the result of the C-section really hurt my belly!
The first night we kept the babies in the nursery so I could get some sleep and had the nursery take care of their feedings - I tossed and turned most of the night and was pretty uncomfortable. They did give me more pain meds and that seemed to help a bit!
On Wednesday a.m. - they were able to take my IV out and I was able to get my bandage off and was able to take a shower! That felt GREAT! We've had lots of visitors and the babies are doing so wonderful! They are little love bugs and only seem to fuss when they are hungry or when we take their diaper off and they are cold.
Thanks to everyone for your support, emails, phone calls and visits! Feel free to visit at any time - we are always looking for diaper changers!
Love and Kisses
Tara, David, Dominic, Arianna & Matthew
Sunday, March 1, 2009
1 more day!
Well - today ends our last weekend of peace and quiet - LOL. We are due for about 15 inches of snow over night (go figure) - and my luck - my water will break! I'm feeling pretty good - so I think the babies are just too comfy and aren't planning on coming out on their own.
I'm getting a little nervous - but more excited! I can't believe I've gone this long with twins - I just hope things go smoothly on Tuesday and the babies come quick - none of this 40 hour labor stuff! hahaha - but then again - these are our stubborn children and that's probably what will happen!
My next update will be with pictures of the babies and the outcome of their births - I can't wait!
I'm getting a little nervous - but more excited! I can't believe I've gone this long with twins - I just hope things go smoothly on Tuesday and the babies come quick - none of this 40 hour labor stuff! hahaha - but then again - these are our stubborn children and that's probably what will happen!
My next update will be with pictures of the babies and the outcome of their births - I can't wait!
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