Above, both babies love being close to each other
Above, Steve holding one of Joy's socks (it's even too big on her yet!)
Above, Joy's "naked bird" picture
Above: This little scowl is a typical expression for Joy
We LOVE it when they open their eyes!
Great Grandma holding both babies...how special!
Above: Mom and Dad surprised us with these cute signs in our yard.
Above: Hospital discharge--just 2 days later, and no NICU!
Above: Oma and Opa Van Wyk with Peter (Joy was being cared for by nurses because of a little fluid in her lungs and low blood sugar)
Above: Grandma and Grandpa Breuker with Peter
Above: Proud papa Steve with Joy!At the risk of sounding cliche, it's quite hard to believe we already made it through the first week. We are loving being parents of twins, and we are pleasantly surprised at how relatively painless it's been! Thanks to the help of friends and relatives, we have had plenty of food and either one of the grandma's has stayed over every night. Neither baby is terribly fussy, although, Joy is quite the gourmet eater when it comes to appetite, and Peter is exactly the opposite--he just gulps it all down and can't get enough, while Joy won't even take a sip unless the latch is absolutely perfect to her standards (whatever they are!!). Feeding time is a huge ordeal and involves tons of pillows and cloths, and at least two sets of hands to get the babies latched and feeding. We are so proud of both babies for the progress they've made at feeding, and especially for Joy, who finally is done having to drink the formula supplements they gave her in the hospital, and is sucking well enough to eat on her own! In my opinion, breast feeding is much easier than bottle feeding, since there are no bottles to wash or heat up. Dinner is ready to go at any time!
We are thankful that we've been able to laugh at the blowouts, pees on daddy as he changes them, huge burps, and even a THREE-diaper change!
Joy has become renowned for her funny "old man" expressions. I think she will be quite a diva! We think she looks like a naked little bird when she's just in her diaper because of how skinny she is. Peter just kind of goes with the flow and rarely complains unless he hasn't gotten enough to eat.
Mommy is feeling well, and has lost a total of 37 lbs since pre-labor weight! She is glad the weight seems to be dropping despite her huge appetite!
Congratulations on making it through the first week! It sounds like you guys are pros already and I know you will be WONDERFUL parents. Once things are settled down a little and all of the sickness is gone I would LOVE to come and visit!!! Take care and enjoy Peter and Joy!!
ReplyDelete37 lbs in a week! Holy Cow! Can I borrow the twins to lose weight for my wedding? HA!
ReplyDeleteNo wonder you have a huge appetite - you are making food for two babies! And my gosh these pictures are so precious! Also, I agree - Joy DOES look like a baby bird! :) I am so amazed that your breastfeeding twins - so awesome, especially considering the added challenge of doing two at once! I have nursed all three of my children, and it is SO the way to go. It sounds like they are so healthy (and nursing really helps that, too) and strong - you've done a great job growing them!! And wow - 37 pounds already - amazing... :)
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful! I am so happy for you that you are able to breast feed, I am sure that makes a HUGE difference. So cute! I hope to be able to meet them someday.
ReplyDeleteI love the shots of the babies together... it's like they're snuggling with each other. Adria, you look great and are an amazing Mommy! Hi Daddy Steve!
ReplyDeletesuch precious babies. thanks for the update - i've been wondering how you're doing. nursing one makes me ravenous; i can't imagine the appetite nursing two! treat yourself well, and enjoy those newborn moments.
ReplyDelete(maya was 5 lbs. 10 oz. and 18" long when she was born at 35 weeks, so i fully understand the skinny bird/little old man comparisons. i also understand what a victory a good latch can be! you're doing great, adria.)
Adria, I breastfed Raegan for a year and I agree with you that it is easier than getting a bottle ready, however you are attached a bit more when the feedings are so close together and you can't go out of the house on errands for long, etc. Not that is matters at this time. I also lost tons of weight with the breastfeeding too. I am now 62 pounds lighter than I was last year. It's amazing how quickly the body changes. You and Steve are doing an amazing job. The babies look so content in the photos. Thanks so much for sharing. Hope to see you at Jen's wedding, even if it is brief. Blessings to you all.
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