Day in the Life of...: July 2010

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Today Leah and I were playing with Erik, smiling at him and in return he would giggle and smile back! I told Leah that his surgery was next week and I was going to miss his 'wide smile'. She didn't really understand what I meant, asking if he wouldn't be able to smile anymore, or if his mouth would be different. I explained that right now when he smiles, it is huge and contagious! Literally takes up his whole face! There is going to be a change after his surgery because the cleft will be sewn together. Leah went on about how she is going to miss his smile as well, and even told Grandma on the phone tonight how she was going to miss Erik's wide smile! It made me smile, made me proud of my girl who is learning compassion through her brother who looks a little different, yet loves the things about him that make him different!

I know that all kids ask questions and always make comments about people who look different. It made me sad when a little boy at the pool said that Erik looked gross. I am glad that his smile is going to be 'put back together', but I am going to miss it, and I am always sad that people are ignorant and will continue to be ignorant, especially when it comes to adults and the quality of life my children will have. Do they seriously think that my kids cannot and will not have a 'normal' functioning life because they look a little different. It pisses me off and I am hoping I can teach my children compassion and love towards others so they will be able to look past the differences and get to know the person for who they really are and not only for what they look like. I guess the greatest way I will be able to teach them is if I convey that myself.

This wasn't meant to be a rant tonight, but I guess that is what came about!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Just an update

I have realized that other than facebook, I have no records of the babies growth and development. When they are older I am going to have to search old facebook pages searching for mildstones and growth records!!

This makes me sad. Not only becuase the twins are my last babies, but because I don't want them to think that I didn't care!

July 25th 2010 Stats!

Erik James

age: 4 months 2 weeks old

weight 13 lbs 6oz

length: 23" long

Erik is eating anywhere from 7-8oz each feed! I feel like he eats so much, but I think it is because he sleeps so much that he eats when he can!! He is sleeping 12-13 hrs in a row at night! I love that no matter what time he goes to sleep at night, anywhere from 7-9, he will be out until the morning. Plus he usually has one super long nap during the day, 5-6 hrs, and maybe a cat nap or two. We are able to put him to sleep awake and he will fall asleep on his own, the times he doesn't just fall asleep we know there is something wrong, either needing to eat more or have his bum changed. He is a happy baby who is always smiling and happy! He loves to suck on his fingers and is always trying to stick as many of them into his mouth as he possibly can. He loves to watch people and has started grabbing for toys or people, or anything he sees. I must admit, I am slightly worried about his lip repair coming up on Aug 5th, because all of this may change. I put him to sleep on his tummy (ya ya I know) and he sucks his fingers. After his lip repair he will have to wear arm restraints and won't be able to sleep on his tummy. I know that we will get through it, we did with Caidy, but that is what I think about!

Olivia Joyce

age: 4 months 2 weeks

weight: 12 lbs 12 oz

lenth:22"

My baby girl is growing like crazy! She is my chunky monkey who started out so small, 4lbs 14oz, and has grown to be my biggest baby girl! She is very scheduled and structured. Olivia is eating 5 oz at every feed and takes her bottles every 3-4 hrs like clockwork. She has been putting herself to sleep for months now, sucks her thumb and prefers to be put down in her crib rather than cuddled to sleep. There are times I find myself missing her, or wanting to cuddle because she is so self suffcient! Olivia has the most beautiful smile, but does not give it away easily! She reminds me so much of Leah who would scowl at everyone, kind of choosing who she was going to smile at. Olivia loves to lay on a blanket kicking and looking around, she will look at toys, but doesn't grab yet. It is awesome to listen to her babble away and yesterday started blowing raspberries. It is so cute listening to her making noises, talking away! She is also very demanding, if she is hungry she wants it now, although she won't eat her milk cold, so she has to wait while it is warmed up!