Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Proud to be an American (almost...)

Billy got his green card yesterday! Hurrah!!

We had to go into Boston for the interview and, as is life, there was no shortage of hassle. You have to go through security to enter the building, much like an airport except they let you keep your shoes on. We had decided to bring the babies with us since we figured there is no better proof of our relationship than them. With the two of us, it wasn't too bad getting everything and everyone through.

Once we made our way to the appropriate room and Billy got in line, the fire alarm went off and the building went on lock down. Everyone was evacuated. As luck would have it, the exit next to us was no handicap accessible (read as: not stroller accessible) so I had to go all the to the other end (where we came in) and go out that way. After 15 minutes outside, on the hottest day of the year, they let us back in. Only now I was alone (Billy had to stay in line by the other exit) and had to carry two babies through security, while people stared at me like I nuts. In their defense, it would have been a little nutty to plan to do this alone.

The interview went well, the babies (mostly) behaved and the nice immigration officer approved Billy's green card request. So, he is now a resident. Not an American citizen but close. I'm thinking of making one of those American flag cakes. Billy may take offense, though, which kinda makes me want it even more.

Now we just have to get the babies their dual citizenship in El Salvador and we will be done with government forms and meetings and the like for many years.



PS - the woman who manned the desk at the immigration interview room looked exactly like the Crypt Keeper. No lie. And she acted like she might be part dead, too. Do you ever think that just maybe, certain people are simply unemployable? And that the government finds all those people and gives them jobs? I kinda feel bad for those government workers who are actually good at their jobs. These zombie people are totally giving them a bad rap.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Weaning Progress

I know this is not such a fun topic but I just want to have a record of how it all went down. I have been trying to research weaning from the pump but have not had success. There is so little info out there on exclusively pumping and even less on how to stop!

So, today is day 4 of weaning. I was going to drop to 4 pumps but, based on the timing, it made more sense to go down to 4. So, I pump when I wake up, during the twins' second nap and lastly before I go to sleep at night. I try not to pump any more than 15 minutes so that I don't empty all the way but its hard - it doesn't feel right to stop when you still have that fullness.

My production has decreased but not by much yet. Yesterday, I think I produced around 45-48 oz, down from 54. I feel like its going to be really painful to drop that midday pump. Not sure when I should drop it. I think when I get down to around 30 oz I can drop to 2 pumps without getting too engorged. I have a history of plugged ducts and have had to do some mini-in-between pumps the past couple days so that it doesn't get out of hand.

I read that sage tea helps decrease milk production, as well as peppermint and cabbage leaves in the bra (thanks, Sadia!!). Beyond that, I'm not sure what else I can do. This seems to be harder than increasing supply - go figure!

My goal is to be done by the end of the month - I'm not sure if that is realistic. I also don't know how long it will be before I get my dear friend back, if you know what I mean. Another goal over which I have no control.

Isn't it lovely, being a woman? *Sigh*

Saturday, August 15, 2009

100th Post: Decisions, Decisions

I have decided to stop pumping. There. Variety of reasons but everyone is happy. So far. I have been pumping 5 times a day and today I will drop down to 4. Not sure how long it will take overall. If you have tips/advice/warnings, I'd gladly accept them.

And now I have to buy formula...hmmm...

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Thursday Theater: Man on the Move

FavAuntie made me post this! And I promised I would, so here is a video of Sebastian crawling. Beware, it's the worst video quality since they invented video recording.



PS - this is my 99th post. Not sure what (if anything) I should do for my 100th...

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Way Back When-esday: Fourth of July

My cousin's girlfriend, Rachel, is a freelance photographer and got to take lots of pictures of the babies (and mommy and daddy!) at our family's 4th of July cook out.

This outing actually went VERY well, compared to our memorial Day cook out which was a disaster for us. Amazing what a difference a month in age and a little experience for mom and dad can make! Due to their happy dispositions, we got a lot of great baby/family shots and here a few of the best ones:

Not sure what we are going to do about this binkie habit...

Her perfect little curious face

Colie looks pissed and of course the dog isn't cooperating but I'm so glad to have a nice picture of all 5 of us!

More flashbacks can be found at Twinfatuation!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Oops, I did it again

I think I have a communication problem. Again, I am putting my foot in my mouth when it comes to talking to singleton moms. Maybe it's not me, but I'm starting to think it must be. Here is what happened at the indoor play space yesterday.

Singleton mom: Did you walk here? (to me and my twin momma friend, in reference to our double strollers, mine a jogging one, hers not)

Me: No. (confused look on face)

Singleton mom: Oh. So, are those always here? (again, in reference to the strollers)

Me: Um, no. They're ours.

Singleton mom walked away. And that was that. Later, as we were packing up the babies and lifting our behemoth strollers over the gate to play room (of course, the stroller did not fit through the gate opening and we needed them for feeding...sigh...), I noticed an umbrella stroller next to the gate.

Me: Oh, Megan (my twin momma friend) - look how small this stroller is! (sigh longingly)

I turned back to the stroller and the same singleton mom was pulling it away. Great - it was hers...

Singleton mom: (gruffly with a tinge of defensiveness) Well, it may be small but it holds a lot. (dirty look)

Clearly, she did not understand that I was envious of her bite-size, feather weight stroller, perfect to fit one stroller bound child. She instead thought I was showing off with my big, fancy, can't-fit-through-aisles-or-baby-gates-and-takes-Herculean-strength-to-lift double stroller. Ya, you all want to be me - I know.

I guess I will just need to stop talking to singleton moms (except the ones I already know - love you guys!!). I am clearly speaking a foreign language...

Monday, August 10, 2009

Mobility Makes My Monday!

Back at Cheryl's for Makes My Monday!!

First, check out my post at How Does YOUR Garden Grow and see my inner Julia Child!

Other than cooking up summer veggies, I have big news that is making my Monday. (drum roll...) Sebastian is CRAWLING!! Hurrah! I don't have a video of it yet because I'm an awful 21st century mom but I will get one before the end of the week. He isn't ready for a diaper commercial yet because he uses one knee one one foot to make forward progress instead of both knees. But he is kind of doing the left-right-left-right motion instead of just scooting forward inch worm style. And he shows very early signs of pulling up so I need to get the whole "child-proofing" thing. He is partial to electronics and their cords so I have to be a lot more careful and keep those things out of reach. More work for me but I'm happy that we are making progress!

Here he comes!!



In less exciting news, both babies can feed themselves their whole bottles, reliably so. This morning was the first morning (first time, actually) they both fed themselves. I hovered next to them while reading a book. Does life get better?


Thursday, August 6, 2009

Too many cooks?

Lately, I have been getting the feeling that children "misbehave" more when other people are around. I'm not sure if this is just coincidence or if they are simply seeking attention. Not sure if they are seeking my attention or just any adult.

For example, all week, my sister (Auntie Kim) has been staying with me. She still has to go to work but is home by 3:30 so she spends a nice chunk of time with the twins. And all week, they have been so cranky. I was dreading today, knowing that once she left to go to work this morning, I would be on my own with two 8 month olds who seem to hate life. But today, they have been happy angels. Maybe they are taking pity on me. Maybe they are as sick of hearing themselves whine as I am. Or maybe the gods have intervened so that I don't resign as their mother and give them up for adoption.

I realize I am seriously jinxing myself by writing this post but I am just curious to know if other moms have experienced this with their infants. I also do not want to sound ungrateful for all the help I get from my sister and mom while Billy is gone - it is a life- and sanity-saver!! Even if it does make my kids whine and fuss...

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Two for Twosday: Getting Big

Baby's first ride in a shopping cart, times 2!



Baby's new car seat, times 2!



Baby's first backyard pool, times 2!


Collette is pretty pissed in this one but that was the day she got sick so I'll say that's why she got so mad and not because we made her go in the pool.

Now, if only they would walk, feed themselves and change their own diapers...

Monday, August 3, 2009

A not so fun first...

A rash, swollen foot and fever of 103 degrees landed little Miss Collette in the ER on Sunday afternoon. This is the first real illness (more than just sniffles) that we have had with either baby and we are lucky that it wasn't anything serious. Apparently, it's just a run-of-the-mill viral infection and will be all gone in a day or so.

I gotta say though, it was weird doing something (even if it was a trip to the ER) with just one kid. Billy stayed home with Sebastian while I packed up Colie. Of course, we don't have a single stroller, even though I have been advised to get one, just in case - should have listened to you, Mommy Esq.! The valet at the hospital took my car away once I got baby, stroller, purse and diaper bag out of the car. When I tried to put Collette in the stroller she screamed bloody murder so I had to carry her into the waiting room, while holding two bags and pushing an empty double stroller. I looked like such a fool.

But despite the weird looks I got for pushing the empty double stroller, no one paid us much attention. Not one person came up to me to comment on Collette, tell me how cute she is, ask me how old she is or how big she is. A mommy with her (one) baby daughter just isn't so interesting, I guess. A dime a dozen. This must be how it is for singleton moms when they go to the market or the mall. No one stopping them to repeat some cliche or bombarding them with questions. It surprised me at first but then it was kind of nice to not have worry about strangers and just focus on my kid.

Collette is fine and almost 100% back to normal. And she was nice enough to spare her brother - he only got a very slight fever and no rash or swelling.

All better! Just the anklet as evidence...