Home Sweet Home...Kinda (First Few Weeks)

Kisses for baby sister 

Being silly with baby brother

Ellery's first bath

Rory's first bath 

Rory at 1 week

Ellery at 1 week

Rory on left and Ellery on right

First walk with all the kids

Ellery at 2 weeks

Rory at 2 weeks

Some rare sleeping time after nursing 

Babies everywhere!  Better than any jewelry ;)

Floor time with big brother Brooks

First time at grocery store

-The first few weeks (and months) were simply survival mode for our family.  I honestly can't remember much about them and really don't care too.  I'm not saying that because I don't feel blessed, but rather because the first 4 months of the twins life were the HARDEST thing I have ever done.  I could not have gotten through those nights without Josh by my side.  He was a rock star!  He cooked, cleaned and got up with the babies along with me in the middle of the night.  I felt as though we would never sleep again.  My mom was also there every step of the way.  She was over helping out in any way she could with the kids.  We had support of our family and friends by bringing dinners and taking Brooks for a little while during the day.  Josh's parents were in every month to help out in any way possible.  Again...survival mode.  I was not used to giving up control and not being able to do everything myself.  I HAD to ask for help.  The quote " I can do anything, but I can't do everything" was so true in my new life.

-The babies were gaining weight, but still not as quickly as they should.  We had to wake Rory every 3 hours to feed him.  We also still had to supplement him to get extra calories and Ellery as well to help with her jaundice.  I was disappointed at first that I had to supplement so early on, but again...had to give up some of my pre-conceived ideas of how things were going to go.  I did nurse them both (at same time!) for 4 months.  At that time Ellery was the one not gaining enough weight and Rory got really sick (more to come later about that).  I decided to stop nursing and go to straight bottles.  I helped getting them on a schedule and life quickly got easier!

-From the start Rory was more of my laid back baby and Ellery had some fire inside of her.  They both seemed to get very fussy when I had dairy, so I limited that when nursing them.  Ellery struggled taking larger volumes from breast and bottle.  Rory was so small and weak that he fell asleep while nursing.  Therefore they were always hungry and fussy. Boy it was difficult.  Once they both got on the bottle they started thriving!  They gained great weight and seemed more content.  Rory quickly surpassed Ellery and was the big one!  

-At first Brooks was SO good and adjusted so well.  He was so excited to have a brother AND sister!  He gave lots of kisses and hugs.  However, that quickly got boring and he was ready for them to do more.  The twins needed all my attention and Brooks had trouble adjusting to that.  He started to act out and the behavior started to be very challenging (and still is!).  I felt so guilty giving so much time to the twins and just couldn't manage to find time for him too.  I was being pulled in so many directions.  I tried to make the time we did have count...but we were so limited with time.  It was just so hard and I saw my little man slowly slipping away from me.  Everyone told me it was only a phase and it will get better, but when you are stuck in the moment you can not see out of the tunnel.  I saw no light and had trouble dealing with all my feelings.  I realized I was dealing with some post pardum anxiety along with extreme hormone mood swings.  It was double having twins.  I just thank Josh, my family and friends for sticking by me during that challenging time in my life.

It's a GIRL and a BOY!!!!

Ellery Elaine Blackmore
Baby "A"
8-19-13
7 lb 1 oz and 21 in long
7:41 am

Rory Mac Blackmore
Baby "B"
8-19-13
5 lb 12 oz and 19.75 in long
7:43 am

Ellery

Ellery

Rory

Josh's first time holding the twins

My first time holding the twins

Skin to skin with my little girl

Those lips

My little peanut

Best Friends

Proud Big Brother Brooks

Heading Home after a week stay

Home Sweet Home...now the fun begins!

-Boy oh Boy...where did the year go?  I stopped blogging after the twins were born because I simply did not have time.  I was consumed with raising my three kids and trying to balance life with twins, a toddler, work, being a wife, homemaker and friend.  I must say I didn't do such a great job at first.  My world was rocked.  I knew raising twins and a toddler was going to be tough, but I didn't realize how tough it was really going to be.  I honestly don't remember much about the first 4 months.  I was dealing with extreme lack of sleep, extreme hormone changes, sick kids, a moody and needy toddler and pain from C-section to name a few things.  So, I apologize for not blogging about the birth of my blessings...but I have a few good excuses ;)  I am hoping to start blogging again to catch up to the current.  My intentions of this blog is for my personal use (kind of like a baby book for my kids) and also to keep family/friends in touch with the kids.  

-I made it to 38 wk 4 days gestation with the twins.  My scheduled C-section was 8/19/13.  At 7:41am my life changed again for the better.  Our DAUGHTER, Ellery Elaine was born.  It was the most wonderful feeling hearing those words..."it's a girl!".  I have a daughter!  I felt in shock and awe of hearing those words.  What was I going to do with a girl?  My heart raced thinking about the friendship we will have and I hope we have the same bond as I do with my mom.  Before I knew it my precious baby BOY was born at 7: 43 am.  I couldn't believe it!  I have another son.  I always wanted another son and my dreams came true.  Rory Mac entered our lives and my life was forever complete.  Rory was a little smaller than Ellery and there were a few complications at birth.  He had to spend 1.5 days in the NICU for breathing difficulties and some testing.  I felt so lost and guilty just having Ellery to hold and breast feed.  Rory was just too weak to only breast feed and needed supplements right away.  He took the bottle well and was gaining weight.  Before I knew it he was in my arms right next to his sister.  Ellery was jaundice and had to be under the bilirubin lights for several days.  I was having some complications from the C-section.  I had a hemorrhage and blood clot.  We all ended up staying 6 days in the hospital.  I was torn between taking care of myself and the twins and wanting to be home with Brooks.  Josh did an amazing job of keeping it all together and bouncing back between the hospital and home.  He made sure Brooks was taken care of and not lost in the shuffle.  Speaking of Brooks, he was 3.5 years when the twins were born.  He was amazing at first!  He loved holding the twins and thought they were the best!  We were welcomed home with balloons, banners, driveway chalk well wishes, and dinner.  Home Sweet Home......for now ;)

38 weeks!!!

38 week twin belly



Brooks loves to give the babies kisses




This was my belly at 8 weeks



And now at 38 weeks with twins!!! Crazy what the body can do!
-I made it!!! My 38 week checkup went great and HBs were in 140s and 150s. I have had four main goals this pregnancy with the twins and making it to 38 weeks without bed rest was one of them. The other ones were 1) work up to my 36 th week 2) gain enough weight to help ensure healthy birth weights of the twins and 3) give birth to at least 6 lb babies
Looks like I'll be meeting all goals!! I was so afraid going into this pregnancy because I know how risky it is to carry twins. Most moms go on bed rest and the average gestational age for twins is 35 weeks and 5 lb birth weights. There are so many risks with early deliveries and I wanted to give these twins the best start to life as I could. It hasn't been easy, but worth it knowing I've done all I could. Now it's in God's hands. My c section date is quickly approaching. I pray all goes well. I pray for the strength, love and patience to raise twins. I also pray that I never lose my special connection with My Guy (Brooks). I pray Josh and I only grow closer and stronger through this journey to raise these children. I feel so blessed to have been given this opportunity. I can't wait to meet our blessings;)
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Soccer camp

I loved soccer camp!

-Brooks attended soccer camp this past week from 9-12 at Josh's work. My sister runs the camp and even though Brooks was a little young, she let him come and hang out with the 4 yr olds. He was a little unsure the first day, but then loved it! He learned a lot and really seemed to like soccer. Of course that makes me happy...but I'm just glad he had a good time away from "mommy" and is getting more comfortable being independent. I almost didn't know what to do with myself for those 3 hrs since I wasn't working!! If I'm not working, I'm usually with Brooks. I ended up taking advantage of the time getting things checked off my list because soon enough I will have NO me time;)

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37 weeks with twins

Babies have dropped!!




Feeling huge! But worth it for these babies
-we had a 37 wk 1 day ultrasound this past Thursday. Babies continue to be growing and doing great! Baby A is already 6 lb 14 oz!!!! HB was lower at 140. Baby B is also a nice size at 6 lb! HB was 134. Baby B has lots of hair according to ultrasound. I just can't wait to meet them! Drs are happy with where things are at and feel fine waiting until my 38 th week to do c section. We are busy finishing up last minute stuff and getting things checked off the list. I'm soaking up these last precious days with just my little guy and Josh. Life will change dramatically, but I know it will eventually be for the better.
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36 weeks pregnant with twins

36 week twin belly;)









Here are one set of sheets for the nursery that are more gender neutral



Here is another set of sheets that I love!! They are slightly more girlish, but so pretty in person that I had to get them.

-we had our 36 week checkup today. Nothing too exciting to report. Baby A HB was around 155 and Baby B was around 138. I am scheduled to see the doctor again next thurs as well as another ultrasound.
-the nursery is really close to being done for now. I have found it challenging to decorate this time for a more gender neutral twin nursery, but I am happy so far with how it's turning out. I plan to add finishing touches after I know what we are having! I'll post pix once it's together.

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Reclaimed Wood Wall

Josh making progress on wall




Brooks thinks his wall is cool!



Finished!




Industrial lights for bedtime stories




Galvanized gas piping for curtain rods


-We have been busy at work on Brooks's big boy room. I have had this vision of what I wanted it to look like, but knew I needed my handy husband's help. I wanted to find some reclaimed wood and put it on his wall behind his bed as a focal piece. I first thought we could use old pallets. But then my mom said her neighbor was replacing her old fence! That would be much easier! We ended up picking out our favorite pieces and took home 90 boards that were 6 ft each! I power washed them to get off dirt and algae. I then scrubbed with a cleaner to get off rest of algae. Here's where I needed Josh's handy work. He did an amazing job of cutting the wood different lengths and nailing them to wall with varying colors and lengths. He did an awesome job!!! We then hung old industrial lights by his bed for our night time stories. For his curtain rods, we used galvanized gas piping to keep the industrial feel. I now have to finish his curtains and his room is done for now!! Brooks LOVES his big boy room and feels so special. I want a wall like that in the master room now!
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What we've been up to this summer....

I like to ramp my cars off mommy's tummy when she is resting

I've been a big help planting flowers with Mommy

And mulching with Daddy

I'm a huge help at the grocery store with Mommy

I got to visit our local fire station!

I took swim lessons...not sure about putting my head under the water

Grammy, PawPaw and Cousin Miranda came to visit

We've been out to eat....lots ;)

I've been hanging out with my Cousin Oliver

I went to my Aunt Tara's soccer camp...even though I was a little young.

We got a new van to fit our soon-to-be family of 5 (plus 2 dogs!)

We like going to the Cool Creek Concert Series.

I was cooling Daddy off with some ice!

We've been to the park lots!

I had fun at the Fourth of July Parade with my best friend Davis.

I saw my first movie! It was funny.

-We have had a fun summer despite that fact that I can't do things quite as easily carrying these twins ;) Brooks has had fun playing with his friends, hanging out at Grandma's, riding his bike and motorized Hummer, going to the lake, playing at the park, listening to outside concerts, helping out around the house, going to movies, enjoying yummy food...etc.  His world is going to change reallly soon and I kind of makes me sad that my days with just my little man are soon going to be up.  I know it will only be a positive change in the long run...but change is always hard for me.  I just feel so lucky to be his mom.  I love seeing him and Josh play "rough" together and soaking up all his knowledge.   He's going to be such a great big brother...once he adjusts to not being the only child.  

-On a side note, Brooks had a follow-up Allergy appointment and had the skin test again.  He remains allergic to tree nuts (mostly hazelnut, almonds and cashews) and eggs.  He has not been doing his nightly breathing treatments since May to see how he responds when he gets sick. So far he has been great...but this fall when he goes back to school will be the real test!