Pedi visit update

Pics: Kendall being interested in something (or surprised). Clark being cute. Emma being happy-baby.

We had our "two month" pediatrician appt yesterday afternoon. The babies are technically 11 wks old, adjusted age 5 wks old, but for some reason, this was the two month visit. We were told that their vaccinations would begin and we were both somewhat hesitant because of all of the info out there about reactions to vaccines, etc.

We are reading "The Vaccine Book" and the author has a recommended vaccine schedule that we have decided to follow which meant the babies only got two vaccines today - DTaP and Rotavirus(as opposed to the 6 that were planned). So far, so good. The pedi/dr was very understanding of our concerns and will work with us to be sure that we are comfortable. We are not planning to skip vaccinating altogether, but adjust the schedule because of their preemie status and also to keep from overloading their little bodies with too much at one time. All of this is something that parents these days seem to struggle with and we just want to try to do what is best for our little ones. It was a very difficult decision, but we think that vaccinating is important as well as protecting our babies.

Anyway, here are the "stats":
Kendall weighed in at 9lbs 3oz and was 21 and some inches long.
Emma was 8lbs 6oz and 21 and 1/2 inches long.
Clark was 8lbs 13 oz and 21 and 3/4 inches long. He also has the largest head which ranked in the 90th percentile. We thought that was sort of funny since he was originally the tiny one of the bunch. It must mean that he's going to be super-smart, right?

The babies are all growing (obviously) and the dr even commented that they are developing well (meaning farther along than their "adjusted" age of 5wks). They are really taking it all in when you speak to them, tracking objects, focusing on specific objects, smiling, holding their own heads often and even trying to hold onto things (though we don't think they know that they are holding anything). They seem to enjoy the time on the activity mat and even when you try to "play" with them. Even diaper changes have gotten more pleasant as they don't seem to think it's torture and we can actually get a smile or two out of them sometimes.

Today we are sort of recovering from the vaccinations, we think. They slept pretty hard until 3am (after a 6pm'ish feeding). We decided that they needed to sleep and would wake up when they were ready to eat - or one of them would and then we would wake everyone up. Clark is running just a little bit of a temperature, so he's had some Tylenol. We are sort of avoiding giving that out unless we really have to, but thought it would be helpful to get his temperature back to normal. Kendall has been a little more fussy, but still sort of like she has been where it seems to relate to trouble digesting her food. Emma is OUT. She is pooped from all of the excitement yesterday and our little stroll earlier around the backyard.

We are still in survival mode. As I said before, things have gotten a little easier as 1.) the babies get a little "older" and 2.) we get used to this new life. We have times when we can sneak in a little extra sleep here and there and we continue to be so grateful that we have time to get out of the house for a meal away or to run errands, etc. So far, though, our yard is mowed, we have clean clothes and clean dishes and manage to get plenty to eat.

I've been so fortunate to have people who have been willing to help me get through the day with the little ones - scheduled during feeding times - and we still have the nurse coming a few hours each week. We are always looking for people who want to hold/feed babies, so please contact us if you would be interested. And we are also looking for a "mother's helper" to be here with me during the day longer-term. This person would not be left alone with the babies (we would be at home - though maybe in the yard or something). It would allow me to get things done around the house and get through the feeding times a little easier. We realize that people are busy and probably can't continue to show up each week as volunteers, so I'm trying to plan ahead a little. If you know someone who might be interested in this sort of thing, please let me know. We are considering an older high school student (girl scout or someone who has a lot of babysitting experience - during the summer, of course) or someone who is just looking for some time with babies and a little extra money each week.

We'll be back soon with an update and more pics. I'm hoping to get some video on here as well.
Take care and have a great weekend!