It's Been a While.

So it has definitely been a while since I have created a blog post! I'm hoping that now that the twins are older I will have more time to focus again on this. So lets play catch up?

The last blog post I made was in August 2014, since then a lot has happened. We celebrated Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, & Luke's 4th birthday, Madison will be 3 the end of this month, the twins will be turning one next month and have been hitting plenty of milestones.

We got some good snow this winter so the kids built a snowman with daddy!

Cold winter nights call for hot coca, pretzels, and a movie!

Maddie is obsessed with ballerinas.

She approves this message.

Madison has been potty trained (day and night) for a few months now. Thank goodness! 

MacKenzie can stand unassisted for a good amount of time. She will be walking soon!

The crawl around and get into anything and everything they can. 

The girls eat table food and love it! 

Riley pulls her self up and stands while holding onto things but not unassisted yet.

Riley is such a ham! She is the laid back one between the girls. MacKenzie is more serious.

Week One!

A week has already gone by since the girls were born and a lot of stuff has been happening! 

I ended up with a spinal head ache and went to the ER to get a blood patch done. It worked to calm the main head ache but I will still on occasion get a head ache during the day, caffeine usually helps. 

The girls have been to the hospital in town three times since we have been home. All three visits were to get blood taken from one of their feet to test their bilirubin levels. MacKenzie's was high the first two times but thankfully they are both out of the "no-no zone" now. 

MacKenzie getting her foot pricked (slept right through it!)

The girls also had a check up with Dr. Wood on Wednesday (the day after we got home). MacKenzie weighed 5lbs 10oz and Riley weighed 5lbs 11oz, nothing to worry about since they both were giving me problems with eating. They are pro's at it now though! MacKenzie took a little longer to understand the breastfeeding thing but she has it down pat now. Riley has been a great from the start but will give me problems at night.

Sleep has been great as well. I figured out a routine that will allow us 4-5hrs of sleep before the girls wake up to eat & then another 2-3hrs of sleep before they are up for the day. I give them a bath at least an hour before we plan to go to bed, pj's, cuddles, feedings right before we go up to bed, & then swaddle!

Some of Peter's family from down state came up to visit so all six of us went to say hello and have dinner! The kids got to hang out and play with their cousins for a bit which was so nice. 

Luke on the far left and Madison on the far right

MacKenzie and Riley with two of their cousins

Mother's Day I spent with family. The below was my present from the kids & I love it!

So overall the first week has been very eventful and has kept us occupied! The girls have been happy & healthy, Luke and Madison have been great with them, and I'm adjusting well(:

30 Weeks!

Development: Their heads are more proportionate to their bodies. They can open their eyes and move their heads. 

How Far Along:  30 Weeks

Weight Gain/Loss:  Gained 3 more pounds, making it a total of 7lbs this entire pregnancy.

Sleep: Not good. Going to the bathroom 3x a night, tossing and turning, pain in my lower abdomen.

Best Moment This Week:  Hearing the girls heartbeats.

Movement: The girls move a lot but have recently slowed down a bit.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Still Rita's & anything spicy!

What I Miss: Sleep & not being pregnant. I'm ready to have these babies.

Stretch Marks:  Not lately.

Belly Button:  Outtie!

Wedding Rings:  Adjustable.

Mood: Exhausted but ready for the babies to come!

Labor Signs:  Light contractions, slower fetal movement. 

Milestones:  Only 6-8 weeks left!

Upcoming Appointments/Events: I had an appointment with Dr. Wood yesterday. I'll see Dr. Dolkart again next Tuesday. May be starting my NST soon. 

What I look forward to: Having these babies out & holding them!

Ways To Be A Happy Stay At Home Mom/Wife

Having the chance to stay at home with your children is such a blessing! At the same time it is very challenging and you may find yourself stressed out, exhausted, and fed up.

• Wake up before the kids!

Get ready for the day before the kids wake up. I wake up every morning at least 2 hours before the kids usually wake. Being able to put away the clean dishes, load the dishwasher with the dirty ones, have my coffee, get dressed, and enjoy an episode of my favorite show before the kids wake up let's me relax. It also let's me get ready because I know if I don't do it before I either won't do it at all after or I will rush through it later.

• Lower your expectations.

When you have low expectations you are less likely to become disappointed if something doesn't get done (which is okay).

• Make time for your significant other.

A date night (out or in) or just time together after the kids are in bed watching your favorite show together. When the kids are awake be sure to steal a hug or kiss (or two) from your significant other. Don't forget that they are there too and need some of your attention, even if its a quick reminder of how much you love them. 

• More smiles, singing, & giggles. 

Go ahead and be Snow White(:  When I start my work for the day I put on some music. Not only does it help me from getting bored but the kids enjoy dancing to it and I enjoy singing! So if you come over during cleaning time you will find Snow White (me) singing while working and her little dwarfs (the kids) dancing away! 

• Talk to grown ups.

When you stay at home all day with the kids you almost forget that there are other adults in the world. Give a friend a phone call at the end of the day or have a girls night with your friends. Leave the conversation about our kids at home and talk about other things. 

• Get out of the house.

Go for a walk, play in the park with the kids, or go out in the backyard...do something that is not inside! It will help you from getting cabin fever. Even if it's just for a quick run to the gas station to fill up the car, do something!

• Clean a little each day.

Doing all the dusting on Monday, Sweeping each night before bed, Bathrooms on Wednesday...breaking it down will make it easier. I usually enjoy doing most of my cleaning during the kids nap times or before bed so when I wake up in the morning I don't wake up to a mess!

• Make a schedule.

It will save you. When the days hit that the kids are screaming and not cooperating you will thank yourself for having a schedule. You will also be less stressed thinking if you missed an appointment or forgot to pick something up.

Things That Nobody Tells You Before Having A Baby

After having two children (and expecting two more) there are still things that surprise me about labor. Not only that but since every labor and delivery is different I have learned more each time I have a child. Some things I was told about (the horrible contractions) but there were also things nobody told me that I found out myself (breastfeeding hurts in the beginning and the breathing techniques are crap).

 So I decided to make a post of some things I learned after having two children. Some of these are from Facebook followers who "like" this blogs Facebook page, you can do so here. 

1. Like I said above, breastfeeding hurts in the beginning.
You may even want to stop because it hurts so bad (I really wanted to, but glad I stuck with it...both times)!  Using nipple cream, a thin bra in the shower, and helping baby latch correctly will help immensely.

2. When your water breaks, you may not know it!
Both times I just thought I had pee'd myself *sigh*, it happens. Turns out when your water breaks it doesn't always "gush" out like everyone says. The amniotic sac may just tear a bit (which is what happened to me) and you will leak fluid slowly...constantly. 

3. Breathing Techniques? Yeah...no.
That was the last thing on my mind while trying not to die through contractions. I was doing jumping jacks (just as my doctor haha!) and breathing "normal". 

4. You won't sleep in the hospital like sleeping beauty. 
The nurses usually come in every half hour to an hour to check on you and baby. Although you can ask (don't be afraid to ask) for them to skip a session so you can try to get some quick Z's. They did for us after we had our daughter.

5. Not all hospital food is horrid.
I actually LOVED the hospital food in both places we had our children. I still have yet found someone to make a better strawberry shortcake then the hospital our daughter was born at.

6. Sleep while baby sleeps?  Yeah, no to that too. 
Whenever either of my children slept I always felt the urge to do something! I needed to pick up this here or put away that there. I'm horrible at taking naps, always have been. Hopefully you're different!

7. Your hormones after having baby are still a bit crazy...making you a bit crazy.
I wasn't expecting that. Cry, cry all you want over that onesie that doesn't fit your baby or the dirty dishes. It's okay. 

8. Tucks Pads will be a savior. Trust me, just get some. 

9. Going to the bathroom after having baby is the absolute scariest thing ever.
Scarier then a spider..and I hate spiders. Using the water bottle they give you to spray WHILE going and after will most definitely help. I also found that taking a can of Dermoplast and spraying your self "down there" after using the toilet will create such a soothing feeling, it's like paradise. 

10. Being induced makes the contractions worse...a lot worse in my opinion.
I had pitocin with my son because I was not dilating at all. My body thankfully worked with me when I had my daughter and did the job itself. The pain award between the two labors goes to my first! 

11. It could be 1..2..push..baby! Or it could be 29 hours later and 2 hours of pushing, with no baby. 
Everybody is different, we all labor differently. Just because Becky had a quick 2 hour labor and pushed 2 times does not mean it will be that easy for you. Also, just because Susan had a horrible 36 hour labor and pushed for a half hour does not mean you will labor for that long. Stop comparing and relax! 

12. The "Ring of Fire"?
There may not be actual fire, but there should be. This phrase is spot on for that moment of child birth. It only lasts about 30 seconds (when the baby's head passes through your down stairs) but it will be the worst/best 30 seconds of your life.

13. Your life will suck until you figure out a schedule.
Don't try to google one either. You will just get even more frustrated and angry. Creating your own schedule that both works for you and baby is easiest.


Last but not least, you will love this little person more then anybody else in the world. From the first time they get a boo-boo to the first time you hear them call you "mommy", you will have no doubt that you and your little family are perfect.

**The following are from my facebook followers and friends off of the CafeMom website**

14. You will still look pregnant after having your baby.
After giving birth you will still look about 6 months pregnant. Your skin isn't elastic enough to just bounce back, of course there are those lucky few who look better after birth then they did before.

15. You have the control!
You will have more control in the hospital then you think. Do not let the doctors or nurses push you around and make you think that they run the place. YOU hired them, this is YOUR child and YOUR body, they are just their for assistance. Be strong and stand your ground.

16. You will still be wearing maternity clothing when you leave. (see number 14)
So don't try to squeeze you cute little butt into your pre-pregnancy skinny jeans. Sweat pants or yoga pants are the way to go especially if you have c-section.

17. The first month isn't all that fun.
Between the poopy diapers, spitting up, and crying in the middle of the night (and day) it will be stressful, especially if this is your first child. Figuring out why the heck baby is crying even though he has a fresh diaper (check it again, newborns are infamous for going to the bathroom soon after being changed) is difficult. It will get better, you will learn your baby's ques and get a schedule down. It will get easier, say it again if you need to.

**If you have anything to add to this post please feel free to post it in the comments. I will update when I can.**

Introducing Baby & Dogs?

Leaving the hospital and getting home can be stressful. The first drive in the car, the first time you are no longer with the help of nurses...I'm not sure about you but on our home with both children I made Peter drive slower then usually because I was so nervous! 

For animal owners it is also a stressful time for the pets. Their beloved owners have been gone for a few days and are now home with a brand new toy human. To make the transition easier for you and your pets you can start training them while you're pregnant. The following are things to focus on before baby arrives, of course the following depends on how well trained your dog already is.

1. Does your dog have an aggression issue?

How does your dog act when you step near his/her food dish, toys, or bed? If they react by snipping, growling, or hovering you may want to seek a professional trainer to help with this problem.  Remember once baby becomes mobile the dogs toys, food bowl, and bed are new territory. They will want to explore. Of course teaching your child that the dog items are "no-no's" is a no brainer but the items are still there tempting them(: 

2. Teaching proper manners.

If your dog jumps up on people when he/she gets excited that is something that should be stopped. Once baby comes home and you have visitors (or even just yourself) hold the baby, you do not want your dog jumping up. It can be a hazard, baby could be knocked out of the person's hand. 

Practice the "drop it" command. Baby items will be left around I'm sure meaning your dog will think he has a new toy! 

3. Pet proofing, not just baby proofing?

If your dog sleeps in bed with you, you may want to start training him to stay on the ground. If you plan to co-sleep with baby or put them in a sleep against the bed the dogs new bed should be on the floor. 

Getting a diaper pail may be a good idea. You don't want your dog spreading unwanted "paint" all over!

4. Introducing baby and dog.

If you have visitors in the hospital after baby is born have one of your guests take an item that baby wore (hat, onesie, etc) back to your house. Have them let your dog inspect the item, smelling or licking, so they know the scent of the baby. Once home let them meet on neutral territory, outside as opposed to inside. Use your commands and keep an eye on your dog, reward him with a treat for listening and being well behaved. 

If you are a dog owner please share what you did to make the transition easier for you and your dog!

Eating/Drinking While Breastfeeding Tips

When breastfeeding my son and daughter I admit that I really didn't cut anything out. Of course there were the common sense things such as spicy foods (which I didn't eat much of anyway) or excessive amounts of coffee (I went down to one cup a day). I did however add more water and protein. I was lucky enough to have babies that had no reactions to what I ate, they enjoyed it all!  

Not all breastfeeding mom's are that lucky though. I have seen several friends go through trial and error trying to figure out what they were eating that was causing their baby to get a rash or have horrible gas. I'm hoping this post will help you and any other mom that has questions about what to eat while breastfeeding.

Caffeine?

You should have no more then 300mg of caffeine a day which equals about three 5-ounce cups of coffee. For me, I cut down to one cup of coffee a day. It was enough to give me the energy I needed in the morning and enough to not want to hurt anybody because I didn't have my coffee(:

Alcohol?

After drinking an alcoholic drink it takes two to three hours for your body to work out the alcohol. One small glass of wine or a beer is perfectly fine, but more then that should be timed with your feeding schedule.
When I first started breastfeeding my son the doctor actually told me to have a beer at night to help me relax.

Fish?

Be careful. Find a list of the fish you are fine to eat and not to eat, HERE.

Flavors of The Food?

Sometimes the flavors of the food that you eat (such as broccoli) can taint the flavor of your milk. Foods such as broccoli, cabbage, garlic, spicy foods, and caffeine can change the flavor of your breast milk and make baby gassy. If you notice baby being fussy and having gas try to remember what you ate before the previous feeding. You may need to cut something out.

Eat more of...

-Complex Carbs

    Fresh fruits & veggies and whole grains.

-Healthy Fats

    Canola oil, olive oil, salmon, avocado, and nuts.

HERE, is a chart of the daily food group servings for a breast feeding mom.

Citrus Foods/Drinks?

These are foods/drinks which you can still eat but in moderation. Certain compounds in citrus can lead to diaper rash, spitting up, and fussiness in your baby. Switch out an orange for a mango, you will still get your vitamin C.



**Don't forget to eat the extra calories needed while breastfeeding! An extra 300-500 calories is need to help maintain your supply.


**Don't forget to drink extra water! At least 16 cups a day is recommended. I always had a glass next to me while feeding because that's when I got really thirsty.

Getting The Kids To Sleep...Through The Night!

My son never slept through the night until he was about year old which wasn't until a month before his sister was born! Imagine being 7-9 months pregnant not only waking up to constantly pee but to also try to get your almost child back to sleep. Those was the absolute worst sleep I ever had...ever. 

My daughter was on/off sleeping through the night since she was born. She would go a week waking up once a night and then another week not waking at all. Both were/are breastfed and co-slept with me until about 6 months. 


My husband and I tried so many different things to get them to sleep all night, none worked until we came across a DVD and book called "The Happiest Baby On The Block." It saved my sleep and the children's haha.

Click here to view the store.

I'm going to explain what the Five S's are and how each worked for our children. 


Swaddling: This gives them the tight, warm feeling that they experience while in the womb. There are different kinds of pre-made swaddlers or you can just use a regular blanket. 

• Swaddling worked well for my daughter but not for my son. All infants are different and that is okay, just try the different S's until you find the one or the group that works well with your child. 

Side/Stomach Position: "The infant is placed on their left side to assist in digestion, or on their stomach to provide reassuring support" -Dr. Karp 

• With both of my kiddos they slept on their stomachs. I know, I know..."But you can't have an infant sleep on their stomach!". Well, mine did and they loved it. They are perfectly fine. If they woke up crying at night I'd feed them and then placed them on their side on one of my arms. With their head on the palm of my hand and then their body resting along one of my arms, we then continued with two more the the S's that follow. 

"

Shushing Sounds: The sound imitates the swooshing of the blood flow that newborns hear inside their mother's womb.

• This technique was the one that always seemed to work with both children. Loudly shushing into one of their ears instantly got them to stop crying and relaxed. I was really amazed at how well it worked the first few times. Like I said above, I did this while I have them in the side position on my arm.

Swinging: " Newborns are used to the swinging motions within their mother’s womb, so entering the gravity driven world of the outside is like a sailor adapting to land after nine months at sea." -Dr.Karp

• Either using a swing or rocking them in your arms is a great way to "swing" your child. My son was a mommies boy when he was younger and hated the swing. So rocking him in my arms along with the shushing sounds and putting him on his side is what worked best to get him to sleep. My daughter was a swing girl. I placed her in the swing on her side and did the shushing noise and it worked pretty much instantly when she was fussy. 

Sucking :  “Sucking has its effects deep within the nervous system and triggers the calming reflex and releases natural chemicals within the brain.” -Dr.Karp

• A pacifier or finger will do good. For the longest time my daughter breastfed to fall asleep, which isn't a good thing. She became dependent on me at night to feed her every time she woke up or right before bed. So once she hit about a month old we tried to phase in the pacifier, which she hated. The "sucking" attempt did no good for us. 

You have to remember that all kids are different. What worked for me may not work for your children. Try one of the S's at a time or try a different group of them together until you find what suits your child. I highly recommend the DVD and/or book, it saved me so many times. 

If you have questions or comments regarding the Five S's or Dr.Karp please feel free to ask here or send me an email in the contact form to the right. 

*Young Mom's Home was not paid to talk about or suggest the Happiest Baby On The Block. This is my own opinion.