Ugh....Scott and I started WW last Monday. We're using the old points system because I'm too cheap to shell out the money for all the new stuff, and because who knows how long we'll actually follow the program. Mainly, we need to re-learn portion sizes and make healthier choices. After two years of eating how much I want of whatever I want and whenever I wanted it, and not being able to exercise on top of it....yeah, my body needs some work.
Well, let's just say that the first week of WW hasn't started off so great. It doesn't help that Scott gets 16 more points per day than I do, so on Monday I see him eating dessert while I have no points left to consume.
On Tuesday, we had already planned to go out to dinner with friends at our favorite restaurant, Pat's Steak House. Since I was pregnant the last time I ate there, I just HAD to indulge in a medium rare (instead of well done) steak; their famous bleu cheese dressing; lima beans dripping in butter; and of course, wine. I basically starved myself all day so I could use all my daily points, and I'm sure I used all of the 35 extra points that I get per week.
I was back on track Wednesday, but Thursday it really went downhill. I bought Scott a Butter Kuchen as part of his Father's Day gift. It's a dessert he grew up having and talks about all the time. So we each had a piece. Shortly thereafter, our friends showed up with a Coconut Creme Pie from the Smokey Valley Truck Stop in Olive Hill, KY - made world famous on the Food Network by Guy Fieri on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. And it was fabulous! So now that these two treats are in my house, I can't let them go to waste...
Friday, June 17, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Newborn Screening
States require that newborns have a blood test within 1-2 days after birth. This blood is then used to test for a number of "hidden" disorders which deal with the body's ability to make and use hormones, proteins, sugars, or blood cells. These disorders, if not treated, can result in a wide range of issues for the baby, including death. The March of Dimes recommends testing for 29 of these disorders, and the state of Kentucky actually tests for 47 different disorders.
Yesterday, we received a letter from the state indicating that George needed to have a repeat screening performed. My first thought was that we have not been through hell these past few years only to have something wrong with one of my precious babies! However, the request for repeat screens is quite common. One of the main reasons for repeat screens is that there was not enough blood placed on the screening card, and the state did not even run the tests - they just tell you that a repeat is needed.
Another reason for repeat screens is apparently due to the lab reference ranges. Ironically, we just spoke to friends last weekend that had a similar issue with their baby boy. Thankfully he is perfectly healthy - but that was not determined until his parents had been put through 4 months of worry. In their research, they found out that the state of KY has lower lab reference ranges for many of the disorders, resulting in a very high rate of false positives, which is what happened with their baby.
Anyway, George went back to the hospital yesterday to have his labs repeated. We should have the results in about a week. While I'm fairly certain that everything will be just fine, extra prayers won't hurt!
Yesterday, we received a letter from the state indicating that George needed to have a repeat screening performed. My first thought was that we have not been through hell these past few years only to have something wrong with one of my precious babies! However, the request for repeat screens is quite common. One of the main reasons for repeat screens is that there was not enough blood placed on the screening card, and the state did not even run the tests - they just tell you that a repeat is needed.
Another reason for repeat screens is apparently due to the lab reference ranges. Ironically, we just spoke to friends last weekend that had a similar issue with their baby boy. Thankfully he is perfectly healthy - but that was not determined until his parents had been put through 4 months of worry. In their research, they found out that the state of KY has lower lab reference ranges for many of the disorders, resulting in a very high rate of false positives, which is what happened with their baby.
Anyway, George went back to the hospital yesterday to have his labs repeated. We should have the results in about a week. While I'm fairly certain that everything will be just fine, extra prayers won't hurt!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Manic Monday
Scott and George slept like angels on Sunday night, but woke up possessed by the devil Monday morning! It started with the 8am feeding - neither finished their bottle. This resulted in the babies being hungry well before the next feeding, so they ate a little in between. This cycle continued with both of them throughout the day so I ended up feeding at least one of them every 2 hours.
George somehow managed to pee out of his diaper in the morning, wetting both his outfit and the crib. Not to be outdone, Scott did the same (after I changed the crib sheets, of course). Between the two of them, I changed 5 outfits and 3 crib sheets in the span of about 6 hours.
Scott and George literally did not sleep more than 15 minutes at a time on Monday. They would not sleep in their crib, their Rock-n-Play Sleepers, or their bouncy seats. I held them, rocked them, walked with them - no sleep. Their crib mobile and Sleep Sheep music did nothing to soothe them.
I changed them, fed them, and changed them some more. Yet all they would do was cry. ALL. DAY. LONG. Heartbreaking cries with real tears, and nothing I did would comfort them. It was the most helpless feeling, knowing that they needed something and I could not figure out what it was.
And of course, 10 hours later when their Daddy came home - the crying stopped. Scott and George were perfect angels again, making me look like a complete liar about how horrible my day had been! They're lucky they are cute.....
George somehow managed to pee out of his diaper in the morning, wetting both his outfit and the crib. Not to be outdone, Scott did the same (after I changed the crib sheets, of course). Between the two of them, I changed 5 outfits and 3 crib sheets in the span of about 6 hours.
Scott and George literally did not sleep more than 15 minutes at a time on Monday. They would not sleep in their crib, their Rock-n-Play Sleepers, or their bouncy seats. I held them, rocked them, walked with them - no sleep. Their crib mobile and Sleep Sheep music did nothing to soothe them.
I changed them, fed them, and changed them some more. Yet all they would do was cry. ALL. DAY. LONG. Heartbreaking cries with real tears, and nothing I did would comfort them. It was the most helpless feeling, knowing that they needed something and I could not figure out what it was.
And of course, 10 hours later when their Daddy came home - the crying stopped. Scott and George were perfect angels again, making me look like a complete liar about how horrible my day had been! They're lucky they are cute.....
George on left, Scott on right - 6 week old
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
All Clear!
Finally! After months of almost weekly doctors appointments, I've been given the "all clear" - no restrictions! I don't have to go back to the doctor for a year. I'm free to eat what I want, drink what I want, and exercise all I want. Although, as much as I would love to jump back into spin class, a walk around the neighborhood is enough to wipe me out, so I'd better start out slow.
The babies were 5 weeks old on Monday, and the doctor was very impressed at their one month check up last week. Scott now weighs 8 lb 6 oz and George is just over 9 lbs. They are going through a growth spurt, waking up halfway between feedings and begging for more formula. They are also starting to outgrow some of the newborn size clothing. It's amazing how much they really do change from day to day.
Scott and I took the twins on their first outing the other day - the mall. Although they aren't supposed to be around crowds until they are 2 months old, we figured it's an outdoor mall, and we were only going into 2 stores...we'd be quick, so no harm done, right? Right. That is, until I tried to maneuver the kids and the double stroller back into the Explorer while Scott paid for his new sunglasses. Let me just say that the people in the parking lot got a free show of a new mom trying to fold a double stroller that's as tall as she is and hoist it into the back of the SUV. It was a full 5 minutes of me trying to figure out how to fold the stroller, and at least 5 more minutes of me trying to shove it into the SUV. In 90+ degree heat. Very comical (at least to others, not so much to me)! And Scott still had to help me when he got to the car. Getting out and about with twins (especially by myself) is going to be a challenge!
The babies were 5 weeks old on Monday, and the doctor was very impressed at their one month check up last week. Scott now weighs 8 lb 6 oz and George is just over 9 lbs. They are going through a growth spurt, waking up halfway between feedings and begging for more formula. They are also starting to outgrow some of the newborn size clothing. It's amazing how much they really do change from day to day.
Scott and I took the twins on their first outing the other day - the mall. Although they aren't supposed to be around crowds until they are 2 months old, we figured it's an outdoor mall, and we were only going into 2 stores...we'd be quick, so no harm done, right? Right. That is, until I tried to maneuver the kids and the double stroller back into the Explorer while Scott paid for his new sunglasses. Let me just say that the people in the parking lot got a free show of a new mom trying to fold a double stroller that's as tall as she is and hoist it into the back of the SUV. It was a full 5 minutes of me trying to figure out how to fold the stroller, and at least 5 more minutes of me trying to shove it into the SUV. In 90+ degree heat. Very comical (at least to others, not so much to me)! And Scott still had to help me when he got to the car. Getting out and about with twins (especially by myself) is going to be a challenge!
Monday, May 23, 2011
4 Weeks
I can't believe the babies are 4 weeks old today! Here is a pic from their first walk over the weekend in their double stroller (Scott in front, George in back)
My parents watched the babies last week so I could take an afternoon off and do a little shopping (Target, anyone?) and my in-laws came over to babysit last night so Scott and I could have a date night. We seriously contemplated just going to his parents empty house so we could sleep for a couple of hours, but went to dinner instead. I even had my first post-pregnancy glass of wine!
Everything was going well until the 4am feeding this morning....that's when the storms rolled in and as usual our electricity went out. The feeding was almost over, but I did have to change a dirty diaper by battery operated lantern (good purchase Scott!). Our gas generator has gotten way too much use! Our next house will have a built in back up generator - I don't care how much it costs or if we never use it, it will still be money well spent!
My parents watched the babies last week so I could take an afternoon off and do a little shopping (Target, anyone?) and my in-laws came over to babysit last night so Scott and I could have a date night. We seriously contemplated just going to his parents empty house so we could sleep for a couple of hours, but went to dinner instead. I even had my first post-pregnancy glass of wine!
Everything was going well until the 4am feeding this morning....that's when the storms rolled in and as usual our electricity went out. The feeding was almost over, but I did have to change a dirty diaper by battery operated lantern (good purchase Scott!). Our gas generator has gotten way too much use! Our next house will have a built in back up generator - I don't care how much it costs or if we never use it, it will still be money well spent!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Due Date
Although my pregnancy would have never made it this far, today is my actual due date! I can't believe I'm going to post these pics (because I threatened my husband within an inch of his life if he ever showed anyone)....but I just want to share that I was justified in all my misery the last few weeks before I delivered!
This is me the week before delivery - 35 weeks pregnant:
Can't you tell how happy I was? Those were the only pants I could fit into the last few weeks, and by the end they really didn't fit either. Flip flops were the only shoes I could put on my feet. As large as I was, I never saw any stretch marks on my belly until AFTER delivery. There are more stretch marks on George's side of my stomach than on Scott's - my stomach did tend to pop out more on his side, and George was the larger baby. I'm hoping they go away, but I know those chances are slim.
These are my swollen legs in L&D Triage, an hour or so before delivery:
I had no ankles and no knees, and I was swollen up to mid-thigh. I couldn't bend down to pick up any dropped items; I needed help putting on clothes; getting in and out of bed was a struggle and getting in and out of the car was unbearable. Walking was unimaginable - just getting from the car to the doctor's office brought me to tears. The swelling was the most painful part of the entire pregnancy (c-section included). Thankfully, about 2 weeks after delivery all swelling had gone away (except for my hands - my wedding rings are still a little tight).
But, these 3 week old precious angels were worth every minute!
This is me the week before delivery - 35 weeks pregnant:
These are my swollen legs in L&D Triage, an hour or so before delivery:
But, these 3 week old precious angels were worth every minute!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Introducing the Boehnlein Twins!
Sorry I'm a bit behind on the update, but I've been busy playing Mom to the two cutest babies! :) On Easter Sunday, I was miserable and developed a headache, which prompted me to go to the doctor the following Monday. I was sent to L&D triage for a work up and 4 hours later at 36 weeks and 4 days pregnant delivered Scott and George!
(Right) Scott Joseph Boehnlein III - born April 25, 2011 @ 3:41pm - 5 lbs 8 oz and 19 inches long
(Left) George William Boehnlein - born April 25, 2011 @ 3:42pm - 6 lbs, 7 oz and 18 inches long
Scott was perfectly healthy and spent most of his hospital time in my room. George had some minor breathing problems due to swallowing fluid and spent the first night in the NICU. He then was sent to CCN for a week to learn how to breathe and feed at the same time. He finally joined us at home when he was one week old.
The babies are two weeks old today, and Mom and Dad are loving life. They are on a 4 hour feeding schedule, which allows us time to get some things done around the house between feedings (like washing bottles and baby clothes!), and we also get about 2.5 hours of uninterrupted sleep between feedings at night. Scott and I could not be happier! More pictures and blogs to come....
(Left) George William Boehnlein - born April 25, 2011 @ 3:42pm - 6 lbs, 7 oz and 18 inches long
Scott was perfectly healthy and spent most of his hospital time in my room. George had some minor breathing problems due to swallowing fluid and spent the first night in the NICU. He then was sent to CCN for a week to learn how to breathe and feed at the same time. He finally joined us at home when he was one week old.
The babies are two weeks old today, and Mom and Dad are loving life. They are on a 4 hour feeding schedule, which allows us time to get some things done around the house between feedings (like washing bottles and baby clothes!), and we also get about 2.5 hours of uninterrupted sleep between feedings at night. Scott and I could not be happier! More pictures and blogs to come....
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