Happy Halloween!

We took Evelyn and Jessica to Trunk-or-Treat at church yesterday. We didn't stay very long since it was hot and the girls had on bulky costumes. We were there long enough to say hello to everyone and get a picture. Our first family picture since the girls have been home!


Evelyn is the spider and Jessica is the unicorn.

And the Eyes Have It

Evelyn's retinas are now mature! (Jessica's matured about 6 weeks ago.) She had an opthamology visit yesterday, where the doctor confirmed that her eyes have matured and that she does not need to be seen again for a year! We are excited that we don't have those appointments to work around anymore.

Both girls have become fun to play with recently. They are now smiling when they see us or when we play with them, rather than just when they have gas. They are beginning to recognize a few of their toys and their pacifiers. They are also starting to follow us and a few of their toys with their eyes! The both love to look at lights and Evelyn loves the mirror.


Jessica


Evelyn

We are looking forward to dressing them up for Halloween on Saturday! Be on the lookout for new pictures.

The Big Debut

Jessica and Evelyn made their big debut today. We took them to church this morning! It was the first trip out of the house that didn't involve an appointment with one of their many doctors. They were so cute in their little dresses! We wanted to get a picture, but we were on the verge of running late this morning and then they were screaming when we got home because it was time for them to eat. So we were not able to capture the milestone moment. Oh well, I'm sure we'll miss others, too.

The trip went really well. When we got to church, we dropped them off in the nursery. Our friend Kecia was in charge this morning, and since she's a mother of three I knew we didn't need to worry. We quickly got them settled, filled Kecia and Emily in with the important highlights, and scooted into the sanctuary right as the service was starting. After the service we picked them up and then showed them off to everyone. It was nice to be able to go out as a family!

Four Months Old

Evelyn and Jessica turned four months on Sunday! We can hardly believe it! They have had a busy week being four months old.

Sunday ended their visit with Nonna and Grandpa. They always enjoy being held way too much when either set of grandparents are in town. Then Sunday night they got baths. That meant they were squeaky clean for Monday's trip to the pediatrician.

The pediatrician delared that "they are perfectly healthy babies." It was nice to hear that they seem to be doing well. Evelyn measured in at 8 lbs, 4 ozs and 21 in. Jessica is still the little sister at 7 lbs 3 ozs and 20.5 in. They received their next set of vaccines--3 shots. They did great though. One big, long scream right after the first shot was administered, but then once the 3rd shot was finished, they were fine. A little wide eyed and sniffly, but fine. Then they slept all afternoon, which meant Mommy got a nice long nap!

Wednesday night was bath night again in preparation for our first follow up appointment at the Special Infant Care Clinic at Duke. All of the medical staff there thought the girls looked great. They, like our pediatrician, were very happy with their weight gain and growth statistics. So while we haven't caught up with the full term one month olds, we're on track for preemie growth. The only changes that the Duke doctors made was to Jessica's reflux medicine. We're switching her from Zantac to Prilosec to see if she will spit up a little less. Mom hopes it helps. She wants here little girl to feel good and eat well and, to be honest, is really tired of cleaning up all the spit up from Mount Jessica. But, we realize that if Jessica's reflux is our biggest problem, we're really very lucky.

Before we left Duke, we stopped by the ICN to see some old friends. It was great to see some of our old nurses. We also got to show one of the dads with twins in the unit that they will eventually get to leave and will get chubby cheeks like Evelyn. We were sad that we didn't get to see all of our nurses, but, for those of you that are reading, don't worry, we'll be back in December!


Evelyn during Sunday night's bath.


Jessica during bath time.


Jessca (L) and Evelyn (R) hanging out together.

Evelyn the Acrobat

All the doctors have been telling us that the girls may be delayed slightly on their development track because they were preemies. Well Evelyn just proved them wrong! Jason was giving her some tummy time and she rolled over! Yes, our child with a corrected age of 16 days old just rolled from her tummy to her back! To be fair, she was laying on a wedge, so she wasn't completely horizontal, but we still think it's a big achievement. Now we'll just have to wait and see if she'll do it again anytime soon or can do it while laying flat on the floor.

Both girls are continuing to grow. Evelyn LOVES to eat. We think she would eat every hour if we let her. She's eating about 3 ounces every 3 to 4 hours. Her voracious appetite is paying off; she is now 7 lbs 3 oz and 20 in long. Jessica doesn't have quite the appetite that Evelyn does. Jessica is a little smaller at 6 lbs 9 oz and 19 inches.

Mommy had fun a few days ago taking pictures. Thanks to Ryan and Carey for the cute princess outfits!


Evelyn


Jessica


Jessica (L), Evelyn (R)

Quick Update

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. It's been a bit busy. I returned to work this week, so Mom had the girls by herself during the day. Things went well, although by the end of the week we were both tired.

The girls are continuing to grow. Thursday night we gave the girls a good bath, and then weighed them. Evelyn had passed the 6 pound mark and was up to 6 lbs and 1 oz. Jessica is right on her heels at 5 lbs 14.5 oz.

We passed another milestone this week too. No more preemie diapers! The girls are both using newborn diapers now. They are much more roomier for moving around, and well, for other things too...

Here's a video of the girls from last week. (I hope that it plays.) Evelyn is on the left in this video. This is from one afternoon just before their afternoon bottles. As you can tell they are both a bit hungry. Jessica lost her pacifier, and then tried to take Evelyn's. Evelyn was going to have none of that (notice her right hand). Jessica found a good compromise though...

Nothing Special

The only update we have right now is that the eye doctor appointment went well. Both girls' eyes are improving and we are not anticipating having any long term problems. We're just hanging out and doing all the regular baby stuff...eat, sleep, poop, repeat. We have cute pictures though....


Jessica likes to know where everyone is at all times. Touching Evelyn while they sleep is a must.

Sweet sisters.

Evelyn taking a quick nap before going to the eye doctor. Aren't her froggy feet cute?


Jessica napping before the eye doctor too. Doesn't she look just like a porcelain doll?