Elizabeth and Jacob - One Month Old!

When I get five minutes to sit down and breathe I'm amazed that already a month has passed since having Beth and Jake. After years of infertility I still find it surreal at times that our family of three is a family of five. I'd pretty much given up that Nate and I would have more children/Abby would have a sibling, so looking at the chaotic mess of my living room where there is abundant evidence of small children in the household again just makes my heart sing.

I went to their one month appointment thinking that it'd be really nice if the babies were at least seven pounds and was blown away when I was told they're already at eight pounds and continuing to grow. Our pediatrician actually talked a lot about their eating habits as average daily weight gain is 35 grams but our chunky monkeys are averaging 55 grams a day. Heh. I make whole milk and my babies love it! It was nice knowing that I don't need to worry so much about milk production and that our "supplement when we feel like it and not on a schedule" is working just fine. The only other "of note" item from the doctor is that, due to being born a month early and twins, we will follow a one-month adjusted age when looking at milestones. For example, when we go in for their sixth month appointment they will be considered only five months adjusted and not expected to meet any of the six month milestones yet.

Here are Elizabeth's stats:

                 Height          Weight               Head CM
Birth           17.5 in.         5 lbs. 8 oz.
2 Weeks      18.0 in.         5 lbs. 7 oz.          33 cm
1 Month      19.2 in.         7 lbs. 9 oz.          36.8 cm

Beth started out itty-bitty in the 5th percentile for both weight and height then stayed 5th percentile in height but jumped to 20th percentile for weight. 

Here are Jacob's stats:

                 Height          Weight               Head CM
Birth           17.5 in.        5 lbs. 10 oz.
2 Weeks      180 in.         5 lbs. 7 oz.          33.5 cm
1 Month      19.0 in.        8 lbs. 2 oz.          36.8 cm

Jake matched Beth almost to the tee and also began life in the 5th percentile for height and weight. He also maintained the 5th percentile for height and 20th percentile for weight. 

As of now he's heavier and she's taller. I wonder what next month will bring!

Loving the double twin on Jake as he's falling over on Beth.

And they're both falling down. These pictures are harder to take than they look. 

Well, hello, sibling of mine.

My sleeping babies. 

Happy 5th Birthday, Abby!

My baby turned a whole hand this year! Sniff. Where have the last five years gone? One minute she was just learning to hold her head up before it came crashing back down to the floor and the next she's racing down our neighborhood, leaving me behind in her dust, to play with her friends. I am so, so excited for this new year of adventures she'll get to experience and all the new things she'll discover.

This past year has seen some big changes for Abby, but she's handling them like the wonderful child she is. Becoming a big sister after so many years of being an only child could have been an awful experience, but Abby showed her true spirit and immediately fell in love with her siblings and being a big sister. It makes my heart smile to hear her yelling at me from across the house about how brother and sister are hungry and need me. Or how she smothers them with kisses and hugs and love.

My baby girl, who is not so much of a baby any longer, I love how you love life. From playing dress-up and beauty parlor to working on the latest science experiment with your Dad. Your evil giggle brings me to full-blown laughter and your sweet snuggles remind me that no matter how big you are you still need your Mom. You're learning even more independence, which has brought along a bit of a sassy attitude, but I know that this is just a part of you growing up. :-) I'm encouraged by how well you're doing in school and can't wait to hear about your daily escapades there.

Happy 5th birthday, my wonderful daughter. I'm looking forward to experiencing this new year with you!

Abby's birthday celebration was kept small this year due to the babies' arrival, but we did take the family to Chuck E Cheese for her birthday dinner. She always has a blast running around playing games and riding on the rides. While earning tickets are a fun bonus they are not the point of the evening. The carousel and this ride were the big hits this time. 

Mom rocked the gift giving this year! Mermaid Barbie (with glowing tail no less) elicited some super huge grins and "You're the best, Mom" moments. 

Here are Abby's 5 year stats:

                 Height          Weight               Head CM
Birth           19.5 in.         7 lbs. 0 oz.
1 Week       19.0 in.         6 lbs. 9 oz.          33 cm
2 Months     22.0 in.        11 lbs. 6 oz.         38 cm
4 Months     24.75 in.      15 lbs. 6 oz.         39.5 cm
6 Months     26.75 in.      18 lbs. 6 oz.         41.5 cm
9 Months     28.25 in.      21 lbs. 3 oz.         44 cm
12 Months   30.0 in.        23 lbs. 0 oz.         46.7 cm
15 Months   31.20 in.      26 lbs. 1 oz.          47.5 cm
18 Months   32.80 in.      28 lbs. 14 oz.        48 cm
2 Years       34.50 in.      31 lbs. 2 oz.         49.3 cm
2.5 Years    37.60 in.      31 lbs. 14 oz.        50.0 cm
3 Years       38.90 in.      35 lbs. 14 oz.        --
4 Years       42.30 in.      39 lbs. 15.86 oz.    --
5 Years       44.50 in.      45 lbs. 3 oz.          --

Still one of the taller ones in her class! 84th percentile for height and 80th percentile for weight. She continues to grow so big, even when I tell her to knock it off. :-)