Ryder . 20 Months

20 months old; 28 pounds, 6 ounces.

Ryder's doing his best to make up for lost time of not having teeth (he has 2 more new ones poking through) - bringing the tooth count to 14 now. 

Last month he was moved to the "big kid" booster seat at the table.  But, after a couple of weeks in it, we decided that it would be nice to have one at the counter too.  He can sit/kneel on the stools, but his little socked feet slide around too much for us to be comfortable.  So, we purchased another booster, and have it at the counter.  It works out great - he eats there when his meal is ready, but ours is not yet, or when he "helps" make the meal, or when he wants to color!

He continues to not talk, but seems to be babbling even more now than before.  We also encourage his dancing whenever there is any music, and he has started to throw in some jumping as a new move!

Ryder discovered he can easily slip his feet into Patrick's shoes.  He won't put my shoes on, but loves to stand in Patrick's (the ones for work (steel-toed) are especially heavy, so he can't walk in them).

Smiling in the tub.

We've been working on a lot of the little things in the twins' room, and Ryder loves to hang out with us and help (or, really, play with the doors).

Getting his teeth brushed.

Ryder is pretty unsure of the snow, so Patrick was trying to show him it is okay!





Reading books!

Patrick finished building Ryder's new bed (twin size), and I helped to stain/urethane it.  The final assembly had to be done in Ryder's room - Ryder refuses to let Patrick work on any project (especially ones with the drill or ladder) alone.  When Patrick requires the use of the drill, Ryder finds other ways to entertain himself - this time, by playing with Patrick's hat!

Playing with the "Olivia in a box".

"Hugging" Kate - he LOVES it, she does not.

Playing with his wagon on the driveway.

Happy about eating his green beans!

Eating a snack at the counter.



Patrick order 3 tons of crushed rock as a base for the playset (we will still lay down the weed barrier, then several inches of tumbled pea gravel).  Ryder, of course, wanted to help by pushing the wheelbarrow with Patrick - good thing Patrick is patient, it took him at least 4 times as long to make each trip.

Finally, he was able to convince Ryder to at least ride back in the wheelbarrow to save a little time!

RUNNING around the house with his balloons - it doesn't even matter if they lose helium - the kid LOVES balloons!

Working on the playset.

Taking a break from work to play with his wagon.

St. Patrick's Day.

This picture does not do the situation justice at all.  We were given some hand-me-downs for the twins, along with a few organizational boxes - this one had clothes in it, and Ryder just randomly came over to help me with the clothes, picked it up, and dumped the clothes on his head, and proceeded to walk around (and bump into things) with this on his head.  You could hear him laughing as he was doing it - Patrick and I were laughing so hard, and he just kept going!

Ryder's cold came back this weekend, so we gave him some medicine to help with the cough - the kid loves medicine.  He will stop what he is doing, and run into the kitchen when you ask him if he wants medicine - I call him my little junkie.  I thought kids hated taking medicine - not him!

Playing with the drill while Patrick hung his new curtains before bathtime.

I need to take a picture of Ryder's new room to share, with his new bed, chair and curtains.  He's done an excellent job transitioning to the twin bed, which makes life easier for Patrick and I, since we only had to buy one more crib!

And . . . a twin update . . .

I'm nearly 32 weeks now, and am still doing well.  If you had any doubt that I grow "big babies", let me assure you the 11 pound baby was no fluke - on Friday, I was 31 weeks, 2 days - the babies measured 33 weeks, 4 days; and 33 weeks, 5 days - that is 2 weeks, 2 (or 3) days BIGGER than an AVERAGE SINGLETON baby.  At this point, twins are usually about a week or so smaller than an average singleton baby.  They weigh 4 pounds, 12 ounces and 4 pounds, 13 ounces - that's a combined 9 pounds, 9 ounces already!  A common "goal" weight for twins is just 5 pounds each.

If all goes as planned, I have about 6.5 weeks more to go.  Those babies will be here soon!

To help prepare, Patrick and I have been making freezer meals for ourselves for the first few months of having 3 children.  With (lots of) help from a co-worker (for recipes and advice!), we already have quite the stockpile - 6 full pans of manicotti, 6 of lasagna, 6 of Anne's Chicken/Broccoli Casserole, and 12 (just 8x8) of Cheesy Potatoes to use as a side for just about any grilled meat!  And, we have a few more recipes planned to make over the next few weekends!  If living in Utah (most of) your whole life teaches you anything, it's that you should have lots of food storage!

Baby Shower!!!

31 Week Update

No real new news to report.  My doctor measured me, and checked the boys' heartbeats.  I have started to have issues with swelling, but he is not concerned, as my blood pressure remains "remarkably good", and no other signs of Pre-Eclampsia (the cause for the induction with Ryder).

 

He will be out of town the last week of the month, but has no other "out of office" plans until late summer.  It's nice knowing that he will be available when the babies are born!

 

Because of his time off, my next appointment is moved back a week, but he will no longer let me "get away" with fewer appointments - beginning in April, I will have to go in weekly to see him.  Really, though, compared to the "typical" schedule for a twin pregnancy, I have gotten away with much fewer appointments!

 

I see the Perinatologist tomorrow - that office also does Non-Stress Tests.  My doctor says they are oftentimes preformed weekly starting about now, but that he is comfortable with me not having any, unless there is a medical reason.  Of course, I'm also good with that plan - those tests are about 2 hours each, and are separate from other appointments.  Until there is any sign of concern, there really is no benefit to undergoing the extra evaluation.  Hopefully the Perinatologist will be on board with that plan too!

 

Finally, my doctor says that he is confident I will be able to carry the babies through "at least" mid-April, and into the end of the month.  He's not completely confident I will carry them to the 38 week mark (May 4), but I am confident I will - and, once I get that far, he would prefer to induce me within a couple of days.  My goal is May 6.  That's only 50 days away.  I can make it!

29 Week Update

Another doctor (just OB) appointment this morning. 

My OB no longer does ultrasounds at each appointment, as the boys' growth is being so closely monitored by the Perinatologists.  This is nice, in that I very much dislike the ultrasound goop that they use, but it is kind of fun to get a chance to see the babies.  From now on, my OB will just monitor my growth (it's never encouraging to hear that I am measuring bigger now than I did with Ryder at full-term.  I mean, I knew that I was, but to have an actual number confirm it a different thing).  Their heartbeats were also both sounding great.

I talked with my OB about my continued fatigue, and while that is expected with any pregnancy, and even more so with a multiple birth pregnancy, he recommended I start taking an iron supplement.  My blood tests indicate that my iron levels are still within a normal range, but are quite low for "my normal" iron levels - meaning, the boys are taking as much of it as they can, leaving me with just a little.  The iron isn't a "magic pill" as he was quick to point out, but should at least help the fatigue not worsen quickly.  Oh, and my blood pressure remains at an "optimal" level!

My OB confirmed some dates with me . . . once I hit 35 weeks (April 13), if I go into labor naturally, he will not likely stop me from progressing.  Anything previous to that date, he will do what he can to delay the labor.  Also, if I can make it to 38 weeks (May 4), he says that it will be up to me when I want to be induced - he does not want me to go much longer than that, but will "allow" me to, as long as the babies and I are doing okay still.  That means we still have at least 6 weeks to wait, but no more than 9ish weeks, until we can meet these boys!

Finally, Patrick and I talked with my OB about the Whooping Cough (Tdap) Vaccination (or booster).  Due to an increase in cases of Whooping Cough in the state, Utah Health Clinics is coming around to State Offices offering the vaccination to employees and covered dependents.  It is recommended for various groups of people, including those that will be in close contact with children, especially ages 12 months and younger.  My OB encouraged Patrick to receive the booster anytime, and for me to get it following delivery.  Patrick and I aren't asking each of you to get it, but if your employer or health insurance offers it (and covers it like ours does), feel free to get one!

Ryder . 19 Months

19 months old; 28 pounds, 6 ounces.

No big developments this past month.  Ryder cut his 4th molar, so the tooth count comes in at 12 now.  He has been officially moved to a "big kid" booster seat, and sits at the table with us to eat.  He has completely mastered the use of his fork, but prefers if we will help him "poke" the food, and then he will put it in his mouth.  He is capable of using the spoon, but he hates to be messy (which he gets quickly, when eating foods with a spoon), so he will sometimes refuse to eat unless we help him.  He continues to not talk, but he amazes Patrick and I with how much he understands!  Also, we have encouraged him to dance whenever he hears music - it's so very cute when he does - too bad it's hard to really capture dancing in pictures!

Eating with his fork.

A shot of the boys' bathroom, mid-painting.  Patrick put in the window in the toilet/shower room, and it is awesome - it lets in tons of light - the room was a bit of a cave before.  And, of course, we picked a bright color to match Ryder's blue room, and the twins' green room!

Patrick taught Ryder to stick the foam letters to his stomach, rather than the bath wall.  Despite his expression in this picture, he usually thinks it is pretty funny!

Before . . .

. . . and after a haircut!

Building a tower together.

Demonstrating that he wants me to "poke" his food for him.

Once Ryder figured out how to sit on his truck, he quickly figured out it was pretty funny when he would sit backward too!

It's Patrick's own fault - he taught him to climb the ladder!

Part 1 of making Valentines for the grandparents - coloring.

Reading together.  Ryder is currently favoring a set of pop up books - you are typically required to read the lion one, and then the shark one!

Proudly showing off his new booster seat (the tray has since been removed, and he now sits at the table).

Smiling for the camera while eating his cheese.  I've worked with him for quite awhile at smiling on demand - he's finally getting the hang of it (when he's in the mood!)

Part 2 of making Valentines - sticker placement.

NASCAR Season is back, and Ryder loves the cars!

Patrick can no longer work on a project without Ryder trying to help - here he is assembling his new chair for his booster seat.

Being forced to "poke" the strawberries himself!

A common request at our house - to climb on the reclining position of the chairs.

Another project - putting together his brothers' new bookcase.

Ryder wants to help in the kitchen, so I have started to sit him on the counter to help me mix (usually a bowl of water).  He loves working along side us - behind him, Patrick was making waffles for dinner!

The last month was the last of planned activities - we now are pretty much just working on projects to prepare for the twins' arrival.  Ryder is still doing a great job with the toddler bed (transitioned from the crib), so Patrick has started to build his regular twin bed - the crib will be reassembled in the twins' room.

Speaking of the twins - I'm nearly 28 weeks, and doing well.  At my Perinatologist appointment on Friday, each of the boys were measuring 5 days "big" when compared to a "singleton".  My OB has said that it is common for twins to measure a week (or more) "small" at this point . . . but, knowing Ryder's birth weight history, their size isn't surprising.  My due date is May 18, with May 4 being as far as my OB will let me go before inducing labor.  I'm confident I will make it close to that date, but obviously, you never know!  Luckily, I have a very understanding/supportive boss at work, as well as having Patrick at home!!

25 Week Update

Another doctor appointment this morning.

Both boys are looking great.  My OB was very pleased that he could easily find both boys' heartbeats (apparently, at this stage, it because difficult to distinguish them because of their size and close quarters) - and both sounded perfect.  It was, again, another short appointment.  The one advantage of seeing my OB and a Perinatologist is that it makes my OB visits last only 10 or so minutes (however, the Perinatologist are at least an hour+).

I have started to have some water retention/swelling (sooner than with Ryder), but my blood pressure is remaining at an "optimal" level - today it was 116/62 - so, my OB isn't concerned yet.  I've been encouraged to put my feet up as often as possible, wear a "maternity belt" when standing for long periods of time, and just resting in general.

In the end, there is again no new news about the babies - just confirmation that everything is looking good overall.

I did have to take the first (of what may be a couple, just to be on the "safe side") glucose test this morning.  The lab should have my results available for my doctor tomorrow afternoon or Friday morning, and I will only hear from him if there is an issue.  Given my history with Ryder and the fact that I am carrying "full-size" twins, he suspects there may be an issue, but we're both still optimistic that I will be okay!

Ryder . 18 Months

18 months old (1.5 years - can you believe that?!?); 28 pounds, 4 ounces; 34" tall.
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I took Ryder to his 18 Month Well-Child Checkup yesterday, and he received a clean bill of health!  He is in the 91% for height, and the 80-something for weight.  His head-size is also in the 80-something.  So, really, he is a "bigger than average" 18 month old, but he is proportionate!  He had to endure one shot, but after a hug and a sucker (not all of it - the nurse gave him a PURPLE one - not smart - he only got to have it until we walked out of the door) he was fine.

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Ryder continues to not speak for himself.  He communicates with us, primarily by pointing, but no words as of yet.  His doctor is not concerned (especially considering that boys typically take longer to talk, and that both Patrick and I were "late" talkers).
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Reading his book.

Playing his xylophone.

Christmas with the Hansen family.  Ryder LOVED the box his book and stuffed animal came in, and kept putting ribbons in and out of it. 

Playing with his new truck.

Christmas with the Sianez family.  Reading a new book!

Taking another bite of dessert - he LOVED it!

Christmas morning. 

Ryder enjoyed his presents, but we had to coax him into opening the last one (after getting the blocks).

Christmas with the Harris family.  Reading his new book.

Petting Buddy!!

Ryder's first "real" snowstorm - where he was aware of the snow coming down.  He thought it was lots of fun when the snowflakes would land on his hand.

My dad will be so proud of this picture!  Ryder loving the Whipped Cream, straight from the can.

Playing "peek-a-boo" in the tub with the shower curtain.

This picture is not flattering of me, but it made me laugh - Ryder brought his book over to me to read, and promptly sat on my stomach (since it protrudes so much) to listen to it.

Coloring together.

Building towers.

He's not Italian at all, but he received this shirt as a hand-me-down, and who cares what he wears to daycare, right?!

Reading, amongst his pile of books.

Taking a break for (his very own) Jamba Juice while painting the twins' room.

Learning to climb the ladder.

"Look how high I am!!!"

The twins' room while in progress.  The paint was wet, so it really isn't that shiny in person - but, it is a bright green!

Eating applesauce by himself!

Bundled up to go walking at night . . . it's cold!

Before . . .

. . . and after the crib was changed into his toddler bed.

As you can tell from the last pictures, Patrick and I decided to transition Ryder to the "Toddler Bed" over the weekend.  In preparation for the twins arrival, we are trying to decide if it would be best for him to have a crib awhile longer, or if he would be okay to transition to a "regular" bed soon.  We were worried that he would constantly climb out of bed (he immediately did following Patrick completing the transformation), but even when he is upset about being in bed (especially for naps), he STAYS IN BED!!!  We're hoping this continues!
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Ryder cut an additional molar this month - on the top, so he has a total of 11 teeth now!  He's finally catching up to his peers in that regard.
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The next month we have lots of activities planned, as well as several projects to get completed in preparation for the twins arrival.  I'm nearly 23 weeks now, so no more than 15 more weeks to go . . . it's getting close.  I will, of course, be sure to take lots of pictures!