Doctor update

Everyone said from the start, "You won't believe how fast they grow!" Now I know why. We went to the doctor last Thursday for a late one month check up (they were seven weeks old). Madeline weighed in at 10 lbs. 8 ozs. (born at 6 lbs. 6 oz.) , and Lena weighed 9 lbs. 10 oz. (born at 5 lbs. 5 oz.). I couldn't believe it. No wonder their newborn clothes were too small! The girls have been super fussy lately. They cry every evening from around 4 or 5 until about 8 or 9. Yikes! It really sucks when dad isn't home to help comfort them. The doctor thinks they are a bit colicy. I hope they get over this soon. I dread the late afternoon/early evening. They also are extremely hungry during this time, but they cry while they take their bottles. Very frustrating. The girls have starting sleeping a little longer in the afternoons, but sleeping less at night. They want to eat every two and a half to three hours during the night. Needless to say, mom is still pretty sleepy. All in all, we are doing really well. Maddie and Lena are so much fun to watch. I feel like they are very loving-- we like to cuddle on the couch, especially when dad is home.

Maddie had to make a quick trip back to the doctor today. She had red bumps show up on one side of her face and neck yesterday, and I wanted to get it checked out. Turned out to just be baby acne. Poor thing. It isn't too bad...yet. She was weighed again- 11 lbs. 2 oz. Wow!! Ten ounces in four days. The doctor seemed pleased, so I was too!

Sleeping beauties

Do you know who is who???

Getting so big!

Lena is getting so big!
Maddie wasn't really into the photo session.

The bigger they get, the more alike they look.
It is easier to see their differences here.
Madeline is starting to get mouthy :)
Lena is usually the loudest, today they seemed to switch roles.

As most of you probably already know, the power went out in a storm on Sunday. Not knowing how long it would be before it was turned back on, the girls and I took off on our first road trip alone. All went well...thank goodness the trip to Grandma and Grandpa Parmentar's is only about two hours. We crashed at their house for two nights before returning to a fridge full of bad food. It was good to see them, and good to know we can survive a trip on our own!

Parmentars meet the Smarts

We had lots of helpers this week...Brittian meets her cousins
Great Grandpa Henson checks out the girls
Brittian and Jalynn hold Madeline and Lena
Uncle Andrew is a pro (so is Uncle David, I just didn't get a picture)

Grandpa Smart taking a nap with Maddie

We made our first big trip to Southern Illinois this last week. Chris, the girls, and I went down two weekends ago, and the girls and I stayed the whole week while we sent daddy off to work. It was nice to have all of the extra help. Grandpa was even giving bottles and changing diapers (Grandma says he changed more than she has EVER seen him do)! We got to visit with lots of high school friends and their little ones. While we really enjoyed our time with the family, it is good to be home and back with dad (and good to have high speed internet again).

New tricks

Happy four week birthday, girls! So far our time with the girls has been amazing...and extremely tiring. Thanks to a great tip from another mom with twins (thanks, Katy!) I have started feeding Lena and Maddie at the same time. It has cut feeding time almost in half! I really appreciate that at night. I lay them in their boppy pillows and prop their bottles up with receiving blankets. It works pretty well- just a little more milk running down the face this way. I have actually started cleaning and doing laundry around the house again. I am sure Chris sends his thanks as well. Next chore to add to my list is cooking. This will be fairly new since we are used to eating out alot. Oh, how times have quickly changed :)
Lena
Madeline