Six Month Doctor Appointment

The twins had their six month doctor appointment last week! They haven't been since their four month appointment, so I was interested to see how much they've both grown in the last two months. I know Peytie certainly FEELS so much heavier, I was thinking 25 pounds or something.

I had lots of questions this visit, so it didn't go as fast as the last visit. One big difference this visit was that Peytie was actually happy throughout (except for when he got his shots, of course), and Lauryn was the fussy, crying one this time.

To make a long story short, Lauryn is doing just fine. She's a strong girl who is growing just as she's supposed to. There are some concerns, however, with Peyton. The big one for now is his head size. Not so much because of how big it is (Brayden's was almost the same size at six months, but he also wasn't born premature), but more because of the rate of growth. It's just growing too big, too fast. It could mean a lot of things, or it could mean nothing. I'm trying my hardest not to let my imagination run wild but, naturally, I consulted Google Doc and have driven myself wrought with worry.

Another concern for Peytie is the fact that he still has a little cough. STILL. I feel like he was born with this. Again, could mean something, could mean nothing.

Because of these issues, Peyton will have a head ultrasound on Wednesday, and an appointment with a pediatric ENT the following week. Any and all prayers/pixie duxt/good vibes/or whatever you believe in would be appreciated. My little guy can use all the help he can get (and momma too because I'm really, really sad and worried about it).

Overall we got through the appointment with only a few tears (babies, me, all around) and left the appointment ok. A family selfie was in order.

Their next pediatrician visit is at 9 months!

Lauryn Elizabeth

Weight: 17 lb 10 oz (75th percentile)  Gained 3 lb 3 oz since their four month appointment!

Height: 26.0" (51st percentile)

Head Circumference: 42.5 cm (56th percentile)

Peyton James

Weight: 19 lb 8 oz (82nd percentile) Gained 4 lbs 1 oz since their four month appointment!

Height: 26.0" (19th percentile)

Head Circumference: 45.8 cm (97th percentile)

The Twins are Six Months Old!

And just like that, it's their half birthday. These little nuggets (well, not so little anymore, I guess) have been with us for a half of a year already and they are now SIX months old!!!

Unfortunately, I had to work on their half birthday, so the pictures I took aren't the best. Early morning light is a little harsh. I was determined to get some pics of the day though.

These two are as different as can be. What she likes, he doesn't, and vice versa.

Lauryn is my active little wannabe gymnast. She is all over the place. Not crawling or anything, but if you put her down somewhere, it's almost guaranteed that she'll be in a few spot/position before long. She loves to "jump" when held in a standing position. Peytie is the complete opposite. Still not turning completely over (he can get halfway), he is content being wherever you put him. As long as he has toys. All of the toys!

They still are not eating any solid foods - doc wanted to hold off until after 6 months, so we'll likely start very soon. Peyton seems to want to eat every 2 and a half hours, so I'm pretty sure he's ready.

I have been reading to them more, still not as much as I'd like, but we've been reading a few books.

Lauryn 

This girl is too much! For one, I think she is gorgeous. Those eyes! Still blue, by the way. I hate to hope that they stay because I know I'll just be disappointed. It's just so weird that her eyes are blue and her hair is strawberry blonde. I mean, whose child is she?!?!?!

She is also SUPER active. She will hold on to your hands and bounce and bounce for the longest time. Don't expect this girl to stay in one place for too long. Her curious and adventurous spirit has her constantly looking for what's next. I love the wonder in her eyes when she's out of the house and discovering something new. And also the craziness in her wide eyes when she's not quite sure about something.

Feeding her can still be difficult. She's just not that interested in food. She would rather be doing something or exploring her surroundings than eat. She's still my skinny Minnie! She's mostly wearing 6-9 month clothes now, and 9 month jammies.

Nicknames: Laurie Lou, Pretty Girl, Princess, Princess Peach (new), Princess Peachie, Baby Grill, Finkie Twinkie Girl (a totally made up word my dad used when we were kids and we still use to this day)

Peyton

This boy is my life. I think that because of his rough start in life (that still continues today), my heart just bursts whenever I'm near this kid. I'll write about their 6 month doctor's appointment later this week and share some new, even scarier, concerns his doctor has, but I'm determined to keep this post light and full of awesome facts about these two cuties. When he is happy, I am elated. I love this chunker so, so much!

Peyton is HUGE. At just six months of age, he is wearing 12 month clothes. And you know those zip-up Carters footie jammies? He can't even wear 18 month ones because his arms are too chunky. Big, big boy.

Peytie is also an extremely lovable and affectionate little guy. He loves to stare at faces while touching you all over. It's like he's trying to rearrange your face. He cuddles, too, which is something Brayden never felt comfortable doing. I could seriously love on him all day.

Nicknames (lots of them): Peytie, Peytie Pie, Peyter, Tater Tot, Peytie P, Peyterater, Handsome Boy, Smiley Boy, Pitter Patter Peyter, Pitter Patter Peyterater, Bub, Bubba, Bubbawub, Bubbawubba, Bubbawoonies (our newest one - Brayden calls him this too)

Baby Milestones

Social and Emotional

Knows familiar faces and begins to know if someone is a stranger
Likes to play with others, especially parents
Responds to other people’s emotions and often seems happy
Likes to look at self in a mirror

Language/Communication

Responds to sounds by making sounds
Strings vowels together when babbling (“ah,” “eh,” “oh”) and likes taking turns with parent while making sounds
Responds to own name
Makes sounds to show joy and displeasure
Begins to say consonant sounds (jabbering with “m,” “b”)

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Looks around at things nearby
Brings things to mouth
Shows curiosity about things and tries to get things that are out of reach
Begins to pass things from one hand to the other

Movement/Physical Development

Rolls over in both directions (front to back, back to front)
Begins to sit without support
When standing, supports weight on legs and might bounce
Rocks back and forth, sometimes crawling backward before moving forward

Lauryn aces all of these, and Peytie does most too - except for the Movement/Physical Development milestones. He can't do any of those. If things don't improve by 7 months, I'll have to make the call to Early Intervention. Let's hope I don't have to.

Weekly Recap #27

So many good things going on with us. The twins turned 5-months-old on Monday, and we returned from our first road trip with them on Monday too. I can't wait to go on another one.I'm thinking St. Louis, Cleveland, or Cincinnati (after the gorilla incident at the zoo, we may hold off on that one for awhile). Those that know me know that I love to travel, and I have a few more trips in my for the next year. I'm still debating taking Brayden to Disney World again this fall, and in March I'll be taking Jazz to the Dominican Republic for her 18th birthday/high school graduation combo trip. Looking forward to ALL the travel in my future.

For now, here's how our week went.

Monday

Waking up in the hotel room. (This was before Brayden really realized that the babies were next to him. LOL)

5 months old!!! Princess Peach is already a little sassy.

The Milwaukee Zoo! Post still to come on our weekend in Milwaukee.

Approximately 30 seconds after we pulled out of the zoo parking lot.

Tuesday

Both babies were sleeping when I left for work. :(

We needed groceries so Brayden and I went to Sam's Club after dinner. We couldn't pass up a berry sundae!

Wednesday

So much love for these babies!

They LOVE playing in these jungle gyms. It's a daily activity for them.

Thursday

Look at how different their skin tones are. Peytie doesn't look so dark, but compared to Lauryn, he's my little brown boy!

So I started a new job a few weeks ago and it's going GREAT. One of the things I love the most is all the FANTASTIC restaurants in the area. Mmmm...tacos!!!

Friday

Peytie is feeling so much better. His voice is starting to sound more like his ol' self.


Friday was also National Donut Day. Someone sent donuts to the office, so of course I had to participate!

Saturday

 She is so pretty. I can't even!!!

Brayden and I hit the library to pick out some new books for the month.

My husband and I also headed to JC Penny to pick out some window coverings for the house. We got a total of FOUR different kinds. Our salesperson, Julie, was SO AWESOME. She really helped us pick out what we wanted and even agreed to come in tomorrow to ring us up because we would get a bigger discount. She was amazing. We picked out vertical fabric blinds for the patio door, cullular shades for our master bedroom, roman shades for my master bath, and faux wood blinds for the first floor. I CAN NOT WAIT for it all to be delivered!!!

I can't help posting pics of this pretty little lady. She is so photogenic.

Sunday

Someone can afford to skip a few meals. #justsayin

Spent lots of time outside on Sunday too.

Look at all the weeds we pulled out of our front garden. YIKES! They grow like trees!

These flowers were from hanging baskets we had last year. The seeds must've blown all over, because now they are growing on the ground. They are so pretty, I don't want to get rid of them.

We also have this behemoth growing in our backyard garden. We don't think it's a weed, but I planted so much last year, that I have no idea what this could be. We're gonna leave it alone for a few more weeks to see if something edible starts growing.

Tomorrow I start a new weight loss challenge group and I can't wait to get back on track. I "treated myself" a few too many times this last week.

Weekly Recap #26

Better late than never, right? We have been really busy - and work is definitely taking a lot out of me. Most nights I just need to get some rest and I don't even logon to the computer. Last week was a fun one. We went on our first little road trip with the twins - AND WE SURVIVED!!! The trip was awesome. I'll try to make that its own post. I've got so many to write though! Even if they are a month (or two!) late, I'll get them written. Here are a few pics from last week.

Monday

This is the only picture I took on Monday. :( We're leaving Saturday morning and I was freaking out because I knew we had A LOT of baby gear to bring. I did fit it all in the car, but we will likely have to purchase this in the future.

Tuesday

I LOVE coming home to this face after work!

Wednesday

My view at 4am. Errrryday. WIDE AWAKE!

Thursday

This girl really enjoys sitting in her Bumbo. All smiles!

And she still thinks this rattle is a lollipop.

Friday

Feelin' good at work on a Friday. Woot woot - the long weekend is here!

Gettin' ready for summer!

Saturday

Snapped a pic of this pretty girl in the morning. ~LOVE~

Then it was off to Milwaukee! I took lots of pics this weekend, but I'll save them for another post.

Sunday

Hotel chillin'!

I'm still keeping up with the diet and exercise plan, but have been a little lax with it. Can't wait for a new challenge to start on June 6th! Until next week!!!