Decreasing posts

The amount of posts may decrease even more for the next few months. I'm getting to my busiest time at work and will not have a lot of extra time. Hopefully I can update at least every other week, but please don't get upset if it's less than that.

Starting in October I should be back to once a week or so.

First Cereal Feed

Last week - June 20 - we started the babies on cereal. Previously, we had added some cereal to Paul's bottle to help with the reflux, but this was much thicker and fed with a spoon. Paul took to it right away and happily eats quite a bit every night. Lizzie did not like it so much at first, but has started to adjust. Unfortunately, despite the assurances from others, this has not really increased their sleep. They still wake up once during the night for a feeding around 2 - 4 am. This is not too bad as we're pretty much used to it now.

Here are some pictures from that first feed:

Paul getting some more


Paul making sure it all goes in by pushing in the last bit with his hands


Lizzie making a strange face at the taste


Paul a little too interested in the camera instead of the food

Erie Pictures

Here are some pictures from Erie (in no real order):

At the beach with Aunt Sue & Aunt Peggy


Lizzie & Aunt Peggy


Paul asleep on the picnic table


Paul & Aunt Mary at the motel pool


Paul & Mommy


Lizzie with Uncle Paul


Paul asleep at the party - all worn out


Lizzie with Grandpa and Paul with cousin Gayle


Lizzie & Daddy


Another of Lizzie & Daddy


Lizzie with Aunt Sue


As you can tell, we had a great time and the babies had fun meeting all the Trost relatives. It was commented more than once that Lizzie looks like her great-great-Grandma Trost. Guess those Trost genes stay strong.

Erie Fun

We went to Erie, PA over the weekend. Lizzie and Paul did great - both on the 10 hour (usually 8 hour) car trips and in the hotel room. Paul was a little fussy at night - we think he was just overloaded and his body couldn't take the stress. We took a lot of pictures and I hope to get some up soon.

Lizzie and Paul had a wonderful time meeting all their "great" aunts and uncles. They also had their first look at Lake Erie and the sand.

NICE follow up

Today the Twins visited the NICE (neonatal intensive care experts) doctors for a follow up visit. This is the practice that cared for them in the NICU. It was a really great appointment. I thought it was just going to be a physical exam, but they actually had a developmental analysis by a speech pathologist. He said they were both doing really well for their adjusted age.

Both babies have a "left side aversion" - Lizzie worse than Paul. Basically, they don't like to turn their head to the left, even if that's where the action is. The doc said that it is something we can probably fix by working with them. He gave us a whole stack of papers with different exercises and other information.

Charlie and I thought this was great. One of the papers is a developmental check list that we can use to help track their progress. This will help us become aware if they need additional help. We'll go back next March for their year (adjusted) check up. After that, if all looks good we don't have to go again. However, if at any time we are concerned about their development we can take them in for a check.

5 Month Checkup

Today the twins had their 5 month checkup with the doctor. Everything looked good, except Paul was running a low fever and has been very very fussy. The important stats:

Lizzie - 16 lbs 3 oz 24 inches
Paul - 14 lbs 13 oz 24 inches

Yep, Lizzie is 1 lb 6 oz more than Paul, but the same height. The doctor said that was okay - plus she had just finished her bottle (8 oz) before the appointment. Overall the doctor was very pleased.

Lizzie and Paul have another appointment on Wednesday - a follow up with the NICE doctors from the NICU.

Here are a few pictures of the kids on their exersaucers. They are learning good neck controll and really enjoy it when Mommy and Daddy play with the toys (they haven't quite gotten the hang of the toys themselves).