Week 26 Words

Heya! Special shout-out of the week goes to the wonderful women of the cafeteria where I work. They were so supportive and encouraging while I was pregnant, and continue to make me feel special by asking about the babies every day!

Babies had their 6 month check up on Monday and got a clean bill of health. In fact, we were all commended for their steady growth (esp. Gabe, of course) from 5 lbs. to both around 15 lbs. now.

We came with a list of questions, per usual. God bless the professionals at Dekalb Pediatrics. In fact, he already HAS blessed them with a profound amount of patience. A tiny exam room crowded with nervous parents and restless babies is not MY idea of a cozy office, if you know what I mean. Our questions were all answered, and we came out with these bits of "homework":

Doc said to "be brave" and push through the fussing to get babies to sleep flat on their backs unswaddled and in their cribs at night. Yes, you can mock us if you like, but they still sleep swaddled in their bouncers at 6 months old. Even though they can do it at daycare, they put us through fire when we ask them to do it here, so we just gave up asking. In fact, lately Gabe sleeps with me in my bed (he's been getting really congested), and Maddy sleeps soundly and uninterrupted in her crib. So we will start this weekend. And suffer for it.

We were also advised to continue Maddy's torticolis stretches. Remember the shortened muscle at the base of her neck? It's still shortened, although it's not the worse case the Doc has seen. At least she can turn her head to follow you.

And finally, there is talk of testing Gabe for cat allergies. Probably shouldn't discuss this too much, as I know Nola Cat and Little Man Cat do surf the net while we are all asleep. Currently, we are seeing if keeping the nursery door closed 24-7 makes a difference.

But babies are doing SPLENDIDLY. I have it confirmed from many reliable sources that 6 mos. is a sublime age, and we are seeing things get easier and more fun on many fronts. They are just little sponges now. Lots of laughing as well. And they continue to enjoy their rice cereal! Gabe has finally warmed up to it (and how!). Feeding them is always amusing, and usually messy, with lots of crazy tongue action and their attempts to hold the spoon and sometimes hold the cereal.

Just want to insert a note here about how lucky we've been. Friends from work who had twins (boy and girl) around a year ahead of us have given us adorable clothes so that we have hardly bought a thing. In fact, I just gave a bunch away b/c we were overstocked.

Right now the only items they need are for travel this summer: a double jogging stroller and a couple of pack and plays.

My shift is up and I'm off to bed!