One month down... 18 more years to go!

Austin and Tyler turned one month old on Friday!  Part of me cannot believe a whole month has gone by, but another part of me cannot remember what life was like before these two little peanuts were born.    Needless to say, we have been extremely busy.  Between the constant feedings, diaper changes, soothing, rocking to sleep, and giving these little guys kisses, there really isn't much time for anything else. So I am sure you understand why this blog entry is so overdue.

Looking back at the first month, I must admit- this is the hardest thing I've ever done.  While I was pregnant, I listened optimistically as people tried to prepare me for the sleepless nights, constant worrying, and intensity of having twins; but nothing could have ever prepared me for this experience.  Being a new mom is both overwhelming, and completely satisfying all at the same time.  Ever time they cry, my heart hurts... every time they smile, I feel like I could burst with love... it is all so intense.  I also have been obsessing over things I never thought I'd obsess over; are they eating enough? Are they eating too much? What color is their poop? (I know- this one is weird, but yellow=good, green=bad) Are they swaddled tightly enough? Which pacifier do they prefer? Will they stay asleep?  Some nights I put them in their bed and pray that they will sleep for even just 20 minutes simultaneously.  You see with two- you finally get one soothed, and comforted, then the other starts to cry... it is just nuts!  I have a renewed respect for all parents... because this is really tough.  Luckily for Joey and I, we have not been caring for these guys alone.  This past month we have had tons of help from our parents, family, and friends.  The visitors are never ending, and it really has been great!  And I must admit, that while some days can be a little overwhelming, we have tried to keep a good sense of humor through the whole experience.  Joey and I have burping/ diaper changing contests- where we see who can get their baby (we "pick our poison" each time) to burp first, or to have the first clean diaper.  It keeps things light and exciting at 3am.  One morning I came out of the shower to the sound of both Austin and Tyler crying... I quickly threw on some clothes to find Mom-mom Kantruss holding two calm babies singing- "High Hopes- We've got high hopes."  So in a way that song has become our little anthem... anytime I am feeling overwhelmed I sing it- and Austin and Tyler seem to calm down.

My cousin April, a fellow twin momma, emailed me on Friday, and her email was simple, but said so much; "One month down, 18 more years to go."  Well thanks April- good way to put it- hence the name of this week's blog entry!  Well cheers to the next 18 years- I definitely have high hopes! 

Here are a few pics of the past few weeks!  Austin and Tyler are getting so big!

Cousin Rylan and Austin

In the hats from GG- "great grandmom"

http://ww.dominiqueattaway.com/perpetua/index.html

Please click on the link above to check out the beautiful slide show of the boys... we are thrilled with these pictures. 

Two Weeks Old!!

Well- we survived our first two weeks with these little guys.  I must admit, it has been a lot harder than I ever imagined.  I could not have possibly survived without the help of our families.  We are so fortunate to have great help.  Mom-mom, Grammy, Pap, Aunt Rochelle, and Aunt Whitney have all taken late night shifts allowing Joey and I to get some sleep.  Even with all the help, Joey and I are still sleep deprived... but in our sleep deprived state we have still found time to help some fun with our little men...

On Saturday we went to Carter Mountain, a local vineyard and orchard with Mom-mom, Aunt Rochelle, and Aunt Whitney. They boys were dressed to impress, and surprisingly they were so well behaved. They slept the entire time! We had a blast! After nine months of not drinking wine, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the wine tasting. I am breast feeding so I only did the tasting and had a small glass if wine, but I would by lying if I didn't admit that it crossed my mind that maybe the wine would help them sleep through the night. Well, it didn't work. They were still fussy at night, but I guess it was worth a try.

Boys at the Vineyard

Aunt Whit and Austin

Aunt Rochelle and Tyler in his "Vineyard Get-up"

Today, we are expecting some more company- the Swindells family.  I am so excited for the boys to meet their cousins.  I can't wait to snap a few pictures of them all together!!!

Introducing... the Perpetua Boys

Well the Perpetua boys are here!!!  On July 27th at 10:34pm and 10:40pm respectively, Austin Laird (Tank- 7lbs 3oz) and Tyler Joseph (Dozer- 5 lb 9oz) were born.  I was induced early Tuesday morning, and after a short labor (a great epidural), and some pushing, the boys made their grand entrance into the world.  In one short week, our lives have completely changed, and the boys have taken officially over...sometimes I feel like I was run over by a Tank and a Dozer!

Between late night feedings, constant diaper changes, and soothing, Joey and I have really gotten to know and love these two little peanuts.  They already have very different personalities.  Tyler is our little comedian.  He keeps us laughing with his over the top expressions and furrowed brows.  Austin is our little pooper- no seriously... that boy can clear a room.  On a recent trip to the doctors office- in one half hour, we had four poopy diapers between the two, and Austin farted straight for about 30 seconds.   Fortunately the doctor had a good sense of humor, and laughed through the entire fart.  Poor doctor- we left her office smelling like a rotten egg. 

I could tell story after story about the boys, but I think the best way to summarize the past week is in photos... so here it goes...

Austin just born

Austin and Daddy

Tyler just born

Boys in the Nursery, Tyler on the right and Austin is on the left

First family photo

Boys meet their grandparents

Trying out their bed

Boys meet their friend Cullen (Cullen is 2 1/2 months old)

Austin's first bath

Daddy with his hands full- literary

Today we had a professional photographer come over and take some pics of the little guys... here is a preview- taken with my camera.

Photo shoot

Some other photos...

Austin in a fedora

Tyler has sideburns like daddy!

WOW WHAT A WEEK!  Both Joey and I are so blessed.  We are both completely and utterly overwhelmed with love.  I cannot even believe the amount of love I feel for these guys.  It is simply indescribable.