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.