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. 

38 weeks 6 days- and ready to go!

We are officially 38 weeks and 6 days along, and ready to go!  We saw the doctors today, and they are inducing tomorrow morning.  Yeah!  I am so nervous.  Joey is really excited.  We are going to try to get some sleep tonight, but I know we will both be tossing and turning all night in anticipation. 

Tomorrow is my 27th birthday... I turn 27, on the 27 and if all goes well I will get to share my birthday with Tank and Dozer!  What a great "Golden Brithday!"  Two babies!  Aunt Cheryl Perpetua predicts that we will have two 7lb babies- now wouldn't that just be weird?  I'd have to play the lotto- 27 might be our new lucky number!

I can't wait to post pictures of the boys!  We are so excited to meet them!  Thank you all for your support, prayers, and love through this pregnancy.  We are very blessed to have such great people in our lives!

Joey at week 39- yes that is Oscar under his shirt!!!  Check out his feet!

Momma day before giving birth!

Last dinner together before we meet our boys!

38 Weeks?!?!?!

I am now officially 38 weeks and 1 day pregnant. Joey and I are in shock that these boys are still hanging on! We went to the doctor yesterday, and were told that I am now 2cm dilated, 80% effaced, and Tank is still in labor station 0. So I made a little progress, but not enough to go into labor yet. Much to my dismay, the doctor said that there is no medical reason to induce just yet (my mental sanity doesn’t count as a medical reason- I asked). Both Tank and Dozer are healthy boys. We have another appointment on Monday (if we’re still pregnant), and we will schedule induction then if necessary. So until Monday, I am left wondering will these guys ever come or will they continue to hang out in Hotel Uterus forever?


In the meantime, I am trying to stop obsessing and find some inner peace. I want these two little guys to come into a peaceful- not stressed out environment. So I am trying to stop being consumed over when they will come, and enjoy a few days of rest.  The problem is I am just really not a relaxed person... I am type A all the way.  So while I am trying to relax-  please send good “Go into Labor vibes” my way!!!

This is Joey's week 38 picture.  His pregnancy bread has fully grown in.  He is ready to meet his little guys!

37 Weeks! We Reached Our Goal!!!

I am now officially 37 weeks pregnant! I cannot believe these little guys have stayed put this long! I am so proud because when we first found out we were pregnant with twins, the doctors said try to keep them in there for 37 weeks... and it has been my goal ever since, and WE DID IT! YEAH! All my fears about premature babies have really faded away. I am confident that these little guys will not have to worry about immature lung development. As any expecting mother would, I still have a whole gamut of other issues to worry about, but their lung development is not one of them. YEAH!

So where to now… we’ll it is time for these guys to get the hell out! Just joking, but seriously my thinking has totally shifted from “Stay put” to “Okay- this has been fun little guys, but you’re killing mom’s back. So it is time.” I did the “eviction notice” yoga class last night- but nothing. The doctor yesterday told me I am still only one cm dilated, 75% effaced, and that she would see me next week. UGH! I guess I just wished too hard that they would stay put, and now they are really comfortable. Amber said they must have set-up shop inside, and they are too busy enjoying themselves in their to get out. She might have a point…
So for now- we will be busy waiting, and I have taken a new hobby- evacuation dances. It hasn’t worked yet, but I have a feeling they will get sick of being bounced around. We just can’t wait to meet them. I also noticed that they respond so well to touch. Whenever I or Joey rub my belly they kick us in response. We think it is the cutest thing, but it is probably their way of saying “Leave me alone.” Who knows…
By the way- when Joey and I hug now- it looks like we are at a dance in middle school- the babies are so big we can barely hug!

Time will tell when these little guys make thier big debut!  I have a feeling it will be on Whitney & Brandon's wedding day (which is this Saturday, July 17th).  I am sorry Whit- but if that happens I will never forget your anniversary.  I wish we could be in Philadelphia with you this weekend.  We love you!

36 Weeks and Ready to Pop!

I am 36 weeks along and ready to pop! We had another ultrasound on Tuesday, and got some great news. Tank is a hearty 6lbs, and Dozer is not too far behind at 5lbs 3oz. They are both still head down, and the doc was pretty confident their positioning being great for a vaginal birth. I am still only 1 cm dilated, but now I am 70% effaced. Tank’s head is so low the ultrasound tech told me he is probably going to have a cone head! Hell, if the only thing to be concerned about is Tank’s potential cone head, then I’d say we’re doing pretty well!

Joey graduated! YEAH! We are thrilled that he is done! It was actually a little weird having him around all weekend. But it was really nice! He is psyched.  Below is a picture of at dinner with Karen and Ralph celebrating Joey's success.

I, myself, have become a spectacle. Everywhere I go people just stare. The recent heat wave has really not done me any favors either. I actually had a man at Lowes stop me and say, “Ma-am, I don’t mean you any disrespect, but I sure do hope you’re having twins.” The funny part is this man had a tracheotomy hole in his throat, and he was smoking a cigarette; and I was the one getting the stares?!?! On the same day, a lady at Old Navy told me that when I walked into the store, the associates all talked to each other on their little walkie talkie radios- and said “She’s ready to pop.” I am now getting embarrassed to go out in public! I guess toting around 11lbs of baby in your belly will get you some stares!  Not too mention it makes a great shelf for Oscar to sit on!

We have our next appointment on Tuesday, so we will see what happens. Part of me is hoping I deliver before then, and the other part of me would be happy to see 37 weeks… I guess I really don’t get to decide. It is up to these two little boys. Joey just reminded me that since the beginning of the pregnancy, carrying to 37 weeks has been my goal. I can’t believe it is so close! 37 weeks would be great, however I will admit that if I am still pregnant at 38 weeks, I will have to do an evacuation dance of some sort- I don’t know about toting around 14+lbs of baby! My back aches just thinking about it!