Take a some time and CHAT ABOUT FEEDING TIMES!

Twins at 2 1/2 Months ( Playtex Drop Ins) Twins 8 Months Dr. Brown Bottles

Time after time, I get this questions " How do you do it"? What they are really asking me..

" How do you feed both babies at the same time"?

Lets start when the twins were newborns - 2 months! This was VERY HARD! Both babies were feeding every 3 hours, and I was the only one at home, and did the night feedings. As soon as, I would finish feeding one baby and chang their diaper - and then the other.. I had about 30 minutes in between another feeding. Needless to say, their was NOT much rest time for me. We started using Playtex drop in bottles, and the reason for that was because, that's the only bottle the twins would take.; also when I was pregnant. A friend of mine, sent me a website to get a free bottle from Playtex. When I rec'd the free bottle in the mail.. I thought - WOW this would- awesome, no cleaning bottles, ect. Not knowing, how much they cost! Yah,it would save me a lot of time not having to clean bottles, ect. The cost of refill packs - PRICEY! Think about it - 2 babies feeding every 3 hours.. 18 BOTTLES in 24 hours. The cost to keep up with these bottles, was getting out of control. Feeding time when they were between 0-2 months, very stressful for me. I did not know, it was ACTUALLY possible to fall asleep feeding a baby. Yes, I can honestly say - I FELL ASLEEP! I woke up scared out of my mind.. During this trail and error period, we also were trying to figure out formula! during the time, I was emotional wreck because I could not get that "bonding time" with each baby. I had to remember, that I was raising two babies the same age. Oh, this age was wonderful for feedings.. example - they would TAKE THEIR BOTTLE ANYWHERE/ANYTIME!

We started in the hospital with GoodStart Milk Base in the hospital, the twins seemed to take to it great! When we got home after a few days, we notice Jj was very gassy and ALWAYS fussy. Back to the doctors, and switched him to Similac Sensitive ( Orange Can). At first, it seemed to be working great. Over the week span, we notice he was not getting any better, but worse. At the same token, we notice Reagan was gassy. The doctor switch the twins to Similac Soy, but I decided to use Good Start Soy, because this company sent out more coupons- $11.00 checks! That's big money to a momma of twins. Once we figured out the formula issue, we stayed with Good Start Soy, and the problems started going away.

Jason and I finally, broke open a baby shower gift set of bottles from a friend, who used them with her first child. She swore by these bottles, I looked at them as a lot of work to clean, with all these parts.. We had it with the drop ins. DR BROWNS BOTTLE! Aww.. My lifesaver! The twins took them very good, and the monthly budget was a bit litter without the drop in cost. Yes, I did have to spend more time at the sink washing bottles, ect. I rather have done that, then spend more money on the drop ins.

I got in the habit of premixing all bottles for 24 hours, I would sit down and start going to town. Made my life so much easier, because I just had to warm them up - and we were ready for feedings.

3-6 months Feedings

At this time, I switched the twins to Dr. Brown Bottles, Good Start Formula, Jayden was sleeping through the night and had both of feeding at the same time. I will attach some photos, of the "feeding project". By this point, I was not so overwhelm thinking " Bottle Time AGAIN".. When I knew the time was nearing, I would just go and pull the bottles out, warm them up, put the babies on the bobbys, or prop their bottles with something.. and we were finished. I noticed, that I had 1 1/2 between each feeding by then. I WAS ON TOP OF WORLD! At the same token we were starting solids. Starting solids were not that hard, but bottles were my projects. Towards the end of the 6 months, I started putting the bottles in the dishwasher every day, and repeat the same project. I noticed around this age, if I wanted to go out for lunch/mall/run, ect I would plan it around feeding times, why? It's a lot of work to feed two babies out in public, when their is only one of me.

6-9 Months

Breeze! Twins are on a great schedule, and sometimes they will go without a bottle for 4/5 hours, if I just gave them snacks. At this time, I do not pre-make the bottles.. I got tired of sitting on the bar stool MIXING all those bottles. Now, we just line up the bottles - pour the water into them, stick them in the microwave 49 second, mix and shake! We are done! Also, they hold their own bottles and only take 3-4 bottles a day. Bottle feedings have gotten a lot easier, and I dont feel stress out by them anymore. One thing, I have to add! when the twins were 2 months old, Jason I went on for a car trip, but thought for sure we would be back for the next feeding.. NOPE! We had to pull into a gas station and feed the babies. =)

We did try other bottles along the way.. Avent ( AWFUL) they also leaked on us... Playtex Curve something.. HORRIBLE! The nipples were so hard, the twins could not suck on them.. That was really about it. We truly only used Playtex drop ins and DR BROWNS ( LIFE SAVER)

We never change to a different bottle, if we were going out, or different times of the day. We kept them with what they know. We notice, that babies dont do well with change. If we found something that was working.. " Why Change it"

All of our feedings were really easy after 2/3 months, because they were sleeping through the night.. going 4 hours between each bottle. Made my life easier, and I got to spend more time with them.

One thing, I wish bottle companies would change. SEND OUT COUPONS! A mother of twins.. I spent a lot on bottles, trying to figure out the "right one".. I wanted to make sure, I had enough bottles for 24 hours, and couple extra in case the dishwasher did not get run that day, or someone needed an extra feeding. Also, maybe some coupons for nipples?? I really would not change anything about bottles, because each one of them have their own design; and each baby requires a different bottle. It's probably good thing, their is WIDE selection of them, because it gaves us moms options.

I get asked questions - ALL THE TIME! Bottles are brought up a lot, and they ask me.. " How did you know" I always say trail and error. My husband and I tell parents to be, take $100 go to the store and BUY every bottle! Really - I am NOT JOKING. I wish someone at our shower, just bought us TONS of different bottles, and let us try to find the right one; or your baby will tell you, what he/she will take. I wish, I could say - that every baby will take Dr. Browns, but they dont. I would also, share with them. Prepare your self for the upcoming day.. Meaning - pre make all of your bottles 24 hours in advice, and wash them out - PUT THEM IN THE DISHWASHER - Why? Because when you have a stack full of bottles sitting in the sink, it can get to you, as a new mother. Run the dishwasher every night before you go to bed, even if their is only 3 bottles. When you wake up in the morning, your not looking at dirty bottles. If you know your going out for the day, dont pre make to many bottles. I take the amount of bottles, I will need for those hours, and fill them with water and put the travel lids on them. Use the cool formula holder, and just mix the bottles where ever, I am. I am lucky, because the babies will take the bottles at room temp, or if I am going to a restaurant. I will ask for a cup of warm water, and put the bottle in their to warm up.. Just depends on what your baby will take. TIP - Starbucks will give you warm water to use for your bottles, if your ordering COFFEE! =) Yes, I love starbucks.

Best tip - I have for twin mommies - FEED BOTH BABIES AT THE SAME TIME FROM THE START! It will save you a lot more time, and you will get a lot more sleep.

Enjoy the pictures, I posted.

Brother Sister LOVE & Snack TIME

Jayden drinks sippy cup with handles..

Reagan likes her sippy cup with a straw!

Few shots - out through the last couple of week..

I just thought this was a very cute picture.. Just hanging out together. Believe it or not, they are very close and play, EXCELLENT together!!!

Fall Time! Enjoying Parks!

Just wanted to share some park pictures with you...

Jayden 1st Hair cut!

Last Monday, I had PT appointment where Jason gets his haircut. I told Jay for awhile, Jayden needs a haircut. We decided that day, after my PT appointment.

Jayden did GREAT!

Enjoy the pictures!

Thank You

I had a lot of people email me, and I wanted to say THANK YOU. I appreciate you sharing your story, and support for me.

Since the last time I posted about my problems, things have really turned around for me. I am getting a better understanding of PPD and Panic Attacks. Thank GOODNESS! I dont take the meds anymore for PPD, because it was stemming from a lot more then PPD. I had a lot of depression with vertigo, and panic attacks.

I've been too 3 physical therapy appointments for my vertigo- WOW! I really honestly, thought it was joke that I was even going to therapy for vertigo. I was VERY nervous when I walked into the door, because all I could think about what happen at the doctors office. After collecting myself and putting my thoughts in line.. I thought to myself " What do I have to lose"?

She did couple of test on me, to make sure I had vertigo and what type. She lead me to the table, that I was NOT wanting to do. She started with right side ( the worse side), and laid me back, keep my neck very still- turning to the right. MY WORLD WAS ROCKING!!! After a few minutes, finally passed, and she rolled me into another position, and so forth. I took a break for about 5 minutes just to collect myself and wipe the tears from my eyes. She asked me - " Want to try again"? Thinking.. " What the heck, I need to get this corrected" To my surprise - IT WORKED! I could actually lay down on my left side, without my world rocking. In a short summary, she was moving the crystals back into place. That's why, she has to be very careful how she moves my head, and how long I stay there. Since my 1st appointment, I've been back twice and made big progress!!! It's getting easy for me.. I have one more session left, and actually looking forward too it.

Strange thing at hand - since that appointment! I notice the depression was getting better, and the panic attacks were not starting. Very old, so that's why I took myself off the meds, and doing a lot better!!!

This is my SMALL update.. I will update more soon. I have a lot to update. Again, thank you to everyone that has emailed/called me.

XOXO

Vertigo/ PPD/ Panic Attacks

I am going to take some time and open up about a lot of stuff that has been going on.

They say a person blogs, to get things off their chest and mind. I have a lot to clear the air with, and hoping this helps me right now.

Over the last six months, I have been dealing with PPD and Panic attacks. This subject is very hard for me to talk about, because I dont really want people to know, I am dealing with this. Look at me any different, or make judgements about me or my family. PPD started when the twins were around 5 months, and I thought, I could control it myself. That was not the case, and lead me to panic attacks. Panic attacks have truly taken over my life sometimes, but now that I am on meds, seem to be helping me a lot. I still cry a lot, and have no reason for it. Working through it day by day, and I decided if I " talked" about it, would help me a bit more. Instead of keeping everything inside, and only talking to my husband and OB about it. PPD is more on the lines, of feeling empty inside.. Not feeling my normal self, and lonely. I have no clue, why I could ever feel this way, when I have two healthily babies and loving husband. Before I had the twins, I was happy go lucky, and easy going. Now, I worry about the smallest things, I cry over the littlest thing. I am always wondering " what if", and those have lead me to the panic attacks. I worry, if something happens to me - Who will take care of my kids, will they know who I was, will they ever know, how much I love them.. Its sad, because as I type this.. I am just crying because, I want to be there for my kids in every way. I am always worrying.. My primary care finally found the right meds for me, and seems to be working. Panic attacks have gone a lot, but in the meantime of everything, I have vertigo!

I have positional vertigo, and it's very scary to have. They say it's crystals that build in the back of your ears, that will cause someone to be " off balance". One morning, I woke up and I could not even WALK! I was bouncing off the walls, and could not even get to my kids in their cribs. Thank goodness, that day I was supposed to be going out with MIL, and she came right over. When this happen, it set me in the worse panic attack, they I could ever deal with.

Over the course of the days, my balance was starting to come back normal. I decided that Tuesday, I would go in and see my primary care - just to understand " why". She noticed, I had a large amount of fluid behind my ears, and caused me to lose my balance. She gave me a script and off I went. Over the course of the month, I notice certain positions, I would put myself into, would cause my to feel like I was dizzy and going to pass out. When this was happening the panic attacks were getting stronger, because I did not know what was going on. This past Monday, I made appointment and I wanted Jason to go with me. She did couple of test on me, and said " you have vertigo" Now, I have to go to therapy 2x a week for 2 weeks to try and correct it, and if that does not work. I have to go and see ENT doctor, which takes forever to get into. I went ahead and made an appointment with ENT doctor, because they are hard to get into - my appointment is Nov 24th. Friday, I will be going to my 1st appointment for therapy - JOY!

All these events have been taking place, and I have been keeping them inside. I am now to the point, where I feel like I could lose my mind. I cry more then I ever have, because I want to "normal" again, and be the best mom and wife, that I can be. With all these problems, just feel like the world is against me right now. I really dont have "friends" anymore, because I had kids. A lot of my friends, dont have children and went their own way. Which is fine, and I knew it would happen. I feel like, I am trapped in this bubble and trying to figure everything out.

Did not want to share with my family, because I dont want them to worry. I dont want them to look at me say " Are you Okay", or think I cant take care of my own kids. I want to be strong and get pass this and live life to the fullest. Right now, I dont feel like I am, because I am scared of myself. I dont know, if that make any sense, but to me it does.

Today at the park with two moms, I finally opened up. They notice I was not myself anymore, and finally just broke down. It easy for someone to say " its going to be okay", I keep telling myself that. Just dont think they understand, what fears I have. Am I going to wake up tomorrow with no balance and not be able to walk?" Am I going to have a panic attack?

Not sure if anyone truly understands, what I am going through.. I dont want anyone to understand, I want myself to understand more then anything. Right now, they only thing I understand is - I love my kids more then life, and my husband. Everything else, I dont understand and trying to find my way.

Just pray that this will pass, and I lead a normal life and be happy again. Right now, I am breaking down inside. I am putting my faith into God, to get my through this. They also say " This To Shall Pass" Right now, I dont feel like this is going to pass....

This is the short and skinny of everything. I did not go back and read this, because it just makes me cry. Sorry for the typos, ect - Just wanted to get it off my chest.

XOXO

Sorry for not posting..

Kitchen!

This is what they found, when tearing out the cabients! Horrible!

Faiella Family has been very busy. First, we did the photo shoot with Dustin Prickett. In between this, we started house repairs. All I can say, I am happy it's over and I am loving the changes. We went through a lot to get to the final reveal.

1. Kitchen needed to be replaced ( I will post pictures, and you can see - why)

2. Bath tub was redone

3. Back yard got cleaned up, fenced got painted ( minor project)

The biggest project was the kitchen. In between everyone coming over, doing their parts in the project. Faiella family was trying to hold it together in the house. No Kitchen = NOT A HAPPY MOMMA! I was washing bottles in the bathtub, working without running water. The kids and I, had to go stay at my sister in laws house, because the mold was horrible, when they took out the cabinets.

Everything is back to normal, and were getting back on track. Enjoy the wonderful pictures...

On another note - We're nearing 10 months, and it's really sad. Time has gone by so fast, and I hope, I truly enjoyed every second.