Family Fun - 9/29/13

As of last week the girls weighed in at 10 lbs 11oz (Madison) and 11 lbs 10 oz (Brooklyn).  Madison goes to the G.I. doctor tomorrow to further attempt to figure out some dietary issues that leave her a bit cranky many afternoons.  Things have gotten much better since mom made a few diet changes for Madison's benefit already though. 

There has been no shortage of quality time with family as of late.  The girls have been quite busy as seen below....

(Watching the CSU Rams game with Grandpa Swanson)

(Lazy day in pajamas with Brooklyn & cousin Kaylee from Florida)

(Cousin photo)

Aunt Lucy, cousin Iris and cousin Kaylee came out for a fun-filled extended weekend recently.  The girls went to Oktoberfest, played at a couple of different parks and, generally, just had fun.

(Madison watching cousin Kaylee feed the ducks at the park)

(Madison envying the kids on the playground)

(Brooklyn getting out of the stroller to stretch)

In between all the fun, and the previously mentioned G.I. doctor's visits, the girls also see a pulmonologist and will soon participate in a sleep study at Children's Hospital to try and get to the bottom of this oxygen thing.  And speaking of sleep, we now know it's true that all good things must come to an end as 6 weeks of sleeping through the night has now turned into 1-2 mid-night feeds. 

(Madison, left, with Brooklyn, Aunt Lucy and cousin Kaylee)

(Aunt Jamie finally getting 2 babies without one crying)

The pediatrician has said this might be a good indication that it's time to start slowly introducing solid foods to help them stay full throughout the night.  We have yet to do this but expect to do so within the week.  The girls also caught a cold recently and are still fighting it, so the sleep could be due, in part, to that as well. 

(Madison proving to "Gigi" Swanson that she'll sleep just about anywhere)

Five Months - 9/08/13

In a more timely manner than usual....here are a couple of "5 Month" pictures taken today as the girls hit 5 months on Sept 7th.  

(Madison on left, Brooklyn on right)

(Madison posing outside in beautiful Sept weather)

Everyone is well, but still on oxygen.  The pediatrician is now as frustrated as we are and has referred the girls to a pulmonologist which they will visit this upcoming week to dig a little deeper into the oxygen situation.  

(Brooklyn showing off her neck strength)

Oxygen doesn't slow them down as they seem to have more energy everyday.  They "talk," walk (with some help of course), and play all day.  Parents across the world either envy or despise Mom and Dad Abrams as the girls have yet to break their sleeping streak of sleeping through the night since they started in the beginning of August!

(Brooklyn looking skeptically at Dad)

 (Madison enjoying the new jumper)

As of the last doctor's visit, Madison was 9lb 8oz and Brooklyn was 10lb even.  This is exactly what we'd like to see according to the doctor.  The girls attended a NICU reunion this weekend where former patients from very recent to many years ago were all invited back.  They had quite a following of nurses and staff, anxious to see them and amazed at their progress since leaving the hospital. 

Madison had a follow up appointment with the eye doctor where it turns out she might be only slightly near-sighted but she didn't mind as the sunglasses from having her eyes dilated are quite cool.  In fact, Brooklyn likes to borrow them when Madison isn't wearing them.  Dad is excited they like the glasses that likely cost only pennies and he hopes their taste stays in that same general price range as they age. 

(Brooklyn sporting Madison's signature look)

(One bad baby Madison)