Little Blessings

A couple weeks ago we enjoyed the blessing of having the girls baptized in the Catholic Church. It was a private event after mass with our families and the girls godparents, Laura (Lindsay's Sister) and Kevin (close friend). Madison was a champ and quietly observed the whole service. She didn't even peep when the cold water was poured over her head and seemed to thoroughly enjoy being held in the air for all to see. Brooklyn on the other hand was very vocal about her unhappiness with the whole situation. Deacon Ched commented that with all her screaming she will probably join the choir when she gets older. 

(Brooklyn)

(Madison)

(Kevin & Laura lighting the candles which symbolizes the light of Christ).

It was a beautiful day as we celebrated God's love and were reminded of what amazing little blessings these two little girls are in our lives!

Tutu's & Headbands- 11/17/13

Fall is in full swing and the Colorado weather is still beautiful.  We have barely even seen a hint of snow this way which is great for the girls and all the activities which they like to partake.  Even so, much of it is still indoors like the Yoga ball. 

(Madison with her bright blue eyes)

(Brooklyn in one of her less feminine outfits)

(Madison observing the photographer closely)

Here, a few weeks delayed as usual, are a select few Halloween pics of our super babies.  Madison was less than intimidating as a smiley superhero.  They get their fair share of practice sitting up with minimal support but Madison admits to cheating here with pumpkins as back support.

(Our own private security team, protecting the perimeter)

The girls hit 7 months on 11/07/2013 and had some timely pictures taken in their nursery.  Madison, not surprisingly took a fairly serious approach to the photoshoot here. 

 There is seldom a dull moment around the house, but if ever there is a lull, Mommy uses that time to play dress up.  And, while tutu's have been done here before, Mommy just can't get enough. 

(Madison on left, Brooklyn on right)

Continued support of the CSU Rams from great fans like these has helped them get to a 6-5 record so far.  Sadly, this is an improvement over the last several years, so we will continue to ensure that these cute fans keep cheering them on. 

(Brooklyn practicing Yoga too)

Today the girls were baptised in the Catholic church so pictures will soon follow this exciting event.  Oxygen is still on and wont be evaluated again for a couple more months.  Look forward to a video or two on the next post for a change too!

Growing up! 11/02/13

November is upon us and the snow hasn't yet arrived so the girls continue their adventures outside.  While they are just days away from being 7 months old (on 11/07), here is a 6 month picture taken a couple weeks back.

 (Madison of left, Brooklyn on right)

(Brooklyn tailgating with Dad)

(Madison tailgating with Mom)

(The girls visiting their future college)

We haven't done much comparing to the early days to this point but lay out a great example right here.  The "tubs" that the girls took most of their baths in at the hospital are useful at home for a number of reasons but pretty clearly, bathing isn't one of them anymore. 

        (Madison in the hospital)                                                                      (Madison at 6 1/2 months at home)

        (Brooklyn in the hospital)                                                          (Brooklyn at 6 1/2 months at home)

The girls are very aware of each other's presence.  In fact, Brooklyn in particular is very sensitive to her sister when Madison claims to be in distress.  While Brooklyn seems protective on her sister, she doesn't hold back on "borrowing" toys or other objects right out of Madison's hands. 

(Brooklyn on left, Madison on right)

Other milestones and progress include lots of reaching for and grabbing toys, new babbling sounds. sitting up with a little help and more.  Brooklyn has very quickly earned a reputation as VERY social and the center of attention.  Madison is claiming the spot as our analytical child that sits, observes and takes it all in.  Oxygen is still removed during parts of the day but we are at least a couple months away from parting with the tanks completely, unfortunately.  The girls don't mind much though and are happy to keep meeting new people and exploring their environment. 

Fall, Football and Fabulous Food - 10/15/2013

Hello again everybody!  The girls are staying so busy they hardly have time to post but welcome back!....The last few weeks have held Denver Broncos football, Colorado State University tailgating, a Children's hospital oxygen evaluation sleep study, Brooklyn's first teeth!!!, and more!  (Many events not yet pictured will be shown next post)

(Dad w/ Brooklyn)

Football season is in full swing and the girls show up to each game with their game faces on but the general lack of emotion depicted is due to the Denver Broncos' ability to pull off a 6-0 start to the season with seemingly little effort.  Wins of massive proportion are commonplace now so the girls don't wind up easily just yet.  Check back later in the season. 

(Dad w/ Brooklyn, Grandpa w/ Madison)

The girls relish the opportunity to watch a little football as screen time is not something generally offered to them around the house.  Granted, either one of them will find a TV when it is turned on anyway, regardless of where they are placed in the room, even if it requires neck and body twisting usually seen only at Cirque De Soleil.  We've warned them their necks might stick in a 90 degree position but they continue to watch, unphased. 

(Grandpa w/ Madison)

Within the last week or so, Brooklyn and Madison have also been introduced to the world of "solid" food.  They now include a little rice cereal with their milk in one or two daily feedings.  They are usually receptive and continue to develop the motor skills required to eat this way. 

(Madison's first ever solid food bite)

(Brooklyn's first ever solid food bit)

The busy schedules are mostly full of fun with a little "business" in between.  There is no time to waste outdoors with a beautiful Colorado fall in effect as us Coloradan's know well that snow can interrupt the fall at any time.  For this reason, the girls asked to go to their first corn maze and pumpkin patch, so we did...

(Trying out the "B.O.B." stroller for the first time now that necks are stronger)

(Lost in the corn maze, posing for a photo opp in the bright sun)

Mom and Dad learn little things as they go, such as the need for baby sunglasses (not the kind that Madison previously brough home from having her eyes dilated though).  Each outing gets more comfortable but still comes with LOTS of baggage. 

(An aerial shot of Dad and Brooklyn)

(Mom posing with Madison near the pumpkin patch)

We look forward to posting more in another 2-3 weeks.  In the meantime, the girls are still on oxygen but otherwise look and act as healthy as can be.  Also, after multiple G.I. doctor visits, Mom has been sacrificing the better foods in life for a dairy-free and soy-free diet to accommodate Madison's dietary requests (Dad now suffers as a result too...pizza please!). 

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)