What a year...

A year ago was one of the scariest times of my life. Rob and I had just found out the girls were diagnosed with twin to twin transfusion syndrome and we were in Cincinnati going through testing. Man, that day was the longest and most painful experiences. There was nothing to invasive completed, it was just alot of laying down on my back and I was pretty pregnant. We waited for what seemed like hours to hear the final verdict. They brought us into this cold conference room and started to speak what seemed like a complete foreign language. They then told us that initially they had thought we would be diagnosed as a stage 1 and not need any form of treatment. But, the echo on the girls proved otherwise and that we were a stage 4. Rob and I had to make a tough decision at that point. We could try amnio reductions or do the fetal laser surgery.

Rob and I decided that we wanted to go ahead with the fetal laser surgery. We wanted to correct and give the girls the best chance possible. This type of surgery came with a huge risk and we really weren't sure how the girls would handle the stress. I had so many fears. Fears about the girls futures, fears about waking up. But, we knew that this was the right decision.

After the surgery, we were told that it was indeed the right decision. I had over 40 shared vessels and that amnio reduction most likely would not have worked. The girls' hearts also were doing so much better. And, the doctors were very hopeful for their survival.

Now, here we are, a year later and I have two healthy babies crawling all around and driving me crazy =). At times, I do lose it and get so frustrated because the girls won't sleep. But, I have to step back and realize how lucky we are to have them. I truly feel they are miracle babies.

As for the sleeping. gosh, i don't know what the deal is. They did so awesome when they were separated. Now, not so much. I am sure it is because they are still sick and teething, but Rob and I are both dying. So, we decided that we will put them in different rooms. Rob is up moving a crib now and I almost started crying. I wanted them to share a room..they have always been in the same room. It's just sad. I feel like I have failed in some way. Rob has promised we can move them back once the sleeping gets better, so that makes me happy. Please keep your fingers crossed that we can move them back together soon!

I promise to post pictures soon!

Payback

So, Florida was awesome. I had an amazing time hanging out with my sissies! We ate, drank and shopped....I think I shopped a little too much, but I found so many deals. I didn't even buy a thing for the girls, I don't think. I think this was the first time I really shopped for myself in over a year. I figured I have earned it.

After returning to Florida, both girls got sick. Are still sick. And I feel like will forever be sick. Rob's sick. PLEASE don't let me get sick. I just want some sleep =) Seriously, when will spring be here and I feel like we can actually leave the house and not come down with something??? It seems like we have one good week and then one bad month. I just don't get it. THANK the LORD for my sister in law Erin. She was here this past weekend and helped out so much! Love her!

In between crabbiness, the girls are getting so funny. Imitating what you do and totally ignoring each other. Unless, one wants the others binky. Too funny. Once things settle, I will post some pics from FL!

Freaking out...

I am packing up and getting ready to head to Florida. I am excited and sad all at the same time. I am going to miss my little Keegs...I have never been away from the girls for an extended period of time. I am scared she is going to forget me and I am going to miss that smile of hers. I am afraid to miss anything new that she does. I know, most people would probably be excited for a break. I am excited. I just wish I could have one one day, the other the next day!

Wish me luck!

OMG!

Quick post...I am tired and wanting to enjoy a glass of wine...okay, or my second glass of wine. The girls are now officially CRAWLING! They were scooting around on their elbows or forearms, but yesterday they starting a real crawl. Both of them, so crazy that it happened on the same day. I am so proud of them, excited for them and scared for myself =) We have taken out our bookcase and coffee table. Our wall looks bare, which is really bothering me for some reason. And, we don't have a good table to put our drinks or hold our plates when we eat...So, I am going to be on the lookout for something on sale =)
Sad note...Keegan has a cold and I am pretty positive that Alex has the start of one. Shoot! I was hoping we were in the clear for the spring/summer. I am going to Florida to hang with my sisters next week and am taking one of the girls. So, hopefully they are better by then. I still don't know which baby I am taking. I am freaking out about leaving one though. I can't imagine only being with one. I almost didn't go because of it. Silly, I know. But, I haven't been away from them for more than a day or so before. If both girls are healthy, I am going to let my nephew Jack pick who I will bring. He told me to bring Keegie Weegie...so cute!

So busy!

The last week has been a very busy one for us. The girls are doing so well! We had our 9 month checkup last week. Alex weighed in at 13 lbs 12 ozs, while Keegan was 13 lbs. So, the girls are still little itty bitties, but don't worry. Their head size is in the 20th and 30th percentile...hahaha, they get that from their dad =)

The girls are all over the place, I swear, they know when I am changing a diaper to head for anything and everything that they shouldn't be playing with. Rob and I need to babyproof so badly!

Aunt Alli and her new baby John came to visit this week! John was born in January and we are having so much fun with him! He is so cute and such a cuddler. He is also 12 lbs, so about the size of the girls..hehehe

Aunt Alli has taught the girls a lot of cool tricks, like eating puffs and trying to sit up! Actually, Alex is now sitting for an extended period of time and Keegan is thisclose to being there! I can't believe it!

Wow..this is a long post...Will write more later about the girls and their personalities!

Little Ladies...

...are nine months old! Man, that is just crazy. The girls are a feisty bunch, that's for sure. I am getting a little frustrated with the whole sleep thing too. So, I am trying to learn and read and see what others have done. We thought we were getting somewhere when we let them do a little CIO. I have always been against that, but we were getting desperate and it's not like we let them cry for hours. It seemed to start to work, but now, it's not. Someone will be up at 3am one day, 4 the next. I just don't know what to do. And, not good nighttime sleeping equals sucky naptimes. Now, they do take them, so that's a positive, but they are usually short. Sorry to rant and rave, I am just ready to sleep.

On a side note, as you probably saw, I am trying to exercise more. So, yesterday during "nap"time I decided to do a little exercising. On Demand has free exercise programs (thanks Lauren and Andrew!), so I decided to give it a whirl. Oh my Lord...I am beyond sore. I mean, I wasn't sure if I would make it through the day with all the getting up and down that I do. Holy crap. But, it's a "good" pain, so I am going to try and do it again tomorrow. It's the Jillian one in case anyone ones to try it. I guess she is a trainer on biggest loser.

I am going to get some pics of the girls tonight when rob gets home, so I will post later!

Let it begin...

Oh my goodness..Keegan and Alex are so funny. They woke up this morning, I changed their diapers and put both girls in Alex's crib. I went back to our room to lay down =) I came back in and they were just crawling all over each other and smiling at each other. So funny!

Now, Keegan's favorite thing is to steal Alex's bottle...even when she has her own in her mouth! Cracks me up!