Life in the Lantz Household November 24, 2008

So I know many of you have probably been looking for a post this past week.  I’ve been a little busy…can’t imagine why though.  Actually, George’s mom is in from Canada right now for a couple of weeks so we’ve been busy with family.  We have family visiting non-stop until Christmas time, which I am really looking forward to.  I can’t wait for my grandparents and my brother and his fiancee to meet the girls! 

Life in the Lantz household is always, going, going, going.  Everyone is healthy and doing great.  The girls are eating well.  We actually tried to breastfeed them at the same time yesterday and we successfully accomplished that 3 times.  It was especially great in the middle of the night when I usually take an hour to an hour and a half to feed them, it only took me about 40 minutes this time.  George has to help me because I can’t burp them by myself, especially since Kate spits up a lot.  I’ve never done so much laundry before.  It has taken me a while to accept the fact that I have a “happy spitter” and nothing is wrong with my baby when she seems to spit up half of what she has eaten.  That’s hard to swallow as a mom.

George turned 26 this past week.  He was so funny (and predictable) yesterday morning.  I had fed the girls that first morning feeding and I had put them back to bed.  They are not morning babies.  He wakes up a couple of hours later and wants to hold them, but wisely knows that I don’t want him to wake them up.  He tries to make me give in by pathetically asking when they eat next.  He wasn’t very satisfied with my answer of him having to wait a couple of more hours.  About a half an hour later I hear one of them cry (for all of about10 seconds).  I walked out into our family room from our bedroom knowing what I was going to find.  He’s comfortably on the couch with a baby.  I joked with him that he was probably in there pinching her (notice I’m not referring to the baby my name because I can’t remember which child it was~I’m sure you mothers of multiples know what I’m talking about).  He worked a lot this past week and he misses them.  No, I’m not a Nazi mom who won’t let her husband hold his own children, this story just makes me sound like that.  When someone is holding them while they sleep, they tend to wake up an hour to half hour early and then we have to go through a whole ordeal of calming them down until it’s really time to eat.  If one baby wakes up early then I have to wake up the other baby early.

Everyone keep saying to me, “I don’t know how you do it with two babies.”  I’m conscious of the hard work, but I think I’m also in a fog.  I just do it.  I don’t know any other way.  I don’t know what it’s like to only have one baby.  I do it because I have to and I, of course, want to.  It doesn’t hurt that when I have to wake up in the middle of the night to feed them that I have two absolutely adorable little girls.  The pediatrician told me last week that I looked well rested.  My response, “It’s the makeup.” 

One of my mother-in-laws made us this elf dance thing.  It’s hard to explain, so just follow the link.  It’s not long, I promise.  It’s hilarious.  Since I can’t download it myself without buying it, here’s the link:

   

 

 

 

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/OmuZAYX9BVtUtrvRzhkB

Enjoy the pictures.  I’ve added some descriptions to some of them so if you click on them and enlarge them, you’ll see some of my comments.  Love you guys!  If I don’t post again before Thanksgiving, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!  I think you all know what we are most thankful for this year.

Hannah in her swing

Hannah hanging out in bed

Hannah when she’s supposed to be sleeping

Chubby Cheeks!

Kate

Our little ladybug

Kate-little love bug!

New Pictures November 17, 2008

So this post is basically just going to be pictures since I know that is what you really want.  There are a lot of them.  We gave them both a bath this past weekend and a couple of pictures are from the bath but most are from after their bath.  George just kept clicking away.  Every time I flip through the pictures on my camera, I laugh out loud because of how much their facial expressions change from picture to picture.  I love them!  Enjoy!

Daddy & Hannah

Hannah’s 1st Bath at Home

Hannah

Hannah

Hannah

Hannah

Hannah

Hannah

Hannah

Hannah

I’m gonna eat you!

Kate

Poster Children November 13, 2008

As I was praying during my quiet time this morning, I realized that Hannah and Kate are perfect poster children for God’s ableness (probably not a word…but go with it).

 

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O King.  But even if he does not…”   (Daniel 3:17-18)

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generation, for ever and ever!  Amen.”   (Ephesians 3:20)

“…because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.”   (2 Timothy 1:12)

Notice a trend here?  I feel like making a t-shirt with Hannah and Kate’s picture and written over it would say “He is able…”.  I know that I wrote a while back about the verses from Daniel 3:17 and how sometimes God saves us from the fire, sometimes in the midst of the fire, and sometimes through the fire.  Notice that Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego were convinced that God would was able, but also fully understood that he might not.  Sometimes we go through things in life and we cannot see how God can get us out of a certain mess or if there will ever be a cause for hope again.  Know that God is able to move, but He might not.  God is not at our every whim and desire.  He moves according to His will, and that is a tough pill to swallow, because His will is not always our will.  I am indescribably grateful that for Hannah and Kate, His will matched the desires of our hearts.  I also know the flip side of that coin because I was stuck for many many months with unanswered prayers and unfulfilled desires.  I think that I can honestly say though that I never stopped believing that He was able.  My doubts always stemmed from whether or not He would.  I just wanted to write today to encourage you that no matter what you are going through, HE IS ABLE (but not always willing).  My God is a BIG God and I hope that through Hannah and Kate so many people have come to see that again.  I know that I have.  I am utterly amazed at how much God has already used my daughters to touch so many lives by revealing His character and glory.  I never could have imagined that when we set out to have children two years ago that this would be the journey we would be sent on.  As a mother, it is truly humbling to know that God chose me to parent these two girls.  My love for them grows daily.

Hannah had her first pediatrician appointment yesterday and the doctor said that she looked great.  She weighs 5 lbs.  Kate amazes me by how “big” she is.  Ladies, to those of you who have birthed normal sized children, much less 8 or 9 lb. babies, hats off to you.  I look at Kate, who is still not even a 40 week old baby, and think about how much it would hurt to birth her.  I really do want a normal delivery next time, but sometimes I wonder if a C-Section isn’t truly the less painful route to go.  I am still feeding them in half hour shifts, but Hannah is actually breastfeeding without the shield.  Yeah, what a big girl!  I tried to breastfeed them at the same time the other night, but it was a disaster.  Kate spit up all over me twice and Hannah was just not catching on to it.  Looking back on it, it was kinda funny.  

There is this new poll feature of blogging that I want to try out and I have been trying to think of a poll for awhile now, but I came up with one.  Here it is:

Reunited at Last-Bed Buddies! November 11, 2008

Here are a couple of more pictures of the two of them together, sharing their crib!  Aren’t they precious?  Many are probably wondering how in the world I am able to blog so soon after having two babies at home.  It was a little rough last night.  I think Hannah was overwhelmed by her new surroundings and had trouble sleeping until I fed her around midnight.  I have been waking Kate up, feeding her, and then doing the same thing with Hannah a half hour later.  Hannah is not a strong breastfeeder yet so I’m not able to nurse them together.  I think I’m going to try tonight when I have George’s help.  He did wake up and help feed Hannah this morning at 4:00 in the morning.  If you get a chance when you see him, encourage him to keep doing that and tell him how good of a dad & husband he is when he does that. 

We went on a walk together this morning.  I finally got to use the 2nd seat in my double stroller!  Bella was in tow, also.  Kate feels huge compared to Hannah.  Hannah feels so delicate and tiny.  I almost feel like Hannah is a stranger right now.  I have bonded so much with Kate and I know her and I haven’t done that with Hannah yet.  I’m looking forward to that though.  So far, I’m having fun!  Ask me in a couple of days though and we’ll see if my answer is still the same.  Kate is beginning to act more like a newborn, waking more often, having longer waketimes, and fussing more.  I can see her coming out of her sleepy preemie stage. 

First Walk Together

Bed Buddies

First Walk Together

Hannah’s Home-The End of an Era November 10, 2008

Just some pictures of Hannah’s homecoming.  YEAH, praise the Lord!  We have officially visited the NICU for the last time.  Of course, we’ll go back and visit, but no more wires.  Hannah is doing great!  She’s so little (compared to her chunky monkey sister).  All of the nurses wished us well and were “sad” to see us go.  Dr. Landfish’s last words to Hannah and Kate were, “Don’t do drugs.”  What a nut!  We are so incredibly grateful to the NICU staff.  The people that work there are such blessings.  They are always in a good mood and patient and kind.  It takes a very sweet person to do that job.  I will say this very loud for anyone thinking about having a baby at Brandon.  IT IS A WONDERFUL HOSPITAL TO GIVE BIRTH IN AND SHOULD YOUR BABIES EVER NEED EXTRA CARE-NUMBER 1!!!!  That’s not to say there aren’t other great hospitals, but we had the most experience at Brandon and we loved it.  It was a little sad to say goodbye to all of the staff because they have become our extended family over the past 2 1/2 months.  It is the ending of this chapter in our lives, but we are opening a HUGE new one.  It will be fun and exciting and crazy!  Who’s in?

Enjoy the pictures.  Of course, there will be more to come in the coming days.  Please keep us in your prayers as we make huge adjustments and I work out feeding schedules and all of this fun stuff!  Please also be aware that the girls will not be making any public debuts until at least after the holidays.  We can’t take the risk of them getting sick.

What’s New? November 10, 2008

Look very closely at the first 5 pictures.  Which baby is it?  What do you notice that’s new?

That’s right…it’s Hannah with NO OXYGEN!!!!  Praise God!  George and I walked into the NICU on Sunday morning and started talking to Hannah’s nurse.  Then, in the middle of our conversation, I blurted out, “She’s not on her oxygen!”  Then, I did what only a Mommy would do, I started crying.  I was so overjoyed!  She has held her numbers pretty high.  She’s been off of it for about 24 hours now.  We came back later Sunday night and while we were feeding her she turned a little purple so we are hoping she stays off the oxygen.  We are expecting to bring her home tomorrow (Monday)!  That was quite the surprise to us.  So I ran around like a crazy woman reorganizing their nursery.  It’s still not done.  Most of it is waiting on my wonderful husband to do some manly work, like hanging things on the wall and changing outlet plates.  Once I get it finished, I’ll post pictures.  She weighs 4 lbs. 13 oz.

A Year Ago November 6, 2008

A year ago today was the worst day of my life.  A year ago today was filled with tears, devestation, and heartache.  A year ago today was the day that we lost our first baby.  Many people probably think that with all of the business of having two infant daughters how do I even have time to still remember that first baby.  I have to say that I am actually surprised at the amount of hurt that still exists.  October 15th was the National Day of Rememberance for babies who died at birth or in the womb.  The hospital planted a nice memorial garden and held a ceremony.  Although I didn’t go, just driving by brought up a flood of memories.  I can still remember exactly what time I woke up and knew that I was losing my baby.  I can still remember exactly what I wore to the doctor’s office and the chill that was in the air that day.  I can still remember my Mom coming over to be with my that night because George had a prior engagement to tend to.  I can still remember the anger and bitterness I had towards God.  I think the reason that it still hurts is because I know the preciousness of having children and what it is to hold them, kiss them, put them to sleep at night, pray with them, etc. and that is something that I will never get to do with my first baby.  Yes, I am fully aware that had we not lost our first child that we would never have Hannah and Kate.  So I will never fully ”regret” losing our child.  I know that he or she is in Heaven with the Lord.  God has done so many things through Hannah and Kate and I know that this was part of the working of good for those who love him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).  I still love my first baby even though I never got to meet him or her.  It’s just part of being a mom.  While I sort of expected my hurt to heal quickly when I found out about another pregnancy, I think I just pushed it to the backburner. 

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.  (I Peter 5:10)

Notice that our suffering requires time, but God will restore those who suffer.  I share this with you because so many people are blessed to have never had trouble getting pregnant or having a miscarriage.  Yet, if you are someone who has or knows someone who has, please remember that it is not something that is easily healed.  Just because another baby comes quickly, there is still the pain of losing a baby.  Just because that family never got to hold their child, doesn’t make it any less important or a part of their family.  If you know someone who has gone through a miscarriage recently, do not pretend like it never happened.  Encourage them, even if all you can find to say is, “How are you?  I’m praying for you.”  I had to learn to be honest with people who asked how I was.  It wasn’t easy, but there were some very precious women who I could talk to because they LISTENED and offered the encouragement of prayer and scripture.  Don’t attempt to lessen their pain or try to make them get through it any faster.  Don’t correct their feelings.  Any child’s life is worth celebrating and they need to know that their child was alive and worth celebrating. 

I have found a precious bond between a couple of women that I know that have miscarried because it is a pain that only those who have been through it can truly understand.  I attended the baby shower of one of these women recently and when we say that we are so excited for each other’s babies/pregnancies we know that it is such a genuine excitement.  God has also given me a burden to pray for these women.  At our church, we have a time of prayer and usually at least once a month during this time, I pray for women that have miscarried or are struggling with infertility.  I don’t know them by name, but I know it’s a hard burden to carry.   If you never had to experience the loss of a child, PRAISE GOD.  It’s not something I would ever wish on anyone.

God used the pain of losing a child, to create faith that I would need for Hannah and Kate.  So if you have lost a child, don’t waste that pain.  God will use it and turn a tragedy into a window to see His beauty and glory revealed.  Speaking of His beauty:

Hannah is now at 4 lbs. 10 oz.  One of the nurses said that on Monday, Dr. Landfish will probably be speaking to us about taking her home on oxygen.  We, of course, would prefer that she not, but that may not be God’s will.  God may want her home and we are just being stubborn because we don’t want the “extra inconvenience.”  So pray that God will give us wisdom as to His plan for her and that we would surrender to His plan. 

Love you guys and thanks for all of your prayers.  I have to go now because my little Kate is refusing to go to sleep!  I love them so much!

2 Months November 4, 2008

Hannah and Kate are 2 months old!  Wow, how time passes.  Yet, they are still not supposed to be here.  I look at the size of them (even just one), and cannot fathom how they would fit in my belly. 

Hannah-Hannah is traveling to St. Joe’s today for her 3 week follow-up eye exam.  Hopefully, her next trip will be home.  She is still on her oxygen.  However, they have been trying to wean her off of it and her longest time off lasted 4 hours.  She usually only lasts a little longer than an hour.  So please continue to be in prayer for God to remove her need for oxygen.  She weighs 4 lbs. 6 oz. 

Kate-She had her 2 month pediatrician check-up yesterday.  She weighs 6 lbs. 2 oz. (almost the size of a regular newborn).  She is 17.5 inches long.  She got her shots yesterday.  That was the hardest I have heard her cry.  It only lasted for as long as the shots did, but it was a good cry.  No, Mommy didn’t cry.  I think I am so used to seeing them poked and messed with in the NICU that it lessens the effect that most moms experience when their children get their shots.  She was given the OK for another 2 months.  I put some pictures of her with her cute little Bugs Bunny band-aids. 

Mom-I will have to admit that I am really overwhelmed and exhausted.  I find myself falling asleep when I am breastfeeding Kate at night.  I still have baby shower Thank You notes to write (No…I didn’t forget about all those wonderful baby gifts I got and I will get you a thank you note to those who haven’t received them yet…I promise), laundry, cleaning (hasn’t been done in at least a couple of weeks), organizing, finishing their nursery, replacing a brand new tire that someone put a knife into, keeping up with the George’s lawn care business, etc.  I’m also finding it hard to have a quiet time, much less a quality quiet time with the Lord.  I can’t wait until Hannah is home because that will give me about 4 hours back in my day.  I may be busier with two babies, but at least we will be home.

Dad-George is currently still working what will end up being a 32 hour shift.  The money is a blessing, but it makes him tired and leaves me with less help. 

God has really given me a heart to pray for some of the NICU babies and parents.   Here are some of the more critical babies that really need prayer:

1) There was a 24 week old boy born this past week.  I don’t know any more specifics, but please pray for him.  24 weeks is very early and medically his chances are not good, but we know how big God is.

2) There was another set of twin girls that were born a week later than Hannah and Kate and were only 27 weeks.  I’ve talked to the mom a couple of times now and recently found out that one of her girls had to be transferred to St. Joe’s because part of her intestines died.  She had surgery and she now has to wait 6-8 more weeks for them to put her intestines back in.  Then, she will have recovery time.  However, the other baby is still at Brandon and should be going home in the next couple of weeks.  I can’t imagine how this mom must feel.  It’s going to be a long road ahead.  I wrote her a letter and card of encouragement and just shared my heart of how God has worked in our lives.  I don’t know if she’s a Christian or not, but pray that she would be encouraged and desire a relationship with the Lord.

Thanks and enjoy the pictures!

Babies’ First Halloween November 1, 2008

I apologize for the time elapsed in between postings.  This has been a busy week.  I feel like life is flying by us.  Hopefully, it will “slow down” when Hannah comes home.  Speaking of Hannah…she weighs about 4 lbs. 4 oz.  She has been hanging out at that number for a couple of days now.  Hannah could have spent Halloween at home with us, but she needs to let go of her oxygen.  I spoke with Dr. Landfish the other day and she said it was a personal decision for us.  George and I decided that we’d rather let her spend a couple of more weeks in the NICU than have to lug around the oxygen equipment, go to extra doctor appointments, and have the risk of her having complications at home.  We would rather bring home a completely “healthy” baby.  It’s so hard to make that decision because we want her home so badly, but not at the expense of what is best for her.  They have turned her off of her oxygen, sometimes she lasts just a couple of minutes before her numbers drop and other times she has lasted for  as long as an hour.  Let’s pray that that hour turns into 24 hours.  She is too precious though.  I put her back in her bassinet last night, wrapped her up, and she just laid there, quiet as could be, and looked around.  It was like she was a scared little kid and didn’t want to make a peep.  It was sweet. 

Kate is doing well.  She is plumping up like a little pumpkin.  I think she is going through some growth spurts because she has been waking up every 3 hours to eat instead of going four.  I know it’s normal for newborns to go every 3 hours, but mine got spoiled on the NICU 4 hour schedule.  I can even get her to sleep for one 5 hour stint at night (usually). 

Here are some Halloween pictures.  Aren’t my girls too cute?  The hat and booties were made by one of the NICU nurse’s mom.

Her shirt says Baby’s First Halloween

Sweet Pea (my parent’s dog) checking out Kate

Kate had just let one rip…hence the funny faces

Family Picture

Our Little Pumpkin

Hannah

Her shirt says “I Love My Mummy”