Quick update at 7.5 weeks

Hi everyone!
Our babies are almost 2 months old, but we couldn't wait to tell you what they've been up to.
We have recently been through our fair share of exploding diapers, where the green gooey mess went all the way up to Payton's chest and I actually cut the onsie off of of her because it was so gross (pictures to follow shortly), bugers the size of a small state, and pungent milk/formula throw up all over our shirts and their clothes. On the funner side of things, Rayla started smiling much more frequently and when she does, her whole face lights up. Payton is in the beginning stages of smiles, and she gives several good smirks, which are so adorable. They both love music... it helps relax Payton, and when Rayla hears it, she stops what she is doing to listen. They both started noticing dangling toys in their bouncy seat and pack-n-play. Payton is so tuned in to movement and light/shadows and Rayla gets so excited that her little eyes go cross-eyed trying to follow everything. and the most amazing part is that they are starting to see us and each other. Their reactions are so fun to watch when we pick them up and talk or sing to them and when they are next to each other in their pack-n-play and you just know they are looking directly at each other.

We are growing girls...

Ok everyone this is Rayla and Payton checking in as it has been a while but we have been really busy. You know eating, sleeping, crying, pooping, peeing etc… As most of you may already know we are now over a month. We had a crazy day yesterday. First we got up and woke up Mom and Mamo and as usual had some milk and got in some new digs for the day. We all jumped in the car and headed out for a whirlwind day. After spending some time at our grandparents we went with Mom to her doctor's appointment to meet Dr McCulloch, the doctor who delivered us. Not only did we get to see everyone who watched us grow since the beginning but Mom got some great news that her incision was doing great and she was discharged… Go Mom! We then went back to our grandparents for a much needed nap and of course some more milk. Now it was our turn to see our doctor, Dr. Lessman. We had an amazing appointment, besides the Hepatitis B shot in our thigh, both of us gained around 2.5 pounds! We are so on the charts and Dr. Lessman is so happy for all of us. We put our new weights below and no comments from the peanut gallery we are growing girls.

Rayla - 8lbs 13oz
Payton - 7lbs 14oz

Next stop was to Costco and Jewel for some last minute Thanksgiving shopping. Once we got home boy were we tired and hungry and to be honest really wet, but our night was not over. Our auntie Shannon and her BF Euan flew in to see us! Right when they walked in the door they got the pleasure of feeding, changing and burping us. Let's just say we broke them in right away, auntie Shannon might need a new shirt ;)! What a day what a day. Well time to go take another nap. We will write again soon so be on the lookout.

1-month birthday

Hi everyone! Rayla and Payton turned one-month old this past Friday. They are doing fantastic! They are clearly growing (doctor's appt on Tuesday will confirm how much they weigh now) and we've started a new routine that seems to be working for the most part. During the day, we feed them every 3-4 hours and they get in their Vitamin D, tummy time, changing, naps, and the best part of all.. cuddles. then from 8p-12a Alyssa takes care of both of them while I sleep. And from 12a-5a I take care of both of them while Alyssa sleeps. Our nighttime routine is feeling good too where we have them propped up on their rigged boppies (so they don't slip down or have the ability to get their mouths and noses stuck on the sides) and we change one and feed one (bottle propped up with the help of swaddle blankets) then do the same for the other baby. Once the first bottle is finished, we burp them and put them back to sleep, and then do the same for the other. This has been working out really well and actually allows us to get at least an hour of sleeping in between feedings.
Even though our girls are still small, you would never be able to tell they were born a little early. They are both able to move their heads on their own, they can almost roll over by themselves, and yesterday they grabbed, pulled at, and played with a multi-colored ball. They also began latching much better, which makes life easier for us all.
I have been doing fairly well too. My incision infection is slowly healing, but it is doing so much better now. I'm hoping my last doctor's appointment will be this Tuesday when he says everything looks great and that I am officially discharged. Great news is that I'm almost down to my pre-pregnancy weight and I can't wait to get the green light to start exercising.
Alyssa went back to work and that has been a difficult transition for all of us. We miss her and try to send her tons of pictures and love. But we love when she gets home!

2 weeks old

Our babies are 2 weeks old today! Wow, it seems like they were just born this morning.. and it feels like they have been here forever. They had a doctor's appointment today and they have both passed their birth weights and the doctor is happy with their growth. Rayla now weighs 6 lbs 6.2 oz and Payton weighs 5 lbs 7.4 oz. They are progressing so well. We have them do tummy time and both of them are fantastic at using their back and leg muscles. They can scoot across the entire quilt we lay down for them, and they can practically roll over on their own.
We will continue to feed approximately every 3.5 hours, to make sure they continue on their growth charts. And this means we still don't get much sleep. But, Yaya and Grandma have been so helpful. We don't know what we would do without them. Yaya is only here for another week, and we will be sad to see her go. She has kept us sane throughout this tough but rewarding time.
We have tons of pictures, but we have not downloaded them to a computer yet. As soon as we do, we will post a link for everyone to see. We are so happy to be parents and to have these beautiful girls in our lives!

Beautiful Baby Girls!

Our beautiful babies were born on October 19th. Rayla Attison was born at 2:06pm weighing 5lbs 13 oz and was 17 inches long. Payton Kenzi was born at 2:07pm weighing 5 lbs 1 oz and was 17.5 inches long. Both babies cried soon after birth.. and kept crying... so much so that the nurses could not hear each other talking about the babies' vitals. Their Apgar scores were both 8/9 (excellent scores).

One more day!

Hi babies. By this time tomorrow you will meet the rest of the world!
Everyone is so excited! See you soon!

Nursery Shots

Click here to check out the finished nursery!!!

New Birthday!

At our appointment today we learned that both babies have fluid measuring 5cm, which is normal. And the NST went well. Then we met with the doctor and my cervix is still closed, with less than a fingertip dilated. We talked about the C-Section date again and he felt 39 weeks was too long, so it has been rescheduled for October 19th at 1:30pm (we arrive at 11:30). And, Dr. McCulloch changed his schedule so he could be sure to be the doc who delivers. Yeah Dr McCulloch!
So, happy early birthday babies, we can't wait to meet you!

Our first fight!!!

Ok everyone it is Baby A & B giving you a report on some rumors that occurred during out ultrasound last week on 9.30.10. Yes... it is true we did have a little quarrel. At times it just gets a little tight in here and we had it up to our chinny chin chins. Thankfully not everything was captured in our photos as we know our moms would not be too happy :)!

As you can see below we had times of stubbornness but in the end we made up, resting head to head once again.

Baby A - "Ok I did it I stuck my tongue out at you"

Baby B - "I have had it I am turning over and not talking to you any more"

Baby A - "I'm sorry I will try not to kick you in the gut any more, I love you"

Baby B - "I love you too and I will try not to punch you in the nose"

1 more day to 35 weeks!

We went for our NST today and the babies were a little sleepy, so they were slow to move around. But eventually they got going and they were "perfectly reactive". I am now measuring at 45 weeks!!! Yes, that would be 5 weeks post a full-term singleton baby! And my body is beginning to feel the effects. I've gained 35 lbs exactly (1lb within the last 5 days). Last week I was not quite ready to share these little ones with the rest of the world (selfishly, I love to feel them move and kick, and I know exactly where they are at all times)... but now, I'm beginning to understand when women say they are just ready... It's almost that time!
I asked the doctor about the scheduled C-Section date.. which would out us at 39 weeks (almost unheard of in the twin world) and he did say that was a bit late, but that was the only time in the near future he knew he was covering the hospital and could actually schedule it. He doesn't think we will last that long. I have his on-call schedule (and would really prefer he be the doctor who delivers these babies), so let's hope for labor and delivery on the 12th :)
Next appt is Friday for an NST and to check their fluid levels.

34-Week Appointment

We had a great appt again! We started off with an NST and both babies moved constantly. Their heart rates coincided perfectly with their movements. Then we had our growth ultrasound and Baby A is 4lbs 6oz and Baby B is 4lbs 0oz. They both have plenty of fluid to continue growing and moving. The Tech said that babies who are born at 4lbs go home from the hospital, so we're doing GREAT!
Baby A is still breech and Baby B is still transverse, so unless something changes (and the doc doesn't think it will), we have a scheduled C-Section Tuesday November 2nd at 12p. It is still possible for labor to start on it's own, but we will most likely deliver by C-Section because of their positions. At this moment, the doc said he doesn't think there is any dilation, but if there is, it is less than a fingertip. Oh, and he gave another great compliment... "You're as big as a house!" (measuring at 43 weeks) Thanks doc :)
We move to 2 NSTs per week now. Next appt is October 5th (NST) and then another one on Oct 8th (NST and ultrasound to check fluid levels).
Keep growing beautiful babies!

No stopping us now!

The 2nd NST test went great. It took a little while for the babies to wake up and start moving, but once they did, they were on a roll. Dr. McCulloch told us that things are looking fantastic and that by the end of week 34 (which is next Tuesday) he will not stop contractions if they begin and by that point he will not need to administer steroid shots to help their lungs grow because they are already in such good shape. Next big appointment is next Thursday for a growth ultrasound and another NST. Can't wait to see our little ones again!

Non-Stress Test (NST)

We had our first NST this morning. They hook two monitors up to measure the babies' heartbeats (just like when you are in the delivery room) and then a third one to measure any contractions I might have (the nurse thought she was funny when I asked what the third monitor was for and she told me it for our 3rd baby).
We spent about 20 minutes hooked up and both babies cooperated perfectly. Their heartbeats were perfect (they look for increased activity when the babies move and decreased rates when the babies are inactive). I got a lollipop and some water while I sat in the comfiest of chairs. I had two contractions, but I didn't feel either of them. They said contractions at this stage are normal and to be expected.
We go in every week now for the NST but we still have at least one more big day with a growth ultrasound.

Ultrasound Images from 9.7.10

Boxing already!

Look at those eye lids!

Pucker up!

Can't wait to see your face!

Faces :) :)

Our babies have faces! No more skeleton eyes on the ultrasounds. Their cheeks are so cute! Yesterday was our 31 week appointment. Yaya and Papa Joe came with to see their grandbabies. Baby A is still breech with his/her head on my right side, and is weighing 3.4 lbs. Baby B is transverse and high under my ribs (yes, I can feel that) with his/her head also on my right side, and is weighing 3.3 lbs. They are both growing right on target and they are moving so much. I love feeling and seeing them move around, it's wild!
We start monitoring kick/movement counts 3x/day. We are looking for 10 movements per baby within an hour.
I'm measuring at 40 weeks if we were having a singleton. I still can't believe this is all real! We are hoping to get to 36 weeks. If we go longer, the doctor said 38 weeks is the cut-off for being induced.
Wooohooo!

Nursery... CHECK!

Nursery painted, cribs assembled, changing table secured, all clothes and anything the babies will touch has been washed, bought everything we need off our registry...CHECK! Only a few things left to get for the nursery and then to finish the room off with some shelves that will have all of our birdhouses and other decorations from the Chicago shower. Ooh, this feels so good!

I'm turning into Fiona

Alyssa and Joe were talking about putting in the new kitchen sink faucet and how they hoped it would be the right size and fix our water pressure problem... I tried to cross my fingers for good luck.. only to realize I can no longer do it! My fingers seem to have grown overnight and I now need my other hand to help cross my fingers... and then I looked down at my feet and my toes look shorter and stubby! Ahhh, Fiona, I am turning into you! Does that mean I will turn green too?

This pregnancy is boring!

At least that's what the doctor said. And coming from Dr. McCulloch, the Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM or High-Risk doctor), that sounds pretty great! I walked into the appointment by myself today and the first thing he asked me was where my entourage was. You kids are always the center of attention, but today was just a "normal" no-ultrasound checkup. The next appointment will have all the bells and whistles.
My belly is measuring 36, which means that if I was only carrying one baby, I measured at about 36 weeks (I'm only at 29 right now). But since there are two of you, the measurement doesn't mean too much except that we are all growing. Your heartbeats were fantastic and easy to find with the doppler.
The doctor asked if I felt bigger and the answer is YES.. I feel my belly stretching and I can feel your movements in different places.. like Baby A, your feet are much further down than they have been before. And Baby B, your head seems to bop all over the left side of my belly now. It's so much fun to watch and feel you both move!
Can't wait to see you again in two weeks!

Baby Shower

The baby shower in Chicago was fantastic! It was thrown by Grandma and Aunt Kristi at Feldman Park. The theme tied into the mural on your wall. It was purple and green with colorful plants/flowers on the tables and the main part was an arts and crafts table where everyone could make their own dragonfly, butterfly, bumblebee, or birdhouse. See those things on your walls? Yep, that's what your friends/family made just for you. Aren't they awesome?
So many people were there.. like Aunt Launa, Amy and Sharron Bronswick, Barb Brooks, Olivia, Shelly Estrada, Ryann and Christina, Aunt Barb (Uncle Norm came later), Amy Klaviter, Paula, Jan, Tracy, Randi and Steph, Nancy Lipman, Issy Mertz, Jessica Murati, Susan Newman, Amy Sadler, Pam Stock, Diane and Rhiannon, and of course, Grandma and Papa, Aunt Kristi, Uncle Denis and Cousin Niko, and Uncle Todd. There were other friends and family who you will meet, but they couldn't make it to the celebration. It was so much fun and such a great day. We can't wait to tell you stories and show you pictures!

What a week!

We checked so many things off of our to-do list this week! It's been a little crazy! We met with our lawyer to complete and sign paperwork for our wills, POA for Healthcare and POA for Property. The lawyer will get started on the paperwork for Alyssa to legally adopt the kids.. but we can't really do much until they are born. We had a great doctors appointment, we bought our new car (Chevy Traverse) and spent oh so much fun time at the car dealership.. ugh! We met our to-be pediatrician and this weekend is our shower in Chicago! Even Alyssa is a bit tired! But we are so excited to have all of these things in place. Only a few more big things on the to-do list.. and of course.. meeting these little ones... it's getting so much closer.. day by day.. YEAH!

Ultrasound Images from 8.10.10

4.2 lbs of Babies!

Babies are growing like crazy. Today we had the honor of seeing our little ones. Baby A & B are right on target and mom is doing great. What can we say but it was another Super Tuesday. Baby B continues to stick their tongue out at us while Baby A is working on a right jab. We will get some ultrasound images up soon so keep your eye out for them.

Stretch marks

I know.. I'm weird... but I have to say I'm really excited about my first stretch marks! They are at the bottom of my belly.. so much so that I can only see them with a mirror. Maybe I won't like them when they cover my entire belly, but for right now, it means our little ones are growing and that we are getting closer to joining the mommy's club!

Dearest babies

I have so much pressure in my body, that at times, it's hard to stand up from a sitting position. Sometimes, I can barely roll over without being in pain. I am not complaining about this, I just wanted you to know that I can tell you are growing. Oh, and I can no longer see the stairs past my belly :) Keep up the great work, and should you decide to ease up a little in terms of position to give your old mom a break every now and then, it would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Love Mom

Update: Ok little ones, you are both off the hook. The doctor said your positioning does not matter and that my pain is just from my own body. My ligaments are so loose that they don't hold bones together very well, and those bones are rubbing against each other... ouch! Nothing to worry about and nothing to do.. just rest and stay off my feet as much as posible.
The good news is your heartbeats are great and Baby B you kicked or punched the nurse when she was trying to check on you... Way to be fiesty!

Ultrasound Images from 7.20.10

I a little yawn action from Baby B!


Look at that face!



Look at those lips!



Baby A just hangin!

McDonalds

Ok, so I LOVE french fries.. all kinds.. I could probably live off of fries and pasta... well, for some reason, I would not allow myself to eat Mcdonald's fries.. seems like I put an OCD-like obsession on myself.. and that I could only eat McDonald's fries if everything was spectacular with the babies... so after every appointment, I thought about eating the fries.. but I never did.. until now... I finally did it! This past Tuesday, after our ultrasound.. things just seemed so great that I let myself breakdown and I ate those stinkin fries! They were delicious and everything feels good. Thanks little ones for growing so perfectly and allowing me the indulgence.

Wonderful Ultrasound!

Well Baby A&B put on a show again yesterday. We had a wonderful ultrasound and both our little ones are growing great. Baby A seemed to be a Karate Kid while Baby B decided to start his/her stubbornness already by sticking their tongue out. It was another beautiful day!

We had another exciting surprise when we got home at the mural for our nursery is taking shape. Our babies are going to have a spectacular room to sleep and play in, so will we!!!

Pictures to follow...

Our first photo shoot!

Click on link for more great pictures of all of us!
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=9QZtXLJo5bM8

Montana Baby Shower

Yesterday we had an amazing Baby Shower thrown by Aunt Shannon and Yaya Franny.
Our wonderful friends were there: Kelli Schramm, Kelly Engstrom, Misty Hopkins (+1), Amanda and Tailyn Black, Ali Weedin, Vanessa Stevens, Cheryl Runyan, Brenda Hegel, Amber Wilkerson, Candy Tschache, Kara Zurline, Jody McQuiston, Kari Larsen, Barb Wheeler, Connie Hupka, and Amy Wallner-Drake. Although some friends and family couldn't make it, they were still celebrating with us in spirit.
The shower theme was "double"... we had doublemint gum, double-stuffed oreos, and double the fun. It was a beautiful day in the Hyem backyard on Bozeman Street. The sun was out, the birds were chipring, and the squirrels chatted the whole day.
What a perfect day.
Next year you will both be able to meet all of these special people.

First Plane Rides

You kids did GREAT! You must have slept the whole way from Chicago to Montana, because you didn't make a peep or cry once! :)
You boarded so smoothly, and kept to one place without fussing at all. We are so proud of you! We can't wait to show you the pictures.

Gestational Diabetes

The bad news is I have Gestational Diabetes. The good news is, we purposely tested early becuase we thought this might be the case, and I met with a Diabetic Counselor today and right now it's controllable with diet and exercise.
I have to eat specific foods (or rather, stay away from high-carbed foods... no more pasta for me!) I test 4 times per day. I was pretty nervous about what this would all mean, but after meeting with the counselor, I feel confident this will be a healthy lifestyle change and I know it is the best thing for the babies. Ok, I'm off to make a shopping list of all the foods we can stock up on.

Flutters

The first time I felt flutters was waaaay back at 15 weeks. But since then, I couldn't tell if it was babies or some other bodily change. Well, just this past week while I was sleeping, Alyssa put her hand on my belly and felt the little... bllllppppp....(the only way to describe the movement) twice! :)
Since then, I have been feeling them almost everyday. Although the tapping is soft, and at times I still question whether or not it's baby movement, I can't really say it's anything else anymore. So, we are officially starting to feel them!
Keep up the great work little ones!

Ultrasound Images from 6.9.10

Beautiful Babies!

Head to Head!


Look at those Lips and Nose(N=nose)!



Hello Feet!

Big Cousin

You have a big cousin!
After 15 hours of labor, your Aunt Kristi and Uncle Denis had a beautiful baby boy. He is 9lbs 6oz and is 22 inches long. They named him Nicholas Aidan Murati and they call him Niko. He is perfect. Everyone is doing well.

Halfway!

Hi our little babies! We are so proud of you! You surpassed the half way point as of this afternoon. You continue to grow so well and we love watching each "step" you take. Keep up the great work! We love you!

Ultrasound Images from 6.9.10

Had a GREAT day!

Wednesdays have become my favorite day!
At the regular OB appointment yesterday, the babies heartbeats were heard through the doppler for the first time (I cried)! The during the ultrasound one baby waved and the other had a big yawn. They are so amazing. You can see how much they've grown, even just over the past two weeks. Their legs are longer and you can see the details of their toe bones. So adorable!
Our next big appointment is in two weeks with the high-risk doctor. We will have a Level II ultrasound also known as the Anatomy Scan. They spend a lot of time on each baby measuring everything and seeing if they are growing at a good rate and in all the right places. We will be able to tell the sexes by then, but Alyssa and I chose not to find out. We want to be surprised and hear the docs say it when they are born.
On another note, Alyssa and I went to a local baby store to look at cribs. Well, not only did we fall in love with the cribs, but we are also going to register for the mattresses and bedding there. We can picture the nursery now and it's all coming together.
Stayed tuned for ultrasound pictures to be loaded a little later today.

Snapple Rocks!

According to Snapple we have some southpaws on the way! Best Snapple I have ever had!

Ultrasound Images from 5.25.10

Babies are...

EXCELLENT!

We had a wonderful appointment today where both baby A and B received much attention from the ultrasound. We did measurements on their skulls, legs, arms, stomachs, etc. What can we say but they are growing at a perfect rate! We have some ultrasound images we will post soon so be sure to check them out.

Woohoo to our little avocados!

Dreams

Ok, over the last week, I've had 2 dreams with twin boys. What does that mean? I haven't had any other "feelings" about what the gender of our babies are... but... I'm just sayin!

Mmm... eating pickles... then watching a commerical for ice cream.. I totally get it now!

5.5.10 Ultrasound

See the Hyem Babies Show for more great images!

2nd Trimester

Today was another great day in our journey!
It was the first appointment we had in our second trimester and what can we say but woohoo! Baby B was moving up a storm and Baby A was soundly asleep. We are already in big trouble as it seems they are on a different schedule for nap time!!!

Stay tuned for ultra sound images for the slide show and don't forget to sign up for email alerts to the blog!

199 bottles of beer on the wall!

Oh wait, I meant 199 days left. We made it to under 200 days!

I think Alyssa is lucky!

Ok, so it finally happened. I had my first true official hormonal breakdown today. Of course my hormones have been crazy in general, but this was the good stuff... the kind of breakdown where I was hysterically laughing (because I knew how silly I sounded) and hysterically crying at the same time. I say Alyssa is lucky because other blogs I've been reading said that their crazy breakdowns started happening around week 7... I made it all the way to week 11.
Thank goodness Alyssa was able to see through this and talk me down off my hormonal ledge.
And I'm happy to be able to complain about this because we are pregnant! :)

Athletes and dancers!

Our appointment today was so much fun! We graduated to an external belly ultrasound -makes me feel "more" pregnant. The babies are resting bunk-bed style (one on top of the other). Baby A is measuring at 39.6mm and his/her heartbeat was 175. Baby B is measuring at 36.7mm and his/her heartbeat is 180. We watched them for a minute to see what they would do and Baby A did a full jump! You could see his/her little feet push off and his/her whole body moved! Watch out Michael Jordan! Baby B is going to be our breakdancer---s/he showed off the worm move several times-- so amazing watching the movements in "water". Oh, and I was so glad to hear that I'm not just getting fat (the initial growing belly is just from hormones), but that my bigger belly is really due to the babies growing! Time for some prego pants.

Ultrasound From 4.14.10

Watch out Dancing with the Stars!

Hi everyone. It was an exciting day at the doctor's office. Today Baby B was in the spotlight. S/he was moving and dancing around -something between the cha cha and freestyle- (thanks Steph). Baby A took a little while longer to catch the groove, but s/he started doing the jig at the end of the appointment. Both of them are doing GREAT! Baby A's heartbeat was 175 and s/he is 30.2mm. Baby B's heartbeat was 180 and s/he is 29.5mm. Both are measuring at a perfect 10 weeks! Wow, this is exciting!

Ultrasound From 4.7.10

Green Olives

Our little green olives are growing perfectly! Their heartbeats (185 and 175) and sizes (22.8 and 22.6) are great! On the ultrasound in the room, you can even see little arms and legs!
Baby B was hiding again today, so hopefully next week we can spend a little more time on him/her.

Ultrasound From 3.31.10

Ultrasound from 3.24.10

Our little growing raspberries!

We had our second appointment today with Dr. Russo. We love her! Both babies, tenderly called Baby A and Baby B for right now :) are doing well. Both are measuring at the expected growth rate. Baby A has a heartbeat of 168 and Baby B has a heartbeat of 180. The doc says the normal range is 160-180. As soon as we scan the ultrasounds, we will post them.
Thanks for thinking of us and checking back in here.

Video Heart Beat 3.24.10

Video Ultrasound 3.24.10

Woohoo!

We made it and though we have a ways to go we are so excited to start this journey!!!

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