Enfamil Nutramigen

A couple of weeks ago, I was at my friend Candee’s house getting my hair done. While Candee worked on my hair, I sat watching her 4 month old baby, Londyn. She was sitting in her bumbo, and was happy and content. It suddenly hit me, I haven’t seen my kids content since the NICU. (Not even sure if you can call that content) Both boys seem to try to be happy, but always end up stiff and rigid, and cry most of the day. When Candee put Londyn to bed, I realized I had forgotten how easy it can be. Preslee and Ledger had no problem sleeping, but Cruiz and Cannon cry themselves to sleep Every.Single.Time. It doesn’t matter if it’s bedtime or just for a nap, they cry for a long time, and trying to console them only makes it worse. I left Candee’s house realizing something was wrong, and it wasn’t just colic or fussy babies.

The next morning, which happened to be Saturday, I about cried when Pat broke the news he needed to head into campus to finish some homework. I live for the weekends when Pat is around to help, and it didn’t help that Cruiz and Cannon were so hysterical, that by 10:00 AM I called the Pediatrician begging to see my boys that day. Luckily, they fit me in. I was hoping they had an earache or something to explain their constant crying.  

When Dr. H entered the room and asked what was going on, I seriously about broke down. I explained something was wrong, and I couldn’t handle it anymore. He looked them over, and said everything looked good, no earaches... He felt their gums and said they’re teething. I told him I knew that, but I felt something was wrong, and teething on top of whatever the issue is, puts them into hysterics. After talking for awhile, he thought both boys were possibly allergic to the protein in milk. He switched the boys formula to Enfamil Gentlease, and explained that Gentlease is easier to digest. If that didn’t work, we’d take it a step further. He then sympathized with me, and made me feel a whole lot better :) And then sent us home with two full cases of formula. I seriously love our pediatrician.

Interesting fact: We recently remembered right before Cannon was released from the NICU, the Neonatologist took the boys off Gentlease which Dr. H had put them on. So when I kept saying it only got worse once we left the NICU, it really was true. 

We kept the boys on the formula for a week, it was helping, and I felt we were on the right track, but there was still a problem. In the meantime, I had a friend and a few blog readers leave comments suggesting we try a formula for babies allergic to cow’s milk. I had been hesitant, because it costs $35 a can. We go through a can every 2-3 days, and being college students we simply don’t have that kind of money. But I thought if that was the problem, we could figure out a way. We bought a can of Enfamil Nutramigen, and three days later couldn’t believe the difference.

It honestly was amazing to watch, suddenly both boys were -

• Crying significantly less.
• Sleeping much better during the night.
• Napping better.
• Their projectile spit up literally stopped over night. (Hallelujah!)
• Their chubby little bodies began to relax, they actually sit on our laps now without flailing and screaming.
• Became incredibly alert and aware of their surroundings for the first time.
• Began pooping regularly. (TMI? Sorry, but its been a challenge)
• Eating baby food! They simply wouldn’t even try to eat when I put a spoon to their mouths.
• Trying. We’ve always joked they are lazy babies, but they’ve made huge strides. Poor things, they were hurting so bad, they just couldn’t function.

Since then, I’ve learned many different insurances will help cover the formula. We are so grateful! (So if you are considering it, don’t hesitate! Look into it.)

Every single day both boys are getting a little better. Cruiz has progressed a little faster. Today was our best day yet, and now the boys will sit on the ground with some toys and play! This is a BIG deal people! I don’t have to hold two screaming babies ALL.DAY.LONG! I seriously stood there watching them, and felt like the proudest Mom out there!

 

Our challenge now is to teach them if life doesn’t go their way not to immediately scream. That’s all they know, and all they’ve ever done. We’re hoping to break this habit soon. My other goal is to finally get them on a schedule. Until now, we’ve all been in pure survival mode. I know being on a schedule will changer our lives even more. So that’s what I’ll be focusing on this week. Wish us luck.

 (Big brother Ledger deserves a medal. The way he adapted to their crying was amazing)

Today when I got both boys out of their crib, instead of screaming, they both gave me big slobbery kisses.

Life is good.

Thank you, to all those who recommended the formula!

Ta-Da!

I recently attended a conference, where the motivational speaker, Meg Johnson, shared instead of making a To-do list, she makes a Ta-da list at the end of each day. It helps her focus on what she accomplished rather than being frustrated with what didn’t happen that day. So, after a few rough days, here’s mine.

Ta-Da List

• Bathed all three kids.
• Fed all three kids the meals they needed throughout the day. And even got a “So yummy Mommy!”
• Taught Ledger to say his full name, and laughed my head off listening to him attempt “Sullenger.”
• Three loads of laundry washed, folded, and put away! Big deal in our home! (They usually stay in the hamper for a few days… or weeks).
• Yelled a little less than the day before..
• I refrained from calling Pat and begging him to come home instead of finishing homework up on campus. (When I get overwhelmed with the babies I tend to do this)
• Looked through a picture book all about Preslee with Ledger, taught him a few new things about his older sister.
• Remembered to get some chicken out of the freezer…Didn’t get around to making it, so I guess its ready for tomorrow :)
• Got a few extra smiles out of the twins before bed

Actually sounds like I had a productive day doesn’t it? Sort of?

Tender mercy for the week - The babies would not stop screaming for anything. I was doing everything I could, trying not to snap and cry all at the same time. Suddenly Ledger walked up behind me, put his little arms around me and whispered, “You are the best mommy.” He had never said anything like that before, and my frustration immediately disappeared. Sometimes, when you can’t console your own children day after day, it makes you feel like you are failing as their mom. Ledger’s little sentenced reminded me I was doing all I could, and that simply was enough.

Love you more than you know Ledge.

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

We’re big soup fans in our home, and my SIL Cara recently sent me this Chicken Tortilla soup recipe. Its been a hit in our home, (and those I’ve taken dinner to) My favorite part is there are a lot of canned items so it’s a fast and easy meal to make! I also substitute the chicken with my canned chicken {tutorial here} which makes literally no cooking!

 

I hope you love it as much as we do.

 

Ingredients

3    clove(s) garlic ( minced )
3/4    onion ( chopped )
2    tablespoon butter
2    tablespoons flour
32    ounces chicken broth
2    cups half and half
1    Can (12 oz) cream of chicken soup
2    Can (14 oz) canned tomatoes with green chilies
1    Can (15 oz) creamed corn
2    chicken breast ( cooked )
2    teaspoons ground cumin
1    package(s) fajita seasoning
3    tablespoons cilantro ( fresh chopped )
8    ounces monterey jack cheese ( shredded )
1/8    cup green onion
   to taste tortilla chips, light

Directions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, saute the garlic and onion in the butter for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour and stir well, cooking for 1 minute
3. Add the broth and half and half. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Add the soup, rotel, corn, shredded chicken, cumin, fajita seasoning packet and 2 TBSP cilantro. Stir and continue to heat for 15 minutes
4. Serve soup with cheese, green onions, cilantro, and chips.

Servings

8

6 Month Old Twins

January 17 – February 17

    

Personalities

Cannon Ball – If I didn’t know better, I would think we switched the boys up. (We didn’t, I promise) Cannon, who used to be the intense, active one, is now laid back and much quieter than his brother. He’s a lot like his mom, and needs his own personal space at times. He’s happiest when he has a toy in his hands, and loves watching me cook in his bumbo. Recently he has become much more aware of his surroundings, and has become a momma’s boy. (Now I have two) He is thrilled when he’s put in my moby wrap and will squeal and kick the entire time.

 

Cruizer – Mild lazy Cruiz turned into the instigator. Seriously, he usually has Cannon in tears once a day (at least) and has figured out how to roll/scoot his way around the room. (But won’t sit) He likes to chomp on Cannon’s toes, or steal his toys. He has no concept that his brother likes his own space. When he’s happy, he’s soo incredibly cute, but when he’s upset, watch out, this boy has developed some lungs. He loves giving slobbery kisses when he’s excited, and people are always commenting on his dimple, (That’s how Grandpa Sullenger tells them apart). Cruiz loves anyone who will pick him up, and definitely is a social, cuddly little thing. 

I left these two laying on the ground while I changed Ledger’s diaper in the other room. Within minutes, Cannon was hysterical. Cruiz managed to get on the other side of Can (I think rolled over him) somehow undid Cannon’s diaper, and was gauging his eye out, all the while with a huge grin on his face. So naturally, the first thing I did was grab the camera :)

Difficult -  I’m repeatedly asked if one twin is harder than the other. No. It’s crazy, it seems like Monday rolls around and suddenly the hard one becomes happy and visa versa. Though it’s frustrating I can’t seem to figure out how to keep them happy all the time, I think it’s a blessing. I’m just being honest, if one cried for six months, and the other one didn’t, it would be really hard not to favor one over the other…

 Teething - Once we got the acid reflux under control again, we had an awesome week with two happy babies. Suddenly Cruiz went back to his old ways and at the end of the month I was relieved to know something was wrong…(sometimes it seems like they thrive off crying) his two bottom teeth popped up, and I can tell he’s working on the top now. Cannon’s have yet to cut through, but he isn’t far behind.

Snip Snip – Boys received their first haircut!

 

Heavy - The boys weighed in the exact same again – 17 lbs. 7 oz.  and Cruiz measured 27 1/2 in. Cannon measured 27 1/4 in. I weighed them in their car seats, and they weighed 27 lbs. So I’ve been carrying around 55 lbs. They are getting so heavy that my back has been hurting.

Leaving the House – If Pat isn’t with me, its seriously not worth the hassle. The boys are so heavy that it usually take 3-4 trips just to get in the car, and I’m usually so flustered by the end, it really just isn’t worth it. Hoping this summer it will be easier to throw them in a stroller and get out.

 Sleeping – Once we pulled out the teething tablets, Orajel, and Tylenol, I’m only up a few times per night. They are still swaddled and using a sound machine.

Binky – At one point I was waking up six times a night to literally put binkies back in, which defeated the purpose, so it was time to take them away. I went cold turkey, and due to only having two bedrooms, I couldn’t let them both cry in different rooms without waking up Ledger. I decided to give in to Cannon because he likes his a little more. It took about a week, but now Cruiz is sleeping much better. Once I find the energy to do it again, I’ll take Cannon’s away…

People keep reminding me the days are long, but the years are short. I just wish we could figure out what is making them so unhappy!

I can do hard things {Free Printables}

It’s amazing how much a simple sentence can impact one person. Every single day was a struggle the first year or so after burying Preslee.  Each morning before getting out of bed,  I would remind myself, just like the day before, I could survive another day without my daughter. I told myself, “I can do hard things,” over and over again when grief consumed me, or I felt all was lost.

I guess you could say it has become our family motto and we’ve continued to repeat it over the past six months as we brought home the twins, lost a job, and had some issues with Pat’s schooling.

I decided I wanted a reminder in our home, so I asked the amazing Miss Audrey Sue to design a printable. She went above and beyond and created four to choose from, and I love the simplicity of her design. After receiving e-mails sharing how the same phrase helped others get through difficult times, I thought many of you might enjoy the printable as well, so I thought I’d share.

(Use the box at the bottom to download and print)

Check out more of Miss Audrey Sue’s amazing work {here}