Monday, January 29, 2007
Top 4 Questions Answered
Dana: Yesterday we celebrated the 1-week birthday of our brand new baby boys. It amazes me that 7 days have passed. Walker and I have commented several times how much it feels like it’s been one long day since last Sunday. There have been times when I’ve had trouble remembering what day it is and I think to myself, “It doesn’t really matter, what do I have planned for the next few months, other than being a mom”. But then I remember that every day that passes is another day I will never get to spend with my children. I treasure each and every moment.
Within a narrow window of time I will attempt to post my thoughts and updates from the last week. It seemed easier to do so by answering the most frequently asked questions I’ve gotten so far.
1) How are the boys?
Incredible! They are happy and healthy and cuddly and everything I could have ever hoped my children would be. I had no idea they would be this beautiful, and that I could ever feel so much pride, so soon into motherhood. I could stare at them all day long and be entertained by their expressions. I try to study them all in order to learn their personalities, just as I did when I studied their movements in utero.
2) How is the breastfeeding going?
SO GREAT! As with every thing related to our children, we are trying not to get ahead of ourselves, knowing that things could change any moment and unforeseen challenges may arise. But the breastfeeding is something I am quite proud of. From their first meal, just moments after their birth, they were simultaneously feeding and have been ever since. It took a few tries for all three of us to get the hang of it, but have since mastered the fine art of the football hold and a good solid latch. For those of you who don’t know much about breastfeeding, you must believe that this is quite an accomplishment. I can even boast that once they are ‘on’ I am hands-free to check email or sip a cup of tea.
3) How are you doing?
For the most part, fine. Physically, this pregnancy really took its toll on my body and I have been told I have a long recovery ahead of me. I am so relieved that I did not have a c-section, yet the vaginal birth of twins has left me with pains I can only describe as having been violently punched in my who-ha-ha 20 times. I also had no idea that post-labor contractions were going to be so nauseating and last this long. That, on top of the fact that my pelvis has literally been ripped apart, has left me walking like Frankenstein. On the up side, it is getting better and better every day, and we are gradually increasing the distance of our daily walks around the neighborhood. There have been a few occasions that folks have commented how surprised they are that I am up and about so soon after the birth of my twins, which I have to admit makes me feel pretty darn proud of myself.
Emotionally, I’m doing great. A little groggy and bit cranky at times (sorry Walker), but for the most part pretty calm and surprisingly confident. One hundred percent of this confidence is due to the flexibility and grace of my parenting partner. Walker has been incredible and has seamlessly transitioned into fatherhood remarkably calm. I can honestly say I have never been so truly convinced that I have married the right man.
2) Are you getting any sleep?
Surprisingly yes. Again, trying not to get ahead of ourselves since the sleep schedule is something that will constantly change with levels of fussiness, hunger and growing pains, but we just may be on to something successful already. It took a couple of sleepless nights to get it right, but the last few days Walker has slept at least 6 hours each night and I’ve gotten at least 5. We are stock piling their meals later in the evenings, and they have gone as long as 5 consecutive hours peacefully dreaming of their future successes.
More updates as soon as I find another window of opportunity to collect my thoughts. Thanks to everyone for all their encouragement and congratulations. We certainly have so much to celebrate!
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great job on the breastfeeding. You will make the lactivists proud in the seattle area! :)
Seriously, I breastfed mine for 4 months and I know what that was like for me as a twin mom. If you have it working for you now, future challenges might be minor or non-existent! Way to go...
Awesome Walker! on supporting Dana. I cannot imagine doing this twin mom job without my partner either.
Congrats Dana and Walker! Ours of just a few days younger...and one with the same name (Finn). Aren't twins fun...tiring, but fun!