5 Weeks!

I can't believe it's been 5 weeks already! I wish my pregnancy went by as fast as this!

The girls had their 1 month appointment today and I'm happy to report that they are gaining weight and really growing! Ciara weighed 7lbs 11oz and Irelyn weighed 7lbs 12oz. They are the same height at 20 1/4 inches. Because they are preemies, the doctors do not have the percentages for them.

Irelyn looks good - she has her color back. Ciara we are still watching, but seems to be fine.

Lydia and Raya are adapting to being big sisters. Raya is a little over-protective of them where Lydia understands that whoever the person is near them, is not going to steal them. Raya will pull at the baby if someone is holding her and yell "no, MY baby". So cute.

Meningitis.....

Irelyn was admitted to Children't Hospital over the weekend with Meningitis. We're not sure how she contracted the virus but it could have been from anyone around her with a cold. Her immune system was not strong enough to fight it off. Ciara is fine and so are Lydia and Raya although we have to keep a close eye on the baby for signs on it.

Irelyn had a high fever on Saturday and the pediatrician told me to take her to Winchester Hospital. We were seen right away and tests were done including a spinal tap. Within a couple of hours we were rushed to Children's in an ambulance where they were waiting for us. All the staff that came near her had to wear gloves, masks and gowns.

Bacterial meningitis was ruled out yesterday. Today they released her and said it was viral meningitis. A hearing test was done and it came in fine. The doctors think we caught it in the very early stages and were able aggressively treat it.

I have to admit that I didn't even think she was warm, let alone have a fever. Sherri was over my house and kept insisting that she was warm. I just thought it was because she was sleeping and got a little over heated. When I took her temperature, after Sherri's insistence, I realized it was 101 which is dangerous in an infant. Thank God Sherri was here!! Not only did she insist on me taking Irelyn's temperature, she also stayed with the other 3 kids for 6 hours that day while we were in the hospital with the baby!! It was really a blessing that she was here!

Irelyn is home now and we will monitor her. I'll probably be psychotic now about people and kids being around the twins who have colds. I don't want to repeat the process of being in the hospital! My heart broke with her little arm with an IV in it! And she hated being touched after a while.....which I'm hoping she will forget about.

Ciara came to the hospital after Irelyn was on anti-biotics for a day and stayed with her. It was just easier for me to have them together.

Thanks to everyone who prayed for us and sent e-mails etc. It really is appreciated knowing how much support we have!!!

Picture Day

Here is a picture of Ciara with Mom's cell phone so you can see how small she really is. You can't tell when you just see their pictures.

I hope everyone can open this link. Nothing is edited but it shows what the girls look like. These shots were taken today - the girls are 13 days old. Irelyn is on the left and Ciara is on the right.

www.mirasolophotography.com/simpsonbabies/

It made me cry but I'm totally hormonal. Thanks to Diana Mirasolo for taking their pictures.

Well worth the wait.....

And I will say, also the mini-van. These two little girls are so precious to me that I can't even begin to describe how I feel!!! They are truly magical and add such a precious light to my eyes! Ciara is my little peanut with a loud cry! She has a tendency to wake more often than her counterpart. Irelyn is laid back and sleeps a lot. They are not identical but even for me it's hard to tell who is who sometimes. In pictures it is a lot easier - Ciara has a sweetheart shaped faced and Irelyn's face is more round. But if someone is to hand me just one of them, I sometimes get them mixed up!! Not to worry, I did leave on Irelyn's foot tag from the hospital with her "Baby B" on it.

Lydia and Raya are being absolutely perfect with them. They both have a huge interest in caring for them and holding them. We are not seeing the huge meltdowns that we anticipated.

Sleep is tough but that is the life of a newborn. They generally feed about 1/2 hour apart which works for me. I need an arm free in case a 2 1/2 year old comes running towards me to jump on my lap!! At night I am trying to take on their care myself, but Matt is a trouper in getting up whenever I need him, even if it's to change a diaper while I finish nursing the other one.

We are enjoying Ciara and Irelyn tremendously! There is nothing in this world like a newborn baby to cuddle with! I am so proud of myself for carrying them as long as I did - 36 weeks and 3 days. They never had to go to the special care nursery or the NICU. They stayed with us in our room! That was so great!

Introducing.....

Baby A recieved her name....

Ciara Aurelia

"The Twins"

Irelyn Jade Simpson (on the left) and Ciara Aurelia Simpson (on the right)

The girls are getting their check-ups and approval by the NICU. Hopefully Mommy receives the ok and the twins will be getting ready for their journey home later this afternoon.

Big hugs and kisses are waiting for you when you get there!

We love you!

xoxo

Two Peas in a Pod

Saw the girls last night - beautiful!
Mom is doing great - up and walking around. The babies are doing great too - a little bit of jaundice but nothing a little sun won't heal! Baby A's name is still undecided.

I got a few more pics while I was there yesterday and they are definately "2 peas in a pod!"

The Twins

The twins are absolutely beautiful and perfect!
Little fingers and little toes - pink rosey cheeks and little button noses!

Mom is doing great - Dad is a proud papa!

Baby Girl (twin A) didnt get her name yet ...

Baby Girl (twin B) is "Irelyn Jade Simpson"

They are both so beautiful, I am such a proud Auntie!

I got a few pictures but not many as my hands were full :)
Mommy and Daddy have them on their camera so I am sure they will be posted soon.