All 3 kiddos are sick. Coughing, running noses, not eating well, and just general yuckiness. A call to the pediatrician is in the very near future. Plus, mommy is exhausted from middle of the night crying (the babies) and middle of the night worrying (the mommy.) Not the best start to the New Year…but it can only get better from here, right?!
As we start the New Year, just like everyone else, I’ve thought about 2013. I’m not going to do a huge “year in review,” but I did want to share a few highlights. Overall, it was a pretty great year.
Since we were isolated most of last winter, there aren’t that many memories that involve going to exciting places, but we did stay healthy and out of the hospital, which was AWESOME! The twins also got released from their home health nurse and physical therapist. Both boys learned so much….from eating solids to rolling to sitting up to rolling to squirming around to crawling to cruising and finally to walking! My little guy is still a little shaky, but he practices in his crib at night when he thinks no one is watching. Gotta love video monitors! The twins also turned O-N-E in May, then we celebrated their Nicuversary (l year of being out of the NICU) with a big party. Zoo theme, of course. Their Doctor, as well as the developmental clinic, and eye doctor are all happy with their weight, progress, and development. The boys are right on track to do some more amazing things this year.
Another big event in April…my Husband had a milestone birthday. I won’t share which one, in case he’s reading this 😉 But, I did pretend to ignore his birthday most of the day, then took him to dinner where all his family and friends were gathered. His annoyance and disappointment from the day of no one calling to wish him a Happy Birthday disappeared when he saw all those smiling faces…and had a drink or two.
My first baby turned 4 this year. I still can’t believe I have a four-year-old. He is so smart, he is constantly on the go, and is still my big cuddler. He’s always surprising us with his insights and questions and imagination. He has buildings and cities built throughout our house, is the owner of “Coke” restaurant, and can recite a monologue from the Lorax. He’s becoming less and less of a baby, and more and more my big boy.
I was also very lucky this past year with all the help I received. My parents and my in-laws have been tremendous babysitters. My mom saves me everyday with adult conversation and company. If it weren’t for her…well, I don’t even want to think about it. I’ve also recieved help in some non-traditional ways, as well. My Facebook groups….TTTS Survivors Support and Preemie Support Groups…provide me with answers to questions, lend me an ear when I need to vent, and just give me comfort in knowing someone really understands. I feel closer to some of these women, who I have never even met, than some I’ve known my whole life. That’s not to say I don’t have some amazing friends in real life too, but it’s nice to talk with people who have been exactly in your shoes.
The last part of the year, actually the last day, ended on a fun note. My in-laws came to babysit the twins so we could attend my Brother and Sister-in-law’s gender reveal New Year’s Eve Party. They have 3 beautiful daughters, and are expecting another baby in May. Everyone gathered into the kitchen to watch as they cut a cake revealing pink frosting, which means they are adding girl #4 to their family. It was exciting and nice to be with family on NYE. We didn’t stay at the party until midnight because my four-year-old looked as if he was going to pass out, but when we got home he decided he still needed to be awake and DID make it until midnight.
Counting down to the New Year with 2 of my 4 favorite men was the best. Knowing that the other 2 were sleeping in their cribs next door was even better. Nothing like having your whole family home where they belong.
So, I guess that was a pretty long review after all, but that’s OK. I’m glad there were more great moments than I remembered. Can’t wait to see what 2014 brings!
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