OK, so we need to start with a photo.

Yes, those are fairly standard expressions. No, they cannot scratch the top of their own heads. Mind you, they are not always like the above photo. Sometimes they are more like:

And sometimes, minutes later, they can be quite different (http://youtu.be/9wHI_7u58j8)

We’ve had them both at home now for 2 weeks and getting into a rhythm – this is definitely an at-least-two-person job. All the twins support groups/books say that it is critical to get them onto the same schedule so that you can feed them both at the same time. Unfortunately that is not possible as they are at completely different places in their feeding routine. Natasha is being fed by bottle and it is up to her how much she takes – usually around 60-70mLs which is appropriate for a three hour schedule.  Katarina however has been taken off the bottle as she appears to have developed a feeding aversion due to her reflux issues. This is a common complication with preemies, especially IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) babies such as her. Basically, when she feeds she gets reflux which causes pain and so she is starting to associate the act of feeding with pain. So now she is on a special “binky trainer” and is fed through that until she shows any sign of discomfort (usually anywhere between 0-50mLs) and then gets the rest fed (total 80mLs) through her NG tube. Here is a photo of the set up. 

Note: Bruno is an optional accessory.

What this means for us is that Natasha is on a 3hr schedule and Katarina is on a 4hr schedule, which makes feeding a full time job. In fact, calculating it out, it takes 17-18hrs per day to just feed them both ( I’m not even sure how we would feed both of them simultaneously). This has been OK so far, mainly because I am on leave (it would be insane to be working right now) and because of all the help we have been getting from people. Big thanksyous have to go out to everyone who has been preparing meals for us. This has been incredibly helpful (and delicious!). Also big, huge thank you to Linda and Steve (the Diener grandparents),

who were with us for the last month – definitely a cause for celebration!

It was great to have you here. With the extra pairs of hands we were able to get out more:

Yes, the girls have already been to The Yard.

Bruno is adjusting. Sort of. Has his good days:

and his more “sad-face-I’m-being-ignored” days

and he is still getting very, very tired (http://youtu.be/Rl5i35FIWKs, http://youtu.be/EU3-52UkJtA).

The days have been spent feeding, holding (http://youtu.be/dSc2e_WYXEM), doing tummy time (http://youtu.be/c1ypDCCQ5kQ, http://youtu.be/2957v1cNPkc) and soothing the girls. We really enjoy holding them in devices like this:

because http://youtu.be/j_9wxLBeQWg

Anyway, better leave it there…I’m on the late shift tonight and the girls need feeding 🙂