One week later...

It's been one week since the little ones arrived. The babies have adjusted wonderfully to the outside world. They are doing everything new babies should do... eating, pooping, sleeping and being adorable. I have had a few chances to see them since being released from the hospital. They are definitely keepers!


I spent 3 hours with the new family on Monday night and the babies didn't cry once. They were sleepy little creatures. I held baby Ella for quite some time. Wouldn't it be nice to snuggle a baby everyday? I think we could have world peace if everyone snuggled a baby for at least 10 minutes everyday. Okay, that's wishful thinking. Baby Ely slept the entire time, even while he ate.


The guys have started a nice routine with the babies and seem to be sticking to it very well. With twins, I imagine routine and structure are key to staying sane through the first year. I am very proud of how well they are handling parenthood.


As for me, I am doing well. Physically speaking, I have good days and bad days, mostly good though. I had some side effects from that dirty (not literally dirty) epidural. That epidural gave me a bad vibe for good reason. Not only did my body freak out after getting it but I ended up having a spinal fluid leak (I think that's what it is called). While I could function just fine it was an annoyance. Avner gave me some good tips to relieve the pain... caffeine, which I love so that was a win for me. The headache and neck pain still creep a little but it is much better. I promise I am done complaining about the epidural now. I just had to get that last jab in. I have had some body aches along the way, too. Wednesday being the worse. I spent some one on one time with the heating pad and felt much better yesterday.


I must say I have some pretty great people in my life! I have received a lot of questions and concerns on how I am doing emotionally. I'll have to keep taking things day by day. I won't hide or deny the fact that it will be super tough when the guys and babies go home. They will be here for about 2 more weeks. I already know I will be sad and probably will be on and off sad for awhile. I venture to say this is normal. If I didn't feel this way then I didn't do this for the right reasons. The bond I have with this new family is very special. It isn't just a casual encounter and we won't say goodbye easily. We will go about our lives but I can guarantee you that they will cross my mind everyday. This will probably be true for the rest of my life.


I have had some sad moments already. I get teary eyed when I think about them leaving. I have cried for selfish reasons but I have also cried for extremely happy reasons. My main selfish reason is because I feel this journey is done for me. My role in this production is over. Other than bringing my own kids into this world, this has been one of the best experiences of my life. As for the happy reasons, I played a part in changing two lives in such a remarkable way. I helped them experience the kind of love that only a parent can know. And that's a pretty awesome feeling!

I am going to be taking this blog in a different direction here and there. Since we all know pregnancy doesn't come without weight issues, I am going to blog about my attempts at losing weight. Last night, I couldn't sleep so I decided to weigh myself after using the bathroom. That's normal, right? The day before delivery I weighed in at (wait for it...) 198lbs *and the crowd goes wild*. Before becoming pregnant I weighed about 150lbs. I was really hoping to not hit the 200lbs mark. Which I did (202lbs) the week prior to delivery. I am a petite person and should weigh around 120lbs. So last night when I weighed myself I was pleasantly surprised to see about 170lbs on the scale. One week later and I am down almost 30lbs... I'll take that! I did tempt fate yesterday afternoon and tried on a pair of my pre-pregnancy jeans... they fit but I have an overflowing "muffin top". I was not disappointed at all because I wasn't even expecting to be able to button them. That is where I stand today. I won't be starting a workout plan until 4 weeks postpartum but I am looking forward to getting back to the gym.

Melissa