March

It's been a rough month. Cole's brother Zack died from a severe asthma attack, Page has been sick, and Cole has had some work challenges. We are so sad about Zack and are hoping April is a better month for our family.

Page started the month with an antibiotic for an ear infection. She refers to the antibiotic as "nasty medicine" and was not very cooperative in taking it. I actually bought out the dollar store to reward her for her efforts by letting her pick a prize after each dose. Part way through the antibiotic, Page ended up in urgent care with high fevers that would not respond to meds. She was a trooper and diagnosed with herpangina, a coxsackie virus. It was a nasty virus and lasted about 8 days. Page also has a scratch/rash between her eyebrows that we can't seem to get rid of. We saw Dr. Valenzuela and got an antibiotic cream, but I'm not sure if it's working. Page is now ending the month with what seems to be a nasty cold. We are hoping it clears up soon and she is healthy for a while!

Despite this month's unfortunate events, we are all decorated for Easter, Page has been practicing on her potty chair, and we told Page about the twins! Page gets a sticker for practicing on the potty and would get a prize if she actually used it. She's a little nervous to use the potty and after receiving prizes for taking "nasty medicine," she has decided she doesn't like prizes! We will keep on trying :) Page enjoys reading her big sister books but doesn't really understand. Maybe as my belly gets bigger it will make more sense! She did get to see her first ultrasound this month ;) Page will be staying at home next time though, she had no interest!

Page's verbal and social skills continue to develop, she loves to climb and go down slides, has become a Disney movie fan, likes to be silly when people are sad or mad to make them happy, has become great friends with Aunt Casey and Uncle Kyle, and is doing great at church...she even sings along ;)

In addition to the many walks and park visits, Page had a visit with Grandma Beth and Grandpa Russ, dinner with mommy's family to celebrate Grandpa Kenny, a BBQ at G/G Marion and G/G Warren's house, a play date with JJ at Tumbleweed Park, lots of time with daddy's family, a play date at JJ's house without mommy and daddy (a first), and a trip to the zoo with Grammy! It's been a while since we have been to the zoo and Page was so excited to find all of her favorite animals :)

Here are a few pics from this month...

The big sister ;)

Page with Uncle Kyle

We are watching this little caterpillar grow into a butterfly!

Such a cool activity, Page has the best teacher!!

We're Having Twins...

Page has some exciting news...

That's right, we're having twins! It was quite the surprise! Page liked her big sister shirt and the special books but doesn't really understand. Maybe as my belly grows it will make a little more sense :) We are excited but also nervous about having two babies at once! There is lots to be done before the babies arrive and we will definitely need help when they get here. The babies are growing right on track and look as healthy as can be! 

A few pictures from the journey so far...

 

This is not even one month of IVF meds! I knew IVF would be harder than the IUI procedures we had done, but had no idea what was involved. Ultra sounds and blood work every other day, about 4 shots a night, an egg retrieval under general anesthesia with bed rest, an embryo transfer with bed rest, and about a month of abdominal discomfort. It was not easy, actually it was very difficult and I'm not sure I could do it again. I can't really complain though because it worked...even better than expected! I also learned a lot a long the way. I was reminded that I am not in control, to count my blessings and appreciate what I have, the importance of patience, and what a miracle babies are. I know that these lessons will make this pregnancy and the journey ahead a little easier.   

Egg Retrieval Day - 13 Eggs Retrieved

 

Our 2 Little Embryos (day 5) - Transferred 2 of 5 Embryos

Post-Transfer Meds...just a few to start ;)



 

 

 

I will see Dr. Linnerson again at 17 weeks and have the next ultrasound at 20 weeks. After 24 weeks, the appointments and ultrasounds will become more and more frequent. We are hoping for 38 weeks, but most twins arrive between 36-37 weeks. We are praying for a safe pregnancy/delivery and two healthy babies. Please keep us in your prayers :)

February's GI Appointment

Page had a routine GI appointment with Dr McOmber on February 11th. She did not gain a lot of weight, probably due to drinking less milk. However, she is 12.7kg and hanging on at the 41st percentile. Her height was 96.3cm, hanging on at the 91st percentile. The biggest issue is managing the constipation. Page will continue with the miralax and exlax, gradually decreasing the exlax over the next couple of months. Dr. McOmber still wants to wean Page off of the Zantac, so we will try that again in a couple of months. Dr. McOmber also suggested doing "potty time" after meals, where Page sits on the toilet and we read her a book. So far, Page is willing to sit on the potty but has been nervous about actually going. I also bought some Dora underwear and she loves them! One Saturday morning, Page wanted to wear the underwear. She had an accident but asked for another pair of underwear. She was able to stop herself before wetting herself but was fearful to using the potty. We continue to encourage potty time and will be trying some positive reinforcement this next month. Slowly but surely :) We will see Dr. McOmber again in May for a routine follow up. All in all, Page is doing great!!

Valentine's Day

 

 

We had a great Valentine's Day and Month! Page got to wear all of her cute valentine outfits, loved the decor, and made the cutest crafts at preschool. She even got to have a Valentine's Day party and exchange valentine's with all of her classmates :) She especially enjoyed helping bake cookies for the party! On Valentine's Day, Page got to open several valentine surprises, had heart shaped donuts for breakfast, and a heart shaped pizza for dinner! We hope you all had a Happy Valentine's Day!!

February

Playing catch up :)

 

Page continues to amaze us with her imagination and verbal skills! "No way" is Page's new favorite phrase and she has tested the limits this month with some noteworthy tantrums. Page runs so fast, can unlock the iPad and turn on a movie all by herself, and has been doing potty time.

Page had fun at our Super Bowl Party, went to breakfast with Grandma Beth and Grandpa Russ, enjoyed all the Valentine's Day festivities, checked out the new Mesa Riverview Park with Meg and Rory, played at the CMOP with JJ, and went to Grandma Lois's for dinner this month!

Page also had a GI appointment earlier this month and ended the month with a cold/ear infection.

We are looking forward to time outside and enjoying the beautiful weather in March!

 

Such a little sweetie!

Fun at the CMOP!

p.s. Page's car obsession continues ;)

Art work of the mouth :)