Poppy’s Home
Mystique had the kids’ web site up last night, probably finishing up her post, and commented, “Oh, let me go read your last post…” and proceeded to simulate scrolling for a minute or so. “Oh, February 10th.” I took that as a subtle (for Mystique) hint to do some writing 
So our live-in help left on Tuesday and are back home, safe and sound in San Antonio… we really appreciate all the help that Mystique’s folks gave us. Not only was I able to drive to Billings each weekend without having to worry about our mutts, but we also got a more-organized closet, newly-painted bathroom, more space in the garage, and a few other goodies, along with three great baby-sitters. Thanks!
My folks are headed up to Bozeman next week, and we’re excited to see them again. I think they’re going to be amazed at how much the girls have changed… of course they’ve been tracking the pictures and movies, but there’s nothing like actually holding them to see how good they’re doing. My parents last saw the girls when they were still around four pounds in the NICU… now they’re big babies who look around, smile (sort of), and cry (totally). And better yet, my brother is headed up this way for a weekend in March, too, so he can babysit the girls for us. What a guy
I think I’m in danger of turning this site into a typical, gushing parent site, but I gotta tell ya… these girls are awesome. When I get home after work, Mystique usually says “Poppy’s home!” and while it doesn’t register at all with the girls (yet!), it’s a great thing to hear right when you walk in. Usually the girls are downstairs, either hanging out in the bassinet or in a swing, but always looking as cute as a button. Such sweet girls… and mom’s not so bad, either. You couldn’t ask for a better place to come home to.
The girls definitely did not like “shot-day” at the doctor’s on wednesday… it was tough for them and Mystique and I felt horrible when they basically poked four times. Their reactions were delayed a bit… the first poke would come and their face would take on a shocked expression and half a beat later turn into a full-on cry. Our nurse did a great job with the three shots, though… poked them in one after the other, all three done in less than five seconds I think. They still have their american-flag bandaids on as a badge of honor.
The past couple of nights have gone pretty well… we’re back to just bottling them at night (still breast milk) which seems to keep them sleepy for 2.5 to 3 hours blocks. Occasionally one won’t go back to sleep, so one of us will sleep with them on our chest until the next feeding time. Sometimes that’s a funny way to wake up… the other night I had Piper sleeping on me and around 5am or so she was rooting around, moving her head back and forth searching for a source of food. I was in a half-awake, half-dreamy state, and it took a couple minutes of Piper’s wiggling to snap me out of it and realize that it wasn’t Rupert licking my neck, it was a baby in search of food. And boy, those little babies keep you warm… with one of them and a sheet and comforter over you, it could be 50 degrees in your room and you’d be as snug as a bug. Handy little heaters, these girls.
Last weekend we tried Piper in a Baby Bjorn for the first time… she’s still too small to face forward, so she was stuck in it looking up at my mug (poor child). She seemed to like it for about fifteen minutes, or so, and then decided she was done with it and started to fuss. It was nice, though, being able to walk around, work on the computer, etc… with a baby strapped to you but your arms free. And again, I was nice and toasty.
That’s it for now… hope you all have a great weekend. If anyone has any digital camera recommendations, please email us… we’re looking for a new one (5 megapixel, fast picture-taking, etc….).