No, we haven't forgotten about our 4 legged babies! Ralph said they were very happy to see him after a month at Rosewood Kennel and that they've grown! Seem to be filling out at the same height. Athena is about 25 kilos and Achilles is about 28! 

Twins 1-day Birthday

You read correctly, today is the 1-day birthday, of their actual age even though they are about 6 weeks chronologically. When a baby is born more than 4 weeks early, the Dr has to track development on both chronological (based on delivery date) and actual age (based on full gestional date) for about 18-24 months. It means that if a baby is supposed to do "X" at 3 months, ours will do it at 3 months + 6 weeks according to chronological age.

One thing they are currently doing as well as, or better than, other newborns is keeping us up at night. With feedings "on the 3's" we're all up all hours of the night; and it's paid off! Yesterday Ryan was 8 pounds and Erik was 7 pounds 8 ounces, both up over 1/3 of their total birth weight.

Although once we did the math, it made sense. They are on special formula, 22 calorie an ounce at 3 ounces a feeding, 8 feedings a day is 528 calories! Quite a bit for such little guys. It would be like a 130 pound woman eating 8,580 calories/day and a 220 pound male eating 14,520 calories/day.

And for those of you I have not called recently, you now know why. Feedings take about an hour, so that leaves life to be played out around the clock in 2 hour intervals. Not much time to sleep, eat and shower, let alone call those of you I'm missing so much. But know, that just because I'm not calling doesn't mean I'm not thinking of you. And hopefully someday soon, I will be able to ring you to catch up!

Stephaine, who was in kindgergarten when I was in college and was a nanny for her, is holding Erik. She will be in college when these boys are in kindergarten, maybe she'll come to DC and be their nanny! 

Am I looking in a mirror?  

Poppy burping a milk drunk Ryan. 

Check up & 1 month birthday

Today is the boys 1-month birthday! They went to the Dr last Friday, here's the update:
Erik
Height: 20.5 inches
Weight: 6 pounds 4.25 ounces

Ryan
Height: 20.875 inches
Weight: 6 pounds 14.5 ounces

And Ralph leaves tomorrow, unfortunately. As it's his last night with REAL food choices we're headed out to sushi - I'm sure by the time he's done, the Pacific ocean will be over fished too!

The baptism was in the back yard with only close family invited. Brenda was not able to make it out from NY, but we have lots and lots of pictures to share with her and the boys missed her very much. 

Ryan was baptised today. He wore a bonnet made by his Farf which will be kept for his wedding day (the ribbons on it are from our wedding) and a blanket his Farf knit for him. 

Today Erik was also baptised, he did a great job of not crying! 

One of our favorite gifts is this New Baby LBE, Ralph now sports this handy tool belt equipt with goggles, a mask, rubber gloves, binks, teething rings, diapers, wipes and sippy cups. We LOVE it! 

The Ahlers boys at home on the couch in San Rafael. 

Erik's close up (07 Aug)  

Ryan doing his Statue of Liberty pose (07 Aug) 

06 August, Ryan (on my legs) and Erik (kangaroo) and I. 

Home coming

On Wednesday, 02 August, after 12 days in the Good Sam NICU, Ryan & Erik were released to come home. In their fancy car seats.  

Weight

The boys had their first outing today, to the pediatrician. They are 2 weeks old and will go back in 2 weeks, when they are 1 month old. The Dr is mostly concerned about weight gain at this point, as their ability to breath and all other goals for preemies have been met in the NICU.

Ryan was 5 pounds 9 ounces at birth, was back up to 5 pounds 10 ounces at discharge and is 6 pounds today.

Erik was 4 pounds 15 ounces at birth, was back up to 5 pounds 3 ounces at discharge and is 5 pounds 5 ounces today.

And I have about 9 more pounds to loose to be back to my pre-pregnancy weight! My little bump is getting smaller and as soon as my incision heals better, I'm thinking I'll be back in my normal clothes. Hummmm maybe I'll have to go shopping.