Happy 4 Months!

Today Charlie and Lily celebrated their first birthday outside of the NICU - they turned 4 months old! Although there were no cupcakes this month, since there was no NICU staff to share them with, Charlie and Lily went ahead and celebrated with lots of bottles, a weigh-in and some tandem tummy time.

The visiting nurse came today to check the babies out and both got thumbs up. Charlie had put on 6 ounces since her last visit to reach 8 lbs 5 oz, and Lily gained 8 ounces for a total of 7 lbs 9 oz. The nurse's visit, however, threw off the babies eating schedule so somehow their feedings are sort of running into each other and I've been pretty much feeding babies non-stop all day. They've both been extra hungry lately, demanding bottles more frequently, and what Charlie and Lily want Charlie and Lily get!

This afternoon the babies got down on the floor for some dual tummy time. I accidentaly put Charlie in Lily's boppy and vice versa, so maybe that was why Lily was less than enthused with the playtime. Charlie happily raised his head and looked all around, but Lily slouched on the boppy and shot me half-hearted dirty looks until I picked her up. And then she demanded that I feed her. Again. Sigh.

Today I also received a call from the early intervention team. As it turns out, the babies actually do NOT qualify for assistance. While at first glance that seems like a bad thing, it's actually not. The babies don't qualify because their development is too good - they are right on target or a little ahead in all areas for their adjusted age. That makes us happy. The head of the team did promise that she would drop off information on milestones that the babies should be reaching in the next few months, and if I feel they start to lag behind we can start the early intervention process again. But for now we're on our own!

So that's what new with Chily! I'm heading out the gym (since gaining weight each week is a job I must leave up to Charlie and Lily) and I need to be back in time for the traditional reading of Birthday Monsters before bed!

Lily just doesn't seem all that thrilled to celebrate her 4-month birthday. I guess she's just used to be showered with praise and attention, regardless of the day.

Charlie seemed to enjoy wearing the hat.

Lily and Charlie are very good at making a LOT of laundry. Luckily for them, Nana is more than willing to come over and help fold! She even presses Joe's work shirts for him-- she's our own personal laundry service!

Charlie enjoyed story time with his daddy, even if daddy has had to wear a mask around the house for the last few days. Most likely Joe's just fighting off some major allergy issues but better safe than sorry!

Charlie loves Mommy! Pretty much the only thing that will calm Charlie down when he's upset is a good cuddle.