One Year Anniversary

One year ago today I went to the hospital for the babies morning feeding like I normally did. But that morning was different. That morning I waited on the decision of us going home or not. I remember sitting there for over 2 hours waiting for the Dr to come around for morning rounds. I finally went downstairs and got some breakfast. When I returned back upstairs, our nurse told me that she was starting our paper work... we were going home!!! OH, how I remember those emotions. I was so excited, yet so scared. I was about to leave a hospital with 2 TINY babies. For the past 38 days, Drs and nurses had made all the decisions for us, now it was going to be up to me.

I called Brent and mom immediately and told them to come on!!!! We had to have 1 car to take all the stuff home we had accumulated, and another to drive me and the babies home. We took pictures and said our good-byes. I remember looking at them on the way home and thinking "How in the world are we going to take care of 2 babies?"

Well, here we are exactly 1 year later. This year past year holds lots of memories and milestones. The first huge milestone was both babies weighing over 6 pounds, now they each weigh 22 pounds! We had to change formula 6 or 7 times before finding one that agreed with both babies, and they both barely took 2 ounces, now they eat us out of house and home! Reid had colic for months, then tubes put in his ear, and a foreskin repair. Now he is pretty healthy with the exception of asthma and allergies. Rylee never had many health problems, but has always amazed us by meeting milestones so quickly. Then the big move of the summer into our much larger house was an adjustment, but SO worth it. Now they are both crawling everywhere and into everything! As I type they have crawled into the kitchen and emptied the diaper bag along with a few other bags.

I fall in love more and more with them each day. They are so fun to watch, and never cease to amaze me. I wanted to take a minute to show everyone what a difference a year can make.

Once again, Merry Christmas from the Blocker Family!

12-5-08

12-5-09


Rylee 12-5-08

Rylee 12-5-09

Reid 12-5-08

Reid 12-5-09

Fall into Changes

Summer came and went in a blur, which meant only one thing.... FOOTBALL!!! I enjoyed dressing the twins up on Saturdays to show our support. Rylee even learned how to ring her cowbell by the end of the season. Reid and Rylee supported the Bulldogs through a tough season. They knew all along we could pull off the most important game of the season!!! Go DAWGS!




We have joined a new church in Greenville called Refuge. It is a "come as you are" church and we love it! The 1st Sunday in October, we dedicated Reid and Rylee to God and asked the church to help us raise them in Godly ways. Brent is in the band, Megan and I help in the nursery, and Reid and Rylee are loved dearly. I am so happy that God is in control of our lives and has opened this door for my family. What a blessing!




The 3rd week of October, Reid had a terrible cough. I took him to the Dr. and was told it was his allergies. By Wednesday, he was wheezing with every breath. After a breathing treatment and steam shower with no improvement, we headed out to the emergency room. He sounded so bad that they rushed us back and immediately started breathing treatments. They also tried 5 times to start and IV, and each time he screamed louder and got madder. After the 5th try I told them that was enough! Not long after I blew up, all his test results came back and we found out he had RSV. Last year they were given shots to protect them against this terrible virus, but since they are over 20 lbs now (YAY!), we don't get the shots this year. So we spent 2 nights/3 days in the hospital under the oxygen tent.
Rylee stayed with her daddy one night and her Pappie the next. She was well taken care of, but I missed her like CRAZY! The following week she started coughing. Luckily the Dr had already given us an antibiotic for her and instructed me to do breathing treatments.


October 28 was a very emotional day for me. I could only describe it as bitter-sweet. It was bitter because my babies turned ONE!!!! But it was sweet because they have come so far! I am amazed even today to go back and look at pictures from a year ago. As I write this, my emotions overflow, because a year ago we were still in Jackson. God is so good.
On Halloween, the twins had their 1st birthday party. It was so much fun. We had pumpkin cakes, painted pumpkins, pumpkin shaped jello... you get the point. Pumpkins were everywhere. I have never known why, but their Aunt Brooke has always called them the "pumpkins." Still today, when she texts me, it is "How are the pumpkins?" How appropriate!!!! Below are before and after pictures of the cakes. Neither one of them were shy and enjoyed every minute.





The day after our 1st birthday, Reid and Rylee got to go buy new shoes from the mall, then we went to Wal-Mart for fun stuff! This was their first time to ride in the double cart. We quickly decided they aren't quite ready.


After the very eventful October, November was somewhat calm and I am thankful for that. We finally made it to the zoo in Memphis and that was so much fun!!! The kids really enjoyed it. Reid noticed every animal, and Rylee noticed every person. She is a little on the nosy side, OK... A LOT! But we really enjoyed that day. Megan and her boyfriend went with us. Other than the babies screaming on the way there, I think it went good.

The first week of November I took Reid to the Dr and the tube in his ear was blocked. The next day we went to Jackson. Pretty much, I drove 2 hours to get there, we were there for not even 20 minutes, then came home. The tube was TOTALLY blocked and they told me to put peroxide in it twice a day for 2 weeks then come back. So we did.

The next Monday, after school, Mom texted me that Rylee had a fever over 100 so I rushed to get her. We took out to the Dr and they said her tonsils were terrible. Within 2 days Reid had it. It was not a fun week at our house. I decided to go ahead and make Rylee and appt. with the ENT in Jackson when we went back.

We went back to Jackson and they said Rylee was perfect. Ears, nose, and throat looked great!!!! Reid on the other hand.... Well!?!?! His tube was still totally blocked. It looked no different. The Dr gave me 2 choices. 1) Keep doing what we were, but no improvements were promised. 2) Put peroxide in it, let it sit, and try to pull the clot out, with the chance of the tube coming out. If the tube came out, since the hole was already there, it shouldn't be a problem getting a new one back in. I chose to try to get it out. Pappie took Rylee to the waiting room, and that was probably best! We soaked his ear for about 5 minutes, then the fun began.
The Dr came in with the nurse practitioner. The NP held his head while I held his arms. He started out doing pretty good, until the Dr did suction. I don't know if it scared him or hurt, but my baby boy has NEVER screamed like that. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. They got the clot out, but the tube came out also. It wasn't a problem to get a new one in, but he was still screaming. It took us getting out of the entire clinic for him to calm down. He screamed out in his sleep with flashbacks for over 2 hours. I never want to do that to him again.

I had the entire week of Thanksgiving off, and it was wonderful!!! I have Mrs. Stella the week off and enjoyed my babies to the fullest extent. We got our Christmas tree up, decorated the house, and just enjoyed each other. I felt like this was their first Thanksgiving since they were still in the hospital last year. We had Thanksgiving with our Refuge family that Wednesday night. Thursday morning we watched the parade, then went to Nana's house. After that, we all needed a nap, then headed to Grandma's. This year I understood the meaning of Thanksgiving more than ever before. I have so much to be Thankful for. A wonderful husband, two beautiful kids and a beautiful niece, a great family, a new house, and I could keep going. God has opened my eyes to how much I have to be Thankful for.

Last weekend another miracle entered our lives. Our good friends, Brian and Sulee Blansett, welcomed their son, Jackson Adam Blansett. He is perfect! Jackson is exactly 13 months younger than Reid and Rylee. I am so excited about watching them grow together. Please pray for them. Jackson has jaundice and has been in and out of the hospital. We think he is on the downside of it, but please lift him up. Also pray for Sulee. I know it can be overwhelming as a new mom, especially when you are worried about their health.


We are getting ready for Christmas!!! My favorite time of year. Our anniversary is December 16th, which is also the night of our fireman's Christmas party. I guess I know how I will spend that night. Santa received our lists and I think he will bring everything they have asked for. Below are a few of our pictures for Christmas. The first one is Christmas Eve last year. I am AMAZED at how much they have changed in a year!





I have tried to include all of our highlights (and LOWlights) from the past few months, but I know I'm leaving out stuff. I didn't realize how much people check my blog until recently. I had jury duty in October and a girl looked at me and said, "You are Blocker Babies!" I asked what she meant. She went on to explain that she follows my blog and was ready for an update. Then last weekend at the hospital, Brian's sister told me she follows us, and it was time to update.

A physical update on the babies... they are both crawling. Reid "army" crawls, but gets where he wants. If he is only in his diaper he will get up on those knees, but he fusses the entire time. Rylee was immobile one day and literally gone the next. She is pulling all the way up and wants to walk. She just doesn't understand that we still need to help her. She is also my talker, AKA my mockingbird. Don't say anything around her that can't be repeated because she will sure try.

Reid is still behind her a little. He tries to pull up, but hasn't mastered it yet. It will take Rylee walking for him to want it. He defines "Momma's boy" and I love it. He is my lovable child. Like I said, Rylee is nosy and is too busy to see what's going on to snuggle some.

They are both on solid food now, still with some baby food. We have made the transition 100% to whole milk. It wasn't as bad as I thought, but I did it the week they were on antibiotic. They were suppose to have diarrhea from the medicine and constipation from whole milk, so I figured it would all even out, and it did! Now we are slowly letting go of bottles. They aren't even suppose to be a year yet, so I'm taking this slow.

Megan is my joy! She made all A's and 1 B on her report card. She is trying out for the school play. She has a boyfriend. She has Cotillion in a week then state dance competition the next week. Needless to say, she keeps me busy, but I love it! I am so proud of her.

I'm adding a few more pictures below. Please leave us a comment so we know you came!
We love you all!!! Merry Christmas.

Rylee knows how to open presents!


Reid's FAKE smile


I love you sister!


Pig Pickin' 2009 at Delta State



Click on the video to watch Reid crawl


Rylee will do anything Megan tells her to... and usually it's not good.

So Much Fun!

Dressed for church!


Pool time with Mommy and Daddy


Our favorite time of day


Rylee eating Reid's foot


Ready to watch the Bulldogs play!


She already has an attitude!


They love getting dressed and having pictures made


Reid's Summer picture


Rylee's Summer picture


Megan


It has been so long since I have posted, and I have to start doing better! Maybe now that they are a little older and I have a little more time I can try to post more often.

The twins are now 10 months old! This time last year, I was pretty close to miserable. I am amazed daily at how much difference a year can make.

I'll start with an update on Reid. Since he was born first, he can go first. Reid weighs almost 20 pounds now and is over an inch taller than Rylee. He is long a thin. He can roll and twist anywhere he wants to go, but isn't thinking about crawling yet. We all say he is going to go straight to walking. He loves to be up, and will even take a few steps if you hold his hands. He has 7 teeth and numbers 8 and 9 are ready to break through. Trust me, he knows how to use his teeth, and they are sharp!

Reid had 2 minor surgeries over the summer. On my last post I said that we were going to Jackson to see an ENT about getting tubes. His ears were so severe that they kept us that night and did the surgery the next day. We got to spend the night at the Ronald McDonald House, which was fun to spend time there. Then in July he had to have his foreskin repaired. It sounds terrible, but it really wasn't that bad. Other than that, he is doing wonderful! He still has allergies and we take breathing treatments when needed, but he has some so far. I love to look at him and think about how blessed we are for him to be so healthy now.

Rylee... ha! She is just Rylee! If you do not see us often, you need to come visit so you can experience her. She is hilarious! Rylee always has a smile on her face unless she is hungry or tired. Rylee can also roll and scoot, but she is up on her hands and knees rocking. She isn't crawling yet, but it won't be long at all. She is so ready, and gets so frustrated that she can only go backwards. She doesn't have ANY teeth yet! The Dr. has been telling me for over 2 months now that she is teething, but we haven't seen any evidence to prove that. It doesn't stop her from eating. She eats solid food better than Reid does.

As far as her health, she is great. She had one ear infection Mother's Day, and hasn't had one since. I took her to the Dr. over the summer for pulling on her ears, but that is when we were told she is teething. Last week, she had a rash come up on several places. I took her to the Dr. for that Friday and found out she has Eczema. At least she will grow out of it.

We are starting to plan their first birthday party. I guess when you went through what we did, you feel like that is a HUGE milestone. Two babies from RMH have already turned 1 and I was emotional over that... so I can't imagine how I will be over Reid and Rylee. God has been so good to us! Like I already said, I love just looking at them and seeing how far they have come and how blessed we are!

An update on our family....
We moved over the summer into a much larger house. We bought this one, so we plan to stay here a while. Don't worry, we didn't move far. Actually, just across the street from where we were. Literally! I look out my front windows and across 2 streets is our old house. We are at the end of a street, so there isn't any traffic and I don't have to worry about babies and cars! We also have a wonderful back yard which includes a large deck with 2 gates (to lock babies in)!
We also have a new addition to our house. My niece, Megan, moved in with us over the summer to go to school down here. She is in 10th grade at CHS and loves it! She is on the dance team and has really made her mark already. So far she is making good grades and I am so proud of her. It has been an adjustment, but the babies love her and she is also a big help.

I guess that is about it for now. I hope to do better on posting, but I say that every time. We'll see!

Summer Already?

Easter Pictures





Play time in the Pack and Play

Rylee watching TV like a big girl

Reid helping Mom in the kitchen

TV time on Mom and Dad's bed




I feel like I just brought 2 tiny babies home on a cold December night, and now here we are in May. I am amazed at how fast time passes when you are trying to enjoy every moment. I realize that it has been quite a while since I have posted, but I think you understand why!

Where do I begin? Reid is up to 17 pounds as of this morning, and Rylee is pushing 19 pounds!!!! So many people have commented on how "normal" they look to be premature. They have both caught up very well in size, but we are still developmentally at our gestational age, which is 5 months.

They will be 7 months old this Thursday, and I'm already having fun planning a Halloween 1st birthday party! It will be so much fun. Mark it on your calender now, October 31st will be the big day.

Developmental update:
Both babies CAN roll over either way. Reid loves rolling, but Rylee is a little lazy. She doesn't want to put forward the effort to do things like he does. They can both sit up assisted, and reach for items. Reid is learning how to "kiss." He opens his mouth, grabs your face, and lets you have it! It is so funny.

Reid is much more active. He gets bored quick, and will make you tired. You have to plan ahead for him because you will loose his attention fast. He really enjoys being up where he can see, but isn't ready to sit up yet. He likes being in his jumper or Bumbo seat. Rylee, on the other hand, can stay focused on one thing for up to 40 minutes. Especially television. She loves Baby Einstein, and the Noggin channel.

They are both eating baby food at night, and we are starting to have cereal and baby food in the mornings. We have eliminated our night time feedings, and are slowly working towards both sleeping through the night. They have both slept all night twice. Reid is usually the one waking up, but he has trouble breathing. We will get there one day soon. They average going to bed around 7:30 and get up around 6:00. We have come a long way!!!

Our first Easter was a blast. They attended 2 Easter Egg Hunts, and both found a prize egg at each. I took them to have pictures made in their Easter outfits, which was fun. The Easter Bunny was very good to them, with the help of Grandmothers and friends!

Health wise... Rylee has been to the Dr. once since we came home for something other than shots. She had a double ear infection, which led me to the Dr. on Mother's Day morning! Other than that, she is fine! Reid still has some problems, but we are on the road to recovery! He has allergy induced asthma, so we do breathing treatments once a day, along with Zyrtec. He has had numerous ear infections. The latest is NOW, and we went to the Emergency Room last night because I could not get him to stop screaming. He has a double ear infection, and has been on antibiotic for 5 days. NOT GOOD! So Monday we will be going to Jackson to see an ENT there about tubes. Hopefully this will also reduce his allergies, if it eliminates some of the fluid building up. Also he will be having surgery July 1st to correct some "Little Boy" problems. It is nothing major now, but will be if it is not taken care of.

I hate to stop here, but it is time for our night routine. Dinner, bath, and bedtime.

Spring Break

Gosh how time flies!!!! I didn't realize it has been so long since I updated. I guess you can tell I have my hands full! The babies are growing so fast, and make great progress. Monday we went to the doctor for our RSV shot. Rylee is up to 13.10 pounds and Reid is up to 12.3 pounds!!!!! Reid would be more, but he has been sick.

Last Wednesday morning at 1:30 we were up feeding the babies and Reid choked or that is what I thought. He threw up all over me, him, and my bed. I thought nothing of it, and we all went back to bed. At 3:00 he woke up screaming, and had thrown up all in his bed. It was the beginning of the dreaded stomach virus. He threw up several more times that morning, then it turned to diarrhea. We went to the doctor that afternoon and put him on pedialyte for 24 hours. The next day everytime we tried formula the diarrhea came back. This continued Friday and we went back to the doctor. The coating of his stomach was pretty much gone so he couldn't digest the formula. They put him on Imodium and diluted formula. That got rid of the diarrhea, but he started throwing up again. Saturday I called the doctor and we put him back on pedialyte for 24 hours. When we went back to formula he has done good. He missed the grape flavor of pedialyte, so we mixed some in the first bottles, but now he is on straight formula. Our only problem now is he doesn't want to be put down. I guess he deserves to be spoiled a little when you think about all he has been through.

Rylee is Ms. Personality. She loves people. It doesn’t take much to make her smile or laugh. God blessed me with a truly “easy” baby when he gave me her. She loves talking to people, and will talk to anyone. I guess she takes after her mom. She is starting to make all kinds of sounds when she talks, and is starting to reach for toys. She spent the night away from us for the 1st time Wednesday night. She went to Leslie’s house to spend the night with Annslie. Annslie loves helping with the babies. When we change diapers, she gets to stick the tab down. Such a big helper.

Reid is Mr. Active. He has to be moving and prefers to be up and moving. He takes in everything around him, and makes sure he knows who has him. He is defiantly turning the corner from colic, and we are so glad of that! He finally started smiling and cooing. We thought for a while he was just an unhappy baby, but that is not the case at all. He just couldn’t smile and deal with colic at the same time. He loves floor time and is really starting to use his arms and hands. He loves his activity mat; he kicks the rattle and pulls on the other toys.

We are now taking cereal mixed with fruit by mouth once a day and getting three cereal bottles a day. Next week we will try Rylee on vegetables. Reid isn’t digesting some foods as well as her, so we will wait a little while for him. Right now he only gets applesauce. Everything else upsets his stomach.

Summer will be here soon, and you will find us at the pool. They already have their swimsuits, and I think the Easter Bunny is going to bring pool toys and floats. I can’t wait to spend the summer with them. They will really be active by May!

I hope that I can update a little sooner since Reid is getting so much better. Right now he is laying in the floor talking to the frog on his mat. It is amazing to think about how far he has come. Please continue to pray for their health and progress. Prayer has brought these miracles so far, and God will continue to shower us with his blessings. Thank you for your love and prayers! Happy Spring!

Colic

First off, we have a very good reason for not updating. Reid has had colic in the worst way! We are now on our 6th formula, and hopefully starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. They say it will just take time.... but our patience is about out. It is very frustrating to see your child hurt, and know there is nothing you can do about it!

They are both doing wonderful (other than the colic)! Rylee is up to 11 pounds 2 ounces and Reid is up to 9 pounds 13 ounces. Rylee has been smiling and cooing for about 2 weeks now. She is the cutest thing. Reid just started this week, and his good time is in the morning; which I miss because of work. I actually got to enjoy him for the first time yesterday morning.

Last Friday we went to the Dr. and they told us we could start cereal. So we started rice last Friday night and by Monday they were both constipated. We switched to oatmeal and adding Karo to their cereal bottles and are doing much better! They both love their cereal bottle, unless you leave the Karo out. Who likes oatmeal without sugar???? Not my kids.

My sister has been coming about once a month to give us a break, and that is wonderful!!! We really look forward to the weekends that Aunt Lala comes. She comes this Friday, and we are counting down the days. She cooks, cleans, and takes care of the babies. The last time she came Brent and I went away for the night. We went and stayed at Harlow's in Greenville. We were both in bed sound asleep by 7:30! It was great. Of course I woke up every time they should have been eating, but didn't have to stay up.

I also got a day to myself yesterday thanks to my neighbors, Ike and Jamie! I had planned to go to Greenville and run errands, but plans changed. When it started to thunder I curled up in bed and stayed there for the afternoon. Last night they went out to eat for the 1st time and did wonderful. They fell asleep on the way home and slept until 1:15. That is our new record of 5 hours!!!

As you can see by the pictures we are really starting to fill out and change. I'm sorry it has taken so long, but when I get home it is Reid's fussy time, have to make bottles and get in bed. The weekends are a blur. I don't feel like I get anything done I intend on doing. We are starting to get different people to keep them some on weekends so I can get things done. During the week I try to come straight home to give Margaret and Mom a break. I couldn't do it without either of them. Mom comes over right when she gets off so Ms. Stella can go home, and Margaret usually comes to feed at 4:00. Right now Reid is over at Margaret's so I can give Rylee some attention.

I will try my best to update a little sooner this time, but no promises.