Summer Sickies and Little Guzzlers

How in the world did we make it all the way through the winter and spring without getting sick?

 Now, summer is here and we have 3 sick kids.

 3.

Not fun at all.

Because of their age the doctor wanted to see them and make sure it wasn't turning into an ear infection or in their lungs. I love our pediatrician.

SO, I hauled the twins in to the office while my sweet husband stayed home with Jack.
So, they just have really nasty colds and we just need to keep an eye on them.

But the great news....weights! Exactly one week ago we saw her for a weight check in which both boys had slowed in their growth, but especially Christian. I know some of you commented on how your kids were slow growers, but he had slowed on his own chart, almost stalled out. (They of course are well below where a term baby would be and will eventually get caught up.)
So, we made the decision to try and start Christian on rice cereal and try and add in an extra nursing session in the day. She was THRILLED they were nearly sleeping through the night and thought it would be crazy to wake them to feed them. Did I mention I love my pediatrician? So, we were going to fit that feed in during the day.
Well, Christian was not ready to start cereal and the boys were both getting more and more frustrated while breastfeeding. The supplements weren't doing enough of a job. And I have decided not to take a prescription to increase my supply.
So, we made the decision to nurse for any night feedings they may have and nurse in the AM and PM and bottle feed breastmilk for all other feeds. I would use my frozen milk supply (dating back to when they were 4 days old!!) and then pump every 4 hours in the day and freeze that as well.
It became quite clear they were so hungry. They had not been getting what they needed directly from me. They have been eating and eating and eating and it has made me so happy!
I am now just nursing in the middle of the night if needed and doing all other feeds from the bottle. They are doing great. They are off schedule right now with colds and getting caught up on nutrition, but hopefully we can get back into a schedule once things even out.

I fought myself on this one. A total pride thing. Giving up the majority of breastfeeding sessions. But you know what? I was exhausted. Trying to eat/drink enough, get enough sleep, not stress, take care of a house and Jack and still be human to my husband. I was overwhelmed. I know some of you have done it, and that is amazing. But I had reached my limit. Once I made this decision, the hugest weight was lifted off my shoulders! I had more freedom because if someone was with me, they could help feed. And I wasn't tied to a chair all day. It will free up time for Jack and I as well.
I know my supply won't last long now since pumping isn't as efficient as breastfeeding, but I will go until it runs out and then we will switch to formula.

I am proud of myself. For making it this far...they are still only on breastmilk at 4 1/2 months.

 I nursed 2 babies in the NICU,

a baby who was tongue tied,

a baby with reflux.

It has not been easy, but I am glad I did it and I am proud of myself for making it this far!

So...that said, here is the weight update!

One week ago Camden was 11 lbs 11 oz

Today is he 12lbs 4oz!

 He went from gaining a half an ounce a day to an ounce a day!

And Christian (who we were most concerned about) weighed 10 lbs 13 oz

and today weighs 11 lbs 4 1/2oz!!

He is also gaining an ounce a day, where as before he was not even gaining a half an ounce!

They are eating 4-6oz every 3 hours!!

I am so happy and so proud of them and it just confirms to me that we made the right decision!

Thank you for all your encouragement! I know people are very opinionated about breastfeeding/bottles/formula etc. So if you choose to leave a comment, please be positive and not negative :)