The past couple of weeks have been very eventful in the Manning home. For starters, Meredith and Berkley went to the doctor for their 2-3 month check-up last Wednesday; they received three immunizations (two by shot and one by mouth). It is NO FUN to watch your babies get shots, especially when there are two of them. They took them as well as can be expected - Meredith got a fever that evening and Berkley was really fussy. We also found out that they now weighed within an ounce of 12 lbs (Berkley) and 10 lbs (Meredith). It's great to know that our little ones are getting what they need to grow well.
On Friday Berkley rolled over on his side for the first time, which was so exciting to watch. Poor Steven was at work and missed it, but he's so proud to know his boy is advancing in neurodevelopment (his words). Friday night Steven went to feed Meredith during the night and found her grinning at him when he peaked into the crib - he said they just stared at each other for like 15 minutes while her bottle warmed and she cooed at him. That Friday night must have been a turning point for Meredith's development because she's been so much more focused and alert since then. As a matter of fact, she caught up with her brother quickly because on Saturday she rolled over on her side as well.
Both twins began only getting up once during the night around July 1st - as a matter of fact, one night this week they didn't get up until 4am. Steven and I woke up in shock, wondering if something was wrong. It felt great to get sleep like that. I thought to myself, "yes, they probably won't get up again until like 7:30." Hah, I was wrong. Meredith decided she wanted to get up again at 6am. Did she want to eat? No - she just wanted to play. We had gotten out the floor activity mat this week and I put her on that - she entertained herself for like an hour before she decided she was hungry...I snoozed while she played. Both the babies love the activity mat. Meredith grins at herself in the mirror on it and Berkley giggles at the musical frog in the center. Meredith can actually twist herself around the entire mat just by turning on her side over and over - it's cool to watch.
This past weekend we were brave and had our first sleepover at Grandma's in Farm Life. My brother was in town for the 4th of July weekend and Steven actually had a retreat to attend Sunday-Monday - I was not about to keep the babies by myself. We had such a memorable weekend with Uncle Joey, Grandma and Grandaddy. The first night was really tough as the kids were in an unfamiliar place. I actually had to hold Berkley to get him to sleep - which was only about a total of 4 hours split up. I have to admit, I really enjoyed cuddling with my little boy for that long, but I know I can't make it a habit to sleep with him like that. Sunday night they slept much better thankfully. Saying we had lots of company is an understatement. I don't think I had been in the house five minutes before my mom started calling folks to come see the babies. Two of my first cousins were in town with their 4 kids, so my babies got to meet their extended family. You'll see the picture below. I was so proud of how well the babies took having all of that company. My brother Joey,Uncle Joey to the twins, had a fabulous time with the babies. Joey was looking at Meredith lying in her Pack and Play and had to walk away, he said it was like staring at the sun for too long. How sweet is that? My babies are loved just a little bit by my family. It was a fun-filled weekend and I'm glad to have done it, now I know that it's possible and we can do it again soon!
Both babies are out of newborns and in all 0-3 months - they're a little long on Meredith, but otherwise look great. Berkley has moved up to eating 4.5 ounces a bottle - Meredith anywhere from 3-4.
Tuesday was my last day of work as social worker with Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at the Brody School of Medicine. It was so hard to say goodbye to my job and my wonderful coworkers and families. I was truly blessed to have that job, I mean, I only have a bachelor's degree and every time I'd go to any conferences every social worker there had at least a master's degree if not more education. Not only that, but I was blessed to work with such great professionals and families. I learned so much about being thankful by working there. I have to admit, I've been a bit depressed about saying goodbye to that part of "me." I feel like I'm losing a deep part of myself, a part that I didn't realize just how much I valued. I hope in the long-run to utilize my social work skills on a voluntary basis by leading support groups; possibly on grief and/or cancer/sickle cell groups. I know I don't have time for it now, but it would be great for the future. Now, it's hello to full-time motherhood, which is proving to be the most difficult job ever. I'm constantly giving to the two little lives who have so little to give back; only a few smiles and coos from time to time. I feel exhausted most of the time and don't think I'll ever feel any different...but have been told by other parents that rest will come eventually. I definitely see a light at the end of the tunnel. Just pray that I'll trust God, that he has equipped me with all I need to be a good mommy.
Steven has now entered his second year of residency. One year down, two more to go!
Saturday we're heading to Emerald Isle with Steven's family. I'm nervous about the babies getting out of their routine, but excited to make new memories with the family.
Uncle Joey with Berkley (just ignore the pink bib)
