3 weeks and a day

So today, November 25th, was our original due date. When we first learned that I was pregnant, way back in the spring (Easter Sunday to be exact), this day seemed so very far away. Paul and I knew we had lots to do and lots to learn, but we kept telling ourselves we had 9 months to figure it all out. Then we got the news that we were having twins and that shortened our "9 month" window by a little bit, but we still felt like we had plenty of time. And when I was put on bed rest in the middle of August, this day still seemed a long ways off. And now here it is... And our girls have already been here with us for 3 full weeks!! While my 37 weeks of pregnancy definitely had its slower times, the last few weeks on the other hand have just sort of flown by. I'm starting to understand what all those people mean that keep telling us to enjoy these days because they go so quick. I'm afraid I won't remember as much as I'd like to though because I'm so tired and my head is in a bit of a fog. And I feel like I'm stuck in some sort of never-ending circle, like Groundhog's Day... Regardless of what day of the week it is, my routine is exactly the same. Every 2-3 hours I'm feeding babies and in my "spare" time, I have something to eat, get a little nap, maybe check my email, change a diaper or two (although Daddy and Grandma do the majority of that right now), etc, etc . Sometimes I manage to shower and get dressed in something other than pajamas.... And tonight I'm actually making time for this post! I guess I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with how each and every day sort of slips by and I feel like I get a whole lot of nothing accomplished except for nursing babies. And while I know that my priority right now is feeding the girls and getting my rest, it would still be nice to have a clear head and an extra hour or two to take care of some of the things I want (or need) to do. I've got a few things written down and I swear when I actually manage to get one thing crossed off, by the end of the day, two or three new things get added on. I'm really trying to not let that stress me out, but it's hard.... Paul keeps telling me that I need to get more naps in during the day so that when I do get that spare hour, I'm more alert and focused and I'll have an easier time getting through my list. I think he's right!

Wow - I got a little sidetracked... I really didn't intend to use this time to complain about how hard things are right now. I know it won't always be this challenging, but when you're sleep deprived, it's difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The last week has had some good moments though. I did get out of the house a couple times (minus babies) for trips to the grocery store. I felt a little guilty being out and about without them, but at the same time, it felt really good doing something so familar and normal. It's hard to believe that that was the first time I'd driven a car or gone somewhere by myself since early August! Then mid-week, Grandpa Reinke drove down from Michigan to visit for a few days and he got to do his fair share of rocking. He even got to do one of the 2am shifts when Amelia refused to go back to sleep after eating. :D On Sunday evening we skipped the sponge bath and switched over to the little tub. It still took us awhile to do 2 baths, but it's bound to get easier and quicker. Also on the positive side of things - both girls are consistently gaining weight. As of their last weigh-in, Amelia was up to 6lbs 2oz and Penelope was 7lbs 6oz. The 1lb 4oz difference between them didn't seem that noticeable at birth, but right now, Penny both looks and feels significantly bigger. And as of yesterday, Penelope officially moved up from Preemie clothes to Newborn clothes. Exciting! Now we just need to get Amelia caught up a little so they can wear some of their matching outfits at the same time. Right now, Penelope is going to get to wear all the new clothes before her sister. ;-}