Fortune tellers!
You little fortune tellers you. You said it would get easier after six weeks, it did. Then you said it gets even better after 3 months, and it has.
Ok, I know this is probably a fluke but the babies turned 12 weeks on Friday (can you flipping believe it, 12 weeks already!!) and all of a sudd en they are sleeping much longer at night and they are having a morning and afternoon nap!! It is actually quite funny, because it is as if they waited for 12 weeks on the dot and then started getting easier. Last night they both ate at 8’ish and woke up again for the next feed at 3:45ish. That’s practically sleeping through!
And this with both of them with slightly snotty noses.
And I’ve decided (note the *I* have decided part) that they are no longer considered premature babies. They have caught up and are on track. Weight wise, developmentally etc. You should see their growth curves, the curve is just about straight up, Adam is now bigger than 50% of babies born 4 weeks later than him. And any way, I always felt like a bit of a fraud speaking about having prem babies when babies like Charlie were really prem. So my kids are officially not prem. From this day on. I say so.
You know what, I am actually loving this now. Motherhood rocks. (They are both napping now, it easy to love motherhood when you have sleeping babies, haha) It’s also amazing what a bit of sleep at night will do for the new mother.
And you know what else? Even looking back, bathed in my lovely 12-week-old-babies-sleeping-peacefully glow, I still think the newborn phase SUCKS! I agree with the Happiest Baby dude, babies should only be born after 12 months, the first three months are Not Fun.
Here are some v v cute pics of Adam, he was being particularly sweet last night, a v rare occurrence. Doesn’t he look like such a big boy already. Boo hoo, my babies are getting big so quickly.
SHIITE! Baby waking, got to go.









Ha! I knew it would all start falling into place for you and that you'd begin to see that light at the end of the tunnel. I truly beleive it has to do with the sleep factor and I'm glad you are getting more and returning to your old v G&D self. Now, I have to admit Tertia, you were sounding a little frantic at times (lol) but you seem to be digging those heels in and ejoying it now! woohoo!
Adam is adorable! Keep those pictures coming.
Best to you!
Posted by: Sheri | 04 April 2005 at 03:07 PM
12 weeks, the magical number....
Isn't it amazing, Adam looks SOOO grown up. He'll only look like such a tiny adorable baby in these photos when you've got photos of him at one and two and three for comparison....
Happy days!
Posted by: Jody | 04 April 2005 at 03:22 PM
Am absolutely GLEEFUL on your behalf. Yay!
Posted by: Jo | 04 April 2005 at 03:25 PM
I this case I'm perfectly happy to say "I told you so." Isn't it strange how it really does happen at 12 weeks? It gets even better again at around 6 months, too.
I have a feeling you'll be one of those women like I am who sees new moms with that "my head is in the blender why did I do this?!" look and tells them how much better it gets at 12 weeks.
Posted by: Moxie | 04 April 2005 at 03:38 PM
Makes my heart skip a beat. He's really coming into himself. Sooo cute.
Posted by: ManhattanAnne | 04 April 2005 at 04:02 PM
That is fantastic to read, T. So happy for you that things are getting smoother. They will get rocky again, in new ways, and smooth again...but you will get better and better at the transitions each time. Babies are tricky little buggers...just as you get used to a new 'routine', they go and change it on you.
ADORABLE pics of Adam!
Posted by: Sarah | 04 April 2005 at 04:11 PM
Woo hoo!
I am so thrilled Tertia! :) Now lets just hope this works out for moi when I have my baby in a few months. You are my inspiration! [Yes, you are, believe it or not; I love your honesty!]
Posted by: jacqueline | 04 April 2005 at 04:17 PM
oooh I COULD BITE HIM!
so cute.
I think you should have a caption contest for the shot on the right...
Posted by: blackbird | 04 April 2005 at 04:23 PM
Ohmigoodness! Your little boy has enough personality to fill five babies!
Caption for photo on right
"Hey Dad, why didn't you tell me Mum was so G&D? I would have learnt to focus earlier!"
Posted by: Rosemary | 04 April 2005 at 04:27 PM
So very handsome! And so very happy things are easier today!
Posted by: amber | 04 April 2005 at 04:48 PM
This is great news as my little girl is 11 weeks today. She is much more fun now than at 6 weeks - but I can't wait until she sleeps longer at night and can nap better.
Of course, why is it that the 12 week mark must coincide with my going back to work? It's so sad that just when motherhood gets fun maternity leave (for many in the US) ends.
Posted by: Malone | 04 April 2005 at 04:48 PM
Tertia,
Adam is such a cutie! I am glad that you are getting to enjoy this time. They sound like absolute dolls.
As for the prem thing, isn't catch up growth wonderful? Babies that are born early, but after most of their organ systems have matured are mostly losing out on weight gain in-utero. Most of their energy goes toward growing fatter for birth (it gives them a little buffer for the adjustment of birth). Adam and Kate exibited one of the most marvelous features of human babies and children, their ability to grow quickly when given enough nutrition.
The time coming up will be a lot of fun for you, because they are growing cognitively by leaps and bounds at this point. Every day will bring new discoveries, and just wait until object permenence sets in at about 8-9 months!
I continually marvel at how amazing kids are, their bodies and their minds. I am so glad that you are doubly blessed.
Posted by: Meganann | 04 April 2005 at 04:55 PM
Even when they're four years old, your very favorite moments may be when they're asleep. Kids look so sweet when they're sleeping that you can forget the hell-raising they did when they were awake.
Posted by: Orange | 04 April 2005 at 04:58 PM
I'm so glad it's easier on you now. They are adorable
Posted by: Debe | 04 April 2005 at 05:03 PM
YAY KIDS! YAY TERTIA!
Happy Monday for you!
Isn't it amazing how it all just seems to click, when a mere three months ago you wondered how you'd survive until the next hour?
I love this age!
Posted by: Judy | 04 April 2005 at 05:12 PM
What a cutie! Im glad they're more enjoyable now. What in the world do you do right before taking the pictures that makes the babies look so surprised, flash 'em? Whatever it is, Adam LIKES it.
Posted by: shelly | 04 April 2005 at 05:20 PM
It's amazing what 12 weeks will do. He is quite the little stud muffin!!
Posted by: Terri | 04 April 2005 at 05:54 PM
Glad things are going so much better! 12wks is an amazing #!
Adam is so strong! What a handsome guy!
Posted by: Shelly | 04 April 2005 at 06:21 PM
Ooooohhhhh.... DIMPLES... He is adorable, I love those big hands, and such an expressive little guy. But those dimples, to die for.
Posted by: terri c | 04 April 2005 at 06:29 PM
how does he look so old??? i wouldn't be surprised if i were told he were six months old instead of three.
Posted by: katie e. | 04 April 2005 at 06:43 PM
Isn't it lovely?
Posted by: AyEnDeeAreEeAyAitch | 04 April 2005 at 06:50 PM
I am so happy for you Tertia! My baby is 4 weeks older than Adam and Kate, and I still can't believe how easy things have gotten all of a sudden. She sleeps when I lay her down to sleep, and when she's awake she's so happy and playful. I am so happy the days of rocking, bouncing, and shooshing in the bathroom with the tub running to get her to sleep are over! Like you, I am now loving being a mother.
Posted by: Brandi | 04 April 2005 at 07:17 PM
OH yes it's true. - a twin ma
Posted by: k8 | 04 April 2005 at 07:23 PM
Oh! Look at him holding his head up so big!
I was reading your post, thinking, "There had better be a picture when I'm done with this." Thanks for obliging me. ;-)
I'm so glad to hear it's getting easier.
Posted by: RegularCinderella | 04 April 2005 at 08:00 PM
Adam looks adorable! As much as I would agree with babies being born after 12 months...I think that newborn scent would be gone.. Glad to know things are on the up!
Posted by: kat | 04 April 2005 at 08:25 PM