Motherhood proves to be too difficult

So, I am already failing as a mother. Poor little Ethan has the WORST diaper rash. It seriously makes me cry a little bit when I change his diaper and he screams in pain as I wipe the blood from his bottom. Not to be too graphic, but just for a little background, his bottom is mostly fine, except for two little stripes that go down the side of his bottom that look like open sores. They don't bleed all the time, but it does happen. He's had it for more than two weeks. Please help! Here's what we've tried so far: Butt Paste A and D ointment hydrocortisone hospital brand zinc oxide Triple Paste (another zinc oxide that's as thick as clay) neosporin wiping with mineral oil wiping with just water wiping with soapy water letting it air out for hours at a time (this one is scary) baby powder Lotrimin prescription nystatin pretty much about any combination you can make with the above creams I've taken lactaid with my dairy and tried going off dairy altogether We've called, emailed (with pictures), and taken him in to see the doctor. Nothing. It hasn't gotten worse, but it has not gotten ANY better. As a side note, Kate's little bottom is perfectly fine. If anyone has any ideas, I'd love to hear them. I will try anything!

One month old

Our family turned one month old yesterday. We've learned a few things about each other during this time. Ethan loves to sleep and doesn't like to be woken up for anything. He also loves his hands and bathtime. He is an excellent sleeper and all around great baby. He's content to just be alive. Kate is also a great sleeper, but she seems to get hungry a little sooner than her brother does. She loves bathtime, especially the part about putting lotion on. She adores her brother. Anytime she's having a fussy moment, we put them together and she stares at Ethan and calms right down.
As for us, we've learned that it doesn't smell good to be pooped on, peed on, or spit up on. We love it when they look into our eyes, smell good, snuggle with us, or lie on the floor and play with each other (okay, stare at each other). Mostly we've learned that being parents is about the most wonderful thing there is.

Random pictures from the past few weeks...

Who says you need two bouncers?

Nana and Aunt Kristen come for a visit

My mom arrived two weeks ago and my sister joined us last Sunday for some much needed help. Together, we learned to feed, bathe, and entertain two babies at one time. They also gave us naptime and Greg and I were even able to take an afternoon break and took a trip to Target. Didn't know Target could be so exciting. We spent so much time admiring the twins that unfortunately we didn't get too many pictures of them with the twins. As much as I tried to convince them otherwise, they left us this morning. It was a sad time. I have a feeling I may never sleep again!

Mom and Babes

In case it wasn't obvious, being a mother of twins is hard work! Sometimes you just need to get some rest. Fortunately, the twins are okay with that.

First Trip Out

On Friday, the kids had their first trip to the doctor together (and first trip out of the house together too). Let me tell you, it takes work to get them all together with a full diaper bag of everything they need. The picture you are looking at took about an hour and a half to prepare!

The kiddos are doing well. Both are gaining weight, with Ethan rounding out at 6 lbs. 3 oz. and Kate at 5 lbs. 7 oz., or something like that. Ethan is clearly gaining at a faster rate and it is starting to show. Both are healthy, unless you count Ethan's fierce diaper rash.

First Baths

You've probably noticed a drop off in posts. You have twins and see if you can keep up! At any rate, here are a couple pictures of the babes' first baths, which took place last week. The first picture is of Ethan and the second is little Kate.

Kate makes four

Kate decided that the NICU was no fun without her brother, so she quickly learned to eat, gained weight and came home this afternoon. We are so excited to finally have the whole family all together (excited/petrified- one or the other)! So excited, that it required a photo shoot. I fear that what was actually going on was a planning session between the two deciding who was going to wake up at what times to minimize our sleep.

Kate seems to be a little more interested in Ethan than he in her.

Ethan comes home!

Yep, Ethan decided to come home today. He was finally feeding well enough for the doctor's to give the go ahead. Kate is still getting ready but expects to join us soon. In his first night home (so far), he has already projectile pee'd, spit up on Mom and the floor, and exploded his diaper. I guess that's his way of letting us know who is in charge in his new place.


We can't wait for Kate to join us too so we can be together as one crazy, sleepless family.

Ethan's latest trick

This is proof that Ethan loves his dad. We got him to do this three or four times and then finally had idea of taping it. The first few times were way better than this video shows, but you get the idea.