May 1999
Whats this you say? Another update?
The biggest thing is that Lisa became a stay at home Mom as of the 3rd. She temporarily retired from working out of the home to stay at home and work there. And work it is, it is much easier to go to work during the day then stay home and provide care for the kids and run the house. She is great at it though and its definitly a labor of love.
Its official, the kids are free to roam the world! See the sites! Meet the people! Socialize, capitalize and somethingize!
First off, Kris got his two top teeth the week of the 11th. He was getting really fussy a day or two before, and drooling alot. Then one day I felt his gums and there they were, just coming in. He wasnt real happy though, and I (we) are very thankful that they can take infant tylanol. That seemed to help him as well as the baby orajell. He was in a lot of pain, not real happy and his gums bled (unlike the last time). It lasted about a week and then he got back to his normal self.
They also dont eat the cereal anymore at all, they dont like it anymore. They get their cereal needs now from Cheerios. There is always something changing, its hard to keep up.
We started taking more drives, and usually eating dinner in the car when they fall asleep. The walks continued and became more frequent. They met some neighbors and some other kids.
We decided it was time to really get out and take them some place they had never been. Away we went late one Saturday afternoon to Kmart. We timed the trip with their dinner time, since I knew there was a pizza joint in the store, and fed them in the commotion of the store.
They loved it! They looked at the people, the colors, the lights, and the people! Believe it or not, they werent real interested in the toys (not yet anyway).
They got some new clothes since they are growing out of theirs pretty quick. They only grabbed a few things as we strolled by, me pushing the kids and Mommy pushing the cart. They also met two little girl twins, 7 years old. They were adorable and they were preemies also. They were born 3 months early.
They got home and they were exhausted. They slept the whole night through without a peep.
Thus encouraged the next week we took a trip to the mall. They were in awe at all the lights and colors. The people that were around were an everflowing source of interest. We ate dinner at the food court (us not them) and then took them back out. Luckily for me I was able to say the kids were fussy so we couldnt stop in the shoe section too long!
I should mention that we used two umbrella strollers for this excursion, while at Kmart we used the side-by-side stroller that has made its rounds through the neighborhood twins. We also have a tandem stroller Lisa got at the shower which we use at home since it doesnt fit into the car.
The umbrella strollers were great until we actually bought something, but they were light and easily manuverable. We didnt even attempt to put them on the escalator, we stuck to the elevator. The tandem stroller has a pocket in the back and a basket underneath, both very handy when shopping.
Later in the month, the kids attended their first birthday party (aside from Mom and Dad's). It was their cousin Joseph's birthday . They were very well behaved for awhile, until their bottle time had come and gone and then they got quite cranky. They got cleaned up and fed their bottle and then joined everyone for cake and ice cream. These are delicasies which they were introduced to a few weeks ago. They dont get chocolate, we dont want them effected by the caffiene, but they like vanilla, and when you are that small, you dont need chocolate yet. Lindsey even sipped some milk form my glass without spilling.
They also so their first deer in Uncle Lennie's backyard. I pointed to it and said "Doggy", they know doggy, they dont know deer, big deal right? Come on..right?
For some reason that day, Lindsey had awakened at 7am. At least an hour earlier then she should have. I took care of her and got her fed before Kris woke up. She woke up the next day at 7 too. And on the third day (Memorial day) she did it again, I let her fuss back to sleep. We dont need to have her getting in that habit.
We also visited Uncle Mitch, Aunt Robin and cousin Amanda. They had a great time, Amanda played with them and they got pushed around the yard. They got fed when we all ate dinner and they get stuff from the table now, meat and veggies.
We ended the month (and the weekend) with a bbq at home. They went in the morning to see the towns memorial day ceremonies since daddy was on the fire truck that day. They came just in time to see some of the guys from the fire company and hang out with daddy and Celeste and Alek.
Lindsey may be the first firehouse kid that got a diaper changed on the the big pumper. That little butt in the huge ten man cab, what a sight!
They were tired from the busy weekend (catching up with all their socializing) and took a two hour nap in the afternoon.
That has been their schedule for months now, a nap in the morning and a nap in the afternoon. Usually each nap is an hour or a little more. Sometimes less though. It doesnt seem to hurt them at night either, they still are good for 10-12 hours at night even with Lindsey still protesting the bedtime decision.
They also got their first bath in the tub! No more sink baths (well not at this time anyway). They used the handy tub holders we got from the BMSFFL guys. They loved it, splashing and playing with wet toys. Needless to say, video was taken, daddy was soaked and the kids were clean.
We also bought two new high chairs, the ones we had are beautiful wooden chairs, oak, given to us by very special people. They now reside in the dining room for special occasions. We replaced them with the same chairs in use at Grandma's house (thats right, we now have 6 high chairs). These are light plastic with no exposed metal, the tray comes off and the kids can use them to sit right up to the table. The tray is also huge, so for feeding themselves its better and you can see all the stuff smeared on them. Lindsey also will not be able to chew on the wood like she has been. For you future parents, they will also break down and travel with you.

April 1999
The weather is getting much nicer so we have taken the kids for more walks. They stare at everything since its all new to them, just the motion of the stroller is new to them.
Well, it finally happened, I got sick for most of April and I did what I could to try not to give it to the kids, but one morning I coughed right in Kris's face. I was sorry, I didnt mean it, but in a few days he was sniffling and sneezing too. Followed a few days later by Lindsey. I think it is impossible to keep one from getting a cold if the other has it.
After a week, they got over it really well and they were fine. Not even that much "snerkin".
They finished up their RSV shots and the Drs said they are doing so well that they dont have to go back next year! We were very happy to hear that, Kris even danced alittle he was so happy.
Speaking of dancing, with any little tune on TV or song that is sung by Lisa or me (I can sing, somewhat) Lindsey starts to bop around in her seat. Its the funniest thing, she really has rhythm , which is evident when she plays her horn.
Almost forgot, on the first of the month Lindsey was found sleeping on her stomach! We were so proud!
The kids get to play on blanket laid out on the floor, they practice rolling and pushing around. They dont crawl or even get on their knees yet, but when they are ready they will. Its hard to do this, watching one so that he/she doesnt fall backwards and the other will fall. Or one will grab a toy and the other will roll away and you have to try to cover all the angles. I know I get a little hyper when I am watching them play like that.
All the Drs said that the end of April was the end of the cold and flu season. We couldnt wait to get them out into the world. We started to invite people over.
One of the first was Uncle Peter and Aunt Kelly. They were so happy to see them again. They haven't seen them since the christening in October.
With two kids, they both got held and played with, Aunt Kelly even fed Kris a bit. Kris ruled that event, but Kelly is learning!
We all took a walk later, it was a great visit and really nice to see them since it had been awhile since we saw them.
They are laughing more often, which makes us laugh, and so on and so on. They are eating pretty well, they are getting more stuff from the table this month. Meat and things, small pieces, usually crushed up small. They seem to really like it, something different I suppose. They slack off in the formula drinking department though, I dont know why they are doing that, but they are healthy. They also are going through a phase, they dont like the rice or the oatmeal cereal so much anymore, in fact by the end of the month they didn't get any at all with their feedings. This makes feeding a little tougher. They still get fed 8-12-4-8 roughly. It works out to breakfast lunch and dinner with a bottle at 8pm. They eat mainly the jar food, formula and Cheerios, with the stuff thrown in from us when we eat. Oh and lets not forget their first taste of jello, of which Kris is a big fan, and ice cream, they both love this stuff (gee who would have guessed).
They are sleeping great, usually 10-12 hours, even though Lindsey still cries when we put her to bed. She just doesnt like it.

March 1999
Things have been quiet in March. Christmas was finally completed this month with a trip to Uncle Lennie's and Aunt Cathy's. The kids enjoyed the trip and seeing somthing different for a change.
Saturday morning, the 27th, we walked into their room to shut the door while they were still sleeping and we were shocked to see Kristoffer sleeping on his stomach! We did not expect it and after nervously checking on him we left him alone.
It seems like a small thing, but he was able to roll over on his own to do this. Rolling prior to this was usually assisted.
The Drs visit this month resulted in Kris weighing 21 lbs and Lindsey weighing 14 lbs. Its amazing how they are growing from the little things in the hospital. They also said to start giving them real food now, going to stage 2 foods (meats and mixed fruit and veggies) and stuff from the table, we learned a lesson early that the turkey isnt somthing they could handle yet. It was just a bit to much for their stomachs and gave them some gas pain at night. But the addition of new foods opened up the world of the Cheerio!
These little oat circles are totally underestimated for their teaching value. It wasnt long (maybe it was long, I forget) before they would pick up a little Cheerio and and put it in their mouths. Not as easy as that, and more ended up on the floor (much to the delight of the dogs) then you thought were in the box, but eventually it went in their mouths.
Lindsey was actually better at it, and Kris caught up after lots of practice. I think it was amazing to watch them look for it, grab it (with a whole hand or just a few fingers) and get it to their mouths.
Then the next amazing thing was happening, they were chewing! How funny to see these little chracters get a cheerio in their mouth and look at you and chew chew chew.
Of course, giving them things to put in their mouth is not without its pitfalls. Three times Kris was lifted from the chair and turned over to clear his windpipe because he wasn't breathing. Scared the hell out of me. Fortunately I had just taken the first responder first aid course at the firehouse and I knew what to do, I think.
We also have stuck to the schedule of the last feeding and off to bed. We used to help them get to sleep, rocking and humming to Kris and letting Lindsey, the night owl, stay up a little later. But this month we firmed up and once they stop showing an interest in their bottle and more in playing, its bed time.
Kris will usually grab his soft doll and go to sleep, but Lindsey will cry. The first night we did it, she cried for 15 minutes. After that it got to be less and less, but she still cries now for 5 minutes before falling asleep.
Lindsey is getting more hair and it looks really dark too, her eyes are dark dark brown. Kris's hair is not as light as it was awhile ago, its brown and getting long, his eyes change from brown to hazel.

February 1999
I missed the whole month of February, I can't believe it. I dont know where the time goes. Its probably because it was a short month and changing jobs made it go quick.
But enough whining, you are probably wondering what happened to the kids during February arent you?
Well, not to disappoint, Lindsey got her first tooth on 2/15 and her second tooth on 2/16. The whole thing was preceded by lots of drooling. More then usual. She now has two teeth on the bottom.
Sometime during this month, Lindsey took to sleeping through the night consistently!! What a nice thing it is to sleep the whole night, for us that is. It makes life a whole lot easier. Its been seven months total that we haven't had more then 4 hours in a row.
They havent had much socializing, lots of people with colds this time of year. The Drs have said to avoid colds as much as possible and we have done that. We made one trip to Aunt Neice's and they did fine. We went in, took over the kitchen and fed them. They even fell asleep on the couch.

1/19/99 - 1/24/99
Another interesting week, Lindsey slept thru the night a couple times, keep in mind thru the night is still only until 4:00-4:30 am. But we will take what we can get.
The Dr trip on Friday was good. The kids were declared beautiful (Like I didnt know that) and doing great. Lindsey was 12.5 lbs (23.5 inchs) and Kris was 19 lbs (26 inches). The Dr said we can start giving them the stage 2 foods, which is mixed fruit and veggies and meats. They got their first taste of turkey on Saturday and they seemed to like it. They have been eating pretty good lately too.
We experienced the first "nightmare" of one of the kids. Kris woke up crying last night, which he never does, and calmed down only after Lisa held him for a minute. He was breathing heavy and sobbing so it must have been a bad nightmare, something like all the formula in the world was missing no doubt!
They had a nice time over the weekend playing in their rumble seats and keep trying out the different toys on them. All of which make NOISE.
They continue to crack us up with their laughter and babbling. Kris likes to throw his toys, he swings them back and forth about 5 times and sends them flying.
Lindsey shoves them in her mouth and bites them like a shark, her new nickname is JAWS.
We were sitting with them one night, they were in their gun turrets and we hear a "squeak". I looked at Lisa and we looked at the kids and Kris was fine, Lindsey has her toy horn in her mouth and had made it "squeak"! We were falling of the chairs, it was so funny. She proceeded to do it again and again after that.

1/7/99 - 1/18/99
Time flies when you are having fun! It seems that the weeks just fly by in an endless sea of rushing around, diaper changing and kid shuffling.
Lets start with Monday-Wednesday.
Feed one or two kids starting at 4:00am. That way when they get to Grandma's they arent starving and might go back to sleep for an hour. They eat at 8-12-4-8 every day with Lindsey getting fed usually sometime at night (1am - 4am). Rush out of the house so I can get to work on time, sending Lisa and the kids off.
I get home and try and get as much done as I can, dishes, animals cared for, dinner on etc. I have to try and do more laundry though.
Lisa and kids get home and we unpack and settle them in. Usually they still get fussy between 6 and 8pm. So we eat dinner as fast as we can and get the bottles on. They stop fussing when they are getting changed for the night so we drag that out and feed them between 7-8pm. Then its off to bed and we start all over again the next day.
Thats why the time flies so quick.
So new stuff, Kris has mastered the high chair and Linsey is making her attempts at it. She is doing really well with it and will have it mastered in no time.
Lindsey laughs and yells and has the biggest smile, always for her Dad. She weighed in at 12.5 lbs at her last Doctors appointment (1/15) and she is moving up to the next size diaper!
Kristoffer weighed 18.5 lbs, and feels it. He laughs and talks and jabbers to himself all the time. He sounds very Presidential when he talks like that. He still does it in the morning, but he also does it when he is in the car and after he eats.
He also has handled his bottle for the first time. Grabbing it and holding it, and trying (sometimes successfully) to get it in his mouth. Throuh his endeavors he has gotten a squirt in his eye, up his nose, down his neck, on his cheek and in his hair, but he has fun trying! When he does get it in his mouth he laughs and bites it, then pulls it out to try again.
Oh, almost forgot. From Uncle Lennie and Aunt Kathy, cousins Joesph and Stephanie they got bouncie seats that hang in the doorway. Each one was placed in it over the weekend for a short time, they have to get used to that feeling. I left Kris to get a screwdriver and came back to Esmeralda (one of the cats) rubbing against the seat and Kris looking at her and petting her (more like she was walking under his hand maybe...maybe).
Lindsey sits in the seat and smiles, then after a couple minutes the frown starts, then the tears. Out she comes!
They also have gun turrets, the thing they sit in, and it spins and they have all kinds of activity things around them. They like them, but for now only for short periods of time.
Lisa told me about one that had water in it and a duck floating in it and we laughed at how stupid that was. An accident waiting to happen.
Well this weekend we needed two more (total of three, one at Grandma's, two at home) so I went into babies r us and bought them, while Lisa and the kids waited in the car. I grabbed them and ran.
Once in the car, Lisa asked "You didnt get the fish bowl one did you?" I assured her I didnt. However, as I am sure you have guessed, I got TWO of the fishbowl gun turrets.
They arent that bad, we just arent putting the fish bowls out there to be used. OK, so next time I LOOK at what I buy.

12/21/98 - 1/6/99
Wow! All that time has gone by and no updates. I am so sorry. It was a busy time, with Christmas and New Years and all that.
Let me start out by saying Happy New Year to everyone. OK thats enough of that.
First, I bet everyone wants to know how the first Christmas in our house was. Well it was definitly not what was expected. The little kiddies were sick. Thats right, they spent their first Christmas snerkin. Now what, you may ask, is "snerkin". Snerkin is the term and sound that a person, or in particular a baby, makes when they have a stuffy nose and attempt to breath. Try it, hold your nose almost close and suck air in. SNERK. See!?
Due to their illness we decided not to risk making things worse by subjecting them to the trips and visiting of all the well intentioned loved ones. Due to their premature birth they are more easily susceptible (sp?) to colds which could worsen into phnemonia or worse.
We know it broke some hearts and disappointed a lot of people but hey, I'd rather wait until they feel better.
So staying at home, picking up gifts from around the world, they sat in their bouncy seats beneath the sparkling Christmas tree and watched as Mommy and Daddy opened gifts. They seemed pretty interested in the colored paper but not so much in what was inside. That is until what was inside lit up, flashed, played music, made noise or barked.
Items they got :
A box of toys that rattled, spun and clicked
Bears with lights that flashed to tunes
Raggety (raggedy?) Ann and Andrew which play music
Clothing (2T! Will they ever fit in something that big? *sniff, they are growing, sniff*) lots of it!
Books!!
Arthur in the box
Things that spin and click (I dont know what the hell to call it!)
I will fill in more as I remember it.
Getting by Christmas, Kris seemed to relapse towards New Years, and he was snerkin quite a bit. Lindsey cleared up somewhat though she is still a little bit snerky now.
The two of them seem to be growing and changing every day. They laugh and smile a lot. Lindsey has really taken to being hoisted high overhead and lowered while yelling "wheeee" at her. Kris really enjoys talking to himself, especially when he wakes up in the morning.
Lindsey is getting more hair and looks so cute. Kris, after his initial loss of some of the hair he was born with is growing more now, and it looks very light, almost blond!
They are eating machines and go throw 8ozs of formula per feeding ((8ozs * 4feedings)*2kids+2odd morning feedings=80ozs per day)
Some firsts that took place over the past 17 days:
Lindsey laughed out loud
Kristoffer now eats in his high chair (Lindsey still eats in her bouncy seat)
They both have hit the two syllable thing (ie Ahh-goo aka Hey you)
They both sit up (when placed that way), pull themselves foward when leaning back
Hold hands and smile at each other
Completed their SATs (just kidding!)
There will be more pictures soon. An attempt is going to be made to show the twins in photos from hospital to present. This will show the changes and how they have grown.

11/25/98 - 12/21/98
Again, it takes me awhile to get this page updated. But hey, I'm still updating!!
The kids have gone thru their second shot last week. They got weighed and Lindsey is 11 lbs 2 ounces and Kristoffer is 17.5 lbs.
We were amazed that in approximately 5 weeks they gained that much.
They took their shots well, and while their they even got to see an old hospital roommate of theirs, TJ. TJ was born at 23 or 26 weeks. He was in the hospital for a long time, but on Friday, he looked great and seemed like he was a sweet little boy. Its really nice to see the kids that were in the hospital and see how well they are doing.
Lindsey also went to the eye Dr and her eyes, as well as being beautiful, are great! The Dr said they are perfectly shaped, she also was amazed at how good she was (I wasnt! The proud Dad!). The appointment ran late so I started feeding her in the office, the Dr and nurse were standing at the door with their briefcases in hand, lights out, waiting for us to finish. Oh well! They were good sports about it and said they didnt want to be responsible for Lindsey not gaining weight!
Well Lindsey missed out on her 4:00pm cereal so she got it at 8. And that night, for the first time, she slept from 8pm until 4am. That was nice. We have since stared feeding her cereal at 8pm all the time and she sleeps a little better, not every night, but some nights, and thats better then nothing!
Kristoffer is doing good also, he sleeps fine at night and he even needs some naps during the day. He eats great (17.5 lbs!) and is usually pretty happy.
Oh yeah, we also got Lindsey off her pacifier at night. It wasn't as bad as you would think. The first night she cried a little, the second night was less and by the third night she wasn't missing it at all.
She still gets it at nap time or in the car, but at night it would fall out and she would wake up and cry.