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9/22/08

Kritzman Twins on Martha Stewart

2pm EST, NBC

http://oldetownecoin.com/videos/TheTwinsOnTheMarthaStewardShow_050808.wmv


Promo for the show on NBC 5/6/08

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ASrDQku9t4

New Blooper Video- Sophie tells Sally to "Watch Out!"

Sophie and Sally had their NATIONAL debut today on The Martha Stewart Show.  Five of our wonderful nurses from the NICU were invited to the show so that we could show our appreciation.  The show will air on MAY 8th 2008.  Please tune in!

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Monday, August 4th 2008

We have big news.  Last night we put together our baby sister's crib and Mommy and Daddy talked with us about how we are big girls now and we are having a little sister come home soon.  Today we both wore big girl underwear all day long.  Sophie's favorite are the one's with the Cinderella on the tushy and Sally loves either My Little Pony or Dora.

Sophie stayed dry all day and did both poopy and pee-pee in the potty!!!!

Our Mommy and Daddy are so very proud of us. 

Love

S&S

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May 10th-11th, 2008

WOW!  We did it.  Daddy took apart our cribs today and put together our BIG GIRL BEDS!!  We slept in them for two nights so far and we had our Sunday nap in them as well.  Mommy and Daddy are so proud of us.  We are growing so fast-

We are excited for our new baby sister to arrive in October and we like to give mommy big kisses on her belly for the baby.  We also are talking more and more and Sally even told mommy "bless you mommy" this weekend when she sneezed!

We like to say "too" as in "also"  So, when one of us gets something they other says that they want it "too"  Like "I want chocolate too"  :-)  Its soo cute.

We also got a new playscape this weekend.  Bubby and Grampy gave it to us for our  birthday in December but it just got put together this weekend.  It is SOO neat.  We love it and have been swinging and hanging and sliding and climbing all weekend.  THANK YOU!

Sophie can sing her ABC's and she does it through the entire thing- even "now I know my ABC's next time won't you sing with me"  Sally can count to 10- almost... and they both can count their vitamins in the morning- they get two and they point their fingers and count "1, 2"

We are very happy kids and our Mommy and Daddy love us so much!

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May 5th, 2008

Today we had the opportunity to be interviewed by NBC 30- to share our experience with the wonderful nurses at CCMC and to highlight the Martha Stewart Show which will air on Thursday nationwide.

I will be adding the video clip of today's interview- but here is the "full story" as posted on NBC Channel 30 in CT.

Five special Connecticut nurses will be honored on the Martha Stewart show Thursday.

Debbie Kritzman of West Hartford arranged for the nurses from the neonatal care unit of the Connecticut Children's Medical Center to be honored in a special nurses segment on the show.

Sally and Sophie Kritzman were born more than two months premature in December 2005 and the nurses in neonatal care at CCMC cared for the twins.

"My family and I come back as often as we can because we want to show them Sally and Sophie's progress," Debbie Kritzman said.

The nurses made a big difference for the Kritzman family, Debbie Kritzman said.

The CCMC nurses were part of studio audience entirely of nurses. Shortly after taking their seats in the studio audience, the CCMC nurses had an idea that they were not the average audience members.

"When they put us in the second row and put microphones on us, we knew we were not random audience members," Tracy Proux said.

Then, they learned why they were there. Debbie Kritzman surprised them when she came from back stage to tell Stewart their story.

"And then when we saw Debbie and the girls, (we were) overwhelmed with joy," Lisa D'Arco said.

"We were in shock," said Kim Power. "It was an honor to be recognized nationally for what we do."

The Kritzman twins were hospitalized for the first three months of their lives and the nurses not only cared for the girls but also their family members.

"The nurses were just amazing. It was so hard for us to have premature babies born at a pound and two pounds," Debbie Kritzman said.

Babies who have special needs occupy 32 beds at the neonatal intensive care unit and the nurses said they look forward to seeing those children grow and be healthier.

"We do it because we love our jobs and we love to watch these babies become toddlers and run around," Power said.

The pre-taped show featuring the women is scheduled to run Thursday.

"To be honored in such an amazing way, every nurse should be honored like that," Proux said.

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We have some wonderful news to share with you. In late September, early October we expect to welcome baby number three to the Kritzman Family. We had a wonderful first trimester screening today and the baby looked great, with a strong heartbeat of 167. Everything looks perfect and the doctors are confident that this singleton pregnancy will be full term (or close!) Over the next few weeks we will be closing down the Kritzman Twins website and will be creating a new website to chronicle the Kritzman Family- which will be focused on all three of our children and will be password protected. We will share that password with all of our friends and family. Thank you for going on this great adventure with us! Love, Debbi, A.J. Sally and Sophie (and baby to be, #3!)

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March 11, 2008

News from Daddy.

This past week, Big Girl Sophie has become a Stair Master.  She no longer requires any assistance in walking up and down stairs, although she still may ask for it from time to time.  This came as a surprise to mom and dad, whom have become accustomed to obeying the command, "Up! Up!", and issuing the requested assistance to Princess Sophie.

Sally has become quite the Poopie Master, as recent reports from her daycare provider and mother can attest, she is asking to go potty regularly, maintaining a dry diaper at night, becoming quit adept at placing the toddler potty seat on the big person toilet, and flushing after she is done doing her business.

Both girls had the pleasure to play with Auntie Cara and Cousin Ethan two days in a row last week.   Ethan taught the girls that going potty was something they should do on the toilet and not in their diapers, how to splash-splash-splash in the tub, and how to folder their fingers to shoot spider webs like Spiderman.

Stay tuned, there is more to come from the world of the Kritzman Twins website (possibly soon to be renamed the "Kritzman Girls").

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January 3, 2008

Greetings here from Dad.  This morning was a crowning achievement, as Sally asked to use the potty for the first time.  We gave her a chocolate treat for her amazing feat, but Sophie began to cry because she did not get one.  So we gave her a half of one and told her she can get a whole one if she can do what her sister has done.  When I woke up this morning, I did not think my wife and I would have to engage in such negotiations so early in the day.

We are hoping the day when diapers become an ancient memory arrives soon.

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Sally and Sophie Walking
Click the link above to see video

Press Release, The Kritzman Twins in Washington, DC

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 20, 2007

"CONNECTICUT FAMILY MEETING WITH WASHINGTON D.C. LAWMAKERS REGARDING CHILDREN'S HEALTH CARE "

Simsbury's Kritzman Family Joins Connecticut Children's Medical Center As Part of National Family Advocacy Day

HARTFORD, Conn.-For the third straight year, representatives from Connecticut Children's Medical Center will be in Washington D.C. as part of the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions. Family Advocacy Day. This special event was created as a way to provide lawmakers with a clearer perspective on how their local constituents benefit by having expert pediatric health care services available close to home.

Joining the representatives from CCMC will be five members of the Kritzman family from Simsbury, Conn. In December 2005, Sally and Sophie Kritzman were born prematurely at 26 weeks and five days gestation. Sally was two pounds, and Sophie was one pound, 10 ounces, at birth. Both required ventilation support for weeks and were on a continuous positive airway pressure for months. Both girls were born with a patent ductus arteriosus, an abnormal opening between two major blood vessels in the heart.

Sally and Sophie spent their first three months of life receiving care in CCMC's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Today, the girls are at home with their family and are thriving. Both girls are starting to walk, talk and cause trouble, and the Kritzman family could not be happier.

"The progress of Sally and Sophie has been amazing," said Debbi Kritzman, the girls' mother. "Thanks to the superb care that was provided by the entire medical staff at CCMC, the girls are doing terrific."

"The support we receive from lawmakers both in Washington D.C. and Connecticut allows CCMC to deliver high quality patient-centered care throughout the entire state to families like the Kritzmans," said Martin J. Gavin, CCMC's president and chief executive officer. "All of us at CCMC are thrilled by the progress that Sally and Sophie are making. They are a shining example of why being able to provide the highest level of pediatric healthcare services is essential to any community."

As part of their trip to Washington, the Kritzmans will have the opportunity to meet with other families from across the country who are joining them as "citizen lobbyists." They will also visit with members of the Connecticut Congressional delegation, and attend a luncheon on Capitol Hill where several members of Congress will speak about prioritizing the needs of children and children's health care. Joining Sally, Sophie, and Debbi in Washington will be the girls' father, A.J. Kritzman, and their grandmother, Jan.

The National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions is an organization of children's hospitals that promotes the health and well-being of all children and their families through support of children's hospitals and health systems that are committed to excellence in providing healthcare to children. NACHRI works to ensure all children's' access to healthcare and children's hospitals continuing ability to provide services needed by children. Children's hospitals work to ensure the health of all children through clinical care, research, training and advocacy.

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June 13, 2007

We are both full time walkers!!  Mom's life is turned upside down and she can't do anything with us on her own anymore.  We are seriously into everything and anything and we are so much fun.  We love to make eachother giggle and kiss eachother on our faces.  Sophie blows kisses to everyone that she sees and smiles the biggest smile afterward.

We have been working on saying "more" and "please" and we learned the signs.  Except I don't want to waste time signing so I just said "please" yesterday for the first time.  It is the cutest thing (they tell me) I say please when I want something really bad, so it appears that I actually know how to use the word!

Sophie says the word "bye" when she waves to someone and also blows kisses.  We both have EXCELLENT receptive language skills and can follow most commands.  Last night we even picked up all of our clothes in our room and put them into the hamper.  WOW!!  Mommy is lucky.

We are doing so well--- you would never know we were preemies. :-)

Love

Sally K.

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May 9, 2007

Just wanted to document quickly that Sophie is taking between 4-6 steps on her own.  On Sunday, she actually took about 5 steps and then turned, taking another 4 steps.  WOW!!

Also, Mommy was rubbing Sophie's feet in the car and when Mommy stopped, Sophie did the sign for "more"  Mommy was so excited that she was using sign language and laughed because Sophie loves getting her feet rubbed just like Mommy does!!

Oh, and last night--- Sophie tried so hard 4 times to get up in the middle of the room by herself.  She almost did it- but just lost her balance.  I will try to show her how to do it today.

I am walking more and more every day and doing great!

Love
Sally

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April 5, 2007

Today Sally said "baby" and made tickle motions when she wanted to be tickled.  It is so cute.  I love my sister!

Love,
Sophie

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April 1, 2007

Happy April's Fools Day.  We are only printing the truth here though.  What were your children doing this morning at 9:30am (on a Sunday) Do you know where they were?  Well, I will tell you what we were doing today. Sleeping.  Not sure if we've mentioned this in any of our updates, but we like to sleep.  We go to sleep between 7-8pm and we usually wake up between 8-9am.  This morning we slept until 9:40am, when mommy woke us up.  We define lazy Sundays!!  What are our parents going to do when we have to start going to school??

Today was really fun.  Daddy made us our favorite for breakfast, French Toast.  Yummy!  Then we went to Babys R Us with Mommy and she bought us some comfy summer clothes and a new really cool toy.

We came home then and had lunch and we were supposed to take a nap.  I didn't though- so Sally slept and I went to the market with Mommy.  Everyone loved me because I smile so much.  I had a blast and kept dancing in the shopping cart.  They say I am "soooo cute!"

Then we went to pick up Piper who was staying at a dog kennel this weekend because Mom and Dad went to NYC on Friday night.  It was fun running errands with mom- just the two of us.  Doesn't happen very often.

When we came home we picked up Sally and Dad and went to the playground.  It was nicer outside yesterday (we went to Bennett's house and played in the yard!!  we love to crawl on grass....)  I LOVED the swing.  I went on a swing set last summer and fall, but this time it was pure enjoyment.  I wanted to go faster... My sister on the other hand was shaking and not happy.  Fear was evident and she wanted to get out of the swing- fast. :-(

We went out to dinner (Mommy, Daddy Sally and I) and had a great time.  When we came home Mommy took our shoes off.  Sally crawled over to Mommy with her shoe, picked up her foot and started pointing asking for help to put her shoes back on.  It was really smart of her!

Also---- our big news this week!!!  SALLY TOOK THREE STEPS!!!!  Look out world... Sally Kritzman is on the move.  In hopes of summer walkers, Mom has already bought really cool Preschoolian shoes for walkers. 

Love you all!

Sophie K.

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March 7, 2007

Today is the day that I said "MaMa" for the first time.  I was sitting in my hair chair and my mom walked by and had a good lookin lunch.  I wanted some.  I started crying and then said, "mama"  Mommy came over to me and offered me anything I wanted on her plate.  She was so excited.  And, then- tonight, I was back in my highchair and I wanted to get out.  I said "Mommy"  Hopefully this is a start to something good- looks to me like I get some positive attention when I say that word. ;-)

Love,
Sally

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March 3, 2007

It's Sophie.  This morning Daddy did some research and took us to a really cool breakfast joint in Barkhamstead, CT.  We loved it.  Sally and I ate a lot of food- but I ate 1 and a half pieces of french toast.  It was so good!

Mommy took us to Babys R Us this afternoon and we got some more bath toys, and we had a great time.  We had a nice family day celebrating Sally's one year homecoming. 

AND- guess what Sally did tonight for the first time?  She stood by herself in the bathtub!  Mommy just finished brushing her teeth.  When she is done brushing our teeth, she lets us brush our own teeth.  Sally was "brushing" her teeth when she just let go of the side of the tub.  She did it like 4-5 times and was very stable.  We are so proud of her!

I have done this myself a few times over the past month, and have stood for about 30 seconds, but this is Sally's first time!

Love,
Sophie

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March 3, 2007

Today marks Sally's 1 year anniversary of living in our wonderful home.  It was a year ago today that half of our NICU journey ended.  It was a time of joy, bringing home our beautiful baby girl- but also a sad time because we were leaving Sophie at the hospital.

Well, a year later- Sophie is anything but left behind.  Both of our daughters are constantly making noise, trouble and having fun- and mostly making us laugh.  If you looked around our home today, you would think that the duo, S&S had always lived with us.  You can't really take many steps without noticing that they reside here.  Their bottles, sippy cups (which hopefully will be taking the place of bottles pretty soon) plates, food and snacks take up our cabinets, "two" of every toy pretty much take up our dining room.  Remember how we made them a play room?  Well, a few toys have made their way back into the family room.

What a joy.  We are so blessed.  We can't wait to share with you more of their adventures- which are created each moment they are awake!

They point at the "light" "dog" "ball" "bunny" and "George"

Fitting that this is about Sally's 1 year birthday (what it should have been) because we think that it is official.  Sally's first word is DOGGY.  (much to "Mommy" and "Daddy's" dismay!!)- Piper, however, is pretty happy about it.  EDIT- later on March 3rd, Sally is saying "Daddy" too!  She went up to her Daddy tonight and pulled on his pants leg and said "Daddy" :-)

Love everyone,

Debbi and A.J.

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February 13, 2007

OK, we have been terrible about updating you all on our progress. BUT- that is just because we are on the move now and don't have time to stop, sit down and write to all of you.  Neither does our Mommy or Daddy- because they are always chasing us around the house.

We are into EVERYTHING.  We totally are cruising around, on basically everything.  We move boxes, tables, walkers- ANYTHING across a room.  We use just about everything to walk.  We love to be standing. 

We are still great eaters- but don't look like it.  We are small, but spirited!  We are still heading straight up on our growth curve which is great.  We started drinking organic whole milk mixed with our formula and Mom/Dad hope to have us off our formula entirely next week.

Sally still loves her bunny and sucks on its ears so Mommy constantly needs to wash it- YUCK.  She can figure out where bunny is, even if bunny is surrounded by many other look-a-like bunnies.

Sophie doesn't have a "lovey" but likes to go to sleep with a crib full of blankets, stuffed animals and books.  Both of us know how to turn on our music in our cribs.

We are still great sleepers- sleeping 12-13 hours a night!  Mommy and Daddy love that about us.  Sometimes they have to get Sophie up at 9am on the weekends!

Last Friday, Kimber told mommy that she saw Sophie feeding Sally cherios and we were both giggling!  How cute.

We are such joy and we provide pleasure to our parents in ways they could have only hoped and imagined!

Love

S&S

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January 18, 2007

Wow, you should see my sister Sally move across the room with her walker. A few days ago we all thought she was doing great, but she wasn't doing anything compared to the practical running she was doing tonight!

This afternoon, Sal was slapping my face and I couldn't stop laughing.  Tonight we we trying to use the same walker and couldn't stop giggling at eachother.  We both were fighting over our brush for about an hour.  Sally got really excited when she would take the brush away from me, but I always managed to steal it back.  It is so much fun being a twin!!

Love,

Sophie

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January 16, 2007

We are 13 months today (or 10 months adjusted) and I stood up for 10 seconds on my own today!!  We are both cruising everywhere and always into trouble.  We both understand when our mommy and daddy tell us to find "George"  George is in our  Jack in the Box (Curious George) and when they ask us to find George we crawl over to him.  We understand how he works and we know that you need to rotate the handle to get him to pop up.  Actually, I even know the short cut and I can just get the top of the box to come open to George pops out!

We also both definitely understand the word "No" Probably because we hear it all the time.  We touch everything we aren't supposed to.  That makes mom and dad happy because it means we are just regular kids.  However, Mom tells us that we shouldn't get any ideas.  Just because we are miracle babies and they are so lucky to have us, doesn't mean we are going to get away with anything we want.  They tell us that they say "no" because they love us and they don't want us to get hurt.  Should we believe them?  All of those outlets and cords seem like so much fun!

We like to use our walkers more now and we love our doggy.  In fact, just tonight my twin sister was trying to lick Piper.  YUCK!!  I just love to grab her tail.  I even said "Doggy" a couple of times (at least my fan club thinks I have)  We are so lucky to have a doggy that loves us.  She loves our food too, and we always let her have some either by giving it to her, or throwing it on the floor, or leaving it in our tray.

Hope things are well with you!

Love

Sally K.

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January 3, 2007

To all of our faithful fans- sorry about the lapse in pictures and in updates.  We have had a very very busy few weeks.  The girls turned 1 at the end of the month and then we were off to Puerto Rico.  We had such a wonderful time with our grandparents and Aunties.  We do have a lot of pictures to share with you all, but they are all with our Papa who is spending time looking at them.  We gave them to Papa because we want him to feel better.  He is sick and on the mend, thank goodness.

We are pretty sick too.  Mom tells us that we'd better snap out of it, because it is hard for her to keep shleping us to the doctors every day.  We have great doctors, they are overly cautious because we were preemies, but we both have very bad colds and Sally has a double ear infection.  When I have ear infections, I scream constantly... Sally just cries a lot when no one is holding her, but other than that, she likes to cuddle and sleep a lot.  We are working on getting better and once we do we will be able to update you more often.  We have to wait for mom to turn on the computer, and she is busy between her work and helping us.

Just a few quick positive updates: I can now get into "sit" from my belly or from crawling.  We both wave "hello" and "bye-bye" and my Auntie Cheryl taught me to blow out with my lips and move my finger over and make funny noises.  It is my new favorite thing to do.

Oh yeah- Piper LOVES us, because we started feeding her too.

Happy New Year everyone!

Love
Sophie

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December 20th 2006

Just a quick update from Sophie.  Mom and Gramps took me to a special doctor this morning who is so impressed with me and says that I must be brilliant.  I am brilliant- that is so cool.

Anyway- things are going great in our house.  We went to the pediatrician yesterday for our 1 year physical and they are so so impressed with us.  We are doing almost everything that a one year old should be doing- and we are only 9 months adjusted.  WOW.

We were allowed to start eating peanut butter yesterday- and boy, do we love it.  Sally loves it more than she loves Chocolate, which we tried the other day for the first time.  All of this new stuff!

Anyway- just wanted to say hi and let you all know that we are doing great

Love
Sophie

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The Eve of December 16, 2006

It was two and a half-hours from now, exactly one year ago that I was talking on the phone with my sister-in-law, Cara and complaining about how uncomfortable I was. So uncomfortable, that I was glad I had not been discharged from the hospital a few days before when it had been suggested. I had an uncomfortable pain and told her that if it happened again, I was going to call a nurse. I felt like Humpty Dumpty- and I had no idea how he ever sat on a wall at all---- I was swollen, had no balance, and absolutely no clue that my water would break just after midnight on December 16th, 2005.

I screamed into the phone (my poor sister-in-law!) "My Water Just Broke!" and from there, things happened so quickly.

The nurses suggested that I call my support team. My first call was to my wonderful, adoring and amazing husband and best friend. He was at my side in minutes remaining a positive light for the entire 3 months we were in the hospital and to this day.

Then I called my parents and my in-laws. All were by me before I had a moment to wonder where everyone was. I could not have asked for a better support system. My sisters, Cheryl and Sarah- and my sister and brother-in-law and nephew Ethan were so caring and spent countless hours on the phone with me and by my side.

My husband, A.J. wrote this passage the day the girls were born- as he was in the middle of studying for his exams.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

December 16, 2005

----------------------------------------------------

He was so positive, at a time that we were so scared. Our little "wrinkly" babies were so tiny that their father's wedding band fit around their arms when they were 3 weeks old.

As a mother, this was my worst nightmare. Was this my fault? I have waited my entire life to have children- and this is what I have done to them? They were ventilated; needing oxygen to live, had countless blood transfusions, had hemorrhages, infections, were on a "brown bag lunch" to feed them nutrients until they were well enough to take my breast milk, which they were only taking at about 2 cc's every 4 hours (there are 32 cc's in an ounce--- only a NICU parent would know that!!)

All I wanted, prayed for--- was a crystal ball that would let me know what life would be like on December 16, 2006. Would they survive? Would they be healthy? Would A.J. and I be okay?

Sitting here, hours before the clock strikes their "birthday" I am delighted, honored, amazed and humbled to say that if I were to ask for any crystal ball, this would be the one that I would want to see.

A.J. and I are so proud of our daughters that have overcome more than we knew possible. We were told of brain injuries, potential neurological impairment, motor delays, and other terrible things.

Not that we needed to have this verified- but we have been taking the girls for their 1 year follow up appointments and everyone is so amazed. They are doing everything (even eating hamburgers!) that the doctors would hope for.

Sophie and Sally brought tears to their neonatologist's eyes because they are so proud of what they had accomplished.

No one could be prouder than A.J. and I. Regardless of the fact that they were so premature- we've made it through our first year. That first year is a scary time for all parents- we are so ready and excited to enter year two with our women.

They are the best of friends- laughing at each other and us. We are in awe, and in love. Thank you all for being such fans of Sally and Sophie and for praying for us this past year.

There are so many others out there, like Sally and Sophie that may or may not have the same support system, available resources or faith- that need our help, support and prayer.

There are others, that have waited their entire life to conceive, finally having a pregnancy that has lasted longer than they have thought possible, only to end early, too early to have a positive outcome. For those families, we have a place in our hearts that is forever hugging and showing how much we care.

I hope that this website has educated its viewers, provided hope and encouragement for those of you in our same position- and that it has been an inspiration to us all.

Happy Hanukkah- Merry Christmas and a very, very Happy and HEALTHY New Year.

Love,

Mommy Debbi

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December 12, 2006

It's Sophie!!  You know how sometimes Sally learns a new trick and it takes me a few weeks to catch up.  Well, Sally definitely learned the word "no" She listens to Mommy and Daddy when she is touches things she shouldn't and stops immediately.  When I do things I shouldn't- which is often, and they ask me to stop, I just move faster doing what I was doing.  Is this because I don't know the word "no" or because I do know the word and I just decide not to listen.... you decide!!!

Love
Sophie!

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December 6, 2006

Well, its me- Sally.  I can't believe it has only been a week since my sister Sophie posted.  Our house is completely different now.  Nothing is safe!  We are everywhere.  Sophie is now a master crawler and is almost as fast as me.  We both pull ourselves up to standing and cruise on the couch. 

We are both very determined little girls and let our Mommy and Daddy know when we want to do something and when we don't.  We eat everything (hamburger, pizza, chinese food and Falafel!)

We have been drinking more formula because we are so hungry from all of our crawling.  Kimber taught us how to put things "in" to their container, so we have been working on that too.

We are just so fun!!  I am sure that you have seen the video we put on the website of Sophie teaching me how to use the walker.  Although Mom and Dad let us use the walker, we aren't using it often.  I think they would like us to crawl for a while before we start running.

Later!

Sally

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November 30, 2006

Sophie here.... Guess what?  Both Sally I cruised yesterday on our couch.  You have to give us something that really motivates us, but we will hold onto the couch and walk to get it.  The phone (cell or home phone) is what we like best.  We will do anything to get it!

Also, we both can find hidden objects easily now.  Both of us will hold up our hands when we want  "up" or when Mommy or Daddy says "up"  We know our names and when Mommy calls out Sally's name I will even look at her.

Sally is very independent.  She will crawl over to the toy she wants to play with and she is able to get up on her knees using the toy or couch for stability.  She gets MAD when she can't do it!

Both of us are using NUBY sippy cups.  We love watered down grape juice.  Mommy only gives us juice once a day (and only a little)  I guess she doesn't want us to become obsessed.  Although Sally already sat on my face when I tried to steal her sippy cup!!!


Sally spends a lot of time waving to herself.  She just stares at her hands moving up and down.  Gramps says that Mommy used to do the same thing when she was little.

What else?  I was taking a bath the other day and I loved it when Mommy squirted water out of the little bath toy we have. I couldn't stop laughing!!!!

Tomorrow is December 1st- our birthday month.  WOW----!!!!

Love,
Sophie

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Preemie Poem

Preemie babies are angels sent from above, sent earlyto earth on a mission of love. They help us remember what life really means, not cars, not houses, not other expensive things.

They remind us of dreams for peace in our life and bring us together, husband and wife, aunts and uncles and daughters and sons. Leaving in the past any hurts we have done.

They remind us our touch can be used for good, to heal a small life when nothing else could. With their arrival of tiny hands and little feet, the world's not the same: it's a little more sweet. (As seen published at the Connecticut Children's Medical Center NICU)

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Story input from Front Page

A friend that I have met through the "preemie connection" has two sons thriving in a NICU in Maryland.  We pray for her family.  She is an inspiration and her story is amazing.  She received these beautiful words from her mother, words of inspiration and I feel compelled to share them with all of you.  Authored by Clarissa Pinkola Estesm, we assign these words to ourselves and to Sally and Sophie.

I assign you to be a beautiful, good, kind, awakened, soulful person, a true work of art, a true human being. In a world filled with so much darkness, such a soul shines like gold.

Anything you do from the soulful self will help lighten the burdens of the world. Anything. You have no idea what the smallest word, the tiniest generosity can cause to be set in motion. Be outrageous in forgiving. Be dramatic in reconciling. Mistakes? Back up and make them as right as you can, then move on. Be off the charts in kindness. In whatever you are called to, strive to be devoted to it in all aspects large and small. Fall short? Try again.

Be brave, be fierce, be visionary. Mend the parts of the world that are within your reach. To strive to live this way is the most dramatic gift you can ever give to the world.

We went to the doctors this week for our Flu Vaccine and Synergis shot (RSV Booster) and we were weighed.  In the 6 weeks since our last weigh in, we each gained a little over a pound! 

10 1/2 month stats. :-)

Sally- 17 pounds 8 ounces

Sophie- 16 pounds 6 ounces  

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November 25, 2006

It's Sally- I just wanted to write a quick note and let you know something that happened today--- something wonderful that made my mommy and daddy so happy and proud.  My sister Sophie CRAWLED!!!  Although we both had so much to overcome when we were born, Sophie had much more to conquer than I.  She is crawling just 2 weeks after me, which is so much fun.  Mommy and Daddy think the reason that she is crawling and doing so well is because of me.  You see, sometimes there is something on the floor that we both want really badly.  Since I was crawling first, I kept beating Sophie to the toy.  She was smart and all, trying to inch forward and roll different directions- but since I could crawl, I always got the toy.  She was watching how I did it--- and now she can get the toys fast too!

Mommy thinks it is pretty interesting.  When I started to crawl I learned differently than Sophie.  Sophie only inched forward for a few days, and I inched and then hopped for a few weeks.  Sophie skipped ahead because I taught her how.  Mommy tells me that I am the best big sister (by 1 minute) ever!!  She can tell because when she looks at me, she can see how I look at Sophie with so much love and admiration....

So much has been going on.  Last weekend we went to visit our Great Grandparents in Florida.  It was so much fun.  Grandma and Grandpa look great- they are healthy and we are so happy about that.  We want to spend many more years enjoying their stories and songs.  The coolest thing was when we got to their house in Florida, they had bought us toys, rented pack 'n plays and high chairs.  Mommy and Bubby slept over their house with us and it was perfect.  It felt just like home and we slept great!

The toys that they bought us were perfect.  They weren't anything that we had here at home, so they were extra fun to play with.  We were good on the plane, but much more active compared to the last time we went to Florida in August. 

The little girl in front of me on the plane was playing a patty cake song game with her mommy and I kept trying to copy.  Bubby and Mommy thought it was so cute.

Sophie was very busy in the plane becoming everyones friend.  That is Sophie for you- flirting and smiling with everyone!!

When we were in Florida we went out for Chinese food- our great grandparents couldn't believe how much we loved chinese food.  We ate a lot of chicken and mushrooms!  At the restaurant, there were A LOT of old people.  This nice table behind us kept on looking at us.  Turns out that one of the ladies is a grandma to twin girls that were mono-mono and Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)  Mommy was worried that she might have that when she was preggo with us because it happens sometimes when twins share a placenta.

This weekend was Thanksgiving and Mommy and Daddy had everyone over our house.  In our family, everyone goes around the table and says what they are thankful for.  Everyone at the entire table said that they were so thankful for our health--- but best of all, everyone was so thankful for eachother.  This was a tough year for our family---- and everyone in it stuck through and became closer and better because of it.  Mommy and Daddy could count on everyone in our family to be there for them.  Although we couldn't say what we were thinking this year---- Sophie and I want to thank all of our fans out there that have been pulling and praying for us this entire year.  In exactly 3 weeks we will turn 1 years old.   What an amazing journey.

Love to you all,
Sally

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November 14, 2006

More news!!  Sophie is crawling like an inchworm across the room to get her favorite toys.  And, Sally is clapping her hands!!!  We are having so much fun here in the land of S&S.

Love,

The Kritzmans

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November 11, 2006

So much has been going on in Sally and Sophie world!!  Sophie is very proud of her sister Sally--- Sally is now crawling everywhere and has mastered this skill.  AND- Sally is so proud of her sister Sophie, who has finally got her first tooth!!  Mom and Dad felt it for a while and Sophie was not happy because it hurt so much, but finally it cut through!! 

Love

Sally and Sophie

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October 23, 2006

Sally is moving forward on her knees.  Some parents might say "she is crawling" but I am not saying that quite yet.  She is almost there though... moving in a forward motion on her knees trying to get objects.  She more like "hops" on her knees to get to something.  She hasn't really figured out completely how to move everything together, but she is sure trying.  She is almost always up on her knees.  As soon as you wake her up, she is ready to go.

Since she has been doing this, her appetite has increased so much.  It is tough work!!!

Go Sally!

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October 18th

News Update!!  Almost 1 month to the day (September 20th) Mommy finally feels a second tooth coming in for Sally.  If history holds true, Sophie should be getting her tooth within the next week.  She is usually about 4-5 weeks behind Sally.   We will keep you posted.  Sally's second tooth is on the bottom, right next to her first tooth.

She has been a cranky pants for the past few days, so this is probably why!!

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October 18, 2006

Well, we turned 10 months old this week.  Adjusted age, 7 months.  We are right on track developmentally with a 7 month old- and maybe advanced in some areas.  We are doing so well.  Both of us like to copy everyone who makes banging motions and we love to take our baths.  We scream in delight when we are in the tub.  Mommy had one of her best times yet last week.  Sally started squealing and splashing so mommy squealed back.  Sally and Mommy were going back and forth screaming in happiness and Sophie joined in.  We were all splashing and laughing and screaming--- it was so wonderful.  :-)  Only problem was that Mommy couldn't go leave to get the camera because the girls were in the tub.  Saftey First!! :-)

We stayed with Bubby and Gramps this past weekend when Mom and Dad went to Boston to a wedding.  All of Mommy's bestest friends from college were going and they were really excited.  Apparently, Bubby, Auntie Sarah and Gramps all heard Sally say "Doggie" 3 times.  Mommy and Daddy are still waiting to hear it.

Both of us are trying to crawl really hard.  We think that it should happen within the next month.  We are up on our knees and rocking back and forth.  Any day now, things are going to have to change around here.  Once we start crawling in different directions- this house is going to be turned upside down! 

Oh- for Halloween- we are going to be Two Peas in a Pod.  Mommy is going to take us to get pictures so that you can all see how cute we look. 

Love you all
S&S

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October 5, 2006

WOW.  Yesterday Sophie was talking more than Sally- I think Sally heard Daddy complimenting Sophie and the heat was on!  Today, Sally woke up and was talking non-stop all day long.  She was saying Mama, Dada, Duh, Gaaa, Oyyy, Owww---- non stop.  It is so so cute.

Both girls are sitting up so well.  Eating very well- they are starting to self feed!  They like cherios, cheese pieces, bananas, waffles and they are still eating fruits and veggies really well in mushed up baby food pieces.

Both girls have also started pulling their knees underneath their bums and have been rocking.  They both roll to get toys and are so cute!

Love,

The Kritzman's

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September 20, 2006

Sally cut her first tooth!!  It is on the bottom and coming up nice and white.

:-)  We are so proud of her.  Uncle Fred--- here we come!

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September 5, 2006

We are doing so well!!  This weekend Mommy and Daddy took us to CCMC and we were on the radio.  Mom, Dad and the two of us wanted to help out our friends at CCMC because they make our lives even better.  Without CCMC and their NICU, we wouldn't be in such a great place today.

We are both sitting up now.  Both of us are laughing.  We are 5 1/2 months adjusted and 8 1/2 months actual.  We are eating Fruit Puffs and mommy gave us chicken the other day.  We are very good solid eaters- we like to eat more than we like to drink our formula.  BUT- we are growing so well and the doctors are really happy.

Sophie got her first ear infection.  A DOUBLE ear infection.  She hardly even cried.  She is amazing.  BUT- now that she is on her medicine and feeling better, she is all smiles.

Sally has been rolling rolling rolling everywhere for the past few weeks.  She can start out on one corner of the room and end up on the other side.  Sometimes, she even rolls on Sophie!

Both of us laugh all the time- it is so wonderful.

We love eachother so much and we are always looking for eachother and smiling.  Mommy even heard us laughing at eachother the other day!

Love,
S&S

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August 20, 2006

Just a quick update.  Sophie laughed for the first time a few weeks ago and then nothing I did was funny anymore.  Today, we played Peek A Boo- and she thought it was so funny.  She laughed so many times each time I said "boo"  SO CUTE!

Also, Sally is pretty much sitting on her own now with just a few episodes of falling backward, but we are doing so well!!

Love,

S&S

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July 22, 2006

We are having the best weekend ever!!  We will write more and add pictures when we leave GiGi and Pop Pop. 

Our time with our GiGi and Pop Pop has been amazing.  They have sung to us, told us stories and made us smile so much.  We are so lucky.

Love,
Sally and Sophie

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July 18, 2006

Guess what?  Auntie Kimber our Nanny bought Mommy a birthday present.  It is so cool!  It was a kit that had ice cube trays and a cook book for mommy so that she could make us our own baby food.  She made us Pears, Peaches and Sweet Potatoes. 

WE LOVE THEM!!  We ate our food so much faster today because we enjoyed the home made food so much.  Thank you Auntie Kimber!

Love

Sally and Sophie

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July 17, 2006

Sally sat up today for about 2 minutes on her own.  She was playing with her leap frog toy on the floor and touching all the buttons.  We have noticed a major difference this week in Sally's fine motor skills. She is grabbing at objects much quicker and taking notice of things. She is very observant and so cute.  Although much quieter than her sister, she is the sweetest baby with the biggest smile.

Sophie is mastering her gross moter skills and has a favorite toy.  She loves her lion that plays music and like Sally- everything goes into her mouth.  She is teething badly and bubbles from her mouth when her hands aren't in there. (Which is most the time)

Both Sophie and Sally don't cry as often when on their "tummy time"  They have been smiling all the time and starting to giggle.  It is the cutest thing!

Love

S&S

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July 4, 2006

Happy Independence Day Weekend Everyone!

Mommy and daddy took us to the shore to celebrate our first 4th of July (well, actually, July 1st and 2nd). We started off our adventure Friday night, going to our new favorite restaurant, Joe's Pizza of Canton, CT. They are very accommodating to slightly fussy babies like us.

We then woke up extra early on Saturday morning and helped mom and dad call hotels and bed & breakfast inns across the Connecticut and Rhode Island coast in search of a place with a vacancy and that will allow cute little babies like us. Well, they lucked out. The Mystic Marriott had a room available for us, so we were on our way.

We first went to Watch Hill and spent our first day at the beach. Watch Hill was very pretty.   We strolled around a bit and got some ice cream with sprinkles. There was a carousel there and we tried to get on, but daddy said we were too small. Oh well, maybe next year. We then rented an umbrella and laid out our blanket on the beach. Many kind people there came up to us and told us stories of twins in their families. Those stories are nice to hear because they always end with, "This is the easy part now. Just wait till they get to be teenagers." We translate that into a license to cause mayhem later in life.

Mommy and daddy then proceeded to try to burry Sophie under the sand. Sophie thought it was funny and could not stop smiling. But then Sophie tried to put her sandy hand in her mouth and soon realized it did not taste as good as usual, so she did not do it again. Mommy and Daddy were so proud of Sophie for being able to teach herself. Daddy then took Sophie for a little swim in the ocean. The water was cold, so daddy only put Sophie's feet in. Well that was plenty for Sophie, who did not care too much for the cold water. After that it got pretty windy, so mommy and daddy decided it was time to pull up stakes and head to the hotel.

We checked into the Marriott where the very nice general manager greeted us at the front desk. When we started to unpack, mommy realized that daddy left her make-up at home. Mommy was not to angry with daddy, because right in the hotel there was an Elizabeth Arden Spa where mommy could satiate all of her cosmetic needs. And she did indeed. We can't wait till we get to wear make-up. Daddy says it won't be till we are 21, but we think mommy will let us wear it a bit earlier.

After we all got cleaned up, mommy and daddy loaded us into our car seats and we were off to Old Saybrook for the Fenwick Fireworks. What a show!!! The fireworks were beautiful and very well choreographed with the music. Sally watched the whole thing while Sophie slept through the beginning but awoke for the finale. For our first 4 ^th of July fireworks show, the bar was set very high.

We then went back to the hotel for a good night?s sleep. The next morning mommy and daddy woke us bright and early for our first feeding. Then they put on bathing suits on and we headed to the pool for our first ever swim. Unlike the ocean the day before, the pool was nice and warm. We both dove right in and swam laps up and down the swim lanes. Well, not exactly. Mommy and daddy held us tight and glided us along the water?s surface. We had a ton of fun, especially when we got to splash, splash, splash!

After our swimming lesson, we dried off and headed off to Clinton Commons for some outlet shopping. Mommy and daddy took us to G.H. Bass to go shoe shopping, where Sophie got so excited she went poopy in her diaper. Mommy skillfully changed her diaper with Sophie still in the Urban Buggy Stroller. When mommy and daddy where all shopped out, they took us home to Simsbury.

Later on in the night, Auntie Cheryl came over for dinner with her boyfriend Rich. We would have loved to sit and dine with them, but we were so tired after a long day of swimming, shopping and driving that we need to go to sleep and rest our heads. As a matter of fact, after being put down at 8pm, we did not wake up until 9am the next morning. In those 13 hours we sure did a lot of growing, dreaming, and more growing. Meanwhile mommy and daddy got some good rest too.   Daddy helped us write this story, but Mommy just told us something to add!   While Mommy was cooking dinner for Auntie Cheryl and Rich- Daddy did so much with us!!   He gave us a bottle, fed us all of our oatmeal (Well, the bowl was brought to the sink empty. Did we eat it all or did Daddy help??)   He gave us our bath and put us to sleep.   We love our Daddy!!!!

After we woke up, mommy went to get her nails done at Silk Nails. We can?t wait till we get to get mani?s and pedi?s with mom too. Her nails look so pretty. While mommy was away, daddy, Auntie Cheryl and Rich, fed us, read to us and played with us. We had so much fun in the morning that we were quite tired and had to take our late morning naps.

After mommy got home, Auntie Cheryl and Rich went on their way after giving us big hugs and even bigger kisses. Mommy and daddy then took us to Tumble Brook for a day at the pool. Along for the trip was mommy and daddy?s favorite friends Lee and Gabe. Lee hung out with us by the pool while Gabe played golf with daddy. An afternoon thunderstorm cut our day by the pool short, so we retreated to the 19 ^th Hole for some drinks and tortilla chips. Well, we actually didn?t get any drinks and tortillas chips ourselves, but we did get to hang out with Grammy and Gramps. They held us, sang to us and gave us kisses and showed us off too. It sure was fun!

Late that night we got to go to Auntie Cara and Uncle Shannon?s to hang out with our favorite first cousin Ethan! Ethan was so excited to see us. He doesn?t say our names yet, but calls us ?baby? as he points to our bellies. Ethan shared his toys with us and showed us how to use them. According to Cousin Ethan, some toys get banged on the floor while others merely get tossed in the air. But the most important thing that Cousin Ethan taught us was to always clean up, clean up? everybody, everywhere? clean up, clean up everybody do your share.

Well, we had so much fun watching everyone eat BBQ, that we got very sleepy and so did mommy and daddy. So we all decided to spend the night. The next morning was July 4 ^th and we got a super big surprise: Auntie Cara?s neighbors, Michelle and Craig, brought over their kids, Trey and Reese. Reese was born in February, so she is like our age (somewhere in between our actual birth date of December and our adjusted birth date of March). We played with Reese as Cousin Ethan played with Trey. We all played with Mufasa and Ali, who love to give us super licks.

After a long play group session, we traveled back home for a session with Julie Pepper. Julie was at her usual best, and gave mommy a lot of solid advise on all the issues that we are facing as preemie babies. Julie gave mommy a very positive report.

Well, the fun-filled weekend was not quite over yet. Mommy took us over to Auntie Liz?s 4 ^th of July party bash. It was so much fun. The adults played a funny looking game where they bounced a ping-pong ball on a table full of cups that had an amber gold beverage inside of them. Every once and a while, one of them would drink what was in the cup. We didn?t understand what was going on, but it looked like fun.

After a long day of partying and playing, we headed home with mommy where Nana and Papa greeted us. Nana brought over one of her famous cakes. Nana and Papa helped mommy give our baths and feed us. We got a bit tired and cranky towards the end of the night, so mommy and nana read us a story and put us to bed.

We pretended to be sleeping, and we heard that there was lots of great conversation going on downstairs between Mommy, Daddy and Nana and Papa!!   They sounded like they were having a lot of fun so we drifted off to sleep without bothering them.

Well, that was our long weekend adventure with our parents. It was a blast. We look forward to many, many more.

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June 28, 2006

OK- Mommy came home from work today and she fed us some food.  Today was the first day that we tried a Stage 2 food.  Strawberries and Bananas.  It was good, but we are so super fussy because we are teething.  We drool all the time.  Mommy checked our gums this morning and she felt some teeth coming through.  We put everything in our mouths...

So, when Mommy was feeding us she was giving Sally's feet some kisses and we think that we heard Sally laugh!  It was so cute... it happened a few times and it was like a squeal of joy!  We will let you know if that keeps happening, or if it was just a fluke.  :-)

Love,

Sally and Sophie

P.S. Sebastian must be teething too since he chewed up our teething toys today!!!!

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June 23, 2006

This is a big week for exciting things.  Two great things happened yesterday.

1) Our Auntie Sarah got offered a teaching job for 4th grade!!  We are so excited.  Hopefully she will help us with reading and stuff when we get older.

2) Sophie rolled over from her front to back.  Now she can roll in both directions. (Front to back and back to front!)

Sally practiced her rolling from back to front all night long.  She forgets that she doesn't really like to sleep on her tummy so Mommy and Daddy were in a lot flipping her back over!

Love

The Twins.

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June 22, 2006

Yup... its true.  Mommy just saw Sophie roll over from front to back (in both directions) about 6 times.  Can't wait to show daddy tonight!  Sophie was also reaching for things with each of her hands while she was on her tummy.  WOW- we are all really impressed.

-Sally

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June 22, 2006

Hi everyone!!  It is Sophie here.  Guess what?  I promise its true... When Mommy came in this morning to see what Sally was fussing about- she saw that Sally was no longer on her back, but on her tummy.  She rolled over too!!! If any of you were wishing that Sally could roll over, your wishing worked. :-) 

Unfortunately, although I woke up happy this morning, I still am not ready to show Mommy that I can roll from front to back.  Maybe later today I will show Mommy, Kimber and Miss Julie that I can do it.  (Miss Julie is my Physical Therapist)  She is going to be so proud of me!!

Love,

Sophie

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June 21, 2006

See, we are updating the site already.  This is Sally.  I am writing to tell you all about something that my twin sister Sophie did today.  She rolled over- TWICE!  Mommy was at work, but Kimber saw it and so did I.  Sophie was practicing tummy time and she rolled over front to back.  Kimber thought maybe it was an accident, but when she put Sophie back on her stomach, Sophie did it again. 

When Mommy came home, we wanted to eat our oatmeal.  It was yummy.  After we ate our oatmeal, Mommy tried to get Sophie to roll over but she didn't want to have anything to do with it.  Instead, we all went for a walk.  We fell asleep in our stroller and then when we came home Mommy gave us baths.  We have an 8pm bedtime now.  For the past few nights we have slept through the night!!!  We go to bed at 8pm and we get up at 6am and then we eat.  I eat 5 ounces and Sophie eats 4.  Then we go back to bed.  Today, we slept until 10am!!!  Then we were up until around 1:30ish and we took a 2 1/2 hour nap. 

We are growing so fast and doing so many fun things!!

Love,
Sally

P.S.- Everyone please wish  that Mommy can watch Sophie roll tomorrow--- and oh yeah, make a wish that I can roll over soon too!!! :-)

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June 19, 2006

WOW. It has been a while and there is so much to say. We just love each other. We totally recognize each other now, and when we look at eachother, we smile. That just warms Mom and Dad's heart- it is so special. We are doing so well! Today we went for our 6 month pediatrican check up (can you believe that this journey has been 3 months in the hospital and 3 months out??) The doctors are so impressed with us. We showed off how great we are doing on tummy time (head almost straight up at a 90 degree angle!)

We are now eating solids... We have eaten all the P's (Pears, Peaches, Prunes) and also Peas, Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans. Dad can't believe that we eat and enjoy the green beans because he thinks that they smell awful. Tonight we started eating oatmeal cereal- and we love it. Maybe tonight we will sleep really well.

Speaking of sleeping- you all should be really impressed! We have a bedtime routine now and we are so good at sleeping. At 5:30 Mommy starts our routine. We get our solids and then we play. We either sing with Mommy or play a game and then we go for an evening stroll outside. After that we take our bath and then we get a bottle. After the bottle we head up to our room and we have a book read to us and then at 8pm we go to sleep. We hardly cry anymore and we go right to bed.

We have been getting up at around 2:30am to eat about 2 more ouncs of formula. Usually one of us gets up before the other, but Mom and Dad (they both get up and do this together!) wake the other sister up because the times that they didn't they ended up getting up one hour later again! The Dr. told Mommy today that pretty soon she could just let us cry (give us a hug and tell us that they love us!) but not feed us over night. We don't need that feeding anymore, it just might be something we are used to so we get up because we think we are supposed to. Weird, but we don't think that Mom and Dad even mind getting up at night. We are so good and we go right back to bed after we eat. It gives them so extra quiet time to cuddle with us. :-)

Sally weighs 13 and a half pounds and Sophie weighs almost 12 pounds. We are shrimps--- Sally is 23 1/4 inches long and Sophie is 22 inches long. Do you know that our cousin Devin was born at 20 1/2 inches. He is almost as tall as us and he is just a newborn. BUT- his parents are so tall, that we shouldn't feel bad. :-) He is so cute!!

We are talking now (baby talk) and we love it when people sing and smile at us. We love kisses on our toes and we love people!!

Guess what? We went swimming on Father's Day! It was so much fun. Well, Sally enjoyed it a little more than Sophie--- but then we both got used to it. We had the cutest bathing suits ever. Mom put a TON of sun tan lotion on us and a really cute hat- and we were stylin. :-)

We have started to reach for our toys and we like to look at ourselves in the mirror. We already are copying people. If you stick your tongue out at us, we will stick it right back at you!!

Everyone is just so impressed with what we have accomplished- but Mom and Dad are the proudest. They can't get over how wonderful we are.

Love

S&S

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May 4, 2006

WOW-it has been a while since we have updated this site.  I know that Mommy has been putting our pictures online so that you can all see how much we have grown.  We are doing so well and we are eating like champs!  We have been doing so much lately.  Lets update you!

First of all- we can't thank all of you enough for all of the donations that we have been getting for the March of Dimes.  It is a very good cause.  We want to make sure that we can help other Mommy's be aware of signs of pre-term labor and help prevent preemies.  Although we are cute, we wish that we could have stayed inside Mommy for longer so that we could have had an easier start... ALTHOUGH... Mom just said this morning that things are so perfect is was like we were never at the NICU.  :-)

We have had a few doctors visits since our last update.  The doctors think we are doing so well.  Right now, we are about 6.5 weeks old if we were born on Mommy's due date.  Sally has started to smile when she thinks that something is funny and Sophie isn't far behind.  Sophie smiles a lot- we just aren't sure if it is at us or just because she is happy.  Either way, we love smiles!

The Doctor told Mommy that if he didn't know all the trouble that we went through he wouldn't know that anything was wrong at all.  That is the best news ever.

BUT- WAIT!  Even better news.  We went to the cardiologist this morning!  They did an EKG and an Echo Cardiogram of our heart.  You know that PDA that we had when we were in the hospital??  The one that Sally was supposed to get surgery on?? Well, they can't see one at all on Sally!! HURRAH!!!!

Sophie still has her PDA, but the doctors think that might be because she still has to grow a little more.  We are both going to get checked out again in September.  They aren't worried though, because we are both gaining weight and doing so well.

Last night we went out to dinner with Mommy, Grammy, Gramps, Auntie Sarah and Great Grandparents Leibert for our Gramps' 55th birthday!  We had such a great time.  It was our Tumblebrook Country Club debut!!  We were pretty well behaved.  Sophie was a little fussy but Gramps finished his dinner really quickly so that she could fall asleep in her "spot" curled into his neck.

Sally slept most of the entire dinner but woke up at the end for some attention.  We were the hit of the club and everyone was ooing and ahhing over us.  The doctors say that we can start going out more now, but still we have to make sure that people wash hands and we shouldn't really get passed around.

Hmmm, what else.  We are really excited for Mothers Day next weekend!!  We know that this is such a special day for our Mommy because she wanted to be a mother so badly and now she has two babies to celebrate with.

We love you all!

Sally and Sophie K.

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April 11, 2006

Today we had so much fun!!!  Mommy took us to Elizabeth Park to meet our Auntie Jen and Auntie Liz.  It was such a good time.  Mr. and Mrs. Blanch met us for lunch and we ate outside.  When we first got there, it was really cool out so we were wrapped up good.  By the time we left, it was over 70 degrees and Mommy made sure that we didn't get too much sun. 

We walked around a lot and Jen and Liz bought Mommy a really cool Moby Wrap and we could both be in it together.  (see picture)  We were so comfortable in the wrap and we even held hands on our own.  Everyone was ooing and ahhing because we were so cute!

It was so nice to be with people and be outside.  We are so excited that it is getting nicer outside so we can do more things.  Pretty soon it will be summer!!  We can't wait.

Lots of love,
Sally and Sophie

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March 25, 2006

Last night was the first night that we slept home with Mommy and Daddy.  Boy- we kept them up all night long!! Auntie Cheryl and Auntie Sarah slept over and they helped Mom and Dad rearrange the furniture in their room so that we could sleep right next to their bed in the pack 'n play.  It worked out well, because all night Mommy had to put pacifiers back in our mouths!  We love being home together!!

Today was great-  Sally slept with Daddy and Sophie slept with Mommy.  They got to sleep for about 1 hour- that is about it for the past two days!

Grammy and Gramps were over yesterday and today and helped Mommy organize the house and spent time with us.  Tonight, Nana and Papa came over to hang out with us.  Papa fed Sally her bottle and and she loved it! 

Nana and Papa also brought over dinner for Mom and Dad and we slept in our swings like good girls while they ate.

Sally is 8 pounds!!!  WOW...  Sophie has to start eating a little better.  Neither of us poop, which has mommy crazy.  Does anyone have any ideas to help us?? :-)  We have been having some prune juice or pear juice which makes our medicine taste better.

SO- we will write more tomorrow!!

Love,
S&S

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March 24, 2006

Hi!!  We are home where we belong and loving it.  We will update the website soon, but for now Mommy and Daddy are spoiling us with love.

Love,
Sal and Soph

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March 24, 2006

Hi!!  We are home where we belong and loving it.  We will update the website soon, but for now Mommy and Daddy are spoiling us with love.

Love,
Sal and Soph

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March 18, 2006

OK- so Mommy has been really bad about updating this website!!  It is Sally here, I am home and I have taken over the updating of this site until my sister Sophie comes home and then we will do it together.  For the past two weeks Mommy hasn't let me use this computer at all.  She just wants to sit with me and look at me and touch me and tell me that she loves me all the time.  And Dad- he just wants to do the same things!!  They don't let me do anything fun at all- they just stare into my eyes!!

Today Mommy and I had a talk.  I said "Mommy, everyone wants to know how Soph is doing and  you need to let me update that site that I used to do when I was in your tummy"  So, Mommy and I sat down at the computer and she read to me all the nice things that everyone wrote to me when we were at the hospital.  I just want Soph to come home soon so that we can all be a family.

Before I update you on Sophie- let me tell you how I am doing.  I am now 7 and a half pounds and I love to eat.  :-)  I sleep about 4-5 hours at a time.  I try to be really nice to Mom and Dad and at night I sometimes even go longer.  Like last night I ate at 11:30pm and then again at 5:30am.  WOW- I am a champ.  I am trying to go easy on them because when Soph gets home it is going to be really hard.  In general, I am a very easy baby.  I don't really cry and sometimes I smile.  Mom and Dad aren't sure if I smile in reaction to them or not- and I am going to keep that a secret for a few more weeks.

I really like to play on my play mat and I am starting to lift my head when I have tummy time.  This weekend was our real due date, so lots of things that I am doing are what a newborn should do.  I do them really well!

So, about Sophie... This has been what is going on.  In the last 2 weeks we have visited Soph in the hospital almost every day.  Well, Mommy and Daddy have gone a little more than I have.  Sometimes I get babysat by my grandparents or my  aunt so Mommy and Daddy can spend time with Soph alone.  I guess that is only fair since I get them all the time alone!

Sophie is doing really well.  She pulled out her feeding tube on Wednesday and hasn't had it put back since.  She is a little picky when it comes to finishing her food, so the nurses and doctors decided to up her calories.  So, instead of eating a hamburger like me, she has the super big mack, large fry and a milk shake variety.  She is really busy breathing and stuff, so she uses up a lot of energy and so she needs to take in more calories to grow.  Great news though!  Last night she gained 2 ounces and now she is over 6 pounds!! GO SOPHIE!  That is what I weighed a little over 2 weeks ago.  So, although it seems like I have been huge forever, we are only about 2 weeks apart.

Mom and Dad are going to the hospital tonight with Auntie Sarah.  Mom is going to get all of Sophie's medicine perscriptions from the hospital so that she is ready for when Soph gets home.  Sounds like it might be this week.  We are really hopeful.

They have been giving Sophie some oxygen while she eats, but Mom and Dad don't really know if that has been really doing anything.  Today they fed her without it and she did just the same.  So- over the next few days the doctors and nurses are going to stop using oxygen at all for her feeds.  There are also a few other medicines that she is on, including oxygen for feeds that we want her to stop before we take her home.  That is what this week is about, getting her on the least amount of stuff so that we can take her home and make it easy!

Thats about it for now- just keep praying that Sophie can come home soon. :-)

Love you all,
Sally K.

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March 3, 2006

Sally is coming home today and we are so excited.  Sort of mixed emotions, because we wish that Sophie were able to come home too.  She is doing very well though, and her nasal cannula setting is set at the lowest possible setting. 

Mommy and Daddy have been preparing the house with the help of Grammy/Gramps, Nana/Papa and the Aunties and Uncle Shannon.  Things are looking really great for Sally's homecoming. 

The one last thing we are waiting for is the glider from BabiesRUs that was supposed to be in weeks ago- which will be delivered to us on Saturday.  We can't wait to rock our baby to sleep in her nursary.  Mommy can't wait to sit on the couch on Sunday night and have a sleepy baby in her arms as she watches Grey's Anatomy!! :-)  Ahh, the simple pleasures in life.

Let's all do a special prayer for Sophie today- it might be hard for her to have her sister leave, but the hope is that it is a motivating factor and she'll decide she wants to come home soon!  We hope that Sally leaving isn't as hard for her as it will be for us--- we really don't want to leave our baby at the NICU.

We love them both so much.  Mommy jokes that when Sophie is a teenager she is going to take Soph to the mall and let her buy whatever she wants because Sally had the extra time with Mom now.  Let's see how fair they think that is!!

Love you all,
Debbi and A.J.

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February 27, 2006

Hello!

Lots has been happening since my last email.  :-)  Last Friday marked Sally and Sophie's 10th week birthday.  WOW- we can't believe that it has been that long, and at the same time, it seems like they have been in our lives forever.

:-)

If all goes well (pending last minute changes) Sally should be coming home to Simsbury with us on Friday afternoon.  This past weekend she received her hearing exam (which she passed!) and this week she will receive her RSV booster shot.  (those are the two things that happen before all babies are discharged)  Mom and Dad will meet with the dietician to learn how to mix formula to give them their extra calories so that they can continue to grow at a great rate.

For the next 6 weeks or so, we are going to be staying home and keeping the girls from any potential colds, infections, etc.  Once we hit mid-April, we will be a little more adventurous taking them out and seeing people.  It will be about 2 years before we are out of the woods as far as their immune systems.  Because they did not get to stay inside Mommy's belly for the last trimester, they are more susceptible to colds and infections- and especially RSV.( http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/respiratory/rsvfeat.htm )

The center for disease control will let our doctors know once RSV season is over and at that point we can be a little more open with visitors, etc.  We are going to make sure to practice good hand washing.

We can't wait to have Sophie and Sally meet all of our good friends and family!  For those of you who know us (which is all, we hope!) you know that we love to be around people, and that good friends are of the utmost importance to us.  With that said, we are going to need your help.

• PLEASE don't stop calling and leaving messages, or emailing- even if we don't get right back to you!  We love hearing your inspirational voices and support.
• Once we start having visitors- please don't ask to come over if you don't feel well or if someone that you live with is sick- or if you are exposed to something.  It is going to be VERY hard for us to keep asking people for this- but we need to, so just make sure that you think about it and help us!!!  THANK YOU!
• If we are out in public, help Mommy and Daddy keep crowds away.  We can't have people coming over and touching the girls- especially if we don't know them and if they haven't washed their hands, etc. :-)
• After RSV season is over, if you come to our house please make sure to wash your hands immediately when you come in.  That will keep the risk of infection down- again, it is going to be hard for us to remind everyone because we will feel bad. :-)
• MOST IMPORTANT!!!   Please don't be nervous to be around our girls!  If we follow the above advice, they can be loved and cuddled by all of us in due time!
  

So, if all goes as planned Sally will be arriving at Timber Ridge on Friday afternoon. :-)  Sophie shouldn't be too far behind her.  Sophie is still on oxygen and we are having the pulmonary specialists come to see her this week to see if we can get things moving forward.  We DO NOT want her to come home on oxygen- so we are hoping to see some quick progress this week.  ALL PRAY!!

We will continue to keep our website updated.  www.babyhomepages.net/kritzmankids  

Love to you all,
Debbi, A.J., Sally and Sophie

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February 19, 2006

Last night we had a sleepover again at the hospital.  This time it was a little different.  This is the first weekend that the girls are taking bottles and are getting up on their own for their feedings.  Mommy has been working with the girls on bottle/breast feeding all week but last night was Dad's first attempt at bottle feeding.  Well, Sally has been taking full bottles for a few days but Sophie hadn't taken a full bottle yet.  Both Mom and Dad woke up for all feedings throughout the night.

A.J.'s first try was with Sophie.  Last night at 9:30pm A.J. held his daughter and fed her a bottle.  Usually she takes about 10-15ml, which is about 1/3 of her bottle.  SHE FINISHED THE ENTIRE BOTTLE!!!  Now we call A.J. the "Bottle Champ!!"  It was so exciting!

Sally might be home in the next week or so, and Sophie is doing great.  She is now on a regular nasal cannula and doing very well.  Since she has already started bottle feeding, once she comes of the cannula hopefully it won't be long before she comes home.

The NICU has a great policy... once Sally is home we are going to be able to take her to the NICU with us to visit her sister.  They will keep a cot (the same thing she sleeps in now) next to Sophie's bedside so that we can come with Sally to the hospital to see her sister.  Hopefully in baby talk (or twin talk) Sally can tell Sophie how great her digs are (thanks Jen!!) and how cool their puppies are- and Sophie will hurry up and get out of the NICU herself. :-)

Oh, one last thing.  Nurse Tracey called Mommy and Daddy all night long in their room at the NICU to get them up to feed their girls.... at 6am Tracey let Mommy know that someone wanted to talk with her.  Then she put Sally to the phone and Sally spoke to Mommy!!  She had lots to say- none of it that we understood, but we do know one thing... she LOVED talking on the phone.  We see a future phone talker in the making....LOL.

Thanks again for all thoughts and prayers--- we are about to embark on a new journey outside of the NICU, and we can't wait!

Love

The Kritzman's

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February 9, 2006

Yeah! Sally is now in her own bed too and out of her isollette.  She weighs over 4 pounds and is in a big girl bed. :-) 

Mommy and Daddy learned infant massage today and the girls LOVE it.  Mommy got to wash Sally's hair all by herself and it was great.  Sally is no longer a NICU baby, but now called a Special Care baby because she is doing so well.  Yeah!

Sophie is on her full feeds and doing great!  After tonight she won't have any suppliments and only will be having her mommy's milk through her feeding tube. :-)

Tomorrow is a big day for Mommy and Sally!  They are going to work on Sally really eating and drinking mommy's milk without a tube. :-)  The NICU will weigh Sally before and after she eats to see how much she is taking in.  This is the first big step to the last criteria to take her home! Yippee!

Sophie is still working on trialing off her CPAP.  She is off for 18 hours a day and doing great.  She is having some reflux and that might be keeping her from being off full time- but we are working on that too!

All grandparents have held the girls and they LOVED it!  Things are going great-

Love,

Deb, A.J., Sally and Sophie

P.S.- Sally and Sophie want us to remind you that once they are home they will resume management of the site and everything will be in their perspective.  COMING SOON!

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February 8, 2006

This week has been fantastic.  Hopefully you have all been able to catch a glimpse of the video preview for the documentary.  We are really happy with the way that the team put together the video.  Sophie and Sally are gorgeous! (yes, we know we are totally bias!)

But, the real reason that this week has been fantastic is that we are achieving real progress. 

Lets review the 3 factors that determine when they can come home from the NICU.

1) Maintain their body temperature outside of their isollette.  (It is difficult for preemies to keep their body temperature at around 98 degrees.  Typically, they get cold)

2) Require no respiratory assistance.  No apneas or bradacardias for 7-8 days. 

3) Eat via breast or bottle and continue to gain weight (1/2 ounce to 1 ounce a day) for a few days.

Sophie has been moved to a big girl crib and has been maintaining her body temperature outside of her isollette. 1 down for Sophie.  Sophie has also been trialing off of her CPAP for about 50% of the time.  She is starting to recognize her hands and spends a lot of time smiling and moving around.  She looks so happy!

Sally is off of her CPAP for good!  We are so happy for her.  She is SO much happier not having that nasty CPAP in her nose.  Both girls have become experts at removing the CPAP once it has been placed in.  They can either pull it off with their hands or wiggle out of their little hats.  It is pretty interesting to watch them in action!  Sally only has a few more ounces before we might be able to take her out into her own big girl bed.  We are going to start giving Sally feeds through breast and bottle in the next week.  We are optimistic that she might be home in a few weeks!  Sophie isn't far behind. :-)

So- please PLEASE please continue to pray.  Things are going so well and we are so happy that they are doing great.  We appreciate your support! :-)

Love

Debbi, A.J., Sally and Sophie

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February 4, 2006

WOW!  What a night we had.  Mommy and Daddy slept at the NICU again last night and had a great sleepover.  Sally and Sophie are getting so big.  Sophie long ago passed her sister in weight, although Sally is a bit taller.  So- Sophie looks HUGE compared to Sally.  It is so cute.

Last night we held them from 10:30 to midnight and it went so quickly.  Daddy held Sally and Mommy held Sophie.  Every time Mommy moved Sophie she would let out a huge cry!  Meanwhile, Sally slept fast asleep on her Daddy. 

This morning Mommy held both of them together.  It was so obvious how much bigger Sophie is than Sally!  Both of the girls were wide awake and very into eachother.  They were talking to eachother using cooing as their method. :-)  It was a rowdy bunch on Mommy's tummy as they played with eachother.  They actually held hands on their own for about 2 minutes.  It was the most amazing thing to watch.

Sally was not happy though, because Mommy could not breast feed her with Sophie there.  Too much going on!  So, we had to eventually put Sophie back into her little isolette so that Sally could eat.  She still eats through her tube but is very interested in eating on her own!

Both girls are still on their CPAP.  They both still have their PDA's although the Dr's seem to think that it is okay to skip the surgery for now.  As they get bigger, things may just fix themselves. So, we are being patient and watching them get bigger each day!

Thank you everyone for your support-

Debbi, A.J. Sally and Sophie!

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January 30, 2006

We have the most beautiful daughters- and they are getting so so big!  Sally spent some time with Mommy today and is advancing in her breast feeding skills.  She is actually taking in some milk now so we are all really impressed.

Sophie just started eating again today.  She seems to be doing okay- but it is a slow process.  We are so proud of her because she is such a fighter.

Both girls received vision tests this morning.  Obviously they can't tell us if they can see something, so what they do is look at the vessels in their eyes and see how far they have extended.  Both girls have vessels extended into Zone 3 which is exactly where they should be at this stage.  They do not have ROP which is a danger if you are a preemie.  This was great news. :-)

This weekend Mommy and Daddy had another sleep over.  (We have slept over every weekend since we have left the hospital)  They enjoyed themselves so much.  On Saturday night Mommy and Daddy went out to Carbones for Daddy's birthday.  We had such an amazing time out.  It was so nice to do something just the two of us and really relax.  Thank you to Mommy's great QA team at work for getting them the gift certificate for their night out!

On Sunday morning M&D got up early to hold hte girls and then went on a trip to the Big Apple to see Auntie Cheryl in "Girl in Heat" http://www.offoffonline.com/listings.php?id=2030

She was absoultely AMAZING.  We totally recommend that you all go out and buy tickets so that you can say that you "knew Cheryl when..."  Sophie and Sally's Auntie is an incredible actor and this show was written and directed so well.  It truly displays her full range of abilities as her character journies through the production.  We are so proud of Cheryl.  (By the way, the show was sold out for the entire weekend!)

Thanks again for all of your support!

Love,

Debbi and A.J.

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January 25, 2006

Mommy has a cold so she can't go to the NICU today.  :-(  But- Grams and Gramps and Nana all went to go visit.  Daddy is going to go tonight and hold both the girls.  Mommy has been calling the NICU all day (they must love her...) and the girls are doing well. 

Love you!
The Kritzman's

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January 24, 2006

Today was a good day.  Sophie has not been eating breast milk (through a tube) for about 5 days because they think that she has the starts of something called NEC.  It is an infection that hurts the intestines.  However, if it was NEC (and they are not sure if it was) they caught it at the very early stages.  She is on antibiotics and recieving fluid (nutrients, etc) through an IV.  As you can see by her weight, it does not hold her back.  Nothing really holds our Sophie girl back, she is such a fighter!

Her X-Rays of her stomach are getting better and we are hopeful that we can start giving her breast milk by Saturday. 

Sally is doing very well off her CPAP.  She has been trialing for about 9 hours off the CPAP and then about 3-4 hours on for the past few days.  Yesterday Mommy and Sally had a big outing!  We walked around the NICU and showed Sally where all of her friends sleep.  Then the nurse (Tracy) asked us if we wanted to wash Sally's hair!!  How exciting!!  Neither of the girls have had their hair washed since they were born, so we weren't even really sure what color their hair was.

We walked over to the sink and wet her hair down carefully.  She LOVED it!  Then we put on a little Johnson's Baby Shampoo and gently washed it out by pouring water on her head.  She was smiling the entire time. :-)

Her hair is a very light brown with some blond and red highlights!!  It is beautiful... and it also looked like it might be curly.....  Then Mommy got to dry her hair and comb it.  It was so much fun.  :-)

She smelled delicious, and we can't wait for Daddy to get to wash Sophie's hair very soon.

Love everyone,

Mommy and Daddy Kritzman

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January 21, 2006

Quick Update!!  The PDA (described in the previous update) is basically heard as a murmur in the heart.  The doctors have not heard Sophie's murmur (PDA) in 2 days and no one is hearing anything on Sally today.  Could it be gone???  This would mean no surgery.  Stay posted- and pray!!  This is great news! :-)

Sophie is doing very well on her nasal cannula.  Sally is beginning to take longer "trials" off of her CPAP.  They are progressing- hopefully we are more than half way done with our NICU stay.

Love,

The Kritzman's

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January 20, 2006

What a day.  That is all we can say.  It actually started yesterday.  Sophie's infection is clearing up nicely, but her culture showed up with some more bacteria after growing for 3 days.  The doctors wanted to do a spinal tap to make sure that she did not have meningitis.  Thank goodness I (Debbi) stayed to watch it (and yes, I watched the entire thing- if our little girl is going to be in pain, it is the least I could do!)  HOWEVER- AMAZING... our little fighter.  They gave her a little sugar water and she didn't even flinch at all.  Her heartbeat remained at the same beat the entire time.  It was incredible to watch her be so strong.  Good news- the preliminary results came back negative (just like the Dr. thought) and she acts completely normal so we think that the infection is completely kicked.  GO SOPHIE!

This morning, we woke up early and headed to the hospital.  Both Sally and Sophie have PDA's.  (Patent Ductus Arteriosus)  This means that the ductus outside of their heart is open (which is normal for all babies, but most (90%) close up after birth) 

Since they came early it is normal for it to take a while longer to close, or usually they will close through medical management.  They have both been on a few doses of indomethicin which constricts muscles and we were hoping it would close the duct.  It did not work.

If the ductus does not close on its own and the baby shows clinical symptoms that they are suffering, they perform surgery.  Since Sally and Sophie aren't "flying" off the CPAP- we thought it would be a good idea to consider surgery.  After many conversations with the Neonatoligist, we determined that we would go forward with Sally's surgery this morning and Sophie's surgery next week. (we are waiting on Sophie to move her further from her infection)  

Amazingly, given that ducts are open, the girls are doing well on the CPAP and are on room air.  Usually this does not happen.  We think it is because they are true fighters.  Usually in this situation, they would be on the ventilator still.  They are amazing to us.  They will have to go on the ventilator for the surgery and will not be able to get my milk feeds through their tube (only will be on their hyper-al for that time).

So, this morning at 9:30am we were scheduled for Sally's surgery.  The nurse practioner and Cathy (the best nurse with her own personal angel!) were in the procedure room with Sally.  They actually perform this procedure on the same floor as the NICU so all you have to do is move her down the hall- it is amazing!

At 6am they already had Sally on the ventilator.  We arrived around 8:30am and the Cardiologist was in to take a look at the PDA to make sure that it was still open.  He showed us what it looked like.  Then at around 9:30 the surgical team from the OR came in.  AND- another cardiologist to do another scan of her heart.  They informed me that the surgeon liked to see the scan prior to surgery himself.   So- we told Sally we loved her, said some prayers and wished the team good luck. 

All of us (Kritzman's and Leibert's) went downstairs to get breakfast in the lobby.  We were confidant that this was the right thing to do- but it was scary.  Then, before we knew it, the Neonatologist and the Cardiologist were walking fast towards us.  We knew that it wasn't a bad thing because they couldn't have started the procedure already.  The came to tell us that the reason the second cardiologist came to do the scan because it was apparent that the ductus was smaller than it was last week.  It was so small that they didn't want to perform the surgery.  What amazing doctors.  We are so lucky that they checked and double-checked.  Turns out that the Cardiologist that read the scan this morning wanted the cardiologist that did the scan last week to check to see if he was right, that indeed the ductus was smaller.

All three doctors agreed that she did not need the procedure done today.  Things might change in the future- but today she looked great.  Again, a fighter!  Cathy's angel worked and we did not need to have the procedure completed.  :-)

Then, we went back to say hi to Sophie.  While her sister was in the procedure room, Sophie was busy taking off her CPAP.  She can't stand it!  So, the nurses decided to switch her to a nasal cannula which is less invasive and a step in the right direction for Soph. 

She has been on it for 13 hours and has been doing great!!  Way to go Sophie.  She LOVES the nasal cannula and is so so comfortable.  She is a dream to look at. 

Then, tonight we had dinner with an amazing family that we met while in the NICU.  All in all a good day- and a long update since we have been slacking lately.

Have a great weekend!

Love,

Debbi, A.J., Sally and Sophie

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January 16, 2006

Pictures speak a thousand words.  What more do we need to say..... Our day today was wonderful with Sophie off of her CPAP for 4 hours and Sally off and on for most of the day. 

Our girls are fighters... we are so so very proud of them.  They are true miracles.

Love to all,

The Kritzman's

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January 15, 2006

We had a big weekend!  Mommy and Daddy had their SECOND sleep over with Sally and Sophie last night.  We really enjoyed ourselves.  We got to the NICU around 7pm and received a bunch of updates on the girls.

Sophie's PICC line (the permanent IV line) had come out and she had developed an infection.  The staff at the hospital is so pro-active that they had already started her on antibiotics.  She definitely wasn't feeling well on Friday or Saturday morning, but by Saturday night she was ready to play with Daddy. 

Daddy and Sophie had such a nice time together.  Daddy isn't really allowed to fall asleep with the babies on him (not very safe) but this has been his daddy dream.  So- under Mommy and the nice nurse's supervision- he was able to fall asleep with his baby girl.  It was so cute- both of them were sleeping with their mouths open.

Mommy and Sally had a WONDERFUL evening.  Sally was rooting (looking for breast) so the nurse helped Mommy position Sally to try and eat.  She definitely was interested and for a little while she was trying to eat.  What a feeling!

Today they started feeding Sophie again (she stopped feeding because of the infection) and Sally had a huge day!  They stopped giving Sally any of her brown bag special. (Supplement of Nutrients)  Now Sally is totally on Mommy's breast milk through a feeding tube.  She is doing so well!

Up until today, the only time the girls come off of CPAP (Continuous Airway Pressure) is when they are receiving care (every 4 hours) or when they are on us (skin to skin)  A big part of getting them off of the CPAP is by having what they call "trials"  Trying to be off the CPAP....  Sally started trials today and was off her CPAP from 8am-10am, 12pm-3pm and 8pm-10pm.  So, she was off the CPAP today for 7 hours.  Pretty good for my little girl!!

Sophie had a great day today too.  She isn't having many spells at all and had skin to skin care with Mommy tonight for an hour and 20 minutes with no spells.  In fact, her heart rate was lower (she was calmer) and her oxygen levels were perfect.  And- Sophie decided to be interested in some eating too!! WAY TO GO SOPHIE!

At the home front- we have been busy.  We put together the cribs today with the help of the Kritzman and Leibert parents and sisters.... The crew from the hospital was at our house to film the event.  The nursery is really coming together.

Other great news!!  Piper and Sebastian are home!!  Sebastian (rescue Airedale Terrier) has been living with Grammy and Gramps Leibert for the past 5 weeks and Piper (crazy Airedale Terrier) has been living with Nana and Papa Kritzman for the same time.  We missed them, and now they are home.  Hopefully they are glad to be back- however they REALLY liked being with their grandparents.  Sebastian LOVED C.J. and Frankie and Grammy and Gramps and Piper can't get enough of Nana and Papa.  Plus, Piper goes to work every day so she has been really busy.  Hopefully she won't be bored at our house!

That?s all for now- thanks again for everything!

Love,
Debbi, A.J., Sally, Sophie, Piper and Sebastian

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January 12, 2006

Today was a non eventful day- and we love those!!  For the past few days we really have been feeding and growing.  Sophie is up more than a pound- and Sally is well on her way.

Things have been going well for both of them- and we are hoping that things continue that way.  Twin girls that we met in the NICU are going home tomorrow and we are so happy for them.  It is very hard being in the NICU, but we have met so many wonderful families, nurses and doctors- we feel blessed.

Last night we went to meet our pediatrician and we actually ran into some people we know.  AND- met some new friends.  Kate and Josh had dinner with Mommy and Daddy and we had some good laughs.  We needed those laughs- so thank you guys!

For the past few days when we have held Sophie and Sally it has been wonderful.  Mommy is getting more comfortable with them and beginning to kiss them all over. :-)  For the first time yesterday, Mommy got to smell Sally's breath.  It was the most amazing thing ever- so yummy. 

Sophie loves to sleep on her belly!  Sally loves to sleep with her legs and arms hanging out of her little bed (my little sun bather!)  She is going to love trips to Puerto Rico when she is older!

Again- A.J. and I can't thank all of you enough for your thoughts, wishes and prayers.  We feel so incredibly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful network of friends and family.  Thank you all for everything!

Keep signing our guest book- we love reading your responses!!!  Sorry that it has been a few days without updates- we have been busy at the hospital and now painting the rest of the nursery.

Love you all!

Sophie, Sally, Debbi and A.J.

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January 9, 2006

Today was a great day!!  Sophie and Salliy both had a few tests done to see their improvements and they had results that made mom and dad proud!

Mommy spent almost all day with her girls and changed lots of diapers.  In fact- speaking of diapers, yesterday Sophie was a little sleepy and not her energetic self.  The nurses did some tests to see if she had an infection, but they came back perfect.  They didn't know what was wrong with little Sophie- until she had a HUGE POOP in the middle of the night.  Today she was MUCH more active!!  See, just like us- a good poop can make you feel much better.

Sally had another great day today- she is gaining weight fast and looking beautiful.  Both girls came out to play this evening.  Sally had a night with Daddy and Sophie with mom.  Sally looked SO comfortable lying on her dad, she lasted over an hour with no CPAP and no oxygen.  In fact, when Nurse Cathleen took Sally off of her Daddy, she let out a big cry!

Sophie stayed on Mommy for about an hour with no CPAP and no oxygen.  She only had one little "spell" when she tried to suck on mommy and forgot to breath.  We told her that she would need to wait a little while for the sucking, breathing, swallowing- but she kept on trying!  She is a fighter, that is for sure. 

We hear rumors that some of you read this site every day- and that you are sad when it is not updated!  We love that!  Thank you for reading and for thinking of us.  We think of all of you often.

Much Love,

Debbi, A.J., Sally and Sophie

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January 8, 2006

Update on Height and Weight....

Sally:  2 pounds 7 ounces. (total gain of 7 ounces)  She is now 15.25 inches long.  She has grown 1 inch and 3/4 in the past 3 weeks!

Sophie: 2 pounds 5 ounces. (total gain of 10 ounces) She is now 14.5 inches long.  She has grown 3/4 of an inch in the past 3 weeks!

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January 6&7, 2006

The girls had their first sleepover!  Mommy and Daddy slept over at the hospital last night.  We had a great time and were able to hold the girls at midnight and then again 12 hours later.  There is nothing better than having them in our arms.

Last night (or very early this morning) Daddy held Sally and Mommy held Sophie.  Both girls had their CPAP off, but had oxygen nearby.  They did great and spent about 45 minutes playing with us.

Sophie had a blood transfusion on Friday so her arm had a huge bandage on it, and Sally had a transfusion on Saturday and had a huge bandage on her foot.  They are still able to move around though- and it looks like the bandages are pretty heavy so we have some strong girls!

Today was the best.  As the pictures show, the girls BOTH were on mommy together.  They loved it!  Little Sophie (obviously smaller than Sally once you have them side by side) was the more eager to be next to her older (by 1 minute) sister.  She kept creeping closer and closer on Mommy's belly.

Both were out for over 30 minutes with NO CPAP and NO oxygen!  We are very proud of them.  Seems like the combination of Mommy and Sister is a good one for them. :-)

We left them at about 2:30pm today and they were both still doing well.  We are very excited that they are growing up, now 3 weeks old.

Love,

Mommy, Daddy, Sophie and Sally

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January 5, 2006

Sophie hit 2 pounds today!!  We are so proud of her.  Sally now weighs 2 pounds 3.9 ounces.  They are starting to look more like little babies rather than little chickens!  They are so beautiful.

Debbi held both of them today.  Sally was sucking on her finger, but forgot to breath.  Apparently, it takes until about 32 weeks gestation (they are at 30 this Friday) to remember to suck, swallow and breath at the same time.  She has the sucking down and the breathing down, but just not at the same time!

Sophie was adorable.  What a fiesty little girl we have!  She basically got herself out of her diaper tonight- very silly.  She likes to grab everything in her site and watches everything with her beautiful eyes.

We are in love.

Thanks again for your well wishes,

Debbi, A.J., Sophie and Sally

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January 1, 2006

Happy New Year!!!  We know this is going to be a great year, because it will be the year that we can take home our girls.  We hope that it is extra special because we want to bring home two healthy girls.  :-)  We are confident that we will!

Both girls had great days today- they are still on room air (21%) but still need the use of their CPAP.  When off the CPAP, both girls have what are called "Spells" Apnea followed by bradacardia.   They have them about 4-5 times a day, which is not often.  They are pretty sensitive; because when they are being changed they both get pretty fussy!! 

Today we came to the NICU and noticed that each girls had a little teddy bear in their isolates.  They are so cute!!  The nurses placed them inside the isolate and the girls were lounging all over them.  They have started to gain a little of weight and now you can see that they have NICE legs!!! :-) 

Tomorrow we are going to bring some baby blankets to the NICU and we will be able to place our blankets in their isolate rather than the hospital blankets.  That will help make the area look much more comfy!

We still have a long way to go- but with hope and prayers and the New Year we feel blessed to have them in our lives. 

We wish the very best for you and your family- and hope that you had a wonderful New Year!

Love,
The Kritzman's

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December 29, 2005

The twins will be 2 weeks old tomorrow at 2:19am and 2:20am.  We can't believe it has already been 2 weeks but it also feels like a lifetime. 

Good news today for Sally.  They started her on continuous feedings like Sophie.  Sophie gets .6 CC's an hour and Sally gets .8 CC's an hour.  (they base the feedings on their weight) This will be good for their growth.

Sally lost a little weight today and now is just under her birth weight, where Sophie gained another ounce.  GO SOPHIE!  When we arrived today, Sophie had her bilirubin lights back on, her counts went up this morning.

Tomorrow we are meeting with the Dr. for an update before the holiday weekend.  Please pray and wish us luck.

Thanks again for everything,

Debbi and A.J.

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December 28, 2005

Today went well, just a little trouble for little Sally.  She is digesting her food, but just a little slower than the amount they are giving her.  This is normal for a little preemie, but Mommy and Daddy are hoping that she is able to handle it tomorrow a little better.

Sophie is doing very well with her feeding.  Both of the girls spent time with us today on our belly's doing skin to skin.  As you can see from the pictures, both Sophie and Sally wore daddy's wedding band as a bangle bracelet. :-)  They are so little!

We are no longer the only twins in the NICU.  We have twin friends that live across the hall. (Girls too!)  They were born last night at 33 weeks and they are HUGE compared to Sophie and Sally. 

Both girls continue to gain some weight.  Sally is now 2 pounds 1.3 ounces and Sophie is 1 pound 12.1 ounces.  We hope that they continue the trend!!

Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers- they are still needed and appreciated!

Hope that everyone is having a wonderful week and that you are all preparing for a Happy New Year- we all are!

Love,
Deb, A.J., Sophie and Sally

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December 27, 2005

Mommy and Daddy both went to the hospital today and spent time with Sally and Sophie.  We were able to take them out at the same time and both girls spent about an hour off of the CPAP laying on our chests.  Sophie actually turned her head from side to side before it started flopping!  ;-) 

Things were stable today- just a few "spells" (Apnea followed by brada-cardia) but that is expected.

We will update more tomorrow.

The Kritzmans

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December 26, 2005

Today was another good day for Sally and Sophie.  We have a lot more pictures of Sophie to share with you!!  This morning Gramps and Auntie Cheryl came over to help us paint the nursery and put on another coat of paint.  Later this week we are going to finish up- but it looks great so far.

We had a visit from Tracey and Jarrod who are in from Oklahoma and also Randy and Rachel.  It was so nice to have lunch with some good friends and laugh a little! (well, laugh a lot!)

Tonight we spent some time with Sophie and Sally.  A.J. was able to hold Sally and then Debbi was able to hold Sophie.  It was such a nice time with both of them.  They look much stronger and had their eyes open to look at their parents.

Sophie is now taking .6 CC's of Mommy's milk every hour.  She has been pooping on her own which is a big deal.  Sally started feeds after Sophie, so she is getting .9 CC's of Mommy's milk every 4 hours.  We are waiting to up her dosage, but she is also pooping on her own. 

During the "Feeder/Grower" phase we are looking for  pooping, eating and gaining weight all with no infections.  The girls are almost back to their birth weight- which is very exciting.

Thank you again for all of your thoughts and well wishes!  We appreciate it more than you can imagine.  They are not out of the woods yet- but your thoughts and prayers are definitely helping.

We love you,

A.J., Debbi, Sally and Sophie

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December 25, 2005

Happy Hanukah and Merry Christmas- all in the same day!!  What a lucky year to have two holidays on the same day. :-)  We are so thankful to the NICU staff that are working today and helping Sophie and Sally.

Sorry we did not update for the past few days.  Mommy and Daddy have been spending a lot of time at the hospital and also trying to prepare for when the girls come home.

Today we are starting on the nursery- we are so excited!

Here are some updates on the girls:  Both of them are off the phototherapy lights (for jaundice) which is great because now we can see their eyes.  The staff at the NICU covers their little isoletes with a blanket like a little bird cage!

Mommy got to hold both Sophie and Sally yesterday.  She loved it and it was the most comforting feeling of her life.  She can't hold them together yet, but in a few weeks that will be possible. 

Also yesterday, Mommy and Daddy changed Sophie's diaper again.  They got more than they bargained for!  Mommy saw it first- a HUGE POOP!!  All by herself she made a big poop and mommy and daddy were changing her.  Daddy was trying to be helpful so he moved the stinky diaper out of the way- then Sophie went PEE everywhere!!!  What a disaster, and we loved every second of it!! 

Daddy changed Sally's diaper by himself and he seemed to happy to do that.  Hopefully he will keep up his enthusiasm- because as they grow the poops get bigger! :-)

The doctors say that the girls are out of the "acute" phase and now are in the sub-acute phase many hospitals refer to as "Feeders/Growers"  The biggest risk right now is infection.  We are being very careful as this is flu season. 

We love you all,

Debbi and A.J.

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December 22, 2005

In S&S world, today was akin to when Neal Armstrong took his first step on the moon. No, the twins did not walk out of the incubators, but Sally got to take a break from the CPAP and spend thirty whole minutes in mommy's arms. Instinctively, the "Sally-Mander" starting looking for food, sensing that the source was nearby. Mother nature is truly amazing! Sophie didn't let her sister take all the spotlight, as the one affectionately called Baby B also got to graduate from the ventilator and move up to the CPAP. With their new breathing apparatus, the twins get to have their mouths uncovered so they can scream and whimper to their hearts delight. To mom and dad's dismay, only Sally has spoken, as she let out a few squawks. But mommy told daddy not to worry, just because they don't talk much now does not mean they won't hog the phone in a few short years. Lord knows, they'll probably be calling each other from across the hallway every minute of every hour.

In other momentous news, three grandparents got to give Sally a "preemie-hug" for the first time! Each one got to enjoy their own moments with the elder twin, watching her squirming ease as she felt their warmth. We are hoping to enjoy the same with Sophie tomorrow.

Also occurring today, daddy's first diaper changing (and yes, he wiped front to back) and the cameo of Auntie Cheryl, in an off-Broadway appearance as the "sister who cried on command." Her performance was "wicked good."

Both of the girls have lost a little weight, as expected, but are already gaining them back, a few grams at a time. Must be the prime rib they serve at the NICU.

Later, A.J. (standing in for the twins who have not got Internet connectivity in their incubators yet. The NICU doesn't allow WiFi. Oh well.)

P.S.- Today we took a lot of photos of Sally- tomorrow is Sophie's turn.  :-)

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December 21, 2005

Great day today- Sally was put on a nasal CPAP (I think that is what it is) last night around 2am.  Sophie is doing the same tonight.  It is a less abtrusive system as compared to a ventilator (which is what they were put on when they were born.  They are doing great.  Sophie has even digested some of my milk- which is excellent.  They are so beautiful- enjoy the pictures!!! 

Love,

The Kritzman's (PS- Sophie and Sally are tired right now and resting and gaining strength- once they feel better this website will return to their point of view!)

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December 20, 2005

I will write more later- but I wanted to thank each and every person in our lives that have been sending thoughts, prayers and well wishes our way.  We are so proud of our two daughters and love them so very much.  They are tiny and beautiful and we are soaking up your support and love.  Without you, A.J. and I could not have made it through this week with such confidence.

It is late now and it is my first night home- so I am going to do this quickly.  Just wanted to update some pictures and let you all know of our good news.

Sally and Sophie are absolutely gorgeous.  Thank you- and please continue to pray for both of our daughters- we love you all.

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December 16, 2005

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December 4, 2005

Yeah!!  We hit 25 weeks gestation this past weekend.  That is a big milestone and Mommy and Daddy are really happy.  We only have between 11-13 weeks left until we get to meet all of you!! 

Love,

S&S

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November 29, 2005

Mommy had another Dr's appointment today.  Well, the appointment was yesterday--- and because Mommy has placenta brain, she can't remember anything including when her appointments are!

But, the Dr's are so nice that they had Mommy come in anyway.  She is doing so well and so are we.  Blood pressure is perfect and there are no other issues.  She isn't dialated at all and her belly is measuring at 29 centimeters.  That is like 29 weeks pregnant and we are 24 weeks pregnant.

The doctor that Mommy went to this morning was Dr. Levine.  Mommy really likes her, but guess what?  She won't be delivering us because she is also pregnant with a little boy.  She is due the same time as Mommy and we might all be in the hospital at the same time.

Our heartbeats are great.  One of us had a heartrate in the 140's and the other in the 150's.  We think that Sophie was in the 140's and Sally was in the 150's.  But, it is hard to tell.  The Dr. says that it will be easier to tell once we grow a little more because we won't be moving around the belly so much.  Right now, we are about a pound and a half and over a foot long.  We are getting pretty big!

We hope that you all had a great thanksgiving and we can't wait to meet you all in person.  We can hear and we may start to see soon!

Love,

S&S

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Thanksgiving 2005

Today was Thanksgiving.  We have a lot to be thankful for this year.  Our cousin Ethan is 1 year old and he was so much fun for Mommy and Daddy to play with all year long.  They can't wait to spend the rest of their lives spoiling him.  (well, they will have to spoil us too!)  Uncle Shannon put recessed lights and a ceiling fan in our room last weekend and Auntie Cara helped Mommy pick out all her decorations for our nursery.  We are so lucky!  Also, we have the best Grandma's and Grandpa's anyone could ever ask for.  Auntie Sarah made a mix for us on her IPOD that has tons of songs for us to listen to, and Auntie even printed out the words so that mommy can learn the right way.  Auntie Cheryl rubbed mommy's feet all weekend.

BUT- the very best news is that one of Mommy's bestest friends is going to have a Baby!!!  Baby Schlachter is going to arrive just 3 months after us.  We have a new friend for life. :-)

We are so lucky to have another cousin join in our life and we promise to come visit NYC often!

Love,
S&S

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November 15, 2005

We had another Dr's appointment today.  Mommy feels really good today and she really liked the doctor that she met.  The office that she goes to is Connecticut Multi-Specialty Group and there are a number of Dr's that might deliver us- they want Mommy to meet them all so that she feels comfortable when we are born.  Today she met Dr. Tracey Levine.  She was great.  So nice and changed Mommy's appointments from every 4 weeks to every 2 weeks because that is what Mommy wants.  That was so easy!

Our heartbeats were great.  Sally's heartbeat was in the high 140's and Sophies was about 142.  We kicked a bunch of times when we were at the office and the Dr. laughed!

Mommy's blood pressure is still great and everything else looks good too.  Next week Mommy has to take some more tests at the lab, all standard for pregnancy.  Hopefully things will remain great. 

Mommy's cervix is hanging in there and is still closed completely (which is what the Dr's were hoping for!)  We are now 22.5 weeks baked, and Mommy's stomach is measuring at 28 weeks.  That is perfect, since twins are supposed to measure about 6 weeks ahead of schedule.

Lots of love,

S&S

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November 9, 2005

Mommy thinks that she can feel us!!!  She really likes it when we kick but she can't tell who is who yet.  I wonder if she will be able to tell us which one of us is kicking?  Hmmmm.  Well, Mommy is really excited because Daddy keeps on talking about how much he loves us.  She thinks that is so exciting!!!

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November 8, 2005

Today Mommy didn't feel so good, but she did get to go out with Auntie Cara for a while and buy some stuff for our room!  Mommy and Auntie found really nice crib bumpers for us that have butterflys all over it with flowers (notice the theme??!!)  They also bought beautiful curtains for our room in pink gingham.  Our colors will be pink, yellow and green.  The walls will be yellow and we are getting new carpet which is a nice green color.  Also, Auntie Cara and Cuz Ethan bought us two pretty flowers that will get attached to each of our cribs.  We are soo soo lucky!!

Love,
S&S

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October 31, 2005

Yeah!! Mommy was nervous today because she still can't feel us and we are more than half way done in her tummy. She has the very best doctors (I know she has said that before) but she really does!! She called them this morning because she wanted to know if she should be worried and they told her not to worry until 22 weeks, but that she could come in today to hear our heartbeats!! She did---- she was still able to walk up all the stairs by herself at the Dr's office. Our hearbeats were great. On of us had a heartbeat in the 160's and the other in the 140's. Mommy's tummy measures at 33 cm which is like a single pregnancy at 33 weeks. WOW!! The nurse said that she was measuring so big because of our positions today.

Also- the nurse said that when Mommy was lying down she could see one of our profiles in mommy's stomach!! WOW!!!

After the nurse checked mommy's bloodpressure and urine (both were great!) she asked mommy if she wanted an ultrasound. OF COURSE!! (said Mommy) She loves to look at us!!

Both of us were really moving and kicking inside. Mommy can't feel it yet because of her anterior placenta, but in a few weeks we will be strong enough for her to feel it!

Sophie was really moving and Mommy could see her Tushy!!!
(still a flasher) Sally was moving a lot too---- so fun for Mommy!!

We have our next appointment in 2 weeks. Stay tuned for an update. :-)

Love,
S&S

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