Big girls don't cry

Hello all! It's been a long time since I've updated - sorry about that. Things have been busy here in Battle Square. The girls are growing well and are both above 7lbs now. We'll have another update on their weights this week, but I was really pleased to know that Adriana, who was lagging a bit behind in the weight department, is nearly caught up - she gained 11oz in a week! The midwives and health visitors have all been saying how good that is and that it's proof that she's eating well enough. I was worried about breastfeeding since you can't measure how much they get at each feed, but they say just to go with the weight gain as a test.

It's hard to believe, but the girls are already six weeks old. I'm hoping for the gold standard of sleep soon - they say babies can sleep through the night as early as 6-8 weeks. So far, though, they're still hard to settle and even harder to settle if they wake up when they're not meant to. (I keep telling George how lucky he is with some night shifts. I know he's working so it's not really a break per se, but the grunting and crying and spitting up noises can really get to you. Sometimes I'd swear I gave birth to sound effects machines rather than babies - who knew they could make the sound of a squeaky door?) At the moment, I'm using the baby monitor's music option to play the vacuum cleaner noise. It seems to be working, but I think the girls will eventually catch on that Mommy isn't really doing the cleaning when they hear that noise.

We just had another set of visitors - Dad, Sherri and Casey all came to stay and see the girls. It's been a busy, full household, and it was really hard to say goodbye to them yesterday morning. (Also, because it's worth saying, Casey and I managed to only have one fight - and it was on the last night. So well done to us - apparently there were a few people betting on how long it would take, so to those who had night one as the first fight, you lost the bet.) It was nice to show them where I live, and I was really glad we were able to do the Thanksgiving ceremony for the girls while they were here. George and I are both really thankful that so many people came to share the day with us (and I was so thankful that the girls barely cried during the whole ceremony!), and when we have pictures to post up here, we will. The girls looked gorgeous in their dresses, and the weather was perfect.

Speaking of the weather, it's been sunny in England! It's been grey and gloomy for so long now, so seeing the blue skies and feeling the warmth of the sun has been glorious (although it's been a bit too warm in the house sometimes - windows have been opened and fans set up). Thanks to the Americans for bringing the good weather.

OK, well I think I've pushed my luck enough with being on the computer. I'm going to sign off for now and try to get some breakfast before the girls wake up again (last night they woke at 11.10pm, 3.11am and 5.40am - I was really hoping the would have slept through till about now after the 3.11am feed, but no such luck!). Hope you're all doing well, and I'm sorry I haven't been writing much. Lots of love to you all, though, and know that I think of you guys often (and send you messages in my head - I can't manage to get to the computer very often, but if we could work out some sort of telepathic system, you'd all hear from me much more.)

Lots of love,
Erin, George, Isabella (the grunter) and Adriana (the crier)