Here at the Jacobs: December 2004

Here is Robert with both the twins at once!

Here are Michael and Natan in their new outfits from Allison.

Such Big Boys!!!

Natan and Michael went in to the doctor for their Synigis shots today. Natan only let out a little belt of a cry- his ample thighs seemed to cushion him from feeling the shot too much. Michael cried for a good 15 seconds- his legs are still a little less padded, so the shot hurt a bit more. The twins were also weighed- Michael weighed 9 lbs. 13 oz, and Natan weighed 10 lbs. 4 oz. Considering they are currently at 39 weeks, they are certainly very big boys!

Here is Natan having a bath.

Here is Michael having a bath.

Another appointment with Dr. Keene

On Thursday the boys went to their appointment with their pediatrician. They are doing great, and continuing to grow at an incredible rate. Natan now weighs 9 lbs 4 oz, and Michael 8 lbs 12 oz. It appears that Natan gained 20% of his body weight in just 10 days... compare that to how many pounds that you would need to put on to acheive a 20% gain!!!

Everything else regarding the boys looks fine, and we are pleased at how well they are progressing. They would be 39 weeks today if they were still in utero, so they are looking quite like the full-term newborns that they would be if they hadn't been born prematurely. They are now big enough to wear Shmuli's newborn baby clothes-which is so amazing to see... I had forgotten how tiny Shmuli used to be.

One thing that was frustrating at the appointment was the sluggish rate that our health insurance has been in getting everything processed. The twins were due for their second Synigis vacinations during their Thursday appointment, and somehow Aetna couldn't figure out how to process twins on their computer system. These vacinations run around $1,000 to 1,500 each, so the insurance coverage is rather necessary. The final verdict today is that the vacinations will be covered, but we have a $500 annual deductible and a 20% co-pay. Not cheap, but better then no coverage. Hopefully we will be able to get the vacinations early this week.

The boys are awake more and becoming quite social, with extended periods of "quiet alert" and less sleeping. We are so fortunate that friends and local high school girls have been coming over at various times and holding the babies. The boys thrive on physical contact and being held, and I am so glad that we, along with our friends, are able to acommodate.

Here we go, off to see Dr. Keene.

Here is Shmuli with his latest Lego creation.

Here are Michael and Natan, all swaddled and ready for bed.

It sure is nice to have a buddy to nap with! (Michael on left, Natan on right).

Here are the snugglers (Michael on the left, Natan on the right).

Natan and Michael visiting. Note that Natan's head is now bigger then Michaels.

Here are the twins, resting together (Natan is on the right, Michael on the left).

Here is a close-up of Michael- note the double chin!

A Visit with Grandpa and Grandma

The boys had a nice visit with Grandpa and Grandma today. Grandma gave Shmuli a picture she had made that he especially admired, and Shmuli showed Grandma some of his art. Both Grandma and Shmuli seem to have abundant artistic talent.

Natan slept through much of Grandma and Grandpa's visit, and made his social appearance later during their time with us. Michael was awake and alert the entire time, and had a nice time being held by Grandma and Grandpa.

The twins seem to now have insatiable appetites, and can never eat often enough. Mom and Dad are trying to figure out how to keep them fed and happy... except not every hour or two!!! We are delighted that they are eating so well, though; as it is what they need to grow healthy and strong.

Here is Grandpa holding Michael.

Here is Grandma holding Michael.

Such Big Boys

Today was Natan and Michael's check-up, and they both continue to grow and grow, Thank G-d. Believe it or not, Natan now weighs 7 lbs 11 oz and Michael weighs 8 lbs. That means each gained over a pound in the last week, which is absolutely incredible if you think of it as a percentage of their body weight. Translated to adult weight, I think that would be equivilent to a 140 pound adult gaining 20 pounds in one week. I don't think us adults would be too pleased about such a massive weight gain!

We now have plenty of trout for dinner- Shmuli and Robert went fishing and brought 5 nice big trout home. They had such a nice day and were so pleased to have caught so many fish. The place that they like to go fishing is about 35 miles from home, and is a stocked lake, which means that one is almost guaranteed to catch some fish. I must say; though, that I think this is the best catch they have ever had. Yum!

Let's catch some fish for supper!

Here I come!

Shmuli and Robert decide to spend the rest of the afternoon fishing.

Here are Michael and Natan taking a nap after the bris.

We have names!!!

Lest everyone think that the boys will be Twin A and Twin B forever, I am delighted to inform you that the bris was today, and the boys received their names. The mohel was able to do the bris quickly and the boys hardly cried more then a few moments. Afterwards, they just snuggled, relaxed and enjoyed sucking on a little wine-soaked gauze. Many friends came to join us in the celebration, and we were so touched by the support that we received from everyone.

So the names... Twin A is now Michael Yeshaya Jacobs, and Twin B is Natan Rafael Jacobs. Please forgive me, however; if I occasionally refer to them as Twin A and Twin B- old habits die hard!