Sun in the Summertime - Finally!

Summer has been full of all kinds of fun. We've spent time with friends in Buffalo, gone to the Cape and even managed an impromptu playdate with the extended Union family of honorary cousins, Aunts and Uncles. Fortunately, despite all the rain in June, we've managed to get a little sun and be outside.

Austin has quite a few words (no, shoe, juice, bear, pool, more, mama, dada, banana), where Chase is determined to speak in phrases. He can babble through an entire meal and still manage to finish his food. We aren't sure what he's saying but he talks with his hands and seems quite intent on getting his point across. They are still using their sign language but less and less with more verbal expression coming into daily requests.

The boys have a little car and I'm thinking an ant farm is in their future given their fascination with these creatures. Maybe next summer, but not in our house! Sorry Aunti Lys - I know this must horrify you! Finally, we are able to enjoy some of the local playgrounds. It has taken a while to make a trip to these fun spots worth it. The boys love slides, Chase could swing for hours and any suspended bridge gets lots of attention. We're thinking Story Land is in our fall plans? Anyone want to come with? I hear there is a fun water area there so maybe September?

August is hopefully going to be low key. The boys will get to see both of their great grandmothers and all their Union friends. Almost 20 of us with kids in tow for a whole weekend - should be a blast!

Here are some shots of our latest escapades. Enjoy and keep doing the sun dance - it's working lately!

Happy Father's Day Papa!

June has brought a great spring/summer mix of weather until recently when the sun decided to play a fierce game of hide'n seek. Eventually, we'll find out where it's hiding! Luckily, we have a deck for the boys to play on and a fun climbing apparatus/slide to keep them busy, courtesy of their friend Hunter who has since outgrown the toy. The Step 2 climber comes inside easily and has been a savior lately when outdoor play just isn't an option.

We celebrated Father's Day with a special meal, get this, prepared by Dan. His choice! He made fantastic potato salad, sliders and coleslaw, courtesy of Tyler Florence. Being a Food Network junkie, this is what made Dan happy so we let it happen. After all, it was his special day.

Austin and Chase are 19 months old now and are doing great. They are running all over the place and we are finally learning what twin-speak is. They crack each other up and giggle so hard that sometimes, we feel a little left out. It is so fun to watch them explore the world around them with more maturity and truly enjoy each other's company. Their favorite toys are still books. They can "meow" like a cat and "cluck" like a chicken but as for talking...they're holding out on that for a little longer. Hopefully, this isn't a sign that procrastination will be in in their future. Austin is having his adenoids taken out and ear tubes put in on Wednesday, June 24th. We're hoping this kicks his chronic ear infections and gives him a little more room in his throat.

The boys are still loving their daycare arrangement with a local mom who has a dog, cat and lots of toys. Here backyard is like going to a park and sometimes I think they want to stay there when I pick them up at night. We are greatful for Lori!

We recently attended an ICN reunion and heard many stories like our own. It's amazing how common prematurity is but it was great to see all of these kids running around together. We met some nice families and hope to bring the boys back for years to come, giving current families hope for their own children to lead normal lives.

The summer is packed full of fun activites. We're heading to Buffalo for the 4th of July and then the Cape for the rest of the week. We have a few other weekend trips planned and lots of house projects. However, getting those projects done is extremely difficult. Thank goodness for the afternoon nap or else this place would be a royal mess all the time!

Here they are, our baby boys all grown up. We cannot believe they are toddlers already. They look to the sky when an airplane buzzes by and chase ants around on the deck. They throw full out tantrums and swipe toys from each other but just when we've had enough, they give us the sweetest kisses in the world! Does it get any better?

Spring has sprung!

Finally, An Update!

Yay - we're one!

It's noon somewhere...

Peekaboo!

Austin is checking the nutritionals before daddy starts Saturday morning pancakes.

Ok, so I haven't posted for a while. I have one simple explanation - I was searching for a job and have subsequently gone back to work full time. And I thought I was busy before...

The boys are walking (started around Christmas) and trying really hard to talk. They have lots to say but it comes out in a language we don't quite understand yet. While Austin and Chase continue to differentiate themselves personality wise, they are still trending similar in size, 21 lbs. and 31" tall. They are average for their age and that alone is impressive.

We're still on two naps a day and eating everything in sight. We officially haven't found anything they won't eat, well, except birthday cake. They do not take after their mother with that trait as I've never met a baked good I didn't like :) Formula is a thing of the past and bottles are slowly being replaced by sippy cups at all meals.

We bought the boys a picnic table to do crafts on, eat snacks and play, but they've discovered it's far more fun to stand on the table. They are one step away from proclaiming "king of the mountain" and beating their chests when they reach their destination - unbelievable the instincts these kids come with.

Chase is still looking so much like his daddy. Brown eyes and we did have to get him a hair cut. His shag in the back was getting long so he is all cleaned up now. Austin, everyone says, looks like mommy. Blue eyes and dark hair. The boys are extremely happy and best of all, most amused with each other. They chase and taunt and seem to really love each other. Bath time is by far the most fun event in our house everyday. Austin dips his nose and mouth into the water and then erupts in the best belly laugh you've ever heard. And monkey see, monkey do, Chase tries to copy but with a little less finesse. He just dunks his whole head and we'll just say is getting his fair share of water intake everyday. Dehydration is not a concern with him.

The boys love music and dance whenever a tune is played. We do lots of singing, reading and chasing each other around. All in all, this is a pretty decent age and we couldn't be happier. Not to say they aren't a lot of work, but it comes with the territory, right?

Here is the "wee Rhi" as we call my sister's daughter (almost 8 months old). This is how Dan gets his "girl" fix. So cute!

Austin and Chase with their friend Hannah. She's a good sport for putting up with the two of them on play dates.

Halloween and so much more!

The boys didn't quite make it to "trick or treat" but we did manage a photo shoot in our front yard. Austin is dressed as Winnie the Pooh as a Bumblebee and Chase is a turtle. Chase was fascinated with Austin's antenae.
Chase wore his Turtle hat most of the day so when picture time came, he was ready to pose.

Austin tickling his friend Elmo and Chase still in his Turtle hat :)

Saying goodbye to Daddy in the morning...don't go!

Dressed as pumpkins, the boys got new "ride-on" toys from Grammy and Grandpa. Maybe they'll be mechanics or do demolition derbies when they're older?

Lunch with friend Drew included a side trip to the L.L. Bean outlet. Three little pumpkins!

Ok, so Chase has very little hair, and we like him to be used to hats...besides, it's a good cushion when he stumbles.

The car is made for one, but there's always room for brother.

The pink binkie incident...cousin Rhiannon wasn't paying attention and the boys stole her pink binkie. It wasn't even the type they use, but boy was it popular with them!

What this picture doesn't show is the yelp Rhiannon let out when she realized she was outnumbered...eventually she'll realize Austin and Chase are her protectors :)

Ahhhhh, the skunk fiasco. This is the friend we had living in our garage for a few days. Luckily, it never sprayed but instead seemed quite content. Baiting it out with garbage eventually did the trick. There is never a dull moment.

After a fun fun filled afternoon of play, Austin took a nap right on our friend's floor with their daughter Olivia. He was very tired!

Chase & Olivia.

A trip to the apple and pumpkin farm with our friends the Lang's from Buffalo. Pictured here is Susan, David and Lang (as he's affectionately known.)

New Pictures of "The Boys" & Friends

(left) Austin and Tiggah

(below) Chase beating on Austin

Hanging with Auntie Caroline and Hannah on our first college football Saturday with the Taitelbaum's.

A weekend away with cousin Rhiannon, Kona and Auntie Kerry.

Summer 2008

Finally, a summer update!

We’re happy to report that everyone in the Couture household is having a great summer. We’ve made several successful trips to Cape Cod to visit Grammy, Grandpa, Auntie Kerry, Uncle Dave and our new niece Rhiannon. We also visited Nana, Pop, Auntie Michele, Uncle Bill and cousin Sierra in New Jersey. The boys did great on each trip but the car rides can’t end fast enough. They behave but c’mon, even adults don’t like to sit still for that long! Other adventures have included a petting zoo, blueberry picking and the beach.

Because so many of our friends have become parents or added another child to their family this summer, we've also had some fun play dates. Let's just say our circle of friends has made a hefty contribution to the class of 2026. So far, the boys have played with Hannah, Nate, Conner, Drew and Sammy. There's only one missing from the bunch and that's Hallie who lives in D.C. Eventually they will meet as well.

Since our last post, so much has happened including the further definition of Austin and Chase’s individuality. So, to honor that exciting development, I will update all of you on each child separately (in alphabetical order of course!).

Austin is a love. He is laid back, extremely happy and very sweet. His attention to detail is overwhelming and he has a fantastic attention span for such a young baby. He loves to play with Chase but can be very content entertaining himself as well. Austin enjoyed solids from the moment they were introduced in late June. He got the hang of the spoon very quickly and has loved everything from peas to sweet potato to banana. After months of some serious drooling, two teeth appeared on July 16. And with that addition, along came some fierce diaper rash. Between the new food, teeth, the heat and some long car rides, it took a while to get those buns back to normal. But through it all, Austin never complained. He also didn’t seem to mind the ear infection our pediatrician found at his 9-mos. well check. He certainly is a tough little guy. Austin’s disposition and happiness is never more evident than when his Daddy comes home from work at night. It’s a sight to see when he realizes that his favorite toy has returned home for yet another evening of play. In addition to Daddy, Austin loves his baseball game and chasing plastic stacking cups on the kitchen floor.

Chase…where do I begin? What a character! His new nickname is “brut” since he’s like a bull in a china shop with his toys and his brother Austin. Watch out if you’re in his way, because he’ll plow right through to whatever he has his eyes on. He’d rather stand than crawl and I fear he’ll be our bumps and bruises baby given his impulsivity. Chase is very engaged and observant but he does get bored a bit easier than Austin does. A talkative little guy, he takes a little while to settle down to sleep sometimes, but once he does, he’s out cold. In addition to his bottom teeth that he got on July 6, Chase also has a top tooth that arrived without much discomfort besides more diaper rash. Chase is hard to miss with the biggest eyes I’ve ever seen. His baldness is slowly being replaced with light brown fuzz (and he finally has more hair than someone...Uncle Hough!)and those cheeks have finally given way to a chin and neck that I never thought we’d see. Now, Austin giggles and gets very silly, but Chase takes the cake with belly laughing at his Daddy. He thinks everything Dan does is hysterical. Our friends call it “Dan TV” and it really is a fitting description of the animated display he puts on for the kids. Chase’s laugh is music to our ears and his energy is enough to light up a room. His favorite toy is his piano and the two fuzzy gray things that live with us. Chase them through the kitchen is a sight to see!

So, to sum up other milestones, the boys had their 9 month (6 month corrected) well check on August 14. They are both 17 lbs., 4 oz. and almost 28” long. Austin is a little bit taller, which may make him look leaner (a.k.a. making Chase look chubbier) but I think they are simply built differently. Such different babies! But, they both officially crawled on Sunday, August 17 and are sitting up on their own. We’ve added a second solid feed (well, it’s really pureed) throughout the day and we still haven’t found anything the boys WON’T eat. Unbelievable! We’re at 32 oz. of formula a day (nursing officially ended a month ago) and looking for that to slowly decrease over the next few months. We’ll start cheerios and some other finger foods at 7 months and protein at 8 months.

For those of you who we haven’t caught up with yet this summer, we hope it was a good one for you. We’re very much looking forward to more adventures in the fall, which will definitely include a visit to apple orchard and pumpkin patch. Best to you and yours and enjoy the pictures below!

Look, it's our great-grandmother! Can you believe she has her own set of twins and triplets, plus three other children??? Unbelievable!

Grammy helping Austin shade his delicate baby blues. And Chase showing off his new found mobility (Amy, take note that the shirts still fit - crazy, huh?)














Grampy (always with a spit rag handy) and Austin taking in the view of the Vineyard.

This is Kerry and Alex's son Drew.

This is Julie and Brian's new son Conner. Big sister Libby is peeking out of her fort.

The boys with their new friends Conner and Drew.

(left to right) Austin, Chase and Nate (Lys and Jon's little boy).
The boys and their girlfriend Hannah (Caroline and Scott's little girl). Chase cracking up in Daddy's new backpack.
Austin with his Great Aunt Lori and Great Uncle Frank (who used to be known affectionatley as Unc and will now be known simply as Great).

For once, Austin beating up Chase...wierd thing is that Chase thought it was hysterical! Me and my boys :)

Austin, Chase and their friend Sammy.

"Do you think Dad's using the right fertilizer?"

Another wrestling session.

Nana, Pop and the boys at the clydesdale horse stables.

Austin, Chase and their new cousin Rhiannon.

She's going to be a tall one! Definitely taking after her Daddy.

Our babies are growing up so fast!

You hear it your whole life, but I never imagined they'd get so big, so fast. We feel like infancy is nearly over. The boys are cutting teeth, crawling backwards and nearly sitting up on their own. We started solids a week ago and they are doing great. So much all at once, it's unbelievable. They are now five months corrected and on the 12th, will be eight months old. Chase is about 17 lbs. while Austin is about 16.5 lbs. Here are some of their latest adventures - enjoy!


Down the Cape in our sun cabana.

Ready for the beach!

Summer is here!

Well, as any of you living in the northeast know, summer has arrived with a fury! It's hot out and thank goodness we have air conditioning. Don't get me wrong - we love the heat, but again, we're limited to the time we can spend outside with the boys so they do not overheat, etc. But, I did sneak them out for a quick walk early yesterday morning and then we took a dip in our kiddie pool - all 2" deep of water! Yes, I too dip my whole self in. If anyone is watching, we must look hilarious. Me in my bathing suit that absolutely does not fit, and the boys - well they're in the buff. We get in there and it's just a fit of laughing and splashing. Chase is a maniac in there. He kicks constantly and Austin is just mesmerized by the whole experience. Without us doing anything, when we brought the boys in the pool for the first time on Sunday, both of them just let out this wonderful belly laugh. They just really got a kick out of the whole experience. But what a great age this is! Of course, I feel like I really don't know their age...are they 4 months or 7? That is the question. Ahhhh, life is too short to worry over these details. So, since I'm always in the pool with the boys, there are no pictures yet of their wet adventures, but I'll have Dan take some soon.

The only other update I have (hopefully our streak won't be jinxed by me writing it here) but we're heading into night 10 of sleeping through the night. Usually we get about 10 hours, but last night we got 12! I think we've hit that magic 15 lbs. and they no longer need a mid-night feed. Of course, now they'll probably start cutting teeth...it's alway something!

Stay cool and enjoy this wonderful weather we're having!

Six Months Old!

The boys are six months old today! And get this, Chase has officially caught up to Austin and they are exactly the same size. I know, big shock, given the size of his cheeks and his many chins... For the longest time Chase was about a pound smaller but now, both boys are 14 pounds and 25.5 inches long. While modern medicine gives Austin and Chase two full years to catch up to term babies their same age (that is other babies born in mid-November 2007) the boys are nearly there. It's amazing and we are so proud. It's also nice to not be doing math everytime we try to figure out what clothes should fit, etc. It's so much easier this way! So, as someone recently said, "they like their groceries." Of course, we still correct their age, because while they are six months old, they are acting somewhere in between three and four months, with regard to development, etc. For example, we aren't starting rice cereal or any other solids until at least the end of June.

The boys are really starting to develop personalities. Austin is our cuddler and he suckers mommy into naps whenever he can. He is laid back and really quite content. He talks a lot and is overall happy. Chase is feisty as always. He has found his thumb and seems to prefer that to the pacifier at times. He has totally discovered his brother and when we put them in front of each other, he lights up the room with a huge smile while reaching for Austin. It really is the cutest thing. Chase is our worrier. He just looks so concerned sometimes but luckily he smiles and laughs a lot too - a ball of emotion is the best way to describe him.

The boys were recently part of a "Then & Now" poster campaign (see their poster below) and charity walk sponsored by the March of Dimes. We're in the process of finding ways to become more involved with the March of Dimes in addition to the Dartmouth Hitchcock ICN Parents Council. If we can't prevent some of the hardships we've gone through for others, our goal is to help others cope with premature birth, loss and overall complicated pregnancies. While our journey has felt grueling at times, we would do the past six months again in a heart beat if it gave us the honor of being parents to these amazing little boys. Journey on!

New Pictures

Auntie Kerry and her baby bump! Feeling great, looking amazingly fit and due in July, we got to visit with my sister Kerry yesterday and the boys got to hang out with their cousin...well kind of. This counts, doesn't it?

New Pictures!

Spring Is Finally Here...We Hope

It's official. Our mounds of snow are disappearing, the birds are chirping and people are outdoors again - it's spring! We're getting out nearly everyday and it feels so good! Our weekly appointments with the visiting nurse are done so we won't have new weights until this Friday. Until then, here are some smiles (and serious faces too) to brighten your day!

Compare this!

Do these even look like the same babies? My goodness, look how much they've grown! Sorry for slowing down on posts. We've been busy trying to get out for walks and to visit some friends who have recently had new babies. It's been fun seeing all these new little people who we hope our boys will grow up with. The boys didn't get weighed last week but we're expecting to be nearly 13 and 12 lbs. by the weigh-in this Friday. We've officially segwayed into 3-6 mos. clothes and are practically out of #2 diapers already. The boys have done two nights in a row of sleeping for 8 hours! It would great if they continued but I suspect they'll tease us a few more times before settling into that routine.

So, let's talk about age...we've learned we are supposed to go by their corrected age (using Feb. 4 as their faux birthday) for everything but vaccines. So, instead of being 5 months old on April 12, they were two months old on April 4. If you think it's confusing, you're right. Using the corrected age makes all of the developmental milestones more attainable. Once the boys are two years old, we can simply use November 12 as their birthday. They should be caught up by then.

The boys are smiling socially and when they do, it lights up the room! Of course, I can't keep the camera on them all the time, but I've been able to snag a few shots of these wonderful smiles. They are both really starting to grab at things and get this, we think Austin might be teething. I got teeth at four months, so it's perfectly reasonable that he could as well. In the meantime, his mouth seems to be a little sore, he chews on everything and drools a lot. I dred teething, like I dred turning two and potty training! Maybe we'll get a nanny by then :)

Ok, once I figure out what to make for dinner, we need to go on our walk. In the meantime, here are a few more pictures from the past couple of weeks! Enjoy!

Happy Easter

Ok, so we didn't get the boys picture taken with the Easter bunny...but we did get a visit from Nana & Poppa Cooch, cousin Sierra, Aunt Michele and Uncle Bill. Easter Sunday, we ventured out on our first trip to Grammy and Grandpa Dufromont's house and all in all, the entire weekend was a great success. The boys stayed on their schedule and we actually felt a sense of normalcy for the first time since the boys were born. Here are a few pictures from the week and weekend. We're seeing a resemblance between Austin and Sierra, but Chase is still his Daddy's clone! Enjoy!

New Pictures!

New Pics of the Boys!

Here's Austin wearing probably the cutest hat we've ever seen him in! Thank you Aunt Susy!

Chase was too sleepy for hat wearing...funny, with his baldness, he's the one who should be wearing the hat!

Now that we're getting so many visitors, everyone wants perspective on how far the boys have come. So, here are the diapers they started with on day one (about 3.5" high) and next to it, is a #1 diaper, which they've just grown out of. I have other items, such as hats and outfits, that I'll photograph and post. It's just amazing to think each baby started out less then three pounds.

Ok, so we don't leave him unattended, but how cute does Austin look in the bumbo seat? What a big boy!

We kept putting the boys together and I think Chase had enough. He's saying, "This is my boppy. Don't even think of putting that big brother of mine in here with me because I'm big too, and I'm using all of it!"

There are definitely better ways to do tummy time, but this is just so much cuter! Even though Austin has so much more hair than Chase...we're starting to think Austin's is falling out too. Maybe one of them will be bald like their mommy was...?

Wow - We're Growing!

These boys are getting heavy! The last weigh-in (2.29.08) had Austin at 9 lbs. 3 oz. and Chase starting to catch up at 8 lbs. 7 oz. The newborn clothes are quickly disappearing from their drawers and the three month ones are coming in. We cannot believe how fast time is passing us by. But not to worry, we are trying to capture as many moments to share with everyone as possible. Here are a few shots from the past week. The Alcatraz bibs are from Aunts Amy and Stacy who live in San Jose. I'll try to get better at dressing/photgraphing the boys in outfits people give us so you can see them in use before they're outgrown. Goodnight...

Update and New Pics

The boys are doing great this week. We're on a steady 3-4 hour schedule and there have even been a few nights where they've slept 5+ hours. The boys we evaluated for early-intervention development services on Wednesday and they passed with flying colors. They are 3 months old and were rated as 2-4 months in every category. All of their actions are appropriate, especially since they are only 3+ weeks corrected. With all of that being said, they did not qualify for any services. The visiting nurse had to cancel today due to weather but we're confident the boys have continued to grow. My guess is that Austin is 8 1/2+ lbs. and Chase is 7 1/2+ lbs. Here are few pictures from the week!

Update & New Pictures

Hi everyone. I'm so sorry I didn't write earlier. Some of you have been concerned about all their appointments last week and I didn't mean to keep you in the dark. The "snip, snip" on Monday was a great success. The Couture boys will now look like all their buddies in the locker room. The eye exams on Wednesday were also a success. The boys' eyes were labeled for the first time as "mature." This means we don't have to go back for another six months. Phew!

The boys are gaining a little more than an ounce a day at this point. Austin is nearly 8 lbs. and Chase nearly 7 lbs. With nine feedings a piece everyday, my arms are sore from holding them. We've got them sleeping four hours at a time at night and two to three during the day. If it's possible, we actually think they keep getting cuter! Ahhh, the bias of a parent is wonderful.

Go Pats!

It's Super Bowl Sunday and the boys (Chase - left, Austin - right) are resting up for the game. We're enjoying a quiet Sunday together in preparation for a week of excitement. Tomorrow is the boys official due date and to celebrate...drum roll...they're getting circumcized! Now what could be more exciting than that? I'm hoping I can get updated weights and lenghths tomorrow so we know exactly what they were on their original due date. As of this past Friday, Austin was 6 lbs. 12 oz. and Chase was 5 lbs. 12 oz.

The circumcision is tomorrow in Nashua and on Wednesday, we head back out to Lebanon for a repeat eye exam. Let's hope this one goes smoothly and that everyone keeps breathing. For those of you who hadn't heard, the last eye exam landed Austin back in the NICU for a night of observation because he had an apnea during the exam. Dan and I had to stay in the Birthing Pavilion with Chase. Needless to say, I'll never go to Lebanon again without a change of clothes in the car! It's really quite common for babies this age to experience apnea during the eye exam because it puts pressure on their vagus nerve (which makes you pass out). A metal speculum is used to hold their eyes open while the doctor takes several minutes to look inside each eye. The boys scream bloody murder the whole time and they come home with extremely bloodshot eyes. But, they're several weeks older now and we're hoping the fourth time is a charm. All we need the doctor to say is that their eyes are "mature" and then they're done. The only good part of Wednesday is that we get to stop by the NICU to visit some of our friends.

So, we're all ready to cheer the Pats to victory. I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their weekend. I'll write more later this week with an update on eyes.

We celebrated Dan's 32nd birthday on Friday and the boys enjoyed the party. Well, Austin did. It was just the four of us, but that has left some much appreciated extra cake and ice cream for mom and dad!

Both boys are getting big. As of Wednesday, Jan. 23, Austin was 6 lbs. 4 oz. and Chase was 5 lbs. 3.5 oz. Austin is gaining an above average amount every week at this point and Chase is right on target. Most of the preemie clothes are getting packed up at this point, with only a few outfits that still fit. I'm hoping they stay in the "newborn" clothes for a little while so they get some use out of all their cute outfits.

I've decided that is just isn't natural to wake up in the middle of the night and feed two babies. But as awful as it feels, I really can't complain because most of the time, it's every three hours. That at least gives us about two hours of sleep at a time.

As the boys have grown, so have their voices. Each has a very distinct cry. Austin's is mature and rather controlled, while Chase's cry is by far more demanding. Their cries seem to be reflective of their personalities, as Austin is a bit more laid back and patient. If Chase wants something or if he is annoyed, he's going to let you know.

VISITATION UPDATE: We will be accepting HEALTHY visitors starting in February. If you want to come meet the boys, we ask you to give us a call or send an email and together, we should be able to find a time and date that works. Weekends are best, but if you are local, an evening could work as well. You should expect to stay for about an hour and wash your hands often. If we learned anything from our stay in the NICU, it's that hand washing is the single most effective weapon against spreading germs. So help us all stay healthy and wash your hands! If you have children, they can come along, but please prepare them for a look but don't touch approach. We'll be a lot less neurotic about this once winter has passed and everyone is less germy.

Well, that's it for now. Off to another feeding session!

New Pics of Us!

New Pic of Austin

New Pics of Chase