they still have their first bath at home, their first time being home, the first time you breastfeed them directly, the first time they can sit up, the first time they eat solids, the first time they walk, their first words, their first day of kindergarten. there's so much to look forward to! i was a NICU baby, and my mom has told me that instead of thinking about the bad stuff, she always would think about the firsts she would experience with me. i know it sounds really hard, but you're doing such a great job already! ur family of 5 is beautiful, colleen

@loz6337

2 жыл бұрын

So wonderful to hear such beautiful sentiments from a NICU baby, what a wonderful way to look at it

@Knotlful

2 жыл бұрын

So true ❤️ I was at the NICU too when I was born 29 years ago and my mom always told me about the time she had to pump her milk, check on me every other day at the hospital. She also had a toddler boy at home to take care of, just like Colleen. It’s all forgotten once she gets to take her sweet babies home. ❣️ now my mom is literally my best friend!

@ciaramarvin2995

2 жыл бұрын

Love this!

@sarahundt3621

2 жыл бұрын

YESSSS!!

@paisleyquickfall9426

2 жыл бұрын

That’s what I was gonna say! Colleen will still get the firsts that will happen at home. These are just the firsts happening at the hospital.

I know maybe the “big firsts” are happening at the hospital but you’re gonna have the first feeding at home! First bath in their own bath! First diaper change in their own house! First day with their big brother! You have years of firsts to come and they’re going to be so special. I’m sorry you can’t have the first few but the ones to come are gonna be such big milestones too💛

@shanna7579

2 жыл бұрын

Awww I love this! This is so true the whole family will have a lot of firsts coming up

@Mrsnataliedeleon

2 жыл бұрын

I love this comment and I hope Colleen sees it 🥺

@CAH2727

2 жыл бұрын

I love this so much

@elisabeththomsen2831

2 жыл бұрын

Also, a little ways down the line, there will be their first real smiles, first words, first steps, and so many other firsts! Yes, these firsts you don’t have as big of a role as you would have liked, and that SUCKS, but there are still so many more firsts to come!

@karenferreira1009

2 жыл бұрын

Great way to look at it, not me crying to this comment! 😂 Loved this! 💕

just remember, firsts don’t have to be the only firsts! you can do them all again at home, and it’ll be their first time at home, or their first time with you, or their first time on a tuesday while it’s raining. you can make anything a first and it’ll all be special and amazing! you’re doing great mama, you’ll have all the firsts you could ever want and more!💚

@tiffanya234

2 жыл бұрын

This is such a great comment!

@chelsealink9091

2 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful way to look at it. 💞💞

@KM-vi5eu

2 жыл бұрын

Best comment

@pusheen1875

2 жыл бұрын

So sweettt

I can feel Eric’s excitement about his babies through the screen. He is so eager to tell people about their names

@kebert2thumbsup

2 жыл бұрын

He's a proud papa and such a good dad to Flynn. And also a loving husband!

@puppet0101

2 жыл бұрын

I feel that to He docent need to say them know tho she already posted the video of there name reveal

@RandomOutoet0000

2 жыл бұрын

Wesley and maisy are going to have the best life ever

@kaleighsworld3812

2 жыл бұрын

@@RandomOutoet0000 I don’t know their names cause I haven’t seen the name reveal

Colleen, never forget you and your body were the first one to feed your babies, to “change their diapers”, to be their home. You will always be their first everything. I ache for you and your pain, but please know your babies will only ever know *you* as their mama. Your resilience is inspiring, sending my thoughts and prayers!

@datgaydangernoodle1315

2 жыл бұрын

Awww 😍🥺

@thatsdope9571

2 жыл бұрын

This should be the top comment

I still remember how you called Flynn bunny🐰, and now you have a complete garden of beauties with your little worm🐛 and ladybug 🐞. So exited for you Colleen, they are perfect!

@miranda3909

2 жыл бұрын

irk its so cute

A quote that has really helped me is "people cry, not because they are weak, but because they have been strong for too long" and I just feel like this is something you need to hear. I am so proud of you

@lizalove91

2 жыл бұрын

Oh I love this so much ❤️I went through a lot of childhood trauma and have pretty bad anxiety and stuff as a result and sometimes I just need to release it and cry!

@janetohara3904

2 жыл бұрын

I love this so much I can strongly realate to this quote

@abigailcruz8011

2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful ❤

Colleen, your emotions are valid. They aren’t selfish. Every mother dreams of all the firsts with their kids, and this unfair journey your family is on has taken some of those things away. There are people out there who understand what you’re going through.

@e.poyrazhalicivideolari.5629

2 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/kYeXprN6nszddLg.html ııııııııııı

@mollycope3935

2 жыл бұрын

I agree! And I really think the nurses could have given Colleen a heads up they were gonna try to feed him so she could maybe get there earlier so she could feed him, or even wait until she got there! It must be so hard

@Motherswatering

2 жыл бұрын

@@mollycope3935 yeah they totally could have waited, they visit everyday. It should be the parents choice. At least to have them apart of it.

@pannekoek20

2 жыл бұрын

I dont have twinssss but.... i relate to to this soooo much!! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

As a student nurse, this really opened my eyes to a new perspective in doing the parent’s first things with their babies. I’ll be keeping that in mind from now on, I’m not a mom myself so I never knew how special those things are to parents of newborns. 🥺

@gabbiehernandez7390

2 жыл бұрын

Yes!!! I was a preemie in the NICU as well, and my mom was really upset to learn she was excluded from some of these experiences while still in-patient and recovering from a vaginal birth! (I only stayed in NICU for 1 week as I was healthy with perfect scores on everything, and my mom advocated to take me home since staying longer was unnecessary, and she was an RT with extensive NICU experience).

@Maebelle1111

2 жыл бұрын

You’re going to be an amazing nurse with that compassion! Good luck love!

@catrinac.8948

2 жыл бұрын

student nurse here as well!! this definitely is teaching me a lot too & is giving me a lot to keep in mind

@ironiceilidh

2 жыл бұрын

i think that's the unfortunate part is i can only assume/give benefit of the doubt that the nurse in question just didn't even consider it. seeing as they arrived just as they were doing it, i would hope they'd be happy to include them in the process but it probably just didn't even come to mind. i mean i guess not every nurse is like that and some can be more strict but i think it's so important not to lose your compassion in a field like this because while it's the hundredth or thousandth time you've done these things, they're all firsts for the family. the best professionals you come into contact with are the ones that are empathetic and level with you as humans regardless of any authority or hierarchy they may have while on the job. every case is a new human's perspective and i think of every encounter i've ever had with medical staff, the worst thing they could have ever done is let me me just a slot on the schedule and it's just business as usual. everyone should feel seeeeennn !! apologies for the little rant here lmao 😅♥️

@hadasbaram5456

2 жыл бұрын

@@ironiceilidh as a nicu nurse i can tell you that even if mom and dad are there the first few feedings they can't be invovled cause it is very hard for the babies and they should be fed a curtain way. Believe me each and every parent gets attention and are our patients as much as the babies are :)

There's still their first baths at home, first time meeting Flynn, first time eating solids etc

@Jenn-715

2 жыл бұрын

And nobody is going to breastfeed them first and nobody will comfort them better. Just gently remind yourself that these firsts they are having in the NICU is what will make it possible for you to have all those special firsts at home. As much as it sucks, try to see the people helping them get home to you as a blessing. Because truly, thank God for living in these times.

@Ellie_S

2 жыл бұрын

yea exactly, look on the bright side of life!

@theonewiththeratpfp

2 жыл бұрын

and first steps, first words too!

It’s not selfish Colleen! You’re their mother, it’s an instinct, you’re not alone❤️ Don’t forget that you will be there for the first time they walk!!!!!

This one really gets to me. Your feelings regarding feeds with your babies are completely valid. I remember going through this a year ago with my 27 weeker. You are doing amazing. 💚

My sister and I are twins. We were born a month early, and we had to stay in the NICU. We were only about 4lbs too when we were born. My mom called us her little ladybugs. I just think that it's really sweet that you call your daughter ladybug.

@elenayounan7644

2 жыл бұрын

I was a twin myself like Coleens twins boy n girl I’m the girl I was born 2 moths early

@heatherlynn1016

2 жыл бұрын

I call my daughter lady bug too! How cute

When my son was in the NICU, I asked that they call me before they do any “firsts” so that I could be there to do it or at least watch. I am so sorry you missed his first bottle. Make sure you let them know to call you ahead of time, no matter what time it is. 😭❤️

@clairekennedy2152

2 жыл бұрын

This is such a great idea! I'm so glad that was an option for you. Hopefully if Colleen sees this she can ask if they could do this for her!

@Suprachiasmatic

2 жыл бұрын

Interacting to boost. Not sure if YT does that but hey it can’t hurt! Good suggestion!

@danielapemcova345

2 жыл бұрын

Yes this. Idk why they had to do that before Colleen if he was getting food already. Doesn’t seem like an emergency

I have never had babies so I can’t even imagine what it is like seeing other people feed your babies but all I can think of is how you get to focus on THEIR firsts. Their first time having their diaper changed by Mamma in their own home. Their first time feeding from Mamma. It is going to be so special

Wanting to feed your babies isn’t selfish at all :( it is so so valid to be upset. There is such thing as toxic positivity, you don’t always have to look at the bright side and you are completely allowed to just be upset. It’s wonderful they are in such great hands and being given the best in this type of situation, but I hope they can come home soon so they can be with you and Eric🥺💛💛💛

Title: “Baby Names We Love But Didn’t Use” Erik: “It’s just gonna be you saying Buttice and John over and over again?”

@ellagries8460

2 жыл бұрын

this made me laugh so hard

@alisapizza123

2 жыл бұрын

That part made me laugh

For all those “firsts” that you feel like you missed - remember that your individual firsts with them are still firsts, and are so special, even if they weren’t the very firsts ever! Their first diaper changes *with mama*, their first kisses *from mama*, their first bottles/feedings *from mama*. Those special firsts with you are what matter most. Love you and can’t wait for the name reveal tomorrow!!

@faybishop5996

2 жыл бұрын

This comment is IT! Hope she sees this! Amazing way to put it and is completely true!

I can’t even begin to imagine the pain you are going through right now. Also never apologize for crying! And even though you are a strong warrior mama, sometimes you just need to cry and breakdown. It doesn’t show weakness and it doesn’t make you any less strong! You are an amazing person! I’ve been keeping little boy and little ladybug in my thoughts and prayers every day 💕

I LOVE the names you did end up choosing. They flow so well together, they match each other well without being two of the same name (common with twins lol) and they just fit with your family!

Wanting to feed your babies is not selfish… but rather instinctual, primal, maternal and very beautiful :) Colleen you and your entire family of 5 are all amazing people 💖

@Welderman502

2 жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thing

@gollygeewillikers

2 жыл бұрын

@@saskia7214 that’s unhelpful, saskia!

@rosie2145

2 жыл бұрын

@@saskia7214 Although that may be true. Her experience and feelings are completely valid.

@RxePlaysMsp

2 жыл бұрын

@@saskia7214 really!? Wtf was the point of commenting this

@theabsolutenobodyguy5702

2 жыл бұрын

@@saskia7214 well, you haven't experienced being a mother so you won't know.

Speaking as a NICU mom, it is NOT unreasonable to want to be the one doing those milestone things for your baby. But, you need to advocate for yourself. You aren't being a pain in the butt by telling the NICU nurses that YOU want to be the first one to feed them/bathe them/whatever milestone you deem to be important. If they decide that the baby needs to be fed by bottle at 8AM, then they should call you and say, "Hey, we're going to trying feeding by bottle tomorrow morning. Want to be here to do it?" I'm really surprised they didn't ask you, but now that you know they aren't preemptively asking, you should go to them and let them know you want to be there for any milestones going forward. It might be helpful to make a list of the things you think are important. Otherwise, they might call you for every little thing ;) Good luck, Mama. You're doing great.

@annymarie64

2 жыл бұрын

Totally second this! We had to, almost every day in the NICU for 3 months, tell the nurses REPEATEDLY that we wanted to come in for baths. They even had it written on the board in our sons room and and they still sometimes forgot to tell us if they changed the day. But 110% advocate for what you wanna be there for mama, it’s so hard, but you got this!!

@valeriamartinez4088

2 жыл бұрын

I hope she sees this and responds or thanks you for this comment in a video. She probably felt/feels like she can’t do these things to not step on their toes but at the end they are her babies and if she wants to be the one to do things with them she should be able to and she should get calls

@nhouse7962

2 жыл бұрын

Liking and commenting so she sees this. Yes, tell them! I am sure they will work with you and make sure that you are doing the things.

@101handbags101

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, 100% this! I’m sure in the nurse’s mind there are concerns over the things that could go wrong but if they’re right there, there’s no reason why Colleen should not be the one to hold baby boy while he has his first bottle, or bathe him or whatever else. Praying Colleen sees this, you have to be firm and not worry about being a bother or hurting anyone’s feelings.

@RonjasVlogs

2 жыл бұрын

just commenting so @colleen reads this! This is great advice! I am a nurse and I am sure if you tell the nurses, they will be happy t call you, Colleen! As you said they noticed he was searching, so they can call you and you can do it with their help. Sometimes, I think, the nurses just might forget or get excited themselfes that he is developing so well and then dont think about calling or dont want to bother you. Putting a note might really help too :) All the best and stay strong!

I love how much more comfortable Erik is being with the videos. I hope we see more of him in the future! 😊 y’all are doing amazing btw Colleen! I can’t imagine how awful it is not being to have ur babies home but you’ll get through it Mama and papa Erik!

I remember being back on ward once my daughter was resuscitated and she was taken to NICU. It was such an empty feeling, my baby wasn’t in my tummy anymore, but she wasn’t in my arms either. Love to you guys x

I rlly hope that she continues to use the nicknames “worm” and “ladybug” it’s so cute, I really hope she’s okay and it’s not selfish at all that you want to be the first one to feed ur newborn babies💕

@ginachaires9580

2 жыл бұрын

Specially because Flynn loves bugs how cute for him to call them that

@ayemaray

2 жыл бұрын

She used to call Flynn bunny I think!

I love how she calls her daughter 'Little Lady Bug' that's such a cute nickname

@meganrajagopal5133

2 жыл бұрын

She totally needs a lady bug onesie

@lizr4076

2 жыл бұрын

Worm is.. not so nice lol

@sof9329

2 жыл бұрын

@@lizr4076 i think its super cute

@pinkbunny6272

2 жыл бұрын

My nickname was Luluca as I was a small baby, the original names are always meaningful.

@echo_20_

2 жыл бұрын

I love it too because that was my nickname my dad used when I was a baby

Flynn's laughter was everything I needed after the day I've had. I related so much to Colleen whenever she was talking about she should of been feeding baby boy. As my daughter was born with a severe heart condition, and spent weeks in the NICU. God bless you and your precious family.

I love how much more involved and comfortable Erik is in the vlogs since starting the podcast 😊 🤗 Thanks for sharing your journey and being so authentically raw and real about life! Congratulations ❣ 🎊 👶 👨‍🍼🍼 🤱 👶

Colleen, dont be sad that you missed all the "firsts" because you still have their first steps, their first words, first day of school, and so much more! You got this girly! (thank you guys)

@Xsalmacatz

Жыл бұрын

I don't got it siiplyashh

“The ball is stuck on the Miranda” -Flynn Stocklin 2021

@finn_sage

2 жыл бұрын

you reading the future?

@liliphdr

2 жыл бұрын

@@finn_sage hahaha, I was like why are you saying that, but now I see what you meant😀

@izzielalala

2 жыл бұрын

It’s still 2021-

@caseystrickland7421

2 жыл бұрын

Still 2021 lol

@paisleyquickfall9426

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I caught that probably a typo.

Just thought I'd let you know that today, November 17th, is WORLD PREMATURITY DAY for all the Premie babies out there! ❤️ You and so many other mommas have the absolute stongest babies and you are the most inspiring people to get through all of this. ❤️

@cari8282

2 жыл бұрын

❤❤❤❤

Watching Flynn, Eric and Corey play was absolutely adorable

calling your daughter “little ladybug” and your son “worm” is adorable 🥺

@ednajadan1981

2 жыл бұрын

It is but the name is just so bad

@colleendaumen136

2 жыл бұрын

Have a feeling that Ladybug and Worm are actually the first letters of their names... Like Laci & Wyatt or Lucy & Wolfie :)

@delta1568

2 жыл бұрын

@@ednajadan1981 it’s not nice to call someone’s baby name bad

@sara_styles

2 жыл бұрын

@@delta1568 ikr

@mbmullikin

2 жыл бұрын

@@colleendaumen136 yessss I thought lyla and William lol

I saw “baby names” and clicked IMMEDIATELY. can’t wait for the reveal tomorrow!

@allyepizzalato4860

2 жыл бұрын

SAME

@323audrey

2 жыл бұрын

TOMORROW?!!!!!

@DigiRangerScott

2 жыл бұрын

I think Flynn said he wanted to name them

@lindysmith6370

2 жыл бұрын

Ikr!!!

@abbycipriani3768

2 жыл бұрын

@@323audrey YES IM SO EXCITED

Omg that’s so exciting he tried a bottle!! I was still syringe fed after coming home. It’s amazing how strong they’re doing. They’ll be home in no time. ❤️❤️

What a journey your family is on. I can’t even imagine or relate to how hard this is for you all, soon this will all be behind you and those sweet angels will be filling the house with so much joy just like Flynn has. My heart pours out to you during this time and know that you are so strong and loved ❤️

As a mama, I want to encourage you that you will have a lifetime of “firsts” with these sweet babies. I’m so sorry you’re missing out on some of them in these early days, but man oh man you are sacrificing so much for them! Pumping, especially for twins is a full time job with lasting benefits for all 3 of you. You’re doing great even if you don’t feel it. God chose you to be their mama and nobody else can fill that role or steal your spot in their lives- nor would they want to! Thanks for sharing the raw emotions… postpartum is brutal even without all the extra obstacles and hurdles you guys are facing. So looking forward to learning their names tomorrow!

@NoThankUBeQuiet

2 жыл бұрын

Better to miss the early firsts than not get any firsts at all.

@sonyalynn8699

2 жыл бұрын

Well said, couldn't of said it better! Colleen is such a beautiful caring mommy😊God Bless✝️

@angelasalazarslife

2 жыл бұрын

This was very well said ♥️

@michaelmorningstar2700

2 жыл бұрын

This is an amazing comment💜💜💜

omg the fact that there was a “alice” and “jasper” makes my twilight filled life so happy

@harleyday95

2 жыл бұрын

I was just gonna say this but they're also dating in Twilight so that's kinda weird 😂

@erin6614

2 жыл бұрын

@@harleyday95 but they're also siblings in twilight too

@lailamartinez3326

2 жыл бұрын

WAS LOOKING FOR THIS COMMENT

@harleyday95

2 жыл бұрын

@@erin6614 yeah, but they're together, like, together together.

@himrdoonfuci

2 жыл бұрын

@@erin6614 but just for humans to know right?

I could not imagine how it feels to have babies in the NICU, you are SO strong! A friend of mine just went through the same thing and I can't even imagine. Sending so much love! You're doing so so wonderful!

it’s not selfish wanting to feed your own babies , I’m not a mom but I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you to watch someone else feed and change YOUR babies for the first time. you’re so strong ❤️

Her ability to express real and strong emotions while also giving a very well rounded understanding of her situation at the time is pretty amazing.....

I’m sure the babies aren’t even worried about the professionals doing “firsts” with them. I’m sure all they’re thinking about is getting strong enough to go home to their mom so they can start their firsts there with you. You’re such a good mother!

@debwilson1935

2 жыл бұрын

She’s upset about it. I get it, she cares. She wanted to do that. It’s ok to feel bad! I felt the same way, I was near death when my baby was born, nurses helped me with my baby the 1st two days. It’s hard!

@xomeeganxo05

2 жыл бұрын

I was so upset missing out on the firsts like she said for selfish reasons. You want to do the first as a mom not have a nurse do it for you.

@AndreBenjaminswife

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely❤️

@cayeh5923

2 жыл бұрын

That is true. But from her part it’s so real and ok to feel those feelings, mother instincts and LOVE is the more powerful thing in this world. The biggest.

Oh my goodness hearing the names that you and Eric decided on, you were right, they’re perfect! I would love to hear the potential middle names combos later too if you’re up for it!

its great to see Erik as a dad - you can tell he's a great one!! and Colleen if the babies wont transition back to breast feeding try thinking of it as an opportunity for both you and Erik to bottle the twins at the same time. so its a win either way.

the way that Flynn will think it’s normal to have dolls of your moms alter ego hanging from your ceiling lmao

You've corrected yourself a few times now when you say I'm pumping not breastfeeding... just wanna let you know you're absolutely breastfeeding by pumping! You're just not nursing straight from the source, but when you pump the milk is still coming from your body so you're still breastfeeding. I pumped exclusively for my daughter. So many people would say i wasn't breastfeeding and it would drive me nuts. Pumping isnt easy, I pumped every 3 hours for 7 months and it's alot of work. The time it takes to pump, cleaning all the parts, labeling and bringing them their milk... its super time consuming. I know breastfeeding its difficult too, but I just wanted to share if you're nursing, youre breastfeeding, if you bottle/tube feed pumped milk, you're still breastfeeding. Keep up the good work mama

@MA-zg2pz

2 жыл бұрын

I’m so sorry people say you weren’t breast feeding. The comments people make to moms 🤦🏼‍♀️ so annoying. Youre amazing

@jessa4282

2 жыл бұрын

Agree!! I went through a period of exclusively pumping with my daughter when I went back to work and she refused my breast and to have people tell me, “oh you’re not breastfeeding right now?” Or “oh you failed at breastfeeding?” The disrespect. Pumping is so hard!! Breastfeeding is hard. It’s all hard. 😅

@maddisonsimich-burropera9657

2 жыл бұрын

Your amazing ☺️

@meganhewitt200

2 жыл бұрын

I’m usually pumping when I watch her videos and it kinda upsets me when she makes it sound so bad. My son was not good at latching and so I also exclusively pump.

Your so strong, I’m looking back at these videos to see how far you and your baby’s have come! Love you guys it’s amazing

I like the names you chose more than the potential names on the list! They really seem to suit the twins. 😊

Flynn probably sees Erik as his hero. He always calls his Dada for help, and Erik never fails him. It’s sooo precious.

@emilyhonea3001

2 жыл бұрын

This made me sob! I’m so happy that Flynn sees his dad as a person he can always call and rely on. Not everyone gets that. :( this family is just SO sweet and full of love. This is what keeps me watching ❤️

@mothermarie6057

2 жыл бұрын

That’s exactly what I was thinking 🥰

@sierra8493

2 жыл бұрын

I wish I had a dad more like Erik I wouldn’t have ended up with daddy issues 😞

@mothermarie6057

2 жыл бұрын

@@sierra8493 That is one thing I love about good family channels. Young couples who look up to these folks can learn good ideas for their lives! Hooray 🙌☀️

Colleen, even if their firsts aren’t with you, they still have a second first with you. The first bottle with their mom, their first diaper change with their mom, etc. That’s the special part for them. Just connecting with you.

@airasyifaathaya8920

2 жыл бұрын

Yesss

@allisondiaz1319

2 жыл бұрын

You’re so right 🥺♥️ this is so sweet

I love how honest you are about motherhood Colleen. sweetest mama 💗

YOU ARE SO STRONG AND INSPIRATIONAL! You are getting closer each day to them coming home🥲 look forward to all of those firsts! Sending hugs and progressing vibes for the littles❤️❤️

I love how confused Eric gets with KZread “is this live?”😂😂 He tries.

@jamie.lynn004

2 жыл бұрын

Eric never fails to make me laugh in the vlogs😂

@Ashspill87

2 жыл бұрын

That was totally sarcasm from Erik. Lol

He's hit two huge milestones in just a few days: being able to maintain his body temperature on his own, and showing he's nailing the suck-swallow-breathe reflex. That's amazing!

@elisabethLR

2 жыл бұрын

yeah! I feel like baby boy might come home sooner than baby girl at that rate! Tho they do seem to be following each other closely, he is very strong for a premy!

@colleendaumen136

2 жыл бұрын

Have a feeling that Ladybug and Worm are actually the first letters of their names... Like Laci & Wyatt or Lucy & Wolfie :)

@jonathanluis1684

2 жыл бұрын

@@colleendaumen136 plot twist, their names are ladybug and worm lol

@RedRoseSeptember22

2 жыл бұрын

@@jonathanluis1684 lol

@Alan_Shv

2 жыл бұрын

@@jonathanluis1684 good this Flynn will catch them with ease

Colleen your a mom and those are valid feelings to have about firsts. You're doing amazing lady hang in there! ❤

Your strength makes me so happy. You’re doing so well it is amazing

did anyone else break down in tears when colleen started crying at her daughters spit up? i could never imagine the type of heartbreak she is going through not being with her babies🥺 nothing but love and a speedy recovery for the twins💜💙

@brooketaddy6309

2 жыл бұрын

Yessss

@courtenay9616

2 жыл бұрын

Yes 100% she ALWAYS gets me. I just love her and her family so so much

Feel your emotions: cry, feel angry, feel frustrated. Just feel it all. It’s hard to go through what your going through. You’re doing the best you can in a situation that isn’t ideal. You’re twins are getting stronger each day, you’re getting stronger each day! You’re a super mom 💜

@cilaluna

2 жыл бұрын

Beautifully worded❤️

You are doing amazing. As another NICU mama, this time is almost impossibly hard, and you truly are doing the very best for them. You are giving them access to professional care to help them grow as fast as possible. The emotions of being a NICU mama can stick around for a long time. Hearing other NICU parents stories and knowing you aren't alone with the hopes and fears can be super helpful. You are a wonderful mama and your babies know you love them.

Love you and your strong, inspiring family! You got this! You're allowed to feel your feelings and cry, they will be home with you before you know it. 💞

The fact that Colleen cries when she smells her baby's barf just shows how much she loves them and misses them 💔

@elisabethlopez1431

2 жыл бұрын

I cried with her! Anyone else?

Tortilla talk!! Does Flynn ever get sad that he can’t see the twins yet, or ask why they are in the hospital? love you and so excited to know their names !!!!! You are a rockstar 💓

This brought back a lovely memory of my nephew's first feed by mouth - he was born at 32weeks and of course had the same journey to feeding. I was visiting once and he started showing signs of being ready to drink through his mouth and the nurse tried it, his mum was crying, I was crying, it was so special.

Flynn: *having a pretend "emergency"* Eric: *in the calmest voice ever*"Okay. Nice to meet you" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Colleen, crying is strong. Allowing yourself to feel your emotions and express them is incredibly strong! Please don't think just because you're feeling all of this that you're not. Thank you for showing us this side and I'm sure it's empowering others to share their own stories too.

Flynn: “DADDY WE NEED YOUR HELP!” Eric: “WHAT~?!”

@colleendaumen136

2 жыл бұрын

Have a feeling that Ladybug and Worm are actually the first letters of their names... Like Laci & Wyatt or Lucy & Wolfie :)

Also journaling!! YASSS! It’s the best thing I did. It helps to look back and remember all this!

You are their Mom and no one can take that away from you! Big hugs Mama!

So cute how Flynn likes to make sure everyone is involved. Like the game with the ball, Kory could have thrown the ball AND gotten it down but he wanted to include Erik too. So sweet.

@airasyifaathaya8920

2 жыл бұрын

Ikr he's such a sweet boy, Colleen raised him well❤️

Try to remember that you will have YOUR firsts with your babies. Regardless if someone may have already done whatever with your littles, YOU will get Your First with them❤️❤️ that always helped me with my little! Whenever I wasn’t there for some of his technical first of doing something, I still got to do it with him or watch him do it for the first time! You got this momma, you are so strong and those babies are so lucky!

Colleen you are amazing!! Never be ashamed of your feelings! You are incredibly strong and so are your babies! ♥️♥️♥️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Your feelings are so valid, Colleen. When you first mentioned that the nurses gave him a bottle my immediate thought was that it must have been so painful for you to not be the one to feed him, even before you started talking about how it made you feel. I think anyone would feel the way you do in this situation. But you and the babies are SO STRONG and you're gonna make it through this!

I know it sucks that you can’t do all these firsts with your babies, but remember there are SO many firsts your going to experience with them! First words, first steps, first day of school, first hair cut, etc! You are doing an amazing job! We love you and are very proud of you!

@e.poyrazhalicivideolari.5629

2 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/kYeXprN6nszddLg.html ııııııııııı

Colleen to her neighbors: "I'm the Milkmom! Screw the Milkman, I have leftovers here. Anybody want milk?"

@6mendes944

2 жыл бұрын

@SillySanta sureeee it is 😦

@brooketaddy6309

2 жыл бұрын

@SillySanta mmm…. ok bud

@oyutumenjargal2930

2 жыл бұрын

@SillySanta 😒

@gigidodson

2 жыл бұрын

Colleen could feed the entire NICU with her milk supply. She never does anything half way.

@jimalicia6188

2 жыл бұрын

@SillySanta ohhh yea... sure it is 😒

Colleen your the best mom ever! Keep thinking positive! You got this!

Seeing Colleen be so vulnerable is seriously so comforting. Even if I can’t relate to the content specifically I can feel for her and know what it takes to be vulnerable. That’s superhuman.

@amelialaird2281

2 жыл бұрын

She’s always vulnerable not just right now though..?

@missygirl337

2 жыл бұрын

@@amelialaird2281 I haven’t always been subscribed or known about her? Sorry?

“I’m literally just smelling her barf and crying! She barfed!” You’re so proud ❤️

Your video alone shows how much you love your babies. You got this mama💕🙏

I am a NICU nurse and I like seeing this perspective. The true parent perspective. Feeding a premature baby for the first time does require the nurse to assess that the baby is ready to “suck, swallow, breathe” as you said and eventually you will be the primary person feeding them. But I understand you wanting to be a part of the firsts. What I would encourage you to do is try to think of other firsts and ask if you can be a part of them and if they can save those moments for when you are there as much as possible. For instance, the first tub bath. In most NICUs we bathe the babies every 3 days so it is definitely something they could schedule with you beforehand. You can also ask if they can include you when baby girl starts to eat from the bottle as well. I always tell parents “these are your babies. You are their parent and we want you to be involved in everything.” Congratulations!!!! I know right now it feels like time is moving slowly but before you know it they will be home. And I will also say feeding can be a long process but for a lot of the babies it is like a light switch. One day they will just get it. They will go from looking like they will never get the hang of it and then the next day they will be sucking the bottles down. 😊

tortilla talk question: how has Flynn felt about all of this? has it been hard for him to understand why he can’t see his baby brother and sister? does he ever ask to go with you to the hospital? how does he react to all of the photos of the babies?? love u bestie and i can’t wait for the name reveal

i can’t wait to find out the names today, but Colleen you wanting to feed your babies first is not selfish, I think that any mother would feel the same way. Stay strong Colleen! We love you 😊

@geneveenash8512

2 жыл бұрын

Me too! I’m watching this vlog for the second time, just for extra inspiration and to distract till she posts!!

@theyluvv_layla1080

2 жыл бұрын

@@geneveenash8512 the names are amazing! Wesley Koy and Maisy Joanne Stocklin!

I love rewatching this🥰

Hey Colleen! I’m not sure if anyone has told you, but one thing to help reduce the level of pain you get from sneezing, laughing, coughing, etc. is to put a pillow up against your abdomen over your incision!

Tortilla talk question: are you planning on ever making another “my family” music video now that the twins are here? By the way Colleen, you got this, you are so strong! ❤️

@elizamoore4825

2 жыл бұрын

I was thinking about this too!

@ZarZar-tj6ko

2 жыл бұрын

yes

@oakley9360

2 жыл бұрын

YESSS I HOPE SHE SEES THIS

@emmataylor7998

2 жыл бұрын

yess

Colleen is so strong(so are all the other moms in the world), I’m glad that her babies are doing better 💕

Anyone else love seeing Erik more often now!? Colleen is amazing by herself but seeing them all together is so awesome I love it

Also, you are doing amazing momma! And you will create new and different memories with your little bugs! We love you!

“Frank Matrol” just keeps going through my mind. I completely understand what it feels like to fail even though it’s out of your control. I’m sitting here completely jealous that you can provide such copious amounts of milk for your babies and able to nourish them. I nursed and pumped and nursed and pumped and saw lactation consultants and tried everything but just couldn’t produce enough. But in the end, my babies had food (not made by me) and grew and grew. Your family is so special and much fun and I just can’t wait to see you all together! 💜💜💜

@777nussie

2 жыл бұрын

Same! I think the most I ever pumped in the 3 months of dedication was 3 ounces.

@rururyuvely

2 жыл бұрын

OMG FRANK MATROLL 😂 Maybe Duncan's wish will come true one day! Also, thank you for sharing your story! We have such a wonderful community on this channel ❤

@MsSoccergirl94

2 жыл бұрын

A Frank Matroll Ballinger will be born one day. It has been foretold in the prophecy!

@thetorinado2697

2 жыл бұрын

FRANK MATTROLLLLLLL

I wanted so badly to breastfeed my daughter but because of complications from delivery, I couldn't. I ended up exclusively pumping for over a year, 1400+ hours tied to a breastpump. Even if they never take to breastfeeding, you are still providing for them Colleen! I had to keep that mentality when I felt so defeated about not being able to have my baby get milk directly from me. Love you!

I know you feel like all you do is cry, but these videos are SO IMPORTANT!! You are sharing such a hard reality and doing such an amazing job! You are helping so many NICU parents ♥️♥️♥️ bless you and your sweet twins ✨

So excited for the reveal today!! 😘 what an incredible queen 💞

Colleen, I can’t even imagine how excruciating this must be for you and Erik. What you’re feeling isn’t selfish in any way, shape or form!! Being selfish would be to not give them the care that they so need right now. I know it may not feel this way at all, but you’re doing your job as an amazing mama by letting the doctors and nurses do theirs, and you’re all doing your jobs beautifully for them so far. I know you know all this, but just voicing it for support ❤️❤️ you got this!

Unsolicited advice-- when you cough, sneeze, etc hug a throw pillow against your abdomen. It's called bracing and it will help reduce your pain.

@savannabrewton9566

2 жыл бұрын

Definitely recommend this!!

@xhannyxx13

2 жыл бұрын

I was going to say this!! I had abdominal surgery during the spring and I have terrible seasonal allergies and I was clutching a pillow the entire time I recovered and it definitely helped 😂

I know how hard it is to see someone else feeding him. Just remember that milk is all you mama! You’re still nurishing them, and you are still doing an AMAZING job! You’re doing everything you can for them right now! 🖤 loveeee their names! So sweet!

You really help me see other people’s perspective of things like that!

I was actually so convinced the baby girl’s name would be Willow, but I’m so excited to see what her actual name is!!

Colleen, I can tell you as a NICU baby who was born over 2 months early and came out 4 pounds 4 ounces - some of my favorite stories were about my parents coming to visit. My mom wrote me letters that I still have. Trust me, when they hear stories about you spending hours holding them and going back and forth everyday, all they are gonna hear is that you love them so much.

I cannot wait to watch your beautiful family grow through these vlogs over the years (not expecting it consistently obviously :) life gets busy!!) 💖I'm so excited. Flynn Is my favorite to watch and I can only imagine how much fun the twins will be too! Their names are PERFECT by the way :)

I'm gonna come watch this video whenever I don't know how to name a character, all the names were wonderful and I'm sure the ones you did keep will be perfect, so excited to discover them!

Hi Colleen! Today, November 17, is World Prematurity Day and I wanted to send you a hug, positive thinking and a lot of love for your premature babies. Your little ones are very strong and they will do great, time will pass quickly and the day you will be home together is approaching. With all my love from Greece!