HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope that everyone had a safe and fun celebration welcoming the new year 2007! It's hard to believe that we've entered a new year again. I remember this time last year, looking so forward to a new year - and sure enough, 2006 has proven to be one of our best years since we got married with the birth of our boys.

We are planning on welcoming in the new year with a feast fit for a king (wine, surf & turf, special appetizers and nutty buddy's for dessert), prepared by C., in between diaper changes and feedings. There is no place we would rather be.

I wish I could say that we were going to watch the "ball drop" in NYC, but sadly, I have yet to gain control of the remote in our house and there is no way that C. is going to settle for watching the crazies in times square. Not to mention, the good football that is on (although we're rooting AGAINST the Ravens). Oh well, some things never change. That is a battle I'll never win. Football is just fine with me anyway.

May you all find peace, happiness and good fortune in the coming year! Love and friendship to all.

Slumber Parties are the best!

Any chance to sleep on our belly is a great thing!

4 Months Old Today!

Here are a few photos from today - Cole & JD's 4 month birthday.

Mommy & her babies...

Another heart melting smile

Cole, the happy baby!

Podee...the "other Mom"

Well, occassionally, desperate times call for desperate measures. As a Mom of multiples, I purchased the Podee hands free bottles, "just in case" I needed them. Until recently, the boys have been very patient around feeding times. In fact, usually I could get one fed before the other one woke up hungry. Well, times are a changin'.

It would appear that JD has the patience from the Leach side of the family. For those of you not familiar with our lack of patience, it definitely runs in the family. That said, he went from happy baby to screaming baby in less than 3 seconds the other day. Podee to the rescue! I had taken the bottle out of the package a couple weeks ago just to try it out so if I needed it in emergency, I knew how it worked. Thank goodness I did. There was no time for "learning" at that point!

I was calmly feeding Cole and JD was fast asleep; he started to stir so I told Cole to step on it and get going because his brother was starting to wake up. Low and behold, it only took a few seconds for JD to let us know that he was hungry - RIGHT NOW.

Cole has the patience of a saint so I put him down in his seat and scurried off to the kitchen to load up the Podee, hands free jobby. I gave JD a bib and stuck the nipple in his mouth and off he went. He went to town on that bottle - and finished it before Cole finished the second half of his! The only drawback with these bottles is that they don't get burped through the whole thing. That can make for a miserable baby if you're not careful. But we're working through that...

Here's how it works. And it really does work!





Bottoms Up!


I can honestly say that to date, that might be my best purchase thus far. It will never be a good substitute for feeding the baby because that is my favorite time with the boys - but when meltdowns are emminent, we can't live without it!

The Day After...

Well, it's a melancholy day today - all of the anticipation for Christmas and it's all over now. What a wonderful holiday it was. They day after is always sort of a let down - and I just wander around sort of aimless. There was not a second that went by that I wasn't so thankful for all that we have this year. I cried - alot. Just a simple glance at one of the boys and I cried. All good tears, of course. I know that so many people have my same sentiments around holiday time. I thought so much about how far we have come in this last year - and gave so many thanks for our little miracles. On that note, I also thought so much about my other friends who don't have children yet - I've been in their shoes and know that Christmas is a tough time. I know I mentioned this before but I have not been able to get my girls off of my mind all weekend. Especially my friends who lost the twins. Although I know how strong and resilient they are, it had to be the hardest holiday ever. I know that they were strong and made it through just fine; but inside, it's heart wrenching. Girls, you were on my mind all weekend and I hope that you found some peace and hope for the new year.

The boys had a very special first Christmas. They were spoiled rotten! Here are a few pics from Christmas Eve. Isn't it funny how parents love to dress up their kids - they don't seem to think it's nearly as cute as we do. In fact, Cole & JD, as cute as they looked, hated having reindeer antlers in their mouths all the way to Gramma's. Oh well, it won't be long before I can't dress them in whatever I want anymore. They sucked it up for Mom!

Cole had a little bit better time with the antlers...


JD just plain old didn't like em'!

Back to the grind this week....it will probably be a somewhat quiet week, considering most people take vacation this week. Was half temped to go to the mall and check out the sales - then again, am I nuts? Between the parking, crowds and germs, I've elected to hunker down with the kids and enjoy them instead!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

We hope that you all have a blessed holiday; Remember the true meaning of Christmas as you spend time with your loved ones and friends. Here's wishing peace, love and happiness to you all!

Love,
K & the boys (all 3)

We're growing like weeds!

Well, I guess it's a good thing that JD is storing nuts for the winter - he seems to have taught his brother how to do the same! They are stocking up with quite an appetite! We went to the doctor yesterday for the boys 3rd synagis shot (that is the RSV vaccine) and they both shocked us all with their weights. Fully clothed, JD weighed in at 11 lb, 3 oz and Cole was 8lb, 12 oz. So, take off a few ounces for their clothing and diaper and it looks like JD is about 11 lb, and Cole about 8.5 lb. The doctor and nurses were amazed at their cheeks and were so happy with their progress.

At one month old (4 months corrected), they are doing quite well.
THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A FAT BABY!





JD is eating about 5 ounces per feed now (every 4 hours) and Cole is following closely behind at about 4 ounces per feed. Cole's reflux seems to be a bit better with the increased dose of medicine and the rice cereal added to his formula. Thank goodness he is a little bit more comfortable and seems to be able to sleep a little bit more peacefully.

We are letting them sleep through feeds as long as possible at night and so far, we're getting between 5-6 hours at a time. They are great sleepers and at night time, go right back to bed after they eat. I wonder how long this will last? Each morning I wake up, I'm thankful for another decent nights sleep. I have a feeling that their NICU experience prepped them well for scheduled feeds and sleep times. One positive thing I guess right?

Here are the two monkeys in their seats...

Smiles are the best!

Old Chilean Remedies

I love my nanny! For many reasons, but not the least of which are her "old Chilean Remedies" that she brings to us for simple things, like hiccups. The other day we were discussing how often the babies get the hiccups. The next day she arrived with the cure. See the photo below for a glimpse of how this works. You might think that Cole was practicing being from India; but no, he's just being patient with Mommy as she tries this ancient remedy. To our surprise, IT WORKS! It's been tested a few times on both babies and it never fails...



The idea is to cut a small circle out of newspaper (better if it has lots of writing on it) and then lick it and stick it on the baby's forehead. Apparently it works the best only if the Mommy is the licker. Call me crazy - and my kids will be so angry at me someday for making them look so stupid. But they will also thank me since it has spared them some painful hiccups!

Moms, give it a try - and report back to me; it really does work!

For the first time in my life, I've found a reason why it might be hard to be a male...

And that reason is.....CIRCUMCISION! The boys got snipped today and OUCHY! They both did really well but boy, I've never seen either of them inconsolable and I never want to again. It was a tough day for them - and boy, did they let that doctor have it!

Cole pee'd on the doctor right out of the gates - he knew it wasn't going to be good! JD was a bit more docile while under the knife, but not so much afterwards. Needless to say, I need a stiff drink or two tonight! They are both total luggage right now since they wore themselves out being so upset. But rest assured, as I quickly reassured Daddy, the surgery went great and all is well. I think that most little boys have it done right after birth and it's not as traumatic for them. The nurse today confirmed that the older they are, the harder it is on them. And let me tell you, 16 weeks is plenty old to have it have a serious affect on them. Sadly, we could not get it done any sooner due to the NICU schedules and doctors vacation schedules - so we waited...and I wish we had not waited so long. Oh well, live and learn. Let this be a lesson to any of you who have not yet had a baby boy and do so in the future. Get them snipped as soon as possible!

Sandee, this one's for you!

A dear neighbor and friend of mine dropped these hats off on our doorstep this morning for the boys. They wore them to their doctors appointment today and they were a hit! Thanks Sandee!

Well, as my 5-7am quiet time comes to a quick close, I've suddenly realized that updating my blog has become lower on the list than I would like it to be! I miss my daily posting time! In an effort to beat my husband to the shower this morning, here is a quick update.

Cole's pulmonologist appointment on Friday went really well. I absolutely loved the doctor - she was fantastic. She educated me on his lung condition better and differently than any other doctor ever has. She also explained that his reflux seems to be directly coorelated with his oxygen saturations, which was news to me. I didn't even know that the two could be directly related. Long story short, we are going to be treating his reflux much more aggressively, and in the meantime, leaving him on oxygen for another month to allow him the energy and time to keep growing so well. If we yank his O's now, he will put that much more energy into breathing, taking away energy he needs for growth. It was a good decision in our view and both Chuck and I are extremely pleased with his progress so far. All in all, he's doing really well for such a sick little baby 16 weeks ago. He weighed in at 7lb, 13 oz so he's pushing that big 8 pounds now!

Well, we're ready for christmas! I'm all wrapped, cookies baked (I baked about 10 dozen yesterday), house decorated and spirits high. The only thing remaining is getting our Christmas cards out - and they are sitting on the dining room table, ready to go. Here's the kicker...imagine the irony. I ordered stamps on line about 2 weeks ago, in anticipating of getting the cards out as soon as they arrived. I ordered them from the US postal service, as I have for the last 6 months to save a trip to the post office with two infant preemies. Well, I'm still waiting for the POSTAL SERVICE to deliver the stamps that I ordered! How ironic huh? And the worst part? When I contact them to trace my order using the confirmation number that is ON THE PACKAGE, they can't find it in their system. It's lost. Super. I'm giving them one more day, then I'll make my way to the post office, which I'm certain will be a 3 hour event standing in line with all of the last minute gift mailers...be patient, the cards will be out soon. I hope.

We had a couple good photo opps this weekend...they speak for themselves! Enjoy.

Cole in his Bumbo seat:



JD in his Bumbo seat:



JD as we bundled up for a long walk yesterday. He was the lucky bjorn rider:



We hope that everyone enjoys the Christmas week this week. I'm sure it's a last minute scramble for many so try to enjoy it and keep those spirits high! As my friend always says "Happy Ho-Ho" to all!

Thank God for the Baby Bjorn...

We have a new routine around here - at the "witching" hour (which, by the way is new this week) when both babies decide to melt down simultaneously, the bjorn is magical! JD was the first to try it and he loved it. Cole runs a close 2nd and now, it's a fight over which one gets it! In all seriousness, it's awesome to be able to rock them to sleep while getting their night bottles ready and doing laundry. At this point, when the first one so quickly falls asleep, I do a quick change and the other gets a turn. Nothing like a sleeping baby riding around with you!





I tried to take some other pictures today and you'll see below how successful I was. Cole was ready and willing but JD had other plans.



Along the lines of updates, here's the latest.
Cole: We had an appointment at University of MD hospital yesterday for a sleep study to assess his continued need for oxygen and the monitor. I was a bit surprised at how unprepared I was, especially after having gone through the NICU drill for 12 weeks. Cole did great though - it wasn't painful or anything but it was just awkward and uncomfortable. I kept thinking to myself, how would you like to be stripped down to a diaper, hooked up to over 20 probes all over my body, have my head wrapped in gauze and asked to go to sleep for 90 minutes in a foreign crib? I wouldn't like it - and neither did Cole. I'm not sure who it was harder on - me or him. But he survived and gave them some good data. We have an appointment with his Pulmonologist tomorrow and we'll get the results of the study, as well as a plan going forward. He's still fighting his reflux issues - but we're working the meds now. Hoping that gets resolved soon too. He weighed in yesterday at 7lb, 3 oz! He's growing like a champ!

JD: He's growing well too and is officially out of his preemie and newborn clothes. As you can see from the photos, there is quite a difference between the boys in size right now, but I keep telling JD that Cole will tower over him someday! JD loves to eat and sleep - I have to wake him every night to feed him...I haven't weighed him lately but there is no doubt that he's over the 10lb mark!

Overall, they are both such fun, happy little guys. JD certainly has more to say about things, but he only speaks up when he needs something. Otherwise, they are pretty content to play and be loved. We're still waiting for the "on demand" smiles - I think we're getting close! We get lots of smiles now but they are only when they are passing gas or falling asleep...but I'll take em'!

Playtime Rocks!

We're learning how to share nicely!



Cole



JD (see my double, or should I say triple, chin?)

Tribute to the lost twins...

It is with GREAT sadness that I tell you that my friend who was struggling to hold on to her twins (boy/girl) at only 20 weeks lost them this weekend. She endured a long week last week, including an inverted bed (trindillenburg), a few bouts with labor, magnesium sulfate, lots of tears, and eventually, delivery of one stillborn baby and one who lived only a very short time. I ask for prayers for them and their family as they make their way through this tough time. It's been a VERY long road for them up until now with fertility treatments and prior losses over the last 5 years. To have this pregnancy end this way is absolutely devastating and words cannot even describe how sad and lost they feel. Losses during holiday time are especially hard and it just doesn't seem fair that two of the most loving, deserving people that I know have had their hearts ripped out, once again.

To my dear friends, H&C, you are in our thoughts and prayers always. Time heals but the pain will never fully go away. You have handled this situation with such incredible courage and love. You should be proud of yourselves for that. Take good care of each other and know that your two little angels will always be watching over you. Someday, you'll meet them again. We love you guys.

The Common Thread

The information below was written by another Infertility gal. I loved it and wanted to post it to get the word out. The blog it came from is www.stirrup-queens.blogspot.com.

For anyone who has experienced infertility or who is currently experiencing infertility. For anyone who has suffered through pregnancy loss. For those who have conceived naturally, utilized treatments, adopted, used third-party reproduction, or chose to live child-free: a movement.

It all began when Paz (another blogger) lamented that there should be a secret handshake for those who have experienced or are currently experiencing infertility. She was finally pregnant after multiple miscarriages and she wanted infertile women to know when looking at her pregnant belly that she was one of them still--in heart and mind. She was open to questions and to passing along any information she had obtained along the way.

This led to a lengthy discussion about a signal we could give one another as well as a tangible object that would invite questions and subsequently discussion about infertility. The conversation jumped from idea to idea--a pomegranate-shaped charm, a Livestrong-esque bracelet--until it finally settled on a simple thread.

With the idea being that it was an item that was easy to obtain no matter where you lived. It posed a minimal cost. It could be ornamented or braided any way the wearer chose. It could be sent through the mail. It was simple. It was discreet. We picked the embroidery floss #814 because it was the colour of pomegranates. Which was one of the fertility symbols considered along the way.

Royalyne stepped forward and got the ball rolling with a write up that we tweaked until it became this statement:

Pomegranates, a longstanding symbol of fertility, serve as a strong analogy to those suffering through infertility. Though each pomegranate skin is unique in colour and texture, the seeds inside are remarkably similar from fruit to fruit. Though our diagnosis is unique—endometriosis, low sperm count, luteal phase defect, or causes unknown—the emotions, those seeds on the inside, are the same from person to person. Infertility creates frustration, anger, depression, guilt, and loneliness. Compounding these emotions is the shame that drives people suffering from infertility to retreat into silence.

In addition, the seeds represent the multitude of ways one can build their family: natural conception, treatments, adoption, third-party reproduction, or even choosing to live child-free.

The pomegranate thread holds a two-fold purpose: to identify and create community between those experiencing infertility as well as create a starting point for a conversation. Women pregnant through A.R.T., families created through adoption, or couples trying to conceive during infertility can wear the thread, identifying themselves to others in this silent community. At the same time, the string serves as a gateway to conversations about infertility when people inquire about its purpose. These conversations are imperative if we are ever to remove the social stigma attached to infertility.Tie on the thread because you’re not alone. Wear to make aware.

For anyone who has ever had a miscarriage, struggled with pregnancy, and all things infertile...there is a movement upon us that you might want to join. It's rather simple actually: a discreet ribbon on your right wrist to signal to others that they are not alone in their struggles.

Just thought I would pass the word along. I know I have some IF readers, but many that are not IF sufferers but have been GREAT supporters over the years. So, if you see a pomegranate colored ribbon on someone, you'll know just what it means!

Christmas Preview

Well, we had our Christmas photo shoot - here are a couple of the photos. These are not the final pick but they were in the running! They were such good boys. I couldn't believe that they were both awake and so happy at the same time!

Little Santa's Helper, Cole:



Little Santa's Helper, JD:



We also had our last home nurse visit today and Cole is tipping the scale at 6lb, 14.5 oz. And we threw JD on the scale, just for kicks, and fully clothed and diapered, he came in at 9lb, 13 oz! Believe it or not, we're actually getting some sleep. Both boys are pretty good sleepers at night (hope that I'm not jinxing us by writing this...) and are up to eat about every 4 hours. We've refined the feeding routine a bit so within an hour or so, we're all back in bed and sleeping again (give or take a few minutes). I'm enjoying Mommyhood more than I could have ever imagined and not an hour goes by that I don't thank God for these little miracles.

It's been an interesting week, aside from the events at the Licameli house. Two of my friends who are currently pregnant with twins are experiencing bedrest now. One is only at 20 weeks and one is at 26 weeks. You girls know who you are and please know that my heart goes out to you during this difficult, scary time. I know you are in great hands with your doctors and I just pray that you are able to hold out a bit longer and deliver those babies healthy and safely. You've been on my mind non-stop and my phone stands ready anytime if you need to chat or vent. I've been there, and done it ~ and am hopeful that I can return the support for you that you so graciously gave to me. I also have another friend out there who recently lost her twins at about 8 weeks. It was a traumatic experience for her when the miscarriage occurred and I want you to know C. that you are never far from my thoughts either. When I see my IF sisters struggle, it breaks my heart. It's never a good time but during the holidays, it's even tougher. We lost our first baby right around Christmas back in 2004 and I know from experience that it certainly makes the holidays a little bit harder.

When I think back on where I was last year at this time, I can't help but remember how hard the holidays are for people struggling to have children. It's such a special and wonderful time of the year - and a magical time of the year for Children. A keen reminder of what those struggling with fertility issues can't have. Christmas is not ALL about Children of course, but it's hard to see that sometimes when having children is your primary focus in life. When the Christmas cards arrive, it was with mixed emotion that I ran to the mailbox. I always love to see the annual photos of the growing families, yet in a very selfish way, it was hard at the same time to see the growing families leave ours behind. I will always remember that feeling. Although we are in a different place this year, I still think of all of those who have not yet been blessed with Children and can't help but feel their pain. I am hopeful that by seeing my pictures here that you will continue to have HOPE and FAITH that your dream can come true. After many years of struggle, we made it. And you can too. You all hold a special place in my heart this holiday season.

Quote

Here's a good quote I thought I would share. I've always believed this and most recently with the birth of the boys, the belief has been renewed. Reminders are always good.

"How diffeent our lives are when we really know what is deeply important to us, and, keeping that picture in mind, we manage ourselves each day to be and to know what really matters most". - Stephen Covey

Here are a couple of snaps from the weekend. Cole had a check up today and is weighing in at 6lb, 9 oz. JD has got to be almost 9 pounds now. Both boys have really started to take interest in play time now too. Fun to watch!

Nothin like Saturday morning cartoons!



Cole loves his whoozit

We are 3 months old today...

As I sit and look at our little boys, I'm nothing short of amazed. How on earth did those little 2 pounders turn into real little babies? Amazing. Although I never doubted that they would be normal babies someday, it was hard to picture what they would look like when they started to grow up. I still sit each day and stare at them in amazement...

Cole at 3 months old



JD at 3 months old



They both are thriving so well at home - and before we know it, they will be walking and talking. I'm doing my best to savor every, single moment.

At this point in their lives, they are developing more each day. They are starting to smile more. They are also starting to be awake much longer and stay alert. They look around much more and are visibly stimulated by music, noise and play. They are certainly opinionated about things now - Cole is a bit more "opinionated" than JD is. He makes his likes and dislikes known right away. When he's hungry, watch your fingers because he might just eat them if they get into his mouth! He loves to eat and does so with fury. Keep him fed, and he's a happy camper.

JD is a bit more patient; and absolutely loves his sleep! As evidenced by his photo, he's apparently storing nuts for the winter in his cheeks. Both boys love to snuggle and can't get enough of hugs and kisses.

We are so incredibly proud of our boys - they have come such a long way. With the holiday season upon us, it's a neat time to be able to reflect on where we've been and how far we've come. So much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to. We are lucky parents to have such wonderful, special Children. I feel so blessed each and every day. I hope I never forget this feeling and I also hope that I never, ever take our Sons for granted. They are special little people and I don't think I've ever loved something this much - ever.

Pucki & Gucki have arrived!

Who, you ask, are Pucki & Gucki? Well, you see, they are Santa's elves who have visited our family after Thanksgiving since I can remember. These two little Santa's helpers arrive on Thanksgiving Eve and stay until Santa comes on Christmas Eve and they can hop a ride back in the sleigh to the North Pole with him. After that time, their annual duty is done - until the next year.

Here they are, the cute little guys.


Pucki and Gucki come to watch the children and make sure that they are good and deserving of presents from Santa. They move about the house at will, and sometimes can be found to have left crumbs of food around the house or have changed their stance. They both are Steif Elves from Germany, purchased many years ago by my Grandparents - they stand about 7" tall and they have plastic faces and cloth/felt bodies. Their little eyes are painted on and I swear to this day, they follow you around the room when you look at them! They are always watching.

For years, my brother and I anxiously awaited Thanksgiving since the elves were coming. They would arrive and be perched on the clock or the Christmas wreath that hung on the hearth. We would run downstairs in the morning and there they were. And once they arrived, absolutely no more fighting. We were on our best behavior until Christmas. If we had to fight amongst each other, it was very quietly. And we would always be sure to write out our Christmas lists (in very small print) and fold them small enough so they would fit in the elves pouches. They would surely take them directly to Santa and we would be more likely to get what we wanted for Christmas.

The best part was that there was a BIG Gucki at our Grammy's house. So if we went there, we had to be extra good! He was the mac daddy Gucki. Needless to say, he has now moved to my Mom's house, the current Grammy. And my brother also has a Pucki and a Gucki - so the cousins will both have their own elves! Hat's off to whoever created this idea - it's ingenious. Not only is it a fun tradition for the kids, but anything to make kids behave over the holidays is one great idea.

I've waited many years to be able to share this tradition with my children - it's one of my fondest memories of childhood. I can't wait until the boys understand the story - and they can live that fun dream of being so special that Santa's elves actually come and stay at their house for a whole momth before Christmas! What a privelege! And what a way to keep them minding their p's & q's during such an exciting, crazy time for kids. In the meantime, until they are big enough to understand, we'll just continue to BELIEVE ourselves, in the magic of Christmas. It's much more fun that way!

Preemie Poem

(Thanks to Debbi - a fellow preemie Mom and a GREAT cheerleader!)

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)

Our First Tandem Outing!

What a weekend! And the weather is so awesome - we were able to get the boys out for a long walk yesterday and today. They really enjoyed the fresh air - plus, it made them sleep extra well last night...always a plus!



We had a doctors appointment yesterday and Cole is up to 5 lb,11 oz now - he left the hospital at 5 lb,1 oz so he's growing well. JD is up to 8 lb,1 oz - apparently he's growing well too! Cole is actually eating like a champ. He's eating more than his brother is and in record time. JD has turned into quite the slow poke eater.

We feel so blessed that the boys are doing so well. Keep it up little guys! Hope you all are enjoying your Thanksgiving weekend. I know that we've had nothing but FOOTBALL on all weekend around here - the boys have been christened into the sports family! Can we just reiterate how nice it has been not to have to go to the hospital any longer?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Words will never be able to express how thankful we are for this day. You all have been such an instrumental part in getting us this far and we can never thank you enough for that. This is truly the best Thanksgiving ever in our book; what a special day.

Here are a few photos of our little turkey's;

Turkey #1 (Cole)



Turkey #2 (JD) - He ate too much turkey and the triptofan has started to kick in!





And here's a photo of the two of them side by side from yesterday. It never ceases to amaze me how different they look, yet they share so many of the same mannerisms. True Brothers!

We're Home (sorry for the delay!)

Whew...we made it!



We are knee deep in bottles and burp cloths and I LOVE IT! Daddy had to go to work today so Grammy and Great Aunt Kathy are here with me and we're watching babies eat sleep and poop. Oh how I've waited for this day.

It was an uneventful homecoming which is a good thing. We got home around 3pm yesterday and I spent the first hour just staring at the boys sitting in their seats together. JD was wide awake and not at all phased by Cole's arrival. Cole was pooped out from the trip home and slept for a good part of the evening. He's as happy to be home as we are to have him home.

Our first night went great - I still have to wake them up every three hours to eat so by the time we feed and diaper both, it's about an hour and a half process. Thank goodness I am an easy sleeper and I can go right back to sleep the minute my head hits the pillow. I'm still running on adrenaline now so the lack of sleep will take a while to catch up with me I think.

We have an oxygen machine in the living room - and it sounds like a lawnmower is running in the house. It's pretty funny actually. It has to be on all of the time so the boys will certainly get used to constant noise - which is a great thing! The oxygen hose is long enough to go everywhere in the house so although Cole is hooked up 100% of the time, he can hang with us wherever we are. It will be a bit of an adjustment but we're getting the hang of it pretty quick. The apnea monitor carts around with us too everywhere we go - it's a box about the size of a 12 pack of beer and it has a shoulder strap on it. It has become my extra appendage. So far, we've had several "loose lead" alarms which make me want to chuck the thing out the window, after I calm down from the initial alarm scare. Luckily, we haven't had any real alarms yet other than a couple of apnea episodes that self resolved due to his reflux. It's actually a good thing though, since having the monitor allows me to sleep at night since it will beep if he has a problem.

Anyway, here are a few photos from yesterday of Cole. He's a happy camper, that is for sure!








HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE - WE ALL HAVE SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR. SAFE TRAVELS IF YOU'RE TRAVELING. ENJOY YOUR FAMILIES AND ALL OF THE GOODIES - GOD BLESS!

Today's the day!

Well, Cole had a great night for his last night in the NICU. He's ready and waiting to come home. I talked to our nurse this morning and she said he was all bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to go!

As I sit here and wait for the oxygen man to arrive, I'm blubbering my eyes out just thinking about how long we've waited for this day. It's almost surreal that after today, we don't have to go to the hospital any more. We can pick up and hug our kids anytime we want since they will be under our roof. We'll be like a normal family now!

The emotions running around in my head are all over the place. I'm so thankful for this day. Walking out of NICU and the hospital is going to be bittersweet. I'll miss my new friends there. They were our support system. And some of the babies and their parents who we are leaving behind will be missed so much. Jack and his parents are hopefully close behind and will be home soon too. But it's so hard to leave them there. We're having such a special day and it breaks my heart that they will be there watching us leave and they have to stay...

The daily trips to the hospital are the only thing I have known since June, when I was admitted. Now I get to be home and actually be a Mom. It's time. It's been far too long - but it's funny, when you're doing it, you don't look at it that way. You just rally and do what you have to do. So many families are in our same shoes and they do the same. You take it one day at a time. Until your stay is over and the day you've waited for finally arrives. It's a surreal feeling. As much as you think about the day that you'll have your baby(ies) home finally, you never get your heart set on it. Because it can be taken away so quick. I'll believe it when Cole is sitting in his car seat in the back of my truck. Then I'll accept that he's really coming home.

I'll never ever be able to explain how thankful we are for the NICU staff. Each and every one of the people that work in NICU are amazing. The care was exceptional, support never ending and friendships so comforting. Nurses are nurses because they want to care for others - but they, like teachers, are so under appreciated. We owe the lives of our beautiful children to the nurses. They got us all where we are today. And I'm not sure that nurses look at it like that. All of them need to know that we will feel forever indebted to them for their gift to our family. It's hard to put into words.

Better get going and pack up Cole's bag with his coming home outfit and stuff. We're really bringing this baby home. I'm still reeling that it's finally here. More later...

It's the boys DUE DATE!

Can you believe that today is the day that the babies were actually due to be born? As I sit here in disbelief that they really weren't even supposed to be here until today, I cannot believe what the last 12 weeks have brought. Today is Day #83 of life for the boys - and tomorrow they will be exactly 12 weeks old (in weeks). Next week they will be 3 months old already. That is just amazing to me.

And the best part? COLE COMES HOME TOMORROW! He only has one more wake up in the NICU and then he gets to come home & sleep in his own bed and wear his own jammies! And he gets to be with his brother again too - I've wondered so much if they know that they have been separated since birth. I can't wait to get them back together again and let them look at each other!

It's a day full of reflection for us - thinking back to what brought us to this place is pretty unbelievable. Tonight will be our last night visit to the hospital in 83 days. Tomorrow will be our last drive to the hospital to visit the NICU. A rough calculation of trips made is over 220 trips; considering that we usually did 3 trips per day. I think I kept the valet company in business at the hospital!

I can't help but think about Baby Cal though. As excited as I am that this NICU journey is coming to a close and our family will be together at last, it is also a reminder that we are missing one of our team members. He is with us in spirit and will always watch over all of us - we know that. But seeing only two of everything when there should have been three is sad for me. I miss him a lot.

Today will be a busy day getting things ready for Baby Cole's homecoming. We have lots of training to do on the monitors and oxygen equipment, as well as getting prescriptions filled and follow up doctors appointments scheduled for later in the week. It will all get done and I assure you, you haven't seen this big of a smile on my face in quite some time. The day we've been waiting for is just around the corner. I can hardly believe it.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Pictures will follow of the big day - and we'll keep the updates coming. Until then, wish us luck that Cole stays healthy for one more day so we can get him out of there! Love to all.

We're still growing bigger every day...

And much to Mommy's surprise, JD is over 7 pounds now! Yikes! At his check up today, he tipped the scale at 7lb, 6 oz (with a full poopy diaper and a onesie on). He's growing like a weed. I know 7 pounds probably sounds like small potatos to most of you but after seeing these guys at 2 pounds, 7 pounds is huge!

And Cole is too! He actually hit the 5 pound mark last night - and his cheeks are looking chubbier than ever now. It's so amazing that these two little guys have come so far - they look like real babies now. Cole has taken all of his feedings by bottle for the last 48 hours now so he's got bottle feeding mastered we think. Now we work on the oxygen weaning and we're ready to go. There is talk of coming home next week with him on oxygen. Not so sure how we feel about that yet but we'll wait through the weekend and then make a decision about whether to bring him home with oxygen or leave him a bit longer. I think you know which way I'm leaning on this one ~ it's time for him to be home. I don't care what it takes at this point.

We're Coasting along...

Just a quick update. Cole is coasting right along for now - no major changes. He has taken all of his bottles now for over 24 hours so that is a great milestone. They will probably pull his feeding tube in the next couple of days if he keeps this up. That should make it easier for him to eat when the tube is removed. It should also help his reflux.

He's still on oxygen and we're weaning him down slowly again. There is talk of a homecoming next week but we are just taking it one day at a time. We don't want him home until he's ready to be here so we're trying to be as patient as we can. He's almost to 5 pounds now - last night he was 4lb, 14.4 oz. Perhaps he'll hit FIVE pounds tonight.

All else is going well on the homefront. We're loving the nanny - she's working out wonderfully. She adores JD and it appears that he is very relaxed and content with her. I feel very lucky that so far this is working out so well.

Until tomorrow...g'night all.

New NICU, here we come!

WOW, what an emotional day. Ever have one of those days that you think will just be a normal day and whammo, it smacks you in the face like a ton of bricks? I think I cried more today than I have in several weeks. I'm sure it was a bit of denial that we really weren't going to make it to the new unit because we would be home by then and low and behold, here we are. It also is such a huge day for our NICU nurses and family and everyone was just glowing in excitement and so proud of the new place.

They moved the babies over according to seniority - which I thought was very cool. Little Baby Alaina (born at 1lb, 9 oz) was the leader of the pack. Then Cole was second, and his little friend Jack was right behind him. Sadly, I missed Cole's transfer but I arrived minutes after he had been wheeled into his new room. I walked in behind Jack and his Mom, through the line of cheering nurses that lined the hallway as each of the babies arrived to the new unit. Camera's were flashing and all of the welcoming nurses were clapping. It was a day to remember for sure.

The rooms are awesome - Cole is the first patient in Room 232. I have posted a few pictures of his new place. It took a couple of hours for the babies to settle down - many of them were overwhelmed by the noise and chaos during the move, Cole included. I stayed with him for a few hours until he settled in. Of course, I'll be back tonight as soon as the doors open at 8pm.

One of the coolest things is that there was a handmade quilt in his room when we arrived. It was made by an organization called The Angel Quilt Project. This wonderful organization makes quilts for NICU units, Childrens cancer units and regional Burn centers. The man who started the organization back in 2000 did so to let parents of premature children know that there are people out in the world who have faced the same conditions that we are facing now. The quilt is a gift for us to keep after we leave the hospital. All that they ask in return is a photo of our baby with the quilt for their scrapbook. You can see the quilt hanging on the chair in the room photo. It was specially selected for Cole by the nurses because of it's sports theme. It's cross stitched in the center and has a little baseball player on it. We will treasure it forever and Cole will always know how special it is.





And here is Cole, all settled in.

Mission Impossible

Check out the link to Jack's blog for the latest plottings for escape by Jack and Cole...

http://everythingaboutjack.blogspot.com/

Ready for the big move!

We're ready to move to the new unit tomorrow - moving time is 10:00 am so by this time tomorrow, we'll be all settled in. I'll give a good update tomorrow but for now, all is well.

Cole is hanging in there - sadly, they had to move his IV to his head today which is tough to see. But they tell us that it actually is much more comfy for the babies there since it's not always getting bumped and pulled. Only 6 more days on the antibiotics and then the IV gets pulled. It sure looks scary though. Until that comes out, we will not be taking any more photos of Cole - he wouldn't appreciate that too much.

Here are a few snaps from earlier today though - see any resemblance?

Cole



JD

We're still chuggin' along

Well, as of 2am this morning, Cole was taken off of his oxygen again. He appears to be doing well so far without it so that is a great thing! He's eating much better now and has taken a couple of bottles from both C. & I. He actually wakes up crying due to hunger which is a good sign. He's weighing in at about 4 lb, 10 oz now. Hoping for a significant weight gain this week. Since he got sick, he's been staying about the same weight. I'm actually very thankful for that since most of the time when these little guys get sick, they actually lose weight.

JD is doing great at home. He eats like a champ and sleeps straight through to his next feed. I wake him up every 3 hours to eat. He's eating a little over 2 ounces right now. I think he's probably almost 7 pounds now - he's growing so fast. He's already out of his preemie clothes and almost out of preemie diapers. It doesn't take long! He loves to be in his swing - but most of all, he loves to sleep on Daddy's chest. He's getting spoiled already - imagine that. He's a pacifier fiend and seems to be happy as a clam all of the time. We are truly blessed.

All of the kids are moving to the new NICU on Tuesday so that will be an adventure. I can't imagine the planning that is involved in moving 24+ babies in critical care to a new area. I am bummed that we have to go since I was hoping we would all be home by then but it's going to be awesome to hang in the new NICU unit for a short time. We'll have our own private room, with a flat screen tv, which is pretty awesome. The rooms are beautiful and it will be much more quiet and restful for Cole. I'll try to take some pictures of his new place once we get moved in. We're hoping to have a room connected to or near our friends - Jack's parents. We've developed a nice bond having gone through so much at the same time. We'll miss them so much after we leave the little room we're in now!

As of now, we have a few milestones to make before our homecoming. 1) Cole needs to continue off of his oxygen with no episodes (A's & B's) for at least 5 days. 2) He also needs to be able to take 8 full bottles before they will remove his feeding tube. Once the tube comes out, he's pretty much ready to come home. 3) He is still on antibiotics for his infection and I believe that those should end on the 16th. Those are given by IV so he can't continue on them at home unfortunately. That just means we have to stay until they are finished.

It will be questionable whether he will come home with a monitor or not. We have mixed feelings about that but will go with whatever is the safest and best for him of course. It will be a bit nerve wracking either way but I know in just a couple of days after he gets home, he'll just take off and thrive, just like JD did.

We've got lots of follow up appointments with the boys over the next couple of weeks for their hearing, eyes, shots etc. I've gone solo to the doc with JD and it was easy but thinking about taking two of them is a whole new ball game. Luckily I'll have helpers! They are scheduled to be circumcized by a urologist the week of Thanksgiving so we'll hope that Cole is home by then so they can give each other the moral support they need for such a procedure.

Our nanny starts tomorrow so that will be good - she is a Chilean girl who has been working for one of my friends for a few years. We're sharing her during the week so I'll have her from 9:15 - 2:45 each day. She will put Suze's kids on the bus and get them off of the bus in the pm so I have her in between. I'm sure she will be a great help. Once the boys are home and stable, I'll work on my return to work plan. I'm going back to work after the holidays so need to figure out logistics for the boys. It's just so hard to plan right now, not knowing what Cole's needs will be etc.

That's about it for today. Going to grab some dinner before my night visit with Cole. Hope you all enjoyed the weekend - until tomorrow...

JD contemplates how to get his brother home...

I think I can, I think I can....