It's a packing frenzy!

We're about 12 hours from departure to Florida - and I think we have it all together. Famous last words right? It will never cease to amaze me how much stuff two little people need on a daily basis! It's really amazing. I absolutely cannot wait to get there - in the warm sunshine and enjoy some good family time. I've been packing slowly for a week or so; and although I cannot imagine that I forgot anything, I'm sure I did. We sent three large boxes ahead full of diapers, pack-n-play(S), formula, bottles, more diapers, and a few other odds and ends. Wouldn't you know, I get a call from UPS yesterday and they told me that one of the boxes was "damaged". Apparently the formula (2 XL containers) exploded in the box and was leaking out of the corners. Surely they thought it was cocaine or something on it's way to the Florida keys. Anyway, I guess we'll buy more when we get there. Hopefully that is the extent of the casualties...

Any of you who know my family know that we're very much like the Griswalds, as a group. Really, it's absolutely gut busting hysterical watching our family unit operate. Our last trip was to Colorado a few summers ago and we literally had luggage strapped to the top of our jam packed mini van as we chugged up the mountains to Breckenridge. The only thing missing was Aunt Edna and the dog dragging behind. And that was before kids. Now there are three small children (our 2 and my brothers 1) so it will be that much more interesting, and funny. Lets just say that we all have our quirks and funny characteristics so throw us all together and it's nothing but laughs. We've got the video camera all charged up so it will be a toss up whether we video the kids or the hysterical adult antics. I'm sure many of you are shaking your head laughing while you're reading this, since you know exactly what I mean about family vacations. What a hoot.

A few things I've wanted to blog about this week and just couldn't seem to find the time;

First, one of my IF friends got some MORE bad news this week. She worked so hard to get "up" for another IVF cycle and bam, sidelined again. I just can't understand sometimes why this continues to happen to such good people. I'm out of words - and I don't even know what to say to her. When you've been going down that road for so long and it just never works out, the last thing you want to hear is "I'm sorry". Frankly, it sucks when you hear that. Duh, of course you're sorry. And from experience, I do know that sometimes saying nothing and just listening is what is best. Seeing someone continue to experience the pain of infertility just makes my heart hurt...I wish I could take some of that pain for them. It's amazing how quickly it comes back when you hear another bad story and talk to someone going through it. It truly does change a person. I've wanted to call so many times and I just don't know what to say...it's horrible. C, please know that I think about you so much and I just wish that it wasn't this way for you. I cannot imagine how hard it is seeing everyone around you having babies, and their 2nd and 3rd babies, and you're still struggling for your first. I love you to pieces and if there is anything at all that I can do, I will. Please keep reaching out and letting us know what you need.

I recently took on a new position with the Mom's of Multiples group. It's the Helping Hands committee and we're in charge of getting meals out to all of the new baby families. One day this week I talked to a woman who had her babies (twins) in July 2006. About a month before my little guys were born. She has not been taken a meal yet due to the circumstances surrounding one of her kids. LITTLE ZACHARY JUST CAME HOME FROM NICU. Yes, 7 months in NICU and he finally came home. I just can't imagine what they have been going through. Well, yes, I sort of can but holy heck, I feel so lucky that Cole & JD came home after only 8/12 weeks and are doing so well. This little guy had NEC, a common problem with preemies, only it didn't get better like most; it got worse. There is still a chance that he has to have a portion of his GI tract replaced. A 7 month old is on the donor list for an intestinal transplant. WOW. We have followed her story for many months and it's heartwarming to know that they are all now home together - as a family. The dynamics of the last 7 months must have been incredible - having one healthy baby at home and another up at Johns Hopkins for so long. Please pray for Zach.

Cole & JD had their final hearing tests this week; this was the last piece of the puzzle for them. They failed all of their early hearing tests and as we presumed, it was due to their premature ear canals as well as their reflux affecting the hearing test. In any case, both did very well. JD passed with flying colors and Cole passed the left ear but his right ear was blocked by some ear wax. We'll go back in 6 weeks to get re-checked and the audiologist thinks he will be fine. Phew; mark that off of the list!

Cole rolled over this week! He's only done it a few times so far though so he's still working on perfecting. JD is connecting his rolls now and can move across the room. Gates and guards are on the agenda when we get home. Time to really start babyproofing!

OK, better get to bed. Chuck came home tonight telling me that today was one of his most hectic days that he can remember, ever. I assured him that tomorrow will definitely beat that on the hectic scale. Traveling with two infants, in a stroller, multiple diaper bags, medicine & formula going through security, a laptop going through security, Easter holiday weekend, packed flight etc. He hasn't seen hectic yet!

Have a good week all. I'll try to update while on vacation. If not, there will be lots to report upon return. Have a wonderful Easter - and do yourself a favor, stop and remember what Easter is all about. It's worth contemplating. Sleep tight.