Dolphin FANZ

I bought the babies Bucanneer outfits for football season, but when I took them over to Anthony's family's house (BIG DOLPHIN FANS), they threatened to burn the outfits. Suddenly, each had their own dolphin outfit. Here is Gabby and Hunter with their cousin Lauran (top) and their dad (bottom)at their Auntie Granny Lauran's house after they hijacked my kids bucs outfits and replaced them with their team's outfits. It's tradition that they spend Sundays at their house watching football. Mommy finds a way to escape during that time as she dreads football PERIOD. Alexandria is at the bottom with Hunter and daddy.

Fairies and Pixie Dust

Just for fun, Lauran and Judy dressed the babies up as fairies and took pics. Alexandria is at the top, Gabrielle in the middle, and Hunter at bottom. I think these are some of the best pics I have.

Trick Or Treat

TOP: Alexandria and Gabby (Bunnies)
MIDDLE: Hunter (Eyeore
Bottom: Gabrielle,Hunter, and Alexandria









The babies' first Halloween. I wanted it to be special. I had to convince my mother to purchase halloween costumes for them and after much disagreement, she finally gave in and purchased them costumes. She didn't think there was any point dressing them up to get candy they cannot enjoy yet. I fail to look at the practicality of that belief. But, alas... Alexandria and Gabrielle were bunnies and Hunter was the cutest little Eyeore I have ever seen. We took them out for about an hour and a half on Saturday (the day they celebrate trick or treating here in this community) with Lauran, Judy, and several others. Sunday they had trick or treating at the mall and we went there for an hour to collect the goodies. Thru this experience, I have learned a valuable lesson. Having 3 babies (and one angel) means MORE candy for MOMMA AND PAPA!!!

Beauty is In the Eye of the Beholder

I keep hearing about these baby beauty contests they seem to have every week at the mall. Usually, I hear about it after the fact and I think to myself, my babies would win hands down. So, one weekend not to long ago, I had nothing to do. I had driven by the mall on the way to an event and seen the marquis which said "Little Mr. Octoberfest this Saturday at 12 pm." So I thought to myself, why not enter Hunter? Well, I found the number to the beauty pageant people and made the call (going to significant trouble to find out about the event) and I learned that it was for girls and boys and cost $45.00 to $100.00 per child (depending on what you sign them up for as they have all these add ons). So, I decided I couldn't leave one or two of them out. All 3 had to be in it or none. Finances were bad, so I called my mom up and got my mom and grandma to contribute the minimum entry fee for the babies. I got them all dressed up, fed, changed, into their car seats, into the car and I was met at the mall by my husband and his niece who assisted me in showcasing the children. I was amazed at the pageantry dresses, headgear, and pageant moms who coaxed their children into cute poses, stances, hip rolling, etc as they paraded next to them while the children walked on stage. I looked at my little babies, dressed in nothing but simple clothing and thought... "They are the most beautiful babies here." We were at the mall by 11:30 and signed up for the pageant by 12:30. The pageant started after 1PM, close to their next feeding time. They are usually in their best moods 20 min or so after they are fed. So, we started feeding them right before the pageant, but by the time they had to take their "walk" across the stage at the mall, they were still quite hungry and ready for a nap. Alexandria and Gabby were not exactly smiling and laughing, but they managed to make it through it without a cry. Hunter went up with his dad and only had one other baby as competition. The results? Hunter won for most beautiful baby "prince" while his competition won every other category (all the extra contests we didn't pay for - most beautiful eyes, best costume, best smile, most photogenic, etc.). Gabrielle and Alexandria had 5 other babies for competition and went away with 3rd runner up. I felt HORRIBLE. I didn't see how they could be 3rd runners up!!! I wanted a recount!! The competitive side of me came out and it wasn't the best side of me as I recapped how beautiful my children were in comparison to the other babies. I questioned if I was crazy for thinking they were so beautiful. My mom tried to console me by telling me that Gabrielle and Alexandria were not hurt a bit - it was just my ego. Oh well, I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I don't think I will do the pageant thing again soon. At least they all have a nice trophy and I have a memory to share with them when they get older.

Tigger and Piglet

Here are a few cute pics of Gabrielle (Piglet) and Hunter (Tigger). These were taken when they were about 4 1/2 months old, but I had to share anyways.

6 months old!!

Hunter at top with cute t-shirt
Gabrielle and Alexandria on Aunt Judy's lap
Girls in crib holding hands :) cute huh?









October 3rd, 2006 marked 6 months of life for my 3 little beauties, however they are 4 months old (adjusted for prematurity). On Oct 4, 2006, they had their doctor's appointment/check-up and received all these lovely shots. They were very upset for the rest of the evening. Gabrielle just couldn't be consoled. I had all 3 of them crying at once, as I tried everything to satisfy them including: singing, reading to them, giving them baby tylenol, feeding them, playing with them, talking to them, cuddling with them, etc. Despite all my efforts, they didn't calm down. We loaded them up and took them for a drive to grandma's for a nice little break from the whining. She was met with smiling happy babies who fell right to sleep after she bathed them. She thought I was crazy when I said they wouldn't stop crying for me. It must of had something to do with the ride in the car and the bath (despite grandma's belief that she's the apple of their eyes and can magically make them happy at any time).

Fortunately, this doctor's appointment, mom got to be exempt from due to other obligations. Their aunts took them to the doctor and had to deal with the long wait, the screaming, the feeding and changing, and oh yes, did I say the long wait?? Ha ha!! Got out of that one. I hate to see my kids get their shots, especially the RSV shot. They cry for at least 20 minutes. It is horrible. That shot really hurts. But, there were plenty of arms to hold them and love them with me not there. The doctor was very impressed with their development. They are certainly on a 6 month level, though they don't sit on their own yet like they should. They do play with toys, move toys from one hand to another, talk, laugh out loud, lift their arms up when they want held, roll from side to side and front to tummy, etc. Hunter is now 16 lb. Alexandria is 13lb 13 oz and Gabrielle is 12 lb 13 oz. They are eating meals (cereal, fruit, and veggies) 2 times a day. The doctor wants to move it up to 3 times per day and we will be adding 4 oz of juice in a sippy cup. I have no clue how they can do that yet!! Should be fun.

My favorite passtime

Top: Gabrielle, Alexandria and Hunter


Middle and Bottom: Alexandria, Hunter, and Gabrielle








My favorite passtime is taking pictures of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen. Sure, okay, I am biased, but they really are beautiful. Oh, and they are very sweet babies too. I can't imagine having 3 difficult babies. They are all very easy going for the most part. They are now officially 5 months old (9/3/06). Hunter has gotten so big - he is over 15 pounds. Gabrielle is over 11 pounds and my sweet Alexandria is over 13 pounds. I have a slipped disc in my back which I am going to a chiropractor for. I receive temporary relief but nothing lasting YET. Lifting these big babies is a killer. Anyways, enjoy the pics.

POOL TIME

top: Alexandria and Hunter make eye contact for the first time it seems
middle: Hunter, Gabrielle, Alexandria with cousin Lauran
bottom: Gabrielle and Alexandria






The doctor said it was okay to take the babies in the pool as long as they didn't get their heads wet. Their "auntie granny" bought them swimsuits and we attempted to use the pool, but it was way too cold. We put them in the jacuzzi with us (yes it was safe as the jets weren't on and the jacuzzi had lukewarm water). They loved it!! Placid, peaceful, and boy they slept well that night.

MORE PICS

Lexi is up at the top playing by herself Gabrielle on Right and Lexi on Left playing together on their playmat in middle and Hunter posing for the camera with his infectious smile on bottom.

Aren't they adorable?

Pictures

It has been awhile since I have made any posts. I have had a difficult time dealing with the loss of my child and when it occurred, had no desire to ever write in this journal again. Time has passed. I still have grief, but I have to go on. I am reminded by several people that I still have three other children and they would like updated on them and pictures shared, so I will continue to make posts for that reason from time to time. It is very busy. There is so much to do to take care of the babies, there is little time for correspondence or journal writing. I see that my uncle Jon has posted some of the pictures of the babies that I sent to him. In trying to post pics here, I encountered some difficulties putting on more than one. So, here is one of the lastest pics of Hunter. (the only one I was able to get on this post for some reason).

It has almost been 5 months - 9/3 is 5 months. Alexandria, Hunter, and Gabrielle have grown so much. Hunter weighed 13 lb, Gabrielle 11, and Alexandria 12, 1 month ago. I am sure they have gained much since then. Gabrielle was the first to roll over. She rolled at a little before three months but didnt do it consistently until 4 months. Alexandria rolled at around 4 months and has been doing it consistently. Hunter hasn't rolled yet. He is just a chub. But, he is very verbal and squeals with delight and has mastered cereal eating better than the girls. Gabrielle is certainly the first to do most everything. She is very social as is Alexandria. Alexandria is just more laid back and rarely cries. She is my little happy baby. Hunter has an infectious smile and flirts a lot. He is so precious. Gabby is certainly the leader, as mentioned. She also is very verbal - I sure named her the right name. They are so precious and I am so fortunate to have them. Please keep them in your prayers. I want to see them grow old. Thanks to everyone for support and prayers. We certainly have appreciated everyone's kind word, gestures, and offers of support. We can't thank everyone enough. - Elisa

Dad's Words

Letter to Preston,

My dearest son, you have touched my heart in a way I never thought possible... looking into your eyes was like no other experience I've had. I hope you will know how loved you are by me. I haven't been on the blog before this day because your mom does it so well. Here I am now to thank everyone that has participated in your short, but miraculous life. Those trips to see you in Orlando were exhausting and exhilirating all at the same time. It was so rewarding having you touch us for the time we had you. So many people were so in love with you and helped me and your mom, to all those dear folks we say thanks.

I know people thought we were crazy for having all that we had on our plate and to us it was a blessing like no one could have known. May everyone that had a bad thought in their mind now have a revelation in their heart. This may turn people around in the way they talk and think and it may turn them to a higher power. This is my hope...that of this tragedy comes some pureness of heart. People should see the light in the world that you brought to it dear Preston. So much sadness and negative happens that to have you was the positive light that some people may never have. My wish is that all could have the joy every day that you brought to us for a little while.

Rest in peace my son, for I will carry on each day and reming people that you touched all our lives. I will not forget, I will not let anyone forget how precious you are. Thank you for the sunshine you brought. Look down on us and pray each day not for those who have good hearts, but for those who need an angel like you to make them better people.

All my love
Dad

Latest News

PICTURES:
Top: Hunter and Preston (the twin terrors) resting on mom's bosom
Middle: Preston in his bouncy seat resting
Bottom: Preston accidentally dressed in girl's clothing by his Aunt Judy. Elisa planned to do a blog to tell all about how this happened after she had a good laugh about the mishap.


We have been blessed to have Elisa share all of these beautiful, touching moments with us about four tiny angels. It is with so much unbelievable sadness that I report that our littlest angel, Preston, has gone home to be with God. We must remember that we were lucky to have him thru the pregnancy and for two beautiful months after. Sadly on Friday morning as loving mother and father lay with the precious Preston, his life on earth came to an unexpected end. The determination, at this point is SIDS. We know that it affects more premature babies than others. The rescue workers and hospital assured us they did all they could and as any parent would they wonder what they could have done. In this case, nothing more could have been done. No parents could have loved a baby more, no one that met this little creature (I affectionately called him Gollum) could have been more enchanted by his perfection. We will be grateful that we were touched in our lives by this wonderful little man. To look into his eyes, it was such an honor. I can't convey how dear he "is" for he will live on in our hearts, minds, thoughts, and prayers.

At this time, we must pray, too for Elisa, Anthony, Hunter, Gabrielle, Alexandria, and older siblings Dylan and Savannah. We must pray for the strength to carry on for all of the others that were close to this dear family. I hope I have been able to do justice to this very delicate situation. I rely on the strength of God and his newest angel Preston to put down these words. This is indeed a daunting task, and I hope that I expressed the families feelings accurately. It was an honor to meet Preston, it is a privilege to know the whole family, I am touched to be able to speak for the family at this time.

With Much Tenerness,
Loving Aunt Sarah

Being Held & Stimulation for Babies

Here are some pics of the babies being held (Me and Lexi at top, my friend Sarah and Lexi middle, and Little Lauran (cousin) with Preston






There isn't time to hold the babies enough, but others come and hold the babies frequently. I've been told the babies need to be stimulated when they are awake. Unfortunately, they seem to be awake at night - right when I am trying to eat dinner, watch the Finale of Will and Grace (I missed it last night due to this problem), or yes, trying to SLEEP!!!! How do you deal with 4 crying babies at one time? HMMM. I will get back to you on this one.

Last night I was about at my wits end. I was running around trying to stick pacifiers in mouths, playing music for the babies, feeding some while giving others "stimulation" via educational toys and videos. The crying was nonstop for 2 hours. All 4 were crying at one time, but most of the time it was 1 or 2 cries. I was holding one trying to calm her while another was in the room screaming his head off. I tried to lay them down and they didn't want to sleep. I had to walk away and take a tylenol for the headache that was forming. I called my husband who was in a softball game and asked him to hurry home. I had 3 crying babies who I collected and put on my lap. He collected them from me and we held on tight as we endured another 2 hours of nonstop crying. I think the boys tummies are really hurting from all the iron they are getting (vitamins and formula) because their crying comes in waves even while being held. Oh! and of course they are constipated too!!

The day before, I was trying to get them to fall asleep and my sister-in-law informed me that they are now staying awake longer as they are getting better and need more "stimulation." I tried reading to them. They honestly didn't care much for War and Peace. Just kidding. Actually, I read them Winnie the Pooh. They didn't have ANY interest and couldn't find the colors the book was asking them to locate. I guess they are not prodigies, at least not yet. So, I tried to talk to them. I find that when I talk to the babies, I usually say something meaningless and then repeat it a few times. "Yes, Lexi is a good girl. Yes she is. Yes she is. Do you want to chat? You do? What a good baby you are. Yes you are...." If anyone has some more intellectual conversation ideas they could share or other ideas of how to stimulate the babies' intellectually, Please SHARE!!! I would enjoy hearing your ideas. Don't all post at once now.

My little monkeys

Pictures: (top row: Gabrielle on left and Alexandria on right middle row: Hunter in back and Preston in front bottom pic: Alexandria on left and Preston on right)


My little monkeys are so cute. I have to share some of their latest photos. The babies are growing like weeds. I don't have a weight on Hunter as he doesn't need to go back to the pediatrician until he is 2 months old. However, he must be over 7 lb. His sister Alexandria is 6 lb and 3 oz. Gabrielle is 5 lb and 13 oz and Preston is weighing 4 lb and 10 oz. We feed every 3 to 4 hours and Hunter is now taking 4 oz at a time. Most newborns have 4 oz. It takes a while for premature babies to get up to that. He's leading the pack as a skilled eating machine. The others are learning fast enough!!

Mother's Day

I awoke and checked online at the Orlando Sentinel and saw the front page picture/article. The babies looked beautiful. A nice Mother's Day Present. We don't receive the paper in our area, but the photographer will be sending us copies and copies of the prints.

The day was spent changing poopy diapers, feeding the babies, and cleaning the house. My husband worked on cleaning out the garage and setting up the 2nd nursery. One room isn't big enough for 2 cribs, changing tables, chest of drawers, and a rocker. All that work work work on Mother's day.

We took a break to take the babies for a stroll in the afternoon. They are small enough at this point to put them 2 to a seat. It was nice and windy out. We concluded the day by gobbling down food while each holding one fussy baby a piece. We dropped into bed at nearly midnite, but that wasn't the end of the day for us - oh no. You know how it goes - feedings and crying all through the night. Wake up and do it all over again!!

Growing Pains

Photos: Top from right to left are Gabrielle, Preston, and Alexandria awaiting food!!

Photo on left is Hunter and Preston after being fed well. They couldn't be closer.




Over the last week of having all four home, we have been having sleep deprivation x 4. I am finally listening to the advice "sleep when they sleep." I have a host of things to do on my "to do list" which never seem to get done. Checking e-mails, doing updates on the blog, sending out thank-you notes, get pictures copied and sent out, pay bills, organize the babies' rooms, get all the paperwork together for income tax preparation, get all my certifications updated for work, take the dogs to the vet (poor dogs) for their shots and check-up, but how does that all get done when I have 4 babies? I barely manage to clean the house and eat myself. 4 babies crying at the same time!! Can you imagine?

For the most part, I have had help during the day from family members. I had my first opportunity to take care of 4 babies by myself at feeding time a couple of days ago. I did it again yesterday afternoon and then today I am by myself. I had a few visitors who I greeted by plopping the baby in their arms right after they had sanitized their hands. "Here hold this one while I feed the others" I told Aunt Katie. Then my mother and grandmother came by with a few groceries right while a friend from church was visiting, Nancy, and the babies started crying while they were here. I made bottles and told them they weren't getting out of here without feeding a few. I love my babies - don't get me wrong, but they are MORE THAN A HANDFUL.

They are going through their growth spurt, eating more and eating more frequently. Just as I have put all four down after feeding them, at least one is ready to eat again. I told Alexandria today "this isn't an all-day smorgasbord. Eat at the assigned time please." She isn't abiding by the rules. For that matter, none of them are. I don't think time-outs apply to babies, so I guess they get to set the rules right now. They only let me think I am in charge, but we all know the truth.

I hear from my mother and my husband that I favor the boys. "You don't ever seem to put them down." "You are always holding the boys...." I assure them that I don't have a favorite child. The boys just won't let ME alone. They are so fussy. The girls aren't loud enough to get fed first or held longer. I can't count the number of times I have fed them and held them, rubbing their backs, to the point that they are sound asleep and I try to lay them down. Seconds later I hear blood curdling screams. I know if I don't pick them up, all four will be awake. Also, I know that if I don't respond to their cries, they may not form a basic trust. Okay, at least according to Erikson, that's the theory.

Many a night, we have just gotten to sleep and Preston or Hunter will start to cry. My husband or I (depending on who is less sleep deprived at that moment) will get up and hold one counting the seconds till we can climb back into bed because we know that in 3 hours and 27 minutes we have to get up and feed all four. 'Please stop crying and fall asleep Hunter' Okay, make that 3 hours and 1 minute. 'Oh God, what is wrong with him that he won't stop crying' It's now 2 hours and 49 minutes till feeding. 'Oh thank God, he finally fell asleep. Let me put him down and get a little bit of sleep.' I climb into bed and just start to fall asleep when I am again awoken with the cries. I awake with a startle, disoriented to time. Is it feeding time already? It feels like I just fell asleep. I look at the clock. It is only minutes later - not feeding time. I start to cry with him.

Someone recommended that we start a bedtime routine and bathe them right before bed so they will sleep better. I did it with the boys the other night, keeping the girls' bath time in the mornings. We had our first decent intermittent sleep. We only had to get up at feeding time. We didn't do it the next night because baths are only supposed to be every other day. Boy, we paid for it. Bathtime might have to be a nightly ritual.

While they sleep, I run around the house cleaning with a frenzy. I have to get so much done in a short period of time. People say house cleaning isn't as important as spending time with the babies and while they may be right, if you let it go for a while, it mounts up. Before long I have burp rags and empty bottles adorning every square inch of the living room and kitchen. I have a pile of dirty dishes and laundry for days. I don't want to get too overwhelmed, so I do it all day and all night a little at a time. It is neverending. As it is, the house doesn't look like a home anymore. The living room is filled with bouncy seats, activity mats, and swings. Pack n plays are in almost every room of the house.

We have doctors appointments all the time. It's such an ordeal to go somewhere. It isn't like I can just go with them by myself. Even if we had 2 double strollers, one of us couldn't push 2 strollers at the same time, safely anyways. We don't even have a van of our own to take the babies anywhere. For right now, we are borrowing Aunt Nicola's van. She was gracious enough to loan it to us so we could get the kids to doctors etc. We can't afford to buy one yet and it isn't like anyone will be giving us one free, though many people seem shocked by that. It isn't their responsibility to take care of my babies. They didn't have them and we don't expect that any car dealership would do that. My husband works for Alan Jay Automotive Network and Alan Jay Wildstein (the owner) was nice enough to offer us a $2000.00 discount, but even with that, we can't afford one right now.

Financially, it is more than a struggle. I am trying to go back to work and was planning on doing some part-time work for home health, but just as I thought there would be a little money coming in the home, I get my hopes crushed. I am told that I have to come back full-time or not at all in order to keep my insurance. The hospital was very nice to let me have coverage for a couple more months at employee family plan rate, which my parents pay. I was initally quoted over 1200.00 per month for coverage under extended medical leave, which would of made it impossible to keep. Fortunately, administration was kind enough to allow my insurance to continue at a more reasonable rate of 431.00 per month. So, at least for now the kids have insurance coverage.

We are struggling but surviving. I know that I have food for our family and we have a roof over our head. God provides, so I know not to worry. We have always survived and will continue to. Well the babies are starting to cry, so I will have to end here.

May 10th, 2006

We had a VERY busy day today. We got up bright and early to travel to Orlando for a doctor's appointment for all 4 babies. Nana went with us and helped with all the feedings and diaper changes en route and at the doctor's office. They had to have their eyes checked for premature retinal myopathy. All four checked well so far. They will have to go back in 4 wks for another check of their eyes, but as of now the only issues are nearsightedness (which may go away) and astygmatism. Well, Gabby has a blocked tear duct and gets goopy eyed, but that should go away in time. All we need to do is massage her tear ducts.

We got home and had to get ready for a reporter and photographer from the Orlando Sentinel who had an appointment for 3:30 to photograph the babies and I for their Mother's Day edition front page. The house was a mess. The babies were a mess, needing fed, bathed, and dressed. I was a mess too. The troops had to be called in to help out. Nana, Auntie Lauran, Auntie Nicola, and great-grandma all came to help feed, bathe, and change the babies while I ran around the house in hair rollers trying to straighten up. We should have had photographs of that!! I can't wait to see the final pictures. The babies were beautiful, even if their mom still didn't look her best!!

May 7th, 2006

PICS (LEFT TO RIGHT) Ms Joanna, Ms Diane, Auntie Lauran, Auntie Judy, Gabby, Alexandria, Preston, and Hunter






We were up most of the night. Preston has been crying a lot. We assume it must be adjustment issues. I was so exhausted that I didn't want to get up in the morning but my husband insisted we go to church. He had arranged for family to come and watch the babies while we went to church. They are still too little to be exposed to too many people. We have to protect them from germs; their immune systems are not like an adult's.

We went to church and when we pulled in the driveway, I could not believe how many cars there were. You know how irresponsible babysitters can be - inviting all their friends to have a party. HA HA. Well, we came home to find all the babies being held by Auntie Lauran, Auntie Judy and their friends up from MIAMI. Here are the pics they took at their little "party."

May 6th, 2006

Preston came home today!! Our family is now all together. Preston is up to 3 lb and 15 oz. It's amazing how small he is to be coming home. Hunter weighed 3 lb and 11 oz when he was BORN and now he is coming home just a touch over that weight. Amazing. I am reminded over and over what a blessing it is to have 4 healthy premature babies.

May 4th, 2006

We were all excited about getting Preston today. Daddy took off of work to go and get him and to help take the other 3 back for them all to have pictures done professionally at the hospital. So, I dressed everyone up after giving them a bath and feeding them. I started to feed them in their car seats while driving to the hospital because it was time to feed them. Drives to Orlando with 3 babies are a huge ordeal. However, when we got half way there, we found out that Preston didn't gain any weight because he wasn't doing his feeds well yesterday. He will have to stay till he gets that down pat. Hopefully he will just be there another 1 or 2 days. Guess we had a dress rehearsal for the real ordeal next time.

May 3rd, 2006 - Doctor's Visit and 1 month old today

Happy 1 month birthday to all of us!!

Today, we had so much fun going to the doctor's office. Nana accompanied us and ended up helping with feedings while we were driving. The main reason for the doctor's appointment was weight checks. Hunter has proven he knows how to eat well! He has gained almost a pound. He now weighs in at 5 pounds and 10 oz. The girls gained 6 and 7 oz. Alexandria weighs 5 lb and 3 oz. Gabrielle now weighs 4 lb and 13 oz. We also found out we have a major diva on our hands. We will have to watch Lexi. While we were there, Alexandria flirted with her pediatrician. She batted her eyes and gave him a big smile. It was so cute. She's so irresistable. Her doctor had to smile back at her. I've been hearing for awhile that it is too soon for the babies to be smiling and what looks like smiles is actually gas. The doc confirmed the babies are definitely smiling. They are right on track developmentally. All 3 are gazing into their mommy's eyes when fed and lifting their heads.

We checked on Preston by phone. The nurse informed us that Preston may get to go home tomorrow. He is on 8 feeds per day now ad lib. If he does well, he will be out of there!!! We are so excited.

Happy Birthday Nana - May 2nd, 2006

Happy birthday nana from your little babies: Alexandria, Gabrielle, and Hunter. Preston will be home in a few days. Yay. We can't wait for our brother. Here is how we celebrated your birthday!! We take after you Nana. Sleeping is our favorite passtime. Ha ha

May 1, 2006

Above and beside are pics of Preston we took on Sunday at the NICCU. He is doing well, taking his 3 bottles per day still. They had to back him off a bit as when he got up to 4 bottles a day, he stopped eating well. He is over 1600 grams at this point. Soon he will be able to go into an open air crib.

It has been pretty hard on me at home. I have had some dizzy spells and feel a lack of energy. Who knew taking care of 3 babies and homemaking would be more exhausting than working a full time job? The last few days have been quite busy. We have been trying to get the babies on a schedule. We had a few problems with the girls eating. They seemed to suck and spit it out, but they have been doing much better. Hunter has been a little pig, eating everything you give him. He is able to take 3 oz now. The girls are getting there, but being dainty and petite, they don't like making pigs of themselves. Ha Ha. Most days I get at least 2 hours of help from family who stops by in the morning to help with feedings and visit the babies. That helps so much because it usually then that I get the most done around the house. It is hard to keep the house as clean as I would like it and keep up with the laundry otherwise.

The babies have "tummy time" everyday to help them gain control of their necks and music too. They seem to respond better when they are being sung to. I am going to try to work in reading to them too, but they don't seem to stay awake long enough for that. I was told today that reading to them 15 minutes a day helps expand their minds. I am not sure if that is true, but it couldn't hurt. They take feedings every 3-4 hours, depending on intake. Hunter goes every four, since he is eating so well. The girls have to be woken up every three to take their bottles. They are only taking 1 oz at times, 2 at others, and occasionally they will take 2 1/2 oz. They will be 1 month old in a few days. They have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday to check to make sure they are growing well. Hope they are getting enough nutrition!!

Mrs. Marsh comes for a visit

Mr. and Mrs. Marsh came over to see the babies. Mary Jane Marsh is a very sweet and beautiful lady who bought a car from my husband a while back and has been very supportive and helpful to me during my pregnancy. Today she and her husband got to meet the babies for the first time. They brought over a rocker to give to us and more importantly arms to rock a baby. Here she is with Alexandria. We hope she comes back to visit us often.

April 27, 2006 My 35th birthday

Okay 35 would be ordinarily be terrible, but I am a new mom so I am content with the number. I had a tearful episode receiving a touching e-card from my dad today. He's not a "mushy" kind of person, so when he says something sentimental it really means something to me. I sit here recalling my youth and wondering where the time goes. He called me his "little girl" in the card. I guess every woman is someone's little girl.

Here's a pic of me today (courtesy of a birthday present, a book from Lauran entitled: The Incredible Truth About Mothers by Bradley Trevor Greive). I thought it was appropriate as I attempt to continue putting on makeup and curl my hair; what a joke!! I had curlers in my hair while I tried to feed Hunter. He looked at me curiously, like "Whoa!! Who is this? This ain't the momma."