Alexandria.. Then and Now

Allikins in the NICU... My how small :(



Playing on her playmat











Ready to walk!!!

Gabrielle... Then and Now

Gabrielle learning to eat


Gabrielle is starting to eat cereal here














Gabby playing; isn't she cute?

Hunter Then and Hunter Now

Hunter in the NICU

Hunter when he came home from hospital













Hunter NOW!

Our First Birthday Party

We are having their first birthday party on April 1st 2pm at our home although their birthday is actually April 3rd. No I wouldn't let my babies be born on "April Fools Day" so people could say that we were the "fools" who had quads on April Fools. We are having a baby einstein theme as that is what the kids are into out of all that is out there right now. I can't wait till they can appreciate Winnie the Pooh (my favorite). Anyways... we are having it catered (courtesy of my parents), having a tent put up outside because my home is not big enough to support the inivitation list, planning games for the younger kids (and maybe a couple for the adults), and having a slideshow. It is pretty ambitious of me to try to complete a slideshow before Sunday. We will see if it happens. Well, here is kind of a preview of that slide show... I will have the following posts entitled:
Hunter Then and Now
Gabrielle Then and Now &
Alexandria, Then and Now

If by chance I should of invited you and forgot to invite, please let me know. I am a disaster at organization lately and have been racking my brain asking "Who didn't I invite that I should have." Nothing there anymore after 1 year with the babies.

Hunter wins a pageant

I don't have the pics yet, but I will post them here when I can. Hunter won a baby pageant and got a $500.00 mall gift certificate, entry to state finals (actually 4 states' finals), and a sitting with a professional commercial photography in Illinois (guess he won't be taking advantage of that prize). He was so cute. The girls didn't enter. Allie had bruises on her head where she had fallen and quite frankly it's too expensive and too hard to manage walking 3 across the stage!! Comments have not come in a while. Is anyone out there????????? HELLO

Great Grandma

Great grandma calls Hunter an "old soul" and gravitates toward him. The two will sit for hours together; Hunter loves his great grandma. He doesn't get along quite as well with is grandma. She says they "clash."

Christmas Pics

At Gramma and Grandpa's House

Grampa came home from Iraq for 30 days and got to spend a little time with the babies. Sadly, he is already on his way back. Here are a few memories we saved.

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