Hanging In There

We would tell you that we are starting to settle into a routine, but we would be lying.

Andrew and Maggie have a routine: pee, poop, change diaper, eat, play, sleep. Mom and Dad's routine is a little more chaotic. Fortunately, we have had both Grandma's (Gaga and Nanie) here to help most of the time (although Mom and Dad did spend 9 days straight flying solo).

Mom is fighting a valiant battle to keep up with the milking duties, but it is definitely challenging with two. Dad and Popie spent Father's Day together as well. We are starting to introduce formula to both babies...Maggie is finding that her poop is harder to get out...but the gas is a killer. Andrew, on the other hand, is still dealing with a little bit of reflux. Other than that, the kids are doing great.

We had the team of physical, occupational, speech, and developmental therapists out and they rated the kids exactly where they should be for normal 10 day old babies (per their due date)...or even a little advanced. Andrew is doing pushups and holding his bottle already and Maggie does an outstanding job of following the toys!

We will try to keep the site updated a little more often, but it, like everything else, is very challenging! The newest project is getting the nursery up and running...we will post some pictures of the nursery next time.

Furniture at last

Andrew and Maggie are settling in at home. Andrew is proving to be quite a bit louder than his sister. We went for a walk around the neighborhood and saw a few of the neighbors. The furniture was delivered today (everything except the glider) and the kids are off to dream land in their 1st real night in a crib.

Andrew's Burp

Maggie Talking

Sleepless nights

Every parent has their share of sleepless nights. While our experiences up to this point have been fairly atypical, the last 2 nights with both kids home have been pretty typical. Our furniture is "supposed" to be delivered by the end of the week, but for now, the kids are sleeping in a pack n play together. Generally, they have a keen sense for waking up when the other is asleep. While they don't seem to wake each other up, they do keep us busy always attending to one of them!

Gaga Rudy leaves this morning (Wednesday) and the reality will begin (at least until Nanie gets here next week)!

Quick History

June 5, 2007
The whole family is finally home.
After 50 days on bedrest, Sarah gave birth to Andrew and Maggie on March 5, 2007.
The kids were 26 weeks and 4 days into the pregnancy and were all too eager to meet the real world.

Andrew's Story
As the older son (by 1 minute). Andrew had an easier time leaving mom. He needed 1 shot of epinephrine to get going but was off the vent after just 7 minutes. He was born at 905 grams (2lbs 0.5 ounces). His list of "challenges" included underdeveloped organs (kidneys, liver, lungs, etc), various infections, pda ligation surgery, and, so far, Stage 1 ROP. He spent 91 days in the NICU learning how to live in the outside world. He came home on 6/4/07 at a whopping 5lbs 11oz.

Maggie's Story
As the baby girl. Maggie gave us some big scares when she came out. It took 5 shots of epinephrine to get Maggie going. The doctors kept saying "your son is doing well, we are working on your daughter." Finally she put up the fight we knew was in her and she started doing what she shouldn't be doing on her own for another 13 1/2 weeks. Maggie was born at 650 grams (1lb 7 ounces). Her list of "challenges" included underdeveloped organs (kidneys, liver, lungs, etc), a small pda, and a Grade III uni-lateral IVH. We never expected her to pass up her brother but after 73 days, Maggie left the NICU on 5/17/07 at a petite 4lbs 7 ounces.