Ben and Abe's First Year Video

This is the slideshow that I made for the boys' birthday party. I'm warning you that it's not for the faint at heart! It's eleven minutes of sheer Ben and Abe bliss! So in case you don't have the time (or desire) to watch the whole thing, at least watch the beginning and reminisce on what those wee babes of mine used to look like~

Turn up the volume!

Baby Grace Update

It has been an interesting 10 or so days. On the 19th, because Grace has been doing so well, we were able to take her with her oxygen bottle to the NICU window to meet Sasha! It was so wonderful. Sasha lit up immediately and knew exactly who she was, yelling, "Grace Grace Grace!" She wanted so badly to come inside but she still can't due to RSV season regulations. It started with Grace not wanting to eat on her own anymore. The doctors decided she has some reflux, which is fairly common and have figured out the type of medicine to counter it. She also was getting uncomfortable frequently, moaning and groaning, so the doctors started her on simethicone, a gas relief that has seemed to do the trick. Then, she began having issues with her stools. So now she is on none other than prune juice twice a day. This seems to be doing the trick and she really, really enjoys it. On Monday a week ago, we decided it was time to try and remove Grace's feeding tube and focus primarily on Breast feeding her. On Tuesday night, Kelly spent the night at the hospital and fully cared for Grace, breast feeding her all through the night. Then we began to face our current dilemma. Grace began to lose weight due to the fact she wasn't getting the extra calories from the fortified breast milk from the bottle and she just wasn't eating enough. Grace has lost a little weight or stayed the same for the last four days or so. Then, on Friday a person from the insurance company came to check on Grace and said she met all of their criteria to leave and she needed to do so as soon as Saturday. After talking to the doctors they convinced her that she needed to remain there at least until Monday to see if she could gain some weight eating on her own. So here we are, Sunday afternoon, very excited at the idea of going home, a little freaked out as well, and Grace lost weight again last night. As of last night, we have decided to give Grace nothing but the fortified breast milk in a last effort to give her every calorie she can suck down. If she looses weight again tonight, we're not really sure what will happen. More of the same I suppose. If she does gain, we may still be able to take her home as soon as tomorrow! Grace needs all the prayers she can get right now. She needs to be hungry and strong enough to suck down those entire bottles. Please pray for her today. God's timing is perfect, and we pray his timing is very soon! Love you all, we will let you know what happens. Chris, Kelly, Sasha, and Grace

One Year Old!

Almost Time!

So this week has been a little busy since our household has been gearing up for the boys' first birthday. I apologize to those of you who have been asking about it and yet heard nothing from me! While their birthday is tomorrow, the 26th, we are planning on celebrating with Jer's fam on Friday night and my fam on Saturday afternoon. I hope to have lots of fun pictures to post come Sunday. In the meantime, here's a hint at how we'll be celebrating...

As for tomorrow, just make sure you check back for their one year photos! Call me biased, but I think they're the sweetest yet!

Sunday Shots

Friday Schmyday

I have to say, we've had a couple of crazy days around here but today is in the top three. After multiple meltdowns at Target, crying over EVERY LITTLE THING, and two biting episodes, I decided to take the boys outside so all of us could eat lunch and hopefully let the sun clear up our case of the grumpies. Eat we did. Yogurt, bananas, cheerios; the mood was light and it seemed the day was improving. That is until Abe ate a leaf/stick/bug/other miscellanous yard item and proceeded to projectile vomit all over himself and our blanket. Game over.

Wake me when it's Saturday.

I Must Have Missed the Punch Line...

Baby Grace Update

Loved Ones, We continue to be amazed at the love and support we receive daily from you all. Our prayers are continually being answered as Grace continues to grow and love life. Today, February 17th, is the date we were given for Grace and Makaila's due date. It seems like just yesterday when we held Makaila in our arms and had to say goodbye to her and it still feels that way emotionally. She has such a place in our hearts that cannot be described. We continue to rely on God's promises and know that one day we will see her again. As of today, Grace is now considered "term" which still astounds us considering this Friday she will be three months old. I apologize for not updating you all on her status recently, as it has been almost a month since our last update. While I was busy thinking that nothing has really changed a whole lot, Grace has grown almost two pounds to her current weight of 5lbs 10ozs, 17.5 inches in length and is definitely cuter than ever. She hasn't had any real issues with anything, just eating and growing. We have been bottle feeding her and Kelly has been breast feeding her several times a day. So why are we still here? Well, we're getting close. Grace is eating well but she has yet to take a whole feed on her own. Typically she eats about half of her full feed more or less with some exceptions and the rest goes through the feeding tube. She has good eating days and some not so good. Once she can take her full feeds and do it regularly we will be good to go. She is still on the basic oxygen assistance but that's not really a big concern at this point. They have told us from the beginning that most likely she would go home on oxygen especially because we live at high altitude. So or prayer at this point is that she would get stronger and continue to increase her intake of food. Other than that, she is doing quite well. Grace moved out of her isolet and into a big girl crib a few weeks ago. The nurses have begun making a point to try and create a similar environment for her as she will have at home. One of those things is covering her bed from the light at night and allowing light in during the daytime. We long await the day we take her home and Sasha gets to meet her and interact with her. We miss our friends and home and believe it or not, working. Any sort of routine would be nice. Blessings to you all, see you soon. Chris, Kelly, Sasha, and Grace

If You're Happy...

and you know it, clap your hands feet!

Smoosh

Benny-Boo Plays Peek-A-Boo

Just a sweet picture of my boy. He was playing peek-a-boo with momma.

Lick

Whenever I look at Abe through his plastic drum, he takes a lick. What a weirdo.

On another weird and kind of gross note, our leather couches look like they have been attacked by a rout of snails. Anyway, you know those incredibly shiny trails that are all over the sidewalk in the morning? Yeah, we have those. Only ours are made of baby snot. Told you it was weird and gross.

A Bit of Randomness

Has anyone else had such a crazy day that you don't have a chance to eat?

Yes?

Okay, now one step further.

Has anyone else had such a crazy day that you don't have a chance to eat so you grab a loaf of fresh baked french bread at the grocery check out line and then consume 2/3 of it before you even hit your door step? Anyone? Anyone?

-------------------------------------------------

Also in food land, we had this for dinner tonight...I called it Unicorn Horns.

Really it's called Romanesque Broccoli and it was almost like cauliflower, broccoli, and an artichoke heart had a baby. Pretty tasty.

As for The Deuce, they opted for broccoli florets with extra sharp cheddar and some black beans. Abe really seemed to enjoy it although most of it ended up in his bib.

We'll forgive him though. He's kinda sweet.

When the Chips Are Down

The boys and I all have a touch of something. Mostly, it's just consisted of snotty noses (them) and a sore throat (me). Not too bad, but it's enough to keep us home and away from all of our weekly play dates that we look forward to. So in anticipation of the slew of housebound days that lay ahead of us, I realized that some out of the box thinking might be in order. Translation: what can they play with that doesn't resemble their everyday toys and that might hold their attention for longer than a nanosecond?

Answer:

Jer likes to think that it's just early grooming for Christmas in Colorado

I think we need to work on A.B.'s poker face

Ben's smiling cause he can see Abe's hand

That's some serious concentration going on

Have a Texas-Hold-Em Tuesday,

A Walk in the Park

With last week's weather being in the 60's, the boys and I made a couple trips to the park. I can't tell you how much good it did us to just get out of the house and spend some time in the fresh air! Oh how we miss summer!! And let me tell you, it was AWESOME to just put out a blanket and let them do their thing. Last year, it was Olympic event just trying to keep them covered and out of the sun but cool all at the same time. Controlled chaos.

All I can say is, bring on the zoo. We're ready.

"O" time
Happy likes the o's so much, he's saving one for later :)
Sweet boy
Abe "exploring" the grass
More exploring
A.B. taking a water break
Benji boy