Twice the Fun Plus One

It has been a crazy week around our house. Our girls arrived last Friday evening. It was definitely a surprise to Mommy because there was nothing unusual going on all day, then all of a sudden, it was time! Gracelyn Joy and Ellie Jenay made their miraculous appearance at 5:54 and 5:55 December 19. They are just beautiful and progressing really well. They were only 31 weeks and 2 days gestation, but they have definitely held their own in the neonatal ICU. Ellie had some trouble breathing initially and had to be put on a bubble C-Pap, but she is already off that and breathing fine on her own. Gracelyn had a bout with Apnea, but it looks like that has resolved itself, also. Dave and I love going to see our girls everyday, but it makes it hard to get anything else accomplished. We are just so excited to have them here we aren't very motivated to do much besides spend time with them. I am sure we are going to drive all the nurses crazy before all is said and done!! Gracelyn's fir...

Dave took me on my first wheelchair ride this afternoon. The doctor gave the OK a couple of days ago, but Dave has worked so late the last few nights, we hadn't been able to go out for a spin. It was oddly exhilarating! I never thought I would get so excited about a wheelchair ride, but I really was!! I guess it has something to do with the fact that I have only seen outside my room on one occasion in my two and a half week stay here at the hospital. I went about 3 doors down the other day for my sonogram. Other than that, I have been in my room 24/7. I know this is the best thing for our girls right now and I will do anything I can to keep them growing in my belly as long as possible, but it will be nice to get out of here for 20 minutes every day!!! We took some photos to commemorate our first outing. Here we are at the conclusion of my first big night out! We really had a lot of fun. I think next time we go we will do a little more exploring. This time, Dave just showed me ar...

Well, we made it to 30 weeks. A huge milestone that I didn't think was possible 4 weeks ago. I had a sonogram yesterday morning and the girls look good. They are both measuring between 30 and 31 weeks and each weigh about 3.5 pounds. So, I have about 7 pounds of baby in me right now. I don't have any real recent pictures, but here are a few older pics for your viewing pleasure! This was my last morning of freedom as Dave and I were leaving for my doctor's appt. I haven't been home since! Dave and I celebrating Thanksgiving in the hospital. Several people have asked about the nursery. No, it is not finished. We actually have quite a bit left to do, but I know it will all come together. Our house is not very big and the nursery is definitely not very big so we don't have a lot of space for too much furniture. Once we got both of the cribs put together we realized there really isn't room for much more furniture. We do have two tall bookcases in there and I ...

It has been a crazy week and a half with these girls of ours! I have been having contractions, spent 4 hours in the hospital last Thursday being monitored, bedrest Friday, spent the night in the hospital Friday night, bedrest all weekend and went to a specialist today. I was sure Dr. Thigpen was going to give us some good news because I have still been feeling so good. The contractions haven't been painful and the meds I am taking have seemed to slow them, but the news was not good. My cervix is shortening--it is at a 1.1 as of my appointment today. So, strict bedrest for me for the remainder of this pregnancy. I am 26 weeks tomorrow and we are really, really hoping to make it to 30. I have another appointment with Dr. Thigpen next Tuesday and if my cervix has shortened anymore I will be in the hospital for the duration. Sounds exciting, huh? I have been very emotional. I am very hopeful, but the reality is definitely setting in. I am trying not to think about all the things...