A Whole New World

Yesterday was my husband's birthday. And while we didn't quite have the opportunity to celebrate the way we would have liked, I think I can safely say that he had a great day. My husband is in love with our sons. And I have to say, he has never been more attractive, and I have never loved him more than watching him hold, feed, kiss, and love on our boys. I remember that it was how he was with Emily that really made me fall in love with him in the first place, and if it's even possible, now with Ben & Jake here, I love him even more.

On Monday, June 27, 2011, we welcomed Jacob Charles (Jake) at 8:34AM at 4lbs. 15oz., and Benjamin Robert (Ben) at 8:35AM at 5lbs. 10oz.

Say hello Jake!



Say hello Ben!



Ben and Jake are currently in the NICU getting some much needed love and attention. Both are breathing well on their own and making progress towards home, but definitely need your prayers for continued strengthening and growth, especially with feeding. Their little tummies are having a hard time grasping the concept and each feeding time is a lot of work and then we pray that their bodies digest everything accordingly. Jake was slow to transition so is a bit behind Ben and may come home a bit later on, and Ben is making enough progress that he may be home soon, but only time will tell.

To say my being discharged and being at home when they are not is a challenge does not even begin to put it into words. While I am happy they are being so carefully tended to and know I am already overwhelmed at the thought of having such tiny beings under my care, I am broken-hearted to have them so seemingly far away. My usual tough exterior struggles to not cry pretty much all day long. Even now, as I type this, I find the tears spilling over.

I did get to do what is called Kangaroo Care yesterday, which was by far my most favorite moment and something I will remember always. They laid me back in a recliner and then stripped Jake down to his diaper and tucked him inside my shirt so that we could be skin to skin. He just slept with his warm body against my chest, his little hand over my heart. At that moment I realized we were in a whole new world and nothing would ever be the same, in the very best way.

Here are a couple of shots of Jake and Ben now (almost one week old!). Please keep them near and dear in your thoughts and prayers, with hopes they will be home very, very soon!

Jake



Ben



These were all taken with my Nikon CoolPix, so the quality is a bit dicey at best. I am hoping once I get a grip on being more comfortable myself, that I can lug the Mama Blevo into the NICU for some real, deal shots!