5 Pounds!!

Since Kennedy was so small when she was born, and earned herself an all-expense paid trip to the Special Care Nursery (aka. NICU) we got a home care nurse that came to the house for four visits after our girl came home. All along she's been making progress, gaining weight and keeping her temp up, and even growing a little longer. Tuesday was her last nurse visit, and we reached a milestone- Kennedy weighs 5 pounds .6 ounces!! Her tiny head is now 31.5 inches in diameter and she is 18.5 inches long. We feel a little more relieved now that she's reached that 5 pound mark.

The nurse also weighed Graham for us when she was out last time. Not to let his sister out-do him, he is now weighing in at 6 pounds 1o ounces. We have a future heavyweight on our hands! Okay, maybe not but it's great to know they are thriving at home :)

Graham sucking his thumb.

Kennedy just chillin in the bouncy seat.

Today

Today was the day- my first day at home with the babies. I was so overwhelmed at the thought of being by myself, but...
Today I fed Kennedy and Graham multiple times- by myself
Took a shower and washed my hair- babies sleeping
Did some work on the computer
Did laundry and put it away
Played with the babies
Provided milk for my babies

...Survived.

I know it's a small step, but it was so empowering to know I could do it on my own. Maybe every day won't be like today, but just knowing it can be is enough.

Fun with pacifiers

Its official- Graham and Kennedy are totally pacifier addicts. Check out the video below. Graham has a "fro-hawk" in the video because he just got a bath.

Our First Walk

Today, since the weather was so nice, we decided to go on our first walk outside. All six of us, including the dogs. : ) They actually did pretty well until the end. Kennedy was ready to eat, so she was getting a little fussy. Graham was out like a light...

First graduation

Today, we had the first graduation in our family. Kennedy was officially released from the Special Care Nursery. In a way, it was sad to leave because all of the nurses and doctors there were so great. We definitely couldn't have done this without their help and support. (And of our family and friends of course) Now, its time to start our life as a family now that everyone is safe at home...

Our first family picture

Kennedy wasn't too sure what the carseat was, but she adjusted quickly and fell asleep shortly afterward.


Arriving at home...

Kennedy at the NICU

Here are a couple of pictures of Kennedy at her temporary home at the Special Care Nursery at MO BAP. We are trying to make it out there everyday for her 11am and 2pm feedings. Today, they reduced her blood glucose checks to once a day. She doesn't have to endure all those painful pricks to the foot before every feeding anymore...

Homecoming #1

Today, Heather and Graham were released from the hospital. It was a bittersweet day, since Kennedy had to stay at the hospital. She is still at the special care nursery, working to get big and strong. She is slowly starting to maintain her body temp, but needs more time. Her blood glucose levels are getting more stable (above 40), so that isn't as much as a concern, since she is eating over 30mL every 3 hours. We hope to bring her home in about 3 days.

Introducing...

Kennedy Rae and Graham Michael were born today, Tuesday, March 9 at 3am in the morning. Graham weighs 6lb and is 19"long. Kennedy weighs 4lb and is 18" long. Since she is so much smaller, she has a harder time regulating her body temp and blood glucose levels, so she is spending a few days in the special care nursery as a precautionary measure until she gets stronger. Here are a few pictures. We hope to post more in the next week or so.

Here is a pic of Graham Michael

They slept together after they first ate. Graham is on the left. Kennedy on the right.

Here is a picture of Kennedy Rae

35 weeks

Today we had our 35 week appointment. The ob wanted to check out the babies and since Kennedy is a little smaller, they performed a stress test on her. She passed all 8 parts of the tests with flying colors! She's like her mommy and daddy, A+ students! ;) The stress test was a biomed ultrasound, so we got to see the babies, too. Right now, Graham weighs about 5lb 14oz, and Kennedy weighs about 4lbs 13 oz. Growing right on track!

In the meantime, Heather's legs and feet have been really swollen the past week or so. She tries to stay off them, but it's hard to do while she's teaching. Saturday was by far the worst swelling so far, she couldn't even fit into her shoes! Because of that, the doctor decided that Heather doesn't have to work anymore. She isn't on bed rest, but she will need to stay off her feet a little more, which she can't do at school. And the big news... She is 1 cm dilated (9 to go!) We have a date to be induced if the babies haven't come yet- March 10. Hopefully they'll be here by then, but it's definitely something to look forward to!

In the meantime, Heather is going to be spending some time relaxing- until the babies get here, she is planning on getting a chance to read, maybe get the babies scrapbooks started, spend time with her Grandma Cleda, and making some food to freeze so we have some ready meals when the babies are here.

Keep checking the blog- hopefully we'll have news to share sooner than later!