MADELINE AND NICKLAUS COME HOME

Hi all, I am attaching a post from Christy, but first a few words from me. You will see that two of the three grandbabies have joined mom and dad at home. This means changes (not just diapers), and new experiences for all of us. Gracie is still in UCI Hosp NICU, so we are all taking turns to visit her and make sure that she doesn't feel left out. I was there late last night in time to give her a feeding. She is quite a handful. She tires out easily during the feedings, and will simply jam her gums down so you can't get the bottle nipple into her mouth. Last night she started playing "possum". While I was gently trying to get that nipple past her sealed gums, she closed her eyes as if asleep. I guess she figures that if she can't see me then I must have gone away. Too bad Gracie, Grandpa was still there. She actually opened her eyes, then when she saw me and felt me still trying to get that nipple in, she closed her eyes. I kept trying, but Gracie won out. I eventually relented the task to her night nurse Sheryll, who was successful. Bottom line, Gracie got her entire feed through a bottle. All her nurses are doing their best to get her to take all her formula without the use of the feeding tube, and as soon as they are confortable that she can do this day after day, Gracie will join her sister and brother at home. So here is the post from Christy.

Well, I do not know if you all will believe me but I am sitting on the computer, kids are sleeping in their cribs, dishes are done and house looks pretty good. We have had a busy couple of days. Steve and I brought home Madeline and Nicklaus on Monday evening. We were both so excited to get them home, but very sad to leave our little Gracie. She is doing great she just gets so tired during her feeds that she needs a little more love in the NICU. It must be that she loves her nurses, especially Sally and Sheryl. As you can imagine things are slightly crazy. My Mom stayed the night with us the first night and we did not sleep but five minutes here and there. Madeline has a very odd breathing pattern and to be honest it is sometimes scary. Nicklaus just loves to look at the world and never wants to sleep. Thank goodness that is changing. We bathed them last night and I think that it wore them both out. My Mom and Dad both stayed last night and I was able to get six hours of sleep. I cannot say that my Mom has had that but I woke up early this morning and sent her to bed. Today we meet our Pediatrician for the first time. I am excited to see if the kids have gained any weight??? Then we will go visit Grace and back home for the night. Please pray that the kids continue to eat well and that Grace will be home with us soon. It is very hard to have a split family. I went to visit her yesterday and then Steve went after work to give her quality Daddy time. She is in great spirits but we want her home. Many of you have offered help. I thank you and yes I could use it. It would be helpful to me that if you call you tell me when you can do it. I am drawing up a calendar and scheduling people in. If you feel like you are a night owl and can handle a shift that would be great. My parents are here helping but I need to give them a break too. Day-time cuddlers are needed too. Thank you to everyone for everything. Steve and I realize that we could not do this alone and all the support has been so great. Christy