WE ARE FAMILY

Hi everyone. Here is another post from Christy. I just want to add that having the new grandkids home is very rewarding. I really enjoy watching them and seeing their personalities continue to develop, not change, just develop more. Gracie continues to be the cautious and strong willed one, Maddie is still the laid back - "I'm happy with whatever" one, and Nick is the particular one (needs to always have a clean diaper) and needing human touch baby. These are character traits that were for the most part recongnized by Christy while the babies were still in the womb, and were definitiely noticeable those first weeks in the NICU. Each one needs to be treated and handled differently. They are learning things so fast. For instsance, all of them know that when we put a little bib on, the next thing will be a bottle with formula. It's really fun to watch them, even when we have the all night shift. So here is the note from Christy. Bernd

REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS AND AGAIN I SAY REJOICE!!!!!!It has been one terrific week! Grace is home and all is well with the Dierkings. Grace arrived last Thursday and we have been going one hundred miles an hour since. It is a lot of hard work and worth every minute. I must admit leaving the hospital was hard. Our babies primary nurse and two of my favorite L&D nurses walked Steve, Grace and I out for the last time. We got in the car and I just started crying. The tears were happy tears and sad. I will really miss the staff at UCI and all the new friends I have made. Steve and I are so grateful to them. The kids are doing fine. There is a lot of adjusting to do and we have had many sleepless nights. My Mom and Dad are helping out everyday and we have had many of you, friends and family come and give a helping hand.I wanted to share something very important to me. There is no way that we could have these beautiful children home safe if it were not for the prayers and support from each of you. I am sure we have put a smile on the Lords face with the way we have come together to believe in the miracle of Madeline, Grace and Nicklaus.

I know that God has a special plan for my children and I am so excited to see what that will be. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, you are all amazing!Today we went to our new doctor. What a trip that is. My Mom and I spent forty-five minutes getting the car ready and then loading up the kids. When we get to the office we have to undress one child and get him or her weighed and examined and then get the next one ready for the same check-up. Of course it is always a feeding time for someone, so my Mom will feed someone and I will get the kids ready. It is a three-ring circus, but we both think it is so fun. The final score today is; Nicklaus is the heaviest at 6lbs. 5oz, Madeline is a close second at 6lbs. 4oz, and little Gracie girl is 5lbs. 12oz. They are all gaining weight and the doctor is amazed at the awareness of the kids.

The last exciting news is that we have hired a live-in nanny. After a few days of sleeplessness we knew that we needed some help. It has become clear to us that you need at least two people at all times with the babies and actually three is better. Jeni is moving in this weekend and we have known her for years. She is a member of our church and was looking for something just like this. Isn't the Lord good? Just when you are not sure how things will work out God provides. Please do not think we do not need help we can use all we can get.

Another bit of news is that I will be working out of the house on Saturdays. In order to have a nanny I just need to give a couple of hours a week to the trade I love. I am very excited to see some of you that I have not connected with and I am anxious to get my hands into your hair.(hee hee)Lastly I ask that you take a few seconds to think about all the blessing you have in your life. After you think about them, thank God for them, He is our true provider our Lord is good, AMEN! God bless you all, Christy