A Special Delivery

Almost three weeks ago, on May 30, 2012, our precious miracles took their first breaths! What a day it was! 

Because of the preeclampsia issues the doctor admitted me to the hospital the night before the scheduled c-section to monitor me and the babies. They were doing great so things stayed on schedule for the following day. We were scheduled to begin at noon, however we had to wait a little while longer. Not good for a woman who hadn't eaten since 5:00 the night before. At 2:43 our daughter, Mattie Rose, was born, and one minute later at 2:44, our son, James was born. There are no words to describe the feeling of lying there, not seeing what is happening behind the curtain, and then all of a sudden hearing to crying babies. Thankfulness, gratitude, joy... These words just don't cut it. 

Here a just a few pictures from the Mattie Rose's and James' birthday!!!

{trying to calm my nerves before surgery}

{my bff alicia - i was in the delivery room when she had declan last year. we don't miss these things}

{talking things over with dr. kennedy before we got started - love this man. incredible doctor.}

{anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetist - this is when i started to get nervous. they use needles}

{after  hearing them cry - kyle did an awesome job taking pictures and videotaping - even though he wasn't supposed to}

{mattie rose on the left and james on the right}

{my sweet family of four}

{loving on mattie rose}

{james had to stay in a little isolette for 12 hours of monitoring because he was so little}

{while dad fed james....

mattie rose got her first bath}

{first family photo once james was able to come out of the isolette}

{momma and her babies}

{matching jams}

{getting ready to leave the hospital}

{introducing the babies to our pup, jake}

{home sweet home}

{family}

{after first bath at home}

{in jams and ready for bed}

Since being home, it has been a whirlwind. Sleep has been non-existent (until last night, but more on that later), showers were rare, and we were taking bites of food quickly throughout the day. 

Because the babies lost a little too much weight in the hospital and were just a little jaundice, we initially had to supplement with formula. After a week, I decided to stop the supplement and try to nurse. To make sure they were getting enough from me, we were counting diapers and all seemed well. At their two week check-up at the pediatrician, Mattie Rose was one ounce shy of her birth weight of 5 pounds and 12 ounces and James had surpassed his birth weight of 5 pounds and 4 ounces. With Mattie Rose weighing 5 pounds 11 ounces and James weighing 5 pounds 10.5 ounces, he is catching up with her! 

In the beginning, I was so determined to only breastfeed the babies, however after almost three weeks of no sleep and constant tears from exhaustion, I came up with a new game plan yesterday. After some encouraging words from a friend of mine, I had to tell myself I have to take care of myself in order to take care of anyone else. So now we (I) have decided to give them formula at night and then breast milk during the day. And after several straight hours of sleep last night, I am now totally at peace with this decision. I am happier, they seem happier, and I have a feeling in no time my husband will be happier :)

I am quickly learning that it's nice to try and make plans for the way you intend to raise and take care of your children, but that flexibility and bending to what each one needs is required. 

God has been faithful thus far in giving me and those helping us the ability to persevere, and I have no doubt that his grace and empowerment will continue. This is has been the hardest, yet most rewarding, thing I have done so far in my life. 

I am sure this blog will take a turn towards the babies, but I will do my best to post about other things as well. Please continue to keep our family in your prayers as we adjust to the newness of having two little ones around. 

Love to all!