Chillin'

Andrew, just chillin' in the NICU.

The Blizzard of '08

Winter of 2007-2008 will be remembered as the winter the babies were born and the winter of record snow falls. The snow has been falling steadily all winter long. Last night and today we got 10-12" of new snow - the heaviest snowfall of the year - bringing our total accumulation to just over 15" on the level.

Luckly, one of our wonderful neighbors, Tim, came by to plow the driveway so we could get out to go see the babies in the hospital. The doctors say they will be able to come home soon! The forecast for the next few days calls for snow, snow, and more snow, so their homecoming may be a snowy one.

Grammy Lucy's Visit

Grandma Lucy, or as Wayne says, "Grammy Lucy" flew in the night Tara was released from the hospital to relive Grandma Kay. While it was hard for her to be away when the babies were born, she graciously agreed to come up once Tara and the babies came home to help out. At that point, we didn't know the babies would have such an extended stay in the hospital.

She was rewarded for her efforts with a sweet smile.

Grandma Kay's Visit

Grandma Kay was in town to help out before the kids arrived and was rewarded with a chance to meet her new grandkids.

I think she would say that it was well worth it. Grandma stayed until Tara was ready to come home.

First case of the hickups

At one day old there is not much they can do, but everything they do is cute. From smiles and frowns to hickups and sneezes. I don't think they can help it.

Partying in the NICU

Apparently Andrew and Olivia decided that they weren't quite ready to make it in this new world on their own, so they get to spend some time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). They have the breathing thing down pat, but they still need some help eating. When you're born at 36 weeks, apparently eating is a lot of work. Currently they can only eat about half of their needed amount before tiring and falling asleep. To help them out, the nurses supplement their food intake through a feeding tube down the nose called a "gavage tube". They are eating more every day, so hopefully the tubes will be removed soon and they will be ready to go home.

Welcome to the world little ones!

Tara and I welcome the newest additions to our family, Andrew David and Olivia Irene, who were born on January 11, 2008.

Olivia Irene
5lbs 1oz
18.5 inches long
Born at 4:06pm

Andrew David

5lbs 11oz
19 inches long
Born at 4:07pm