One down, one to go...

We have a baby home and couldn't be more thrilled! Nolan came home yesterday afternoon with us and is doing fantastic! We LOVE having him home, but of course it was bittersweet leaving our sweet Nathan in the NICU. But, the good news is, we should have Nathan home tomorrow! (Thurs) Praise God!

Here are a few pics from our homecoming with Nolan.

The kids were absolutely ecstatic having their baby brother home...they couldn't wait to hold him and love on him as much as possible!

Nolan is the same size as his new friend (the kids made "Fluffy" and a monkey for Nathan). :)

SURPRISE - The boys are HERE!

We had quite a surprise last Friday night, Aug. 19th when I started having contractions and they didn't stop! And, 6 hours later, on Saturday morning, when our twin boys were born at 35 weeks, 6 days!

Nolan Stephen  6 lbs. 15 oz. 

and 

Nathan Gordon  5 lbs. 12 oz. 

Because the boys were early, they were keeping an eye on their blood sugar and sure enough, they both had a hard time maintaining the level they should have. So, Saturday night they were both admitted to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) at the hospital where I delivered. They were started on iv fluid of sugar water to get their blood sugar regulated. After a day, their levels were normal, but unfortunately, they had a couple minor issues due to their prematurity and therefore, they're still in the hospital.

We've slowing adjusted to this life of shuffling back and forth to and from the hospital to visit the boys. It's been hard splitting time, but we've had a ton of help with grandmas and grandpas and wonderful friends who have stepped in to be there too. THANK YOU SO MUCH FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!!! We love you!!!!!

We're hoping to have both boys home with us soon...please keep praying that all goes well and they'll stay on the right track. We need them here!

We PRAISE GOD for their arrival and trust that He is in control and is watching over are sweet baby boys!

Enjoy a few pics of our sweet guys!

Daddy and his boys!

Mommy and Nathan

2 baby boys! 

Sweet babies together...

Ellie getting a peek...

Hannah and Sammy checking him out too!

 Taking turns holding their brothers...

I have a feeling that Nolan and Nathan are going to get held A LOT!

1 week old Nolan all snuggled in his bed

1 week old Nathan, just after his bath

(with his "old man" wrinkled look :)

Nathan and Mommy

 Daddy and Nathan

 Mommy and Nolan

LOVE these smooches!

Babies - update

This is going to be boring, but I just wanted to document this for you and for me. :)

At 33 1/2 weeks, Baby A weighs 5 lbs. 1 oz. and Baby B weighs 5 lbs 5 oz.!

At this rate, my guess is they'll come early...what's your guess? ;)

I'm still feeling really well, just slowing down a bit. We continue to be so thankful for the babies' health and mine....Praise God!

MI 2011

We recently spent 2 wonderful weeks in MI. There is really so much to tell, as usual, but I'll simply let the pictures do the talking. And, what you'll hear is....we spent A LOT of time on the beach! Don't worry, I was careful and spent 98% of the time under an umbrella...my doctor would be proud. :)

Another gorgeous sunset...

cheese!

goofing off before the beach

finding treasures (big logs & sticks?!)

kayaking on the beautiful lake

some things never change, Ellie loves Grandma's lap!

 Daddy had a special little passenger

Daddy and his kayaking buddies

the kids marching around the sand version of Jericho, singing and marching and helping the 

"walls come tumbling down!"

I love the joy this pictures shows...

Papa playing with the little ones

Happy 4th of July!

s'mores before the fireworks show

we had to keep a lifejacket on this boy, even with small waves...

he was CRAZY in the water! (shocking, I know!)

Sorry these are ALL from the beach...we did, in fact, do other things. 

A quick recap:

*Celebrated my dad's 70th birthday...a few times! Once with the Nederveld and Smith families...and once with a dinner out WITHOUT the kids! (thanks Jackie for babysitting!!!!)

*Visited Holland's Farmer's Market - twice

*Hung out at the Holland Street Festival, held every Thurs. evening

*I had a lovely dinner w/ two amazing girls (thanks J and L!)

Honestly, I guess we were on the beach most of the time. :) It may be the only time I'm up there this summer, so we took advantage of every moment! I'm looking forward to bringing our baby boys there some day too! 

Happy Summer!

Twins update

I'm not sure if you all knew, but I had appointments this morning with the MFM (growth ultrasound) and my OB and they both went really well! The babies look great and they are both head down (huge Praise)! We're praying they stay that way, so I can deliver naturally. They can still flip around, but it's hopefully less likely now that they/I am getting so big. My blood pressure has been looking great too...another PRAISE! I'm praying that continues to be normal too. 

Baby A is 3 lbs. 15 oz. right now and Baby B is 4 lbs. 2 oz.! So they're definitely growing and looking great. My OB appt. was quick since there wasn't much to discuss since I had just had the ultrasound. I'm measuring around 36/37 weeks, which is strange, since at my last OB appt. w/ a different doc., she measured me at 39 weeks?! I think I've lost faith in that whole measurement system! Either way, I'm obviously big, but am "allowed and encouraged" to gain more weight!. I'll keep trying!!! ;)

I scheduled my 3 hour glucose test for Monday morning and although it's a pain to sit there for 3 hours and get my blood drawn 4 times (and I have to fast before this one! ugh!), I'll be happy to have it done. I should have the results 24 hours later and am praying that I pass with flying colors! 

*who needs a table at the beach when you're

pregnant with twins?!

My OB still anticipates me going to 38 weeks, at which point they would probably induce. I can't believe that's less than 8 weeks away! Eek! So much to do! Brian did get the nursery painted last Saturday and it looks great! So, we get to check that one off the list! Now on to the million other things. :)

Thanks for your continued prayers for me and these little guys! Although I continue to struggle with nerves and anxiousness about their arrival, I have been able to enjoy the pregnancy now and can't wait to meet my little boys! And, we praise God for my continued health and theirs! He has been so good to us!