28 down - 4 to go

"If you trust that my plans are to prosper you and not to harm you, you can relax and enjoy the present moment." Jeremiah 29:11

28 weeks! We've made it to and past the latest goal. At 27 weeks need for ventilator risk goes way down, and we're a week past it! Our next goal is 30 weeks, when risks for any developmental deficiencies go down. We are continually amazed at the strength and wellness of the babes, especially when we are considered the 'highest high risk patient' on the floor! (says Nurse Michelle!) God is so good. At the ultrasound this week, still no knots or tangles, and as the boys get bigger the room to create thoseknots technically goes down, but they still run the risk of looping and kinking, essentially like a hose pipe. :) But, we're trusting all will remain great... So far still no bed rest either, although I did have to go on a week's worth of contraction medicine, as I was having 8 in a hour...however, they worked, were causing some major headaches, and so they took me off of them - I was incredibly excited about that!! It's hard to imagine we only have 4 weeks left until the ultimate 'goal' of 32 weeks, where, during that week we will be scheduled for our C-section. It's almost as if James and I haven't quite wrapped out minds around it all....that yes, the hopital stay will be over in 4 weeks (!), but we'll also have TWO babies then. Just hard to imagine and merge those two deadlines together. James had an incredible shower this week at his work, where I was 'Skyped' in to watch it all - so cool! We have been blesed beyond belief and know that even the prayers for after the babies birth will also be provided. For the upcoming ultrsound on Tuesday, we get another growth update, and so we're hoping that the boys have continued to remain 'plump' and are growing at a good, healthy rate. The past three weeks have truly gone by so quickly, and its hard to believe I'm almost halfway through my stay here. I've finished the boys bedding, read a few books, and I'm thinking of starting a quilt with some leftover fabric James found for me at the house. :) I cannot say enough how much I appreciate and love the company of my nurses who truly show their love for their jobs, and for the doctors' insight, jokes, patience, and wisdom as well. We have been blessed with incredible care. Thanks again to all of you who continue to stop by, keep me company, pray with me and for us as a growing family. My husband as well deserves his own thank you, as he is dealing with much more stress than I can ever imagine with balancing me, babes, doctors, work, house, Nora, etc...I am just humbled by the love and support that continues to be poured upon us. We are trusting in the Plan.

Much, much love!!! J, J, M, & J (---Natalie that's for you!)

1 week down!

"Consider it all joy, my brethen, when you encounter various trials..." James 1:2
Finishing up the first week in the new hotel, and I must say its been going very well so far. My always intelligent husband made a comment about how the days go by slow but the weeks will go by fast, and I completely agree with this statement! I've definitely gotten bored here and there but I can't believe a week has already past.
Our Ultrasound went great, and the boys are measuring 2 lb even and 1lb 13 oz, which according to the tech is fantastic! Woohoo! My monitoring is still three times a day for an hour (where they listen to the heart rates) and they continue to be boys (fighting each other) but have incredibly strong HRs. I have also realized I'm having contractions, but that is just normal pregger stuff from what I understand. The way I see it, everything is divinely great and normal right now, but it's just we are so much more aware of everything 'abnormal' because that's why we are here - to be monitored and make sure these boys come out perfect!
Friday was our 5-year anniversary, and although not ideal to spend it here, with armbands on and in a wheelchair (!), my sweet husband went above and beyond and brought Amerigos (our first date), dessert, and drove me around all night - even past the nursery so we could gawk on newborns screaming. So fun!
Saturday we met with the NICU team upstairs and they showed us the different stages of babes should ours be born tomorrow versus if they make it to the desired 32 weeks. The biggest shock to me was their relative size, and how sweet and small they were--literally the size of my palms some of them. One we saw was born at 12 oz, and is still trucking strong at 1 1/2 lbs now. Although overwhelming, the detail and information the team gave to us about what to expect was incredible. The doctor was fantastic and put us at so much ease, knowing we are already past a large hurtle and if they continue to progress as they are, we should have no problem making it to their goal. We are so blessed to have such humbling care around us.
Sorry this was lengthly and long, but thanks to everyone this week who have texted, called, emailed, came by and just PRAYED for these boys. We know there is still much to overcome, but we also trust all of it in the Hands that none can match. We consider it a JOY to be apart of.

Much love!