Derek holds his brothers

Derek wanted to hold his brothers this morning. This is him holding Nate. He was very sweetly stroking their heads. He also tried to teach them the motions to isty bitsy spider using their hands. It was pretty funny. This evening, Derek put the sling on and went to the babies. It was very cute. Derek really wants to help us with them. He always wants to see them when they are sleeping. He got his teddy bear out today and was putting a diaper on it. I think his teddy bear needs to start potty training like Derek is to help him!

All in all, it was a good day. The boys are eating every 3 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night. We are trying to keep them on the same schedule for our sanity. They are eating tons, sleeping well, and pooping all the time.

More firsts

Will and Nate have tried many more new things. While MIke, Derek, and I ate dinner last night, Will and Nate snuggled in the swing together. Thanks to Amy and Amanda for lending us swings. Then the boys had their first baths at home. There was lots of screaming. The boys did not enjoy being naked (like Derek was). After bath the boys ate and went to bed. Thanks Angie for the great swaddles and to Karen for knitting the boys their hats.

10 weeks old- or day 0

Will and Nate are 10 weeks old and at day 0 today. They are officially 10 weeks old from when they were born but they are at day 0 for their adjusted age. Today was their due date (actually Will's was 1/29 and Nate's was 1/31- what??). Because they are preemies they will hit their big growth and development markers around their adjusted age. So right now they are acting like newborns. We had the blessing to watch the boys grow for the 10 weeks I should have been pregnant. They are both doing great despite their very early start!

Yesterday I had the morning alone with them. Mike took Derek to school and then went to the auto show to do some research. It went really well but is very time consuming. I learned how to breastfeed one and give the other a bottle-at the same time. We have to give the boys fortified breast milk for their bones. They had some tummy and snuggle time and then took a nap. It was fine as long as I was very focused. I am very thankful that I didn't have Derek as well. How would that have worked? I am glad I have a few weeks to figure it all out.

First outing

We took Nate and Will on their first outing today. We went on a walk around the neighborhood. Nate (in blue) and Will look adorable in their buntings- thanks Nancy! The Phil and Teds' stroller worked great. Both boys were in the bassinet and Derek rode on top. Will screamed the whole way and Nate just chilled out. How do they sleep when the other is screaming right next to them? It was a fun but very short walk. The screaming took precedence over picture-taking.

The boys will not have many outings for the next 2 months. It is RSV season and RSV is the primary reason preemies end up back at the hospital- and very very sick. So we pretty much need to avoid public areas to keep the boys safe. These are the doctors orders (very strongly urged orders) for their health. So Mike and I will take turns each day taking Derek on outings. The Christensen 5 will not be out much. So if you live around here... come and visit.. but please call first! We would love to see our healthy friends!

Derek meets his brothers!

Derek finally got to meet his brothers. The Christensen five are together at last. Derek is not quite sure what to think. He is trying to be helpful. He brings us diapers, burp cloths, and pacifiers. When I am feeding one of the boys, Derek will come and rub my back and snuggle with me- or "comb" my hair with a spatula. He wanted to help Mike hold the bottle. Derek has lots of kisses for the boys. He also is not sure he likes the change in routine and not having our undivided attention. There are adjustments for all of us! Will and Nate decided to stay up most of the night to get to know their new surroundings. Thankfully they slept during part of Derek's nap so Mike and I could nap a bit.

It is a HUGE blessing having Mike home- for 5 weeks. Mike just got his sabbatical in December. Sabbaticals have been good to us- we met on the last sabbatical that Mike had- taken 1 year late. Mike is a wonderful daddy and Derek is so glad to have his bestest buddy home. The five of us are all adjusting but so thankful to be together.

Home!

Will and Nate are home!! We dropped Derek off at school and went to get our babies. They did very well for their first car ride (Nate is in the green car seat on the left). We are now home and they have both eaten and are napping (Nate is awake in the picture). Derek comes home in a few minutes to meet his brothers for the first time!

Thank you Jesus for bringing our boys home safe and healthy! Please pray for us as we learn how to care for our three kids and give each the attention and love they need.

Wed?

We are gearing up to bring the boys home on Wednesday. It really may be a go this time. Nate is 6 lbs and Will is close behind. The boys are actually going to weigh more than Derek did when we brought him home. They are doing so well. So hopefully 48 hours from now, they will be home!