Posted by Jessica | Posted in The Home Front, kids | Posted on 17-11-2009
Welcome Claire and Leah
35 weeks gestation
Yes, I was huge. My, my, it doesn’t even look possible to carry that much! But, I did it!
The girls were born on October 13th (36 weeks) around 1:30 in the morning, via C-Section (after spontaneous labor). Claire was born at 5 lbs. and 12 oz. Leah was born at 5 lbs. and 5 oz. I can’t remember how long they were…3rd and 4th kids I guess!?
They stayed in the NICU for 8 days at the Hospital to gain weight and regulate their temperatures. The days surrounding my recovery in the Hospital are a big blur. I pumped milk a lot and tried my best to walk down to the NICU often to visit Claire and Leah in their room. The nurses lovingly took care of them both while we had to return home without our new babies! (So, hard)
Leah in Isolette
Claire in Isolette
We brought Claire and Leah home on Ryan’s 5th birthday, October 21st. Coming home was a huge relief! I was thrilled by the joy and ease of finally being close to my new babies.
Let the games begin! The realities of raising 4 kids, 5 years old and under, in a 1,000 sq. ft. home, are setting in! The sheer noise alone is unbelievable. But, I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
See, aren’t they precious?
Leah at home
Claire at home
Proud Big Brother Ryan
Proud Big Sister Molly
I’ll be blogging about my home and family again soon. I don’t want to miss a moment of my crazy new life as the manager of a 6 person family!
Love,
Jess
Posted by Jessica | Posted in Noticing Life, Whatever Else | Posted on 04-10-2009
Finding growth possible
My inspiration for today is this image of a single daisy, growing in bramble and parched vines.
In San Francisco, CA, 7 1/2 years ago, I took the above photograph as Peter and I honeymooned. The flower’s simplicity stood out to me all those years ago. How could such a lovely flower could survive and grow in such odd conditions?
Little did I know, in 2002, that this photograph would bring gratitude and hope to me today.
What I am grateful for:
- The twins and I are very healthy. Only 4 more weeks until delivery, if not before!
- Friends and family, that pitched in to help around my house and with the kids, as I was on modified bed rest.
- Decaf cappuccino mix from the whole foods store.
- My new “office/ blogger home” we made over the summer. Goodbye playroom. Hello new computer room!
What I am hopeful about:
- Being able to find joy in the chaos that 4 kids, 5 years old and under, can bring into a home of 1, 000 square feet.
- Remembering to grow in Christ; my writing abilities; and my marriage, all while growing my big pregnant belly!
- Spending time with the kids full time, after being away part-time for the last 3 1/2 years. (Still have mixed feeling here.)
Just a Blink readers:
It’s good to be back, writing out of the bramble of writers block, chronic pain and general busy-ness.
I am starting to grow like a strong, lovely daisy in all surroundings and circumstances. I can thank God for that!
I am planning on touching in when I can.…I ‘ve been decorating, the rooms are switched, and I am sure my belly could be a blog post on its own!
Love,
Jess
Family Portrait Summer 2009
Lately
Summer has been so fun! Many fun “nesting” projects, swim outings and outdoor adventures have been happening around here.
The twins are healthy and growing (currently at 29 weeks). Only 9 weeks to go before baby girl A and baby girl B arrive. 
I have posts and photos in mind, of our room changes, craft projects and belly growth. But for now I’m just popping in to say HI!
You see, it is summer…I’m out there, living in the moment.
Posted by Jessica | Posted in The Home Front, kids | Posted on 21-06-2009
19 week Ultrasound
It’s offical, I will have two more daughters come this fall!
Ryan, 4, is ready to be the only brother and he has already been planning to buy more kitchen toys and baby dolls to accommodate the “girl land”, as he puts it, that will ensue.
