Did you know that twins keep you busy?

Mama and Daddy are really busy with three children. Pippa and Jasper are growing like crazy. They had their baby shower yesterday and really stole the show. They got some really cool gifts and will look really cute in their new clothes. Great Grandma Mimi and Great Aunt Phyllis got to come to the shower. The food was great - it was made by several people. Grandma Laurabeth made chicken salad and pimento cheese. OoooooWHeeeee.......the eating was GREAT. The babies were relatively unimpressed with all the hoop-la, but Mama had a great time.

The Weight Is Over!!!!

In the pink corner, weighing in at 5 pounds 13 ounces with a record of 13-0 and 5 knockouts is the "Thrilla From Vanilla (Extract)". Piiiiiiipppppppaaaaaa Rhooooodddddeeees!!!!!!!!

In the blue corner, weighing in at 6 pounds 11 ounces with a record of 14-0 and 6 knockouts is the "Wood From The Hood". Jaaaassssppppeeerrrr Rhooooodddddeeees!!!!!!!!

Here Are The Cookies!!!

Pictures of those fabulous cookies.....

Grandma sent me pictures of those GORGEOUS cookies I told you about, but due to my technical web administrating difficulties, they have not been uploaded. I will try to get them loaded by the weekend.

Mama tells me that she thinks that the babes are approaching 6 lbs. I will give an official report when I talk to her. She was taking them to the doctor and I haven't talked to her since she went. I can't believe that their original due date still hasn't arrived. They were supposed to be here around Labour Day and yet here they are and they are just wonderful.

I got to see them on Sunday night. They were sleeping together and just really being cute.

WOW!

Oops!

Somehow, the picture at the top of the page got erased. I will work on fixing that! Did you enjoy the photos? Aren't the babies getting big? They look just wonderful with those fat cheeks and double chins. That is exactly what we want from them.

Another quote this time from Charles Dickens: "It is not a small thing when those who are so fresh from God, love us."

Don't you just LOVE babies?

Twins..........

"My sister and I, you will recollect, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two souls which are so closely allied. (The Adventure of the Speckled Band,” The Adventures of Sherlock) " Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

NEW PHOTOS!!!

These are some new pictures of those SO cute twins !!!!! I love the yawning one of Pippa!!! There are pictures of the first bath and also of them in their crib together. Ah, bliss........it just makes me happy to look at the pictures.

Mama reports that all is well on the homefront....a little daunting when it takes an hour and a half each time for eating and all that comes with eating. Lots of wet diapers and lots of love are keeping this house busy!!

Silas is enjoying this new role of big brother as you can see by the smiles in the pictures. And he will get to celebrate his 5TH birthday with Pippa and Jasper. That is very exciting. Let me know what you think about the new photos................

Happy ONE MONTH Birthday!

They visited the doctor this week and have grown!!! Jasper was ( I think) 5 lbs. 4 oz. and Pippa was 4 lbs. 11 oz! Then on Friday, they went to the eye doctor. Preemies have to have their eyes tested since they are "preemies". They did splendidly there as well.

Charlie was able to be home last week and so the first week with both babies was with Mama and Daddy. Mama reports that the twins are acclimating to life at home. They are adjusting to "un" hospital life. They are both eating well and sleeping well. Every time that Aunt Tese gets to see them, they are asleep.

Today, Grandpa and Grandma Rhodes and Uncle Frank were over for a visit. There was lots of love being passed around. In just a few weeks, Aunt Amy and Cousin Abigail will come for their first visit. And by the way, Aunt Amy made INCREDIBLE cookies when the babies were born. They looked like they had been made by one of those special cookie bouquet places. They were pink and blue and just were just beautiful.

Twins........

Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.

Aristotle

Today, Jasper and Pippa were lying next to one another in the Mama's bed. They were swaddled and making small sounds....grunts, sighs, squeaks.....baby language. When I told Uncle M about going to see them, he asked if they were next to each other. I said yes, but they weren't facing each other. I told him about all those sweet baby sounds and he said, "I wonder if that is their way of talking to one another?" Could be farfetched, but maybe not so farfetched. They know one another. Why wouldn't they be making sounds to each other? Okay...I am no philosopher..mostly just an enamored aunt who can't get enough.

Confession: I did go in the house today for just one second to kiss that Pippa on the head. Jasper isn't left out....he has gotten LOTS of head kisses.

PIPPA IS HOME!!!!!

The nurses called Mama right when she returned home from visiting with Pippa and told her that she needed to come back. Pippa was being discharged from the NICU!!! So, Aunt Tese and M headed down to keep Silas and that crazy Jasper while Mama and Daddy went to get wee Pippa from the "joint".
Aunt Tese told Jasper several times that his sister was on her way home, but he really just didn't seem that interested. Mama was thrilled to have Jasper's "older" sister home from the hospital. Now, the fun begins. Will you pray that this transition will be good. It will have moments of frustration and tiredness, but they will be good, blessed moments. Praise God with us that Pippa and Jasper are home with Mama and Daddy and Silas.

New pictures are now uploaded on the slideshow and at the bottom of the blog.........and the very dark baby in the photos was our practice baby for CPR class!!!!!

Jasper is HOME!!!!

Jasper arrived home last night around 11 pm. Silas was THRILLED to get to see him. Jasper did great all through the night. Mama didn't get much sleep because she was taking care of Jasper. This morning, Aunt Tese and M got to babysit Jasper and Silas while Mama was at the hospital with Pippa.

Also, last night, Deda, Mama, Daddy and Aunt Tese took an infant CPR class. One of the upcoming photos is a picture of our practice baby. We all passed with flying colors.

Jasper is eating and pottying with the best of them. He sucks his bottle dry very quickly. His burps are very manly.

Keep praying for Pippa that she will eat and grow and get to come home.

More photos hopefully tomorrow.

More weight gain.....

Jasper is just gaining, gaining....he is now 4 lbs. 2 oz. As for Pippa, she also is gaining - 3 lbs. 14 oz. - she just isn't in a rush like Jasper is. Different staff members have suggested that Jasper might be able to go home soon, but once he is released, he can't visit Pippa for any reason. Mama and Daddy will have to have childcare for Silas and Jasper each time Mama goes to the hospital. She needs to go two times a day to feed and do kangeroo care. Pray that God's hand will be in this decision. Mama and Daddy are going to be taking CPR courses so that they will be prepared for anything. Others around them who will be taking care of the babies will also probably take the CPR courses.
Both babies will come home with monitors and so the folks who babysit will need to know what to do with all the monitor "stuff".
Mama and Daddy are both thrilled with the progress that Pippa and Jasper are making. Pray also that the staff members will be kind and caring in each situation. It is difficult when Mama is weary and is trying to take care of her family and also visit the hospital twice each day and recuperate from pregnancy.
Will be posting more pictures as soon as they are available.

Gaining Weight is GOOD!

Mr. Jasper is about to hit the ........4 lb. mark!!!! Mademoiselle Pippa is 3 lbs. 12 oz!! That's incredible! The twins are sleeping well and eating well. Mama reports that several times when she has visited, the babies have slept while she was there. Monday, she got to hold both babies at the same time and she just really rejoices in being able to do that.

Pray that Pippa and Jasper will continue to grow steadily and that Mama and Daddy will get the rest that they need. Pray for Silas as he has to wait to get to know his new brother and sister. Also, be in prayer for the family to be prepared when Pippa and Jasper come home.

From the Bible, an appropriate thanks.....

For all who continue to pray for Charlie, Elisabeth, Silas, Pippa and Jasper....and for all of you who have blessed them in SO many ways...............

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:12-15

Great news..........

Both Pippa and Jasper sailed through their brain ultrasounds!!! That is wonderful news. Also in the good news department......Jasper now weighs 3.10 lbs. and Pippa is between 3.6 and 3.8 lbs! GO BABIES!! Also, good job MAMA for all that milk you are providing!

Daddy sent more photos, so check out the bottom of the blog or click on the slideshow at the side of the blog to see those beautiful faces.

Did I mention that the twins are wearing CLOTHES? The clothes are very big - do you know where to find clothes for 3 lb. preemies??? The hospital provides onesies that snap down the front. They really don't want clothes from home because the clothes get lost in the hospital laundry. This way, if something gets lost, it is no big deal. But, Aunt Tese is working hard on the "home from the hospital" preemie clothes.

Do you know the difference between a Stage One preemie and a Stage Three preemie??

Oops!

Okay, well, yesterday, I told a small fib. Pippa was not in an isolette any longer!!!!! She also was graduated to a bed of her own. Also got the info that Mama was able to hold both babies at one time....the management was a little concerned......they gave "that" look. But Mama held her ground. :)

This morning, the babies both had their brain ultrasounds. No word yet about the results. Pippa's took longer than Jasper's. That was worrisome. The brain scans were supposed to be early this morning, but the ultrasound tech didn't come until about the time that Mama was supposed to leave. I will post the results when they are available.

So....did you know what kangeroo care was????

"During Kangaroo Care, also known as skin-to-skin care, the baby is placed on the parent's chest, clad only in a diaper and cap. The baby's head is turned to the side so that it's ear is against the parent's heart. Vent tubing and wires are taped to the parent's gown. Usually, two nurses assist in the transfer from warming bed or isolet to the parent's chest. This process can take just 10 minutes, even with a vented baby. Kangaroo Care can also benefit older preemies and full-term babies."

If you want more info on Kangeroo Care then visit : http://www.geocities.com/roopage/

Okay....will get more photos soon....

Happy One Week Birthday (a day late)

Jasper is in a real bed!!! He was in it this morning when Mama Elisabeth arrived for the am feedings. Pippa still wasn't maintaining her body temperature so she had to stay in the isolette. So, good news that Jasper graduated to a bed, but bad news that they were separated.

They are both still gaining weight and Pippa is READY for her feedings at the exact moment that she is supposed to eat. She is very fond of physical touch and enjoys her kangeroo care. Do you know what kangeroo care is?????

Mama is recuperating well.....just very tired and wears out easily. Charlie and Silas are also doing well....Silas doesn't need near as much rest as Mom and Dad!!! HA!

Guess What?

Pippa and Jasper had their IV's taken out today. They are gaining weight on mother's milk, and so there is no need for supplements through the IV's. Pray that they continue to gain weight.

Have you checked out the slideshow? Charlie sent new photos to me of the twins in their isolette and also the one of them holding hands. They are so sweet. Tonight, when Cousin Aiden was praying before bed, he said, "Dear God, please give the babies health." It was a very sweet prayer.
Aunt Tese and Uncle Mark are going to the hospital to see the babies tonight. Uncle Mark hasn't seen them yet. He is looking forward to seeing them.

Remember you can leave comments if you want. I will forward them to Charlie and Elisabeth.

Happy First Independence Day!!!

Good news!!! Pippa and Jasper are both gaining weight!!!! They MIGHT be off their IV's this afternoon. When they are able to take 17cc's of milk, then they are eligible to be off the IV. Whoo Hooo!

Whenever Elisabeth holds the babies, they fall immediately asleep. When Charlie holds the babies, they sleep some and then stir around and smile and frown and look around. Isn't it interesting how they respond so differently?

Click here for the new slideshow. More photos uploaded this afternoon.

" I love you"

Pippa and Jasper are still sharing an isolette. The nurse got a picture of Pippa holding Jasper's hand. She also took a picture of Pippa with her hand on Jasper's arm.

Both have gained weight!!!! Nothing like good old mother's milk!

Mama E is at home. She is resting when she can and going to be with the babies when she can. Silas got to spend the day with Grandpa, Grandma and Uncle F yesterday. He had a great time.


I will try to get those new pictures posted as soon as possible.

Baseball and Babies

Spread the diaper in the position of the diamond with you at bat. Then fold second base down to home and set the baby on the pitcher's mound. Put first base and third together, bring up home plate and pin the three together. Of course, in case of rain, you gotta call the game and start all over again. ~Jimmy Piersal, on how to diaper a baby, 1968

"You formed me in my mother's womb" Ps. 139:13

Pippa is needing help remembering to breathe. She is doing well, but needs reminders. She also has been dropping her body temperature and has to be warmed. She has lost weight, but newborns do that. Pray that each of these items will resolve and that she will progress.

Jasper is doing well. He and Pippa both are a little jaundiced and may get to be on "bili" blankets.

Both babies will be having brain ultrasounds soon. This is to check for bleeding in the brain. IVH is what brain bleeding is called. Pray that the ultrasounds will look clear and show that the brains are not bleeding.

Mama and Daddy are tired but are SO enjoying spending every moment they can with Pippa and Jasper. Tonight, they are leaving the hospital. Pray that they will both get rest and that each day will be smooth as there will be many transitions. Pray also for Silas that he will adjust easily to this big event in his life.

There are new photos of Pippa....just haven't had a chance to up load them yet.

Remember to pray for Pippa and Jasper

E says to pray that the babies continue to do well. Today, both Pippa and Jasper were given caffeine so that they would remember to breathe. Apparently, preemies often forget that CRUCIAL part of life!!! They will be moved back down to the NICU....that is a good thing. It is quieter and less stimulating for them......Mama E says that she thought the NICU was a really noisy place, but better for the twins.
All you other mamas out there can relate to this.......pray that the milk comes in quickly so that Pippa and Jasper are getting the nutrition they need. They are getting formula right now and while it is good, it is not the BEST, especially for preemies.

It looks like Mama E gets to go home tomorrow evening. Pray that she and Daddy C will get some rest and recuperate and restrengthen so they can be with the twins.

Big Brother S gets to visit the babies!!!

Before today, the hospital policy was that no one under 14 could visit the NICU...so big brother couldn't visit the babies. Because the Pippa and Jasper got moved to the "well baby" nursery due to crowding, S got to see his brother and sister for the first time!!!
Hopefully by tonight we will have pictures posted!

For those of you who don't know.....E has been in the hospital for about 2 weeks now. She kept having contractions and pregnancy complications. Her doctor decided that she ought to be in the hospital where they could keep an eye on E and the babies. Yesterday morning around 2:3o, the water for one of the babies broke and then contractions started in earnest. By 5:34, things had progressed so quickly that Pippa was born. There was one nurse in the room. C and E and E's sister were there also. Pippa "popped" out and just gazed around the room while she waited to be cleaned up. She started breathing on her own right away. Ten minutes later, Jasper also popped right out. The nurses whisked the babies away to the NICU and the doctor arrived in time to sew up E and congratulate her!!!

Praise the Lord for a swift and easy delivery!!

Pippa and Jasper - the Beginning

Pippa and Jasper have finally arrived.......they did great yesterday and as most of you know...they have been breathing "room" air since they arrived. Here is a really cool answer to their Mama's prayers.....Mama wanted them in the same isolette since they have been together since they were conceived. The NICU said that was just not possible when they are so little and have to be monitored so much/often. Last night, one of the other major hospitals was overcrowded, so they sent many babies over to the Hospital. The result was that Pippa and Jasper were moved to the "well baby" nursery and PUT IN THE SAME ISOLETTE!!!! Isn't God wonderful? I will try to post some pictures this evening so you can see these beautiful faces. Aunt Tees