We're ON the Charts!

Four Months Old...someone's not too excited...

The Fab Four are now four and a half months old.  Hard to believe that our next doctor's appointment is for six months.  That's half a year!  Yes I know you know that, but whoa, that's amazing to me!  Where does time go?
We went to our well visit today and here's our growth from birth to now.  We are ecstatically pleased as was Dr. Mason. Yes, his last name is Mason which is just funny and cool in this situation.  Seriously, he's fabulous.  He loves our family and is so compassionate and in tune with all five of our babies' needs!
So, I'll let you do all of the math here, but in short:  THESE BABIES ARE GROWING, GROWING, GROWING!  Everyone is ON the regular growth chart somewhere.  Some on weight, but all on head circumference.  Big heads mean big brains, right?!?

Emerson

 

Birth Weight: 4lbs 9oz    Weight Now: 11lbs 14.4oz
Birth Height: 17in           Height Now: 23 in

Emerson can hold her head up really well--in the Bumbo and during tummy time.  She still has reflux, but she's getting better.  My favorite (and I'm serious) is when I get her to laugh so much that she gets the hiccups and then spits up.  It's worth it and it doesn't seem to bother her one bit!

Thompson

Birth Weight: 3lbs 8oz         Weight Now: 10lbs 12.8oz
Birth Height: 16.25in           Height Now: 22.5 in

Thompson has become a bit more feisty these days for not particular reason.  We think she must want a bit more one-on-one time because once she's calmed down, she's all smiles.  But, I've discussed with her that this is not my favorite way for her to get attention!  She's finding her hands more and just in the last two days really started succeeding at tummy time.  She's hated it for a while now, but she sure showed off in the doctor's office today.  Oh, and she has a tooth bud.  REALLY?!?  So I suppose it's time to get ready for the next step in baby-hood!  Which is altogether exciting considering.  :)

Elliott

Birth Weight: 4lbs 8oz    Weight Now: 12lbs 9.6oz
Birth Height: 17in           Height Now: 24 in

Mr. Sunshine is the big boy!  Whoa, he holds that twelve pounds proud.  He's a chunk compared to Mason Man at that weight.  He giggles now and loves to kick the play mat while batting at toys.  Elliott is the most advance in the motor department.  He even smiles at himself when he makes a toy move.  Precious.  Dr. Mason found TWO teeth buds today in Elliott's mouth.  I'm purchasing amber necklaces as soon as I'm done here.  TEETHING, here we come?!?

Kathryn

Birth Weight: 2lbs 15oz    Weight Now: 10lbs 1.6oz
Birth Height: 15.75in        Height Now: 22.5 in

TEN pounds!  I can't say that without smiling.  Our turtle has been really gaining speed these last two weeks.  She eats 5 ounces at a time which even surprised Dr. Mason, but pleased him as well.  Kathryn stares into your soul before she smiles.  She loves to play and suck on her hand--so much that she spends most of tummy time doing just that.  But, we aren't worried and she'll be pushing up in no time. My favorite is when Kathryn finds her voice and you can tell it surprises her just a bit!

Mason

Mason loves his babies, but loves having one-on-one time with us.  So, we make that a priority as much as we can.  We have a home visit with Mason's two pre-school teachers tomorrow.  I can't wait to see what they think of Mason's home environment.  I also can't wait for Mason to start enjoying school again.  I think he and his imagination are ready to learn and play.  He's ready which I see as a very good thing!

So now all babies, including the big one, are asleep in their beds.  I'm praying that the shots don't affect them too greatly and that if they do, I have enough arms to love on all of them!  So, I'm off to nap while I can.  I'm going to sleep all I can before teething starts! ;)

   --April

Smilin' Sixteen Weeks

The babies have come alive!  Not to say they haven't been here, but they are now really becoming babies.  Goodbye preemie and newborn days!  We have babies that kick and wave their hands.  And smiling, oh my goodness, I'm not sure I've seen anything cuter in my life!  Each of the Fab Four has always had quite the personality.  It's amazing to see their personalities coming out more and more every day!  I promised myself I'd blog more often to remind myself (and the babies in the years to come) what milestones everyone has reached, so here goes!

Being held by G.  She used to be the size of his hand!

Kathryn:  You are our bitty-bit!  Our petite and powerful one, you came home just shy of four pounds after being born at almost three.  It's hard to believe that you've almost doubled your weight.  You were the first one to find her thumb.  I was happy because you weren't really a pacifier fan and with four siblings, you need a way to self soothe.  You were the last one to smile, but it was worth the wait.  You're precious!  I love that you've started talking and you don't sound like a newborn anymore!

Early morning smiles

I found my hands today!

Elliott:  Oh, Elliot, you are Mr. Personality!  You kicked the whimpy white baby boy theory out the window within 24 hours of your life.  Ever since then, these sisters have nothing on you.  I guess you were the last one to work on putting your hands in your mouth because you were busy smiling at the world.  This week, you've started to laugh with your whole body.  It's pretty funny.  You inadvertently roll over if you are leaning on your arms just right.  I love that you thank me for your bottle and changing your diaper with a sweet smile AND that you found your hands today!

Sweet girl Thompson

Thompson:  Sweet Thompson!  You are too funny.  You came home a grunter and quickly became who we called our nanny goat.  I didn't know babies could make those sounds.  But lately, your sounds sound more like a baby and your smile is so genuine.  You do lots of smiling with your eyes, even in the middle of a bottle--which is funny because you used to have your eyes closed for your entire feeding!  Your hands don't interest you too much, but you love black and white patterns and sticking your tongue out.  I love that you make yourself laugh like the ceiling fan just told the funniest joke!

Happy Emerson

Emerson:  You're my big girl!  With your piercing blue eyes (which, let's face it, just might stay that way.  Who knew your brown eyed parents would end up with you?!?) you've become so much happier.  You have acid reflux, but your eyes tell me that you aren't in as much pain anymore.  Sometimes you smile right before you spit up which fools me, but I secretly think you think it's funny.  You're working hard on putting those hands in your mouth, but you don't like when they disappear.  You let us know that for sure!  I love that you have a head full of crazy hair--none of your siblings can compare!

Boat riding!

Ta-da!  I dressed myself to play outside.

I love my 3 sisters and 1 brother!

Mason:  You are the best big boy there ever was!  You've done such a wonderful job of becoming used to "your babies" as you call them.  You introduce your family to everyone--the perfect Masters of Ceremonies.  This summer, it has been so fun to watch your mind come alive.  I have never known a more creative, imaginative three year old.  No wonder the doctor says you're verbally advanced!  I love that you have made up entire activities like campfire with pillow marshmallows in your bed and the treat trip with your named stuffed animals.  I love when you tell me that helicopter starts with H--you know all of your letters which pleases you and me alike.  You've moved on to working on the sounds also.  I imagine reading will make your world an amazing place.  Thank you for learning to be patient and for filing up my snuggle bank!

Playtime!

Our life is full and God is GOOD!

The Shortest and Longest Fourteen Weeks of My Life!

Really, has it already been 14 weeks?  Really, has it only been 14 weeks?  It is hard to believe that the Fab Four are 14 weeks today.  So much of our time has gone so quickly and some of it slow as well.  For some perspective...

Two Weeks Old

Twelve Weeks Old and Mommy can barely fit us all in!

Fourteen Weeks Old!

It's hard for me to believe that it's been 14 weeks.  I looked back on some of our first pictures right after the Fab Four were born and I myself--though I lived every minute of it--found it hard to believe what a miracle occurred.  Four HEALTHY miracles to be exact.  

Although I've been building up to this, today was the first day I really felt like I could sit down and type out my thoughts and emotions.  I don't think I could have done it before now.  That has been the long part.  I felt like for so long, I've had to literally take care of business.  Feed babies, change diapers, give kisses, make sure Mason was adjusting, shower (maybe), feed the rest of the family, actually talk to Shawn Thomas not over baby sounds.  It's been a business around here.  Several times I broke down, finding it hard to remember that the Fab Four were 7 weeks early.  Perfectionist April came out to play and wasn't always the one you wanted on your team.  

But now, the Fab Four are 14 weeks old and are acting like thriving as babies.  For so long, they were small babies (I never felt like they looked like premies until I went back through pictures.  It's amazing what you will do to mentally get through those early baby days!)--not even newborns yet.  Most days they ate, slept, and pooped--that was all.  I think I took for granted that that was all and yet it was EVERYTHING.  These babies got to eat, sleep, and poop in their own home after a shorter than I could have imagined NICU stay.  We were even there a month.  

They've grown so much and they are are acting like babies now.  They interact, they smile-oh goodness do they smile, they love the ceiling fan.  It's almost like now, 14 weeks later, I can stop and enjoy these four amazing human beings.  I wasn't holding my breath, but now I feel like I can breath easier if that makes any sense.  They are on an schedule I love (and stressed over to get working for everyone in the family) and they are sleeping 8 hours a night (working to get to 9 so the schedule will be amazingly perfect).   By no means is our life slowing down.  But, it feels like we are managing (with an amazing amount of help--more on that later) better and better everyday.

I posted the last picture from above yesterday on Facebook.  The caption stated:  "Oh my goodness, look at these big babies!  I am in love!" 

I am in love with these babies.  I am in love with my family!  I just now am able to say that without breaking down in a post partum frenzy even thinking about it.  Yes, our life won't be an easy one.  But it is our life and we are going to live it to the fullest--and yes, that includes road trips!

So, I've decided that I'm going to do my best to blog weekly about things that the babies have picked up on in the past week.  How else will I ever have time to remember to document all of these lovely baby firsts?  And, of course, Mason will be included.  Duh!  

But, that blog post will have to wait until tomorrow.  It's family nap time--yes that's constitutional around here. And I'm going to power nap before our afternoon round begins. :)

Quadruple Thoughts?

Easter--29 weeks!

To say that I've been meaning to write this post is an understatement!  Most of my days are not very full in the ways I'm used to, but when it comes to putting words together in the written form, it just hasn't come to me.  I do a bit of internet reading and chatting via phone or text, but that's about it for communication for me.  Shawn Thomas would agree that even those are limited sometimes if my brain is tired.  So having quadruple thoughts...well, that would be a miracle at this point.  :)

We have arrived at 31 weeks pregnant with the Fabulous Four and we are thrilled to be here.  I'm still gestating at home (I'd say lounging, but then it would seem like a vacation...not a vacation by any means) which can only be because of the extreme amount of prayer and care that has been going on these days surrounding our family.  So, if that includes you, thank you.  We feel every one and are so appreciative (and amazed) to still be at home.

Most days I feel pretty good.  I've tried to limit my out of the house activities to once every other day, which, if you know me, is one of the hardest things ever.  But, when I literally sit, eat, and sleep, I feel better.  Imagine that!  :)  That's been a bit of a challenge these past two weeks.  Mason has been on spring break, had an ear infection, and had a severe (although medically it was 'minor') allergic reaction to Amoxicillin.  And my doctors' appointments have been increasing as well.  Those are necessary, but more frequent than I'd physically like at this point, but I totally get it!

When my brain is working, I've been processing what these Fabulous Four could possibly be like.  I would never want to pigeon hole anyone-especially my own children, but I have those mommy-gut moments that makes me have certain perceptions about the growing babies.  It more has to do with how and when I feel them--yes I can tell who is who.  So here are my thoughts for posterity's sake.

Emerson:  She's down on the bottom and has been head down for a long time.  This probably means she'll be first out, the boss (hopefully not too bossy like Mommy), or a herder of cats if you will.  When she moves, she moves in large motions which often take my breath away or definitely cause some audible response.  So, yes, she'll move mountains!

Thompson:  She's also on the bottom but has been lounging side to side for the longest as well.  I don't feel her as much as I feel the other babies, but she's healthy and has a great heartbeat.  Maybe she'll be the mellow one, the free spirit, like Daddy was/is--you know there has to be one in the bunch.  Maybe her peaceful mood will be a lovely influence on the other three.

Kathryn:  She's queen of the world, up on top of everyone, but doesn't take advantage of that.  She's actually the smallest of all the Fabulous Four.  I've deemed her "petite and powerful".  Yep, she'll be the fighter.  She may not be feisty  but she'll be the fighter--often times the smallest are.  But to quote one of the nurses we met in the NICU, I'll bet "no one ever told her she was small."  Exactly.

Elliott:  Oh and then there's Elliott, the only boy in the bunch.  He rarely leaves me alone--very active.  I am thankful that he has been the largest, too, because there is a theory that premie boys can be wimpy when it comes to making strides in the NICU.  I seriously doubt that with him.  Until about a week ago, I thought he'd be the wild one and last out making him the youngest with a "Hey everybody, look at me" attitude.   But since then, my feelings have changed.  At our last doctor's appointment, we had to do a non-stress test to see if everyone was functioning at a steady rate which would mean no delivery and keep cookin'.  All the girls were asleep.  Enter Elliott!  He started having his own party and that made everyone else perk up, show their stuff, and have amazing heart rates through the entire test.  I even think our doctor was surprised at how well they performed.  It was amazing to watch and feel because I got to do both all thanks to Elliott.

If you can't tell, I hardly think that these Fabulous Four will be anything less than, well...fabulous!  We need to see some good weight gains this week so that the quads can keep on keepin' on in their personal incubator--me.

FYI--pretty amazed that I got all of this typed.  I think I'll have ST proofread it just to be safe.

I did, and only one typo!  STS

An Unexpected Blessing Along the Way...

Day after day, Shawn Thomas, Mason and I become more acutely aware of how blessed we are with the people that have been placed in our lives.  We've always known we are loved and felt it.  But with the news of quadruplets, this has become even more evident.  These blessings have show themselves in a myriad of different ways...friends babysitting or clipping coupons, a diaper drive, a QUAD shower from church, daily prayer, the list goes on and on...
Over Christmas, we received a blessing we never dreamed of!  As I was sitting at my parents home still working on getting through my first trimester of carrying quadruplets, I checked my gmail and found a message from someone I didn't know.  Her name is Sarah Kane...that's all I knew from the subject line. When I opened the message, with it came a huge blessing.  A friend of mine had let Sarah, a passionate photographer, teacher, artist, and of course: mom,  know about our news and this is what her message said...

"An anonymous photographer started something called The Olivia Act named after one of the children killed in Newtown. Olivia’s family had family pictures taken a short time before she was killed. Those pictures are precious and now priceless to them. Upon hearing this, this photographer was moved to give away a family photo shoot and has challenged other photographers to do the same."

Sarah, of Dia Marie Photography, accepted this challenge and, in her true fashion, actually took it a few steps further.  Sarah asked to follow us on this quadruplet journey, photographing our family along the way...this means from now until the Fabulous Four are one year old, Sarah will be documenting our lives and love that we share for one another.  Obviously, I had to read the email several times to actually compute that a complete stranger (at the time!) would want to offer our family such a gift.

 Since then, Sarah has gotten to know our family and started her part of the journey with us.  These shots are from our first family shoot with her back in January.  I was 18 weeks pregnant at the time.  I gaze at these shots now and think, "Wow, look how small I was!"  But more importantly, I look at them and can say, we're still smiling and loving each other!

Sarah actually let Mason take this one.  We love it for so many reasons!

Eating from Mommy's childhood bowl

Sarah has and will continue to capture this journey for us; and for that, we are forever grateful.  Sarah is a lovely example of using your gifts and talents to do what you love and pass that along for others to be blessed by it.  We count her in our blessings!

Here are links to Sarah's blog and her Facebook page.

Frequently Asked Questions, Comments, and Things you shouldn’t say to someone expecting quadruplets…

Instead of a normal blog update, I thought I’d make a list of some of the things I continue to be asked or hear as a pregnant mom with a 2 ½ year old and expecting 4 more babies.  I’ll qualify each statement as to fit into one of the categories above: a question, a comment, or something that really, really did that just come out of your mouth?!?  (Back to Mason's wonderfulness and pictures next post, promise!)

1.     Are you not just freaking out?!?  FAQ—Yes I freak out.  Yes I have a moment each day when I think about some new scenario for the quadruplets.  Yes, I have moments when I ask God what exactly God’s planning for me on this adventure.  But, throughout my life I’ve learned you can’t live there.  What if I lived in freak out mode 24/7?  What kind of person would I be?  Certainly not a faithful Christian, loving wife or caring mother.  What kind of energy would I be sending to my four little ones who just keep growing like their lives depend on it—and it does depend on it.  My job is to grow these babies and send them as much positive energy as I can.  So, yes I freak out and that’s to be expected.  But living there—that’s not who I am!

2.     Oh, Mason’s world is going to be rocked for sure!  Comment that borders on REALLY?!?  Yes, I’m fully aware that Mason’s life has changed completely in a direction Shawn Thomas and I had no idea it would turn.  I’m already feeling repercussions of that when I can’t move quick enough for him to play or to try and use the potty!  But, I hope that we’ve raised Mason in such a way that his empathy won’t go flying out the window as this journey progresses.  We saw a glimpse of that this weekend when my best friend came to visit along with her ten week old.  To say that Mason was obsessed with the baby would be an understatement.  It was exhausting!   Five minutes after the baby’s arrival, she was crying.  He immediately went and got his prize possession, his two lovies and offered them to her.  I teared up.  We’ve done something right with him…lots of things and I’ll need to remember that when he’s having a ‘world rocked’ day…Also, though, you have to remember that our journey to get the fabulous four home won’t be like the typical singleton birth story:  grow in Mommy’s belly, Mommy goes to the hospital and three days later brings home a sibling for you to love forever and then want to send back at some point.  We can’t actually predict what this part of the journey will be like but it could include:  Mommy being on bed rest at home, Mommy being on bed rest in the hospital for an extended amount of time, an early delivery (that much we do know), weeks to months in the NICU, and not all babies coming home at one time.  So, Mason sort of gets to gradually fall into his place as best big brother.  So, yes, his world will be rocked and will continue to be rocked for years to come.

3.     When are you due? FAQ and a good one at that.  It’s what most people ask when they get over the shock of hearing that I’m pregnant with quadruplets.  So here’s the simplest answer I know:  If it were a singleton pregnancy:  June 14^th.  My goal is to get to May.  This would be 34 weeks and those babies (and my body) will be as ready as they can be to enter this world as preemies!  See #2 for more of what our timeline could be like!

4.      Who’s going to help you?  FAQ—Thank GOD we have a wonderful church and friend support system here in Richmond.  Our families are a little farther away than we would like, but they are all in as well.  So, we will have plenty of help.  One thing that I remind others and myself is that not all of the help is going to be needed for the babies.  Mason will need some extra TLC as well.  Quick side note though:  If you aren’t 110% sure that you are feeling your absolute best—please don’t even think about coming around preemie immune systems.  J

5.     Are you going to keep them all?  Seriously, REALLY?  Someone actually asked Shawn Thomas this right after he announced from the pulpit that we were expecting quads.  Okay, first of all, you don’t joke about quads.  Secondly, ST is a pastor, A PASTOR.  Would your pastor seriously get up in front of God and everybody and tell a bold face lie?!?  I would hope not!  Shawn Thomas did have some creative answers:  No, we’re just keeping the cutest one and No, we’ll just keep the quietest one…So, yes we’re keeping all of them.  That is of course unless one comes out as a pig (Yes Nicole that was for you!).

6.     Oh, you won’t be able to carry Mason much longer…REALLY?  Okay, I am well aware that there are an increasing amount of things I can’t do for my first born.  I feel it every day and it hurts my heart AND it takes everything I have for him not to feel it with me.  Positive attitudes and energy are key and even I forget that!  However, it would be really nice for you as someone not in my situation to not mention what I can’t do for my child.  Believe me, I’m well aware and you just made me a cranky mommy.  How about keeping it positive with me and sending me your thoughts and prayers?!?  I’d certainly appreciate that. 

7.     Are you going back to work next year?  FAQ answer:  Not in the conventional way!  No, I won’t be going back to the regular classroom.  How could I?  That’s usually my answer.  Then I remind people that 5 in childcare is not really feasible in our current situation.  My babysitter would not be able take them all!  So, next year will be a year of growth and us learning how for me to be a stay at home mom and live on a tight, tight budget.  Let’s face it, God will provide, but we have to do our part as well!

8.     You don’t look like your carrying quads!  Comment—Thank you!  Since I got over my first trimester and being so nauseous I can’t think straight, I’ve been doing much better.  I did stop working early in order to continue the positive growth we’ve experienced so far.  That has been so helpful and I’m so blessed that my babysitter will allow Mason to come and keep his normal life as long as possible.  But, let me remind you that I’m only 19 weeks pregnant and that my uterus is at about 30 weeks.  That’s huge and I will be too!  J  But, thank you I’ll take the compliment because before we all know it, I’ll be hugging you with my belly and won’t be able to get my arms around you!

9.     You are as tall as you are around!  REALLY…Just kidding, this wasn’t said to me.  But, it was nice comic relief from some of my youth at church dinner tonight.  Who knows what they’ll say to me when the time is right…maybe they’ll read this first!

10. We pray for you every day!  Comment and THANK YOU!  I firmly believe that I can feel every single one!  Whether you pray because you think better April than me or because you see that this is a God given gift of a journey…thoughts and prayers are thoughts and prayers!  I’d just say please pray for Mason and Shawn Thomas, too.  It’s not their bodies, but it’s their lives and journey as well!

So, these are my quadruplets musings.  My goal is to keep growing the Fabulous Four and molding Mason into the best toddler he can be.  Like I said earlier, we appreciate your thoughts and prayers.  What an amazing journey God has us on!