The First Month

The Day Before:

My last pregnancy picture...36 weeks, 2 days...we measured my belly but will not be sharing that info

Nov 17- I went to the hospital the night before giving birth so my blood pressure could be monitored. Actually, I went to the hospital two nights before giving birth because my husband thought he was a doctor and knew that I was going to have a stroke because my blood pressure was so high....turns out an at home reading is not that accurate :)  But it was nice to be taken care of...

The day of:

November 18- My C-Section was scheduled for 11 am at Spring Valley Hospital--my mom and Ryan were there. We have lots of pictures of the process, but we will spare you...This is Dr. Wilkes-he is hands down our hero. Not very many people would have put up with us over the last 5 years that we have known him. My chart is infamous at the office because it is so fat. But it's only because this man went above and beyond to make sure that my babies and I were healthy.

 Brooke Lucille Fitzgibbons

11-18-12

5 lbs 8 oz 18.5 in 11:33 am

I admit...I'm not sure who is who in all of these pictures. I honestly think all of them are Brooke, but we're going to pretend some are Erica. I know we have a lot of her somewhere!

 First visit from Adam and Rachel...I was asleep through all of this so I'm glad to have the documentation that it happened...

Daddy feeding Erica for first time--this is for sure her...

 Erica Grace Fitzgibbons

11-18-12

4 lbs 12 oz 18.5 in 11:33 am

I slept through the grandparent's visit also...but I'm glad they were there...

I'm not sure who is who in these pics either, but I think B is on the right

The First Two Weeks:

The babies spent two weeks in the NICU. We thought they had an infection so they were on antibiotics for two days...they didn't thank goodness, but then they had to stay because they needed to "feed and grow" as they say. It was strange to have them in there like Adam and Rachel, but it was so different at the same time. Yet it still required a visit everyday and feeding and changing and pumping every three hours. It was nice to be able to have visiting hours for siblings. They were sick for a few weeks so it was probably best that they weren't around too much. A NICU stay meant that I once again had to give up the goal of breastfeeding, but I think it is the right thing in the end. 

Our first family picture of 6!: E with Ry for sure :)

Coming Home:

Erica: back up to birthweight

Brooke at 5. 12

It was strange and yet a huge blessing to bring home babies on the same day. And it has been so nice to not worry about whether or not they will forget to breathe like their siblings did. Now we just have the same issues of all new parents--times two!

Everyday Life:

We've been to lots of doctor's appointments...

E on left, B on right ?

had a little bit of fun...

E and B

Oh yeah--we still have big kids around--they need attention too. Who would've thought?

We've had bottles and binkies and sleeping and screaming and a lot of diapers and almost no sleep...this is a really good moment--but trust me--I am a walking zombie and need all the help I can get!

Do not let this fool you--this is a rare moment!

My four kids...wow!

Today:

Erica is passed out because she spent most of her morning screaming...

So that's our last month in a nutshell. I feel so inadequate and overwhelmed as a mother of four. But...I am beyond grateful for the help we have received. Everyday there has been support sent from all facets of life. There is a reason that E's middle name is Grace. Because we truly have felt the grace of God. All four of our kids are a miracle to us. More so than I ever imagined. We are truly grateful for them and for all of you who have been so kind and helpful to us. 

March of Dimes

The walk was a success! Thanks, Dorrity family, for coming with us. Thank you to all those people who donated...we really appreciate it. This will definitely be a new tradition in our home. I was humbled by the many families who were walking for babies who only lived hours or days. I have 2 healthy almost four year old kids and they are miracles. Thank you for your prayers for us. They worked!

March for Babies

It's been nearly four years since my babies were born at 29 weeks. We are grateful everyday that they are alive and healthy. We want to help other families avoid the scariness that is premature birth. So we are raising money and walking for March for Babies. Please go here to either walk with us, or donate. Believe me, we hate asking you, so no pressure, but if you feel so inclined it would be awesome!

Adam's Special Day

 For Adam's Special Day this year we went back to the Summerlin Hospital and visited the NICU where our parenthood adventure began. We brought some blankets by and gave them to a family who just had 27 week boy/girl twins. I know Adam and Rachel didn't understand this outing, but someday they will and I don't want them to ever forget how precious their lives are and these special people who took care of them 24 hours a day for 3 months.

 The kids definitely had more fun running around outside. We did too. Even though it was August, it was a really nice day.

 We went to get ice cream, and then opened Adam's present. They use these alligator puppets at story time and the kids love them. So I found ones that are exactly the same.

 And...once upon a time we made these plates for our family to always use on birthdays and special occasions and such. They didn't come in time for Adam's day, but here is the boy one, and we'll use it next time :)

We did a video interview with him, but it didn't upload. So enjoy this one instead and hopefully I can get the other one to work later.