Week 39

Being in the military and away from family has been hard. If not for the many wonderful women I have met through a military group on base; the situation would be ten times harder. They have become family and have really stepped up to the plate to help and support our family in every way they possibly can; and they do so genuinely! The shower i was given by my mom and sister back in March was great; but skyping into my shower was just not the same. Even though I am not pregnant and my sweet boys have graced us with their presence for several months now, I was given the most lovely shower! It was perfect! The games, the decorations, food, homemade cake and a slide show were just a few of the things that made the shower memorable.

The day I had been yearning now for 11 weeks...HAS COME! Today I was really going to be a mommy! I stayed up late making sure every little baby thing was in place. About the time I lay down to go to sleep; I awoke with anxiousness! I thought a walk would eat up some energy; by the time I decided to turn around to go back home, I realized I had walked over the bridge to the other side of base...and was my energy even a bit gone? NOPE!!! My excitement to bring home some babies was delayed as we had a scheduled tour of the new hospital the other 2 boys would be transported to the next Tuesday since the hospital we are at now was closing all of the inpatient floors. I was pleased with the newness and state of the art equipment that was there; not so thrilled about having to send over my other two babies knowing that I would no longer be able to spend the hours upon hours up there like I have prior to this day.

Too excited to eat; we drove back across town to get the boys! Surprisingly, in a matter of a couple of hours we had got all of their meds from the pharmacy, were lectured on what to do, expect, what to consider emergencies, etc and with a quick picture to document the monumental occasion...we were off on our way to home! I didn't know what to do with myself as I left in the company of not 1 but 2 little boys! This is the feeling I have waited to have for 12 long weeks...and it is here! I could barely wait to get them home and get them on a schedule and settled in to their new lives outside of the NICU for the very first time.

Being a momma to multiples is different than being a momma to one. What I would do if I were just mothering one baby, is far different than how I plan on mothering quadruplets. I have read book after book and have spent quite some time considering how I would manage four babies in the most optimum way possible. I knew the importance a schedule would bring to us all and have been set on sticking to it. So that is what I do. I ensure I keep organization at all times. Between the multiple meds, different formulas, etc. each child requires; it is in my best interest to be on top of things and on schedule at all times. That is what I have done and that is what has worked. As much as I love being a momma; I hate that I have two babies away from me. Tuesday they were transported from Wilford Hall (the hospital that is minutes down the road from our home) to BAMC (the new military hospital across town) to BAMC. Although the unit is new and inviting...it is not convenient as I have two babies who are not able to go back into the NICU which makes visiting the other boys; hard. I just remind myself; this too shall pass and it will not be for very long that my boys are separated.

I have decided that two babies are completely doable. Two hands, two kids...it works!!! Although Jeff is not working so is able to feed a baby; I have been trying to feed two at a time to get use to the idea of adding another baby to the mix and eventually another after that! Trial and error. From bouncers, to straddling, boppies...I have tried so many ways to feed two babies in ways I never thought would work!!! A week later and I think I found what works for my kids and I. I put the better eater in the bouncer. I take the not so good eater and prop on either a boppy or couch pillow so I am able to control his head and sucking better. Then I hold a bottle to each and feeding time commences!!!! I am certain I look ridiculous; and once I get started...I am not getting up!!!

Having brought home the two boys at once and getting them on a schedule and keeping ourselves organized left little time to think of ourselves; even when it came to eating!!! Thanks to the wives again; they came to our rescue! We have received a home cooked meal since the first two boys homecoming. Not having to worry about cooking (as if I had time) or what we would eat (left to us we would be grazing on packaged foods!!!!) has "lightened our load!"! I look forward to the meal as well as the company that delivers it; if only they knew just how much this has meant to Jeff and I! Once we are on a schedule with all of the boys at home and settled into our quad life; I look forward to doing and serving others in need in the group; just as they have to me.

My perfect cake at the shower; thanks to Kelsie!

My sweet shower!!! Thanks to Cynthia, Michelle, Katie, Danielle, Jill, Kelsie, Lisa...and that is just to name a few; they really went above and beyond to make my day more than special!

Keaton ready to go!

Camden ready!

Jeff and I have been ready!!!

Two out of four successfuly home!

How thankful I am to have boys beginning to come home, neighbors who have become friends, and friends who have made the homecoming process easier by helping out in every way they can!!! Lack of sleep, loads upon loads of laundry, tons of bottles, keeping track of meds....I wouldn't trade in any of; all i can say is that I am blessed times four!!!