A house divided...

As you may or may not know (or even care, for that matter;), Ryan was born and raised in Jacksonville, and I in the Tampa Bay area. Well, G.G. thought it would be cute to get dueling outfits for the Nuggets to wear on game day! I kept forgetting about them (imagine that) until today! So, I dressed my little darlings up and had a Sunday photo shoot! Super cute! Rest assured, I know they weren't playing each other. Nah... that would have been TOO perfect! But, at least they were both playing today!

By the way, I'm thinking we're going to need to retire the Bucs outfits:( It certainly didn't bring 'em any luck! That goes for their Gator gear too! UGH!

Don't even ask me how I got them to sit in close proximity long enought to get 3 decent pictures and countless goofy ones!

And, some individual shots...

Some "friendly" rivalry!

Papa Thursday!

I have SO much catching up to do on here! Good gravy!

I thought I would start with Papa Thursday. "What's Papa Thursday?" you ask. It's that glorious time of year when the Nuggets' Great Papa is in town and comes to babysit EVERY THURSDAY! He feeds them their lunch, takes them for a walk, sits and waits while they rest, and plays A LOT. I, in the meantime, have a chance to do laundry, run an errand, etc. Like I said, GLOR-I-OUS!

I will be tweaking the schedule a pinch next week though. Papa is going to music class with us on Wednesday instead of his usual Thursday gig! More on that later!

Our Carolina boy heading out for an afternoon stroll with the gang:

And, this is actually a Papa Sunday. Ryan and I were going to attempt to go phone shopping with the Nuggets (Sandra, is probably doing a happy dance right now! You would have to see my phone to understand. It's pitiful really.). We loaded the tank and off we went! However, as we neared the store, we got to thinking that Papa's place was just around the corner. So...

We totally dropped them off! Thanks Pops!

Oh yeah, still no new phone. But, at least I have ideas now!

Okay, more catch up later! Hope this one finds everyone doing well!

Had to share! (Updated)

**My dear friend Tiff, author of the fabulous blog: Steals, Deals, & Heels. Is kicking off the first of several giveaways with an ultra cool cape from Everybody's Hero! Hurry and enter! This giveaway ends soon!
Enter here:) ** Is NOW giving a way a funky baby or toddler hat from Giggle Buggins Baby Boutique! Click here to enter!

**Also had to share that another wonderful friend, Casey Gerwer, mom to the Gerwer Quads, is opening her online baby boutique November 30th! If you or someone you know is expecting, Designed for Babies is sure to please!

Check out their gear for Moms, Dads, babies, kiddos, expecting moms and grandparents! They also have custom diaper bags/handbags, developmental toys and much much more! I know we will be ordering some Christmas goodies from the easy to use site!

PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND PASS ON THE LINK!!!!!!**

On the mend!

Surgery went great! I was positively SHOCKED at how well my chubby Nugget did without any food! He was allowed to eat until midnight before surgery. Which, by the way, was scheduled for 1:45p.m.! I thought about waking him at 11:30 for one last meal, but just couldn't bring myself to do it. I did, however, rouse him for a final bottle of milk at 5a.m. After that, it was jello and pedialyte until 10:30. Then, NADA! I kept waiting for him to freak out, but he never did. He may have gotten a pinch fussy in the waiting room, but nothing that walking couldn't soothe.

I don't remember what time they actually took him back to surgery - maybe 2ish? I really underestimated how hard it is to hand your baby over to head to surgery. I was in this "to-do mode" the previous evening and all morning. You know what I mean - pack a bag, make jello, feed the other 3 while Cash does something else, baths, paperwork, etc... So, the "Goodbye, love you, see you soon honey" part crept up on me. I won't go into too much detail, but there may have been some trembling and holding back of tears. And, this was for a few minor procedures. I can't even imagine how difficult it must be for parents of children needing major surgery! What I do know is that the surgeons and nurses of All Children's Hospital never cease to amaze me with their compassion.

Speaking of All Children's... I also grossly underestimated how emotional it would be to spend the day there again! Everything made me cry! All afternoon I could be heard saying, "Babe, do you remember these elevators?" or, "Ry, we walked this hallway EVERY DAY!" Might have even welled up a little when I stepped on the pedal of the familiar trashcans. And when I passed an isolette?? Forget about it! I was a mess! I'd like to think I disguised it well, but perhaps not. I'm pretty sure Ryan thought I had lost my marbles.

Anyway, I want to thank you for your kind words and prayers. It really went swimmingly! Yet another reason to be thankful this holiday! As if I didn't have 4 great reasons every day!

Even in the midst of all that boo-hooing, I managed to snap a ridiculous amount of pictures...

In the short stay registration waiting room:
I realize that, quality wise, this pic is crap (The fabulous fluorescent lights were toying with me!), but I just LOVE C.Daniel's face! You would never know this little dumpling had been without so much as a snack for hours!

Waiting...

All gowned up and no place to go - yet.

Recovering

Loading up!

[p.s. I know the stroller has been recalled. The covers have been ordered and I read that it is safe in the open and locked position.]

Headin' out!

Make way for babies!

I mentioned in the previous post that two hospitals very near and dear to our hearts, Bayfront and All Childrens, would soon be joining forces. Well, they did it folks! Here's the skinny on the project: Bayfront's Baby Place (L&D, Nursery, Antipartum, etc.) are now housed WITHIN the BRAND SPANKIN NEW, STATE OF THE ART All Children's Hospital! It's two great hospitals in one!

Now, if you're precious baby needs some extra help, he/she doesn't even have to take the tunnel over like the Nuggets did - not that it was a big deal, BUT STILL! How awesome is that?! Geej, The Nuggs, and I met up with Tiff, Tessa, and Mandy for a tour and festivities! This was especially exciting, as all 3 of us delivered at Bayfront and love that place and it's peeps SO much!

They thought of everything when designing the new facility - EVERYTHING! I would be hard pressed to come up with one thing I would change. IT. IS. PERFECTION! Almost inspires ya to go out and have a baby. KIDDING! Pick yourselves up off the floor! Nah... I'll leave that to Mandy, who is slated to deliver at the new Baby Place! I can't even wait! Over the moon with joy for her!

I took some pics of the Baby Place on our tour, but they really didn't do the place justice. Let me include some links to photos of the antipartum lounge, baby suite, nursery, and triage. You can also take a virtual tour of the whole darn thing here!

And, a little shameless plug: It's not too late to support the project! Tiff and I happen to be on the Bayfront on Vine Auction Committee, which is currently accepting items to be auctioned in January to support the new Baby Place! If you or someone you know would like to donate an item (which would rock, by the way), please contact me via comments or email. Um, Ry... That includes you.

While on tour, we were able to see some of our gals from Antipartum!

Bayfront beauties Cindy (or is it Cindi?) , Tracy, and Michelle in the top 2 pics and Dacia in the bottom 3!

With T3 (Tessa)

Miss Florida even stopped by to say hello!

Of course, Jilly's grandma had to remind this pretty lady to take good care of that crown for Jills! No shame in Granny's game!

We also had the chance to tour the NICU of the equally wonderful All Children's Hospital! As you well know, Tiff and I became very familiar with it's hallways, smells, and friendly faces. I know what great things they can do in their old space. I can only imagine how fantastic they will be in this meticulously planned unit! Each baby will have it's own room, the exception being multiples, who will have a special room just for them! This is HUGE! My babies, while in the BEST of care, were initially spread out over 3 pods. It was a little exhausting hobbling around post-op to each unit, but well worth it! Good news is, they were quick to get everyone together just as soon as the space was available and they were stable enough for the transition. I am just ecstatic that it will be a non-issue for new NICU families.

You can take a nice little v-tour of All Children's here.

New neonates will be admitted here. They won't be in this area for more than 48 hours befor getting their OWN ROOM!

A single baby room:

And, the Pièce de résistance... THE MULTIPLES UNIT! Would you just look at those TWO comfy reclining chairs?! My incision would have LOVED those! Choking back tears of joy just thinking about a new mom and baby snuggling up in one of those! Okay, so I get tad emotional about this stuff!

With MY Mama! Remind me to tell you about how wonderful she was while I was pregnant. I know I have before, but I mean REALLY tell you. She is truly special.

I had hoped to see more familiar faces, but it was a frenzy! People have been so pumped about this project for a while now and to see it come to fruition is truly amazing!

Tomorrow afternoon, Ryan, Cash, and I will pay a final visit to the old ACH, as Cash is having some minor procedures done. The move to the new building won't be official until mid Dec. While it would have been sweet to test out the new digs (well, as sweet as surgery can be I suppose), I'm kind of glad it will be at a familiar place. If you get a chance, please send a prayer up for my little dude.

Here's a pic Tiff snapped of Cash and me. My poor little guy. I love you!

Did I mention I got a wild hair and had mine chopped off?!

You gotta fight, for the rights, of preeeeemies!

Any Beastie Boys fans out there?

Seriously though, this preemie business is no laughing matter. 1 in 8 U.S. births is a premature delivery (that's more than 1,400 babies daily)! Is it me, or is that absolutely astounding?! These tiny newborns face so many challenges. Many lack the ability to breath, feed, or maintain body temperature - just to name a few.

And, while modern medicine has made great strides in saving the lives of these little fighters, sadly, it isn't always enough. The number of preterm deliveries has drastically increased over the years. Today, Tuesday, November 17th, is National Prematurity Awareness Day. Please join our family in spreading the word about prematurity. Visit the March of Dimes website to find out more about this growing trend.

My story is a happy one. I was BLESSED beyond words with OUTSTANDING prenatal care by a team of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals at Bayfront Baby Place. I was further BLESSED to have All Childrens Hospital directly next door to welcome and care for our precious Nuggets. Coincidentally, these two hospitals will soon be joining forces in one AWESOME new facility! More on that soon! I am certain I could never find words meaningful enough to convey just how thankful we are for both hospitals. These professionals are AMAZING EVERY SINGLE DAY and we are so so fortunate to have come into their loving care. Thank you Bayfront and ACH! We love you so very much!

I thought it fitting to share some Delivery and NICU Nuggets to kick off this Fight for Preemies! Oh, and this IS me showing restraint! You should have seen how many pictures I wanted to post! But, nap time is drawing to a close and I've gotta jet, so I'm cuttin' it short! Lucky you.

Heading to the NICU:
All babies born at less than 32 weeks are transferred to the neighboring children's hospital. The Nuggets were born at 31 weeks and 4days, so off they went!

Getting settled in. (Shown in birth order: Jillian, Cameron, Cash, Jack.)

3lbs. 5oz., 16" long

3lbs. 6 oz., 16.5" long

We call Cash "Hoss Cartwright" for a reason. 3lbs. 11oz., 16.5" long.

3lbs. 4oz., 16.25" long

Premature babies often have higher than normal bilirubin levels - a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia. Special lights help control and treat this condition. Here are some pics of our little blue light specials.

Sleeping and snuggling:

Cam:

Jack:

Jack's wittle foot

And, a wittle elf ear, which has since straightened out:
(But, it was kind of fun to have a Vulcan in the family for a while!)

Cash

Jilly Girl

Born too early to nurse or feed from a bottle, this is how we fed them initially.

Cash and G.G.

Jilly and Mommy


Eventually, they were able to feed from a bottle!

Jilly (our little bird - check out those peepers, would ya?!)

Cash gazing at his Grand Aunt! She has a very special place in his heart still!

Cam

And Granddaddy!

Jack Jack!

Anemia is another common issue preemies face. While all 4 of our babies had it to some degree, Cash and Jack eventually received a single transfusion each (courtesy of their G.G.). It gave them just the pep they needed to be on their way!

Nothing like a transfusion to the MELON! Poor Cash.

He was SO pink afterward!


Scrappy Jack was so "active" (for lack of a better word), that they had to create a make-shift boxing glove from a diaper to keep him from knocking his I.V. out!


Eventually, they were big enough, strong enough, and brady free enough to come home!
Jillian came home after about 3 weeks.
Cameron after about 4 or 5 (you'll have to excuse that I'm a little foggy on the details. I have four 1 year olds!?).
Cash and Jack came home together after about 6!

"There were 4 in the bed, and the little one said, 'NICU'S OVER!' "

You know, these are happy pictures for us. Even with all the bells and whistles attached, our NICU stay was a good one by comparison. I mean, if high biliruben levels, a couple of transfusions, reflux, and some pesky bradycardias are all you have to endure in the NICU, you're sitting pretty - really. I am acutely aware that such is not the case for every family. Please remember the families that will not bring their little loves home. Think of those who are fervently praying for more time, those who are absolutely worried sick. Fight for preemies!

TO THE MATTRESSES!

A fabulous foursome!

Well, I may take my sweet time, but I eventually get around to posting!

Here are some shots of the Nuggets - I mean, The FORE on Halloween.


Loading the "cart."

With their caddies

With their daddy

Jack jumped ship.

Jack is as pleased as a pig in poop that he is not contained!

"Haha! Mommy, did you really think I would ride in that thing?!"

Cam surveying the greens with his pops

Cam doesn't dig new faces. Cash had his back the whole time.

How anyone could be nervous with dozens of pint sized superheros walking the streets is beyond me!

The darling of the links!

Our original plans changed, due to a nasty cold I had, but I don't think our foursome minded too much.