BIG NEWS!!!!

Today we had Ben and Jake's developmental delay follow-up appointment and it went very well. Before I tell you about the appointment, I have to tell you about the day we were admitted to the hospital and put on bedrest. We had a neonatologist come in and tell us that if we deliver early, our sons were at risk of everything from CP to problems with vision, speech, hearing, etc. etc. and that was if they survived! We were so fearful that our children would not have a good quality of life. We wanted them to have a full life, like any parent would hope for their child.

We have always felt that the boys were just fine but were eagerly wanting to hear it from a professional. Today put our mind at ease! Here is an overview:

1) Ben is 10 pounds, 9 ounces. Jake is 14 pounds, 5 ounces. Great weight gain for both!

2) Both boys lungs sounded clear and hearts sounded good as well.

3) And the very best news is, at this time, neither of them have any signs of CP or autisim. Our doctor told us that it is actually a myth that it takes years to diagnois these things. She said there are many signs that clue them into health problems early on. This made us feel so much better. No matter what, we would always see Ben and Jake as perfect little guys, but it was so nice to hear, from a medical professional, that the boys have no signs on any health issues at this time. What a relief!!! :) Whewwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

Since we were already at the hospital, we decided to bring the boys by the NICU to visit. It was so wonderful to see our NICU Holden family. It really brought back a lot of emotions. My heart went out to the parents who were there, visiting their children. I just wanted to give them a big hug!! When we were there as patients, they would always announce "Holden Graduates here for a visit!" I always used to wonder if that would ever be us!! And today, on the loud speaker, they proudly announced Ben and Jake as "Holden Graduates!" What a great moment!!!! :)

On a side note, I have to tell you about my favorite new thing that the boys are doing. They are laughing!!! And I mean LAUGHING!! It is so loud, and so funny! They are so interactive! Tonight at dinner, Kevin was just talking with my parents about our latest house situaiton..which by no means, was funny!! But Ben thought it was hilarious!! Once Ben started laughing, Jake started laughing. Then of course, the enitre table was lauging at that point. Their laugh, their smile...it is all so contagious!

Well, we are with out a doubt on cloud nine tonight....and continuting to thank God over and over again!!!! I often think back to a time when several of our doctors suggested that we terminate our pregnancy, and it just makes me sick to my stomach! If we would have listened to them, (which we never would have...that was not an option for us) we would not have these precious sweethearts in our life. Medical miracles happen all the time!!!! We are proof!!

Hope you are having a good night!

Proud Parents to Jake and Ben!! :) :)

Bath Time!

We love bath time! It is quite a production! It is a 2-3 man job to bath, cloth, feed, and get the boys ready for bed. Thank goodness we are fortunate to have extra hands (GRANDPARENTS) to help us!

Grandpa and Ben

This picture makes me laugh because Mr. Ben likes to be held...A LOT! Ben had to be included in lunch time! You can see how content he was just being held by gramps! Also, I need to say a BIG thank you to my parents! They have yet to complain about the bottles and breast pumps that have taken over their kitchen counter, or how their family room looks like Babies 'R' Us, or how we have taken over their spare bedroom and turned it into our baby nursery, or all of the times they have been woken up my baby crys! They are so patient and so kind! We are very lucky!!!!!!!

Aunty Carrie and Jake

The boys have enjoyed their time with Aunt Carrie since she has moved back home.

Great Grandma Wren, Ben and Jake

Stay tuned for the latest photos!

We have a little more time on our hands to update the blog these

days now that we are getting sleep!!!! :)

xo Danielle

Kevin and I want to say thank you for following our story!!! So many of you post such nice and encouraging comments. It means soooooo much to us! Ben and Jake thank you too!

Thank you!!!

Danielle & Kevin

Jake & Ben at 5 months old

Here are my big guys!!! Jake is over 14 pounds and Ben is over 10!!! They are doing very well and keeping us on our toes! Ben is still on his meds. for his premature lungs. However, after a visit to the pulmonologist this week we have decided to start to wean him off of his mediacation which is very exciting! His reflux is almost gone too! He is eating well and trying really hard to catch up to his big bro. The big news with Jake is that he rolled over at about 4 1/2 months! They are both all over the place these days!

As for Kevin and I, we are doing pretty well. We did have a major set back with our new house. We were suppose to move into our new home last week but a pipe froze in the upstairs bathroom and flooded most of the house. We have been pretty bummed about the situation. My gracious parents continue to house our big family and we will stay here while construction is under way. The floors, drywall, etc. have to all be replaced so we will be here for a few more months. No matter how stressed out we are..all it takes is one look at my little angels and it melts the stress away!!! We have a new lease on life since we were blessed with Ben and Jake.

Hope all is well and you are staying warm!!

Lots of Love, Danielle, Kevin, Ben and Jake