What a difference a YEAR makes....

One year ago this week my sweet babes were tucked in safely at the NICU, feeding through a tube down their perfect little button noses.  I was elated, overwhelmed, EXHAUSTED, overjoyed, and sooooooooooooooo happy.  My little ones, my miracle IVF babies, had made it to 31 weeks and 1 day before they were born.  Their little lungs were premature, but healthy.  Their hearts were strong, but still a little fragile.  They were just tiny and needed to stay in the hospital until they could learn to eat.  We longed for the day when we could bring them home.

This morning, I had to use my leg muscles as I lifted up both of my babes to bring them downstairs to breakfast.  All together, they weigh just under 41 pounds.  Heavens!!!  They giggle as I bounce them on my hips to the tune of their favorite songs.  I do my best to keep the cheerios coming and spoon yogurt to them as they eat.  I am elated, overwhelmed, not so exhausted now, completely overjoyed, and happy beyond description.

I thought a little picture comparison would say more than I could write this morning.  Here are some pictures of Liam and Xiomara, first at three weeks old in the NICU, and next at one year old lying next to the same little outfits that they wore in the hospital.  The picture at the top of this post is just to show how TINY these little outfits are compared to a dollar bill.  I still remember how they fit my babies perfectly and even left a little room to grow back then. :)

Liam - taken October 28, 2011... He weighed 4 lbs 9 oz

Liam - taken October 7, 2012... He weighs 19 lbs 13.5 oz

Xiomara - taken October 28, 2011... She weighed 4 lbs 6.5 oz

Xiomara - taken October 7, 2012... She weighs 20 lbs 15 oz

What a difference this year has made....  In so many ways and in all things. :)

Pumpkins....

DISCLAIMER:  I've been trying to get the spacing right between the pictures and text in this post for the last hour... And Blogspot is fighting me every step of the way.  Please don't judge me by the way this post "looks."  I'm letting it go for tonight simply so I can share a few memories...  This isn't OVER....

Hello again!!!!  What's it been... Another 3 months?

We've been enjoying everyday.  :)

I can't BELIEVE that my little ones will be 1 year old on Monday.  I'm a little in denial about the whole thing, but it is finally sinking in I think.  My parents are here to help celebrate this blessed event and I was just saying to my mom tonight that it was very different watching Noah go through each phase and celebrating each birthday with him...  Simply because I knew deep down in my heart that I would be there again with another child.  I feel the closure that will come once my babes are officially not babies anymore.  I am done saving precious blankets for the next blessing, dreaming of when that might happen.  I pass by the baby clothes section in stores now with a little zing in my heart, knowing that Liam and Xio are way too big for those soft little jammies now.  I have shed a few tears already, and I'm certain there will be more.  But I'm so very excited for my little ones to move on to the next stage and grow into little toddlers.  They are already there in so many ways.  I can't wait to celebrate with them on Monday. :)

In the meantime, we are ringing in the Fall!!!!  We went to Roca Berry Farm today and had a great day.  Noah wore himself out on bouncy houses, giant jumping pillows, pony rides, haunted mansions, and then savored a warm glazed donut and kettle corn.  Good times.  Here are a few of my favorite moments...

 Liam and Xiomara are introduced to pumpkins...

 

Grandpa and Noah about to brave one of the haunted mansions!

Gram just hanging out... Sorry. :)

It was VERY chilly out there and everyone had rosy cheeks and pink noses. 

We love Grandpa and Gram. :)

Mmmmmmmmm.... Kettle corn and donuts.  Doesn't get much better than that.

Why do baby BOYS always have the most beautiful eyelashes????  Both of my little men have dreamy eyes....

Pictures of the big birthday bash coming soon!!!!  I LOVE this time of year and am finally feeling like I might be able to start blogging and sharing again on a regular basis.  Nothing wrong with hoping, right?

Be good and Happy October!

Nicole
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