Stella and Lucia are 1 month old!

I am so happy that the girls were both at home to celebrate their 1 month birthday!  We had another doctor visit today, and the girls are doing great: Stella weighs 5 pounds, 11 ounces and Lucia weighs 5 pounds, 6 ounces.  Hooray for gaining weight.  They are both 18 inches long.  Our pediatrician is so pleased with their progress.

Talia and I had so much fun trying to photograph them.

Stella is on the left and Lucia is on the right

they were so awake during the photo shoot!

I love their little butts!!!

hanging out in their crib

Busy Days!

We've had some very busy but wonderful days at home.

We are all adjusting to sweet little baby noises and cries and loving every minute!  The big girls run to the pack and play as soon as they hear a little grunt and try to stick a paci in one of he twins' mouth. The twins have been given lots of kisses, cuddles, and toys from their big sisters.  It is very sweet.

                           sweet little sisters--not much bigger than a stuffed animal

                              my 4 special girls on Thanksgiving--so thankful!!!

       no matter how I lay them down, they always end up with their heads touching!

Day 25 in ISCU

When I talked to Stella's night nurse this morning, she said that Stella had a great night and was all ready to go...I got very excited but I knew that I would need to talk to the doctor for the official release.  I feel as though I was holding my breath when I walked into the ISCU.  Vivian, one of Stella's favorite nurses, had a box of bottles, diapers and Stella's things all ready to go.  I asked her why all of Stella's things were in the box and she just smiled and said that the doctors had not completed their rounds yet, but she was pretty sure that Stella was going home.

Around 11 am, Dr. Amer came in  and said that Stella was going to be discharged today!!!!  Hooray!  Thank you God!  Stella is coming home!!!

What an incredible feeling...25 days in the ISCU and I get to have both of my daughters home.  Amazing!  The girls are only 36 weeks, 2 days old gestationally, and they are both going to be home...wow.

Here she is all ready to go in her car seat!!!

And here are both girls in the car.

                                                         Stella and Lucia

And we're finally home...home sweet home....

Their first matching outfit:

                                               Lulu and Stella
  

                                        Lulu and Stella


Once again, I just want to stress how thankful I am to so many of you who have been there for us throughout these past few months.  It has been such an interesting time, and I am feeling beyond blessed to have both of my babies home.  Thank you all!!!

Day 24 in ISCU

Stella had another good day--she has been eating like a champ.  Taking a bottle with 70 ml (just over 2 ounces) every 4 hours.  I was also able to nurse her today and she did great.  She has a much stronger latch than Lulu.  It was so great to snuggle with her today.  We are hoping that she comes home either tomorrow or Weds., but no one is willing to confirm a day just yet...a little frustrating.

I'm sure they just want to stare at this beautiful face, but I just want her home!

Lulu saw our pediatrician, Dr. Chen today.  We just love her!  She weighed in at 5 pounds--big girl!   She said that Lulu was "perfect!"  I agree!

Bella Baby Professional Pics

Here is the link to the professional pics taken by Bella Baby at the hospital:

bellababyphotography.com

view my photos

passwd: 1026twinsengstrom

Enjoy!

Day 23 in ISCU

I had a great visit with Stella today.  We spent all of our time in one of the small parent rooms, so it was great to have her away from all of the beeps in the ISCU.  We got in some good snuggling time.  She also nursed like a champ--so proud of her!

                                                Here she is with Daddy

Thanks to Annie and the Endre family for taking such good care of Lulu while we were at the hospital.  Once we got home, Giana wanted to hold Lulu.  Both Talia and Giana are being such sweet and attentive big sisters.  I am so incredibly lucky!

Daddy reading a bed time story to his girls...and Lulu wanted to listen too!

Day 22 in ISCU

I was so eager to get to the hospital today to see my little Stella.  She did great overnight--eating and sleeping so well.  I talked to the on-call doctor this morning, and they are moving her to a higher calorie addition to her breast milk, so that she gains weight.  She is also getting another ECHO on her heart before they can discharge her.  Apparently, there is more then what they originally thought...not fun to hear.  I am very anxious to get the results.

                                                   Isn't she so sweet?!

Our first night home with Lulu was tiring!  She thought that there was a party in her honor from 1-4, but it was great to have her home.

Here's Talia giving her a bottle before she goes out to her girl scouts event. (She has quite the social life...)