4.03.2009

The Baby Feeding Factory





These pictures aren't our best work, but it was the best we could pull together for the purpose of this blog. We promise to do better this week! I had to include the picture of Eliot because it was just too cute. That was her first soccer game and needless to say, she was not happy! The weather played a nasty trick on us and blew in a good 30 mph wind and temperatures in the 40's. The game was called early because none of the kids wanted to play!

We're trying to come up with new names for our home. Since the purpose and activity level of this house has changed pretty dramatically lately, "home" just doesn't quite tell the whole story. Here is what we've come up with so far:
- The Baby Feeding Factory
- Babyville or Baby Town
- The Baby Place - Where Serious Suckers Get Their Fill
- The Poopin' Shack

I don't think Casey will go for the last one, but I think it has a nice ring to it... ;-)

Our days start no later than 7:30 am because that is when the first feeding begins. Since they aren't stable enough to be set up in a boppy to be fed and we often only have one person available for feeds, they get fed one at a time. To get all four taken care of, it takes about two hours. The babies are on a three hour schedule so after the feed is done, there is an hour break before the next feed begins. This schedule continues around the clock...every day...seven days a week. Is it possible that they've only been home a week and a half??

The schedule has also been really hectic because of all of the doctor visits we've had to get them to. Each of the babies has had three different appointments since their discharge which ended up being a total of six trips because of their different discharge dates (Jack goes by himself, the three girls all go together). Today, however, was a unique experience because we got an actual house call from their eye doctor! Pretty cool, right? Actually, much thanks go to Jeannie, one of the NICU Superstars, who arranged it all with the doctor and came out ahead of him to dilate their pupils and assist with the appointment.

Right now, we're just trying to hang on and catch as many zzzz's as possible. The schedule is definitely more packed than we would like, but we know it will not be this nuts for too long. The volunteers have been great and have been a huge help. Thanks to them, we have been able to have a little bit of breathing room. We've been able to go to Eliot's first soccer game, I'm able to write this blog, and Casey has been able to shower almost daily (kidding, Baby, but you know I love it when you're a little funky!). Despite all of the help we have received, we are looking for a night nanny for a couple of nights a week to help with the long nights. We're hoping that combining that with help from grandparents and the volunteers, we ought to be able to survive until they get off of the three hour feeding schedule.

Though the days, and especially nights, have been long we are having a good time with it all and couldn't be happier with the way they are all doing! As has been the case from the day this adventure began, life is crazy, but life is good!!

God Bless,
Ethan

11 comments:

Vanessa said...

Hang in there guys...it does get better :)

And Casey, all us moms of multiples know that funk all too well :)

Shelley said...

Hang in there!! When they go to 4 hrs is gets better! The triplets started sleeping all night at 4 months, hopefully your bunch will do the same. That is heaven!!!!

Williams Family said...

I wish I lived closer. I would love to help out.
What about Babies Inc.

JoJo said...

Aww! Wish I lived nearer but the UK is a bit too far! Would love to help you out with night nannying!! I'm a nanny for my job and I am fascinated by multiples... I've been helping my friend with her twins and sleep training! The twins are her 4th & 5th children so she keeps busy but 5 of them of the same age for you!!!... hope you get the help you need and the zzzzss!!
Love from Jo x

Klin said...

You have to have multiples to have the funk? I thought it just came with motherhood.

I love the pooping shack! It has a very nice ring to it.

Cristy said...

The funk, yes, all too familiar. Casey, don't worry, you are definitely not alone when it comes to the funkiness. Daily showers are wonderful, I settled for every other day. The occasional 3-day lapse though, the husband PUT me in the shower. HA! It happens, but it does get better.

Being from Southern California, I like In 'N Out (really good burger joint there). Seems like all we do in these early weeks of parenthood is put stuff in one end and clean it up as it comes out the other.

Praying for Britton too to come home soon!

Tori :) said...

Yeah- I'm with Klin... Mom = Unevitable Funk

I wish I could do more to help!!

I love the pic of Eliot. Wow- she looks so much like Casey.

Jan Mc said...

Have followed every day - sometimes many times a day Cannot wait to see them ! How is Britton doing? If I came down there can I help one night? Would love to assist, and just hope Britton would be home by then. Any special requirements necessary for nightime helpers? Love Ya Jan Mc

Shelby Lou said...

holy cow! i wouldn't play in that storm either! hope the last of the babies gets to come home soon! you guys are champs!

Jan Mc said...

Corralling the crew in about 2 years will be even MORE challenging ! Good thing you all seem to just think about today and not about all the adventures to come! can't wait to see those guys !

Jan

jsiewert said...

I am so happy that your little ones are coming home chubby and happy. I wish I lived closer so I could help feed and cuddle and take the night shift for you. ha ha If you ever need help in Idaho give me a call. I hope your little Britton is home soon.

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