Raising Our Trio: January 2009

Kathryn and Owen are here! Our beautiful babies were born on December 29; Bruce Owen, Jr. was born at 2:05pm and weighed 5 pounds, 4 ounces. Kathryn Dale was born at 2:08 and weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces. As you might have guessed, Owen was named after his Dad and Kathryn was named after her two Grandmothers. The c-section went just as planned and I am happy to say my recovery period was short and uncomplicated. Owen had a hard time controlling his blood sugar after birth and had to spend several days in the NICU until he gained weight and his blood sugar stabilized. He was such a brave baby as he had to endure numerous heel sticks daily for testing, but on Sunday, Jan. 3 we were all allowed to come home together. Even though Kathryn could have been released days earlier, Bethesda Naval Hospital allowed us to stay until Owen was ready to be discharged. Another reason we love that hospital! The care we received there was amazing and we can't say enough good things about all of the doctors and nurses who took care of us. While we never imagined we'd have any health concerns for the twins who were born at 38 weeks, it was a blessing to deliver there and we were in great hands.

After many months of waiting, we are thrilled to be home with our little ones. Life with twins is wonderful and busier than we had imagined. However, Owen and Kathryn are on a schedule and have been almost from day 1 - while that means several feedings throughout the night, our days are pretty predictable and that makes for happy babies and parents. They are growing and changing every day and are a joy to watch develop. In fact, we spend a lot of our time just staring at them! We'll try to post updates and pictures as often as we can, but sometimes it's hard to get to the computer. Thank you to everyone who sent cards, called to check in on us and said prayers for our little family - the love was felt and deeply appreciated. Here are a few shots from our first few weeks...enjoy!