Mom is amazing!

Mimi is the first to admit that Mom is amazing! Mom had a hair appointment at 10:00, leaving Mimi in charge. Two short hours later, the house is trashed. The babies are fed, but Tyler only got to eat part of his bottle, then Kenzie got hers, then Tyler finished up. Konner had lunch -- Mom had thoughtfully fixed that last night and left it for Mimi to just warm today -- and is now headed to dream land (I hope!).

The Christmas wrapping paper is no longer safely stored in the closet, but scattered down the hall and in the babies' room. That is, except for the one roll that Konner set free. It was a big roll, and it had almost the length of the hall still left on it.

A power wheels Jeep is just the right height for boys to reach the top of their chest of drawers. Fortunately, Mom knows this and has removed all dangerous objects. Unfortunately, Mimi didn't know it and had to pick up a few wipes.

Yes, Mom is amazing. And Mimi is ready for a nap.

Things we know

Tyler seems to do much better when he draws the nipple completely in his mouth. Not as much spillage/leakage, and he finishes before he gets completely frustrated.

Makenzie likes to rock, especially around 11 p.m. when Mom really wants to go to bed.

Gus likes Mimi's pillow. The one she was trying to sleep on. Did I mention Gus is a lab/rottweiler mix, and weighs about 80 pounds? Incredibly sweet dog, great with Konner, and he has become attached to Mimi. And her pillow. (REBUTTAL BY GUS: She didn't complain when she was cold and I crept up to keep her warm.)

Konner LOVES chocolate milk, and Mimi's not the one who got him hooked! Dad did it!

Nana is a pushover when it comes to little people. And little people don't necessarily have to be smaller than she is, just in the "grandchild/great grandchild" designation.

Mom looks better when she only gets up once during the night. And she smiles more.

Brownies and ice cream help when it's 9:30 p.m. and the babies will want to eat about 10:15.

It only takes one smile from Tyler or Makenzie to make 5:00 a.m. the best time of the day.

First checkup

This morning, the babies had their first checkup since leaving the hospital. Makenzie weighed 6 lb 6 oz and was 19.75 inches long. Tyler (who hadn't just eaten as Makenzie had) weighed 6 lb 3 oz, and was only 18.5 inches long. He also didn't want to stretch out, so he may be a tiny bit longer than he measured. Chele and I were talking after lunch, and realized that they had gained this weight in only about 10 days -- they left the hospital at 5 lb 2 (M) and 5 lb 4 (T). So the concerns we had about whether they were eating enough are apparently unfounded. :)

The doctor said they look very good, and his only advice was to keep them away from people because of the sicknesses going around, and to keep them on the preemie formula for about another month. He said they can be fed every three hours during the day, but to let the midnight to six shift be on demand only. Hallelujah! If Chele had had the energy, she would have jumped for joy! I think Makenzie would have slept through from midnight to six this morning if we had let her, but we were afraid to.

Tyler is still spitting lots of formula out -- not spitting up, but spitting it out before it ever goes down. So Chele has a wide variety of bottles, and thinks she has found the right one finally. The nipple has to be harder than normal so he doesn't choke on the amount of milk that he gets per drink.

Konner is terrific! He is handling the transition very well right now. Being back with Dad every day keeps Konner calm and secure.

Status report

Things are going very well at the Johnson home. Tonight, Dad made supper, then fed babies while Mom and Konner ate supper. Mom's comment was that things were hectic, but normal. And that's such a relief.

It's just been four weeks tonight since we were headed to the hospital for the babies to be born. Their progress has been nothing short of miraculous.

Today, Chele bumped their formula to three ounces per feeding because Makenzie wasn't satisfied with the 2.5ish they were getting. This is the same little one who struggled to take 15 ml not too long ago. She has longer periods of being awake, and is becoming very warm natured, like her dad and Konner.

Tyler isn't as warm natured yet, but he's getting there. He is more laid-back than Makenzie. I've been told that the boy being more laid back is common among boy/girl twins. He snuggles into Mimi's shoulder really well and sleeps so sound.

Mom and Dad are champs. They seem to take the babies' needs in stride, and just keep going. I'm sure they feel like they are on a treadmill sometimes, but I am also reminded of Steven Curtis Chapman's song, One Little Heartbeat at a Time. I thought of Chele the first time I heard it, when Konner was little. One of the lines is "up all night with a screaming baby; run all day at the speed of life." Then it goes on to say that the mom in the song is changing the world, one little heartbeat at a time. Isn't that sweet? And so true!

Konner is much calmer and has shown affection to both babies. He is connecting words to form simple sentences, usually two words but they still get his point across. (Yes, I am his Mimi, and I think he's a genius. I was right about Brian . . . )

I will give them a little more family time, then Nana and I are going down Sunday to help for a couple of days. Dad is starting a different shift on Sunday afternoon, so maybe we can make it a little less traumatic. If not for Mom, at least for Konner, I hope. And the babies have a doctor's appointment on Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. Seriously? Who can possibly get Mom, two babies, and a helper ready to be anywhere by 9:00 a.m.? And what if we decide it will be easier to take Konner too? We'll need to start when we finish the 4:00 a.m. feeding! The pictures on this blog should show that Mimi needs her beauty sleep!

Just kidding -- we'll make it fine. I'm anxious to hear what the babies weigh now, and to have the doctor confirm what I already know: they are doing very well!

All three together

The shirts say "Twins are twice the fun".

Christmas Eve

Over the past three and a half weeks, I have given a lot of thought to the babies and their progress, their care, those entrusted with their safety and well-being.

And I can't help but think of our Savior, born so long ago.

This past weekend, as I wrapped Tyler and Kenzie in their soft blankets, snuggled them down in their nice bed in their warm room, with a light glowing and soft music playing, I was reminded of another infant. That baby was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger -- in a barn, with animals close by and no sterile environment, no humidifier, no thermostat. His only night light was the stars, and he certainly had no Bach or Beethoven (to enhance his synaptic connections and make him smarter). No bed was lovingly selected just for him, just a clean feed trough.

We worried about leaving our babies in the hospital, with their monitors, fancy eqipment, and a nurse whose only job for that twelve-hour period was to look after our two. God sent his Son to a young girl and her betrothed, knowing that He would be born in a city far from their home. Did Jesus have a Mimi there to help Mary as she adjusted to life as a mom? Someone to share the tricks of motherhood? Another set of hands for that moment when Mom and Dad were exhausted?

Think about it. Mary either had to bring everything with her, knowing that the baby would likely be born during the trip, or she had to depend on the ladies of Bethlehem to help her round up what she needed. It's not like she could send Joseph on a supply run to Target. How many teenage girls do I know who could pull off this kind of feat? None come to mind. Mary and Joseph had a huge burden on their young shoulders.

And yet, God sent Jesus anyway. He sent Him, knowing that He would suffer, that He would have to die to redeem us.

He didn't have to come. But He did. And I am forever grateful.

I'm with Makenzie -- Praise Jesus!

Pics of the day

Makenzie was awake, and Tyler was zonked. And Mimi was spoiled rotten.

After I left, Konner spent some time getting to know the babies. Here, he's giving Tyler a high five. There isn't a picture of him kissing the babies, because Mom and Dad were each holding one and that didn't leave anyone to take the picture.

Tyler thought he was starving and Mimi just had to take his temperature. So he found his thumb. :) Today, Christmas Eve, was Mom's first day on her own without help. I say that with tongue in cheek, because she had Konner helping her a lot of the time. He is doing well, but the new reality is still developing.

Dad helped with the feeding just before he went to work, so Mom got back to bed much earlier than she would have. And Grandma and Papa are going to be there Christmas Day, which will be great for everyone.

Konner wanted to hold Tyler

He was excited to hold the baby.

He even said "cheese" for the picture.

Silly boy doesn't want to hold Makenzie too.

Bobo came to visit!

It just about killed Bobo that he couldn't hold the babies in the hospital. But he's only 16, and the rules say you have to be 18. So he came as soon as he could, and got to hold babies. The first picture isn't Tyler -- it's 18 months ago when Konner was first home. Konner has grown up a lot, and so has Bobo! The next one is Bobo and Tyler . . . . . Mom trying to convince Makenzie to burp. . . . .

Bobo and Tyler again . . . .

Bobo and Makenzie.
Tyler and Makenzie aren't the only ones who enjoyed Bobo's visit. Gus was thrilled, too!

Sleepers

We still do lots of sleeping.
We retired some preemie sized clothes today, mostly because the neck opening isn't designed for real babies. The body of the clothes was about right.

Konner and first looks at the babies

Konner getting his first look at what is in the babies' bed.




It is a bed full of babies! And no feeding tubes!

Konner getting an up close look at Makenzie. His face says it all. Mimi looks stoned but she's really not. Really.

Okay, Tyler looks a little less icky than that girl.

Here Mimi, let me help you feed Tyler. I'm good at this. And he's not so bad after all. Maybe we'll keep him until the dogs come home. Which should be Monday, right?

Life at Home

It's all good. Well, except if you're Konner and you didn't get a nap today. Then it's kinda cranky.

Babies did very well, Mom and Dad did very well, and Mimi got Konner home about noon. The dogs are still staying with Grandma and Papa, and there are a few adjustments to be made (okay, more than a few, but we're working on it).

We need lots of patience and tolerance, and a healthy sense of humor. Please continue to hold the whole family up in prayer, including Bobo who is driving down Sunday.

Konner's work

While Mom and Dad were getting Tyler and Kenzie home, Konner was busy too. He had several adults to keep occupied.

Nana was doing dishes and Konner crawled up on the dishwasher door. She said, "Konner, will you please get down from there?" His reply? He shook his head no, then smiled sweetly. She just laughed. (Is this the same woman who used to whoop the tar out of me?)

Bobo wasn't 100% the last couple of days, so Konner kept him entertained. Bobo got to watch Madagascar and the Wiggles over and over and over . . .

Grandma and Papa were willing participants in a couple of hours of chasing Konner around. He played really hard, and as we were driving away, he kept saying "Bye bye" and "Right back." And he waved at Grandma until we were down the street.

Konner did well in the car tonight. He cried when it was dark, even with the light on, but he wasn't sick. Mimi thought the ear infection might still be bothering him but Uncle Jason said he didn't think that it was a medical problem, since he quit crying when I sang Thumbkin, started again when I quit, then hushed again when I started singing again. I don't know what Uncle Jason is insinuating . . .

I think Konner is really missing his parents about now, especially Daddy, and will be very excited to see them on Saturday.

Finally home!

This picture was taken after they were finally home, still in their carriers, but in their very own living room!
And here we have Mr. Tyler, settled in for his first ride home. He seems to be happy to be going home with Dad and Mom.

Makenzie is happy too, but she's a little less expressive about it right now. I believe they are both wearing hats that Grandma picked out the week before the babies came. Those hats looked awfully small but they appear to be the right size now.

Home and settling in

Mom and Dad are at home with Tyler and Kenzie. Konner and Mimi will go tomorrow. There were supposed to be pictures to post with this, but Mom apparently had other things to do. :)

I'll do what I can on Saturday to get pictures without feeding tubes!

GOING HOME!!!

When I called Mom at 11:30 a.m., she couldn't talk because she was loading the car to go home!!

Looking good to go home

Possibly as early as Friday afternoon? Tyler's blood will be checked again tomorrow morning, and they could be released Friday afternoon, pending car seat checks, etc.

And I saw the real Konner tonight for the first time in several days. He has felt pretty rotten, but tonight he was laughing and playing.

Fast Forward . . .

to Thursday evening. It's been less than a wonderful three days. Konner was much better, then worse, then better, then worse . . . it turns out both ears were infected, and every time we would think he was fine, we would go somewhere and he would throw up everywhere.

Duh -- he was getting carsick.

So now we are keeping him CLOSE to home (Mimi's), and he has been fine. The ear infections are better; the medicine has caused a few other problems, but he is making headway.

The babies are still in Lubbock. Mom and Dad got back there this afternoon, after making sure Mom wasn't going to carry anything viral to them. Tyler is 5 lb 4 oz and Kenzie is 5 lb 2 oz. They slipped back a little so they weren't ready to go home Wednesday, which is a blessing in disguise because Konner was sick and couldn't have gone home with them.

Tyler got blood today so it may now be Saturday before they head home. Mom and Dad are taking carseats up tonight at 8:00, and we'll see how things go.

Back on track

Konner is much better. He is eating a few things, drinking lots of tea, and playing hard. Chele and Nana took naps this afternoon too, so they might make it to 9:00 p.m. before they crash for the night.

And Bobo made the trip to Lubbock and back to empty the hotel room. It took four trips with the cart to get everything out of the room and downstairs. I had walked past other rooms which were being cleaned, and thought to myself that they looked awfully bare. Now I know that's what they are supposed to look like. Ours was well-stocked. :)

The babies are doing super! This morning, Tyler weighed 1/2 oz over 5 lb, and Kenzie weighed 1/2 oz under 5 lb. They ate like champs today, and are on the 6-a-day bottles for 24 hours. Hopefully they will go to all eight feedings soon, then we can start the car seat checks and get these babies home!

Right now the game plan is for Mom and Konner to hang out Tuesday, go nowhere and see no one, to make sure they are well so Mom can get back to Tyler and Kenzie on Wednesday.

In the two-plus months since Konner has been at Mimi's, he has grown enough that he is now taller than the counter at the bar, which he just barely fit under before. He can also open the bathroom door and played with the better blocks that were too little for him last time he was here. He played the piano in between bites at lunch, and climbed up on the coffee table by himself. Life at Mimi's is fun!

Konner is sick

Please pray for Konner. He is throwing up, so Mom and Nana are gathering up stuff to head to Mimi's house. Mom and Bobo will go back this afternoon when Bobo gets out of school to get the rest of the stuff from the hotel, while Mimi rocks Konner. :)

So far he isn't running any fever, just can't keep anything down. Of course, this means no one can go to the babies, because Dad is the only one who hasn't been exposed and he's working. So please pray for their nurses to love on them extra today.

Sunday night

Tyler and Kenzie both did well with eating today! Kenzie is on the same schedule as Tyler now, which is half-time bottle and half-time feeding tube. That's a dramatic difference from where we were last night, and they are now up to 50 ml of formula per feeding (that's about 1.7 oz).

Mimi got to go with Mom at 5:00 for feeding, and Kenzie ate pretty well for Mimi. She is more petite than Tyler, and harder to burp (she doesn't want to be impolite). She was awake and had kicked herself out of the blankets when we got there. Tyler snuggled up on Mom and went right to sleep when he had finished draining his bottle. We took pictures but Mom hasn't sent them to Mimi yet.

Nana is staying with Mom and Konner for a few days. Although she can't drive, she is an expert at spoiling 17-month old boys so Konner will be fine while Mom goes off to the hospital. Konner was very excited to see Bobo today; he barely ate supper for playing with Bobo. They each bring out the orneriness in the other one.

Praises tonight for the change in Kenzie's eating habits! And for safe travel back and forth to Lubbock, for the provisions we receive daily, and for the prayers of faithful friends and family. We are so grateful for those who continue to stand with us. The NICU is such an intimidating place, and while we are not dealing with the issues of so many other families there, it is still exhausting and can be overwhelming. And this is while someone else is taking several of the "every three hours" shifts!

Fatties

I forgot to mention that the little ones are fatties -- Tyler is at 4 lb 13 and Kenzie is almost at 4 lb 12, which is a big gain for her. Now if she'll just eat on her own so she doesn't get left in Lubbock when Tyler is sent home!

Wiggling

He had no idea I was recording him on my phone. This is what the Daddy dance looks like, except it is accompanied by squeals and pounding on the door, and followed by big hugs and wrestling.

I found a Wiggles DVD at Toys 'R Us (ooh, bad place for Mimi and Konner to go unsupervised!), and he loved it. I also found preemie sized sleepers!

Roller coaster

Last night Brenna (one of our favorites) told Michele she didn't expect to see us on Wednesday, her next shift to work. Then about 30 minutes later, the night nurse asked Chele if she would be willing to take one home without the other. Kenzie still isn't eating like she needs to, so we are afraid that means Tyler may soon be released and Kenzie not.

Please pray with us that Kenzie eats more like her Mimi today so we don't have to separate this family again.

If they release Tyler, Mom and the boys would go home, but that would mean Kenzie all by herself in Lubbock -- with Mimi of course, but Mimi's just not as good as Mom and Tyler.

I will update later today.

Friday night

Mom, Dad and Konner are back in Lubbock. Konner cried when they got back to the hotel. :(

But hopefully it won't be for much longer. The babies are doing well. Mimi is headed over tomorrow to play with Konner. And Auntie Angela and Brian will be in Monday or Tuesday for a few days.

Mom continues to learn more about dealing with itty bitty babies. The epiglottis isn't fully developed in preemies, so one thing the nurses have suggested is to continue to keep them propped up a little so they don't choke. The nurses also make a structure out of receiving blankets that keeps the babies in position and suggested the continued use of such a structure. It's just receiving blankets that are rolled up and placed around the babies, but it gives them a sense of security.

The babies will also have to be on a special formula and Mom will have to prove she can mix it correctly so they get the proper number of calories per ounce. It's a good thing she's smart!

Mom said that Kenzie seems to be having no problem keeping her body temperature stable, and is even helping keep Tyler warm.

Tyler gained an ounce last night, and Kenzie gained almost an ounce, so they are 4 lb 12 and nearly 4 lb 10 ounces. Their weight is enough to get to go home, as soon as they eat without having to be fed through the tubes.

Mom has weird skin, and is broken out from the soap she has to scrub with to see the babies. Dr. Callahan's NP, Mandy, gave her a prescription for steroid/cortisone cream this morning, but it hasn't helped a lot yet. It will by morning. Mandy also suggested a different kind of scrub since Mom has sensitive skin.

Prayer requests -- Mom's skin, safe travel, and for babies to eat better and get ready to go home soon. And for wisdom to know when they are truly ready.

Better day

It's a better day. Tyler and Makenzie both ate well this morning for Mom. Kenzie finished in about 5 minutes more than Tyler, instead of 15 or 20 minutes. Tyler now weighs 4 lb 11 oz and Kenzie is at 4 lb 8.5 oz. Things keep getting checked off the list that has to be finished before they can go home. Last night Chele got her CPR certification so that's one more box. Every step is a step closer.



And Mom and Konner made it home fine. Konner was thrilled when they pulled in the driveway. He walked all through the house looking around and touching things. Then Dad pulled up outside, and Konner started the "Daddy" dance. He bangs on the front door, dances around, and hollers "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!" They wrestled and played, and last I heard were still going strong.

Mom, Dad and Konner will head back to the hospital tomorrow morning, and on Saturday afternoon Dad will have to go back home for work on Sunday.

Mimi Almighty

It's amazing the audacity I have sometimes. I think I can explain to God why what I want is the right thing for Him to do. I know better, but I catch myself doing it anyway.

We seem to have hit a plateau. It's normal and it's not forever, but we were making rapid progress for so long. Now we're in a holding pattern, waiting for the babies to get more excited about eating on their own. That's the last thing they need so they can be released, and there's no way to force it, no way to hurry it up. AUGHH!! So we are forced to be patient and keep encouraging them.

I say we, but I'm at school and Chele is carrying the load by herself. Grandma keeps Konner while Chele is in with the babies, but it's up to Chele to feed babies, bathe babies, etc., and having to split her time between them and Konner is challenging. Knowing that I'm no help makes me even more impatient!

Anyone questioning where Chele gets her control freak tendencies?

So, tonight's prayer request -- I've been told all my life not to ask for patience -- is to stay content and productive while waiting on God's timing to get the babies home. Chele needs to be mentally and physically prepared for the challenges ahead, at the hospital and at home. And I need to remember that I don't have all the answers, and that I don't have the wisdom to be able to tell God what He needs to do.

And one more thing . . . Chele and Konner will go home on Thursday afternoon to take care of some things, then make their way back to the hospital on Friday. Please pray for traveling mercies and for everything to go smoothly.

Going a little stir crazy

The weather was nasty today so Konner stayed at the motel all day -- with Grandma of course -- and by bath time he was getting a little desperate for something new to do. So he wore the two pieces of the ice bucket as shoes.



And he put on Mom's pants just to see how they would fit. Tomorrow he will get wrapped up in a blanket and he will go to the mall where there is a playground. He needs the chance to run and play.

The last couple of times we were there, Lubbock schools had kindergarten classes at the mall. As a teacher myself, I can't imagine what objective or state standard a trip to the mall would meet, but I don't teach kindergarten. I would much rather they spend a little more time on math and reading or music or art or science. Kindergarteners are little sponges who haven't learned to hate school yet, so teach them a foreign language. Or teach them English. But don't call it school when you load them up in a bus to go to the mall and walk around.

Okay, off the soap box.

The little ones got moved to their joint crib today. You can't see their newborn size sleepers, which are mucho grande, but you can sure see they are wearing their own hats that Grandma bought them. Tyler wasn't very social today, but Makenzie was looking around.

And then it was naptime for Kenzie too. I don't know how they switched sides and got different blankets, but I'm guessing that Mom may have changed diapers and fed someone.

I wonder what Kenzie is thinking/dreaming about!

Mom is counting the hours until she gets to go home for the night, for her checkup, and to get her driver's license replaced. No, the wallet still hasn't shown up, but thank Heaven that no charges were made to any of her cards. Wherever the wallet is, the cards have been protected (and now cancelled). God is God of the little things as well as the biggies, as we have been reminded constantly over the last several days.

And Konner will get to see Dad for a couple of days. They both need that! Since I'm the Mimi, I can tell this . . . Dad is a big man, and scary looking -- turns out it's a facade he cultivates to put people off. (It worked with me for a long time.) You have to want to get to know the real Gary or you see only the front. Anyway, big scary man stops and reaches down every single time Konner comes over for a hug, and usually says "I love you too, Buddy". It's really sweet.

Thanks for all the prayers, cards, calls and emails. Please continue to hold this family up as they adjust and deal with being apart for a few more days. All I want for Christmas is to get them all home together!

In search of . . .

Preemie sized clothes. That's right, the babies have moved across the hall to a room where they wear real clothes, and car seats are close by. They are in the LAST room before they graduate from the NICU and head home with Mom, Dad and Konner!

Mom went in for the morning feeding, and found them missing. After a short panic, she found Nurse Kevin, and he said they had gone shopping for her Christmas gift. Then he showed her where they really are.

They have graduated to the last room, and will definitely move to a bed together tomorrow. They will be wearing real clothes, if we can find some that fit. Newborns are still a little big -- okay quite a bit too big -- but with the way they have started eating, they will start growing into and out of their clothes quickly.

Kenzie is up to three nipplings a day (that's NICU talk for using the bottle instead of the feeding tube), and Tyler is up to four. The blood transfusion did wonders for Kenzie, who is very alert and a pretty pink color today.

(Mimi's personal opinion is that Tyler and Kenzie have decided that if Mimi had to go back to Clovis and can't come see them every day, they have to get out of that hospital so they can get to Mimi.)

And Mom figured out that the secret to Konner's nap is to do what they do at home -- turn on Nemo, turn out the lights and leave the room. So she and Grandma have to hang out in the lobby next to the room for two hours . . . they could meet some very interesting people if they tried.

Finally, we are very proud of Mom because she wore real jeans today, and they were too big for her. And this time it took 9 days instead of 2. Mimi is quite thankful that Mom was a little more healthy than with Konner.

We have another eater!

Take a good look at this thumb sucker . . . She ate her whole bottle tonight! Makenzie has struggled a little, and is getting a blood transfusion because she needs a little boost, but tonight she made her Mom very happy because she ate so well.

This group of lovely ladies and Tyler is a four-generation group. That's Nana on the far right, holding Kenzie, Mom in the middle, and Mimi on the left holding Tyler. We'll do it again sometime without our matching gowns, but this is pretty cool for now.

Tyler was spoiling Mimi -- he looks like he's scared silly here, but that's just because he hasn't gotten used to the flash going off. It won't be long until he sees Mimi coming and gets a cheesy grin on his face because he knows she'll be taking pictures. Right after this picture, he drank his whole bottle for the morning, and of course his evening bottle for Mom at 5:00. He is now up to three times a day with the bottle!

And here's Makenzie spoiling Mimi. Now she didn't smile for Mimi, but she sure did for Nana.

Unfortunately, I can't figure out why it's right on my computer screen and sideways when it's imported to the blog. I'll work on that.

Nana had to have a turn with Tyler too, and by this time his tummy was full and he was way too comfortable to stay awake.

They each were a little better on temperature today, and unfortunately, they weren't wearing their hats for pictures. Nonetheless, these are pretty awesome!

Living in a Motel

Living in a motel sounds like a great life, because someone else is making beds, washing towels, keeping the bathroom clean. But the reality with a 17-month old is not exactly fun and games all the time.

For example, when you're used to sleeping alone in your room, it's rather disconcerting to have other people making noise. The light around the door is bothersome, and there's just no place to run.

So you have to make do.

This is the ice bucket on his head. Mimi had already left when Konner and Grandma played a game of something that produced this picture.

And when you have to either eat from the microwave and tiny fridge, or go out to eat constantly, your table manners tend to slip somewhat.

Knowing that Mimi and Nana were leaving for home today caused Mimi to be a bit more lax, too, and the proof was in his hair. And on my shirt and pants. And his socks.

When Mimi and Nana were loading up the car with (what I thought was) all our stuff, Konner helped with the luggage cart. It looked like child labor as he pushed it down the hall. Truth be told, it was just another ploy to tire out the little man.

There are only so many times you can pack a little guy into the car seat and haul him off to wander the halls of the hospital while someone has a turn with the babies, so Grandma got smart and stayed at the motel to watch Madagascar while Mom drove herself to the hospital tonight. And it's probably best because Mom was downright giddy when she got through feeding Kenzie (see the other post for today!). Who knows how she was driving!

Munching Munchkins

We are getting closer to becoming full-fledged eaters. Tyler connected the sucking and his tummy getting full today. He ate 30 ml of formula from his bottle in one feeding, and wasted no time doing it! Kenzie managed 25 ml also, but she wasn't quite as crazy about it as Tyler. She will make that connection soon, I hope. They had to have their beds turned up a little warmer today because they weren't holding their temperature well.

I can't wait to get pictures of them tomorrow. The little ladies who make blankets, hats and booties for NICU babies are artists. It has to be as much fun for the sewers/crocheters as it is for the parents, and the nurses have a good time playing dress up with the babies. Today each baby got a new blanket, a stocking cap and booties. Kenzie's booties are red with little snowmen, and her hat is white with red trim around it and a little red ball on the end of her hat, all of which is set off by her red blanket. Tyler's booties are blue with snowboarders, his hat is red with white trim and a little white ball on the end, and he has a blue blanket with the snowboarders on it also.

It has been a rough day for Mom and Dad, with Dad having to go home for work. But they are doing what is best for their family -- or as Michele refers to it "Johnson, party of five". That would have been a better name for the blog, but creativity isn't something I'm bubbling over with when I am on the Konner Rapid Weight Loss plan (there's no time to eat, and if you sit down, he's munching from your plate too), combined with the Konner Sleep is Our Enemy plan (self-explanatory).

Speaking of which, Konner didn't get a nap today. And it's been a rough evening. Fortunately, Rick and Judy came over and rescued us all for a little while. After peeks at the babies and chasing Konner around, they took us out to eat at Rosa's. Yummy homemade tortillas, burritos, beans and rice, iced tea and best of all, lots of hugs and attention.

I will post pictures with the cute little hats tomorrow. Right now it's time to chase Konner a little longer and see if we can completely exhaust him so he will fall asleep. Thank goodness for Bobo!

Friday Funday

Today is another great day in the Johnson Family Saga. We started with Mimi going to the hospital while Mom and Dad spent some much-needed family time with Konner.

When Mimi got to the hospital, Tyler was sucking his thumb with his fingers splayed across his face like his Mom used to do. Mimi got to change his diaper and hold him while he was fed. He wasn't scheduled to eat from the bottle this time, but Nurse Kelly told Mimi to use his pacifier to help him learn that sucking leads to a full feeling in his tummy. And he did a great job of sucking on that paci!

About the time he was getting tired, Nurse Kelly suggested switching him over to his bed to finish his feeding so Mimi could tend to Kenzie. That was good, because I was wondering exactly what I was supposed to do when I could see her starting to wiggle around and look for the grocery wagon. Just a premonition of days to come, I'm sure! :)

So Mimi held Kenzie while she ate also, and while she wasn't as excited about the paci as Tyler, she was more awake and watched Mimi more. (Was she trying to figure out why Mimi had Texas hair today?) Anyway, she was a happy girl, and no it wasn't gas when she smiled several times.

After the babies were finished eating, Dad and Konner went to the motel to take a nap while Mom and Mimi found a nail salon for long overdue pedicures. Then Mom and Dad got to do laundry while Mimi oversaw the nap. About the time the nap was over, Nana and Bobo showed up, and the fun really started. Konner was very excited to see them, and Mimi, Mom and Dad were very excited to have fresh reinforcements.

Makenzie was sucking her thumb when everyone got to the hospital for the 5:00 feeding. Nana got to go in and see the babies for the first time, and Bobo got a really good look at each of them while Konner and Mimi ran up and down the hall outside the NICU. Tyler ate really well for Mom, and Kenzie ate fairly well for Dad. When they were tired, they went back to bed and we all went to Cracker Barrel, where we laughed and ate a big supper.

The big prayer request is still that the babies learn to eat better. Dad is going home tomorrow so he can go back to work -- he seems to think he needs to support this little group -- and that will leave Mom with Konner and Grandma for a few days. So please pray also that the separation is smooth and that Konner handles Dad being away for a few days. And that Mom and Dad handle it well too.

PICTURES!!!!

Okay, as promised, here are pictures of the little angels. Makenzie, in the styling pink hat, and Tyler, holding Mom, are not terribly interested in their media debut. Tyler is looking at that pretty lady who sounds so familiar and feels just right while Makenzie had to be tricked into showing her face. She tends to be a little shy as you can see from the picture with Dad.







Tyler is the dark headed one, and Kenzie's hair is much lighter. They ate really well tonight for Mom and Dad, 14 ml for Makenzie and 15 for Tyler!

Progress

The IVs are gone! The only tube that's left is the feeding tube, and our goal now is just to eat and gain weight (something Mimi could teach them a lot about!).

The plan is to move them out of the incubator and into a single isolette this afternoon sometime, and let them bond. We are told this will help twins immensely, so we may have some real heavyweights soon. :)

Konner got to see through the window into the NICU and was able to see a glimpse of Kenzie. He can say Kenzie and Tyler if you know what you just asked him to say. He thought the baby was interesting for about .5 seconds, and then wanted to get down and run around. So he did.

I told Makenzie we need to go shopping, and she wrapped her hand around my finger. Tyler wasn't into shopping but listened politely while I told him about the things we play at Mimi's, like Play-Doh and paint, and that we can eat cereal on the coffee table if we want. Of course, that is a Brian rule, and I'm not sure it will hold for little people. That might get a little too messy for even Mimi.

Mom is napping and will go to the hospital for the 5:00 bottles. She is feeling better and even had the energy to shop a little.

We are so grateful for the prayers. We are truly blessed.

New beginnings

Tyler Shawn and Makenzie Rae were born November 29, 2008, at 1:03 and 1:04 a.m., respectively. They weighed in at 4 lb 11 oz and 4 lb 9 oz, and were 17 and 17.5 inches long at birth. They are currently in the NICU in Lubbock, Texas, and are adorable! (This is Mimi talking, although I'm hoping Mom will keep this up as a way to make things a little simpler for her over the next few weeks).

Tyler and Kenzie were 33 weeks 5 days in utero, and as is typical for preemies, their lungs are immature and they have had a little trouble learning to eat and maintaining their body temperature.

They each gained 10 grams last night, which I thought was pretty good but the nurse would have liked them to gain more. Tyler was jaundiced Monday and had to be under the light, and Kenzie joined him on Tuesday. Tyler will probably get out from under the light later today, and Kenzie will stay another day.

Tyler is dark headed and looks very much like Konner, while Kenzie has lighter hair. Both of them have blue eyes right now, but I don't know whether they will stay blue.

Right now, they each have a feeding tube and an IV -- Tyler's is in his foot and Kenzie's in her hair -- but no other help. They are in incubators because their temperatures aren't stable yet. Their nurse Kevin said he would like them to be in the same isolette once they get out of the incubators because twins are used to having each other close and usually progress very quickly once they can be together.

Big brother Konner is doing okay . . . this has been quite an adjustment for him. He really missed his parents when Dad had to go to Lubbock and Mom was in the hospital in Hobbs, even with Mimi and Bobo and Nana (and Gus and Max and Baylee and Lilly and Joey and Charley). He's still not sure why we're in a motel room, why we spend so much time in the car, why we eat out so much, where everyone goes when they say they will be "right back", but all things considered, he's handling it okay. A little whiny and a little insecure, but that's to be expected. So I do what I can to make it as normal as possible, and when that doesn't work, I buy something. I have found some really cute books because the ones I set aside for this week are in Clovis -- I wasn't expecting to be here for this for another month.

Check later and I'll try to have a picture of each of the babies. And if you're at all acquainted with the family, you'll recognize Konner.

Please continue to pray for the family, and especially for Mom as she recuperates while taking care of all the little Johnsons!