Kemper Family: January 2011

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Memo and GP visit

Memo with Abigail

GP, Memo, and the girls

Memo with Sophia

Abigail

Four Generations

Abigail and Sophia Meet Big Sister Zoe

It's been a long time coming, and bless Zoe's heart for being so patient. The timing really sucked because Zoe came down with a respiratory virus just as the girls were born. There was actually one night when I thought I would have to leave the hospital that Abigail, Sophia, and Penelope were in to check Zoe into the ER at Seton Southwest. Luckily her 103.4 degree fever finally broke and she was able to forego the ER visit.

As the babies were so tiny it was just not worth the risk to introduce them to Zoe until she had a clear bill of health herself. That day finally came on Saturday January 29th; 13 days after they were born. Zoe has been so excited about becoming a big sister and she has already proven that she is going to be a great big help to our growing family. I'll shut up now as the pictures speak for themselves.

But before we get to the pictures, I have to share the poem that Zoe wrote and brought with her...

Click on the picture above to see it larger, but in case you can't read it for some reason...

You are the best surprise

The babies of my life.

I love you dearly

I'll wipe away your tearlilly's.

I'll take you in and give you support

I'll build you a giant princess fort!

You are the best surprise, The

babies of my life.

I love you Abby & Sofie!

Zoe :-)

Zoe feeding Abigail

Big Smiles!

Bigger Smiles!

Love It!

So far, she's actually excited to change diapers...

We'll see how long that lasts!

Zoe with Sophia

How sweet is that?!?!

Good Night!

Homecoming

The girls were finally released from the NICU with a clear bill of health on January 26th; 10 days after their birth. Penelope was released on Friday January 21st, so we had been commuting back and forth for 4 days. We spent Saturday night in the "Nesting Room" with the girls in a crib.

That day was a bit stressful as the girls had to pass their cars seat tests and Abigail had to pass a 10 hour apnea test based on what I am pretty sure was a false monitor reading in the first few days after she was born.

So from beginning to end including Penelope's admission before the birth and the girls' stay in the NICU after Penelope was released, we had someone in the hospital from the 13th thru the 26th. That first night at home was just a bit stressful as well as we had to go it alone with the girls for the first time. We didn't sleep much that night and ultimately decided to move one of their two cribs into our bedroom so we could keep a close eye and ear on them.

Since then each day has allowed us to further develop our routine. One advantage of the NICU stay was that the girls were placed on a solid routine. They are like clockwork; sleeping for 3 hours solid between diaper changes and feedings. We have that part down, but aren't able to accomplish much else on any given day. Luckily, I will be at home thru the month of February and Penelope doesn't have to go back to work until April!