Merry Christmas

It has been a tiring week to say the least. Each day has brought unique challenges, but all the while we are still experiencing such joy from these little ones.

Yesterday was the greatest Christmas of my life. Roddic and Ryland dressed up as Santas and brought great cheer to all who saw them.

Hiccups

One thing our boys continue to do well is have the hiccups.

See what I mean in this video.

Ode to Patsy

In a world where in-laws normally stir up similar feelings to a trip to the dentist, I am pretty sure I have the coolest mother-in-law around. I have known this for years, but over the last week of my children's life it has become even more obvious. After serving us as we were in the hospital last week, Kelly's mom, Patsy, has been staying with us at our home since we returned. She has jumped in head first to feedings, changings, laundry, meals, middle of the night chaos, and pretty much anything else that we need at this time. The best part is that she does this all with such a joyful and selfless heart. Her love for us and for these boys is evidently displayed in her peaceful attitude as she helps out with all the craziness around here. I wish I could give her a medal, or better yet, a vacation for all she has done for us. But I can't give her a vacation, because then she wouldn't be here to help. :)

The boys say "Thank you Nanny!"

Home Sweet Home

Yesterday (Saturday), the typically long process of being discharged from the hospital was made even longer with two babies. What was initially suppose to be an 11 am departure turned into a 2:30 departure. We arrived home at 3 and 24 hours later we are finally getting a chance to put some stuff away. Because we took the advice of many of you and put an extra effort into looting all that we could from the baby carts, our house currently looks like a Babies-R-Us. We feel well stocked with towers of formula, diapers, changing cloths, milk bottles, etc. And it should last us all of 2 and a half days at the rate we are flying through supplies with these two little guys:)

This morning I woke up with what I will call a "baby hangover." It's the massive headache that you get when you sleep for 23 minutes, 4 different times in a night; totaling a whopping hour and 45 minutes of total sleep. I feel like Will Ferrell from the movie "Elf" when he said, "I slept great. I got a full 45 minutes." I am guessing I better get used to those mornings.

I love having these guys home. It will take a few more days to settle in and get a system with how to care for these little ones as efficiently as possible (as if efficiency is even remotely possible with two babies).

We love you all and covet your prayers during this time. We hope to see you in the coming weeks. More pics to come, but for now here is a pic of Roddic getting ready to leave the hospital.

Santa Has Come To Town!!!

Gram and Pa Jacob came to the hospital today.

So did Santa:)

The Boys First Fight

Well, it took all of 2 and a half days for the boys to start throwing fists. Here's the play by play.

"Ryland lands a left!"

"Ryland throws another left, but Roddic blocks it!"

"Roddic counters with a straight right hand!"

"Ryland goes in with a head-butt!"

In the end, mom got them straightened out and all was at peace:)

Super-Dad

I've read about it. I've talked to numerous parents about it. As we moved through this pregnancy, I've been the butt of jokes for other people who have already experienced it. I've known it, but at the same time I haven't really known it.

It is the fact that raising a child is the single hardest job on the planet. And it is made even tougher when you add in a second child. :) While I still have an infinity to travel down this road, I got my first real taste of it last night.

With all of our family gone it was just the four of us. Feeding time was upon us, and even those with a little experience with it know this also includes changing, swaddling, and soothing. Most also know that Mom really can't do anything in the first couple days as she is confined to the bed from the surgery.

That left just me.

Just me to handle it.

Now let me set the record straight, I have always considered my self extremely below average when it comes to handling babies. I always feel like I'm gonna be the one who drops the baby, sits on the baby, or does one of the other 761 things that can bring a baby harm.

But last night brought something out of me that I never knew was there, or better yet, wasn't ever there until last night. I hadn't slept. I hadn't eaten (which for those of you who know me, that's normally a deal breaker). And I was doing something that no book, no class, no one can prepare you for. Yet, in the midst of it, I was in the zone. The adrenaline felt like the old football days. It kicked in. I dove into dirty diapers. I obeyed all the instructions. I took care of these two little guys and my amazing wife. And at the end of the night, which came in the early hours of the morning, they were happy, warm, and well fed.

In the middle of the craziness I felt God saying, "I have given you these two sons. Now, I'm gonna give you the strength to raise them up." It was encouraging. It was humbling. It was amazing.

God says, "I'm gonna turn you into Super-Dad." I say, "bring it on:)."