Gigi

Friends who have become grandparents before me say that it is the very best thing on earth. Of course, since I have not had the experience myself, I could not relate. Most said it is actually indescribable, but that there is a love there that only being a grandparent can provide.

I’d have to agree with them now. Our two little miracles are wonderful. Whenever I hold each of Brit and J. P.’s little babies in my arms, I marvel at how perfect God has made each one. I experience awe and amazement that these little beings are genetically part of my child and, therefore, of me. The wonder of these newborns evokes a joy and bliss that I have only known when my own two children were born, however, this is somehow still a little bit different. I feel like the elation and adoration for them has to be shared. Whenever I had my own children, I didn’t feel like I could boast about them, but now, with these grandbabies, I feel compelled to shout from the highest mountain that they are the most remarkable infants since the first Christmas.

When I give them their bottles, they make sweet gulping noises. As I cuddle them on my shoulder, I close my eyes and listen to them sigh. Their soft breath falls delicately on my neck. Little grunts emanate from them as they sleep. While holding them in my arms, I just gaze at them and drink in their splendor. The little noises and expressions they make amuse me. With each small movement, I surrender to a deeper bond. Needless to say, they have charmed me and captivated my heart. Every little motion and gesture exhilarates me. . . like it’s never been done before by any other baby. . . which is silly, of course, but still I am mesmerized by them.

Lila and Gage are two unique little babies. Because they are twins, they share many likenesses, but in many, many ways, they are very unlike each other. The Lord has blessed Brit and J. P. with two perfect little souls to nurture and protect. With the role of grandmother comes special privileges. I can share with Lila and Gage that unconditional love without reservation. I can boast of their accomplishments no matter how minute. I am justified in being impractical and biased where they are concerned. Others will have to overlook my gaffes because, after all, I belong to them now. I am their Gigi.

Two hands are better than one

Brit has her hands full with her twins, but as you can see, she already has perfected her techniques for comforting both at the same time. She's such a good mommy.

Priceless pictures

I think that babies' fingers and toes are so precious so I just had to take snapshots of Gage's. He was sitting in Lila's bouncy seat, thus the pink, but nevertheless, they are his hands and feet.

Lila sleeps with her little hands in front of her face a lot of the time so I took her picture as she slept.

Brit and J. P. dressed them as little Christmas presents on Christmas day. There was a little gift tag on them. Those pictures are below.

Of course, there are more pictures to follow. Stay tuned.

What a way to spend a Christmas

It's been one of the sweetest Christmases ever. The twins are home and thriving. Each has a personality all their own. Let it suffice to say that they are precious. I'll share more thoughts as time goes along, but right now, I'm answering the deluge of requests for more pictures. So here goes. . .



That little seahorse is a life saver. When all else fails, the soft lullabies that it plays puts them asleep.










Gage loves the swing. He's just as happy as he can be when he's just a swingin'.




Lila, on the other hand, prefers her bouncy seat. She loves the way it vibrates and plays music.

They are pretty happy campers as long as they are dry and fed. But, I guess, aren't we all?

Babies

Little bundles that bring such joy!

Together Again

Gage and Lila are together again. This time out of the womb. They used to be wombmates and now they are roommates. I just had to share these pictures with you.

Twins Pictures

Good news!

Yesterday, the NICU took all of the IVs, tubes, and electrodes off of Gage. He is functioning very well without them. Britney and J. P. were able to feed him a bottle. He took 40 ml which is great for him. One of the nurses will feed him 50 ml. Needless to say, he's about to take off.

His preemie clothes don't fit. So, they took him NB and dressed him along with a little cap. Brit said he looked so handsome. He is also out of his NB diapers and into a size 1. That's another milestone.

Lila looks fabulous in her preemie clothes and her NB Swaddlers. She may be the "little" sister yet. Who knows?

Brit and J. P. said that Gage has a test today. He will have to pass his car seat test. That means that he'll have to sit successfully for an hour and fifteen minutes in HIS car seat. Once he passes his test (and I know he will), then maybe he'll be coming home very soon.

Daphne, Brit and J. P.'s poodle and my Granddog, got to come home last night. Pops (Kenneth) brought her. Lila was in her little Pack & Play asleep when Daphne got there. Lila kind of squirmed and let out a little grunt. Daphne whipped her head around and looked in her direction. She tiptoed over to that area to see what she'd heard. Daphne would turn her head first left and then right and look at the play pen to try to figure out what that noise was.

Finally, Kenneth picked her up and finally got her to see that little baby in the play yard. Her nose was going crazy trying to take in all those baby smells.

When Brit and J. P. got home from seeing Gage, J. P. held Lila down to Daphne and she inspected her. I think she's going to make a fine big sister for the twins.

Pictures of Gage and Lila

I posted a blog below that gives details about Gage and Lila and their progress.


Look at the twins' pictures. Gage has tubes; Lila is free from tubes on her face. Enjoy!

They're here and they're grand!

As you might have suspected, Brit had her babies on Thursday, Dec. 11. Both were born at 7:54 a.m. which the doctor says is very unusual. Usually there's at least a one or two minute gap even with Caesarean birth. Although Lila was actually taken first, they will have the same birth time because she arrived at the first of the minute and Gage arrived at the end of the minute. Neat, huh?

To clear up some confusion, the actual birth statistics were: Lila Kail, 5 pound 5 ounces, 18 inches long; and Gage Preston, 6 pounds 4 ounces, and 20 1/2 inches long.

Gage had some breathing problems from birth. Both the OB and the pediatrician said that was typical. They told us that he had the "wimpy white male syndrome". That is, of all the races and genders of babies, the white male's lungs are the last to develop. When babies are pre-term (35 weeks and 4 days) and even more common in twins, the white males are more likely to have respiratory problems because their lungs simply are not developed enough to function without help. Interesting, huh?

Gage was Careflited to Scott and White to the NICU within a couple of hours of birth. He was greeted by his Aunt Karen and Aunt Brenda Edwards. Shortly thereafter, J. P. and his dad, Ricky, arrived. Of course, they immediately began working with him. Someone has been with him 24/7 ever since. Although we knew that there was nothing that we could actually do for him, we wanted someone from the family with him always.

Saturday, Brit was released and she went over to see him. A He was already doing better. She couldn't stay long, but at least she got to touch him. Yesterday, they took the oxygen away and he is breathing on his own. They also removed the feeding tube. Both Elizabeth ( J. P.'s mother) and J. P. were able to hold him and feed him. His respirations were down to 48 late yesterday evening and they want them to stabilize around 60. They had been up to 120. Once he can maintain the breathing rate and is nursing vigorously, he may be released.

Lila was released on Sunday. J. P., Brit, and Lila went home. They were offered a place at the Ronald McDonald house in Temple. However, J. P. didn't want Lila nor Brit to be subjected to any sickness since their immune systems are so fragile. He thought it best that they go home.

Brit is doing pretty well. She looks great and is getting around good. I hope she doesn't overdo it. She stays really busy with taking her own meds, pumping for the babies, and tending to Lila. Don't misunderstand, There's been someone with her 24/7 as well. She just enjoys tending to her.

In my family, we have always had big, healthy babies. Even Landry was bigger than the twins. So, knowing exactly what to do with them is still an exploration. That brings me to the nature of pre-term babies. Brit's pediatrician said that she should not take them out except for the doctor's appointments for 2 months. He also said that their immune systems are in a suppressed state. He advised that she limit visitors and those that do come must either wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before touching them.

That causes distress for her and J.P. They're so proud of the babies and want to share them with others, but they simply can't yet. I guess she'll be posting pictures and so will I so that you can at least see them.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers for them. However, everyone wants to see pictures so, I have attached the better pictures that I have. The pictures of Lila are good, but I haven't had an opportunity to get a really good picture of Gage because he's been in a situation where I couldn't get pics without the tubes. Basically, though, Lila resembles Brit and Gage resembles J. P.

Please continue to include their little family in your prayers.

Patience. . .

They say that patience is a virtue. I agree. I have quite a bit of patience. That comes from dealing with high school students for 30 years. However, the rest of my family does not have patience. Whenever they were made and the Lord passed out the patience, they misunderstood and took none. Now as they sit on pins and needles awaiting Gage and Lila's birth, they are learning patience. I've told Brit many times that God is still instructing her daily. These days, the lesson is, having patience. I must admit, though, that even my patience (that of Job) is stretching thin. I'm antsy to meet those two precious little ones.

Lila and Gage as ducks

Lila might be a little like this duck except for we think Lila will have dark hair.

The ladies at Brit and J. P.'s church gave them a shower a couple of weeks ago. One of the ladies at the church is 96. Along with her other gifts, she gave burp pads for the babies that her daughter had made. They are simply precious.

As Elizabeth (the twins' other grandmother) and I sat there, we agreed that the little ducks on the burp pads are probably precursors to our grandchildren.

We could envision Gage as this little boy. He is scooping out the sand from his pail just after he had spent time filling it.



Can't wait for them!

And the beat goes on. . .

No Thanksgiving Day travesty this year. My oven didn't go out or anything. All the food was properly cooked at my home in my oven. No snags whatsoever. It was even very good. You might remember that last year on Thanksgiving day, my oven went out before I had a chance to warm the turkey and to bake the dressing, the pies, and the rolls. I nearly had a meltdown, but luckily I remembered that in the Home Ec. department at our high school, there are 5 working ovens. So, I just transported my food to those ovens and wa-la, the food was all baked to finish at the exact same time. Thanksgiving dinner saved!

This Thanksgiving was uneventful in comparison.

Ken and I have re-painted the two bedrooms at the end of the house and the Jack 'n' Jill bath between them. They look so nice and fresh.

We got the baby bed out of storage and, of course, we were missing 2 essential pieces. Lucky for us, our son-in-law is very clever and he can make us replacement parts. When we get those parts, we'll be able to dress the bed and we will be finished with that room, as well. I have all the little baby things (blankets, bibs, burp pads, and clothes, etc.)washed in Dreft and stored in the dresser.

B. C.'s room is nearly finished. I repapered a couple of walls and repositioned his furniture. Also, I sorted, categorized, and organized his clothes and other "stuff". He can find everything for a while until he messes it all up again.
That will take only about 3 days or so.

So, now we are listening for the beat. You know the beat that goes on and on and on. That means that our lives are steadily moving forward. I suppose that's a good thing.

It's been a while. . .

The school year is off and running. We have finished two six weeks already. That means that we are one-third of the way through the school year. Yippee!

Football ended on Saturday with a loss to Grandview. It was one of the coldest ball games I've ever watched. Although the temperature was not all that low, the wind blew like crazy making it seem like the single digits. It was all a bit too much. I'm sorry that the boys lost, but I am ready for basketball.

Our girls' team seems to be doing well. They have won all their games and they have some very talented athletes. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

The boys' team won't play until Friday. They won't have a home game until Dec. 19th. That's good and that's bad. Bad that I won't get to see them. Good that I won't feel obligated since I'll be busy.

Ken, B. C., J. P., Chris and Braden have been clearing brush at our place. They've made quite an impact. It's really looking good. They'd all stay for dinner on Sunday night and it was so nice to have the fam over. So, there's two pluses to that situation.

Ken and I painted the babies' room (formerly Brit's room) from the radioactive pink she wanted to a much more soothing leather color. We've moved some of the furniture back in. I'm looking for just the right bedspread. I cleaned the walk-in closet in that room. It was an all-day task, but it looks so nice and now I know where everything is and I can get to it. I can go shopping at my own house for things to decorate the room.

Whenever we get the Christmas decorations out, we will be able to get to the babies' bed and then put it in the room. I already have the bedding so that we can dress it. Whenever they are at Gigi and Pops' house, they are going to be little cowpokes. So, our time is occupied with getting the house in order before the babies arrive.

We are going to also paint Chad's room and the shared bath. Hopefully, the bath won't be a big job, but his room will. I have enough of the boxes from Britney's room sorted and packed so that now we will have space to do the same for his room. That will be an enormous undertaking. Pray for us that we don't kill each other!

The greenhouse is up and full of plants. Yeah for us! Aren't we just moving right along?

Saturday, I'm going with Brit to her other baby shower at Cranfills Gap. Her little church ladies are throwing her one. I've heard that they have some special gifts for the babies. I'm sure it will be quite fun. We may go shopping afterward since we are so limited on time. We'll take it easy, though.

Our family will gather at Brit's house on Thanksgiving. I plan on making the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Then, I'll bet the guys go outside and toodle around on the gator and four-wheeler for a while if it's nice. I imagine Brit and I will work on the babies' room or something. Then, we'll all watch the traditional football game on TV. Hope the Cowboys and A & M win!

That weekend will be a mad house for shopping so I'll most likely forego it. Besides, I'll be preparing for a colonoscopy the following Monday. Nice. . . not.

Well, I've gotta go get busy. My school day is about to begin. Check back later.

The hurrieder I go . . .

I'm sure you've heard that old adage, "The hurrieder I go, the behinder I get." That is particularly true for me. I try to take on too many things, do them way too fast, and then have to either re-do or am assigned yet another task. Anyway, it's safe to say that I am no Speedy Gonzales these days.

I haven't posted in a couple of weeks because of my hectic pace. It's not even spring yet and I'm already very, very busy. What will it be like then?

The grandbabies are doing just fine. They are growing inside. Brit is feeling pretty good. She has most everything in order. We're all just waiting for those little twins to grow enough to be born. We hope they're here by the end of the year. Christmas babies would be nice. I'll bet they will make their appearance, though, when they are good and ready.

Brit has added yet another item on her educational list. She is now a real estate broker. She has passed the rigorous test and will be getting her license soon. Who knows what is next on her agenda. She has lots of options. Way to go, Brit!

We have a big football game coming up this week. We play Crawford at Crawford. That is always tough. Although we are picked to win by seven, as you can discern, it's anybody's ball game. I hope the Dogs prevail. If they do, they have a good shot at going to the playoffs. We remember what happened last year during the first round of the playoffs. . . we beat #1 Mart!. That was such fun! All I have to say is, "Go Dogs! You're #1!"

Banker

B. C. has added a new dimension to our family. He's become a banker. No, not really, he's just a teller, but hey, that's an occupation we've not had in the fam before. He's still in the training phase, but he really likes it a lot.

Since his dad and I have had so many surgeries and other health issues, he wanted to stay nearby to help us out. What a guy! I think he just likes our home-cooking and beating me at Wa-hoo.

No matter what, we're happy to have him around (at least most of the time).

Halloween

Both of my children have always loved Halloween. They like scary movies, dressing up in costumes, trick or treating, and the entire silliness associated with the holiday.

For the past 2 years, B. C. has won costume contests at College Station. Once he won with his red Power Ranger suit. Another year he went as Woody from Toy Story. This year will be no different. He already has his costume ready to go. He will be the Penguin from the Batman series. I can honestly say that with his suit, he really resembles the Penguin (except his height).

I think Brit may paint her tummy orange and make it into a jack-o-lantern. Wouldn't that be cute?

Happy Halloween to all of you. I hope you have a safe, yet delightful experience.

Growing

Brit went to the OB yesterday for a sonogram. She said that she could see Gage really well. He has chubby cheeks (like his dad). Lila was more difficult to see. I guess she was in a "mood".

The OB told her that they have grown since last month. Both have just about doubled in weight. Gage has gone from 1 pound 6 ounces in September to 2 pounds 10 ounces this month. Lila grew from 1 pound 3 ounces last month to 2 pounds 5 ounces yesterday. At this rate, they may be almost normal size at birth.

Brit went shopping to pick up a few things that she still needed for the nursery and the babies. She said she thinks that she's acquired the essentials for now. She is so excited!

Babies' Shower

The babies’ shower was just perfect. Brit had requested a LeeAnne Jackson cake and cream cheese mints. The hostesses did not disappoint her. Brit had a great time and really enjoyed herself. There was a super turnout and many of those attending she had not seen in quite a while. That is always such a thrill. She also received many, many nice gifts for the babies. People who hadn't even been sent an invitation sent gifts . . . just because they love her. How wonderful!

The hostesses’ gifts, a travel system and a pack 'n play, are something that she will put to good use. Maybe she’ll actually take the twins out of the house since she has such a nice stroller and play pen to use.

Elizabeth (J. P.’s mother) and I went over Saturday night and helped her organize Gage and Lila’s room. We hung some of the little clothes and put others in drawers. We dressed the cribs and put up the valances. Their little room really looks like a nursery now. She added up the gift cards and cash and has already made plans for their use.

She’s really in the nesting phase right now and thanks to her shower gifts, she has things to feather it with.

Newest Addition

Last week, we had a new addition to the Stephens family. Brett and Elizabeth Stephens became proud parents to Landry Peyton Belle Stephens who weighed in at 6 pound 11.5 ounces and was 18.5 inches long. Although she had a little bit of a rough start because of some breathing problems, she's good to go now.

Whenever I look at her, I can see both Brett's and Elizabeth's features about her. I think she is absolutely precious and just what that part of the Stephens' family needed. . . a girl. With six little grandsons, Rick and Gloria needed a feminine touch to that generation.

Welcome to the world and welcome to our family, Landry. We already love you!