Time in the NICU...

Holding Leah in "Kangaroo Care"-inside my shirt.

I have been spending my days in the NICU, my evenings at home with the rest of the family, and my nights waking up every three hours to pump.  Needless to say I am exhausted.  We put the older boys in after school care to give me a little more time at the NICU and Logan is in daycare 5 days a week until December 21st, to also help us out.  Dennis was off last week, but now has returned to work.  He is working from home this week, so that he can still get me to and from the hospital (I can't drive yet).

Dennis has done a great job shuffling everyone around, cooking meals, watching the boys, shopping some and cleaning some.  Of course he is exhausted to and doesn't have time to keep the house spotless or grocery shop too often, but he is doing what is needed to get by.  Luckily, we are getting a few meals from neighbors.  Also, Dennis' sister Erin and her boyfriend drove from Minnesota to cook us Thanksgiving dinner.  It was the quietest Thanksgiving I can remember having, we are used to not only my large family Thanksgiving dinner but also Dennis' family Thanksgiving during the day.  So, it is usually a busy day for us.  But, we enjoyed the nice meal and also got lots of leftovers that helped us out for a couple more days.

We also had a visit from Grandma Bridgers (Dennis' Mom).  It was great to have someone here to entertain the kids and cook for us.  It was a huge help!  The boys enjoyed making super hero cakes with her, visiting the book store and having a movie night.  Dennis and I were especially appreciative of her asking us if we want to go on a date night, we quickly took her up on it and had a great dinner/movie out.  We also got the tree decorated while Grandma was here...

A few things that have happened recently...Evan earned his yellow stripe belt in Tae Kwan Do on Novemeber 19th.  He was so excited!  On November 24th Logan finally peed in the big potty, standing up.  He has been terrified of the big potty and also won't go at school.  He tells his teacher, "No, I go at home."  So, this was a big step.  He won't sit on it, but this was still progress.  

A couple funny things Evan has said...we asked him if he has told his teachers and friends he has a new baby and he said, "Yes.  It's hard being a big brother at Collegewood, you have to tell everybody."  Collegewood is the name of his school.  He also said, "my class was surprised Leah came early, so was my Mommy and Daddy.  But, I know why Leah was unhealthy and had to come early, it's because Mommy ate too many Reese's Peanut Butter cups."

Leah in her "tanning bed"

Boys finally getting to visit her.  They weren't allowed inside the unit.

Out of the isolette and into a regular "crib"