Friday, December 19, 2008

A Night Out and Other Big Happenings

First off, big thanks this week to Nurse Janet who was kind enough to bless us with the gift of a full night of baby sitting. Elaine and I took the chance to enjoy a meal out and a movie for the first time in many months. I'm not sure what a night of childcare by a fully qualified NICU nurse normally runs, but I seem to recall that it was pretty pricey. It was the first time we've both been away from the babies since they came home, and, although we were tempted to hop a plane to Mexico, we returned to find the babies better than we left them, i.e., asleep. Thanks so much Janet!

We were also able to bring the babies by the NICU on the 15th for their first visit back since discharge. It was great reunite and show off all the great progress the babies have made. Unfortunately, we missed out on seeing several of our favorites nurses (Sandra, Annette, Cheryl, Terri, Dana, Donna, Laura, Hilda, Christie) who weren't working that night, but we promise to get the babies back by soon.

Caitlin & Milo

As most of you know, Elaine and I have been fortunate to have the assistance of Caitlin to help out with the care of M&M while Dad is at work during the day. Unfortunately, Caitlin is returning home to Montana in the coming weeks, and, what with the unrealistic commute, Elaine and I are on the search for another mother's helper. Caitlin did a great job and we're hoping to find another who will be as kind and loving with the twins. Needless to say, Caitlin will be missed!

Uncle Nate & Milo

The good news this week is that we got a visit from Elaine's brother Nathan. Nate's in town for 5 days to see the kids and change a few poopy diapers.

Maddy

As promised, we finally had the chance to take a few shots of the babies with Mr. Bear. Maddy definitely looks like she could take him in a fight.



Milo

To really see the comparison in growth, check out the September post here http://miloandmadeline.blogspot.com/2008/09/three-months.html back when the babies were 3 months old. Or go back to the very first pictures of the twins with Mr. Bear in August: http://miloandmadeline.blogspot.com/2008/08/long-march-to-september.html.

5 comments:

Feisty said...

SoOrry to hear that you are losing Caitlin. I know how difficult it is to find that 'right' person.
I am glad that you are able to have Nate there during the holidays.

M&M just get more and more adorable! The pictures are precious. I have been trying to get a hold of you, but know you are busy. Just wanted to say that I adore the gift you sent! Thank you!

Miss you all! Have a wonderful first Christmas together!
Love,
Heath

Feisty said...

P.S. I am so glad that Janet was able to come watch the kdis so you can have a much needed night out! She is a wonderful person!

Unknown said...

Parents night out, such a rare and special occasion :)

Can't believe how huge M&Ms are, we are so happy to see that you guys are doing so well :)

Happy holidays!

T,K&E

anthea hartig said...

wonderful post, team Stiles . . . and with that grin, definitely change maddy's middle name to moxie!

xox
anthea

Janet said...

Hi!
Hope you all had a wonderful first Christmas and New Year's Eve/Day together. So many firsts...its all so fun and exciting.

As to the babysitting, it was definitely my pleasure. M&M are so happy and healthy; that's really all a NICU nurse needs for thanks.
Xs and Os to you all. Hope you'll let me babysit again soon. Next time we'll have to chew the fat awhile, too, but I know that mom and dad are usually exhausted at the end of the day!
Big hello and Happy New Year to Aunt Heath!!
Love,
Auntie J