Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Further proof of their angel-ship




Guess who is who! (In case you can't tell from their melons, it's youngest to oldest from left to right)

Hi all of you non-commenters. The kids told us that we shouldn't worry about posting since you all were so weak on commenting, but we are teaching the children to turn the other cheek. Actually, we were finally able to get pictures of them all together yesterday, and they were too adorable not to post. They are doing so well and Moni and I are so proud.

Our first family photo (Billy holding Pius and Danna, Moni holding Forrest and Laine)

Our precious angel babies



Pius "Big Poppa" James: He is up to 5 pounds, 8 ounces. He continues to gain weight, and right now his major hurdle is the whole "suck, breathe, swallow" thing. He still is trying to figure out the breathe and swallow part. He is doing a great job getting the food in his mouth, but, like we said, sometimes forgets to breathe or swallow. His little butt is getting better. We are still using water wipes and various butt-creams, but he seems to be getting less angry when we wipe him now. In fact, nothing really bothers him.

Our sweet and chubby cherub, Pius


Forrest "Frosty" Michael: He is up to 5 pounds, 7 ounces. Like his big brother he continues to gain weight well, but still struggles with the whole "nippling" thing (yes, Andy, we used a form of the word "nipple". Deal with it). He has started to become a little bit fussy in his old age. He starts to whine for no particular reason, just to get a little attention. Momma is going to have to smack him around a little bit so he learns that we will get to him when it is his turn. I am just kidding about the whole smacking him around thing.

Mom holding her angel Forrest after a feeding


Frosty....actually awake, for once


Danna Lynn: She is up to a whopping 2 pounds, 5 ounces. She hasn't started nippling yet (there's that word again), but we are thinking that it is right around the corner. Her big news is that she got moved OFF of high-flow oxygen, and is really kind of kicking her brothers' butts on her breathing. She is such a little fighter. She fights us, her nurses, and her condition, and she is really good at it. We are all learning quickly that Danna gets what Danna wants. She already thinks she is the queen of the castle. Momma is going to have to go straight from smacking Forrest around to smacking her. Once again, I am just kidding (but notice how I leave the disciplining to Moni).

Our sleeping beauty angel, Danna Lynn

A random Danna video


Laine Ryan: He is up to 3 pounds, 8 ounces. He, like his brothers, is starting the bottle feeding. He does it once a shift, and has had mixed reviews from his nurses. Right now he is batting about .500. Pretty good average...in baseball. Really, he has done well twice and has been uninterested twice. He still has the best temperament, and kind of has Moni and me wrapped around his fingers. We even still think it's cute when he loses his temper because it takes a long time to get him worked up to that point.

Our laid-back angel, Laine, taking everything in stride


The babes had such a big day today! We had a very special visitor come to see us. Dear ol' Santa came early to make sure the quads were going to be able to make his "nice" list. They were at the top of the list. Their daddy also made it to the top of a list. Unfortunately, it was the one labelled "naughty". It was quite a production to get all the babies on Santa's lap, but everyone fit (with the help of about 16 extra hands). Laine tried to pick Danna's nose, Forrest was a crybaby and Pius just slept through the whole thing! It was such an awesome experience and the pictures are priceless!

Santa, Danna, Laine, Forrest and Pius


We're happy (and sad) to report that we sent Tyger Tubre and his grandma DeeDee off at the airport this morning. They made it safely home to Baton Rouge and were reunited with the other Tubre quads, Abbey, Cullen and Emma, as well as their family and friends who have so anxiously awaited their arrival home. Way to "geaux" babies (and mom and dad)! We're already missing you guys. Keep us posted on their progress in all your spare time (yeah, right!).
Tyger Tubre waving bye-bye to everyone in the NICU


Moni and I continue to be amazed at the support that we are receiving from so many people. We have really run out of ways to say "Thank you," but honestly, thank you! We wouldn't be able to stay as positive as we have without your love, generosity, and prayers.


Hopefully the pictures will bring about some more conversation so the kids don't ground Mom and me from posting (because posting with videos and pictures is about a two hour process and they get angry when we're away for too long).
Love,

Billy, Moni, Pius, Forrest, Danna, and Laine


P.S. Angel outfits courtesy of friends Gary Lindow and Monette Lachman - thanks! They were a hit with the nurses, too.
Angels Pius, Forrest, Danna and Laine



56 comments:

Rachel Haag said...

1st to post!!! who's in the game now?!?!

Rachel Haag said...

and so I got soo excited about being the first one to post that I hadn't even seen the blog yet! but now that I have I have to say that this one is by far the cutest....wonderful photoshoot guys! The one with santa is priceless!!! I think it should be made into an ornament! Anyway, I should probably get to bed now seeing that I will get up at the buttcrack of dawn to make my flight so I can see my lovely family! YEAH!!!! See you guys in 10ish hours!!!!!!!
Auntie RayRay

Anonymous said...

The pictures are amazing!! We love them! I can't wait for you to bring them home!! I absolutely loved the post today! Their first picture with Santa! That's awesome!!! They are little angels!!! I love them so much!!! Tell everyone hi for me and give them all a kiss from their favorite(wink, wink Auntie RayRay) Auntie Lainie!!! And Adam and Kari say they loved the pictures also!! Good work you two!! Love you mucho!!

Anonymous said...

What beautiful little angels. They are just precious. You guys got the best Christmas present ever. Again, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers daily. We are so excited for you. Can't wait to meet those four very precious bundles of joy.
Love to you all
Kevin, Lachelle, Rylea and Reese

Anonymous said...

Awwww, thank you sooo much for the precious pictures of "our" precious babies!! Here I am reading and looking at pictures when I should be getting ready to take Auntie RayRay to the airport! She is so excited!!
Please excuse the condition of some of your gifts! We had to switch some of her carry-on contents to her checked bags and things got a little crumpled.
Love you all! Mama Budda

Stacey Faber said...

Hi all!
What a wonderful way to start the day! If there are any Grinches out there, this post with the Santa and angel pictures will snap them right into the holiday spirit! It is so amazing to see all six of you in one picture and to see the babies lying side-by-side. If only you had a fifth baby then you could've gotten some advertising money out of Cingular! Ha! I loved the photos and the commentary and really appreciate the time and effort you spend keeping us updated! We're so looking forward to the day you can all come home but until then we will keep you, as always, in our thoughts and prayers and very close to our hearts. We love you! Stacey, Fabe, Kelsey & Lia

Bucko 43 said...

Oh Grafs i loved the photos. I just can't believe them all. They are all just great. Can't wait until they come home. So happy for the Tubres. Hugs and kisses to all bucko. The tears are flowing.but they are happy tears.

The Murray Crew said...

wow - what a post! My favorite so far....Wow, guys they are doing fabulous and look great to proove it! Keep it up, Graf Gang!

Anonymous said...

Hey Guys,

Your little Angels are just too precious. I am so glad to hear that they are doing so well. I love all the pictures and videos. You are such a good lookin' family!!
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Bless you all!!
Brandy McCune

Anonymous said...

OK- whatever Rachel... I'm jealous you get to go see those cute little angels!! I agree - best photoshoot ever and Santa must have had a lot of patience and experience...it looked pretty easy minus the big crybaby!! We're going to have to get him into shape, we can't have that going on at our family functions... Well, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and one that God has certainly blessed you with four precious angels! Our prayers continue to be answered so keep up the faith and enjoy your precious time with your family!! We love you and can't wait to see all of you!

Renee

Anonymous said...

Those photos are priceless, especially the one with Santa and your quotes. They are beautiful! So glad they are doing great.
It is cold here and the possibility of more snow this weekend. How is your weather?
Just one of the many fans in Wichita,
Debbie

TrishaF said...

I have to agree this is the cutest post ever. I absolutely love the angel outfits. I am glad to hear that the babies made Santa's 'nice list' although is it really that surprising that their daddy didn't? (I am just kidding Billy). I am soo glad to hear that they are all doing so well. We miss you guys and can't wait for you guys to come home
Trisha

Anonymous said...

Billy & Monica, I like Bucko looking at the pictures brings tears to my eyes. What a bunch of miracle angels. They are so precious and Mom and Dad look great too. I have so enjoyed all the updates and pictures. I have been on my computer several times a day to check the blog, just in case, I don't know how you have time to post as often as you do but it is so great for all of us. I will go to Hays tommorrow to pick up Mark, sounds like maybe a storm coming in Friday. I hope everyone makes it home & back safely, as you have probably already learned Mom's & Dad's just worry about their children. Mark always tells me he is a big boy. It will be nice to have everyone home. Love you all, give those angels a kiss for me. Aunt Laverna

Andrea said...

Love the post! All the pictures are great. Glad to hear things are going so well. How great that you guys were able to take a picture with all of them together. It made it so much more real seeing all four of them together. Merry Christmas! We'll miss you guys-Love, Andrea

Anonymous said...

Too Precious! Loved the pictures! That was the REAL Santa for sure. God Bless you ALL. We Love the Blog and check it daily. We will continue to keep you and the Tubre's in our prayers. Just a note. I laugh each time I think of you all when you go shopping some day. I thought I got funny looks and lots of "OH MY, You sure have your hands full!" You guys just wait.
Tom, Dana, Noah, Brooklyn, Celia & Hannah Goertz

Anonymous said...

Billy and Monica,
What a fabulous post! The two of you look so incredibly happy and the angel wings on your cherubs are definitley the cutest thing I have ever seen; what precious gifts. I am so excited for you two and will miss you at Christmas, but know you guys will be surrounded by the most wonderful gifts (your angels) you could ask for. Can't wait to meet your angels.
Love and miss you!
Crissy

Anonymous said...

Your babies truly are angels! They are so blessed to have you two as parents! What a wonderful post with all of the pictures...and the video of Danna is absolutely precious. Many prayers being said for y'all by your Baton Rouge "family". We check your blog daily (ok-many times a day)and feel like we know you all! Wishing you all a very blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy 2008!

EMO said...

Wonderful pictures! The angel outfits are ADORABLE and the picture with Santa is GREAT! I love the family photo with all of you. And the video of Danna, I am pretty sure she was blowing a kiss to the camera. The weight gains sound good, now lets just work on this suck breath swallow and nippling thing. Ok little angels? I know you think Phoenix is a fun place to be but Wichita is an even better place to be, so keep trying. Have a fun visit with your visitors! Congrats to the Tubre's for making it home!
Love
Erin
Moni- did you get the stuff? Is it going to work?

Sara said...

Keep that angel pic handy. When they reach the terrible 2's you'll need it!!! Beautiful babies

Anonymous said...

Yay for the Quads! How is it possible to have a smile on my face and tears in my eyes at the same time? Talk about a good looking Santa picture . . . not to mention their personalities come out and practically grab you - just as you have described them. Moni - you look so beautiful. Billy - you look so happy. Man, I miss you guys. Thank you for your posts - that in itself is a big enough "thank you" to everyone who isn't able to make it to PHX. The time and creativity it takes to post is definitely appreciated - what a special gift to your kids! I'm so proud of you all. Lots of love (but no kisses, my kids passed their crud on to me). Keep on keepin' on.

Steph

Anonymous said...

Wow, they seem so much bigger than last Friday. Tell those boys to keep practicing that "nippling" stuff because Danna is about to break loose. She maybe a little slow to get started but I have good feelings about her ability to put it all together and learn the chug-a-lug skills. I am so glad I got to meet them all. Even though I missed their wings when I visited (they must have been hidden in the blankets), I knew just by looking they were angels.
Still can't believe I screwed up Sunday and missed by chance for another visit, then as I was sitting in the airport for an extra 1 1/2 hours I couldn't stop thinking what a waste of time, I could have gone to visit the Grafs. Thanks for a great lunch. It was the best meal I had all weekend. My cousin (the vegetarian) doesn't really hold to the "eat lots and enjoy" while on vacation. We had cheese pizza on Sat night and then I had a hot dog at the ballpark on Sunday. I know, Waa Waa, I got to go to Phoenix so I will quit complaining.
Better get to bed so I am ready for the babes of Wichita tonight. You guys are doing great at the whole parenting thing, keep up the good work. LY Melody

Andria said...

Okay now we're all feeling a little guilty about not posting! Yikes! Love this post of the precious angels. You both look so ready to take them home. These are certainly ones for the books. So sorry Billy that you didn't make the "nice" list, but I think you've got a head start for next year's review! ;)
Season's Greetings from Sacramento!

Anonymous said...

Great pictures. Monica, Billy, whoever is taking them should consider taking up the profession. They are excellent quality. Santa looks quite tickled to be able to hold 4 tiny babies in one arm. The wings are wonderful.
They will figure out the nipple,suck, swallow, breathe thing soon and you will start taking them home. Then you will be dang busy. Just don't take them outside once you get them here RSV season is in full stride.
Kathy

Anonymous said...

"Angels we have heard on high ..." They truly bring a heavenly glow to our hearts. Awesome!

Anonymous said...

I already got them lil devil costumes for Halloween. I figure that will sum them up better here in a couple of years. lol jk

Ryno

Anonymous said...

i LOVE them already!! I can't wait to meet them & see you guys again!

I'm so proud of you both. You will be awesome parents & I know will enjoy every minute of it.

Love you guys!!
Desi

Bobbi said...

Glad they are doing so well. Keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

Those pictures really are amazing and I'm sure they will be the topic of conversation for many years to come. Priceless is the best way to describe it. There must have been some laughing gas in the room when you guys took your first family photo together. The smile on your faces really sum up how proud you are of those little rascals, and it brought a big smile to my face to see how happy and healthy the whole Graf family is. I wish I would have known Santa was coming to visit you guys - I would have asked you to give him my Christmas wish list with a Red Ryder BB gun at the top. Just kidding, but I did want to say that picture of the kids with Santa is perfect. It's like four pictures in one with each kid doing something different. Tell Laine he can pick his friends, he can pick his nose, but he can't pick his friends nose. Tell Danna she needs to speak up and tell the boys to quit hogging all the space and that she can pick her own nose, she doesn't need her brother's help. Tell Forrest his godfather isn't giving him a Christmas gift if he is going to act like that around good ole Santa Clause (just kidding). Tell Pius he needs to at least pay a little attention to the big guy from the North Pole, or he might not get any presents from him. You guys are doing a phenomenal job as parents and it is exciting to read each new post about how great the little rascals are coming along. keep up the good work kiddos. Thanks again Billy and Monica for the great posts and pictures!!!

Goertz

Anonymous said...

Oh wow!!! What amazing beautiful children! I love the photos, your faces are priceless! They truly are little angels!!!! Your comments bring laughter to my otherwise dull day- so thanks!
Lana

asplashofsunshine said...

If you don't mind getting comments from total strangers, then here ya go. Somehow I came across the Tubre blog months ago, and you are on my big list of fun blogs to visit too. All of the babies are adorable and little miracles. Thanks for the updates, I am sure you are extremely busy and overwhelmed.

Rachel Haag said...

I just saw the babies in real life and I just have to confirm the fact that pictures just don't do justice to their size....except for the 2 brutes! I enjoyed watching Forrest get prepped for his bath......meanwhile peeing allover mom's shirt while she was transferring him into the bath and then puking all over himself at the end of it! What a great godson....I know he really made his daddy proud. I didn't get to see much of the others b/c they were sleeping and Pius was receiving oxygen to his sore bottom. Otherwise, all is great and the weather is absolutely beautiful!
Aunt RayRay

Gretchen said...

Wow! Seeing all four little cherubs in a row is truly amazing. The first family photo is priceless. Bravo, Graf's, bravo! Santa really seems to be in love with your little ones- sweet, sweet picture.
Jas and I are thinking about you all the time and are sending our prayers.... Give those sweet little babies a kiss from cousin Courtney- and be sure to give each other a squeeze from me as well. XOXO

Anonymous said...

That was a good post. Yep. Angels. Thanks and you'll continue to be in our prayers. Love you all. Uncle "Elway", Julie, Jolie, and Logan.

Kel Kel said...

Fabulous pictorial essay, if I do say so myself. The babes look great and the rents look fabulous. We miss you down here and think of and pray for and talk about you often.

Love,
Kelly, Russ & Louis

Anonymous said...

Monica Monica Monica, You should have used the pee-pee tee-pee and you wouldn't have got rained on. They are washable you know!!! At the risk of repeating everyone else's comments I love how happy you all look in the pictures. Love you all and have a very Merry Christmas! Mary Ho HO HO Odette

Moni Graf said...

Mary, I couldn't have used the pee-pee tee-pee on this one! All I was doing was getting him naked, wrapping him in a blanket and putting him in the tub. In that short amount of time from the crib to the tub, he pissed all over his blanket and my white shirt. Everyone got a kick out of it, except me. Even Laine seemed to be smiling from across the room! I guess I should be happy the fluids weren't coming from the backside. Later!

Anonymous said...

They are so beautiful. I can't wait to get all 6 of you home. I wake up everyday and thank God for all of our blessings. My friend told me the other day that I had not stopped smiling since May. I know that is true, and it is all because of Pius,Forrest,Danna, and Laine. It is fun to hear you talk about each of their little personalities. Love you, Grandma Vicki

Anonymous said...

They are so beautiful. I can't wait to get all 6 of you home. I wake up everyday and thank God for all of our blessings. My friend told me the other day that I had not stopped smiling since May. I know that is true, and it is all because of Pius,Forrest,Danna, and Laine. It is fun to hear you talk about each of their little personalities. Love you, Grandma Vicki

Anonymous said...

I am a lurkering delurkering. Those babes are sooooo cute! love the angel outfits and so happy to read they are doing so well. What a great Christmas present.

www.caringbridge.org/visit/rawlinsboys

Anonymous said...

Your kids are beautiful!!
I check your site often; usually not a commenter just a reader.

Anonymous said...

Wow, 40 comments! That deserves another post with pictures don't you think?? Especially since Aunt RayRay is there to help do the posting ; ) Just can't get enough! ha! It's an addiction.
We do realize how time-consuming all that posting is, but you really do have so many family, friends, and fans who are soooo excited to hear all about your unique little family. However, whatever we can get is so appreciated! Love you all! Mama Budda

Anonymous said...

I just realized they are already a month old! Way to go quads! It seems like that came really fast. Can you believe they're already a month old? Love you Andrea

Anonymous said...

Oh no, I have officially been added to the naughty, non-commenting list. Sorry, I have been so bad. I have had a sick kid all week. This is his first day at school this week. He even missed his Birthday, poor kid!

However, your kiddos are amazing! Mom and Dad, you are beaming in the family photo! We are so happy for you all. They are doing so well, there aren't words to describe it. All I can say is we can't wait for you guys to come home so we can see you all!

Sorry, I missed you the other night Moni (see I really do look at the blog!). I posted that comment and then went to bed. Sleep is precious these days!

Keep up the good work in Arizona. It gets all six of you closer to coming back to Kansas so we can meet your sunshines!

Take care, talk to you soon!

Delane and Dan

Anonymous said...

Hi everyone!

It's cold here in Wichita but the ice has melted. Maybe more on the way this weekend. Your babies are adorable. Can you put us on the "list" of those that want to come help, babysit, clean house etc? I know that list is long.....
Hope your Christmas is a special one for you all. We think and talk about you often back here and are anxious to have all of you home. God Bless.
Denis and Barb Pianalto

Anonymous said...

Hey you guys,
Seeing those pictures just made my Christmas. How precious they are! I actually got a little teary eyed. Hard to believe that little Monica Haag is all grown up with 4 babies of her own.
Merry Christmas
Teresa Boyack

Anonymous said...

Hey, I was just thinking how funny it would have been to video tape the babies with Santa! What a riot! Those pictures are so precious! I can't keep from logging in again and again! ha!
Love ya!
Mama Budda

Anonymous said...

THEY ARE ALL GETTING SO BIG, SO FAST. I AM SURE YOU ARE READY TO TAKE THEM HOME. HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Anonymous said...

Monica & Billy,
Those are SOME beautiful babies! Those angel wings are darling. We love to look at your awesome pics! I'm with Budda keep them coming. You have nothing else to do, RIGHT?? Have a blessed holiday season, can't wait to see you all in person.Love, Rosie Duling & gang

Anonymous said...

Great to see all of them growing . sounds like you are doing well also.
Wow, Santa did great. And so did the kiddos and the helpers!

Have a wonderful holiday--with no stress or worries!
Enjoy those babies
Diane
MOST
1+4+1
Good Sam 96

Anonymous said...

Oh, my gosh!!! have I told you lately how beautiful you all are!!! Absolutely radient!!!! You all have so much to be thankful and blessed for. God has been so good to you, even if you have had some naughty days this past year.
We miss you so much! Can't wait for you all to come home so we can come to the house and help you.
I wish for you to have a wonderful Christmas.
Think of us here in Kansas, snow and all and we will think of you in the sunny 70"s temp.

Loads of love
Anita

Anonymous said...

Son of a nutcracker~ I just read all 50 comments and now I'm too tired to write anything of consequence.

But, I will say, great GREAT pics!! You two look so thrilled to be holding all 4 of your wee ones! Or should I say, your wee-wee ones, Pius!?
Say hi to Rach for me.

Love you silly kids!

Maria

Anonymous said...

I just can't get enough of them!! I am so jealous of Auntie RayRay right now!! I wish I was there! I love the pictures...just to repeat what I already said! I showed them off to everyone at work today!! I love them!! And I love you!! Give thema kiss for me! Love you guys!! Miss you too!! Love, Auntie Lainie!!

Anonymous said...

WOW - I love the pics. The babies are so precious. I especially love the family pic. You guys look SO happy. It is awesome. I also love the picture of Santa with the babies.

Thanks for keeping us updated. I know it takes a lot of work and time when you guys are plenty busy. I really enjoy hearing & seeing what is going on.

Have a great Christmas!

Janeen

Anonymous said...

PRECIOUS! PRECIOUS! PRECIOUS! PRECIOUS! AND MERRY CHRISTMAS GRAF FAMILY FROM ALABAMA! ROLL TIDE!

The Fat Anorexic said...

OMFGoodness the angel wing outfits; are you SERIOUS??? It's so cute I can't hardly deal.

XOXOXOXO - Emily & Josh

Jennea said...

Real men wear pink? Jim would like to know if you are getting in touch with your feminine side? I think you look good in pink! It takes a real man to wear pink you know! I think I'll send some pink outfits down for the boys to wear! How would you handle that Billy? Lol.

Love ya all!'

JENNEA AND JIM