Wednesday, January 16, 2008

And the Cheese Stands Alone

The "Cheese" is unhappy about standing alone.
We hope you guys don't mind, but we need to start this post out by mentioning who visited last weekend. Moni's big sister, Mollie, came down to meet the babes and help mom and dad out with them. We are feeling bad because any visitors we get now are kind of stuck on house arrest too. Mollie was a sport about it and she was even able to give us a few tips on parenting. She let Pius sleep in bed with her one night when he was being a gigantic turd and Moni was at her wits end with him. What a sweet aunt. Thanks for coming down, Mollie, and we are so sorry we forgot to mention it before.

Now onto more current news...We now have the three boys home. Danna (the cheese) is left alone at the hospital. It didn't take long and she had a new roommate. Her roommate is a triplet and Danna let her know that triplets are no big deal, really.

Moni and I really think that Laine might be an angel sent from the Good Lord. Between Pius and Forrest, we were running pretty ragged. Pius would NOT sleep from around 2 in the morning until about 6. Forrest could not be consoled from around 1 in the afternoon until around 4. Laine, our little calming influence, came in and seemed to straighten things up. Moni and I probably had our best night of sleep since we had ANY of them home (we average about 3-4 hours a day). All three of them were perfect angels and required just a little maintenance throughout the night. We hope this trend continues and Laine isn't just masking his true intentions. We really think it might be for real because all of his nurses told us that he was one of the sweetest babies they had cared for.

Individual updates:

Big Poppa: He had his first doctor's appointment yesterday and he passed with flying colors. As a matter of fact, his doctor said that he is at the top of the growth chart for babies born at his gestational age (31 weeks). He weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces. You can see the doctor wasn't lying. He has been spitting up a little bit after feeds, but the doctor said it is nothing to worry about and gave us a few tips for trying to prevent it. His first two nights at home were a little scary for mommy and daddy, but we have since got into the groove with him and we did well with the adjustment.

Frosty: Just when we started to figure out Forrest, Pius came to join the party. You know those little onesies that say, "Party at my crib, 2 a.m.?" Well if the shoe fits...Forrest was doing a nice job with the sleep until Pius showed up. Those two together formed quite a team of a little terrorists. He has continued to thrive at home, and yesterday at Pius's doctor appointment he weighed in at 7 pounds, 13 ounces. Just so you guys know kind of what we are dealing with, Monica weighed him with all of his clothes on the first time and he weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces. We knew that couldn't be right so we stripped him down and found the culprit in his diaper for the weight. Ryno, since math wasn't your strong subject, that means that there was 6 ounces of "Forrest goodness" in britches.

Little Man Laine: Before we delve into Laine, we would like to preface our thoughts with the reminder that we get to change our minds about him or any of them at any time. As we said before, our angel got to come home last night. He really has been a great addition to the other two stooges. He must have said something in "infant language" to the Twin Towers about behaving. When he got home, the behavior really did straighten up. Before we left the hospital he was weighing 6 pounds, 1 ounce. They told us that he was eating between 55-65 cc's (30 cc's equals 1 ounce) at each feeding and we can easily attest. The three boys are eating Moni out of breast and home. So far we have been lucky and Moni has been able to keep up with all four of their appetites with her pumping. Hopefully that will continue.

Danna Banana: She continues to amaze us and the professionals with her capabilities. She is off all oxygen and taking all of her feeds (and then some) at each feeding. She received her 2 month shots tonight and did very well. We are hoping to bring our little "Diva" home on Friday or Saturday. If she doesn't have any setbacks and she passes her carseat test, our family will be complete by the weekend. She weighs 3 pounds, 14 ounces now and is steadily climbing up the scales. It is hard to picture her being Pius's birthweight, but the scale doesn't lie. She is still being politely called "feisty" by all of her nurses. That makes daddy grin and mommy grimace.


The Three Stooges all awake for their first picture together. From L to R is Pius, Laine and Forrest. I think Laine is getting squished because it looks like his eyeballs are about to pop out. Either that or he's leaving mom and dad a little present in his pants.


They were all a little bit greasy. It wasn't bath day until today. Pius found something else to eat.

So cute together...don't ya think? Forrest is such a ham for the camera.

Laine and Forrest finally close enough to breathe on each other...or lick each other I guess. Forrest was hired to taste test Laine for Pius.

We tried hard for a "baby-hawk" for Laine, but there just isn't enough hair up there. Gampy Stubby, do you think he could borrow some rogaine? Besides, Laine didn't want us to accentuate his already rather large noggin. L to R is Forrest, Laine and Pius.

This is how they were acting most of the time we were trying to pose them.


This is the "act" they are putting on for the video camera. They were not acting this cooperative before.
As for the entire squad, here is our tentative plan: Our parents and Bucko are flying in for assistance and we will fly out of Phoenix at around 10:30 next Monday. All of this is contingent on Miss Danna following protocol. We are so excited, but also so bogged down with stuff to do and babies to care for.

We definitely need to let everyone know about the help that Becky has provided. Not only has she made it possible for us to come down here in the first place, she has babysat for us a couple of times so that we can run errands. She is our guardian angel and we thank God so much for her.

We also needed to mention another rule that we forgot (our NICU friend, Melody, reminded us about it). If you are over at our house and need to smoke please bring something to cover up with or change into while you smoke. Like EVERY other rule, it is not pointed at anyone in particular and non-negotiable. That rule goes for everybody, including ourselves if we are in that kind of mood.

One more thing before we wrap this one up is about the scheduling. Kelly has received a couple of your emails and they are duly noted. She does have a job that requires 40-60 hours a week, and may not have time to respond right away. Please trust that she is getting them, and she will be in touch when she gets a second. Thanks again, Kelly, for orchestrating our helpers.

Graf Quad Squad

P.S. Now, not only are mom and dad reading the comments, but the three boys are looking at them too. They have been a little disappointed with the responses thus far, but Moni and I are telling them to keep the faith. The commenters always come through.

36 comments:

Karen said...

HA! I WIN!!! Thanks for the tip, MONI! See you soon, Karen

Bucko 43 said...

Hi All I didn''t makee it first. I tried. Love Bucko

Karen said...

It's me again. Now that I'd had plenty of time to paruse the pics, I'd like to say how much they made me laugh and how excited I am to see everyone! Let's hope Laine takes the role of "peacemaker" and holds on to it for, I don't know...18 years or so? I bet before too long you two will have a system down pat, and be clocking at least 4 1/2 hours of shut eye a night! I would also like to thank you in advance for all the lessons and tips you already have, and will give me, as we prepare for one! Alright, better check on the cake! Talk to you soon, Karen

Bucko 43 said...

Oh you guys that was the cutest blog. I just loved it. They are adorable. I can't wait to hold the little stinkers. Thanks alot for everything. Love Bucko See you Monday.

Anonymous said...

Wow, its becoming so real! Can't wait for all 6 of you to make it to Wichita. The video's are the best, keep it up guys. Love and prayers for all of you.
Rosie Duling

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update! Wow I can't believe that you're this close to being back home! That's great. The babies are all so cute. Good luck and get some sleep :) Andrea

Anonymous said...

Yay!!! It was great talking to you tonight Billy! It was awesome to hear the happiness in your voice because you are so close to being home! Or it might have just been because you were talking to your fourth favorite girl in the world! But I can't wait to see you guys! I can't stop talking about it! And Adam can't wait to meet the little angels!! Love you and miss you!
Love, Auntie Lainie!

stephanie457 said...

I'm so happy for you that your family is almost whole again! I'm glad that Laine has been a big help since coming home, I hope it continues for your sake! If it helps any, I have sent your quilts (on Monday), and have no idea how long it will take them, but watch for them! I'll be praying that the sleep you do get is VERY good quality :D

Anonymous said...

Gah, it's like your whole life revolves around your kids.

AS IT SHOULD!

Great post and pic comments. The excitement builds.

Thank God for small accomplishments. I remember each one for Jo and Lo. When they could hold their bottle by themselves it opened up a whole new world.

Love and Prayers,
Uncle Tom Jackson, Aunt Julie, Jolie and Logan

Anonymous said...

What a bunch of adorable babies! I look forward to all of the updates and new pictures so keep up the good work. Hope all is well and have a safe trip home! Let me know if you need anything......I would love to help in anyway! Thoughts and prayers are with you. See you soon.....
Linda

Anonymous said...

I loved seeing the little munchkins all in a row, how sweet! You two are amazing, keep up the good work and attitudes!
Love you!
Mama Budda
PS...Give our angel, Becky, a hug! We are all so grateful to her also for helping take care of you all!

GibsonTwins said...

Congrats on having all the boys home, Danna is probably waiting til you have a schedule thats fit for a princess before making her appearance at home! Love the videos and pictures, they are adorable!

Anonymous said...

So good to see that everyone is doing so well! You guys are truly amazing and strong people. I had my baby last week and we had to spend some time in the NICU, needless to say nothing can prepare you for that and I commend you guys for the job that you are doing. Many prayers your way and I hope you get to bring Danna home soon :) Erin Goodnight-Himes

EMO said...

Wonderful news! So it looks like you will be leaving Phoenix on the Quads "due date" right? That is also Quinn's 2nd birthday, so Monday is a good day! It looks like you guys are having too much fun. Maybe you are just delirious from lack of sleep, but you always sound so giddy in all of your videos. I guess your happiness is just shining through. Congrats and "see" you soon!
Love
Erin

Anonymous said...

Adorable!!
I don't have internet at my new house yet so I have been deprived of all the cute pictures. There were three new postings that I had not seen yet. What a great way to start the day!!
I think putting the rules in place before you actually get home was such a great idea. Better safe than sorry. I will say extra prayers for Danna and will be hoping to hear that you guys make it home as scheduled.
I am so happy that God blessed you with your four beautiful new babies. It was about freakin' time!

Love you and have a safe trip home,
Mandy

Anonymous said...

white guy in fl said.........

The three amigos look great together. I can already see the mischive in their eyes. Can you just imagine the three Graph boys out on the town in 2028. I'm sure Dana will be just as perfect as her Aunt Lainie.

I have to say GET OFF OF RYANS A$$!! Don't make me come up there!! (mainly because I'm getting older and smoke too much and there isn't much I can do about it)
Ryno I've got your back.

Have a safe trip back miss you all.

Stacey Faber said...

Go, Danna, go! Or as Tubres would say "Geaux, Danna, Geaux". I hope your Phoenix departure goes exactly as planned and you get to come home on Monday. But if it doesn't, try not to be too disappointed because it will happen soon and it's definitely worth the wait! As any parent can attest, you're not really going to be in charge for the next 20 or so years so you should probably get accustomed. You might think you're running the show but the babies know the truth!

Loved the pictures and videos (and it was great to hear your voices, too!) and we're so looking forward to seeing you all! Best wishes for safe travel for the extended Graf Quad Squad. Love you!
Stacey

Andria said...

Amazing! I hope you can talk "Feisty" into getting all her tests passed. What a transition it'll be to get them all home! Keep the camera rolling!

Anonymous said...

Hey, guys I love the new pictures and I'm looking forward to seeing you all soon. I want you to know I am getting my flew shot today and I am terrified of shots! It's a good thing they are all so cute.
Hope to see you all real soon.
Jenni

Squiggle Wiggle & Maggers Moo said...

Yay! We will pray for Monday. My little 20 month old loves looking at the "babies" as she says. She LOVES babies so you babies just keep being adorable. Hopefully we will get this state warmed up before you get back. God bless.

Anonymous said...

congrats on getting the boys home,,,and as we ladies will all agree saving the best for last with daddy's lil girl,,, promise you she will rule daddy,,,the only baby girl,,,,just wait u will hear that from her a lot when she is a teenager,,,you should bring the gang 2 louisiana and not to the frozen tundra for at least the next 4 or 5 months,,,after all they are warm weather babies,,,,best of luck and congrats again,,,lots of love from louisiana

Unknown said...

Graf gang, I was doing farm books and decided to look at the blog, what a nice surprise . They are so precious and growing so fast. It is great that they are going home, they soon will realize too there is no place like home. I'll bet there will be no time for cocktails on that flight. You are still in my prayers that all goes well coming to this cold weather
and in the future. Love you all I will try to keep up with their progress by calling Bucko, if she isn't at the Grafs. Aunt Laverna

Anonymous said...

That is great that the 3 boys are home and back together. We will keep all of you in our prayers and say a few extra for Danna that she will soon join the quad sqad. Maybe Danna can help Laine straighten out Forrest and Pius.
It snowed again last night and is cold here today. Hope you all have a safe trip home next week.
We are looking forward to seeing you Monica and Billy and meeting all of the babies.
Love
Ross, Brenda, Jennifer and Brandon

Unknown said...

Sorry I forgot to mention what a wonderful job you have done with the blog, all the updates and pictures. I have greatly enjoyed it, hopefully there will be a few minutes left over in your time we will get some pictures. I look forward to spring and I will get to come down and see them and hold them. Aunt Laverna

Anonymous said...

Danna's just like all women she has her own schedule,Billy you should know that. Are the boys effecting Becky's 12 hour sleep schedule?
see ya ,Cary

Anonymous said...

YAAAAAAY!!! How exciting!! I am so happy to hear you guys are heading home!!! Not that I will be able to see you guys for a bit, but eventually! And I know you guys will be happy to get home.

So good to hear the kids are all doing so well. Keep us posted through out the week! We miss you all and are happy to hear your great news!!!

Take care!

Dan and Delane

Unknown said...

Hi guys! I was so excited when I read Karen's mox. The 4-some will make breakfast at the barrel exciting. I can't wait to see you guys but I will have lots of patience and restraint and wait a couple of weeks for everyone to settle in. I could be your go-fer. I could go for this and go for that. I miss you guys! Be safe on your trip home. Shana

Anonymous said...

Such awesome, wonderful news! Yay! I love those pics of them all lined up- almost as much as I enjoy the pictures of you both holding them all (I think there's only been ONE of those, cough, cough).
In our thoughts and prayers....
xoxo
Courtney

Anonymous said...

Dear Billy and Moni, can hardly believe that you are finially coming home. And as you said, just to think it isn't even their due date yet. Can't wait to see you all and as to all of the rules "God Bless You" for stating them. Want to help!

Hope to see you soon
lots of love
Anita

Anonymous said...

The babies all look great!! I am so happy for you guys!

Anonymous said...

Awww, that was just freakin' cute!
Molly says they are even more beautiful than the pictures show...is that possible? They're pretty stinkin' cute.

Have you heard Rhonda and Toad's news??

See you all soon!!!

Maria

Anonymous said...

MollIE...sorry, I never can remember how she spells it :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Bill and Moni. I'm sorry I didn't make it to Phoenix to help you pack up and watch the kids. It was beyond my control. Anyhow going back to one of the rules you have about the hand sanitizer. I'm going to bring my own because I don't think you can find the brand that I use. It is called............Hand Sanitizer. Very rare brand.

A.J.

Anonymous said...

Hi Moni & Billy,
We are so happy all is well. Geauxxxx Graf Quads. The Tubre quads have us beat down, but not out, at the moment. Hope you make it home Monday. Love the post.
DeeDee & Dano

Anonymous said...

Hey Billy and Monica,
Way to go on getting all the boys released and soon to follow with Danna Banana, I like that name.
I was able to spend the weekend with Karen and Cory, and to go on another baby registry mission with Karen. They are slowly emptying office/computer room which will be transformed to baby room. They received their crib, and Karen and I may try assembling next month. I hope to be down for her baby shower Feb sometime and hope that you will be around. Take good care of those little miracles, we all thank God for them.
Special K's mom, Pat.

Anonymous said...

Hi there boys. Tell your parents that we can't wait to come over and see if they are raising you right! (Just kidding) Hope the flight home goes well. We are here for what ever you need.

Denis and Barb P.