Two New Superstars

Hi everybody. Big day for the Grafs tomorrow. The Broncos play the Chiefs in a must-win situation. After talking it over with the quads, we hope Coach Shanahan and his assistants have the team ready to go. As for what is happening around the Phoenix Children's NICU, here's the down and dirty...

We will start with the star of TODAY. Laine Ryan was tired of being teased by daddy about being the only one still wearing a helmet. He not only got rid of the CPAP today, he needs NO assistance with the breathing right now. That's right folks, complete room air. Our little boy is really growing up. As far as weight, he is up to 2 pounds, 14 ounces. As far as attitude, he seems to already exhibit symptoms of "little man" syndrome. He has the WORST temper of the four and really wants to show us how tough he is when someone makes him mad.

Isn't he cute without all that crap on his face?

Next we will go to the star of YESTERDAY. Danna Lynn don't need no CPAP neither! She surprised us yesterday when we showed up for the second visit of the day. She was off CPAP and just using the nasal cannula. Now the next task is to reshape her crazy alien head which we are told, over and over, is very normal for a baby her size. She has done very well since losing the CPAP, and she doesn't seem to miss the extra baggage. In fact, she hardly complains about anything anymore. Big night for Miss Danna, she finally hit the 2 lb. mark that she has been flirting with the last couple of days. 2 pounds even, what a fatty! Mama gave her a bath while Daddy changed her sheets. It was great getting to cuddle for a little while, even if she did poop in her bath water.

Momma holding Danna after her bath. She still hasn't quite grown out of her alien/monkey stage.

Forrest and Pius continue to be stars on a daily basis. They have not really given anybody any headaches, and continue to grow. And grow. And grow. They are huge preemies...is that an oxymoron? They continue to battle it out for the biggest Graf quad of the day. Today, Pius wins by 5 whopping grams. They both weigh 4 pounds, 8 ounces. They have done so well that they got to be dressed like real little boys. They did a great job, and just looked at Moni and me like we were nuts for being so excited about it all. Actually, they get to wear big boy clothes because they are being trained on room temperature to prepare them for their open cribs (which is another step closer to going home).

Moni giving Pius a bath

Pius LOVING his bathtime!

Pius...fat, clean and happy (and in big boy clothes - thanks, Deb and Dave!)

Mom, Dad and Forrest (in big boy clothes - thanks Jac and Torey!)

Forrest with a death-grip on his pacifier - good luck getting that thing away from him

Yes, we were in the car. No, Billy was not driving at the time. Only one pedestrian was injured in the making of this picture. Those darn self portraits!

Special thank you to Aunt Shirley Kaiser and family who sent the most rocking-est Broncos outfits EVER! (Little windsuits for the boys and a Broncos cheerleader dress and tights for Danna). Thank you, also, to: Gary and Terri Peterson for the meal with the fam when they were here; Gary and Monette for the angel outfits, sleepers and blankets from Marshmallow Kisses; Uncle Fritz and Aunt MaryAnn Graf and family for the monogrammed bibs and cards; Kris and Rex Keith and family (a quad family from Wichita) for the beautiful baby blankets; JoAnn Tubre for the personalized babies' first ornaments; BC friends Erin, Erin, Katie and Kristin for the giftcard; Ann and Alfred Perez and family for the giftcard; Uncle Phil and Aunt Cathy for the meals and guardian angels; Jaclyn and Torey Tubre for all the preemie clothes that their sweet chunky monkeys can't wear anymore.

Thank you to everyone who have also sent cards, well wishes and words of wisdom (Uncle Bill/Aunt Ida Jo, Uncle Dale/Aunt Charlotte, Taylor Scuilli, Aunt Ginny, Uncle Howard/Aunt Marilyn, Wilbur Middle School Friends, Syl's catering friends and many, many more)! I know we've missed about a million people, but we can't find the the list of people to write thank you's to at this moment. Just know that we really do appreciate all the love and support. We continue to be amazed at how four little miracles can bring out the very best in people. We promise to keep the updates and pics coming. Billy says that's conditional on you all leaving us comments to fuel us on! Later!