Surprises Galore!

Hi everyone. Yes, the rumors are true. Moni and I escaped the confines of Phoenix for a little while and visited home for a couple days. We had two free flight vouchers saved up from our return trip debacle from Germany last March, and when our nurses and doctors found that out, they told us to escape for a couple days because it won't happen again for about 24-53 years. We had mixed emotions as we flew out of Phoenix (Moni cried and I remained the strong one), but we had a wonderful time. Frank the Tank was one of three people who knew we were planning our trip to Wichita. He picked us up Thursday afternoon at the airport and we went and surprised everybody (Moni's parents first, then my parents, then Bucko and Lainie, then the Selenke clan who were helping to set up for the wedding, etc, etc, etc). It was so much fun. We felt like "rock stars." This weekend, Deutschmomma (cousin Steph Graf) turned thirty and celebrated the blessed event at Margarita's on Friday. My cousin Katie Duling got married to Eric Mohr on Saturday, and we were happy to be able to be there for that as well. Also, the Haag cousins, aunts and uncles had a get together at Players on Sunday. We got to see so many friends and family on our visit back home.

Billy and Moni's sister, Mollie, at Margarita's

Mostly Graf cousins at Margarita's (the birthday girl is in the burgundy coat)

Friends Delane (plus 2), Moni (minus 4) and Karen (plus 1) at Player's

The nurses told us that the kids had quite the party in their parents' absence. They all grew so much and they really looked grown-up when we got home. They were planning on sending Forrest home with us yesterday, but he couldn't quite pass his car seat test. He passed it this afternoon, though, and right now it's just me and him watching The Sugar Bowl. We are having a blast. He cut the cheese and I gave him a high-five and told him that he didn't have to apologize because there weren't any ladies around. It was awesome!

Forrest getting ready to pass his car seat trial

Each of the babies are doing pretty well.

Pius James: Dr. Martin told us today that he might be able to come home tomorrow. Right now, the fact that he isn't taking all of his feeds is what is holding him back. He doesn't quite eat all of his meals so they have to feed him the rest each time through his nose. As of this afternoon, he had taken 5 feeds in a row, and Dr. Martin said if he kept it up he would be able to come home tomorrow. He isn't on any oxygen, and just has his feeding tube left. He now weighs 6 pounds, 10 ounces!

Big Boy Pius without any oxygen

Forrest Michael: We have already touched on Frosty, but we were told that other than his little car seat episode he had a great weekend. He bottled every feed, and didn't have any oxygen issues. Basically he was just working his nurses with his charm (except for Saturday night because his nurse was Doug, and they just chilled together all night). We forgot to get his most current weight before we left the hospital. I guess we were excited or something. A couple of days ago, he was 6 pounds, 7 ounces, so I'm sure he's close to Pius in weight. Since he's been home, we've noticed that he sure is a smiley baby. It's always fun to see that facial expression even if he doesn't know what he's doing.

Forrest smiling about being at home on the couch watching football with dad

Danna Lynn: She continues to try to do as well as her big brothers with her feedings. She does a nice job about every three feedings. She wears out easily and she isn't consistent quite yet. Her oxygen dips when she is eating, but that's about the only time. She has developed quite the personality and is gaining a reputation as the little diva (the nurses are polite and call her "feisty"). She is currently weighing in at 3 pounds, 1 ounce. Woo-hoo! We surpassed the 3 pound mark!

Laine Ryan: He is still probably the farthest away from going home at this time. He really is struggling with the bottling but his nurse reminded us that he is still supposed to be inside mama. He chokes quite a bit, and when that happens he quits breathing. The doctors have assured us that the light will click on any day. It just takes some of them a little longer than others. He still seems to be the most alert. I really think that he knows our voices, and he always seems to be awake whenever we are around. He just looks at everything and has a way of capturing your attention and heart. He now weighs 4 pounds, 9 ounces. He's getting so big!

Buddies Laine and Forrest

Ditto

Thank you all for being patient and not sending too much hate mail about our non-posting. The posts may start being a little fewer and farther between with Forrest home and Pius not far behind. We're already feeling sleep deprived after only 1 day and 1 baby. Always worrying if he's eating enough, sleeping in the correct position, still breathing (you know, that old acorn!), etc. Thanks, Jac, for the spreadsheet template you've been using to keep track of eating and diapering. We're already putting it to use.

Moni's brother, Paul and his girlfriend, Shawnda from Albuquerque are here to visit for a few days. Becky, Moni, Paul and Shawnda had a good time going out to dinner tonight while the boys stayed in and ordered pizza. After dinner, they went to meet the other Graf babies in the NICU. They'll be going back home on Thursday, but we look forward to hanging out with them again on Wednesday.

Paul and Shawnda at the restaurant, Z Tejas

Also wanted to send out a huge thank you to Moni's Uncle Tom and Aunt Joyce Dewey and family for the Christmas gifts. It was good seeing cousin Erin at Margarita's on Friday where she gave us a heads up on the card being in the mail. Also wanted to thank the "Great Aunties" for the quilted blankets, Syl and MaryJo Seiler for the big, crocheted-edge receiving blankets, Junior and Karen Jaax for the multiple burp rags and monogrammed blankets, and for the Duling family for all the outfits. We enjoyed seeing all of you at Katie and Eric's wedding!

Love,

B,M,P,F,D,L Graf