They have Arrived!

I can't believe I'm writing this post. To be honest, I don't really even know what to write. I'll try to briefly describe the recent events in our family, but you should know that there is no way that I can adequately express to you all that Peter and I have been feeling.

On Tuesday, March 20th I was admitted to the hospital after a routine visit with my doctor. As I spent the week in the hospital I was so slowly getting worse and on Sunday, March 25th the doctors were concerned about my health and decided they needed to get the babies out that day. At 5:41pm on Sunday we were a family of 2 and at 5:44pm we were a family of 5.

Taylor Kay Bell was born at 5:42pm weighing in at 4 lbs. 11 ounces
Carder Thomas Bell was born at 5:43pm weighing in at 3lbs. 15 ounces and is 17.2 inches long
Cruz William Bell was born at 5:44pm weighing in at 4lbs. 2 ounces and is 16 inches long

The babies are all healthy and doing well. They are in the NICU since they are premature and need some assistance to get things functioning. The day after they were born they were doing so well breathing that they were able to start breathing on their own without any assistance. They are now regulating their own temperature as well. They still receive nutrition through a tube through their nose, but they have started feeding through bottles as well every three hours. It's a really small amount but they are taking more and more. They will probably have to remain there for another week or two until they are strong enough to come home and are eating and growing enough.

Taylor Kay

 Cruz William

 Carder Thomas

I got home from the hospital on Friday and am doing my best to recover so that I can get ready to take care of these babies soon. I feel beat up, but I'm so grateful that the babies are doing well. I'm getting better, it's just taking a little while. The next few weeks we'll be visiting the NICU a lot to spend time with the babies!

Happenings!

Most of what's been going on around here has been focused on the babies. My pregnancy has officially turned into a daily glamorous affair. Zits are covering my entire face, my feet look like a baby elephant's, and I no longer  can go to the grocery store without using the motorized carts.

We recently purchased some more baby carriers and Peter's been practicing how to make it so that he can carry two at one time.

A few weekends ago we went up to Massanutten Resort for a night getaway with the Hawks. It was so nice to get out of town, break in the van, and spend time with friends. I even got to spend some time in a pool and it felt great. It's beautiful up there and we wish we could go back more often. 

Happy 32 Weeks to Me

When we first found out we were pregnant the doctors instructed us that the goal would be to make sure we could keep the babies in for at least 32 weeks. We made it. Today I hit 32 weeks and the babies are still doing well. So we've made it and now it's just a matter of the babies letting us know when they are ready to come. We are so excited for them to join us. I am a giant these days and will be so grateful to get a little relief. We're excited that we made it this far with no problems, pre-term labor, or complications; so to celebrate Peter made a cake. Good 'ol Peter.

Peter turns 30

This post is really late, but in January, Peter hit the big 3-0! We celebrated with a steak dinner at Outback and then cake at home with the Hawks. Corie makes the best birthday cakes and made this Settlers-like cake for Peter with each piece representing something he loves. It was a really impressive cake and I was so grateful she made his birthday a special one (since I lack in the energy department).