A Collection of Firsts

What an adventure it has been to have our two boys at home with us! We are all learning together about the difficult challenges, and also the amazing joys, of raising two new little ones. It has certainly been a blessing to have both Grammy & Papa (Amy's parents) here to help. Even with four sets of hands, Jaden & Cody still keep us hopping! During the boys' first week at home, we have enjoyed experiencing many FIRSTS together...

FIRST BATH: Jaden, our firstborn, had bath #1. He handled it much more calmly than we expected! The snuggle time at the end of the bath quickly became a favorite bonding time for both Mommy and Daddy.

Cody also handled the bath fairly well, with only a few more screams than his older brother. Mommy and Daddy especially enjoyed the post-bath, good-smelling lotion time. We ended our dual bathtime with a celebratory fist bump-- what an accomplishment!

FIRST TIME MEETING PAPA: Papa arrived in Billings only a few days after our return home. We quickly put him to work feeding and burping little Cody.

When it came time to put Cody to sleep, Papa got a bit confused... Perhaps all these baby duties are a little exhausting!

FIRST PEDICURE: After the boys' bathtime, we removed all of the remaining hospital tags. It scared us a bit to know that there were no longer any identifying marks on either twin. Although we feel like we can usually tell the boys apart, we wanted to be 100% confident. So... on went the toenail polish!  As our firstborn, Jaden became the lucky one to have his big toe painted. He didn't seem to mind the process too much.

Mommy also had her first post-labor pedicure. Grammy pulled out all the stops-- even massaging Amy's tired feet with lotion. Amy loves the fact that her swelling is finally beginning to decrease and that her long-time swollen feet are starting to return to normal.

FIRST 3-COURSE MEAL: At our first pediatrician's appointment, we were concerned to learn that our boys, particularly Cody, were not showing a healthy weight gain. The boys seem to tire quickly as they feed, with neither showing a consistently strong sucking reflex. To boost their weight, we started on a more advanced feeding system. At each feeding time, we feed each boy 3 courses: breastmilk with Mommy, pumped breastmilk, and then a formula supplement. Although this regimen is a bit more exhausting for all of us, it's exactly what they needed! Both boys showed a positive weight gain at their next appointment. Here, Jason is feeding Cody and Papa is feeding Jaden. Please continue to pray with us that their weight gain would continue.

As the first week at home with our boys comes to an end, we continue to marvel at God's handiwork of creation! We love our two little boys and look forward to all the adventures of FIRSTS yet to come.