Week 1 Update & Our 1st Homecoming!

Today was a very busy day at our house. We started off the day at Rose again only this time it was at the surgical center for out-patient surgery. JP got tubes in his ears today. He has had an ear infection since this spring that would just not go away. Aunt Carolyn took him to the ENT specialist appointment for us the morning the babies were delivered, and the doctor said he really needed them. So chalk up another surgery for the Crists this year. He did such a great job. The nurses couldn't believe he woke up so well from the anesthesia (no crying), and as of tonight you wouldn't even know he had anything done, running around and so excited to see his new brother!

That's right, Ryan came home this afternoon! After we made sure JP was doing well, we headed back to Rose (good thing we live close) and visited the kids in the ICN. Ryan has been just about ready for the past few days. The Neonatologist said he could stay until Sat. if we wanted b/c he knew about JP's surgery, but things went so well that we decided to bring Ryan home tonight. He has been doing great so far, mostly sleeping. The funniest thing, was about 10 minutes ago, almost 9pm. Joe is on the 10pm feeding, and Ryan is sleeping on our main floor in a bassinet. All of a sudden Ryan started crying very loudly. I came down from upstairs, with JP following and Nana came from the basement. Ryan had a poop! We all watched as Daddy did his first diaper change in 5 years! JP handing him wipes and excited to take the diaper out to the garage. We all laughed and Joe said "Well, it takes 4 people to change this one, we only need 8 more friends!" I took JP back to bed and he said "I can't wait until Ryan cries again!" We'll see how long this lasts- he sees it as a get out of bed free card!

The girls are doing great also and should be home shortly, in the next 1-1.5 weeks. Both are gaining weight and having no major issues. Tonight they were going to take out their feeding IV's and let them go to town on the bottles and use a feeding tube if they need help. Caitlin is finally off the billirubin lights and we can see her eyes again. We look forward to being able to hold her more and watch her grow. Madison is doing well also. As of yesterday, she actually weighed 2oz. more than her sister. All other issues seem to be resolved except her platelet count. It was starting to go down again, but today it went up which was a relief. All 3 had brain ultrasounds, a standard for preemies, and showed no problems. Maddi also had an abdominal one and all looked good. We will try to get some new shots of them soon without their IV's.

Here are a few of Ryan's homecoming shots:

























Getting dressed to come home

























Loaded for his ride home. I did fix that bended ear before we left!

























On the way.



















JP greeting his little brother

























I love this baby! JP says