As my boys turn #1 this week I wanted to take a moment and reflect on the past year. Normally on the blog I just update the pictures but today....something different.
First and foremost, I want to thank EVERYONE who called, wrote, emailed, visited, and sent presents to Nick and I while I was pregnant with the boys. It was a difficult time those last few months, especially when I was hospitalized but we survived and brought home two beautiful boys.
When the boys were first born, neither Nick nor I could touch them or hold them for several hours. Owen was intubated for several hours because he was having a bit of trouble breathing. Jack was better because he was bigger but both boys didn't know how to eat. That was our first victory while we were in the hospital....to feed a preemie 1 ounce of food. Then we took baby steps and tried two ounces....you get the picture.
Most pregnant moms spend a couple days in the hospital, then pack up and pack up their baby and head home.
It was a difficult day when doctors gave me the green light to go home, but put the brakes on us taking Jack and Owen with. I joked I would steal them and bring them with me.
We spend every waking hour with the boys once we were discharged. Jack took to the bottle like a champ but little brother needed a bit of encouragement.
Nick and I spent two nights home alone, then stayed at the hospital one night with our son Jack before bringing him home.
It was a bittersweet day as we bundled Jack up in his car seat, getting to take our one son home but having to leave his brother. Doctors said Owen needed to stay a few days, maybe a week longer than Jack...
Owen did great though, and as many of you know, flirted with all the nurses to get held and rocked 24/7.
We were home with Jack one night before little Owen was discharged....the best day of my life!
Grandpa Winterquist said Owen missed Jack, he was right and the brothers haven't been apart since!
Over the past year, we've had lots of tears, lots of smiles and hugs and now, I anxiously wait for my boys to take their first steps. I almost wish we could return to the NICU and visit all the doctors and nurses, but, I think the reminder would be too much and there would be too many tears.
Again I just want to thank everyone for visiting or calling, offering to help in anyway possible...it is truly appreciated!
-Heather Vinje
This is obviously the front of the house, there is a cutout for the garage addition...the two smaller windows are where the laundry will be, the larger windows are where the master bedroom will be.
Rear of the house, the hole is where french doors will go for the master bedroom....down further is a patio door and windows in the great room.
Inside our house looking through the greatroom outside.
Jack and Owen with their Elmo cake
Mac helping the boys open their presents
And of course Owen thinks the box is the best present ever!
Not babies anymore!! Playing with their chairs from Trav and Steph
Jack (green) and Owen, having fun at the buffet
Owen drives his car everywhere, he's already 11 months!
Jack likes to have his picture taken (11 months)
Owen "helping" mom with the kleenex box. Jack can be seen leaving the scene of the crime!
