Month One with 3 Kiddos

Both of these pictures were taken today

I can't believe it's been one month since Bryce and Ian joined our family. In some ways in feels much longer than that and in others it feels like it's gone by very fast. We have had various family members here over the past 4 weeks to help us out. It was great to have so much help with the house, the babies and Caleb. It helped make the transition go so much more smoothly for us. A HUGE thank you to my mom, dad, mother and father-in-law and my sister Sarah for taking time away from your busy lives to help us out. We love you each very much!!

There are lots of things I've wanted to post about from the past four weeks. Finding the time to actually post has been a little more tricky than I thought it would be. So here is my marathon first month post! These are not in chronological order...that would require too many brain cells at this point.


First Day of School:

This past year, Caleb went to "play-school" once a week but this year, he officially started preschool. He started at a new school this year. As you can tell from the look on his face in these pictures, he was very excited. It's hard to believe my little boy is almost 4 years old! He is really into learning his letters and the sounds they make. He also has learned his numbers 1- 10 in the past few weeks. I know most mom's say this but- he really is SO smart!! He seems to be doing okay with the transition from only child to one of three. He loves his brothers and wants to hold and kiss and hug them...a lot. He really liked the extra attention he got from family while they were here. We'll see how things go in the coming weeks with just mommy and daddy around!

Visitors:

Grammy visited for 2 whole weeks after Bryce and Ian were born. We loved having her here to hang out with Caleb, get to know the babies and really appreciated all of her help with everything else! Boppa also came out to visit for a few days but we didn't get any pictures (sorry Dad)!! He always helps us out with random things around the house during his visits. Thanks Mom and Dad.

During Grammy's visit, we put together the double stroller and Caleb, as always, made good use of yet another box. He named it the "walking box."

Here is the walking box in action- he went to get the mail for us!

Nana Paula and Grandpa John also came out to help for a little a week and a half. Drew had to go back to work after a week off and Nana and Grandpa helped with lots of night supplement feedings. Thanks and we really hope we didn't wear you out too much!!

The Miller Men

My sister Sarah and her little daughter Kate came out for a week to help. Again, me- not so great at the taking pictures thing. I never got one of Sarah but she took a few of Caleb and Kate playing together. Caleb liked having someone little to play with and really liked hanging out with Aunt Sarah too.

The Boys:

Caleb calls this the 'double hold.'

Bryce and Ian love being swaddled to go to sleep. The jury is still out on the pacifiers though!

A little cuddle time with Mommy.

Bryce on the left, Ian on the right.

Ian's first bath.

Ian

Bryce's first bath.

Bryce

All Clean! Ian on the left, Bryce on the right.

Jaundice and Supplements:

Creepy, eh?

At Bryce and Ian's pediatrician's appointment the day after we all got home from the hospital, both had lost a little too much weight and were looking jaundiced. Their doctor had us give them a small amount of formula to help them regain weight and make sure their jaundice didn't get any worse. After a few days of that, they seemed to be doing well so we were able to stop supplementing. Then at 1 1/2 weeks old, both boys had pretty bad reflux. We decided to take them in to talk with their doctor about putting them on some medicine. While there, the boys were weighed and examined by the doc on call. Unfortunately, their weights were down enough and their jaundice still bad enough that we had to resume the supplements and they had to have bili lights- a.k.a. 'glorified tanning bed'. Very fortunately, we were able to stop the bili lights after just one night. We supplemented their feeds for about 2 weeks and after regaining their lost weight plus some, they are now doing well nursing. Let's hope it stays that way!!

Some very yellow babies.

Naming and Blessings:

When Bryce and Ian were 2 weeks old, both sets of grandparents were in town and we decided to do the babies naming and blessings so grandparents could attend. To learn more about baby naming and blessings and why we do them in our church, click here.

Getting dressed in their blessing outfits.

Ian

Bryce

Our family, outside the church after the blessings.

My parents on the left, our family of five and Drew's parents on the right.

For Drew:

This cute little bunny took up residence in our yard this past spring and has stuck around! Caleb named him 'Sultan.' Drew has been talking about getting a bunny rabbit for the past few years. Dear Drew, since this is the closest you are going to get for awhile- I thought I would take a picture of him for you! Love, your wife who still doesn't want a bunny. ;)