Saturday, October 1, 2022

Twin grand babies arrived, and we moved

So much has happened in the past six weeks and we haven't come up for air yet!   

Kaela's twins were born at 34 weeks last month, somewhat earlier than expected!  She and Joe are proud happy and very tired parents! 

Amelia Anne, and Eleanor ("Ellie") Marie 


They needed help with breathing and feeding and spent several weeks in the hospital (first in one high level NICU in Chapel Hill, then transferred to another NICU closer to home), which was an education for all of us.  Capable wonderful nurses. Each day brought highs and lows.  They were never in danger, but it was a daunting few weeks, with Kaela and Joe trying to balance time at the hospital with time home with big sister Charlotte.  

When parents are visiting their babies, they are encouraged to handle as much of the babies' care as they'd like to.  I think this helps with the transition home. 


Kaela taking a photo before leaving for the night.  This was a few days before the babies came home! 



Once the babies were breathing and feeding on their own, we knew they'd be coming home soon.  The nurse showed Kaela a good way to give the babies a "swaddle bath" -  They look so much bigger in photos! 

It was all hands on deck for the first couple weeks.  Feeding, washing bottles, burping, changing, laundry, meals.... big sister Charlotte, the two dogs.... it is just such a busy household and Kaela and Joe are doing great.  Joe has a lot of parental leave which is such a blessing. 

Amelia all wrapped up in pink: 

Their neighborhood, together with the Relief Society at church, organized a "meal train" - which was so very much appreciated!  They also got delicious meals from cousins and aunties;).  

Southern hospitality, truly! 


Then, Tommy and his darling girlfriend Camille came in to town from Utah, followed by Joe's Mom.  Meanwhile there were helpful visits from aunties and cousins too. 


During this same time, David and I moved from our rental into our townhome.  If you have ever moved, you know how exhausting it is.  

Before moving in, we had the interior freshly painted, and new carpet put in.  New fridge delivered.  New washer and dryer delivered.  All of these purchases required research, decisions, coordination.  I'm real happy with the paint.  It's the first time that we've had professionals paint rooms. 

It has been a challenge to figure out where to put things in our cozy space.  I have happily brought several boxes to Goodwill, and I have three more ready to go on Monday.  My last frontier is the bonus room upstairs - half of which will be my sewing area!  Did I mention I just have TOO much stuff? 

I will say it's been really fun to open up our sea shipment boxes from Japan!  This pretty much sums it up: 


I was just finishing writing this blog post last night and we lost power!  Remnants of Hurricane Ian.  We got out our portable phone chargers, ate crackers, fruit, and peanut butter by candlelight for dinner.  Listened to a fun Mindy Kaling Audible memoir.  Opened a window for fresh air and slept under three quilts.  This morning, power went back on!  We now have a better idea of what's needed in a hurricane situation.  

Now it's Saturday morning, we have power again, and we are doing a toddler-proof scramble so that Kaela and Joe can bring Charlotte and the babies here (they are still without power). 

Will I ever quilt again?  I hope so.  :)

xo

Cynthia 

p.s.  I have to mention this - my Grandma name was Marmee..... but let's face it, it sounds exactly like Mommy in a toddler's voice.... so.... Gram it is;).  I feel awkward about changing it AGAIN  but it just didn't seem right to continue with Marmee!  


17 comments:

  1. Congratulations on the lovely twins' coming into your family circle...;)) such heartwarming pictures...
    Phew you have really been busy!! Moving in itself is so totally draining...hoping things settle down for you....hugs, and best wishes Julierose

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  2. That is an incredible level of demand on your time, energy, and emotions all at once!!! It sounds like you have come through it well so far and, with the need to help out with the grandkids continuing, it would be totally reasonable to take a break from sewing for a while - unless you want to fit it in as part of your own self care, which is important not to forget!🙂

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  3. Cynthia ¡¡felicidades!! que preciosos bebés, Puedo imaginar cuánta emoción y cuanto tiempo para organizar tantas novedades. Disfruta de tantas cosas buenas y bonitas

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  4. Oh the joy, the sweetness, the utter exhaustion, the future rewards of watching these little babies grow to be beautiful women! Sewing may need to take a back seat for awhile but won't it be fun teaching those grandgirls to stitch someday. Blessings to you all.

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  5. Congratulations on your new grandbabies! I'm so glad they're doing well now. What sweet names they chose. Are they identical twins?
    It's amazing the hospital offered for Kaela to take on as much care of the babies as she could/wanted. I guess this must be a newer approach that hospitals are taking? It's probably a good one except that moms of toddlers are tired and moms of a toddler and newborn twins are even more tired. I suppose it's easier to care for them at home than having to drive to the hospital.
    Congrats on your move. You'll eventually get settled and begin sewing/quilting again. I'm looking forward to your next mini-quilt--whenever you get back to quilting.
    How sad to lose Marmee....
    Wishing you and your family bounteous blessings.

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  6. Oh, such happy, exhausting times! Sweet little girls to cuddle.
    Good to see they have the support of the neighborhood and the Relief Society.
    Tommy and Camille look like a very cute couple. Are they in the Salt Lake area--seems we've had this discussion before.
    You have had so much on your mind and on your plate! Hope the dust settles and you can find your balance again soon (and get to quilt again). And I have to say that I think it is really challenging to have to decide where to put things in a new space.
    My original grandma name didn't stick and I liked it better than the one that did. But my little grandson with special needs couldn't say it, so the simple name he could manage became everyone's name for me. That's okay. :)

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  7. Your post just goes to prove the importance of family. Congratulations on two beautiful baby girls and your new home. Exciting and memorable moments.

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  8. Oh Cynthia, I am so happy to hear how wonderful life is for you! So glad the twins are doing so well. What a challenge you have all had. Thank goodness Kaela and Joe have you and David to pitch in with sweet Charlotte! And what a treat to see Tommy and his girlfriend too. Life is good! And I know what you mean about names. Marmee is so romantic and meaningful, but I think Gram is just fine! I'm just plain old Nana! Hugs!

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  9. Congratulations to all! I'm so glad everyone is well (except for a lack of sleep). Such an exciting time for everyone. I think you'll find time to quilt soon and I look forward to seeing what you create.

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  10. What a blessing those little babies are! So glad they are now home and doing well.
    What a busy time to be moving, but glad you are in, although still unpacking. I'm sure you'll be quilting soon!

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  11. You've had a lot going on but all so worth it! And you are here to enjoy it all, not far away in Japan. The most beautiful tiny babies, a blessing for you and your family.
    love

    lizzy

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  12. Wow, I didn't realize they were so tiny and needed to stay at the hospital. What a busy life you have going on at the moment. I love to see the outpouring of family and community support for this young family.
    Good luck with the settling in process. It will feel like home sweet home soon.
    I took off almost 1 year of quilting when I moved from IL to NJ. It will be there when you are ready.
    sending a big happy hug to you!!

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  13. Congratulations all around. Recently so much has happened in you life - it’s a good thing you are writing a blog and can keep a record of this very eventful time.
    The addition to your family - well, what can I say? The babies are just adorable and I hope big sister Charlotte is teaching them everything little girls need to know.
    I certainly hope you will not stop after you have opened your Tokyo boxes, but actually get your sewing studio ready and start creating.
    All the best for a bright future for you all.
    Queenie

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  14. Wow, you have been busy, busy! Why do things seems always seem to converge like they do? Very sweet about your grandkids though. Family is everything. The other stuff can wait!:)

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  15. Oh, my goodness! So many wonderful things going on in your world! Congratulations! So glad all is well and that you have moved into your new home :)

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  16. Congratulations! It is so wonderful that you can be with family and help each other out in time of need. Life changes quickly when babies are in the house and two! Enjoy your new home and your new family!

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