Friday, August 10, 2007

I'm Back!!!

Oh, my blogger friends...how I've missed you! It's Suz, back from the land of the dead! Well, almost...I'm still pretty anemic and my energy is zapped, but other than that- doing GREAT! It has been VERY difficult adjusting to life at home while my four children are fighting to get stronger in the NICU 20 minutes away! It is such a weird feeling! I know those of you who have had babies in the NICU can relate. I truly appreciate the wonderful posts that my bro, Marcy, and Lauren have posted for me while I try to rest up. Those of you who know me, know that I tend to over-do it sometimes (imagine that? getting pregnant with FOUR, for example)..but I really have been trying to push myself too hard and do too much while at home this week. I am exhausted both physically and mentally. It is very hard to leave your little ones in the NICU everyday when all you want to do is wrap them up and take them home!

I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to have these precious little angels in the world! Joe and I couldn't be happier. We truly sense a strong void in our lives when we are not around the little ones. Guys, they are DOING SO WELL!!! I'm amazed. After just ONE WEEK they were upgraded to a different part of the NICU. Ben and Savannah are completely off of oxygen! Little Ethan (yes, little Ethan) could be off of oxygen too, but the docs want to keep him on it a little while longer while they try to control his blood sugar. But he is making leaps and bounds everyday. Baby Andrew is doing great, but still forgetting to breathe every once in a while (which is what preemies do sometimes), so they are keeping him on the nasal cannula and giving him caffiene to remind him to breathe. (funny huh? caffiene?)

Anywhoo, thank you for your patience as I continue to rest up and TRY to take it easy. Here are some pics over the last week! (BTW, there is NO better feeling than to be able to actually HOLD my babies in my arms...I just sit there and stare at them for hours!)


Getting to hold Andrew for the first time...Mom is in HEAVEN!






Granna changing Ben's diaper



Mom giving little baby Ethan a bath...he LOVED the part where I washed his hair. Look at his tiny little head!



Ethan looking directly at the camera


Dad getting to hold Andrew for the very first time. Sweet Joe is so timid with the babies for fear of breaking them! ;) He's such a good dad! (he was extremely exhausted in this pic)



Dad holding Andrew's tiny little head in his hand



Sweet Ben (known by the nurses as "baby Ben" b/c he cries when any of his siblings are receiving attention when he's not!)



Savannah's big beautiful eyes! LOVE this pic!

86 comments:

Amy said...

Congratulations! They seem to be doing great!

Anonymous said...

OOH! I can't believe that I get to leave the first comment!

So glad you are back blogging! I am so excited for you, Joe, and those sweet babies! They are absolutely precious! You look fantastic too! I am continuing to pray for everyone, you, Joe, the babies, the nurses, etc.

Congratulations again!

Tracy said...

Thanks for the update and precious pictures!!! (blogger lurker here...been keeping track of you for a few months though...I am a friend of Amie Way's)

I'm glad that everyone is doing so well! That is great news!

Try to get some rest eventhough it's hard to do right now...because once those babies come home, it will be even harder to rest! :)

Take care!

Mama B said...

Aww they are so adorable Suz! They are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope they get to be home with you soon.

Sara

Www.whughes.blogspot.com said...

I'M SO GLAD THEY ARE DOING SO GOOD! I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL LEAVING THEM AT THE NICU! MY BOYS WERE IN THE NICU FOR 4 1/2 AND 6 1/2 WEEKS AND IT WAS SO HARD,BUT THEY ARE IN THE BEST PLACE EVER! TRY TO GET YOUR REST BECAUSE THEY WILL BE HOME BEFORE YOU KNOW IT! PRAYING FOR YOU ALL!

TEXOSE said...

I can't imagine what it would be like to be seperated from those little miracles but the reward is in site...Thanks for the update. I bet that you go into their rooms often wishing they were there. It will not be long. Get some good naps in while you can and know that God is holding your babies in his hands to his heart while you are not with them.It is just amazing to see how much they have grown since they were born and that as much as you and Joe love them that God loves them even more... WOW..We are so blessed to have a Lord who loves, comforts, and guides us when we call in him. You look wonderful and now have the glow of a mommy in love... Just curious as to what they weigh, and what the status of the little heart is....have they said maybe when they might be able to go home (assuming it will be about a month or so)...?!

WITH LOVE, JoLee and Family

Kimberly said...

Oh they are absolutely Gorgeous! It is amazing how tiny they are and how wonderful they are doing!!! Sweet little miracles.
We're still pray'n that all will continue to go great for your family!

Anonymous said...

Your babies are beautiful; you look great after just having four babies

kristy said...

Welcome back, Suzanne! All six of you have been in our prayers on a daily basis! I know it is hard, but continue to TRY to take it easy. You will need that strength when your four precious children come home. And, speaking of your babies, they are BEAUTIFUL!!! I am so glad they're doing so well. What a blessing that they are healthy! I'm looking forward to watching them grow over the coming months!

Emily said...

Your babies are fantastic! I am so thrilled that they are doing well. I have loved keeping up with your story and my husband and I pray for all six of you every night. Suzanne, I was in the Waco Girl's Choir with you a long time ago, my how life has changed. You look great, I will continue to pray for you to quickly regain strength in preperation for your babies coming home party.

Quad Squad! said...

Suz! It's so great to get a post from you! It sounds like the babies are doing fabulous! Do get all the rest you can now! When they come home, you won't get much. They never all want to sleep at the same time! I hope you guys are going to have LOTS of help!

JAMIE'S CREW said...

Hi Suz! Glad you are back! You, Joe and the Steece IV look phenominal! Congrats! It is thrilling to hear that they are doing so well and not on vents. What a testament to your efforts at keeping them in your tummy every extra moment possible!
Take care and give the babies a [gentle] squeeze from all your friends at McMoms.
Jamie Pugh

www.mcmoms.org

Anonymous said...

I couldn't sleep last night so I had a prayer meeting until after 3:30 this morning. I prayed for physical and mental strenght for you and Joe. Rest and wisdom to make decisions for your new family.
I love looking into the eyes of the babies in their pictures. Pleased that you all are doing well. That Granna looks mighty proud !! from one Granny to another, ENJOY

Melanie said...

Good to see a post from you. Glad you are feeling better and the babies are doing better!! Take care! Melanie Smith (Brandon, MS)

Amy said...

So glad to hear all of the good news! We are on a massive road trip, now in CA, and I've been dying to check in - thank God for free wi-fi! I love those beautiful baby eyes!

lauren said...

So good to hear from you and glad everyone is still doing well! You look SO great, Suzanne!! I love seeing you as a mother! It warms my heart and brings a smile to my face! You are such a natural and are beautiful inside and out!

Max's Family said...

The pictures are great! They brought tears to my eyes. Suzanne, you look wonderful! Praise God that they are doing so well!

Casey's trio said...

Suzanne! So great to see a post from you:) You look fabulous and so do the babies. I am glad to hear that you are resting when you need to..you'll need all of that energy girl! I can't wait to see the pictures when you get to hold all of the babies at once OR when they start co-bedding. It sounds like baby Ben will also appreciate when he can snuggle up with his siblings:) As hard at the NICU juggling can be, you will be able to get some rest and be better equipped mentally and physically to manage everything once they start coming home.
BTW, Do they encourage kangaroo care in your NICU? You will certainly want to smuggle the babies home after that experience, but it's so nice to hold the baby directly on your chest.
God bless,
Casey

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you!! I know it has to be heartbreaking to leave them at the hospital. I loved seeing all their little faces. Take it easy and keep the pics coming!

Josh, Jessica, and Alyssa said...

The babies look absolutely amazing. I know you were excited to get to hold them. Prayers are being sent your way. God bless you all!!

Vannary said...

The babies are precious. Thanks for the update!

Ashley said...

They are BEAUTIFUL! Praise the Lord that they are here and healthy! I work in acute peds and cannot believe how wonderful you and your quads have done. I know people have been praying for you. Keep sending the pics!

Jenny B said...

awesome Suz!!!! Your babies are SOOO precious! We have been praying for them as well as our little ones. You guys are awesome!

Anonymous said...

Those pictures are great! And you look so good Suzanne! Take time to relax some before those babies come home :) So so happy they are all doing good! Still praying for all 6 of you!

Anonymous said...

Those pictures are great! And you look so good Suzanne! Take time to relax some before those babies come home :) So so happy they are all doing good! Still praying for all 6 of you!

Tricia said...

So beautiful! You guys are so blessed. Suz, I don't know you at all but you are so gorgeous! I cannot believe how lovely you look after all you've been through!

Anonymous said...

Suzanne,

I found my way over to your blog from Corrie - a friend and fellow Aggie - just before you found out you were pregnant. I've been following you since then and I'm so glad to see that you're all doing so well! I hope you don't mind my "lurking" but I've so enjoyed watching you progress through your pregnancy and now seeing these precious, healthy babies! I'm sure they'll all look great in maroon. :) Continuing to pray for all of you.

Christy

Twinmommy2boys said...

My husband was so afraid their "heads where going to fall off" because they were little, about the size of your guys. The nurses just laughed at him and not 24 hours later I heard another father ask the same nurse the same thing. Anyway you have a whole community on the web of NICU moms at your disposal. Rest up, cause when they come home is when the real work begins.

Anonymous said...

My my Suz.. those babies are truely beautiful!!
You look great and you sound so happy..
I can't wait for you to take them home!!! You guys are naturals!!
CONGRATS AGAIN

Anonymous said...

Congratulation! So good to see you and hear from you again. Even though you don't know me, i feel like do I your family and what a wonderful family to know! Babies are precious! Take advantage of your "rest" time, too bad you won't be able to bottle it up for later, but you will love every minute of it! God is good!

Anonymous said...

Congratulation! So good to see you and hear from you again. Even though you don't know me, i feel like do I your family and what a wonderful family to know! Babies are precious! Take advantage of your "rest" time, too bad you won't be able to bottle it up for later, but you will love every minute of it! God is good!

The Manning Family said...

Great hearing from you, Suz. But do take care of yourself--my three (ages 4 1/2 & 2 yr old twins) really keep me hopping. I can't imagine what four babies at once would be like. It sounds like you have wonderful support from your mom, and of course Joe. You are absolutely glowing in the pictures the babies. The mommy glow looks fantastic on you! :) The babies look fantastic, too. I can't believe how tiny they are! So sweet! May God continue to bless all of you and may He help the babies get stronger everyday so that they can come home to you and Joe!
Love,
Brooke

Anonymous said...

you are such a radiant girl, Suz. I'm so glad I found this blog.

So glad to hear your wee ones are progressing well.

Anonymous said...

Delurking to say: Your babies are gorgeous and you look great! I'll keep you in my prayers.

Brittany Wardlow said...

Hey Suzy Q! Look at you & Joe and your precious children! Absolutely, completely and totally the most wondrous little angels. I can not wait to see you and meet them! I am so thankful you all are doing so well, God is so good. Love you and miss you :)

Brittany Wardlow said...

BTW: Suzanne, you look pretty fabulous yourself!

Jodi said...

Ok, it's the stranger from Houston again. :) But I check on you guys and pray for you daily... I am so thankful things are going so well and that the kiddos are so healthy! Go GOD! Anyways, keep up the great work, and make plenty of time for yourself. I had a c-section with only ONE baby, and it was hard enough! :) Congrats!

~Denise~ said...

So many blessings you have. It's wonderful to hear the babies are doing so well. Love the photos!

Continued thoughts...

nickoletta100 said...

YOU LOOK AMAZING!!!! The babies are gorgeous of course but wow, you look great and so full of life. Thank you for sharing the pics! glad everyone is doing so well!

Sunny said...

Your children are absolutely adorable! Being a NICU mom of two, I can so relate with you getting to hold your little ones for the first time. Those are precious memories! May your little ones continue to get stronger and you as well! Take care and God bless!

Lolly said...

Hi Suz,

Did you really have four babies just a week ago? You look fantastic! I have been on vacation and had to stop and constantly check on your blog. Lots of prayers and praises are being said on your behalf. They are adorable. What a blessing.

Ms. Perky said...

Oh Suz, it's SO good to hear from you! I'm so glad you and the babies are doing well. They are adorable and YOU LOOK FANTASTIC! I can't believe you just had four babies! I hope I look that great after my triplets are born! (Who am I kidding? I've never looked that great in my life!)

Lots of hugs and kisses to you!

Anonymous said...

Suzanne -
They are sooooo beautiful! What a wonderful feeling to hold them in your arms for the first time. Thanks for continuing to share your pictures.
Carrie

Kelli said...

Your children are just BEAUTIFUL! Congratulations on such a good report for each of them. Anyone can tell that y'all are already great parents!

Anonymous said...

Suz- Glad you're back and on the road to feeling better! We have been praying for your beautiful family. The pics you posted today made me cry they are so sweet! I am so happy for you guys. I know that this time with the babies in the hospital is hard but they will be home before you know it! Enjoy each and every momment and don't worry about having to "do it all". From one mommy who "over does it" to another: The house doesn't have to be perfect etc... they are only little once. I wanted to send you something when you get the time to e-mail your mailing address! -Jen (HU c/o 98)and Fam RackleyMay19@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

The babies are so beautiful! You look great and glad to hear your feeling better. Try and take it easy new mom!

Unknown said...

It's good to see you back blogging! The babies are precious; love that they all have a head of dark hair...so cute! And you look great, as always! Praise God for getting you this far and may He continue to bless your family with good health!

Deanna said...

Suzanne, You and the babies look great! They are so precious. Try not to push yourself to much. I know that is easier said than done because I am like you I tend to over do things. I was at the NICU everyday until everyone was home plus taking care of the twins who had just turn 4 a week after the quads were born. Everyone told me to not go to the hosptial everyday but I had to. I had to be able to see and hold my babies. Hang in there, it is hard to leave them but they are in excellent hands, and they will be home with you before you know it.

Deanna Turner

danielle said...

Suz (and Joe) -

Your babies are beautiful. Congratulations on doing such a fabulous job. I don't know either of you but can tell you'll both be fabulous parents. Suz - you're looking marvelous, as always. I hope the anemia is slowly fading and that you feel up-to-par soon.

And - BTW - I don't know if you've visited my blog (I'm the one who might be having twins) but we found out yesterday it's "just one"... I thought of you yesterday and how awe inspiring it would have been to have seen 4 - I was blown away with our one little bean!

Anyhow, Congrats again!! - Danielle

Page said...

I CANNOT believe you just had four babies last week! You all look wonderful...and a full head of hair of all of the babies! ADORABLE!

Martin Bunch said...

I have been following your journey and so pleased that everyone is doing well. The whole family is a perfect match and looks great!

Staci, MN

lltanderson said...

you look great! so glad to hear that you're doing better and that your amazing little babies are doing great! is it me, or does ben look JUST like joe (keep in mind i've never met y'all and this is just an impression from photos where i don't get to see facial expressions and gestures in action).

a big fan you don't know,
-lori

Drew's Mom said...

Congratulations on the birth of the quads. So happy to see how well they are doing. Rest up and get lots and lots of sleep now - they are going to be home before you know it and you won't be getting much rest then!

Jaimie said...

Congratulations! I'm so glad the babies are doing so well. You look so much better too!

Amanda's News said...

Oh Suz,
They are precious!!! God is such a miracle worker:) I tear up everytime a get to see those tiny faces. I know your heart must ache when you have to leave them. But thank God they are getting such amazing medical care. I'm so glad you updated. We are praying constantly for you and your precious four:)

Anonymous said...

You and your babies look fantastic. Congratulations!! I am also another friend of a friend, and I have loved reading your intriguing posts filled with so much personality and love for your family! How much fun will your house be at Christmas!?!!

Anonymous said...

HEY SUZ....I LOVE ALL THE NEW PICTURES OF THE BABIES...YOU LOOK FANTASTIC GIRLIE--(I STILL THINK YOU SHOULD BE A MODEL....) WE ARE SO EXCITED FOR YOU AND JOE.. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE BABIES AGAIN..YOU GUYS ARE SO BLESSED..--SOAKING UP SOME SUN FOR YOU HERE IN MAUI--ITS BEAUTIFUL..GIVE THE BABIES A HUG AND KISS FOR US...LOVE YOU LOTS!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Suz,
We are so glad to hear that you and the babies are healthy! You look great and they are so cute. Joe looks like a natural :)

Adam and I can't wait to meet them. Let us know if you need anything at all!

Love,
The Evans

Anonymous said...

Wow your little ones are beautiful! You look great too, poor daddy, so tired!! Welcome to parenthood! We'd love to see a weight update. Kiss the babies for us!!
We love quads in Indy!!

The Cains said...

Suz and Joe congratulations!!! They are gorgeous!!!! And doing SO well. God is good isn't he?? Suz, don't try to over do it-take your rest time! We are continuing to pray for all of you here in Birmingham, AL. You look fabulous and you guys are going to be the best parents. Remember, you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you.

Love
Megann (another friend of a friend of a friend in Birmingham, AL)

Anonymous said...

Suz you look absolutely amazing! I know you are exhausted so do those babies a favor and take care of yourself too. They need you now more than ever. Thank you for the wonderful pictures; those sweet faces are just precious!

Love,
Kristy (in GA)

Nate, Maurine, Hannah, and Monroe said...

Suz- My mom and I were checking out your blog- I've been keeping my family posted on how you are doing. She commented on beautiful you are. : ) I remember feeling so flabby after I had Hannah and not feeling so beautiful. Remember my funny stomach. You look great girl! Take care of your self- eat lots of red meat and liver. : )Anyhoo- Hannah turned one today. Can you believe it. Wendi is getting married tomorrow!! Posted some new pics on the blog finally. Love you- The babies are AWESOME. I am so excited for how well they are doing!! Love Mo

Granna said...

In the first picture, you can actually see the love in your eyes. I am so glad these babies are going to have a Granna- I chose that name myself when I was looking for a grandma name, and when my grandchildren call my name I melt. Of course I was "Anna" for a while, and I am still "Gwanna" but I love it!

aWare said...

I just had tears of joy looking at the picture of you and Andrew. Wow, those babies are beautiful. Congrats on such strong little guys and gals!

G24 said...
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G24 said...
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*kt* said...

plano is so glad you're back on the blog now! the updates are great and i'm glad to see everyone is doing better. they're so tiny! take it easy! congratulations again!

*kt* said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
LT (and Max) said...

i have been following your story...you are ONE AMAZING WOMAN!! congrats on 4 beautiful babies. i look forward to continually checking your blog for pictures!! :) God bless your family!!!

Honeycutt Family said...

They are just so precious! You look FANTASTIC too! You can just see the love pouring off of you. Congrats on these 4 tiny angels--you and Joe are truly blessed!
In Him,
Jen Honeycutt in Colorado

Unknown said...

Suz, You look great! Can't beleive that you had babies a week ago. You and Joe need to rest up now before they all come home, then nobody will be getting any sleep! ;-)
The babies look great! Can't wait to see more pics of them. How are they all doing? Gaining wiehgt good? How is Ethan's heart?
Take care of yourself and Joe, and get some rest!
Still praying in Memphis, Candace

Anonymous said...

CAN SOMEONE CHECK WITH THE NEW MOMMY AND SEE WHAT FORMULA THE QUADS ARE TAKING? I LOST HER EMAIL ADDRESS!!

EMAIL ME AT

GENA

MOMMA2MIKAELANFRANKIE@YAHOO.COM

Anonymous said...

I had such happy tears running down my cheeks as I read that the babies were safely here! I feel as if I know you and Joe from reading your blog each week. God bless you all - I am so happy that your beautiful babies will be home with you soon!

Mel said...

I am so glad you are back! I know you would rather be at the hospital than home blogging though. I can well remember leaving JoLee at the hospital and going home without her and the 2 months before she got to come home. I cannot imagine how much worse it is leaving 4 little precious babies. You and Joe and the babies are in our thoughts and prayers throughout every day. We are at Bengie's this weekend and hope to be able to come by and see ya'll before we leave.

Please keep posting so we can keep up with the progress.

Love,
Mel

G24 said...

Amazing! I love reading about your journey.
Hugs,
Stefanie

The Segrest Family said...

Praise the LORD that they are doing so well!!! bless those sweet little faces!
hope you and joe will let yourselves rest a bit before they all come home! B/C I KNOW that will be soon!!!!!!!! yay!!!!!!!

Misty said...

Its so good to hear and see you!! I'm so happy everyone is doing so well. You will be brining those babies home very soon and loving on them as much as you want!! They are all just so adorable, you can tell in the pics how they have changed!!

Be sure to rest up and take it easy so you have the energy to take care of them when they come home.

Misty

PS did you see two of the quints are home?? Priase God!!! Yours will be home so very soon too!!

The Dixons said...

Oooooooooo they are soooo small! Thanks for sharing pics of your tiny babies! You do look amazing, and you have that Mommy glow! It so good to see that they are doing well!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to you! Doug and I have had your whole family in our thoughts and prayers for monthes now. We are so excited for you and for everything to come in your life.

Kate said...

Ahhh... NICU time is so hard, but it sounds like your kiddos are doing so well! Congrats on their arrival- what a miracle!

Sandi said...

You guys look like you're doing great. Thank you so much for sharing more pictures -- they are all beautiful!! Be sure and gets lots of rest!!!

Anonymous said...

It's wonderful having you back where you can bring the life of your sweet family into our home. You look great and you and Joe will make wonderful parents. These babies have so much to look forward to , my goodness , we already know so much about them. We are blessed to have watched you grow up , now to watch your children grow up. Love and hugs to each of you. Johnny and Donna

Joy said...

Suzanne - welcome back!!! You look absolutely amazing and I hope that you are feeling better and better each day! Your babies are absolutely beautiful! I love the close up pictures of them. So adorable!!! Congratulations again, and thank you for keeping your virtual friends updated! We're praying for all of you!

boysmum2 said...

Congratulations, way to go, you have all done so well.

Have only just found your blog after it was mentioned on another blog I follow (McNultyquads), so have spent the last 2 days catching up with who you are and what you are up to.

Myself, I am the mum of 2 boys all the way down here in New Zealand.
You can check us out at www.benalex.blogspot.com

All the very best to you and Joe and the Steece IV.

Have you saved to my favourites so will check in regularly to see how all are doing.

Best wishes,
Kathryn

Tamora said...

Congratulations! I am a friend of Shelly and Nathan's. I got your blog from my mom who works with her mom :*), anyway, I have been deligently going through your post and was so happy to see that you and your babies are doing so well! My sister had 29 week twins so we have been in your shoes. God's Blessing on all of you and please know you all will be in my prayers!
Blessing to you all,
Tamora

Anonymous said...

Suzanne, You look absolutely fabulous and your babies look great. Thank you for posting pictures and taking time to keep us all informed. You must be completely exhausted. Both of you get some rest and you are all in our prayers.
Blogger friend from Charlotte,NC

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