Luke and Ella turned one week old tonight! It's reassuring to know we've already made it so far. :) We're still living here in the hospital just down the hall from Ella's nursery. She's doing better each day. We're to the point where we're alternating bottle feeding and nursing, and they're no longer supplementing via the feeding tube (though it's still in place just in case). Ella's doctor says she just needs to demonstrate that she can eat normally for a bit longer and we'll be on our way home. It's looking like it'll be by this weekend. She's just over 5 lbs. now, so she's slowly climbing back up to her birth weight.

Luke has been a really good boy. He's eating tons now. It all started yesterday when he fussed and fussed after we fed him his normal amount. We tried everything to soothe him, and eventually decided to feed him a little more, and needless to say, we gave him just what he wanted. The little dude has been eating tons more than is expected or even required, so we're thrilled. He's up to 5 lbs. 2 oz. and, like Ella, is climbing back up to his birth weight. He has also demonstrated peculiar maturity in his sleep patterns. He naps for 4 hours at a time, and last night he slept 6 hours through the night! We're cautiously optimistic, but everything can change so fast especially with a newborn. We'll enjoy his restfulness as long as it lasts.

Our kids have brought us great joy and satisfaction. Few things compare to the thrill of holding and helping your little child. Much is said about service in the family, and I can attest that true joy is found in just that. This has also been a worrisome and challenging time since this is a significant adjustment, and our kids' health has been uncertain at times, but we wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the world.