Two Ones: September 2010

Dave and I would like to introduce you to our two little angels. Lauren and Nicholas were born July 22, 2010 at 1:43 and 1:44 in the afternoon. Before giving you all the details I have to express our utmost gratitude to Brooke and Andy for giving us this wonderful gift. We would not be parents without you and we are eternally grateful to you guys for doing this for us. Not only have you given us the cutest little nephew in the world but you have graciously let us be part of his life on a daily basis via video chats. We cannot thank you enough for the wonderful gift you have given us and everyday when I look at these little angels I am so amazed that one, I am finally a mom and two, what a wonderful sister I have. Brooke, Andy and Curtis you are our heros and we love you all very much.

Lauren Brooke (named after her aunt) and Nicholas James (named after his dad and my dad) were born on Thursday July 22, 2010 via a scheduled c-section. Brooke amazingly went 38 and a half weeks without any complications, bed rest or complaints. She completely amazed all of us including her doctors who decided that if we didn't schedule a c-section these babies may never have come out. So, at 1:43 PM, out came Nicholas at 7 pounds, 5 ounces and 20 inches. Lauren was born at 1:44 and weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces and 21 inches. Thankfully both babies and Brooke did well during the surgery and the babies were greeted by their Uncle Andy in the delivery room. Mom and Dad didn't get to see them until they arrived in the nursery a few minutes after they were born. We are so thankful that Andy was in the room with Brooke and although I would have loved to be in there with her, it was definitely the right thing. I love that these babies are so loved by two sets of parents. Brooke informed me the other day that Curtis now refers to us as "Auntie Mommy" and "Uncle Daddy". I think that those are appropriate names for Brooke and Andy too. These babies are so loved and are so lucky to have such amazing people in their lives. We look forward to seeing the special relationships and bonds that they will develop with Brooke and Andy and their "big cousin" Curtis over the years.

Both babies were healthy and perfect. When we were finally allowed into the nursery to see the babies, Lauren was waiting for us. She was still covered with vernix but I immediately recognized her as my little girl. She was completely familiar and what I expected... red hair, fair complexion like her mom, her profile was just like her ultrasound pictures including her chubby cheeks. She was the most beautiful thing ever and we were in love with her instantly. After a few minutes Nicholas was brought in and I have to admit that he looked nothing like either of us... I was completely blown away and honestly thought "who are you"? Regardless, we instantly fell in love with him as well and immediately memorized every little detail of his sweet round face and body. He was born with a ton of dark brownish/black hair. Both he and Lauren have blue eyes. His complexion is a little darker and his face is completely round. We continue to be amazed at how different the kids look. Nicholas is still hard to figure out, but I definitely see Dave in him at times, especially when he is asleep. Lauren looks at times like her cousin Curtis and has some of his expressions, and just yesterday I thought I saw a trace of the "Rasmussen ears" while giving her a bath. Her red hair has fallen out on the top of her head but remains on the sides and back. Nicholas' hair has thinned out a little but he still has a fair amount.

At seven and a half weeks, Nicholas weighs 12.3 pounds and Lauren is 11.5. They both have had some colic issues, Lauren much more than Nicholas. We have yet to have a full night's sleep and are grateful for those times when we get four or five hours between feedings. We hope that Lauren's colic will end soon and we will be able to get on a schedule that includes sleeping through the night. Dave and I are completely amazed at how we have been able to function on so little sleep. The best thing in our lives right now are two full size baby swings that we have in our living room. Initially we only had one. After a week or so we figured out that our lives would be so much easier if we had two... thank heaven for Craigslist. Never has $40 dollars spent on two swings been so well worth the money. The babies both love being in the swing and can sleep in them for hours. This allows me to get things done during the day or to take a nap and allows us to have some down time at night. We have gone through about three sets of D batteries so far for each swing, but it is a small price to pay for peace and happiness in our household.

We want to thank all of you for being part of our lives in one way or another. We value our friends and family above all else and your love and support has been a tremendous support to us throughout our journey to have children. We hope that we get to see those of you that have not met Lauren and Nicholas yet sometime soon. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Below are some pictures of the babies.