I am sitting at my computer, sniffling and stuffy, suffering from the same cold that Izzy, Max and Kate all have.  Chad is on his way to Hendersonville with Izzy, mostly just to get her out for a little while so I can rest, yet even though I am not able to celebrate Thanksgiving as we do every year, I have so much more to be thankful for than ever before.  This Thanksgiving is truly the best one yet, and it has opened my eyes that it is not about whose house you go to, how much or what you eat, or even who you are able to spend it with – it is about the joy and blessings that God has given you.

I am so thankful for my family – even though I will not see them today.  My parents, Chad’s parents, our siblings and all 9 of our nieces and nephews who have gone out of their way to take care of Izzy, decorate the nursery, keep us all fed, plan baby showers (thank you Lisa!), etc..  Our extended family – cousins, second cousins, etc. that have held our hands during this last trying year.  Our friends, who have prayed for us, brought us meals, and just visited us during this long process.  Our church – Brentwood Baptist – the best one ever.  We have had countless calls, cards, meals, flowers, you name it!  I am overly thankful for all of the nurses and doctors that cared for us this year.  We truly know we are loved and cared for by those around us.  I am grateful and thankful that I am alive!  I had quite a scare there for a few days, and it made me realize all of the precious things in this life that I take for granted.  It also makes me realize that every day could be our last, and that we really should live every day to its fullest.

O course, I am most thankful for these precious angels that God has brought into our lives.  Max Edward, Katherine Ann, and Isabella Hope all came to us for a reason, and through many different obstacles along the way during both pregnancies.  And all of this happened after I was told numerous times that I would never be able to even have children.  Again, I am reminded that God blesses us with many miracles and that He and only He knows what blessings he will bestow upon us.

As I watch my two precious newborns sleep, I know that I do not need to be surronded by all of my family and friends today – I am surrounded by them every day – whther in prayer, in thought, or in person. I thank you God for bringing so many wonderful people into my life, and I thank you for reminding me this year that every day is Thanksgiving.

Max and Kate got to meet and have their pics taken with 3 of the Titans today – Craig Hentrich, Rob Bironas, and William Hayes! We’ll have even more pics of the little ones up tomorrow hopefully. They are both doing great! Max was 4 lbs. 11 oz. today, and Kate was 3lbs. 14oz. They are both starting to take bottles and slowly coming off of their feeding tubes. Kate is no longer on her caffeine for the apnea, and is doing wonderful. Looks like we will have babies home before the holidays are over!

After 11 weeks of bed rest, 9 weeks in the hospital, septic shock, a case of listeria, 12 IV’s, 2 PICC lines, and a preterm delivery…. I am finally HOME! I will still have my PICC and 2 strong antibiotics for a little longer, but at least I am home. It was very hard to leave my precious angels, but I know they are in the best hands, and I know that I have to get myself better so that I can be a good mommy for them.

Chad and I are so grateful to everyone who has been keeping up with us and praying for all of us. We have certainly beat the odds with everything, and these precious babies are continuing to do so. Right now they are both off of everything except their heart rate monitors – they just need to grow a bit, and with that they will learn to take from a bottle and maintain their temp. Max will probably be moved to an open air crib sometime this week, and Kate will be a few days after him. They are doing exceptionally well for their gestational age. They are both almost back to their birth weights, too.

Here are some pics.  Sorry it has taken so long to get them up – we’ve been a little busy (by the way – the pic of the meds – that’s one days worth!)