Layne, Daddy & Bryce
Bryce, Daddy & Layne
May 2006 NICU
18 months ago I was given the honor of becoming a mom to 2 beautiful yet tiny little girls. I entered the the world of twins, the NICU, a 26 month old son, and the beginning of sleepless nights on May 20. I remember that morning as if it were yesterday. I woke up crampy and wanted a few more minutes to lay in bed. Brian insisted we call the doctor. We were told to always call if anything out of the ordinary happened. I was suppossed to be induced on May 24...surely this was just indigestion. But nope...off to L&D to get monitored just in case...
We got to L&D at 8:30 AM and lo and behold I was 6 cm dialated. Those babies were coming at 34 weeks 5 days. Thank goodness my mom had already made her journey to our house and was able to take care of the G-man. At 10:13 Bryce Elizabeth entered the world @ 3 lbs 7 ozs and at 10:15 Layne Ashley followed at 5 lbs 7 oz. I just remember praying to hear their tiny cries. Two incredible sets of cries were heard through out the room. I remember feeling such relief. Bryce and Layne could not be more perfect.
Bryce entered this world tiny but strong willed. She is a true fighter and has surprised everyone that knows her. She has been through so much in her 18 months...every medical specialist, PT, OT, ECI, and a nutritionist. She has had to battle 24 days in the NICU, major feeding issues, severe reflux, 7 ear infections, 2 hospital stays with RSV and Roto, & most recently pneumonia but has prevailed everytime. My mantra for her is SHE IS TINY BUT MIGHTY. Today, that little girl does eveything a TYPICAL 18 month old should be doing. My prayers were answered that she would "grow"out of her prematurity. She. Did. Her personality is so much like Graham's...analytical, observant, and sensitive.
Layne has been known as the laid back baby since birth. Her smile will melt your heart. Layne spent 8 days in the NICU and never looked back. She ate and slept like a champ. She was on a mission to "catch up". By 6 months old no one would have ever thought she was a preemie. She has not had to struggle like Bryce and I often feel like she did not get the attention she deserved as an infant. I used to tell her she better start crying more to get more attention. But no...she knew Bryce needed it more. Layne has turned into a beautiful toddler full of personality, compassion, and spunk.
Here is too many, many more months of growing together as a family and as sisters. LOVE YOU!
Layne, Jacob, Graham, Bryce & Jordyn
