The Russells (and then there were four): What a Difference a Year Makes

Our 1st year in numbers:
10 weeks early
106 days in the NICU (Brooklyn - 49 days, Tayden - 57 days)
4 head cts (2 per baby)
2 blood transfusions (1 per baby)
4 pediatric opthamologist visits (2 per baby)
3 pediatric cardiologist visits (Brooklyn - 1, Tayden 2)
1 gastroenterologist visit (Brooklyn)
3 ER visits (Brooklyn - 2, Tayden - 1)
5 additional nights in the hospital due to influenza (Brooklyn - 3, Tayden 2)
2 upper gis (1 per baby)
4 swallow studies (2 per baby)
10 pediatric pulmonologist visits (5 per baby)
2 food studies (1 per baby)
8 Synagis shots (4 per baby)
1 MRI (Tayden)
7 occupational therapist visits (Tayden)
4,380 diapers
3,100 bottles
225 cans of formula

This past year has definitely been a crazy journey of setbacks, small accomplishments, and GREAT victories. God has been with us every step of the way - at times pushing us, and when necessary, picking us up and carrying us forward. Throughout every stage of this past year and every unexpected and unfamiliar situation, He has been holding our family in His arms. He allowed our hearts to be broken and throughout the past year He has healed them to be stronger and full of more love than we ever thought possible. We stand here a year later forever changed and forever grateful.

Throughout my pregnancy we prayed daily that our babies would make it to term and be healthy. We read numerous books about how twins usually come early and how they can have numerous problems and this caused great anxiety. When the babies arrived 10 weeks early - we faced parenthood head on, embracing the unknown. When my nephew was born 9 days earlier, my family sat in the waiting room right outside of the NICU. I had no idea what was behind those two doors - and no idea that less than two weeks later, the rooms behind those doors would become our home.

I must be honest and admit there were times I asked God, "Why Us." It was extremely difficult to leave the hospital every evening without the twins and come home to an empty nursery. It was also hard to arrive at the hospital every day to see another family being discharged from the maternity wing after 2-3 days in the hospital. Another family was going home to start their new life together and we would be leaving empty-handed. I look at the twins now - healthy and thriving and still ask, "Why Us," but now it is in a different context. Why have we been so fortunate? What did we do to deserve such blessings?

We could not have made it through the last year without our family and friends. They have prayed for us, loved us, encouraged us, laughed with us, cried with us, and most of all survived with us. God gave us an amazing support system and we could never adequately express the gratitude we feel. I would like to especially thank my mom for all that she has done for us. She is always willing to help with the twins and do anything she can to help us maintain our sanity - from washing dishes to folding laundry. I have so loved getting to share this first year of motherhood with my mom. She has taught me so much! Brooklyn and Tayden are so lucky to have her in their lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!