January 11th

Casen Ray - what a cutie!
Today started a little rough for Casen. He ripped out his NG tube for the 5th time. Luckily he has been eating well enough that the nurses didn't feel he needed it put back in. I guess a little stubborn persistance pays off sometimes.

Casen showing off without his feeding tube - he's holding up one finger for each time he yanked the tube out himself! We're all glad to be done with tube feedings - especially Case!
He was also circumcised today. He took it like a champ. I (Daddy) went to see him afterward and he was calm and relaxed. I was never so happy to have him catch me off guard and pee on my hand (it still works:)!

Case didn't pass his newborn hearing screen in the nursery today, so we'll have to follow up with an audiologist in the next couple of weeks to repeat the screening. He most likely failed because his ear canals are so tiny. Hopefully after a couple weeks of good growth he'll be able to pass the screen with flying colors.
After a difficult start to the day, we all got some exciting news when they told us Casen was being discharged home! We packed up our room at the Shepherd House & took our babies home for good - what a GREAT feeling!

Casen & mommy ready to check out of the NICU - exciting day!!

Casen dressed & ready to go.

Making it home with our newborn twins. Chilly weather - there's still snow on the ground!
Collins has been waiting patiently for her brother. She fills her time eating and sleeping - she must get that from her daddy. So far she is an extremely well-mannered baby. She did get to leave the room every 3 hours during the night to help daddy drop mommy off at the hospital to feed Casen. She does not particularly enjoy cold weather, but loves riding in the car.
We are so thankful to Good Shepherd for allowing us to stay so close to the hospital and to our friends and family for stopping by, bring meals and helping us take care of things while away from home. We are truly blessed and loving every sleep-deprived night with our kiddos.