Three Generations of Women

Well, two women and one precious baby girl ;-)

Visitors

Over the past week or so, we've had a number of visitors. Some were able to come in the NICU and others were only able to come see me in my hospital room. Unfortunately, we only took pictures of our friends and family when they came into the NICU. So, thanks Kristi, Brenda, Elizabeth, and Zeynep for visiting me; we'll have pics of ya'll with the babies in no time :-)

First, here's Wes' brother Philip and Philip's girlfriend Jenn 

with us and the babies.

Next, Gavin and Vivian were very lucky to 

meet BOTH of their Grandmothers this week.

Here's Vivian and Gavin with their GG (my mom):

And here's Vivian and Gavin with their Grandma (Wes' mom):

Last, but not least, Gavin and Vivian's Peach Rebecca (there's 

a long story behind that name) also came to visit.

Thanks for visiting! Gavin and Vivian 

can't wait to see you all again!

No More Feeding Tubes!

It's official! Both Gavin and Vivian do not have to wear feeding tubes anymore! Vivian had her tube removed a few days ago and Gavin had his removed this morning. This means that both babies have been completely eating on their own at every feeding for at least 24 hours (Viv has been eating on her own for a couple of days now). It won't be long now before they are both on their way home!

Late Night Feeding

Last night during the twins' midnight feeding, Vivian stayed awake for a little while after she ate. Gavin, however, was in and out of slumber. They were both so f-ing cute that we decided to take some photos. Enjoy...

What's in a Name?

A lot, actually. Many people have been asking us how we decided on the names for our twins. Well, here it goes.

Vivian Grace's name has significance for two reasons. First, her initials "V.G." are the initials of my Great Aunt Virginia Gill, who was one of my favorite relatives growing up. Second, Vivian was the name of Wes' fraternal grandmother and Grace was the name of Wes' maternal grandmother.

Gavin Charles, on the other hand, is only significant for one reason. His middle name, Charles, was my father's name. And, Gavin is a name that Wes and I really like. It means "white hawk of battle."

So there you go. That's how The Ralphs became Vivian and Gavin.

One Week Birthday

Today, Gavin and Vivian are one week old. Although its only been a week, it seems like they've been part of our family for years. They fit in perfectly. 

In the past week, we've learned a lot about our little ones. When you first meet them, it may be difficult for most to tell them apart-- we couldn't for the first day or so. But, once you get to know them, their individual personalities, unique facial features, and distinct behavior patterns shine through and they are like apples and oranges in many respects. For instance, Gavin likes to sleep with his hands near his face while Vivian's hands are on her face all day long; whether she's sleeping or awake. Also, Gavin really likes to grunt and make noises, while Vivian stays quiet until something really upsets her. At which point she screams like a banshee. When it comes to facial expressions, Vivian enjoys putting her lips together to make kissing faces and Gavin flattens his lips out making him look like a precious little froggie. The nurses and visitors have described Gavin as calm, cool, and collected, while also being quite energetic and happy. On the other hand, Vivian has been said to be a bit of a diva, determined, feisty, and a spitfire.

Yes, we've learned a lot about our little ones this week. It will be interesting to see how their personalities change and are molded over the next few months and years.

Washing Hair

Here is Vivian getting her hair washed on Friday night. 

She loved it.

Holding Two

Bath Time Photo Shoot

Today, Gavin and Vivian had a bath in the NICU. After their baths, we decided to have a little photo shoot. Gavin loved every minute of it. From the warm washcloth on his back to his hair being washed under the sink to his naked photo shoot- he loved it all. Vivian, on the other hand, did not enjoy her experience. She was stressed out. First of all, she hates being naked. She squirms around; kicking and punching the entire time. She also detested the warm wash cloth that cleaned her and laying on the blanket naked for the photo shoot. On the other hand, she did like her hair being washed under the faucet.

Here are some of our favorite pics from their first official photo shoot (the first 3 photos are of Vivian and the second 3 photos are of Gavin)...

Six Day Update

Over the past six days, Gavin and Vivian have come a long way. 

• At birth, they both weighed 4lbs 9oz. Over the next six days, both went up and down in weight, but today, Gavin weighs 4lbs 12oz and Vivian weighs 4lbs 8oz. 
  
• Initially, neither could coordinate sucking and swallowing (which is why they each had feeding tubes). They would both go back and forth between sucking and not swallowing, or swallowing without sucking very well. In addition, we were and still are constantly trying to get them to stay awake during each feeding. It has taken a lot of practice for them to get to where they are now and it will take a lot more practice to get them to where we want them to be. While Gavin has taken a few full bottles without needing the feeding tube, he hasn't been very consistent and often gives up half way through his bottle. At which point, the feeding tube must be put to use. Vivian, on the other hand, has taken 7 full bottles in the last 24 hours and doesn't show any signs of stopping (*keep your fingers crossed*). Vivian does not have a feeding tube in place anymore, but this is not because she had it removed by a doctor. Vivian actually pulled it out herself (which she has done 4-5 times over the last few days). This last time, she not only pulled the feeding tube all the way out, but she then proceeding to rip off the tape that held the tube to her face. Needless to say, she screamed uncontrollably for a few minutes after that brave undertaking. If she continues to drink full bottles at every feeding, she won't have to have the tube re-inserted, which would be great!
• Lastly, in the beginning, they were not fully capable of keeping their body temperatures up without assistance. Each twin was in a closed crib that kept them warm. Now, each baby is in an open crib, keeping him or herself warm without the help of a warmer.

Over the last six days, our life as a new family has been filled with a ridiculous amount of joy and happiness. We are so thankful that our twins are healthy and happy. They are improving every hour and we can't wait for the day when they can come home with us (which we think will be in one week or less).