1-26-10 Photos

Last weekend we spent in Victoria. It was our first attempt to travel with the kids. Boy did we pack the truck full, diapers, formula, pump, bouncy seats, car seats, clothes and a million other things. We left in the middle of the night and had to stop about 3 hrs into the drive for a feeding break. When we got there Alex's Mom was not feeling well so he took her to the hospital and we really didn't get to see much of her this trip. We decided to go ahead and swing by Houston on the way out so we didn't have to make another trip out. The kids and I ended up staying for the week since Grandma & Grandpa were coming to Dallas the following weekend anyways. While we were in Houston someone offered to take pictures of the kids so here they are at a month and a half.

1 month photo shoot

I almost wish I had a better camera for all of the kids pictures, but with all of our new expenses it is hard to justify...I just hope I don't regret it later...I get the feeling I will.

Here are the pictures we got of the kids at 1 month.

Great & Horrible

Had a great weekend and a horrible weekend all at the same time. Jenny & Chris came up Thursday night and we spent the day Friday just hanging out at the house watching the kids. We tried to go get pictures of them taken, but I came to the realizatoin that you have to plan these things out well in advance if you want to go to Pennys or Sears photo studio.

Friday night about 10pm Alex got sick and then Mom & Cyndi arrived just in time for me to tell them that Alex was sick and I was starting to not feel well and the kids would be ready to eat within the hour. Before I could get them fed I was just as sick and Mom came to the rescue. I don't know what I would have done had she not been here. I was worried about the kids catching whatever it was we had (probably caught it at the Dr's office on Wed) and I was checked out for a good 6 hours. I couldn't have done it even if I had to.

This weekend she was my hero. She helped us while we were sick and took care of the kids at the same time and then helped clan up and made sure we all had what we needed. What a great Mom. She has had a ton of practice. 6 kids 33-16 in age. That is a long time to be caring for children under the age of 18...and aparently taking care of us kids does not end at 18...I am 30 and she still had to take care of me this weekend. LOVE YOU MOM!!!

4 weeks

Yesterday was 4 weeks and I don't think time has ever gone so slow and fast at the same time. I have been so busy and have not had a chance to keep up with the blogs, but I did write a few tings down that I did not want to forget. There are so many wonderful things going on and at the same time I am so exhausted that I can hardly get ANYTHING done besides care for the kids and even that is challenging most of the time.


Looking back I can say things are getting a lot easier. When we first got home Saturday 12/12 the kids were drinking about 40-50ml every 3 hours we had to wake them and each feeding/diaper changing session lasted about an hour and a half...leaving an hour and a half in between each feeding to try and rest/recover/spend time with family. Now the kids are taking in 4-6+ oz at each feeding and each feeding/diaper changing session lasts about 45 minutes max. The time between feedings varies now...especially since Alex went back to work Tuesday and I am the only one on duty now...that has thrown a wrench in the schedule. Sometimes they will only eat 2oz at a sitting and be ready for another 2-4 in 1.5 - 2 hrs later. Other times...which I LOVE...they have eaten the entire 6 oz and the next feeding was not for 4 hours...I wish/hope to get them on this schedule, but we are still adjusting to Dad being gone during the day.

We were not expecting them when they came and although I had packed hospital bags...the kids came early so the bag I packed them did not have clothes that fit them. They actually left the hospital in newborn clothes...way too big for them, but we did not have any premie clothes...we do now and many of them they have already outgrown...some without even ever wearing...wish I would have left some tags on them so I could get a little money back...oh well money is flying out of my hands left and right over the past 4 weeks...I am hoping to get a handle on it soon...that is near the top of my list of things to do when I actually have a little time.

We have had lots of family visit these last 4 weeks and already have plans for more visits. On the 9th when they were born my Mom and sister Cyndi came up for the afternoon from Katy. That was really nice for Alex at the hospital b/c I was really out of it on Wed so he had them there to help with the kids. Thursday I made it out of bed but still was not much help and that morning Logan was circumcised so Alex had a rough day physically and emotionally. Friday morning Alex's parents came to visit us in the hospital and stayed most of the day. Then that evening my brother's family and sisters came up for the weekend.

To be continued...got to get back to the babies

BABIES FIRST CHRISTMAS

The kids had a great first Christmas. It started off with a white Christmas Eve. Dad went out and made their first snowman and we let each of them take a picture with it.

Aunt Cyndi had sepent the whole week with us and on Christmas Day the rest of the Ruske family came to celebrate with us.

The whole gang was here...Grandpa and Grandma...currently 9 in our generation (room for 3 more...in time)...and all 4 grandchildren (room for who knows how many more). We are 15 and counting...no announcements here...especially HERE...yet

Here is a picture of Mom and babies at just over 2 weeks born and recovery.

And we can't leave out the picture of Aunt Jenny and Alyssa in their matching christmas reindeer jammies.

This was our attempt at taking some Christmas pictures of the kids

Here is our little family of 4 now :)

Baby Blessings

Here is a picture from Sunday December 20th...the day the kids had their blessings. Yes, Mom and Dad were a little crazy to venture out to church at 11 days old and do it, but we had 16 members of our combined family of 22 all here with us and we honestly did not think we would have that many people come back up here in a month or so to do it later so we decided on Friday to do it. Unfortunately since it was the Sunday before Christmas many of our friends/Ward Family were out of town and did not get to share this special moment with our little family.

Two of the Sisters from the ward made it even more special a day for us. One came up to us just before sacrament with some premie clothes (we did have a hard time finding some at first) and diapers...even 2 Christmas outfits. The other took the time to write down the blessings and give the copy to us. I had mentioned to Alex that I thought it was something that we could do, but in the moment I was a bit overwhelmed and emotional that I didn't make it happen, but another Sister shared some love and did it for us...THANK YOU

Daddy Graduated :)

Alex went and graduated today. The kids and Mommy stayed home, but can you blame us...geeze they are only 10 days old.