Advantage #67 of Having a Wombmate…

 

…Never having to sleep alone during a thunderstorm.

This post is linked to 5 Minutes for Mom’s Wordless Wednesday

Chicks Dig Dudes In Colts Jerseys…

See?

 

(Clark and Claire at her 3rd Birthday party.  Claire and Clark…it has a nice ring don’t you think? Thanks for the pic, Jaimie!)

You should dig dudes in Colts Jerseys too and help us root on the Colts to secure a place in Super Bowl XLIV !

Just sayin’! =)

Bloggers Unite: March of Dimes

Today over 400 Bloggers are participating in Bloggers Unite Fight for Preemies to raise awareness of the 20 million babies who are born prematurely each year.  The March of Dimes is fighting to drastically decrease these numbers.  You can learn how to help fight against premature birth here.

As a mother of four preemies, I owe an ENORMOUS thank you to the efforts of the March of Dimes.  Each of our 32 weekers benefited in some way, shape, or form from their dedication to fighting for preemies and diligent research.  Although our quadruplets had to put up a fight for survival (especially Clark), they came out of the NICU experience with flying colors.  

Most would call us lucky.

We beat the “odds”.

We had a favorable outcome in the face of many obstacles. 

Obstacles that included respiratory distress, a NEC (Necrotizing Enterocolitis) scare, high billirubin levels, high blood pressure, bradyacardia, apnea, dangerously high CO2 levels, and digestive issues.

 

However, we know better than chalking it up to “beating the odds”.  We know that “luck” discredits the true factors in our boys’ survival.

Most of all it ignores God’s ultimate plan. He chose to give us life.  Sometimes He chooses to take life (that He created) away.  Sometimes even to those in our exact same circumstances, or with even better “chances”.  I simply can’t understand it in this lifetime.

And to be completely honest, sometimes it’s not always easy to be the “survivor” family. 

~ It’s extremely difficult to watch a mother of twins next to you meet her babies, for the sole purpose of saying goodbye.

~ It’s emotionally disturbing to listen to two mothers scream in agony over losing their babies on both sides of the walls of your high-risk unit room, while you feel your four babies moving inside of you.

~ It’s gut retching to have four healthy babies safely at home and read about a mother who you’ve followed throughout her pregnancy loose 5/6 of her sextuplets.

~ It’s unbearable to watch a friend’s full-term baby be born with multiple complications, and unable to survive.

Of course it makes me thankful for the breathing, heart-beating lives of our boys, but there’s also a guilt that’s hard to explain.  I don’t deserve these blessings, yet God allowed them to live; And not only live but thrive. 

These are the emotions that surround me as a mother of 4 premature success stories, I cannot fathom the grief of the other side.

I cannot wrap my mind around it.

Instead, I can only choose to be grateful.  Grateful for their precious miracle lives that God has chosen for us to raise another day. And thankful for how He used the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists of St. Vincent Women’s Hospital, and for the efforts made through the March of Dimes in their little lives.

And that is how we left these doors as SURVIVORS.

If you are blogging for the cause of fighting for preemies.  Feel free to link up your specific post here:

 

 

It’s a Beautiful Day…

…and we’re about to enjoy it!

What are you doing to enjoy your beautiful day? What’s the weather like where you live?  What do you love about September days?

Don’t let it slip away!

Gentlemen Liberty

 

Lady Liberty, May I introduce you to Gentlemen Liberty?

Clark feels the title and crown are YOURS FOR THE KEEPING, but he'd like to try out your torch...

It Takes Two, Baby

While I was out grocerying (yes, it's a verb) a few nights ago the coolest thing happened between Isaac and Clark.  Here's Brad's account of how it happened:

"Brooks and Henry were on my lap reading a book. Usually, the other two would be hounding me to try to fit all four of their growing rear ends on my lap, but Isaac and Clark were already occupied with something. When I looked up to see what they were doing, my jaw about hit the floor. A father's dreams were coming true right in front of my eyes.  I watched them do this for a solid 5 minutes in amazement. Then it hit me to grab the camera and try to attempt to catch it as best as possible with two wiggle worms in my lap.  Here's the result:"

 

That's reality at its best!  Interrupted or not, it was a highlight of how brothers can be buddies and a reminder to be thankful that they have each other as God-given playmates.  

How about those of you with more than one child?  What kinds of things do they enjoying doing together (peacefully)?

Clark's Up!

I almost forgot I was doing this little series of individual posts of the boys!  Shame on this mama!

 

Up to bat is Clark Thomas.  He's a keeper!  Love his sparkling eyes and innocent expressions. (Don't let them fool you!) Although he appears super serious in these shots, Clark's been our little jokester lately - Mr. Personality. 

  

Again a shout-out to Megan for these treasured pictures!

Lewisville, Looaville, Loueyville, Louisville

Over the weekend Brad and I were able to have some 2 on 2 time with "the twins". My parents kept Isaac and Henry while we took a day trip to Louisville (insert your own pronunciation here) for a wedding.  

Our adventure began at a nearby park to run off some energy and eat a picnic lunch.  The weather was perfect!  The boys' first shorts day of the year! LOVE the plaid shorts!

Funny side story from the park: There was another mom there with her 2 year old boy and we started exchanging conversation about boys, 2 year olds, etc. She said she just couldn't imagine coping with  2 two year old boys!  I smiled and decided to refrain from telling her this was only 1/2 my family! 

Cassie and Cody's wedding was super sweet. I do LOVE a good wedding!  We are so excited for both of you!  Marriage is a precious gift.

 

The boys lasted through about 1/3 of the ceremony.  Clark was being a little too complimentary of the musicians.  Every time they finished a song he would say, "AGAIN?" "AGAIN!" It was really sweet, but we didn't want to be too distracting from the main event, so Brad took them out to the church's gated courtyard (how convenient)  for the remainder of the ceremony.

 

Walking back to the car we spotted this sign...We weren't aware of Clark's existing assets!

Takin' a stroll with little man, Brooks.

Being able to share a special adventure with 2 of our boys was quite a treat!

Oh Pillow, How I Missed You...

...And Of Course My 3 Other Little Men too! 

We are HOME!  Just in time for tomorrow's birthday! Sooooo great to all be under one roof again!!!

We have been so blessed by your faithful prayers. We were able to rest in God's sovereignty and in His faithfulness during these past few scary and uncertain days. (Although we frequently had to remind ourselves to do so.)  It was so reassuring to know that people all over the nation (and some throughout the world) were praying!  Our only request is that you would continue to do so...

Clark was treated for a combination of croup and most likely RSV, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, (aka The Rotten Stinky Virus).  He is being treated with steroid and breathing treatments as a support, but for the most part we have to just watch and wait.  He had another coughing attack last night, but we was able to resolve it in under 10 minutes and a few shorter spells this afternoon/evening.  We would really appreciate your specific prayers that he would not need another ER visit to address his breathing difficulty. As you can see from the pictures taken today before discharge, he has perked up quite a bit! 

Brooks was close to a hospital admission, as well, but seems to slowly be improving.  Isaac and Henry, although they are not themselves, are recovering as well.  We most likely have a house full of RSV that will make it's presence known for quite a few more days (maybe even weeks) to come.  Even Brad and I have been socked with it!   Hopefully by getting more than a couple of hours of sleep, we'll be able to fight this so we can care for these little germo munchkins to our best ability.

Obviously, their 2 year old birthday will be a low key event tomorrow, but we are so thankful for two years of life with four precious little boys.  We are more in love with them today than ever before!

A few more shoutouts (is that even a "cool" term anymore???) to some people who wouldn't want the recognition, but to whom we are SO grateful for:

• Melissa and Kara T. for picking up the other 3 boys at the ER, taking them home, and tucking them in
• For Tami W. for coming to the rescue once again and serving us overnight Friday night
• For Pam D. for praying with me over the phone with me while in the ER after being told that Clark was the sickest patient there, and the possibility of  "intubation" had us freaked out
• For Gramma and Grampa for coming on Saturday and staying overnight so that mama and daddy could be with Clark. 
• For Grandma and Grandpa for coming up today and for my mom staying overnight tonight so that we have extra hands, allowing me to some MUCH needed rest.
• For Dan H. for delivering a air pump at 10 pm last night, so that I could rest on an air mattress last night.
• For Emily U. providing some video distractions for the boys at home.
• For the many churches, including our own, who have been supporting us with their love and prayers.
• For my quad sistas who used their blogs and facebook pages, to update others and who were texting me constantly with messages of love.
• To the Goerlich's for delivering pizza and wings to our house tonight.  All the way from Texas, and it was still warm when it got here!
• To Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent for providing us with incredible care. We were in such great hands!
• To our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for holding little Clark's life (and our other 3) in His hands
• To All of YOU!  We consider you our dear friends - and your support means the world to us!

Update from the Hospital...

Hey, All! I don't have much time to be blogging, but I wanted to update all of you so you can pray specifically and to thank you for the many prayers already prayed on our behalf.

(See Suz's blog for he background of what went on last night...)

We are still in the hospital with little Clark. Watching and waiting. He is MUCH more stable than last night and has not had any extensive attacks since late last night. We were transferred by ambulance last night to St. Vincent's due to Clark's critical condition. The virus is causing his airways to constrict and narrow, which causes him to have prolonged continuous coughing and difficulty breathing.

Thanks to wonderful friends and family watching the other 3 germies, Brad and I are both able to be with him in the unit.

Again, we are thankful for your prayers, calls, emails, comments, and LOVE. We are blessed even in this difficult time.

Trusting in Him,
The Crew

SOS Answered

Because of your faithful prayers, Clark is HOME right now. Praise God! They treated him with a different type of breathing medication than I had administered here at home and a round of steroids. His airways became less constricted and his breathing became easier within minutes of the treatment. His x-ray came back clear. We're so grateful to have him back safe and sound with a bad case of croup!!!!

It's been an overwhelming, draining, scary, emotional, day - but we are full of gratefulness and thanksgiving for Clark's well being. God was and is in complete and absolute control.

We would appreciate your contiuned prayers that Clark wouldn't experience any more attacks and that Brooks, Isaac, and Henry would also be able to shake this quickly. Our hearts are overwhelmed with gratefulness for your prayers and concern.

SOS

Dear friends,

We would covet your prayers this morning as Brad is in route via the fire department to the ER with Clark. The boys have been battling a respiratory illness that has taken a bad turn with Clark in particular this morning. He has been coughing continuously for over an hour and is experiencing what appears to be respiratory distress.

Trusting our Savior,
The Murray Crew

ID the Identicals....

I admit it.  I had to think twice about this picture.  I even checked my answer with another picture just to be sure.  These boys are gonna be trouble for their teachers someday!!!

Tracy was the first comment and guessed correctly. (Email me Tracy, quatro_mama <at> yahoo <dot> com and I'll send you out a little something!) The TV theme song was indeed The Patty Duke Show.  Nick at Nite provided some quality entertainment growing up.

This picture was the closest they've looked since this one...

Same order as above. Sweet baby boys. This one is a stumper too...

Brooks on the left Clark on the right. Love the arm around his brother.  You think they did that in the womb? 

(For those of you new to 4tunate, Brooks and Clark are a rare form of identicals called mono-amniotic twins. Henry and Isaac are fraternal.)

AND I'm Thankful "4"...

clark

My Dear Clark,

It's just over a day until Thanksgiving, which makes us reflect on how blessed we are to have you in our lives, Clark.  You have a smile that lights up the room and a laugh that just compliments it.  I love how you verbalize everything with enthusiasm, from trying out new words, to imitating animal sounds, to singing. I love how you adore your brothers and how you unsparingly share your kisses and hugs with them.  We are so grateful for your miracle life.  Our hearts are filled with thankfulness for you, Clark!

XoXo,

Mama and Daddy

A Bad Case of the Snots...

We've come down with a Bad Case of the Snots...

• 2 Kleenex Boxes
• 1/2 Dozen Laundry Loads
• 5+ Missed Naps Due to Snuffed-up Noses
• 8 Snot Spots on the Couch Waiting to be Sprayed
• 4 Cranky, Worn-out, Tender-Nosed Boys

We're in need of a "Feel-Good" Meal!  Kraft and BlogHer are featuring some of your favorite bloggers' (moi and Suzanne to name a few) ideas for creating "Feel Good Meals".  Check it out, share your ideas, and you could win a $100 grocery gift card!  Now that would make me FEEL GOOD!  Here's the link you're all waiting for:

http://www.blogher.com/share-your-feel-good-meals-and-you-could-win-100-gift-card-kraft

 

Hopefully we'll be on the mend soon and I'll have some snot-free pictures to post!

 

5 FAQs....

In an effort to save myself some repetitive email and comment responses, here's a few answers to my recent Top 5 FAQs: 

1. "How in the world do you keep you house "spotless"?"

I got this one several times after posting these pictures last week and it made me laugh audibly. You've GOT to be kidding me!  Maybe I should have posted a picture like this one instead:

There is that better?  Personally, I do function better with order, structure, and cleanliness. I don't feel like organization is optional in a higher-order multiples family,  but I've learned post-quads that I HAVE to let some things go.  I still have about 1 1/2 rooms full of boxes from our move.  My list of things to clean, organize, fix, etc. is unreasonably long. However, there are some days that I feel like if my boys were changed, fed 3 meals, and asleep for the night, then MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!  My list will still be there in the morning, right?

 

2. "Did you find ever find a leak-proof sippy cup?" 

Did Ponce de Leon ever find the Fountain of Youth? =)  However, we've settled for the closest thing to leak-proof with the Playtex Sipsters after trying almost every sippy on the planet. They only leak when pounded upside down, or when thrown forcefully 3 feet onto a hard surface. Reasonable price, not too many parts to clean, durable, easy to use and if it can withstand 4 boys, that makes it a winner in my book!

 

 

3. "I'd like to email you, but I don't want to leave my email on the comment section for the entire world to see...Could you post your email?"

I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to hear from you.  Sometimes when I'm blogging I wonder who's on the other side of my computer screen, so it's always a treat to read a personal email from a "reader".   Please do not take it personally if it takes me a few days (or sometimes longer) to get back with you. I often procrastinate returning emails - working on that one! Our blog email is quatro_mama {at} yahoo {dot} com

Checking my inbox now to see if you've written!

4. Do "the twins" (Clark and Brooks) still share a crib? 

No. Sniff. Sniff. 

Around the time of our move, I decided to make the switch to one nap versus two.  Aaggh!  What a transition!  In an effort to get the boys to sleep and not party the entire nap, we reluctantly assembled the 4th and final crib that had been collecting dust in our garage for 18 months. Shortly after the nap separation, we took our trip to Michigan and used the Pea Pod Tents (each of them sleep in their own individual tent). We brought the sniffles home with us from Michigan, so they remained separated through the illness. After that, we realized that they were sleeping fine by their lonesomes. Thus, putting them back together would be only to satisfy our need for the cuteness, rather than their need for security or comfort.

So after 18 months of co-bedding, we are finally a 4 crib family. 

Here's what our temporary nursery looks like with the 4 cribs set up; It actually came out looking less crammed then I expected.

For sake of the cuteness, here's some sweet pictures we use to remind us of such precious times:

 

5. How do you get the watermark on your pictures?

I've been trying out a blogging software called Live Writer (it's free!) that allows you add watermarks to your pictures.  Yes, I know that people are smart enough to remove it if they want to steal our pictures, but it takes a little more effort than right clicking and clicking save. People can break in your house even with the door locked, but you still lock your doors, right?  It's precautionary.