First Pics

We've returned home. Now the real joyride begins. Here is a small sampling of photos; the rest are at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/gros.islet/NoelleAndLucas25June2008

Another Installment of "Wieleckis at Winnie"

Not much new to report. We're still in the hospital, leaving midday Saturday. The twins are carrying on like champs. A pained wail here and a mess there (you know, there), but all in all they're not nearly the trouble I expected for their first couple of days. They are sleeping fairly regularly and doing their part in the breastfeeding arrangement. 

How's Kelly doing, you ask? Well, her convalescence is progressing. Still there's occasional pain, but clearly she's healing and regaining strength.

How's the hospital food, you ask? OK, so you didn't. Fine, then, I won't say.

Day Deux in the Life of NL

Since the last post:

We've been in our post-delivery room since 9PM last night. Lucas and Noelle had been sent directly from the operating room to the transitional nursery, and then around 8:30PM to the nursery on our post-delivery floor. {My fourth interruption in the midst of this paragraph} Just before 9PM Jeff and Liz stopped by to awe the Wonders. Soon after, NL departed back to the nursery for the evening. This option affords parents some relaxation time, though does take away some opportunities for breastfeeding. At any rate, Kel was too exhausted to accomplish much in that respect anyway, and sleep seemed like more the pressing matter. 

When NL left for the nursery, we were able to doze intermittently until 7AM (the nurse stopped by every two hours throughout the night to monitor Kelly). Then the fun began. We took over the duties only a mother could love. Later, our new pediatrician stopped by for a chat, and so did Dr C., to remove Kel's stomach staples. And that's been our day since. 

Kel is recovering, though slowly. She had a rough spell of powerful pain this morning and has been under the influence of several drugs that only tempered the discomfort at best. The twins are marvelous. Noelle has a propensity for hiccups (takes after me) while Lucas is a sneezer. In conclusion, it turns out that changing diapers, swaddling, and raising children is a piece of cake. At least the last 27 hours indicate so. Surely the next 27 years will be no different.

Contact Tonight

I've texted a few friends and family members and received many messages of congrats. Thanks to all! Just FYI we're not going to be answering phones today as we are both quite overwhelmed and exhausted. But we do greatly appreciate all of your wishes and support.

WT/AB Have Faces, Names

Finally something worth blogging about:

Noelle Catherine and Lucas James entered the world at 3:59PM and 4:00PM this afternoon. She was 19 in. and 6lb 4oz; he was 18 in. and 6lb 5oz. Both are stunning (i.e., have my genes) and in good health. 

After 24 hours of painful contractions with little progress, we decided to go Roman-style and get a Caesarian. Kel is recovering, though her blood pressure has shot up quite a bit. The twins are in the transitional nursery for the time being. I've had some facetime; Kel has barely seen and held them for two minutes.

More updates later, as free time and my energy level allows. We're awaiting transfer to our post-delivery room. I have a few photos but they're not online yet.