Babies!!!

Reese Melvin: AKA Baby A: 2 lbs 7 oz - 14 3/4 inches long

Reese has been the strong one who pretty much tried to compensate for his little brother. I think he is the peacemaker and calming influence and even though he is bigger he wasn't quite as ready to come. We're so grateful for wonderful smart doctors, who confer with other wonderful specialists and then act on their plan. Reese has a blood clot in his leg that they are hoping to be able to dissolve. Thank you for your continued prayers.Nate Jeffrey: He has been known as Baby B until this time. 2 pounds 2 oz. - 14 inches long

This is the little guy that caused the doctor to sprint into the room and announce that the babies were on their way. Previously his heart rate had been low, then high, then okay. He had reverse blood flow issues and just kept the doctors consulting and wondering. Monday afternoon his heart rate had been around 200 for an hour and things weren't calming down. Sara called Jason who was dutifully coaching at basketball practice. Jason made it to the OR with 30 seconds to spare. He is such a caring, concerned and loving husband and dad. We, as parents are so grateful for him. The "heating pad" on his head looked to be a 4X4 pad.
Oakley has been a trooper too. Last week when Sara was first in the hospital (again) he and I were riding home from the ball field, and he said, "I want to go home." I told him that we were going home. He said, "NO! I want to go home! Mom! Dad! I want to go home." He seemed so happy to sit next to Jason in the hospital chair and play games on his dad's phone, then talk to Sara and see that she was at the "docker." He has done pretty well all week long, but yesterday was another "I want to go home day" at Debbie's and then with Grandma Roberta. So in that way, "normal" will come soon, little buddy. Here's a picture of him at birth. We thought he was so little. He truly is the big brother. In about 2 1/2 months, Reese and Nate will look somewhat the same. You'll see.
Sara is looking forward to when things are back to normal. I'm thinking "normal" won't ever have quite the same meaning. We are so proud of her and Jason.

Random Review

Tonight we went to the adult session of stake conference. Edith Haws was the first speaker and gave an excellent talk with the message: Learn from the past and live for the future. There are so many things to learn from the past. Some we would love to repeat daily, or maybe yearly as traditions while others we just hold our breath and hope we never have to struggle like that again. I'll review some things I have learned from the past. My grandchildren have amazingly strong parents. These are parents who, even in hard times, make it good for their kids. This was ten days after Parker was born, while he was still in the hospital. Even though Natalie spent all of her time at the hospital she had already made the Peter Pan costume and the Wendy outfit, bought the swords and had everything ready for Halloween.

It may not be cool enough to hike on Christmas day in Arizona. Also note, all of the boys in our family make a certain face when they are telling a BIG story. Don't believe a word they say. On the other hand, I don't know a more honest pair than my parents. My mother is always True! Proverbs 22:1- A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Some get or make more hype for their birthdays than others. Would you believe, the Primary music chorister still remembers Melissa's birthday? How many years since Melissa was in Kachina ward Primary?

Miracles still happen! God still loves his children and we are so grateful.

Kevin is the favorite. Don't know how it happened, but it is evident.

Live for the future. It will be amazing!