Brooks And Twins Update

Things went well today. Brooks was able to get out of bed and move around a bit. She's still very sore, but she's feeling better by the hour. She's not getting much sleep because breast feeding TWO babies takes a toll. "Ladies first" is the theme, as Mason has been getting first dibs, while Ike reluctantly waits his turn. But the good news is that the twins have mastered the art of sucking and swallowing and are now breast-feeding pros. It's amazing how quickly newborns develop. By the end of today they both looked like completely different babies. As for leaving the hospital, the doctors are saying that Brooks, Mason and Ike will likely be home-bound on either Wednesday or Thursday.

Today we had visits by my Aunt Margaret, her husband Lonnie, and my grandfather, Isaac Bates Grainger II (or "Big" as he is known to me and all of his grandchildren). What a special moment when Big had the chance to hold Ike, separated in age by all of 89 years. Who would have known that when my great-grandfather, Isaac Bates Grainger, was born in 1895 that 113 years later there would be a fifth generation born into this world. What a remarkable man he was and I can't tell you how much it means to me to be able to name a son after him. I was blessed to have had 25 years with him until his passing at the age of 104 in 1999.

Today I was able to sneak away from the hospital for a while and spend some time with our other son, Simba. I took him to the dog park that has become Brooks' home away from home for the last year and share the good news with all of her confidants. They were ecstatic about the births of Mason and Ike and can't wait until we wheel the stroller out there for them to meet them.

Special thanks to Jenny Jordan for putting the pink and blue bows on our front door.

Ike

Mason