Baby Carter and Baby Cohen

June 5

Sunday Night

After a busy day we were crawling into bed to snuggle in for the night (9:30) to a show when I got a phone call that they were delivering the babies by c-section.  I still had all my bags packed so I jumped in the car and we raced down to Seattle.  

The following section is from Jana's blog.

Carter Garen (Baby B) and Cohen James (Baby A) were born yesterday at 10:35 and 10:36 pm. 

Carter gave this world his best try but his little body just wasn't meant for it and he is now resting in the arms of Jesus. He weighed 2 lbs and was perfect in every way.  Cohen is 1 lb 8 oz and is in the NICU where the doctors and nurses can keep a close eye on how he's doing.  The doctors have said so far that he is doing good for a baby of his gestational age, so we hope and pray that will continue but we know he has a very long journey ahead of him.

When we arrived the first news we heard was that Carter didn't make it.
 I was immediately brought to tears for the loss of Carter and
my thoughts went right to Jana and how she must be feeling.

We got to go right back to Jana's room where she was holding baby Carter all wrapped up in a blanket. Mom and I got to hold him, touch him, and examine all his fingers and toes. He so precious in every way. He has forever touched our lives and will be in my heart forever. 

We know he is looking over baby Cohen and rocking in the arms of Great Gramma Rinehart.

We each got a turn to go visit baby Cohen before we left and I was able to take a few pictures to show Jana would hadn't had a chance to visit him yet.  I put my finger in his hand and grabbed on tight. 

I could have stayed by his side all night if they would have let me.

We stayed through the night with Jana and Danny. 
We got to meet and hold Carter.
We were their to comfort Jana as much as we could.
We sat in silence.
We listened.
We cried.

You want to do anything you can to make everything all better
but in reality there is nothing you can do but be there.

Lazy Sunday

June 5

Sunday

Didn't sleep very good during the night wondering what was going on with Jana and if I would get a call in the night.  Morning came with no call so the day continued on.  We went to church and afterwards we relaxed in the sun, the kids played in the alley with neighbor kids, and had a bbq with Josh's parents and grandparents for Michelle's b-day.

After lunch and opening gifts Josh and his dad went to the driving range.  

Jordan played in the sprinkler with his favorite neighbor friends.

Busy Crazy Saturday

June 4
Saturday

Today was a busy day full of activities and things to do.  It went from busy to crazy when I got a phone call from my mom as we were walking down front street to find a spot to sit for the parade.  She called to let me know Jana's water had broke (baby A) sac.  She said she was headed down to be there and of course I said you are taking me too.  I have had a bag packed for a few days "just in case" so my mom grabbed that and was off to drop off Marty at the vet.  This gave me time to run back to the car to grab some stuff, run keys back to Josh, and head to a meeting place.  After some time my mom called back to say that since Jana wasn't in active labor we would "try" to sit back and "relax" a little and wait.  That was so hard not knowing if it would be time at any moment.  So I walked back to the period to try and relax and enjoy it with the kids.

After the parade we grabbed subway 

nd met up with Uncle Joel, Auntie Christine & kids and my mom at Bender for a picnic lunch

 to celebrate Michelle!

We kept our phones close by and got regular updates from Danny on how things were going.

The kids enjoyed playing, Michelle opened her present, played some more, and then cupcakes before leaving to squeeze in a rest time.

After some rest and relaxation we got ready to carpool with the Phillips
 to go watch Uncle Chuck race his appliance derby car in Bellingham.

"This popular event features crazy-fun, like appliance races on the streets of 
downtown Bellingham." Taken from Appliance depot website.

My mom stated on facebook, " A fun day, a BEAUTIFUL day and QUITE a "revival" as advertised!"

The rest of the night was pretty uneventful.
 Had a bbq, fire, tried to relax, and waited for a phone call or text
from my mom with updates on Jana.

Michelle is 10!!

June 3

Friday

With every busy, happy year

She’s dearer than before,

Through every stage… through every age,

You love her more and more.

-unknown

Michelle is 10 years old today.  Double Digits.  I can't believe how much she has grown up in the last year.  She has gone from little girl to a tween.  She is all about friends, obsessing about getting a phone, having a boyfriend, drawing, riding bike and scooter.  

As tradition the birthday child gets to choice the meals for the day.  You picked out chocolate chip muffins for breakfast, having lunch at school, and Billy Mchales for dinner.

Last night I made cupcakes for you to take to your class.  We made vanilla ones with crushed oreos inside and chocolate ones with half an oreo in the bottom. 

Since daddy had to drive you to school with the cupcakes you got to go hang out at his office for a bit first while he had a meeting.  But before you could escape I made you take a few birthday pictures.

After school you started asking over and over if you could open presents and you had to wait oh so patiently until daddy got home.

Finally he came home and you got your wish!

You got lots of clothes, art supplies (Jordan picked those out), and a new bike!

Jordan even worked very hard on a card for you with lots of stickers and the number 10 on it!

After presents we went to dinner at Billy McHales.  On the way there a bee flew in through the sun roof and stung you.  We had to pull over the car and flick him off.  You were a trooper and pulled yourself together for dinner.

I forgot my camera but luckily I had my phone along for these pics!

When we got back you were excited to ride your new bike around.  We had a fire going and we roasted marshmallows for s'mores.  You said this was your best birthday ever!

Day to Day on Facebook

Here are the day to day happenings of May as recorded on Facebook!

May 1- Picnic lunch with gramma at Bender

May 1 at 2:16pm via  Mobile Web-A robin keeps flying into the kitchen over and over. Apparently he hasn't learned the first few hundred times he can't get through. Is he trying to warn me of something?

May 2 at 6:53am via Mobile Web-Waking up an hour before your alarm to a bird repeatingly running into your window is not a good way to start a Monday.

May 2 via Photo/Video Uploader

May 3 at 8:40am via Mobile Web-making playdough in every color of the rainbow with kool aid.

May 3 at 7:24pm via Photo/Video Uploader

May 6 at 10:37am via Mobile Web- So grateful for GPS on my phone! I am horrible when it comes to finding new places

May 6 at 4:57pm via Mobile Web- The best thing about riding solo is turning the music up full blast and singing your loudest.

May 7 at 3:20pm via Android- Just got the new phone I have been wanting for sometime now for mother's day!

May 8 at 9:07am via Android- Relaxing in bed while josh and kids make breakfast! Happy mother's day!

May 10 at 11:29am via Android- Very dirty boy after playing on dirt hill

May 12 at 10:50am via Text Message- Of course as soon as i get outside with kids it would start to rain :(

May 12 at 2:34pm via Android- So sweet when he is sleeping!

May 13 at 9:01am via Android- Jordan wants me to tell him a time and then he writes it!

May 18 at 10:53am via Android- Soaking up sunshine with Jordan

May 18 at 12:19pm via Android- Picnic lunch with Jordan and Josh

May 19 at 7:06am- My sister Jana was admitted to UW hospital last night after a doctor's appt yesterday. Please continue to pray for them and the babies as they meet with doctor's today to figure out a "plan".

May 19 at 6:14pm- Latest Update from Jana. Looks like she will be in the hospital for the remainder of her pregnancy

May 21 at 9:41am- Happy Birthday Bronwyn!

May 24 at 10:22am via Android- Just because I think he is so cute in his hat!

May 24 at 12:36pm- Only 2 more days to 24 weeks!!!

May 24 at 6:00pm via Android- Enjoyin' a mini blizzard at DQ!

May 28 at 8:35am via  Android- Headed to Seattle with the kids to visit Jana, Danny, and the babies!

May 29 at 11:23am via Android- Watching the canoe end of the race! Jordan loves it!

May 29 at 5:07pm via Android- Attempting to break into my own house :(

May 31 at 10:23am- Please continue to pray for Jana and the babies today!

May 31 at 8:36pm - Babies hearts are looking good...Jana is having some fluid removed tomorrow so continue to pray for her!