Little Devin Fell out Window and Bonked his head. He is fine though...

Devin is fine, but we just got home from the ER. He was playing on the window sill in the downstairs window, he likes to jump onto the couch from the sill even though he knows he is not supposed to. I was in the backyard putting sleeping bags in the tent, where we were going to sleep, so he opened the window. I told him to stop climbing on the window sill. Both he & Brooke did it again so I started walking around the house to make them stop. As I was half way to the gate in the front, I heard D start screaming. I knew what happend and sure enough I ran to him and he was screaming on the ground below the window. I was carrying him inside and told him I was frustrated and mad that he did not listen to me. At that point I did not see any blood. Then I realized there was a cut on the back of his head, but it was not bleeding real bad - surprising for a head wound. (he fell about 3.5' on 1/4"- gravel)

We thought it looked a little deep so we took him to ER at Evergreen. They put 2 staples to hold it together. The cut was about 1/4".

Before we got in the car, I was holding Dev and I think he realized I was worried. He looked at me and said "I'm ok daddy." All the way there he was fine and laughing, just like normal, but at one point he said he had a burn on the back of his head. He did not cry at any time in the hospital until the Dr. put staples in...of course.

I cannot stand the feeling I have right now, I am just glad it was not worse. Poor little guy. Please pray he sleeps well and it does not hurt him anymore.

All the other kids are doing well. Grandma & Pa Pa came over to watch them.

J

Exciting Times At Our House!!!!

WOW, our boys are six months old now! Just think, this time last year we had just found out we were having twins, and now our life is totally different! The boys had their six month check ups. It has taken me so long to update because I am just so dang busy! They both are doing really well, I had to take all the kids with me to the appointment, so I didn't get to pay as close attention as intended to with. Devin was having fun playing in the sink and getting his shirt all wet, then he was throwing the paper from the counter all over the floor...it was chaos!!!!! Next time I will make sure I don't get the appointment time all mixed up so I will have the babysitter at the right time!
Jordan is in the 10% for height and he weighs 16lbs and is in the 25% for weight. I wanted to ask if they were still on the premie growth chart, but I forgot to ask. Then they didn't fill out the stuff on Blake's paper, and of course I didn't notice until I got home. But they are both pretty close anyway. One thing about Blake, we need to take him to see the surgeons at Childrens, as he seems to have one testicle that has not dropped. Our pediatrician doesn't feel it either, so, either it's not there or it will need to be surgically lowered if it hasn't done so on it's own by 12 months of age. It's nothing to worry about, even if he does have to have surgery, but pray that he wont.
As for other exciting news! Devin, up until last night has been absolutly uninterested in potty training. Finally we changed his mind. Brooke is still wearing pull ups to bed and this time she wanted "Cars" pull ups, well Devin saw those and wanted to wear them too! We told him if he wanted to wear car pull ups he had to go potty in the big boy potty, so off he went to go potty! He was dry all day today and even went #2 twice in the big boy potty! Now that's what I call easy! Lets hope it stays that way!
On Sunday we are having Devin's 3rd Birthday party at the park by our house, he is very excited for his "Monster Jam" party! He loves those big trucks!
Other exciting news.....only 4 more days till Brooke is an official Kindergartener!!!! Times change fast, don't they!!!!

Pics from our August 2008 activities

Brooke's first Soccer Practice and other pics! (click on show to see pictures)


Decatur Island (click on icon to see pictures)

Decatur Island (san juans)

Lazy Days of Summer!

Here we are in the middle of summer. It's very hot today, but heard it's supposed to get yucky! No my favorite. We went to the San Juan's this last weekend with some friends and had a great time. The kids all did really well, even Blake and Jordan who still slept through the night. I was preparing to not get much sleep since we all slept in the same room, but they did just fine.
I took the boys to the Dr last week as they both had congestion and coughs. I didn't want to get up in the middle of nowhere and have them get really sick. Blake was a little worse than Jordan, so the Dr gave him an antibiotic to help get rid of his cough and congestion. He seems to be doing better now.
They are now playing in exersaucers and enjoy them,they don't like to be in the swings much now unless they are tired, they would rather play.
We have a young friend from church over today to keep Devin and Brooke busy, their outside playing right now, it's nice to have some down time. Blake and Jordan are taking naps right now! I'll try to get some new pictures on here soon!

Pearrygin Lake 2008

Grandma watched Blake & Jordan while the rest of us went camping 4th of July weekend. We had a great times! Enjoy the slide show! (I admit, the pics are biased to the Ripke family. Next year I will make a point to take more of all who we camp with...) ;-)

Simply click on slideshow to get to still photos as well as our other photo albums...

Happy 5 Months Boys!

The boys are 5 months today. I weighed them both tonight and they weighed exactly the same, 14lbs 2ozs. Since Blake is a little shorter he is looking a little chunkier. They are both rolling over both ways, Jordan now likes to sleep on his tummy and Blake likes his side. Their starting to get around by rolling or wiggling. I think it's about time to put the gate at the top of the stairs again. Neither of them like their binkies anymore. If they see me coming with it they start spitting to keep it out of their mouth. Oh well, less work for me later since I won't have to break them of the habit.
Devin on the other hand is in love with his binky. I've been telling him when he's three he won't need it anymore and we can say "goodbye" to it. I don't think he buys it...
Brooke and I just got back from Idaho for a girls weekend with Mae-Mae, Aunt Heather and cousin Payton. We went to the theme park Silverwood, it was a lot of fun. Brooke likes the ride part of the park better than the water slides. She's not a water girl, I guess she takes after her mom and dad, neither of us care for playing in the water that much. I liked it more when I was a kid, I hope she gets over it.
Speaking of just getting back, I still have not unpacked, I guess I better go do that since the boys are in bed!

let them be little

Summer is finally here!

The news says the hot days are coming! I'm excited to have some warm weather, but I don't know if Blake and Jordan will like it. Thank goodness we have an air conditioner in our bedroom, I can always put them in there if it's getting too warm for them.

The boys still are not quite sleeping through the night yet. They both will sleep through a feeding, but they just don't sleep through the same feeding... I think they are working towards a set schedule for naps too, so that will be nice.

Yesterday we made our lunch and set a little table out on the sidewalk and ate outside. It was sunny but a little breezy, so it was not super warm. I brought Jordan out in the garage and he took a nap in the pack-n-play. Sometimes it's hard to get any time with Brooke and Devin outside.

We are getting ready to go camping for the 4th of July weekend. Jason's mom is going to watch Blake and Jordan for us. I think she's getting a little nervous... We are really excited go with just Brooke and Devin. Last year was still a little hard with Devin. He is no longer taking naps :( so that will make it a little easier. I was hoping he would nap until he went to kindergarten!

Devin has been telling me that I am awesome or amazing lately, it's so fun. But then he's also telling us he doesn't love us when he's mad at us.

They got to go to a friends house and play for a few hours this AM. I don't know what to do with myself. I have so much that needs to be done, I could take a nap, read, take a shower, pull some weeds, wash and fold clothes, clean the house.... I don't know what I'm going to do. I better go do it though so I don't waste any time! More updates and pictures later! :)

Happy Birthday Brooke!

We celebrated Brooke's 5th Bday on Saturday (6/21). This was the first birthday where she invited a group of her school friends (as well as a couple cousins). She wanted a "girl" party and to watch High School musical 2. There were 8 girls, mostly from her preschool class, and 2 boys (Devin and cousin Brendan).

Brooke told me she did not want the boys to watch the movie with them because it was girl time. They only ended up watching about 15 minutes of the movie. Brooke's favorite part of the party was the purse making activity.

Enjoy the show (mostly of brooke's party, but many other picts as well) To view photos, click on slideshow.

June 2008

June 2008

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all you Dad's! I know it's been almost a month since our last update, sorry about that. The boys are awake more now, they are also rolling over from their tummy's to their backs and trying to go the other way but haven't gotten there yet. They are cooing a lot and playing with their hands and chewing on them. They are just starting to notice each other, so that will be a lot of fun to see them talking to each other.
They had their 4 months check up on Friday. Jordan is now 12 lbs 12 1/2 ozs and Blake is 12 lbs 5 ozs. They both are doing really well and growing big. We are having fun taking lots of pictures!
Brooke will be 5 on Wednesday, she wants to have a "High School Musical" party. High School Musical is a Disney movie Brooke loves, so she wants to watch the movie and play some games. She's very excited. She said when she's 16 she's going to have a Hannah Montana party!
I'm trying to get Devin excited about potty training...so far NO good! I told him we can get some M&M's at the store and he can have one every time he goes potty on the big boy potty. He said "no"...then I said we could buy him a very special present when he learned to go potty on the big boy potty and he said "no." I asked him if he had to throw away his diapers or his binkies which would he throw away? He said "my binkies!" I think I'm in for a long summer. I wanted to send Devin to preschool this fall, but I don't know if we will make it. Oh well, I know we'll get there eventually...right?!
Well, I will try to update more later and add some pictures also!
Good Night!
(Add On)
The boys are getting close to sleeping through the night. It will be so nice to sleep more than 2-3 hours at a time again!!!! They still wake up once a night, and then wake up early but will go back to sleep with just their binkies. I think we will be putting them in their own cribs soon also. They are moving around a lot more and squirming into each other while they are sleeping. The Dr said we could start feeding them solids soon also if we like. In a way I'm not looking forward to that, it's one more new thing to get used to times two! Oh well, we'll get through it like everything else...

New Pictures

New Pictures

Lions and Tigers and Bears!

We took the kids to the Zoo on Saturday, of course it was the hotest day of the year so far. Blake and Jordan are not hot weather little dudes, that's for sure. On Friday and Saturday they were pretty fussy, poor guys. I had their stroller covered with a light blanket so they didn't get sun on them, but it probably kept most of the breeze out too. They settled down whenever we went into a cooler building or the shade. Brooke and Devin were disappointed with the zoo, we didn't get to see many animals, I think they were all lazy because it was so hot. We went to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, which we had never been to. I don't know if it's because I am partial to Woodland Park, but we didn't like PDZA as much.
We went to "The Rain Forest Cafe" at South Center on the way home as a treat for the kids, they enjoyed it. We told them it was Brooke's birthday, since it's just next month. She was really surprised and excited when they sang to her.
I don't know if I mentioned this before, but it sure is a different experience taking two babies out in public. The other day I took all four kids to the grocery store and I felt like we were the store entertainment. One lady asked me what I do with my free time. I said "I don't have free time!"
We went to Brooke's preschool picnic today. Jason met us there and was able to play with the kids for while before he went back to work. After he left I realized I didn't know where half my kids were half the time! I won't be going to a big park any time soon with all four kids myself, I think we will stick to the little park we walk to by our house.
Well, I am going to attempt to add pictures without getting interupted before I'm done, I don't know if I'll succeed!

New Pictures!

New Pictures

I think I see the light!

I think the boys are finally starting to sleep a little longer at night. Their fussy time has changed, it is now from 7:00 PM to 10:00. It makes it tough to get Brooke and Devin to bed, since they are both fussing at that time. They slept for about five hours straight for five nights in a row. They didn't do it for Jason on Friday night though.
They both are smiling for us now and beginning to coo also. It sure make being so tired more bearable when we get a reward like that. Brooke sure is enjoying the boys, she loves to help and get them to smile at her. Devin likes to hold them too and says "I love him" when he does.
School is going to be out for Brooke next Wednesday. I hope the weather starts to warm up more so we will be more likely to spend time outside. I'm a little afraid of going stir crazy during this summer.

Two Months!

Here we are, mid April, and we have about 2"+ of snow on the ground and it's still snowing. Last Saturday it was 75 degrees out and this Saturday maybe we can make a snowman! Today the boys had their two month check up and are doing very well.
Jordan
9 lbs 8 ozs and in the 60% for weight
21" long and 50% for length

Blake
8 lbs 12 ozs and 40% for weight
20 1/2" and 30% for length

Blake is not gaining as fast as Jordan, but the Dr said it's nothing to worry about, he's consistent with his growth curve. They both got their two month old shots and now are pretty grumpy...I think it will be a long night. :(

It seems like things are calming down somewhat in our home and we are settling into our new normal. We still need and are getting a lot of help, which we are very grateful for. Jason is just now feeling better after being sick with the cold/flu for 10 days. Unfortunately he had no more time to take off work and had to go to work anyway. Maybe that's why it took so long to recover. We are all glad daddy's feeling better!

Brooke and Devin are enjoying their new brothers. Yesterday Brooke changed Blake's diaper and redressed him most of the way herself. She loves being able to help take care of them, it makes her feel grown up. Speaking of grown up, I can't believe she's almost five years old. We have her all set to start all day kindergarten in the fall. The other day I found scribbling on the toy box and one of Brooke's pencils. I reminded her she needs to keep her pencils up so Devin does not get them and write on things. I told her he scribbled on the toy box, she replied, "I know, so I drew a circle with a line through it so he would know he's not supposed to do that!"

We will try to update the blog with pictures soon, maybe we can put some April snow shower pictures on here!

Love and blessings!

oops, Yikes! Not another little Ripke....

We have news. Kim is pregnant AGAIN ALREADY! Not sure if it could happen any faster...

Getting Bigger

Happy 6 Weeks!

Blake and Jordan are six weeks old today. Time is going by fast and slow at the same time...if that's possible. The boys were weighed a week ago today, Jordan weighed 7 lbs 5 1/2oz. The nurse said he was gaining an oz and 1/5 a day. Blake weighed 7 lbs, gaining an oz a day. They aren't looking so tiny anymore. They have rolled over a couple of times and keep trying when they are really upset that I have put them on their tummy.
Devin is wanting to sit on my lap every chance he gets. Poor guy is feeling left out, I've been trying to cuddle with him whenever I can and play with him while the boys are sleeping.
Blake and Jordan seem to have their fussy time between midnight and 6:00 AM. They are easy to calm down, but I end up sleeping on the couch with them so we can get some sleep. I will be happy when we are past this stage and I can sleep in my own bed and keep my eyes open during the day!
Jason went back to work last Thursday, it went much smoother than I thought it would.

Happy Easter!

Jesus has blessed us with 2 new cute babies and very little sleep! We are thankful for our family and know we could not do this without HIM! Blake & Jordan are both over 7 pounds. Brooke is 32 pounds and Dev is 30! Kim is...Just joking...

Make it a great day.

Blake & Jordans first week @ home & More Pics

Blake & Jordans First Month!

They are home! The first week has flown by. So far Blake and Jordan, just like B & D, are very easy babies. They do like that 3AM feeding still but they have been on a 4 hour schedule for the most part. Devin & Brooke have been very good helpers and pretty good listeners. God has truely blessed us with wonderful children.

Here is a Brooke Quote:
I layed Jordan down next to Brooke in her bed. Then he turned his head toward her and started acting like he was hungry. Brooke looked concerned so I picked him up.
Brooke said "That kind of freeked me out. I thought he was going to eat me." Then she said, "That would freak out all little girls, huh?"

Thanks for all the continued prayers, support and help!

The Ripke Family...

So Far So Good

Things are going well for us at home. Blake and Jordan are eating every four hours, so we can pretty much plan the day around that. We were afraid the day light savings time would mess us up and we would have to get up more than twice in the night. Somehow the boys worked it out and we are on the same time schedule even though we lost an hour.
Brooke and Devin are enjoying their new siblings and want to help. They did however break the crib trying to climb up the side to see the boys. Thank goodness Jason was able to fix it but I don't think we will be able to pass it along when we are done.
Tomorrow we are registering Brooke for kindergarten, I can't believe the time has gone so fast. Next thing you know we will be registering Blake and Jordan!

Another Devin quote just for fun

This morning Devin came into our room. Since he was asleep last night when we got home, he did not realize the Jordan & Blake were home. He heard one of them cry and he said, "Huh. Jordan crying in mommy's tummy."

They are home!!!

We brought the boys home tonight (3/5/08). They are doing very well. Kim & I are now bracing ourselves for the ultimate tiredness... Brooke was very excited and we let her stay up late. Devin was asleep when we got home so he does not know the boys are here.

Something Devin said:
The other night Devin said we have to go to the hospital to see Blake and Jordan because their mommy is bye-bye. He did not realize that Kim & I are Blake & Jordan's parents as well.

Thanks for your continued prayers.
The Ripke's...

(Wow, a family of 6!)

Going Home Soon!

The boys are both doing great with their feedings and getting closer to going home. The nurse said today they may be going home by Thursday. They have to do a car seat test where they sit in their seats for an hour with the monitors on to make sure they don't have problems with breathing while they are in them. They still have to get circumcised and get their Hep B shots.
I guess we better make sure we get all the rest of the things ready at home. I don't think reality has hit me yet, it still doesn't seem like we have two new little boys!
We'll let you know when we find out for sure when they're coming home.

A Glimps of Reality!

After over a week of staying away, Devin and Brooke finally got to see the boys again. They both had gotten new colds and were not feeling too hot, but are better now. They really enjoyed seeing and holding the boys, but we didn't last too long. After dumping popcorn, milk, yogurt and crackers on the floor, I told Jason we have to get out of here before we destroy this room! Devin went running down the hall and Brooke chased after him, they both were yelling. I thought, I am going to go crazy at home! Thank goodness spring and summer are coming, we can spend time outside.
Devin was holding one of the boys and he said "this is a nice baby" and kept saying "hi sweetheart." Then Blake or Jordan, whomever he was holding stretched and puckered up like babies do and Devin turned his head away and said he didn't want a kiss! Brooke put the breastfeeding pillow around her and was trying to feed her gingerbread doll she brought with her.
Blake and Jordan are doing well with eating. Jordan is doing a little better than Blake right now. Blake seems to get tired faster, but they are both getting better and gaining weight well. Last night they weighed 5lbs 13oz each. They are movers and like to stretch out in their crib. Whenever they have a new nurse, the nurse tells me how busy they are and asks how I got any sleep when I was pregnant.
I wasn't able to make it up to the hospital today, but I talked to the nurse and she said they were doing well. They both started fussing so she snuggled with them both for an hour and a half, and they settled down as soon as she picked them up. I am very grateful for the care they are getting at Evergreen, the nurses there are great!

Two Weeks Old!

The boys are two weeks old now and getting bigger. They are still doing really well, but not progressing very quickly with their feedings right now. It's not uncommon for babies born at 34 weeks to do really well and then slip back a little or just stay put. The nurse said today feeding is the biggest hurdle for them to get over. We are not worried at all, I would rather have them stay in the hospital longer than come home and struggle with feedings. After all, God's timing is prefect! We are praising the Lord for our happy and healthy family!

More pictures!

More Pictures of the Ripke's

10 Days Old

Sorry for the long delay of updating with new pictures. Blake and Jordan are doing great. They are eating well on their own, not often enough to come home yet though. They have to be taking all their feedings without help and gain more weight before that can happen. We sure miss the boys when we are at home. Brooke and Devin have had coughs and have not been feeling that well this weekend, so we were unable to go up to see the boys as much as we wanted to. I am recovering well also and will be able to drive by the end of the week. Having Devin home with me still makes me nervous though. The night I got home from the hospital he ran and threw himself at me and landed right on my incision. He was sad as soon as he realized he hurt me and kept saying he was sorry. Poor little guy, everytime he came near me after that I put my hands out to keep him away. I was afraid I was going to get a karate chop right in the belly!

Monday 2/18

I was able to spend the afternoon with the boys today. When I got there Jason was there on his lunch break holding the boys. The day went by fast, the boys and I got to take a nap together in the recliner. I tried to breastfeed Jordan, it's just practice right now...he actually got his feeding from a tube while I tried to feed him. Tomorrow I have my post partum check up at the hospital at 8:30 AM, so I am going to ride in with Jason when he goes to work and spend the day with the boys. We have taken more pictures, we just have not had the chance to post them on the blog, we will soon though. Brooke and Devin have been having a couple of challenging nights, we all miss each other and life as usual. I know it will take a while to get back to a "new" usual.

Kim is home now (Sunday 2/17 at 6PM)

Babies are doing well but still at hospital. Brooke & Dev are excited to have mom home. We are all tired though...

Mom, Jordan & Blake Update - also some good kid quotes

Kim is doing a lot better and was walking around yesterday (saturday 2/16). She will most likely come home on Monday, but possibly Sunday (today!)

Blake & Jordan continue to do very well and are slowly starting to eat with a bottle (currently 2 of their feedings per day are from bottle, the rest of the feedings are via the tube.)

Last night (2/16) Devin held Jordan and when I put Jordan back and told Dev we were just going to say hi to Blake, Devin insisted he also hold Blake. So, I let him. (Of course Dev had my assistance!) Devin likes to give them kisses and say "bye bye sweetie" and he always makes sure he says that to each of them.

Brooke has been at Heather & Jason's house since Friday so she has not had a whole lot of time yet with the boys. However, on Thursday night, after the twins were born, I was talking with Brooke on the phone and told her she would be coming to visit the boys at the hospital that night. Below are a few things she said:

- Tell Blake & Jordan that I am Brooke and Devin is Devin, that way they will know who we are when we get there.

- Tell Jordan that Jordan is my favorite name

- Tell them that Dalmations is my favorite movie (note: 101 Dalmations was only her favorite at the time because she was watching it when I was talking to her)

- When I get there can I teach them to talk and say "Yeah"

Thank you for your continued prayers!

helpful hint

if you want to see more pictures, click on the pictures within a posting, that will bring you to a site with several pictures...

Jordan & Blake are doing GREAT!

All the nurses & docs have said how "surprisingly well" the boys are doing. They have said that for 34 wk identical tiwn babies, it is uncommon to have so few issues. To Kim & I it is not a surprise because so many people are praying for them! Our God is an awesome God.

Both Blake & Jordan are self regulating their temperature and have been moved into a regular crib as opposed to a heat controlled isolette. However, they still are not eating on their own. So, what it all means is we should still expect from 1-3 wks, depending on how they do with eating and maintaining/gaining weight and fussing when it is feeding time...So far, the news could not be better!

Kim, on the other hand, has preclampcia (spelling??). She will be fine, but has to be on a magnesium sulfate drip which makes her feel "yucky" and uncomfortable. That, topped of with a morphine hit, makes her a little loopy!

Kim had only seen the boys for a few minutes before this afternoon. The NICU nurse brought both of the boys into Kim's room and Kim was able to hold them for about 40 minutes. I hope she will remember it, but one of the side effects of the magnesium is a foggy or skewed memory of what happened during the time frame of the meds...

Thanks again for your prayers. Feel free to call on our cell phone(s) if you want.

JnK...

They are both here and doing well

They are here!!

Here are some pictures of Blake & Jordan. I have tried to ID them, but found I have some challenges!

Both boys are very healthy, Jordan is the oldest!
Jordan Robert born at 12:32 PM
18.1" long
4 lbs 15.9 oz

Blake Samuel born at 12:34 PM
17.5" long
5 lbs .02 oz

Blake drank his first full bottle and Jordan only drank 1/2. So Jordan has a feeding tube for now. They are both in a heated isolet (a bed with a warmer above it). All in all they look very good!

Kim is feeling a little sick right now as she recovers. No concerns, but she is uncomfortable.

I think I got all the vital info, but if you think I missed something, feel free to call us on our cell phones. If you are intereseted in seeing the babies, we will let you know when a good time would be. Thanks for your prayers.

Talk to you soon. Signed a Father of 4...

2/14 - the birthday!

Happy Blake & Jordan Day!

Enjoy some pics! Will post more when we can...

Valentine's Babies (2/14/2008)

We are on for noon today and the boys will stay at Evergreen, where we are delivering. I have to get there (I am at work now!) Will update blog as soon as I can this afternoon/evening!

Thanks for your thoughts & Prayers!!
J & K

Change of Plans

We thought today would be the big day, but once we checked in at the hospital they let us know the nursery was full. I would still be able to have my C-section, but the boys would have to be transfered to another hospital. Since it was not an emergency situation I told them I did not want to do that and would rather wait for another day. So, we are trying again for Valentine's Day at noon. Of course I will call early tomorrow morning to make sure they have room for the boys in the nursery. If not we will see what my Dr wants to do, whether it be continue waiting or go to another hospital that would be able to keep me and the babies.
Please pray for room in the nusery for the boys tomorrow at Evergreen. We will keep you posted!
Love, The Ripke's

WELL, NOT TODAY, Tomorrow 2/14??

We got to hospital at 6:45 AM and they said the nursery was full and we should have called first. Apparently there was some miscommunication. We could have still had them today, but the babies would have been moved to a different hospital. They are expecting several babies in the NICU to be discharged today so we are tentatively scheduled for Valentines Day at noon. (By the way, the babies are expected to be fine but will be in NICU for up to 3 weeks since they will be 3 weeks early.)

We have to call hospital at 6 AM tomorrow (2/14) to confirm. We will keep you posted!

Man, this was a very disappointing morning. But, God wants the babies inside still. Pray for patience for us!

J

It's Official - 2/13 is the day!

On Wednesday morning at 9 AM, Blake & Jordan are scheduled to be delivered by c-section. We will keep you updated as often as we can and will try to post pictures as well! Thanks for your prayers...

Yikes, tomorrow we go from 2 to 4 kids!

Blog date 2/11 - Wednesday (2/13) is the day...

Well, most likely. Kim had an amnio today (2 of them), which they will test to determine if both Blake & Jordan's lungs are mature enough. We were suppose to hear results earlier today (2/11), but they did not call us back yet.

We do know that the babies are 4 lb 7 oz and 4 lb 11 oz and look great.

We will keep you posted when we know more, but at this point it looks like Wed. 2/13 at 9 AM they will join us in the outerworld.

J

Jason & Kim plus 4

almost time...
Blake & Jordan will very likely be in the hospital for up to 3-4 weeks. This is because they will be born at 34 weeks, a few weeks early. However, 34 weeks is considered a very long time in utero for twins! Everything looks great with the little guys, so we do not anticipate any issues.

Check back often. J

Blake & Jordan Update

Blake & Jordan will join us post utero on either 2/12 or 2/13. Yikes, less than a week away from this post!! We will use this blog to keep you updated...Below is my first entry...Included a photo album link with photos from the last half of 2007.

Ripke Family - July 2007 to Jan 2008

I (Jason) started a new job at Physio Control on 1/22 and at 4:30AM on that day, we were in the hospital because of a scare with the babies. As it turns out the babies are just fine, but Kim has been on bed rest ever since. She stayed in the hospital for two days and has been at home since then. Oh, I made it to work on time that morning...

Brooke & Devin have been at a different house every work day since Kim has been on bed rest. Fortunately our friends and family have been a tremendous help. My brother, Jeff, and his wife watched the kids for Kim's first 3 days on bed rest. On another day my cousin Julie came over and brought the kids to the Children's museum, then my aunt came in the afternoon to watch them until I got home!! That was extremely helpful.

Also, we have been so blessed by our friends from church during this time in our lives. In particular, Sonja & Lisa, who have coordinated two full weeks of baby sitters & dinners for us. I cannot explain how emotionally overwhelmed we feel from the help everyone from Northview has provided. We do not know what we would have done if our good friends in Christ did not offer us such support.

Kim & I have been concerned about how hard emotionally this would be on the kids, but it is much harder on us because we worry about the kido-s! They are doing just fine and look forward to the next house each day. I told Brooke that she is so lucky because she is able to go to a new house every day and will be able to get to know her friends better and also meet new friends.

This whole process has helped me appreciate the fact that Jesus has blessed us with the opportunity for Kim to stay home and not have to work. It has also given me an appreciation for the energy it takes single parents every day/night to taken care of their childrens' needs !

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Jason & Kim