Can We Still Call This a Birthday Post??

Well I think it is really shameful that we haven't posted yet about Brandon and Katelyn's 2nd Birthday! So sit down, get comfortable - here is the birthday post and its going to be long. (Can I tell you how much better I'll be able to sleep tonight knowing I finally got this done).

The day did not go unnoticed or uncelebrated at our house even though it has gone unblogged about so far. We went first thing to the hosptial. This many seem odd to some, but it is really one of the high points of the day. Visiting the people that saved their lives is just so meaningful on their birthday. We saw many of our favorite nurses and favorite docs in the NICU and in Perinatology. I unfortunately left my camera in the car. But it was fun to see them that day at the hosptial. Cake and presents were so fun this year I think they appreciated the cake a little more. They were so cute and charming! It is so hard to believe they are two years old! I can't believe we've all survived the last two years, but we have. We are in such a happy place now, but part of being here and appreciating it is looking back. I certainly did a lot of reflecting that day and part of that was the hospital trip I guess, but also just pausing to rejoice in our two amazing children.

We went in for thier 2 year old check up and the doctor was so impressed with how well they were doing. He was frankly shocked I think. He tried to be polite about it, but he was obviously really amazed at the progress they had made over the summer since we last saw him. (can you believe it has really been that long since we've seen him????) Although I am waiting for the official check at the Endocrinolgist, I can say that according to the pediatrician's office they are officialy ......... (drumroll please...) ON THE CHARTS!

Okay, so the numbers might not be impressive to most, but to us they are. They are both in the .02 percentile for weight! Katelyn weighed in at 18 lbs 14 1/2 oz and Brandon was 19 lbs 2 1/2 oz. Although the didn't get a good height on Katelyn, they measure her at 30.5 inches and that puts her in the .9 percentile and Brandon was 31.5 and in the 1.96 percentile. They are really catching up in height especially. We go to Endocrinology in a few weeks for the first follow up since they started their shots and we'll report on the "official" progress then.

They are both catching up in development too. Brandon has made a ton of progress and during his recent developmental assessment he was almost right on for his age. Most of his delays are related directly to his physical limitations. Katelyn is where she should be as well so I am declaring them basically caught up. This is what everyone hopes for - that they catch up by 2. No more adjusted age. They are just 2 and they are doing it well! Here are some pics before I tell about the rest of the birithday festivities.

Hi! Uh-huh, that's right, it's my birthday!

Mammaw showing Katelyn her new pajamas - she loves clothes!

Kisses from the birthday boy!

Katelyn playing with new toys.

They were more than happy to share their cake with everyone!

Here are my two little miracle babies!

Derek and Blake were both pretty excited about the new toys!

The day after their birthday we went to the zoo. It was so fun. Both Brandon and Katelyn loved it, but Brandon was over the top for it, especially the bird show. He waved hi to each animal we showed him. It was so cute.

Oh and since we were in the area, we stopped by the PCMC NICU to see Joni, the Rn who took care of Brandon all but 1 shift while he was there. She loved him and took such good care of him, but we haven't seen her since December 07 so it was so great to see her!