We are an Air Force family that has recently grown from a family of three to a family of seven! In addition to our precious 3 ½ year old girl, we just had QUADRUPLETS!  We are completely enamored with our new bundles of joy - three girls (Ava, Blake & Colby) and one boy (Colt).  

They arrived on August 3rd at 29 weeks and 1 day weighing 2lbs 10ozs, 2lbs 6ozs, 2lbs 7ozs and 1lbs 9ozs respectively. We are incredibly grateful that aside from being small, no serious medical conditions thus far have been identified.  The babies will stay in NICU for a period of time (likely to their original due date) to gain weight, learn to breathe without oxygen and grow strong.  As of today, Colby is the only baby that has been able to come home.   

We thought we knew what to expect when it came to the quads and understood the risks for them as well. Of course, we are learning as we go about many things. I’m pretty sure we are going to earn a nursing degree when all is said and done because we have learned so much about monitors, the lingo, and the procedures involved with the care of these babies. 

What we did not expect is the multitude of random expenses that come along with a long term stay in the NICU such as constant gas refills for driving to and from the hospital daily (sometimes twice a day), the astronomic price of formula, preemie diapers and clothing items (times 4!), lunches and dinners out because it’s been a long day, and the costs of keeping big sister on a relatively normal schedule. These expenses are not covered by our otherwise very generous insurance coverage. 

It has been a whirlwind of emotions so far and we are taking it one day at a time. The stress of financial worries takes a heavy toll on our mental energy that we would much rather spend on our family. Going from a two income family to one only makes it more difficult and having one less thing to stress about (finances) will only help us be able to focus on our babies as they continue to grow.  We would be extremely grateful for any help you are able and willing to contribute. We look forward to sharing our story as they progress and are able to bring the babies home.  We can’t wait to begin this crazy, awesome, fantastic life together as one big family!