To My Former Self

Dear Katie {at 9:00am, June 9th, 2009},
I don't mean to alarm you, but believe it or not, later today you will be giving birth. It's true, in about 9 hours you will be holding your twin boys. Finish up the work you have to get done today, and don't forget to clock out before going to the birthing center.
You will undoubtedly surprise the doctors and nurses, but they will be as amazed and thrilled by the experience as you are.

I am so glad that you've been thinking and talking through the logistics of the boys being transferred to DesMoines to the NICU, because they will be.
You will spend 16 days there, but there's no need to worry, they're stuggles will be minimal and they will be home before you know it! Your family and friends will be so great the entire time you are there, please know that there aren't words enough to thank them all for their support!

Take the time while they are in the NICU to rest up....it will be much harder when they get home to rest. And don't be so offended when a nurse implies that she doesn't think you're bonding with the babies. She doesn't know what she's talking about.

Today your lives are going to change forever.  It may still take a few days, weeks, or months for those boys to completely capture your heart, to realize the gift you have been given. But be ready for it.....because when they do,  you won't be able to soak up enough of their cuddles, or too many of their smiles and giggles.

They will be six months old before you even bat your eyes. Owen will fill your days with his need to cuddle and his coy smile, and Silas will be ready to take on the world with his kicks and scooting, and his smile so big that you will swear his cheeks are sore. They are definitely individuals but they are twin and they definitely are brothers.

Love every minute. Even the not so lovely moments.

Happy 6 month birthday, Owen & Silas. We love you so much!

Love,
Katie from the present