The love story continues...

S: Excuse me miss...do you I know you?

C: Whatcha got over there Spencer? Can I have some?

S: Sorry baby, it's mine.

S: Who does this girl think she is? I heard about her and that Kyler kid seeing each other behind my back...
(Chloe had quite the rep in the NICU with the boys...)

Spencer was Chloe's NICU neighbor for a million-and-a-half-days (or so it seemed). My first memory was of Jim, (Marla's baby(s) daddy) letting me (in a wheelchair) follow him into the NICU as I forgot my secret code-y thing (they were pretty strict around there). I also remember hearing tears from behind the curtain in the pod next to Chloe. Spencer and Sophia were born the day before Chloe - and Spencer was very sick - and admitted to Banner without his sister (or mother for that matter). It was devastating - and I remember hearing Jim tell Marla that she needed some rest. I don't remember what her response was, but I'm pretty sure there were profanities in it (just kidding..)

As I sat there I wondered what to say to the mom behind the curtain - what do you say?

Spencer was having some tummy issues (to put it mildly) and didn't get to eat. EVER. I remember after a long time (centuries) on antibiotics Spencer finally got to eat. I think he got less than a teaspoon of pediasomething...and then he was NPO (NOOOOO FOOOOOD) forever and a day, and then he had to undergo surgery....and then they kicked him out, er, he got better and got sprung on December 5th.

Marla was my saving grace in the NICU. She would say the perfect thing - which was usually the thing I was thinking ("No talking in the lactation room!") They moved Spencer a few times - to isolation (don't put Marla's baby in the corner) and then I think to B-pod for a few, but finally back to C-pod with Chloe. I loved having Spencer there with Chloe...and I loved having Marla and Jim there, too. It was a marvelous and dreadful time. I miss hanging out with them every day.
AND SO.....today the twins had a birthday party. Full of cake and crawling and sunshine. Nurse Denise was there (Denise was a fixture in C-pod as well, as she was Spencer's primary nurse and one of Chloe's Bff's). It was so great to see her hold Spencer - just like in the NICU, except now he's big and healthy and ONE year old.

There was a time when I didn't think this day would come....a day that we would all sit and laugh and remanice about the days when we used to think this day would never come.

And now it's here and we're so glad.

Happy birthday sweet babies! We love and miss you!