I'd like to thank the Academy...

There is loads to catch up on, but I had to jump on to gush for a minute.

If you have had a conversation with Jeff or I about his career in the last three (to five?) years you may have noticed a few repeated themes: Jeff Dorsey, Chief Operating Officer Development Program (COODP), corporate pipeline. In HCA, Jeff's company, there are are lots of ways to advance your career. But the most prestigious involves acceptance into the COODP. This "program" is really the pipeline to the top executive jobs throughout the company. Each year they accept six or seven applicants out of a pool of 700-1,000 applications.

Jeff was accepted this year! I couldn't be prouder. It has taken an incredible amount of focus, dedication, and just plain ol' hard work. As with any ultra-competitive corporate program, it takes not just talent, but a delicate process of navigating relationships, networking, and getting the "right" people (i.e. Jeff Dorsey, Division President and Jeff's boss for the last 3 years) endorsing your application. And Jeff has been doing all these things for years with the goal of getting into the COODP.

So what does it mean for us? Well, for starters Jeff gets a brand new Mercedes Benz convertible, a big deposit of money into our bank account and a membership to the corporate country club where he can smoke cigars and drink brandy with all the big wigs. I kid, I kid. That's when you get into The Skulls.

Basically not much changes for us right now. Jeff will stay in his current position at Wesley Medical Center here in Wichita. His salary changes over to corporate pay roll and he is eligible for bonus pay. In addition, he will spend a week each quarter in Nashville attending seminars and trainings. Usually participants stay in the program for 2-4 years and then are promoted to a COO job somewhere in the country.

For me it is a huge validation for all the long hours and sacrifices our family has made over the last few years. It feels a little like we've arrived. No longer student or resident or fellow or junior member of the executive team.

But mostly I just feel blessed. Blessed to be married to someone like Jeff who is such a good provider. Blessed that he has a stable and secure job. Blessed that he is surrounded by such good people that have become our dear friends. Blessed that his job has sent us around the country where we've been exposed to lots of different people and places. It's been a great thing.

Gushing complete.



HCA Corporate Headquarters - Nashville, TN 2008 on our cross-country move to Colorado.



The Swaddle

Nap Time Swaddle

Close-up Swaddle

Break-out Swaddle

Triple Swaddle

Sibling Swaddle

The Help

 Wow. I have been humbled and spoiled and ever so grateful by the amount of selfless service that that has been extended to our family the last two months. We have received packages, meals, phone calls, emails and just a general outpouring of love from family and friends.

Most humbling was the help that flew in for the first 6 weeks of Ben and Sam's life. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I would not have been able to do it without them.

My dear mother-in-law, Marlene, jumped on a plane just hours after the babies were born. She took Anna and Isaac while I was in the hospital and when our stay extended from three days to seven, she didn't flinch and took care of everything on the home front so I could be with the babies full time. She cooked and cleaned and spoiled Anna and Isaac rotten. And when I did get home she insisted on sending me to bed for naps and let me sleep late every morning. To put it plainly--she was a Godsend.

Since the babies were a tad early, there was going to be a few days with no one around to help me out. Enter Liz. On just a few days notice, she cleared her schedule, booked a flight, and left her adorable Lily to come and help me. She cleaned my house, cooked us meals, and was the best company. She commiserated with my recovery as a fellow C-sectioner and she watched all the kids so Jeff and I could go to dinner.

My mom wins the award for most time sacrificed and stayed with me for almost three weeks. She got the kids up and going every morning, made meals, cooked all my favorite treats, and doted on the babies. She was my extra set of arms as I got back into my daily routine. She took the kids on outings and did all my grocery shopping. She watched the kids so Jeff and I could see a movie and brought gifts for my kids. She was wonderful.

Mom and Anna with her Valentine's gifts.

My dad came the last three days of my mom's stay. He jumped right in and fixed all the little things around our house that we just have not been able to get to. He played with the kids and took Anna to the Children's Museum. He is always such a pleasure to be around and I wish he would have come a few days earlier. His time here was too short!

And finally, my dear sister-in-law, Susie, came for a week. She cooked delicious meals (her Chocolate Pancakes are to die for!) and did all sorts of fun activities with the kids. Anna especially loved getting her nails painted, making hair bows, and getting her hair put up in princess curls. Susie brought all sorts of fun movies and was such good company. She also took the babies two different nights so Jeff and I could get a

good stretch of sleep. And let me tell you, it was heavenly.

Making Valentine's cookies.

Special thanks goes to my father-in-law, Larry and my dad for sacrificing Skymiles and airline tickets to get everyone out here. They have been so generous and it is much appreciated.

Sunday Morning

We are all a bit under the weather today. Except me. Which is good since I have to take care of everyone whether I am sick or not.

My nursing pillows get a lot of use around here. 

Once the kids saw I was taking pictures they wanted to get in on the action. 

6 Weeks

The boys are six weeks old today.

To me, it's a milestone.

It has been a tricky transition--going from two to four. And we haven't fallen apart yet.

Victory!

Ben and Sam are starting to lose their newborn-ness which is both sad and a relief. I think I'll feel that way about most of stages these boys goes through.

Sam celebrated his six week old birthday by breaking out in a nasty case of baby acne.

Ben chose to lose all of the hair on the crown of his head.

They are still handsome little devils, are they not?

And, bummer of bummers, both boys have a nasty cold/cough.

They were not so happy about having their pictures.taken.

Which is a shame since smiles have started to make appearances around here. Baby smiles are the best.

For now we will have to settle for stoic.

Coming Home

After a full seven days in the hospital, we were finally able to bring Benjamin and Samuel home. It was so wonderful to be all together as a family. As a parent, it is so satisfying to see all your children together--happy and peaceful. Even if it's just for a moment to capture a picture.

More Pictures From the Hospital

Ben in Special Care

Ben again.

Sam in Special Care

WMC provides cute clothes for babies who have to stay longer than the regular stay. It was so nice not to have them in the little hospital onsies.

Jeff feeding Sam.

Do they recognize each other, I wonder.

Cute boys.

Dad and Sam.