Dear Family and Friends,
This year, 2008, has been filled with great joy and tremendous grief.
On September 5th we welcomed 4 beautiful babies into our family. They are Samantha, Bridgette, Theodore and Madeline, sadly our little Madeline was called home to Heaven 9 days later, she passed away peacefully in my arms. We are forever thankful and blessed to have been chosen to be Madelines’ parents.
Our year started off with a trip to Disney World in February. Alexis and Olivia had a blast, We had breakfast with Cinderella, met many characters. This was a very fun vacation for us, once the little ones get older we will be going again!!!
Luckily we took the trip in February because in March I became very tired only to find out in April that I was carrying 4 babies, yes quadruplets. The pregnancy was quite a challenge I ended up spending the last 8 weeks of it on bed rest, 5 weeks in the hospital. The babies arrived 13 weeks early; they were due December 5th.
Don did a fabulous job taking care of the big girls. He even became sort of good at ponytails. The barn has been put on hold; maybe we will wait for Teddy to be big enough to help.
Alexis finished up dance in the spring and is taking a year off while we adjust to the babies. Also she is staying home from preschool this year, we are trying to keep colds at a minimum. Alexis enjoys dancing, singing, talking, Scooby Doo and amazing us with starting to sound out words. She will start Kindergarten next fall.
Olivia is a smart little toddler. I swear she grew up overnight. She loves big sister Alexis, and does whatever Alexis does. Olivia loves princesses, helping mom with everything and doing everything for herself. Yes she is a big girl!!
Samantha, Bridgette & Teddy continue to grow and thrive. They spent 74 days in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) at the hospital and came home November 18.
Madeline continues to inspire us to take nothing for granted. She had a spunky personality. God let her have 8 great days and 1 day that was really bad, God brought her home quickly.
We are thankful for family, friends, our church and the many volunteers helping us since the babies came home.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous 2009!!
Love,
Don, Mary, Alexis, Olivia, Samantha, Bridgette & Theodore Riepe
