Life AFTER 3 Months In The NICU

[@mountaingirl8124]

To everything there is a season sweet mama. We have all had seasons where we are not at 100%. Maybe this is a time where you unschool a lot, learning naturally through videos, games and just getting the basics done. Your big kids won't remember as much of this time as you think they will. {grin} When we had gone through stressful times in our family, my kids hardly remembered. We remember more since we are mothers. Hugs sweet mama! All your children are beautiful!

[@PromisedJubilee]

Absolutely. 100%. That's how it was when I had my preemie, and I had 3 other kids to homeschool and raise.

[@carolynchadwick7867]

I completely agree! Bri, your breast milk is the best thing you can give your twins. They're not efficient at it because they had tubes, then bottles. Now they're still small, so aren't motivated to switch to breast feeding. With my preemie son, it was the same way. I didn't have a pump & had to manually express my milk. I could have used some breastfeeding coaching, but La Leches League wasn't in our area. I started each feeding with the breast, because it didn't require as much work for the baby to suckle. And I had to get him repositioned often to stay latched on. I strongly suggest you contact that group for assistance. Or any other mother's group with someone who can assist you. They might have some good suggestions to try. The extra effort may help you breast feed all the time. That's time invested to maximize best use of all your time,

[@dreambuilder5972]

Kelli, you are a genuinely Beautiful and kind person 😇 God be with you Friend

[@noneofbizorjuliejt6466]

that was beautifully said your precious

[@diamondwfarm2238]

Kelli, thank you

[@rosaliebuist2334]

It shows SO much that you badly want to nurse, and I think it's worth pursuing that! As much as you feel you are not pouring into your kid's lives, I am 1 of 6 children and my family faced several crises when I was growing up, and the best lessons I learned that I have carried with me into adulthood came from witnessing my parents work diligently at important goals and not give up. And I have NO hard feelings against my parents for the time they were unable to spend with us during thos ed difficulties. You are setting an incredible example for your kids! And once your babies are nursing, it will be SO much easier for all of you! Even this rest time postpartum, is setting a great example for your children! They are learning the importance of rest and recovery, learning to connect and bond with their siblings and you, learning to slow down. It's all so worthwhile! Don't doubt yourself! You're prioritizing so well! Is there a LLL leader in your area who could come over and help you with the transition to breastfeeding? I also wonder about switching to a bottle with a more breastlike nipple shape. Looks like you are working on pace feeding, which great! So very proud of you! As a homesteading family of 8, you guys feel like such kindred spirits to us. Praying that you will be encouraged in breastfeeding and see noticeable benefits and progress in your efforts so far! There is just nothing like the effortlessness and the the amazing feeling of nourishing a baby at your breast, much less 2 babies! I pray you will have that opportunity! It's worth fighting for, not selfish!

[@scouter9933]

Your children will be fine...

[@erin2535]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@alystodola]

Yes! Your kiddos might just learn determination and resilience from you during this season. Bri, this season is so hard. I’m sorry ❤️

[@erin2535]

@@alystodola ❤❤❤❤❤

[@wholenewperspective]

One of the things I’ve learned is to give myself grace and so should you. All of your children will be fine and will not feel deprived of your time. They know and feel the love in your home. That’s most important.

[@heidi7163]

Bonding comes in many different forms. You are loving these babies. They will know forever that they are loved. Bottlefeeding is different for you. If breastfeeding isn't working then what a wonderful way for other family members to participate in feeding and bonding in a way that they haven't participated in the past. It is different. Find your peace. Time is precious.

[@marciedes]

Couldn’t have said it better!

[@starflower703]

May I bring up a different perspective on the structure and home school issue? Isn’t one of the really special things about home school that children get to learn about real life? Having babies is real life and it’s a very valuable life lesson. I wouldn’t give up nursing; I would put home school on hold a little longer or just do it part-time for a little while. You are teaching your older children about what families do in tough situations. I believe it’s just as valuable as reading, writing, and arithmetic!

[@finflwr]

I like this perspective, home education is much more wholistic for this reason exactly.

[@alystodola]

Yes! This! Real life training on determination 😊

[@candacewilliams6869]

Yes, your older children are learning a lot through the birth of these twins. There is so much richness in this situation that you will see over time. And you are right to be trying to put them to breast. That is so good for all of you as well.

[@pameladecicco6509]

Gather your children together, and sincerely ask THEM what THEY want for the babies. Your children have more than most. Relax, Bri. Talk to them. Children are very resilient, they know EVERYTHING, no matter how we try and protect them. They KNOW your vibration. Family pow wow. I know they are young, but the younger they are, the more spiritual they are. Give it a go. Love from Ireland💚

[@annie-k5213]

Good advice.

[@kimakacrazygoatlady148]

Amen great advice ❤️🙏

[@KarlaKayM]

Such amazing advise here. Involve them in the decision making. They will be invested because they got a say so.

[@cherylstreeter1962]

Those older children are wiser than you know- give them the benefit of the doubt ------ all your family is amazing.!!!!!!

[@PromisedJubilee]

ABSOLUTELY. I totally agree.

[@lynnebeattie4829]

Love seeing those precious babies at home! They are growing and prospering. Bri, be kind to yourself. You can't do it all. You are going to have to make some hard decisions about what is best for your entire family. Sending love and positive thoughts to you.

[@mariezafonte6473]

Bri, whatever decision you make is right. There is no wrong, no guilt. Do what's best for you. Art freeze the figs and make jam over the winter.

[@erin2535]

Yummy! Fig jam! I bet fig chutney would go down a treat too!

[@bevoncabralis8383]

Wypoowtorrootptitoooittqtpottitoitiitipyiyqitttoqtietooittiotittouqooototquotooueeotooottotqotoiowotrotiyowtqtiworqotitoeow9ywowttqttoqqqwrwyoqtqqqwqqqqqqtttoqtitoqtittotooqqtoqteyoootqqyroetporiititterooqqq9ttotrqqtioottorot99oqqqiqtottoeqrooeitiowtorowttriqwyqyttowtttotortqiqoituueotpqtwtiqqtpoo9tqqotpoterorioqiqqoetoqoyotitorotoqqtqtqqqqqtyquttottottitorrqoitwttqetiiqqtwtttqtywqqqqrotrorqito5ooutotyotitiqttqowrqtqqotetyt1o1qtqrey9oqtiqotiqtoq9ritotttiqtiitoe9tqitqtqqiqttirytoroi5oyqtotirqoootootoriypitoototor9totqitittttoq4tqitotyottqtqtotorottittoorrotioiototototoottotrtipr9rorowttiqqqqqtotwqqtoqtwtqwtqqqqqqqqqqqqqrrqtiwttqqoqwwttwtitotqptqitqqtroototiorqtqtqotoqtypitottorioqrotttieroq4ooworwtpy5oqq5tqptr

[@KathYoder5256]

Oh Art.... I love your stories!!!

[@laurajanyoung3187]

Art you are such a great story teller!!!! Please more stories of your adventures!!!

[@Pinkraider]

Pumping and nursing one baby is a ton of work, I can’t imagine two babies. Praying for you as you make these decisions. You know what is best for your babies!

[@hilarylonsdale608]

My sympathies with the struggle to juggle, especially when sleep deprived. Prayers for a clear way forward for the next little bit.

[@trudeenrenault2493]

Sending you positive vibes...thank you for showing us your struggles and not just showing us that everything is ""perfect"! Being a Mom is HARD and you are rocking it!

[@tilday]

Happy to see those little ones at home! I love to see those kids being raised by kind, loving parents. People have their opinions but you guys seem to think deeply about your family's needs and I can appreciate your amazing efforts. Enjoy those Tennessee hills and keep up the great work!

[@Greg_Johnson_1986]

It definitely is a blessing to hear from y’all. Keep up the inspirational and amazing videos!

[@mariettagernandt4575]

When my daughter was born prematurely weighing 3.5 lbs , the staff told me that suckling from a breast is very hard work for a prem baby and that their body weight would go down. I had to express and then bottle-feed her. After having her home for about a month, I sat with her one day and waited until she was hungry and screaming. This enabled me to shove my breast in her mouth and she instinctively latched on and started suckling. This took a lot longer than bottle feeding, but it brought my milk production up a whole lot which was awesome. Initially, feeds became almost an all-day event, but after some time everything started to fall into a routine again. I hope this encourages you. All the best with this intense season in your life! It will probably be over much sooner than you think!

[@hollyphillips563]

I’m wondering if you’ve tried a nipple shield to breastfeed them? My son was in the NICU for a week (for infection scare, not premature) and he was low blood sugar right after birth and they had to give him a bottle right away (I was recovering from emergency c-section where I ultimately had to be put under general anesthesia). So…due to the bottles…he didn’t take to the breast well until a nurse suggested a nipple shield. It’s worth a shot! He used it for 5 months and then nursed without it after that. My daughter (also c-section, also extreme low blood sugar) used a nipple shield as well, but she never nursed without it. It was a lifesaver for me to be able to successfully nurse my babies and not have to use bottles and pump anymore!

[@melbee1000]

Agree with this. Nipple shields can be amazing for teaching. We also used a supplemental feeding system which attached as you nursed

[@thenestingplace13]

Had to do the same with my little.

[@dreambuilder5972]

Goodness gracious! I wish they would have had those in the 70's and 80's when I was having my 4 babies... but even though I had all 4 by C-section, they put the baby right on the breast. Just so glad that the young women today, are wanting to breastfeed 👏👏👏

[@dreambuilder5972]

Just remember... that this too will Pass. I pray that you will be at peace, with whatever decision that you make. There is no wrong or right way... only your sanity. You are a great Mom 👏👏👏👏

[@growinggenerationshomestea516]

Nipple shields aren't recommended by BF counselors past transition as you can't fully empty the breast with them. SNS is a great option.

[@spookyfish24]

I think one of the most beautiful things about your relationship together is how much Art loves you as the mother of his children and as his wife. The love, support and admiration I hear from him when he encourages Bri and how he talks about how important she is for their children brings me joy.

[@knitvids]

Thank you for sharing your concerns and struggles, makes it better to pray. Yall are doing amazing. All of you!!!

[@roundmott]

My instincts tell me that the entire ordeal with the twins, and the fact that the other kids are now real participants in their care, even though it means that their mother must still stay focused primarily on the twins more than the others for a little while longer, will serve to bond your family together stronger than ever, FOREVER. My guess is that the other siblings will NEVER forget how devoted you were to their new brother and sister while at the same time demonstrating your love for them. You are a GREAT mother! And you and ART have been amazingly strong throughout this entire ordeal. You get "Parents of Year" in my book.

[@sharlenejustice7700]

Bless your hearts❤❤❤ I've never seen Parents more Dedicated to their Children than the Two of You are! Don't be so hard on yourselves....those Babies are being well fed and so are the rest of your Children. Also, just knowing that Mom and Dad are in the house, is a mental and emotional relief and such a strong sense of security for the other Children, that they don't mind you spending more time with the Babies.....they know you are THERE at home with them and that's what matters most!

[@kathryntroyer7779]

Praying that you find peace with whatever decision you make! Love your channel!

[@theresacampbell6591]

I had a similar situation with breastfeeding my preemie son. The NICU nurses explained how much more energy it would take for him to breastfeed with his limited energy. So as I religiously pumped and my milk literally "fell" into his mouth via the preemie nipple, my heart just broke. Finally his pediatrician helped me understand that getting my milk into this tiny boy by whatever means necessary was the most important thing. And it was true!!

[@suejohns7788]

Bri don’t be so hard on yourself, you are doing a great job. You have wonderful twins and 5 beautiful children 👶. Be safe and healthy, sure you will work it out. Lots of love 🇬🇧x

[@gailhitson6722]

There's no such thing as the perfect parent. But there are so many good parents who remember not to sweat the small stuff, pull together, ask for help, and love, love, love. It's what family is all about! You guys are wonderful parents...

[@junekerschner6336]

it is so nice to see you 2 together smiling and laughing with both babies eating happily. God bless.

[@ambergoreham]

I’m crying with you. Please know that every decision you’ve made is RIGHT! I know it doesn’t feel that way now. But you are doing amazing! Whatever you decide, it is right.

[@jadeinthewoods]

I really appreciate your honesty and authenticity. The way you talk openly about your joys and struggles is inspiring. Sending love your way in this difficult season of your lives.❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@carolcalf2032]

Bri. Something to consider. Bottle feeding gives Art and all the family a chance to feed and bond with the twins. They have been given breast milk and well done girl for your pumping! Bottle feeding isn’t the end of the world. The amount of love in your home is what will give the twins the best possible start for any baby. In your shoes I would probably bottle feed but this is your choice my love yours only. Whatever choice you make will be the right decision.

[@BeautifulUnschoolLife]

It sounds to me like you are doing an amazing job of balancing the needs of so many little family members! Sitting in your room and binge-watching floral reality TV with their mom and their new baby siblings is a memory that your kids will have for the rest of their lives. You are doing an amazing job, mama!! And you might find that you end up creating a new structure, and new routine, that doesn't look at all like what you wanted, but is what you needed.

[@donnamartindale4121]

Art and Bri that’s so awesome, that you were both travelers! Bri I don’t think I could’ve been as brave as you were, traveling alone! You two are amazing!

[@elainebradley8213]

We are from Sudbury Ontario. We have had neighbours in the past with great care have successfully grown figs. Amazing to see. Congratulations on your success.

[@bronwentoms4897]

Hello Art and Bri! Sending so much love to you and your gorgeous family. I had a dream two nights ago and Bri, you were in it. In the dream, prayed for you because of all the shock and trama you have gone through. So Ive been praying on those lines for you all. I feel like we are walking similar paths. I had my 7th baba 8 months ago and have the same struggle with how much of my time is spent caring for our baby when our older kids need me too. To encourage you abit, I'm reminded often how quickly the baby phase comes and goes and also that for the older kids, just lying next to you and helping to care for the babies will be healing enough for them. Each month will get easier. You are all together again and life is all as it should be. Praying you have peace about the nursing which ever way you decide to go. Only you know what is best for you, your babies and your family🙏 And I was delighted with the story Art shared about his time in Inverness, Scotland. We lived 40 min from Inverness for 7 years. We are now living back in South Africa tho, but we have good memories of Scotland. Blessing to you and your family Bron Toms

[@ladyinthemountains2527]

Knowing that your other kids need you too, I think that is the decision you've already made in your heart. Be at peace with it and move forward. Your babies WILL thrive. Bottle feeding doesn't mean you love them any less. 💕❤️🥰

[@Crossphase01]

Y'all need to make a grateful list. You are blessed. We love your family and pray for your whole family's health and well being. Thanks!

[@jonabriggs8829]

Bri !! Absolutely AMAZING JOB !! Honey, you are doing the best you can with what you have, and I personally couldn't do a better job myself, I like watching a good mommy like you :) Congratulations both of you for raising those beautiful Children the way you are !!

[@Jane5720]

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a frig and bottle warmers in your room I think it’s perfect

[@brenda9140]

😁 Me Too!

[@gailhitson6722]

Me three.

[@bratspack8571]

I had a bar fridge & a bottle warmer in my room what ever makes life easier so you can enjoy your babies

[@helengarrett6378]

Every pregnancy is different. Every family addition changes the dynamics of how the family copes and works. These two have added great stress and great surprise and joy. Here's unsolicited advice from a mom who had five kids, the last one was a very allergic preemie who ended up on a bottle. We said she was drinking cream of chemicals because she didn't digest my copious breast milk. She also didn't do well on several other formulas either. Constant vomiting and diarrhea. She didn't begin to do well until three years old despite everything the doctors and I tried. But she's a joy. She was a joy. The other kids survived. They are happy and healthy middle aged people now. Time passes and the family goes on. Just be a mom as each situation arises and don't worry so much. I loved nursing my kids. It's easy. It's much easier than bottles. But that's not what happened with my preemie ultimately. I was happy to see more stay in than came out and every pound she put on was a victory. So I celebrated the ounces and pounds and her curiosity and cuteness. You have double the fun and double the work. Just enjoy these days when the babies are growing and gaining and talk to the others while you feed the babies. Just let it all roll on until the babies sleep through the night. Placidness is better for everyone, maybe even better than perfect nutrition. You are doing fine! Really!

[@patriciamanning287]

So nice to see you and Truly outside for a wonderful breath of fresh air !

[@TheChefjen]

I just wanted to say y'all are doing an amazing job of holding it all together with ALL you've been through! The babies are looking so good & Bri you are too. Keep up the great work....it'll all work out. I enjoy the realness of your lives that you share with us!😊

[@cynthiahurry-asoulsearcher729]

That is a precious, precious cradle and family heirloom. And to have held so many babies in your family. What a treasure.

[@christinedehn3257]

If it's worth it for you, a simple frame with clear plastic would probably protect that fig enough over winter to keep it from freezing to the ground. Babies will be fine whichever way you need to go with the feeding. So many kids across the world lost out on a lot of schooling last year and yours did not. Just set a pace you can handle. They will all be fine if this school year is a little less structured than you are used to. Breath, just spend your time as you need to and spread the love around. You two have a beautiful family. The older kids have really stepped up and that is something they can be proud of. Even Wilder knows he is a big brother now. Let each kid follow his or her passion a couple of days a week in stead of "classes". They will astound you.

[@kasch7574]

Very nicely said. I agree 100%

[@Kodalove23]

As a new mother, I want to thank you for being so raw and real! All power to us for using devices that help us get through this easier, like bottle warmers and bottle sterilizers. In regards to breastfeeding, I am on the opposite spectrum - the hospital pushed breastfeeding but my body doesn’t produce enough and I am mostly formula feeding now. I felt bad and beat myself up so badly because I felt like I failed my baby, but then I realized I’m spending so much energy on feeling bad that I could be spending on finding a different way to bond with my baby. The decisions we make will turn out okay, even though they may seem wrong at the time. While we want to give our babies everything, we must also remember that we need to take care of ourselves (emotionally) to take care of our babies to the best of our abilities. 💕

[@GutenGardening]

The baby's smile was priceless!

[@kimberlyhoward7896]

Definitely praying for you and your family! May you find reach a decision that gives the most peace. Which in turns helps you create a simple structure. Thank you for sharing your joys and your struggles, take care🤗💕!

[@jfarm8854]

Thank you for the video! Beautiful family!

[@simq54892]

This season will be all behind before you know it. Your kiddos are completely fine, they are so loved and so lucky to have you guys, whatever their day looks like. Babies are hard core, two post NICU so much more. Your kids will look back think you guys are superheros for doing what you do. BUT that aside. You do what makes this season work for you, seeing as everything you do for you ends up being of benefit to your kids. big hug. I can see its so hard.

[@aleset1]

Miss Bri whatever decision you make will be the right one for your little ones. I know that breastfeeding is very important to you, it was to me also. But sometimes life gets in the way. I got to only feed one of my boys for 6 weeks and one of them 3 months and the other 9 months so you never know how long it will be. Just cherish whatever time you get to nurse them. I still dream about nursing my babies and will feel that "letdown" of my milk and I am nearly 70.

[@gwenanislandfamilybygrace5956]

Blessings from the rainy west highlands of Scotland!

[@TomSmith-mz8lr]

I commend you for your transparency to acknowledge your other children need you. Thank God your babies are thriving. Breastmilk is wonderful, but your love is the absolute best. God bless you.

[@KarmenHall-jj1lz]

You are an awesome Mother Bri . I know in my heart that you will overcome the struggles . You are so strong and with Art by your side y'all can get through anything. Love and prayers from Louisiana 😘🙏

[@jillmom3]

Your kids and husband and also others will be able to enjoy feeding the babies so much! You are great mom! This season will only be a memory soon and dont beat yourself up when you are doing the very best you can🥰 Prayers continue🙏🏻

[@angelacross2216]

You guys are doing so well. What lovely chunky babies.

[@amberirving5913]

Bri, my heart aches for you. I understand how hard it is to have to choose the best of bad options. ❤ What ever you do, you are doing the best you can and it will all work out in the end. Take it day by day! Lots of prayers and well wishes to you!!

[@elainevang9114]

Your fig tree is doing well because it’s up against that barn. I bet if it was out in the yard without any protection it would not have survived. So nice to have such a lovely harvest of figs!

[@kimberlyWestfall1]

I've always wanted to travel, but never had any opportunity to. So I love hearing from others about their travel adventures. Whenever you can, please tell us more stories, we would love hearing them.

[@mssmgirl1]

What ever makes you feel at ease, is the best for your newborns and children. Happy Mom, happy children. You’ve been through a lot. Take care and many blessings.

[@trishthompson5244]

My kids resented the time they had to give up with me and they talk about it to this day. The are all over 25. Broke my heart when my oldest said he lost his mom when my last son was born.

[@rhondadavis1483]

My oldest daughter still says the same....and she’s 36! She was 3 1/2 when I had her twin sisters. Having twins already spreads parents, esp mom, very thin due to feedings, diaper changes and sleep deprivation. I had to bottle feed some and nurse some almost from the beginning...it didn’t go well to nurse them at the same time, so their dad was able to give a bottle while I nursed the other one. After 3-4 months I stopped nursing altogether...I was just exhausted and I just needed a more organized home and routine. One of the huge benefits I found with bottle feeding is that it does give the dad and the rest of the family the ability to bond and also to help. There is tremendous pressure, mostly self imposed, on a nursing mom of twins...esp with other siblings. Praying for peace for you Bri with whatever decision you make.

[@veronicajean3612]

@@rhondadavis1483 think of the poor kids raised in daycare. Never really had a mom to lose

[@sharonrein4249]

Whatever you decide will be right for your family Bri, enjoy your beautiful family ❣

[@shaunadumelle1624]

Art and Bri, I really hope you and your family are doing well. May the Lord grant you all peace and joy this Thanksgiving/Christmas season!

[@dianecharles881]

I had that part but for some reason the Fig Bush did better against the house, so don’t move it ! So happy to see you all doing well and the precious babies!! 💖💖

[@mariettagernandt4575]

Jip, I think it loves the sheltered microclimate it is located in...

[@jenniferbates6706]

Hopefully next year you'll have enough figs to make fig butter. Good luck with your fig tree, Art and Bri. Take care and stay safe wherever you're going. ❤🙏🏻

[@elaineschwarzhoff238]

I love baby noises when they feed!! The babies are adorable. Growing and so sweet

[@Funshine4u]

This is only a moment in your journey., Your older kids are strong, smart and balanced, and your family has been so good about helping out. You will find the best middle ground for them all. You already know what is the best thing for all of them. God Bless!!

[@nataliedent4551]

You are so strong, and your doing amazingly.

[@marilynnew2189]

Dear sweet Bri, you do so much! Think of this as if you were ill. In that case you would lower your expectations for structure in your life. In the long scheme of things this is/will be a brief time. This is an adjusted time in life for you and will soon enough change. Your other children will thrive in a different way for awhile. In the meantime nurse your babies, love them, love the big kids and that is enough. Hod will take care of the rest. I'm sending my love.

[@janw491]

I absolutely know how Bri feels about feeding the babies. I was able to easily breast feed my first one and it was wonderful but, with the second the nurse on the first night decided she would let me sleep and gave him a bottle. I swear he was never as comfortable breast feeding and totally refused after a few weeks and to save my sanity I had to change to total bottle feeds. I felt rejected but he thrived, they do. It’s all good but we don’t always get exactly what we want; your babies are home; you have amazing kids to help. In the big scheme of things you are breast feeding with just an extra step via a bottle.

[@Rebecca_christopher]

Same thing happened to us in the hospital. I ended up pumping exclusively for 8 months and eventually went to formula for the sake of my sanity.

[@sharronmiller451]

They are so precious!! Beautiful babies!!

[@cindybrown7878]

I hear you with the feeding issues. I had problems, now my daughter is a new Mom, she had problems feeding my granddaughter, and had to go to formula. They make bottles up for a night and put in a cooler to take upstairs. Last night, baby girl slept all night!! Like from 9 pm to 6 am! They are the best parents! So are you! Love you & keeping you all in my prayers as I take care of my almost 4 month old granddaughter!

[@Blossomboutique123]

Oh! Sweet babies! I had preemie twin girls! I remember toting them around with their heart monitors! They also had a hard time nursing. Prayers from another twin momma that there is guidance for your hard decisions! I have been in your shoes. You are such great parents! You are loved and supported!

[@BelleJane5]

Good morning. Congratulations on bringing the twins home 💕

[@sallybruska1499]

How exciting Truely is coming off the O2. Royal was really watchful lying in the cradle. I'm so glad you are all home. It'll take awhile to get into a routine but it will come. I wish I was there to be able to help a little bit. But I'll just wish you luck and watch the videos as they come.

[@diannemiller4754]

Such a beautiful sound...baby drinking. Love seeing you all looking more rested.

[@wendyberg1569]

Praying for you all. I cannot imagine how hard this long season is. You make sense, Bri. You are pouring into your new babies while your mama's heart is aching over the needs in your other children. You make total sense to me; one mom to another. Praying, praying, praying.

[@kasch7574]

All your kids need now, is seeing you taking care of their new brother and sister, as best as you can.

[@ladyjoann1957]

Bri, it is certainly okay to bottle feed. I breast fed my first, and my husband never got to feed him, and realize the joy of that special bonding time. I bottle fed my second child, and it was fine for her, and my husband thoroughly loved holding her close and having that special time of joy and bonding! Your other children could participate in the feeding and special bonding!

[@paulamiller2848]

You are such a great momma!! Rest in whatever decision you make. God is sovereign and He is with you and all your babies.

[@fhlranch6233]

So beautiful! You all are looking amazing especially you Bri! hiccups means healthy lungs developing.. Thank you for sharing your precious babies with us.

[@cjandauntieyaya1446]

Figs are amazing for chicken roosting once they get large enough. I have my birds roost under my tree during the winter and the spring so it has plenty of fertilizer to fruit during the summer.

[@StoneKathryn]

Great idea, let the chickens roost under the fig. That is a perfect set-up. They love the protection and the tree gets to fruit.

[@TheEmbrio]

Yes this situation is overwhelming and some compromize needs to be made for you all to have the time and routine, some form of rest. It's nice you are "real" about your process. Ps my premie baby did not have the jaw muscles to feed other than bottles. Do keep that aspect in mind. Nic.u. protocols want and need your babies fed and alive, the babies need to spend as little energy as possible being fed. It might not be very natural, but in nature, they might not have survived.

[@lindsayw6651]

This is so incredible. You guys are so amazing. I look at my long nicu oxygen twin and marvel how far we came from these moments youre feeling now. It feels like yesterday but insane to think of the hills we climbed. It gets better and yall are doing amazing. Absolutely brilliant!! xx xo

[@minifarmwife6753]

Bri, gosh I feel like in this season you have echoed so many of my own personal thoughts and struggles with my first born. My daughter was not premature and I'm 1000% not comparing our situations. Nor am I going to try to give you advice because honestly, having just been through this decision myself I KNOW that what anyone else says doesn't change things. I heard "a fed baby is best" or "breast isn't always best" so many times I was tired of hearing those phrases. They didn't change my heart soreness. You have a tough decision to make but, I'm sure you'll do it with grace and love like everything else I've seen from you guys on KZbin. Thank you both for being real and for sharing. Sending long distance virtual hugs and lots of prayers from one heart sore, but grateful, momma in Ohio to you and yours. Hang in there.

[@ellenclayton5955]

Bri you are doing a great job. Don't beat yourself up about not being perfect!

[@mariayelruh]

My mother had 7 kids (and numerous losses). One of the things she said to me when I had kids, was that she didn't feel like things were back to normal and she had a handle on everything until the baby was several months old. Give yourself time and grace. You've only been home a short while, I know it's hard, but it will get better.

[@abbalove8211]

Did u try the nipple shield for nursing. It really is worth it. Either way, know that u both are doing a great job! God is truly blessing you all.

[@roxannesykes415]

Its ok to just bottle feed your little ones. Breathe. Quit beating yourself up. Family needs you. It will be fine . Hugs. Prayers

[@triciacombs5664]

Thank you for sharing, I hold you all in prayer. Many blessings 🙏 🥰

[@janeschmidt9611]

I’m grateful that the babies are both home and being cared for by caring and devoted parents. The older kids will adapt to the new normal. Take good care of yourselves! 🥰

[@moda78z]

I didn’t know you two were such globetrotters! Would love to hear more ❤️😄

[@PromisedJubilee]

Yes!!

[@erin2535]

Hear hear!

[@gloriagloria716]

Love that you rough camped in Scotland. We have camped just up from Loch Ness. The Highlands are beautiful.

[@thenodiggardener]

Royal looked just like his eldest brother when he was in the crib. Don't beat yourself up about the choices to make. You've done an amazing job so far, and it's gone so fast already. They, and you are all doing so well. You know you've already given your best xx

[@karenminckler4198]

I love the sound they make when they’re eating. They are so adorable. How French do the babies eat? I think you are a great mother and the children will survive. Both of you are great parents.

[@kathleenmirabella8618]

You are a great mom and dad. Take one day at a time. ALL your kids know you love them. Love and food is what kids need.

[@marykayengel4341]

The fig tree is amazing! Love the cradle. The hiccups have to make her tired. Good to witness you all at home 🏡

[@heidipeseke8714]

You doing a great job. Whatever you decide it will be good. Don't give up yet.

[@jeanettejensen370]

I think all NICU moms who wanted to breastfeed completely understand your frustration. I was a first time mom and terrified and felt like such a failure because he wouldn’t take to the breast after having bottles in the NICU. I did pump every 3 hours for the first six weeks to give him my antibodies but it was incredibly hard and I didn’t have very much milk. I know you’re ripped into with all of your other children and responsibilities. I’ve been praying for all of you and will continue praying. You are both amazing parents full of love ❤️.

[@glorytogodhomestead3495]

Such great support from all your viewers☺️

[@jeremycurran1031]

I can so relate to the overwhelm of bringing home premie nicu twins and the challenge of trying to teach them to nurse all the while continuing to pump and bottle feed! Have you tried using a nipple shield to help them learn to nurse? My nicu lactation consultant suggested I try nipple shields to aid that transition from bottle to breast and I definitely think that helped! It still took longer than I anticipated, but we finally succeeded! (5-6 weeks from the time we brought them home for my larger twin and 10 weeks for my smaller twin. 😬 Note: My second twin was just not getting the hang of it and I got concerned she was exhausting herself before getting enough. Her getting enough milk and steady weight gain was more important then learning to nurse right away. So I ended up pausing my nursing attempts with her while I doubled down my efforts with my bigger twin, who displayed more stamina and interest to keep trying. After my larger twin got the hang of it, then I resumed practicing with my smaller twin till we finally succeeded! 😊 Everyone’s situation is different, but that is how that transition happed for us. Just wanted to share that experience if that can be of encouragement. My oldest was a second grader and I felt okay with not only taking a break for two months, but also having a light rest of the school year. (Basically just reading and math sprinkled with science videos/documentaries to watch together. We caught up eventually, continuing school into the summer. Take a deep breath. Try to not stress. Stay hydrated. Savor the newborn stage. It’s only for a season. It will get easier. 💗

[@batpherlangkharkrang7976]

Hi.... Art and Brianna nice to see you and your baby is so cute love watching your videos, thank you for showing your video homestead 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 🏡🎥👍👍👍

[@danielafurlan322]

The babies look so adorable, prayers for Bri to be strong and make the best decision. Love you all.

[@vickieholton8947]

I was just thinking today "it is time hear from Art, Bri and the kids." Needed a baby update. Lol

[@callmescout5831]

Y’all are so real! The struggle is obvious and personal and I appreciate you sharing! ❤️ pumping and bottle feeding is hard! And I only attempted it with one NICU baby!!!