What in the world just happened???

A week ago our lives changed forever. My water broke last Thursday night and life has been a blur since then. They tried to stop my labor with magnesim and tributalane, but it only held it off for 22 hours. I was only 31 weeks along and was terrified for their early arrival. Before I knew it I was dilated to an 8 and they were whisking me off to the OR and throwing scrubs at Brian. By the time I was in the OR I was at a 10 and no anesthesiologist in sight. Baby A was head down in position, but baby B was breach. We decided to go for a vaginal delivery despite the risks...luckily the anesthesiologist arrived in time to give me an epidural before I began to push! I pushed for a little over an hour and Xander Thomas was born at 12:06 AM. He weighed 3 lbs 11ozs and was 16 1/2 inches long. They let me look at him quickly and then rushed him to the NICU to get him help with his breathing. Bri left with him and meanwhile Dr. Lee (an amazing Dr!) was able to reach up inside of me and turn baby B into the head down position! It was a celebration in the OR (there were about 12 people in there with all the Drs and nurses). Brian came in right at that time and coached me through pushing baby B out. Isaac William arrived at 12:22 AM. He weighed 3 lbs 7 ozs and measured 16 3/4 inches long. He too had to be rushed off to the NICU- their lungs were not quite ready to greet the world. My mom was waiting outside so she and Bri went back to the NICU while I went back to the room to wait to feel my legs again. As soon as it had worn off Bri and my nurse took me down to see my babies. They were both stable, but were in their isolettes, so I couldn't touch them at all. This last week has been one big step at a time. They had to be on CPAP (the big tube thing over their noses) to help them breathe, and had to go on the jaundice lights for a few days. Because of that we couldn't hold them. Little by little they are getting stronger and they are keeping pace with each other. They both got off their CPAP the same day and moved on to the nasal canula, they both graduated from the NICU the same day and were moved upstairs to the intermediate nursery, and they both got off the lights! So that means we can finally hold our sweet little angels. I really can't put it into words how I felt when I finally got to hold them. I get teary eyed just thinking of them and the love that I feel for them. Brian and I feel so incredibly blessed that they are so healthy for being so early. They still have a long road ahead of them (could be anywhere from another month to two months) before they can come home, but I am trying to remember this is temporary. I ache for them when I'm not with them and I absolutely can't wait to see them each day. My friends have been amazing, taking me to the hospital every day (I can't drive until my iron levels get back up there) and Bri will meet me out in the evening to spend time with them and then take me home. Our big boys have been coming out in the evenings, but Luigi has been sick and hasn't been able to come back with us. Heiner is a pro at taking their temperatures and loves to hold their hands--it is too precious. Meg is on strict hospital bedrest at TG right now doing everything she can to keep her twin girls inside for as long as possible. It has been so fun for me to spend time with her, go pump, go see my babies, go see Meg, go pump, go see my babies..That has been my life this last week. I have been in this alternate reality--I still can't believe they are here. I thank God every day that He has watched over them and that He brought them here safely to us. I also have no doubt my dad is hovering over his newest grandsons making sure they are protected, I just wish he could really be here in person to share this time with us. I miss him so much right now it physically hurts. Thank you for your continued prayers over our family at this time! We are so grateful for all of you and the overwhelming love and support you have given us.