Sunday, July 5, 2009

Eight is Great!

Since she was born, Lily has been the smallest of our trio. And today, she was the first to get her own little isolette!

FYI: For those who know nothing of premature babies (like me as of a week-and-a-half ago), an isolette is a small, clear Plexiglas container about the size of toy chest. There are arm windows on each side so the nurse can easily do what they have to do with the baby inside. It is covered over with a blanket so that it’s nice and dark inside, which helps the babies feel more comfortable opening their eyes. The temperature is regulated much more easily than in the beds covered with plastic wrap, and it is much, much more quiet (and therefore calming) for the baby. The NICU nurses don’t put babies into an isolette until they are more stable; it is difficult to get babies into and out of these contraptions, so it is considered a long-term home.

Needless to say, we were very happy that our Lily Bug is in an isolette. She’s been breathing on the respirators since her birth but she’s not had any major issues at all. She’s on medication for her ductus valve and she’s not eating again just yet, but she’s certainly doing very well.

And to make things even better, as Brooke and I were leaving our night visit tonight, Charlie’s nurse was getting him prepped to move into an isolette of his own! Since putting him on the respirator yesterday, he’s only had one single “episode,” and that was when they were suctioning his throat for mucus buildup. Otherwise, he’s had his best day yet.

Annaleigh is still fighting her belly infection. She had three x-rays today to check the size and content of her belly. The first showed a slight decrease in swelling, which is what we want to see. The second two showed no change, but that’s better than a change for the bigger. We need her to keep fighting. Her nurse told us that it will take a week to know if the antibiotics (she’s on three different ones) did their job, but we will see signs in the meantime. The best sign is that she’s very active, always fidgeting around with her arms and legs. So they will keep watching her and x-raying her every eight hours for any signs that the infection is spreading.

Their personalities are really starting to show through now. Charlie is very curious about things and grabs fingers that are placed in his hands. He has a strong grip and beautiful eyes that seem to search out sounds. Lily is the girly-girl, very prim and proper. She likes it quiet and calm, which make her isolette perfect for her. Annaleigh is feisty and energetic. She doesn’t stop moving for very long and never seems all that interested in company.

We brought up The Belly Button Book, another gem by Sandra Boynton, and read to each baby tonight. Annaleigh seemed to enjoy story-time; we could tell because she was stretching and moving around the whole time. Charlie had his eyes open wide and was watching his mommy read to him with great interest. Only Lily didn’t seem to like it. She made faces that looked like she would rather have just been left alone in her new little house. We also brought each baby a photo of us for the babies to keep in their beds. We logically know that their eyesight won’t let them understand the photos but it makes us feel a little better knowing that we’re there watching over them, even when we’re not physically with them.

We drove up to St. Peters twice today, and Brooke is planning two trips tomorrow, though I will only be with her once. Tuesday will be the first day with only one trip. We’re both dreading it, but we know we can’t keep up at this pace; it’s too exhausting and impractical. But our minds are eased knowing how great the around-the-clock care is in the NICU, and we get a little peace of mind every time we see how much the nurses care about our babies.

PS: As we were getting ready to drive to St. Peters for our evening visit, Brooke noticed a praying mantis perched on our front window. It was a very small one, probably a baby. Isn't that supposed to be good luck? We think so, and we're going to choose to believe it was a good omen.

19 comments:

E. Merritt said...

When our babies were in their isolettes we were allowed to bring in our quilts (a friend had made) and used those to place on top. It was a little touch of home and something personal that belonged to them. Just a thought...

Michele from FTHS said...

Wow. Great to see the progress those little ones are making. Way to go, Little D's!!!!!! You are are in my thoughts as I read your blog each night before going to sleep. Katie and I also discuss y'all regularly. Stay strong!!!!!

Amanda said...

It's wonderful to see them doing so well. I think of you often and pray for you all daily.

Anonymous said...

I'm so, so happy for you all that the babies seem to be doing well. I love all of the little details that you include in this blog... I could picture the story time with each baby! I'd take the praying mantis as a good omen, definitely! :) As always, you're all in my prayers. Call if you need anything at all.

Cheryl

Sarah - The Home Cook said...

It's great to hear that they're doing so well!

Colleen said...

Yeah for Lily and Charlie in the isolettes! (I am learning a lot of new terms thorough your posts as well!) Hopefully Annaleigh will move into one of her own soon!

Holly M. said...

Hi Brooke & Joe,
Just wanted to take a quick minute to let you know I am thinking and praying for all of you. I think you guys are doing a fantastic job staying so positive. The babies can definitely feel that vibe and can only benefit from it! Soon enough you will have your 3 fat, healthy babies at home with you- and it's going to be great :)

Anonymous said...

Brooke & Joe,

I followed your blog from Brooke's great cooking blog. Just want you to know there are friends in Georgia praying for you and the babies! Your attitude is wonderful and I know it will help your children now and in the future.

God Bless
Frances in Atlanta

Doug H. said...

Yay for Lilly and Charlie! I'm glad Annaleigh has shown a slight decrease in swelling. Here's hoping she gets her own little home soon like her brother and sister.

Linds said...

So happy to hear that the babies are doing well! I'm continuing to send good thoughts and prayers to all of you.

Gary said...

They are just beautiful. I am so glad to hear that things are going well. I have been following your blog since I saw the birth announcement on TC.

The Madeira Triplets said...

Wonderful news! Love the Belly Button book :D And--may I suggest another Boynton Book--Pajama Time! It's one of our boys' favorites...you can even do a little kiddie wrap to it! You guys are such awesome parents. Thanks for the updates!

Mrs.Babbsy said...

Brooke and hubby:), I am praying hard for your babies. They look great and I love reading good updates. I hope everyday continues to get better and better.

Stephanie said...

YAY! Another great day. That second picture is so beautiful- what lovely babies!

Anonymous said...

Hey ya'll! The babies are SOOO precious!! as always ya'll are in our thoughts! They look great though!!

Brian & Crystal Boudreaux

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy that everyone's making progress and doing so well. Many prayers are being said for the babies and for the both of you. Be strong!!!

Beth, brideinOC

Becky said...

It's been a few years since we were running to the NICU to visit my daughter's BBB's, but I remember how difficult it is to leave them.... Our NICU was about an hour away from home. The Belly B book is one of our favorites too - along with 'Good Night Moon'. I still read that to our almost 6 year old grand daughter when she spends the night...

Anonymous said...

Congratulations my little angels. Annaleigh we need you to fight that infection so that you can go into your isolette.

Keep hanging in guys - all of you are doing an amazing job... Keep it up...

Love ya, Auntie :) xoxoxoxo

Anonymous said...

this is why 8 is our lucky number, D! go babies!!! <3
-nikki