Saturday, July 18, 2009

Two Good Days in a Row...

For the second day in a row, we have nothing but positive progress with all the babies! I can’t even begin to describe how great that feels!

Annaleigh came out for a visit with her daddy for about 45 minutes today. I’ve only gotten to hold her one time, and this time was even better because she opened her eyes to look at me. It was so great! She kept one eye open wide for about three minutes, just staring at my face. It felt like she was really seeing me—the real me, not just my nose or my eyes. What a great feeling! Brooke was nice enough to let me hold her the entire time, and I really appreciated it. Our little monkey is up to 4 ml of breast milk for her feedings and is digesting them well. She’s only had a few episodes all day; we were “lucky enough” to witness one tonight, but she calmed down and is doing great.

Lily Bug resumed her feeding today for the first time in three days. The nurses yesterday said that her heart murmur was all but gone, but they heard it again a little today. That’s no surprise but we’ll wait and see what Dr. Hiatt says about it in a few days. She continues to have a lot of episodes, but she mostly is able to correct them herself. Her weight is up to 810 grams so she’s doing exactly what we need her to do right now—gain weight!

Charlie continues to be our little chunk. He’s eating his 10 ml of breast milk and digesting it all happily. He’s had no new pimples since that second one was drained a couple days ago. The nurse practitioner actually checked the spot the last pimple was and found nothing at all, which was a good thing. He’s continuing his MRSA medicine, probably for another few weeks but that’s not stopping him from growing. He was wide-eyed for a while during our afternoon visit today and he just looks content with everything.

I spent a lot of time talking to one of the nurses today. She gave me lots of information about what the babies can see and hear and feel. She told me that they definitely recognize Brooke’s voice, which is probably why Charlie’s oxygen levels drop or rise so dramatically when she enters the room. They may recognize mine, too, since I read to them every night while they were in Brooke’s belly, but that’s not a sure thing. She also told me that the babies can’t really “see” us yet and they won’t be able to for a few months, but they can “sense” us by our touch and our smell. She was very adamant that babies have a strong sense of smell. It was an interesting conversation.

Three weeks ago tonight our world changed. We’re so proud of our little babies and we love them so much more than we ever dreamed possible. Happy three weeks, babies!

14 comments:

KJ said...

That is fantastic news! An uneventful day in the NICU is a fantastic day! Keep trucking along...I know it's a long road, but right now, it is the best place for your family. We will continue to pray for you all! BTW, when we were in the NICU we met a friend, Big Joe, (his bed was right by ours)and he was 16 oz exactly a birth. A few days ago he celebrated his 1st birthday, at home, and has no complications from his prematurity!

Hopeful34 said...

That is awesome news!! A few days in a row too! I read your blog everyday and I pray for those babies (not religious but if it'll help i'll do it!) They are always on my mind. I hope to keep seeing positive posts!! ps. Those babies are sooooooo adorable.

Stephanie said...

Happy 3 weeks indeed! I am glad to read about another good day.

Anonymous said...

Tears - tears - tears - wonderful happy ones... Keep on plugging away my little ones. You are doing such a great job. I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am for you right now - I can't even write this - my eyes are so clogged up.

Welcome to parenthood - it's the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You're love and strength is keeping them going and growing. You're doing great guys.

Happy 3 weeks old my little love bugs!!! Please Please keep it up -Mommy and Daddy need you to be strong like them. Smooches to all of you. :) xooxxoxoxo All my love Auntie

Momma said...

I have been away on vacation and the first thing I did was fire up the computer to check on "the babies"! Our whole family now checks in with me daily on your blog..even babycopz who isn't into babies yet! We were all thrilled to see such a great week for them while we were gone.

Keep stringing those three week chunks together and before you know it they will all be home with you!

Many prayers and well wishes heading your way....Copz

Denise said...

There are their way, good news! Keep it coming. Keep the faith with those adorable babies.

Katrina said...

Go Babies, Go Babies, Go Babies! They look great. Charlie really does look like he's putting on some weight and he looks so alert. 3 weeks-yay! Let's hope for day 3 of good news! :)

Themikki said...

Great news! The babies all look great!

Anonymous said...

That is such wonderful news!! Yay! I am so happy for you all.
I was wondering about Charlie's weight... he looks like he is really putting it on. Awesome!!

Sherry

Michele from FTHS said...

Another wonderful day for you three. How wonderful. These are the days that I am sure give you strength. Way to go, Little D's!!!!! XOXOXOXXO

The Madeira Triplets said...

Great news! It's amazing how you can tell that Charlie's the eater...he has more fat on him than Lily, though she will definitely catch up I'm sure!

Anonymous said...

I am so happy that the news is good.
Happy 3 weeks Charlie, Annaleigh, and Lily.
Cayden and I can't wait to meet you all.

Joe/Brooke,
I must say how much I enjoy reading your blogs. I send them to my family and everyone loves getting the updates daily. I know it is a long stretch ahead, but the babies will be home where they belong before you know it. We love you all very much!!!
Keep the good news coming.
xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

The babies look so alert in these pictures! Happy three weeks!

Linda and Matthew said...

Yay for three weeks! Remember, two steps forward and one step back still leaves you one step ahead. I'll keep praying for those miracles!