Sunday, September 6, 2009

Big Babies and Bottles

We mentioned last night in our brief update that Charlie was acting up a bit. Right before we left for the evening on Saturday night he had a few pretty dramatic bradies (dropping his heart rate) that required his nurse Sue to intervene. Since Charlie has not behaved like this in a long time, Sue called the doctor in to check him out. They did tests to check his oxygen levels and to look for infection, but luckily everything came back fine. The doctors eventually determined that Charlie’s caffeine dose needed to be adjusted, and since then he’s been doing just fine. I told Charlie that that was the last of the drama I wanted to see from him. His next traumatic episode could be when he falls of his bike and skins his knees, but nothing before then!

So Charlie had a less eventful day today, which was good! He’s still working on his bottle feeding. He took a bottle for Joe this afternoon – rather slowly and begrudgingly, but he did it. And this evening Sue could tell that Charlie was in the mood for the bottle, so she gave him one and he sucked it down happily. His feedings were upped to 34 ml and today he weighed in at 4 lbs 13 oz. So close to 5 lbs!

Miss Lily is also packing on the grams. Tonight she’s up 65 grams to reach 4 lbs 4 oz after her feedings were increased to 32 ml. She chugged her afternoon bottle like a champ, but wanted nothing to do with her evening one, though she was probably just tired from her bath! Charlie’s nurse Mary was with Lily tonight (Charlie is only a little jealous) and she had Lily all ready for a sponge bath when we arrived. We moved her to an open bed so we could work with her more freely and had a great time washing the Bug and taking pictures with her. After her bath, when she was snuggled up in Joe’s arms, we realized how much she’s looking like Charlie these days! You can definitely tell that they are brother and sister right now.

So both babies are making progress. The goals for the next few weeks are to get them to take all their feedings with bottles and to get off the cannulas and on to room air. I’m sure a busy month is ahead of us.

On another note, I got a tattoo yesterday! Joe wanted to get the babies’ names tattooed on him and I decided that I would do it too. We went to the tattoo parlor, but unfortunately they were unable to tattoo Joe in the location he wanted, so he’s rethinking his plan. I went ahead with mine however – I got three small hearts on the inside of my left ankle. Each heart has one of the babies’ first initials in it and there is a halo over the “A” heart. I really, really like it! And for anyone curious, getting a tattoo does not affect breastmilk. Anyhow, hopefully Joe will decide on something he’d like and we’ll go back soon to get his done.


It's a shame that Charlie can't get comfortable when we hold him.


Uncle John caught a foul ball at a Phillies game last week. He's been carrying him around with him calling him "Fouly" and yesterday he brought Fouly to meet Charlie. Charlie was not impressed.


Lily is most displeased to be getting her feeding from the feeding tube instead of the bottle. She's sucking away on the pacifier and seems quite unhappy that she's not tasting her milk.

Lily loves her little froggy outfit!

Lily just loves to be adored. We must all worship her.

33 comments:

Lauren said...

I've been thinking about Charlie all day. I'm so relieved to hear this update!

And I love love love LOVE your tattoo!! Do I dare ask where Joe wanted his?!

Meg said...

So happy to read Charlie is doing better and that both babies are growing!! I can't believe how big they look compared to the pictures from when they were just born! It's amazing! :)

The tattoo looks awesome. I love the idea. I am also curious where Joe wanted his... don't share if you don't want to but my imagination is running. Haha. :)

Stephanie said...

I love your tattoo, it is beautiful. The pictures are always so precious! I love Lily's froggie outfit too. :) I'm so happy to hear they are gaining weight and doing so well. I continue to keep all 5 of you in my prayers.

Jamers said...

Yay for growing babies! I really like the tattoo. :) That last picture of Lily is awesome. She is just soaking in the adoration!

Amber said...

They are getting so big. Glad to hear that they are doing so well. Love the tattoo.

Denise said...

How beautiful are those pictures! There getting bigger everyday. I am so happy the tests came back good. I knew Charlie wouldn't let you down. (Travis's Mom) ...

Anonymous said...

I agree - NO MORE DRAMA........
Excellent job my sweet angels.
As usual all the pictures are great but the first one and the last one are really absolutely heartwarming. OMG - they are soooooooo cute......... The froggie outfit is absolutely adorable - I have a thing for frog's so that may be my favorite outfit so far. And the tattoo - is really special - nicely done Brooke - let's make it just as nice for you Joe. :) I know you will... :)

Brooke said...

His finger, people, his finger!! What dirty minds you all have... ;)

Anonymous said...

The last anonymous was from me -
Auntie - I was so excited I forgot to sign...

Didn't want you to think that I missed a day here...

All My Love, Auntie :)
xoxoxoxo

Hopeful34 said...

So glad charlie is doing better..Love the tattoo Brooke. It looks great and what a sweet idea.

Colleen said...

The tattoo looks great, Brooke! And I have to admit I was wondering where Joe wanted it too lol.
Glad to hear Charlie's day was better and I love Lily's little bow!

Anonymous said...

The babies are beautiful and getting so big! I loved the pictures and the tattoo was great, too. I'd like to thank you, Brooke, for clarifying where Joe wanted his placed. I'm sure you've saved many a people from vivid imaginings. :)

Cheryl

Quince Family said...

So glad to hear about big Charlie--I think you guys have had enough drama for now. The tattoo is awesome, so meaningful and classy. It is just perfect. And I love the pic of you guys with Lily. Thanks for sharing and grow babies grow!
Melissa (shady06)

Karen At Home Blog said...

Hi Brooke, your babies are getting so big!!!! So happy to hear that Charlie is doing well. They are going to be home before you know it!!!

Karen

John said...

I beg to differ Brooke. Charlie was most impressed with Fouly! :) He told me so.

Anonymous said...

My goodness, they are getting big! And they get cuter by the day! I love the froggy outfit, and I LOVE the tattoo!! You guys are going to have your hands full with Princess Lily!! :)

Jill said...

The tattoo is beautiful! A lovely tribute to all 3 of your children. And tell Miss Lily to enjoy her froggie pj's while she can, my little Laura has outgrown hers already - it was the last of the preemie sleepers she could wear.

Michele from FTHS said...

Lily's froggie outfit is just too cute for words. Charlie is almost 5 pounds.....wow!!! Love the tat, Brooke. Way to go, D's!!!

Wendy said...

Love your tat, Brooke. Love that the babies are getting so big too! I can't believe how well they are growing. Love,love, love. All you need is love (do dodo do dodo).../feary

Becca said...

So glad everything is going better with Charlie. Looks like the babies are getting big! And I love that last pic of you two with Lily...hilarious and sweet!

Courtney said...

I love the tattoo, Brooke! It is beautiful. Also, I love all the pictures. The last one is just perfect. Lily is too cute in her frog outfit, and Charlie looks so sweet and cuddly in the first picture.

Christina said...

I love, love, love the tattoo! I also love the angry look on Lily's face. It's the same one Dyl gets before he hulks out. You are in trouble :)

Rebecca, from CT said...

Glad to hear Charlie was just being "dramatic"!!! Love you tattoo!!! And can't wait to see Joe's!! Nice updates!! Keep gaining weight babies!!

Anonymous said...

Great pictures. I burst out laughing when I saw the one of Miss Lily and her arms out (you guys worshipping her) :-) They are really starting to fill out.

Love the tattoo!

Karen D.
(an anonymous person that came across your blog when prayers were needed for sweet Annaleigh. Your story has forever touched me and I will continue to read your blog and cheer on Charlie and Lily)

nora said...

brooke, that pic of you and joe with lily is so great..you can really see how BIG she is!! they look so awesome :) and i love the froggy pj's..gonna definitely have to pick those up for the little lady! I already told you...but the tattoo is just perfect, love it!

nora (yankee)

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear the uncertainty about little dude is resolved! :) What great pictures. That last one of you guys with Lily--PRICELESS! Oh my goodness how great!

Love the awesome updates/weight gain! Keep it up you all!

Fran said...

Im so glad to hear that Charlie is doing better today!! I love your new tattoo and they are both really filling out nicely. I'm so glad to hear such good news. :)

Fran (1206mrsmun--SAIF)

Anonymous said...

Hi Brooke,
You don't know me, but I too am a bereaved triplet mommy. Another bereaved triplet mommy, Jessica, learned of your loss and we want to express our sorrow and support of you. We know all too well how difficult and bittersweet this time is for you. I know you don't have time right now, but when you are ready, please let us know - we have started a private support group on Facebook for bereaved triplet moms. We met on Triplet Connection's bereaved parents forum but created a private forum for ourselves that no one can see and members are by invitation only. Since we started the group, the TC bereaved forum has been quiet...so we wanted to make sure if we learned of any new loss mom's they were invited to our support group. This group of ladies is amazing and helps me get through some really tough times. One of my babies was stillborn in February. My two survivors are home now and doing well. But, it is still rough. I don't know if you are on facebook, but look me up so I can send you an invitation to our group. It is a sad club to be a member of, but it is very helpful to know you are not alone.

Heather Grigoriadis (I am the only one by this name in FB!)
Mom to Alex, ^Ari^ and Zoi

Melissa said...

It is so great to hear how wonderful they are doing, they are getting so big and strong! I love the tattoo and just makes me want one even more. Oh and the froggy outfit is adorable. I had the same one for my girls.


Melissa (MelZull)

Anonymous said...

They really do look SO much alike now! I love it! Your tattoo is gorgeous. Beautiful!
And I am much relieved to hear Joe was aiming for the finger. ;)

Katrina said...

So much great, fun news since my last visit. Look at Lily filling out that frog outfit. They are both getting so big! Here's to hoping they DO get to go home this month! LOVE all the pictures.

Laura J. said...

First let me say the picture of you both with your Lily bug is beautiful! Glad to hear the babies are starting to eat out of the bottle and gaining weight! What great news!

Also, Brooke love your new tattoo! Can't wait to see Joe's once he finds a place for it.

Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Enjoy the weekend with your family!

Unknown said...

http://threecheersforbabies.blogspot.com/2009/09/big-babies-and-bottles.html