Banned from Babies

I’m writing today’s update while Joe is at the NICU visiting the babies. I am not there because I am sick. You may remember that after my cerclage procedure in June I developed a horrid intestinal infection called C-Diff that sent me into the hospital for 8 days. Well yesterday the C-Diff came back. Apparently C-Diff is quite hard to shake for good and has a high instance of reoccurrence, but I was hoping I wouldn’t fall into that category. Of course, I was wrong. I should be flattered that the universe has it out for me personally, but seriously, this is getting old. When I called my MFM this morning to report the return of the C-Diff, I believe his exact words were, “ARRRGGGGHHH!” My thoughts exactly. Anyway, he sent me to the ER for an IV of fluids and a GI consult, and I left with a prescription for my old friend Vanco. I’m hoping that since I caught the C-Diff early this time the medicine will clear it up quickly, however, until it does I am not allowed to go near the babies. Obviously, I am incredibly sad about this. Joe visited them for a good while this afternoon while I was in the ER, so we planned to try to relax together at home tonight. However, by 7:50PM, while trying to watch an episode of The Office on our Tivo, Joe started to get anxious to be with the babies and I started to sob uncontrollably over NOT being able to be with the babies, so we decided that it was in everyone’s best interest for him to go back up there to visit. I am very happy that he is there with them now, but am sad that I can’t be. Still, I am thrilled that I am the one who is sick and the babies are doing well!

Annaleigh is recovering wonderfully from her surgery. Last night they were able to move her back into her isolotte, and she is thrilled to have her quiet little home back. This morning when Joe was there Annaleigh was wiggling all about and smiling at her daddy. She seems to be feeling much better! The puffiness in her face from the anesthesia has gone away and she is her gorgeous self again.

Charlie was also full of it during Joe’s visit! Joe got to change his diaper and while doing so Charlie both peed AND pooped on his daddy! Luckily Joe found it hysterical and rewarded Charlie for his mischief with a nice snuggle outside the isolette. Charlie still has the hazy spots in his lungs, which the doctors believe to be fluid, showing up on his chest x-ray, but he received the lasix diuretic last night which has been helping with that. He is still eating his 18 ccs of breast milk and the doctors are looking for an alternative to the fortifier to give him, since he just doesn’t seem to like the one he’s been getting at all.

For once, Miss Lily Bug is being our strongest baby! Her ventilator settings are extremely low and she is hardly having any episodes. The doctors have attributed her “bad” behavior to some swelling in her throat. They are giving her a 48-hour course of steroid shots to get rid of the swelling, after which they plan to take her off the ventilator and put her on CPAP. Hopefully this time she will thrive. We know she can do it! Lily is also eating like a champ. Determined to catch up to her brother, Lily is now eating 16 ccs of breast milk at each feeding. The doctors began giving her the fortifier today as well and so far she is tolerating it beautifully.

So I may be down for the count, but the babies had a good day. Go, little ones! Mommy misses you more than words can say but she is so proud of you all!