The First Few Days

Every time I look at these sweet baby boys, I'm amazed that they're actually ours. I feel so blessed that we get to take them home someday and just shower them with love. They're so little & helpless, and all I want to do is take care of them and never leave their sides. We've spent a lot of time in the past few days down in the NICU and are able to say that both boys are doing very, very well. We know that there are bound to be some set-backs along the way and that not everyday will be easy, but we are so thankful that for now they appear to be doing excellent. 

Ryan and John

Alison and Andrew

As mentioned in the previous post, John started out on a CPAP to assist with his breathing, and Andrew has been breathing the same air as the rest of us the entire time. On Tuesday 1/24, we were surprised to see that John's CPAP had been removed! As of today, they're both doing just fine without any breathing support, and the neonatologist (a.k.a. NICU doctor) said that the steroid injections I received probably played a big part in that. It's so great to finally be able to see John's entire face and we'll definitely get more snuggle time now.

Both boys are also doing very well with feedings. They started out on only IV fluids as expected, and on Monday had some additional lipids and electrolytes added to their IVs. Then beginning yesterday, they also started to receive some formula through their feeding tubes which are the little orange tubes that go through their nose or mouth directly into their stomachs. They're each being fed approximately 7mL of formula eight times a day and are adjusting to it very well so far. As their digestive systems develop, we will gradually increase the amount of formula and decrease the amount of IV fluids. It will probably be a full three weeks before we even try to bottle feed them as the suck-swallow-breathe process usually develops at week 34.

Andrew in his bed

John's bed

The nurses are also watching for signs of jaundice which is very common with preemies, and while their levels are slightly elevated, they're not near the level that would require any treatment. If it does develop over the next few weeks, they'll receive some light therapy and get to experience what I like to call the "baby tanning beds". Other than that, they both appear very healthy. Praise the Lord for that! Ryan has gotten to change diapers on both of them which is not an easy task when you've got your hands through two round holes in the incubator and you're trying to avoid all sorts of wires and cords. During their changes, John managed to pee all over Ryan and himself and Andrew pooped right on his blanket - so I guess Ryan has officially be initiated into the "Dad's Club". I have yet to change a diaper on either of them, so I'm sure my turn is coming.  We've gotten to do kangaroo care with both John and Andrew, which is when you place them on your chest for skin-to-skin contact.  Since they already know our voices and scents, this is great quality time for them and us.

Family Kangaroo Care

The NICU staff has been outstanding so far and we feel like the boys are in great hands when we have to leave them. I think I'll be discharged from the hospital tomorrow but am not exactly sure when. I seem to be healing from the c-section very well and have been walking around since Monday. I have my moments when it doesn't feel so great, but overall it's been an easy, speedy recovery. Although my belly is still very swollen, it's strange for me to feel so "small" after having those three babies to carry!

John with his CPAP

Andrew

Overall, it's been an incredible week and a half, and we are so thankful for ALL that we've been through and learned. We've been challenged and pushed in ways that we never expected, but because of it, have also come to know more about God's character, His love, and the strength & comfort that only He can provide. We appreciate all the support, well-wishes, and kind words that we've received from all of you - we're so happy to share our joy with you! Hopefully it won't be too long before you all get to meet these little guys in person!