Twin's Progress

I have been writing daily to keep a track of how the babies are progressing. I probably won't update every day here, I may start a new blog... still undecided on that.

The latest news over Valentine's weekend -

Saturday February 13, 2010
Today was an improvement all around. Rachel’s blood work came back normal, no signs of infection. Both babies had a smaller PDA (heart/lung valve opening) which is a huge relief for us since it means no surgery. Their stomachs needed a break from tube feeding yesterday but they have been started on milk again, just miniscule amounts, to keep the digestive muscles working. Their breathing has improved and the pressure levels on their CPAP machines were adjusted down again. We’re hoping to move to just a nasal cannula in the next few days to see how they do on it. The nurses attempted a PIC line in Rachel again today without success, I hate seeing my little girl being poked so much. Hopefully it will work on the next try. She was sleepy from the pain meds.
One of our favorite nurses was on duty today and we were able to actually hold David in our arms for the first time. It was really amazing and heart breaking. He is so teeny and fragile but just adorable. He even got the hiccups while I had him…just made me giggle like when he was still inside. His daddy was able to hold him for awhile too. David just drifted off to sleep like a happy little man.


Sunday February 14, 2010 (One Week Old)
Another good day! Rachel & David are both now on the nasal cannulas and we can see their faces very well. Their air pressures have been reduced again and they are both eating .7 ml of food which is increased at every 3 hour feeding. It is very encouraging. Their PDA is so small that they don’t require anymore meds or an u/s to follow up. We were both able to hold Rachel today for the first time. She made some really cute faces at us; we are still just amazed at how small they are. They both looked more relaxed in their breathing and were alert when we talked to them. David is still just an exact copy of Andrew. It is still difficult to tell who Rachel looks like, she is more of a combo instead of a duplicate - very beautiful. Rachel was back under the lights for jaundice but tolerates it well. I have really enjoyed the good day today.


Monday February 15, 2010
I’m a huge fan of the good days, and today was another one. The kiddos have tolerated the switch to nasal cannulas very well and their air pressures have been greatly dropped without any problems, this is a huge improvement for preemies. Their feedings are still being tolerated and have been increased every 3 hours. Rachel’s feeding amount is being increased quicker so hopefully they will not have to attempt a PIC line with her. She has an IV in her head today, and although it looks painful if the feedings go well it may be her last one. She is also still on the bili lights but both of their levels are decreasing. Poor little girl has so much bruising when she was born she is more prone to the jaundice. With the lights it means she has a mask over her eyes and she sure doesn’t like it! Very squirmy but who can blame her.
David was so calm and happy today. He had just been given a fresh clean isolation box when we got there. We spent some time both holding him while he made cute little faces and noises. His hair is so very blonde it is adorable. Rachel’s hair is a bit darker and they both have such soft little cheeks and the most perfect lips. I’m totally in love. He was so content and sleepy after our holding session. The next hurdle is to have both of them switched over to breast milk completely for their nutrients instead of supplementing with IV fluids. This should happen in the next couple days at their current rate. The lactation consultant, Maxine, gave us the thumbs up for the amount of milk being produced. At this rate I will be able to stay ahead of them until time to come home, that is the encouraging news I needed since its been a little frustrating lately. Let the good days continue.