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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Life in the NICU



First off, let me apologize for not updating sooner. I have been continuing to heal while also trying to spend plenty of time with our twins in the NICU, which has equaled complete exhaustion. Another EA twin mommy said that she kind of "checked out of life" while her babies were in the NICU. That is exactly how I feel right now...life is not normal and other than knowing that the South Carolina Gamecocks won the CWS last night (only bc Aaron is a Gamecock fan), I have no clue what else is going on with the world!

Abel had an infection last week which was treated with antibiotics and is thankfully gone now. He still continues to struggle with digestion. The doctors have tried several hypoallergenic formulas and he just hasn't done well with any of them. The doctor explained that preemies should still be feeding off of my nutrients in the womb and some preemies just have problems digesting for awhile. He is still getting some nutrients from IV fluids which has caused a lot of water retention and swelling. He has been taking Lasix (a diuretic) for the past few days to decrease his swelling. We are slowly working on feeding him (he is currently only taking 6 mLs per feeding) and praying he will digest, while also teaching him how to suck a bottle. At this point, we have no clue when he will be able to come home. If he would start digesting his food, he would be making steps towards discharge, so please pray for his digestion. He currently weighs 5 lbs 5.5 oz. And this baby boy LOVES to be held and talked to...he will cry in his isolette, but as soon as someone takes him out and holds him, he is so content! I think he is going to be our cuddle bug. :)

Belle is being a show-off to her brother. She is taking 40 mLs per feeding and half of her feedings are bottles rather than her feeding tube. She was also moved out of her isolette on Monday night and has maintained her body temperature. The nurses said that she is making steps towards coming home soon (Lord willing)! Once she is taking all of her feedings by bottle, she will be ready for discharge! She currently weighs 4 lbs 8.3 oz. While she likes being held, she could take it or leave it...meaning, that she is content in our arms or on her own in her open hospital crib.

All in all, both babies are doing well for being born at 31 weeks and we are so grateful to God for His kindness towards our new little family!

11 comments:

kdactyl said...

So Happy to hear you are healing well and the babies are making progress. Abel will be in my prayers to overcome his digestive issues and Belle sounds like a sweet, content girl. I hope to hear she is coming home soon with her brother following shortly. Thanks for the updates, I have been checking in and keeping you in my prayers.

Karaleen (mom to an EA baby girl)

Jen said...

Life as a NICU Mom sucks, in my humble opinion... your heart and mind are there 100% of the time when you aren't... Literally thank God for NICU's but it is so hard on the family!!! Continuing to send hugs and prayers!!!

Ashley said...

Thanks for the update, I was just thinking about ya'll this morning. I'll be praying that Abel's tummy issues will be resolved quickly. Glad Belle is doing so well. Sounds like they're both gaining weight well. Does their hair have a red tint to it?

Anna said...

It sounds like they are doing really great! Congrats to you and Aaron!!! Glad to hear from you, but don't apologize! Just enjoy your babies and get some rest. We'll all be here when you get time to update. (((HUGS)))

Nikki said...

YAY! So glad that things are going well. Will being praying for you guys and Abel!!

Christina said...

Life in the NICU is hard - we had both our babies in there. I hope their stay is as short as possible! For us, we spent just as much time in there waiting for lung development as we did working on feeding issues before Genevieve could come home. Good to hear from you!

Diane said...

Thanks for the update! Will keep praying for you and your little ones.

Tracey said...

I so remember life in the NICU with my first daughter, Sadie. They always say that girls do better in the NICU. Go Belle!! Hope Abel catches up soon. I know it is so stressful and hard. Grateful that you don't have another to take care of at home and that you can dedicate your time with your new little ones!!

loverunningmommy said...

So happy Abel and Belle are progressing. Prayers for Abels digestion.

Ashley said...

Thank you so much for the updates. Love the pictures of your sweet little ones and am praying more specifically now for their needs! Hope they are home with you to love and cuddle on very soon! :)

Britney said...

Praise God for all that He has done -- what a journey He has brought you on this last year! Wow. So amazing. I can relate to having two kiddos with such seemingly different personalities. Brae is like Belle. Sienna is like Abel. Such fun to have a cuddle bug and an independent child!