Moving on up

The last two days have been pretty big for the twins. Yesterday, the twins were moved from the NICU up to the Neotatal Special Care Unit (NSCU) one floor above. With this upgrade came their own room in a unit that was opened only a month or two ago. Also, since they're in one of only 4 'twin rooms', they're feeling like VIPs with all of their extra space. Unlike their corner of the NICU, the new penthouse suite offers a recliner, a small bench seat that can double as a bed and a sink area with a mini-fridge. It feels like my college dorm room, only bigger, more comfortable and much much cleaner. So really only the mini-fridge feels like my college dorm room, but the room does provide a much cosier atmosphere for us and our frequent guests. Although there is a nurse dedicated to every 3 babies or so and the baby's monitors go through a paging system that can alert the nurse to any alarms, we get a good amount of much appreciated alone time with our new blessings.

The move alone says that they're making good progress, but it seems like every time we walk into the room they're taking another step in the right direction. Today they are six days old. Conner is now being dressed and they're weening him on the extra heat necessary to heat is isoltte and help him maintain temperature. He is also eating a little over an ounce (all through a bottle at most feedings) and they've removed his IV, which was providing necessary supplemental nourishment. In fact, Julie was able to attempt nursing today. A daunting feat with any newborn, but especially a premature one. The poor little guy was too tired stay awake for a full meal, but it worked for a while and sure fealt like a big step.

Since Teagan was under 1500 grams at birth, she was considered "mid-line" and couldn't lay with her head turned toward either shoulder. Which meant that it was pretty difficult to hold her, much less attempt feedings or skin-to-skin time.... until today. After five days old, doctors consider a baby's airways strong enough to stay open during these activities, even at lower weights. Therefore, Julie was able to share some of her body heat and some quality bonding with her beautiful baby daughter today. Teagan also ate her first meal through a bottle and polished off a little over 1/2 an ounce (her entire does) with energy to do more. Teagan received a little more light therapy today as well, but it was expected since the biliribun usually spikes again after the first couple of days.

As for Julie, she is doing much better. Yesterday she had a follow-up appointment with her doctor. After Julie brought out some waterworks and attempted an apology for not delivering in Wichita, he insured her that she had nothing to cry or be sorry about, that he had visited the babies in the NICU and that he was happy to see that everyone was doing so well.... including Julie. Then he removed the staples and provided Julie with a bigger relief than she had ever imagined. She's still moving a little slow at times and has some aches and pain, but claims to feels 100% better than when they were in.

It has been a great end to an awesomely crazy week. Every step for them means a step closer to getting them home and showing them off to the world.



P.S. Sorry about the lack of pictures. I still haven't uploaded them to the computer yet and I wanted to get this out.