Since my last post the boys have been holding their own (I feel like I say that a lot,  forgive me if you have read this statement a million times – but it is the best way to explain their status)  and remain stable.  Our slow climb has been pretty positive over the last couple of days.   Both boys are a whopping 2 lbs now!!  When I walked into their room on Monday I was greeted with open eyes from both boys.  Seeing them awake more often is so wonderful for me to witness.  I just want to pick them up and snuggle!  In time, I will!

Carter

He is up to 8 ccs of breastmilk and is taking it well.  He is still having some issues with his oxygen levels but he corrects himself so we aren’t worried.  They continue to adjust his jet settings to keep reinflating his lungs and keeping the onset of an issue similar to emphysema at bay.  His cultures show that less bacteria is growing in his trachea and lungs so this is promising in terms of his infections.  Of course, our wiggly little guy continues to try to escape as he kicks, stretches, arches and squirms all while on a sedation drip.  I’m thinking this is an indicator of his feisty personality!

Griffin

He was taken off the jet machine last night and returned to a regular ventilator. And as of 9 am Thursday morning they took him off the regular ventilator and is now only on a nose cannula!  Lets hope it sticks!  Today we heard him cry – what a beautiful sound!!!  A sign that his P.I.E. (the emphysema like issue) has subsided.  He hasn’t pooped without the help of medicine yet and we think that is affecting his eating abilities.  They hope to continue feeding him soon but he needs to have clear belly xrays, no nasty green suff in his feeding tube and some signs of bowel movement.  They conitnued his feeds this afternoon while I was there – we won’t know if this will continue for a few days to see how he handles it.  But it is a step in the right direction!!! He has had a few spells (O2 and heart rate decrease) but he self corrected during his last one.  Hopefully his brain is catching on that he needs to keep breathing regularly!  He is definitely filling out, and hopefully settling into a routine of rest and growth!

The rest of the family

We are gearing up for Halloween, and continue to weave our NICU life with our home life.  We have been overwhelmed with the support from our friends, coworkers and relatives.  It isn’t until you are in a place such as this that you truly realize what great people surround you.  Everyday someone gives us support either financially, with food, prayers and or kindness that brings us to tears of gratitude.   We truly feel blessed and are filled with appreciation.