Twin Update!

Things are certainly looking up over here!
As of right now, both boys have had their IV's removed. They are now hooked up to only monitors which can only mean they are much more comfortable. We have been able to hold both boys now. We've been able to hold Dylan for several days now, but Trevor was still having trouble breathing. He wasn't on oxygen, but needed to be left alone so he could get stronger and therefore heal. I held Trevor for the first time yesterday. Trevor is spitting up some mucous, but I've been told not to worry about that. He was also the one that had been intubated, so that seems to be part of the reason for that.

They are drinking breast milk solely, hence the no IV situation. Dylan is up to 28 cc and Trevor is up to 34 cc. That equals about 1.5 oz. each. The milk supply is in full swing here so I pump every 3 hours and freeze it all. I then bring it to the NICU where they keep it frozen and thaw as needed.

They are pooping actual poops now, no more meconium. Trevor has some seriously LOUD explosions down yonder...amazing what comes out of someone so teeny. They have each gained about 2 oz.

Today was a fabulous day! I had an appt. with the lactation consultant to work with the babies and to see what they would do when exposed to the breast. I wasn't expecting much since they are only 9 days old, and technically only 35 weeks and 2 days. I was glad the LC was there to help out, because I feel as though I've forgotten everything when it comes to a newborn...but it turns out it truly IS like riding a bike. It didn't take Dylan long to figure out what he needed to do, but he would latch and suck maybe three times in a row and then unlatch. He'd then do it again, but would always have to establish the latch again. He did great, though. I didn't think I'd get either one to latch and actually be able to sustain it enough to get any milk. Dylan breast fed for about 40 minutes, which was 20 minutes longer than the LC and nurse expected. He got tired out so they continued to give him the rest of his milk through the feeding tube.

With Trevor, it took him about 20 minutes to figure out what the hell to do with this boob coming at his face. He didn't want to open his mouth at all and was just content with me smushing said boob in his face...lol. I know, I know, TMI. Oh well. You should've known this was going to get descriptive when you first read breast feed. Finally, he took it and latched and got milk out. Little stinker would not let go! He never lost his latch, and would suck about 10 times in a row, pause to breathe for 30 seconds or so, and then continue! I couldn't believe how well he did! Both of them really, really surprised me. I thought it was just going to be me with the beasts unleashed cajoling two little wiggling babies to get near them! I will now continue to breast feed them one time a day. Apparently all of this breast feeding and suck/swallow/breathe stuff takes a lot of energy and we don't want to wear them out.

What else....

Trevor is now wearing the latest onesie fashion, while Dylan is not wearing clothes yet, because he is still a little jaundiced and needs to be under the billi light. I have appointments on Sat. and Sunday with the occupational therapists to work on either breastfeeding and/or bottle feeding, which we also started a few days ago.

Such progress!!

As for me, I'm doing much better emotionally. Seeing the boys get better and make such big steps has made me calmer and a little more stable. That is a good thing, just ask Jeff.

Here are some pictures from the other night.

Dylan trying out his bottle for the first time. The velcro circles on the sides of his head hold his little "sunglasses" in place when he is under the Billi light for his jaundice.

Dylan zonked out after his feeding. Notice he's looking a little yellow. That's the jaundice.

Jeff holding Trevor

Awww...the nurse was posing us for pictures.

Trevor. The nurses put Jack Daniels in their feeding tubes to make the babies sleep better.