Busy Day in the NICU

Well the twins had lots of visitors today and my mom and I were lucky enough to be there to speak to all of them and watch the kiddos get their tests done by the occupational therapist, the developmental specialist, and the nurse practitioner. Here are the updates for the babies and two adorable pictures (I just couldn’t choose one)…

Jack:

-Was taken off his nasal cannula this morning

-Head shape improving

-Good motor skills

-Turns head and opens eyes when he hears my voice

-Good reflexes

-Did well nuzzling yesterday

-Took pacifier with milk on it- good sucking ability

-Just needs to work on making it back to birth weight

Harper:

 -Did well nuzzling for the first time today :)

- Was taken off her nasal cannula this morning

-Head shape improving

-Good reflexes

-Took pacifier with milk on it- good sucking ability

-Turns head and opens eyes (and mouth) when she hears my voice

-Needs to work on some motor skills- like bringing hands together

-Needs to work on making it back to birth weight

Tony and I are extremely lucky to have such beautiful little miracles that are doing so well. I was reminded of this today as they brought a new baby into our NICU pod that the kiddos now call home. Their new neighbor, a little girl, came rolling in with doctors working on her and I didn’t really pay much attention as I hurried to see Jack. My mom was in the waiting room with the new baby’s family and later informed me that the new neighbor wasn’t doing well. My mother reported, teary eyed, that the new baby’s family was told in the waiting room that their daughter was not breathing on her own and was having some set backs- then the doctors came later to let them know that they could not find any brain activity. Hearing this news humbled me beyond words. Here Tony and I sit, holding our alive breathing, active, crying, squirmy little miracles and just beyond a curtain another family has a very different reality to face. I hope that I remember this when I am tired from getting up at 4 am to pump or when I think my life is tough because I have to drive 15 min. to see my kids, or when the NICU experience just seems too overwhelming. Tony and I are lucky- blessed beyond all imagination- to have every moment with those precious little ones. If you are praying for our babies tonight, please add the family of baby Avery to your list- they need lots of prayers, especially today.