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.

32 Weeks/ 10 Days

Today the twins would’ve been 32 weeks old (had we still been tethered together). They have spent 10 days independent from Mom and are doing well today celebrating a couple of new “firsts”. 

-Jack’s feeding tube was taken out of his mouth and put down his nose

He seems much happier to have his mouth free, but he still isn’t too sure about the nasal cannula.

-Harper and Jack will both be able to “nuzzle” this week to practice their eating skills.

That whole breathing, sucking, swallowing, and remembering to beat the heart thing can be tough for their little bodies, so they start practicing early to build up their skills.

I can’t believe they’re already 10 days old. Today was my “goal” date when I was put in the hospital on bed rest and I’m proud that they’re still growing and thriving despite our goal “readjustment”.

Picture of the day today goes to Jack showing off his new nasal feeding tube; look at that cute little face!

Double Trouble

Tony and I have revived this blog as a way for our family and friends to keep up with our family and get updates on the twins. Our last blog on this website featured our “picture of the day” (which we abandoned a few years ago). We are bringing that theme back with a twist; each day there will be a post about the babies and a new picture, so stop by often and see what’s happening with the kiddos!

As you know, I gave birth (or as Shakespeare would say “[my babies] were from their mother’s womb untimely ripped”) on December 30^th, 2012. Their early birth was an unexpected surprise and we all held our breath to see how our 30 week 4 day old babies would do. To our relief, they both made their entrance into this world breathing on their own and crying and looking like the most beautiful things these eyes have ever seen. We named our son, born first at 1:14 pm, John Alexander Collett- “Jack” for short and we named our daughter, born at 1:15 pm, Harper Marie Collett. They got some quick pictures with Mom and Dad and then were whisked off to the NICU to be cared for by some of the best nurses we could ask for.

This past week has been a blur; it some ways it feels like it has flown by and in other ways, I feel like it’s crawled. Tony and I are continuing to adjust to the new pumping schedule (waking up every 3 hours to pump without a baby to snuggle just isn’t that much fun). Tony has been a real trooper and has become the official “dish washer” responsible for making sure all the pump parts are clean and ready for use. We wouldn’t have made it through this week without the support of our friends and family, especially our mothers who both came to visit, cooked, cleaned, did laundry, hugged us when we needed it, and reassured us like only mothers can. We love you Nana and Mimi!

As of today, the twins are 9 days old! I can’t believe they’ve come so far in 9 days.  Here are some things we’ve made progress on:

Harper:

-Was moved from CPAP to a nose cannula

-Was removed from the jaundice lamps

-IV fluids were removed (no infections)

-Up to 26 ml feedings each time

-Weight is up 30 grams from yesterday! 

Jack:

-IV fluids were removed (again, no infections)

-Out from under jaundice lamps

-Up to 30ml per feeding

-Weight is up! 

(only 10 more grams to gain and he gets to wear PJs)!

-Responds to Mom's voice with a head turn :)

We are looking forward to the next milestone we can celebrate and we’re enjoying every day we get to spend with them.

-Melissa

Back to the grind

I haven't posted in a long time and I'm trying to get back into the swing of things. I've been motivated by my friend, Laura, who is starting her own blog. So, here's my first post of my girls from the gym. I feel like a different person since I've started Crossfit and everyday I am thankful that I joined. I am in the best shape of my life and my body can do things I never thought it could!!