Babies Situation:
The girls turned 5 Months on the 18th. They are doing great!!! Both girls weigh 9 lbs 5 ounces. Kinsley can now actually sleep a good 6 hours but Trinity isn't quite ready for such a stretch. She wakes up hungry every 3 hours but is now feeding better than Kinsley. She has come a long way from her NG tube - what a blessing.
Both girls had hip ultrasounds this week to check for hip dysplasia. Both came back with no issues - thank you Lord. When you carry a baby breech there is a higher potential for hip dysplasia so we were are very thankful to hear the good news.
The girls also saw their Pulmonologist Dr. this week. Since the girls left the NICU, they have needed caffeine for stimulation during their feedings. Since being on caffeine, they had to come home on monitors to alert Mom and Dad if they have any heart rate drops or apnea. The monitors provide security for Mom and Dad but they also are difficult to maneuver when changing diapers and getting them around. There have been a few incidents with the monitors going off but it has been more user error than issues with the girls. The Pulmonologist confirmed that they are doing well and decided to take the girls off of caffeine. This is another great step in their development. However, they will still need the monitors for another month to ensure there are no issues coming off of caffeine. Your prayers are certainly helping - thank you.
We go through close to 2 dozen diapers per day. It is OK though because they are doing much better with their stools. In fact we only needed one suppository this week - this time for Kinsley. Lots going on but everything has been very positive this week. Thank you Lord for the continued path and care of these little miracles.
Parent's Thoughts:
The biggest issue for us as parents is finding time for rest. Luckily we have had Mimi here and have somewhat of a schedule with a few pockets here and there to get through some of the normal day to day chores. The rigors of taking care of twins is hard enough but the added variables of many different Dr. appointments, meds, and monitors compound the situation. However, we keep reflecting on how lucky we are to be so blessed with them no matter what the situation. We realize that God does not give us anything we cannot handle. We are embracing each day and week as best we can. We have so much support with friends bringing us dinners and checking in to see how we were doing. We can't thank you all enough. Without all of you these times would be much more difficult for us.
Weekly Encouragement:
Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.
Luke 12:22-23
At Home - Week 2 (Aug. 10th-16th)
Babies Situation:
The girls are doing pretty well overall. The issue of the week is their stooling. They both like to wait days to take care of their business. In the NICU they received suppositories quite often so maybe they are still relying on a little extra help. Trinity has had a harder time stooling this week so we decided to give the suppositories a shot. Thankfully, Mimi stepped up to the plate to administer them when needed (a few times this week). She was astonished by the results. In fact, I even asked if she had any protection ready. Of course Trinity decided once she heard the word protection to foil the plan. She exploded on queue. Even though there was a big mess to clean up it worked great.
Kinsley also is having some serious gas pains. The issues of gas pains really affect their sleeping at night and make them very agitated. Lots of burping and back rubbing is needed right now - almost every time we pick them up they need to be burped.
We decided to change their feeding schedule. They are now eating every 3 hours with the exception of a 4 hour window in the evenings. It seems to make everyone's job a little easier but we shall see if the girls will go along with it as well. The girls are feeding pretty consistently (40-80 cc's per sitting). Their weight gain is about 1/2 ounce per day which isn't bad. They are sleeping more this week in between feeds even though we do everything we can to give them the awake time that they need.
Parent's Thoughts:
Overall we are in a bit of rhythm and things have settled down a bit for all of us. I have been exploring new job opportunities for the past couple of weeks, since my company was acquired in late July. On one hand it is great to be home with the girls but at the same time it has very difficult for me to know that Trena is headed back to work. She is such a great Mom and is doing everything she can for her babies. Thank you Mom. After almost 5 months, she started back at work on Monday. It was a tough week for her knowing she was leaving her babies at home with Daddy and Mimi. With the amount of work at home we kid her about how she has it easy at work - just kidding but not too much.
The OT Nurse comes every Tues to work with both girls and Thursday's to work with Trinity only. We get a pretty good report with a few tweaks to their feedings. We made an adjustment to Trinity's bottle and moved her to the same one Kinsley is using - Dr. Brown. It helps prevent the air intake and should reduce the amount of gas she has later in the night. We also learn some important exercises to help the girls continue to strengthen their muscles around their mouths for better feedings.
We also had new born photo session this week. The girls wanted no part of it as we could not get them to settle down. We were outside quite a bit and it was very very hot and sunny. Hopefully, there will be some good pictures to share with you soon.
Weekly Encouragement:
With Jesus' help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of his name.
Hebrew 13:15
The girls are doing pretty well overall. The issue of the week is their stooling. They both like to wait days to take care of their business. In the NICU they received suppositories quite often so maybe they are still relying on a little extra help. Trinity has had a harder time stooling this week so we decided to give the suppositories a shot. Thankfully, Mimi stepped up to the plate to administer them when needed (a few times this week). She was astonished by the results. In fact, I even asked if she had any protection ready. Of course Trinity decided once she heard the word protection to foil the plan. She exploded on queue. Even though there was a big mess to clean up it worked great.
Kinsley also is having some serious gas pains. The issues of gas pains really affect their sleeping at night and make them very agitated. Lots of burping and back rubbing is needed right now - almost every time we pick them up they need to be burped.
We decided to change their feeding schedule. They are now eating every 3 hours with the exception of a 4 hour window in the evenings. It seems to make everyone's job a little easier but we shall see if the girls will go along with it as well. The girls are feeding pretty consistently (40-80 cc's per sitting). Their weight gain is about 1/2 ounce per day which isn't bad. They are sleeping more this week in between feeds even though we do everything we can to give them the awake time that they need.
Parent's Thoughts:
Overall we are in a bit of rhythm and things have settled down a bit for all of us. I have been exploring new job opportunities for the past couple of weeks, since my company was acquired in late July. On one hand it is great to be home with the girls but at the same time it has very difficult for me to know that Trena is headed back to work. She is such a great Mom and is doing everything she can for her babies. Thank you Mom. After almost 5 months, she started back at work on Monday. It was a tough week for her knowing she was leaving her babies at home with Daddy and Mimi. With the amount of work at home we kid her about how she has it easy at work - just kidding but not too much.
The OT Nurse comes every Tues to work with both girls and Thursday's to work with Trinity only. We get a pretty good report with a few tweaks to their feedings. We made an adjustment to Trinity's bottle and moved her to the same one Kinsley is using - Dr. Brown. It helps prevent the air intake and should reduce the amount of gas she has later in the night. We also learn some important exercises to help the girls continue to strengthen their muscles around their mouths for better feedings.
We also had new born photo session this week. The girls wanted no part of it as we could not get them to settle down. We were outside quite a bit and it was very very hot and sunny. Hopefully, there will be some good pictures to share with you soon.
Weekly Encouragement:
With Jesus' help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of his name.
Hebrew 13:15
At Home - Week 1 (Aug. 3rd-9th)
Babies Situation:
Trinity made it home late Sunday night (12 hours earlier than expected) as signs showed negative lab results. This was great news. We are hitting the reset button as a family with everyone officially home together again. It is a little bitter sweet but still an awesome feeling.
Trinity still has her NG tube inserted for continuous feeding through a pump at night time. Unfortunately, the feeding pump that we were given has not worked properly, since we were discharged last week. This is causing some problems. Essentially, she is getting her entire feed in half the amount of time. We feel so bad for her as we know her stomach must be expanding and contracting at a furious pace. Throughout the week, we exchanged 2 pumps and by Thursday August 6th we finally received a hospital grade pump (our 3rd pump) that worked for her - thank you Lord.
In the meantime, Trinity took maters into her own hands. She ripped out her NG tube twice in 2 days consecutively. This compounded the issues for us as we tried to insert the tube 3 times on Wed. night but were unsuccessful. It was in OK but we were not sure if it was in the right spot as we would get residuals one time but not the next. On Wed. we were fortunate to have our friend and Nurse, Nicole, help us with the insertion. Wed. night worked great with the new pump. However, on Thursday Trinity again took advantage of the small window and her little fingers to rip out the tube - she is a feisty little one. That afternoon, our OT nurse fed Trinity and she took almost 60 cc's. Since the tube was already out and she had done well with her feedings today, we decided to leave it out and bottle feed her throughout the night. What a miracle. She took to the bottle well. Hopefully, her NG tube and feeding pump is completely behind her now.
Their heart and respiratory monitors have been on for about 16 hours/day and all has gone well with the exception of one going off for 15 mins straight. It was like a smoke alarm so it was really unpleasant. The alarm could not be turned off even it was powered down and showing it to be off. Thankfully, it was a tool error and not something caused by a low heart rate or apneic spell.
On Thursday evening Trena's Mom, Terre (Mimi to the girls) came in to help us. What a blessing it is to have her here. These girls are a lot of work as I am sure you all know if you have kids. The girls love having Mimi here and so do the parents.
The girls had another Pediatrician visit this Friday and all seemed to go well. Most of the discussion surrounded the NG Tube, Feeding Pump, and their gas/reflux/fussiness. We have a couple of ideas to help alleviate some of their gas pains - prune juice and mylicon. Hopefully, this will help them stool and release the gasses.
We have had many friends swing by but Sunday the girls had their friends, Taylor and Leighton, come visit them. The four of them met in the NICU. You may know them as the Davis's. It was such a great visit to see them all together outside of the hospital. We have all been though so very much. We are blessed to now know them and call them our friends.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are very overwhelmed. Small things that are usually not bothersome seem to be huge. We are all tired short on sleep but know that we are doing all we can to help them. The girls have progressed this week and we are very thankful that Trinity may no longer need her feeding tube and pump. Thank you Lord. Mimi's help is also a true blessing to all of us. Our appreciation cannot be explained. We are trying to take it one challenge at a time. It is hard to keep all of their medications in check but we do have a self made schedule to help. We are tracking all feedings, stools, diaper changes, and meds as well. Even though it has been a difficult week we are very fortunate to have them home. In time we pray it will get a little easier for them and us.
Weekly Encouragement:
In this you greatly rejoice, through now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 1:6-7
Trinity made it home late Sunday night (12 hours earlier than expected) as signs showed negative lab results. This was great news. We are hitting the reset button as a family with everyone officially home together again. It is a little bitter sweet but still an awesome feeling.
Trinity still has her NG tube inserted for continuous feeding through a pump at night time. Unfortunately, the feeding pump that we were given has not worked properly, since we were discharged last week. This is causing some problems. Essentially, she is getting her entire feed in half the amount of time. We feel so bad for her as we know her stomach must be expanding and contracting at a furious pace. Throughout the week, we exchanged 2 pumps and by Thursday August 6th we finally received a hospital grade pump (our 3rd pump) that worked for her - thank you Lord.
In the meantime, Trinity took maters into her own hands. She ripped out her NG tube twice in 2 days consecutively. This compounded the issues for us as we tried to insert the tube 3 times on Wed. night but were unsuccessful. It was in OK but we were not sure if it was in the right spot as we would get residuals one time but not the next. On Wed. we were fortunate to have our friend and Nurse, Nicole, help us with the insertion. Wed. night worked great with the new pump. However, on Thursday Trinity again took advantage of the small window and her little fingers to rip out the tube - she is a feisty little one. That afternoon, our OT nurse fed Trinity and she took almost 60 cc's. Since the tube was already out and she had done well with her feedings today, we decided to leave it out and bottle feed her throughout the night. What a miracle. She took to the bottle well. Hopefully, her NG tube and feeding pump is completely behind her now.
Their heart and respiratory monitors have been on for about 16 hours/day and all has gone well with the exception of one going off for 15 mins straight. It was like a smoke alarm so it was really unpleasant. The alarm could not be turned off even it was powered down and showing it to be off. Thankfully, it was a tool error and not something caused by a low heart rate or apneic spell.
On Thursday evening Trena's Mom, Terre (Mimi to the girls) came in to help us. What a blessing it is to have her here. These girls are a lot of work as I am sure you all know if you have kids. The girls love having Mimi here and so do the parents.
The girls had another Pediatrician visit this Friday and all seemed to go well. Most of the discussion surrounded the NG Tube, Feeding Pump, and their gas/reflux/fussiness. We have a couple of ideas to help alleviate some of their gas pains - prune juice and mylicon. Hopefully, this will help them stool and release the gasses.
We have had many friends swing by but Sunday the girls had their friends, Taylor and Leighton, come visit them. The four of them met in the NICU. You may know them as the Davis's. It was such a great visit to see them all together outside of the hospital. We have all been though so very much. We are blessed to now know them and call them our friends.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are very overwhelmed. Small things that are usually not bothersome seem to be huge. We are all tired short on sleep but know that we are doing all we can to help them. The girls have progressed this week and we are very thankful that Trinity may no longer need her feeding tube and pump. Thank you Lord. Mimi's help is also a true blessing to all of us. Our appreciation cannot be explained. We are trying to take it one challenge at a time. It is hard to keep all of their medications in check but we do have a self made schedule to help. We are tracking all feedings, stools, diaper changes, and meds as well. Even though it has been a difficult week we are very fortunate to have them home. In time we pray it will get a little easier for them and us.
Weekly Encouragement:
In this you greatly rejoice, through now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 1:6-7
Sunday August 2nd
Babies Situation:
What a crazy weekend. We had both their Occupational Therapist and their Home Health Nurse came out early Friday morning to meet the girls and start their work with them. We also took both Girls to see the Pediatrician for the first time Friday afternoon. We were there for 2 ½ hours while they got to know our history, measured and weighed them, and gave the Girls their 4 month vaccinations. We thought all was good until Trinity woke up with a 103 temperature Friday night. Long story short, Keith had to take her to Dell's Children’s Hospital. After already getting 4 shots this afternoon, she got many more tonight and had to be admitted. Luckily, they think it was only a virus not a bacteria infection - thank you Lord. She should get to come home this evening.
Parent's Thoughts:
This was another heart wrenching experience for us. As I held Trinity in my arms before Keith rushed her to the ER, her little cry was definitely a sick cry. It broke my heart, especially when Keith called me to tell me that they were admitting her into the hospital for the weekend. We only had her home for 36 hours before she was once again in the hospital and dealing with everything that she had just left behind. She had to get a spinal tap, multiple pokes for trying to get blood work, and an IV put into her head as they were unsuccessful through the 3-4 veins they tried. One of the hardest things in the world is to watch someone hurting your baby. Thankfully she is OK now and will be home tonight. We are hitting the reset button and hope that this time around will be a bit smoother for all of us.
Our Daily Encouragement:
God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.
Acts 17:24-25
What a crazy weekend. We had both their Occupational Therapist and their Home Health Nurse came out early Friday morning to meet the girls and start their work with them. We also took both Girls to see the Pediatrician for the first time Friday afternoon. We were there for 2 ½ hours while they got to know our history, measured and weighed them, and gave the Girls their 4 month vaccinations. We thought all was good until Trinity woke up with a 103 temperature Friday night. Long story short, Keith had to take her to Dell's Children’s Hospital. After already getting 4 shots this afternoon, she got many more tonight and had to be admitted. Luckily, they think it was only a virus not a bacteria infection - thank you Lord. She should get to come home this evening.
Parent's Thoughts:
This was another heart wrenching experience for us. As I held Trinity in my arms before Keith rushed her to the ER, her little cry was definitely a sick cry. It broke my heart, especially when Keith called me to tell me that they were admitting her into the hospital for the weekend. We only had her home for 36 hours before she was once again in the hospital and dealing with everything that she had just left behind. She had to get a spinal tap, multiple pokes for trying to get blood work, and an IV put into her head as they were unsuccessful through the 3-4 veins they tried. One of the hardest things in the world is to watch someone hurting your baby. Thankfully she is OK now and will be home tonight. We are hitting the reset button and hope that this time around will be a bit smoother for all of us.
Our Daily Encouragement:
God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.
Acts 17:24-25
Friday July 31st
Babies Situation:
We are all slowly but surely adapting to our new lives. Keith is a great Daddy. We take turns feeding the Girls and helping each other out. We work as a team. We are running on little sleep but we each take turns catching up where we can. Since the Girls are home, we won’t be making daily updates but will continue to update you all on their progress at a minimum of once a week. We want to thank you all for your Prayers but we hope that you continue to pray for us. We have to keep the Girls healthy especially over the next year, since their immune system is still weak.
Parent's Thoughts:
It is so nice not having to visit the NICU anymore. We will miss all the friends we have made in the last 4.5 months but we place to keep in contact with everyone we have grown to know. We had such a wonderful experience at St. David’s. I highly recommend this hospital to everyone.
Our Daily Encouragement:
When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.
Ecclesiastes 7:14
We are all slowly but surely adapting to our new lives. Keith is a great Daddy. We take turns feeding the Girls and helping each other out. We work as a team. We are running on little sleep but we each take turns catching up where we can. Since the Girls are home, we won’t be making daily updates but will continue to update you all on their progress at a minimum of once a week. We want to thank you all for your Prayers but we hope that you continue to pray for us. We have to keep the Girls healthy especially over the next year, since their immune system is still weak.
Parent's Thoughts:
It is so nice not having to visit the NICU anymore. We will miss all the friends we have made in the last 4.5 months but we place to keep in contact with everyone we have grown to know. We had such a wonderful experience at St. David’s. I highly recommend this hospital to everyone.
Our Daily Encouragement:
When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.
Ecclesiastes 7:14
Thursday July 30th
THE GIRLS MADE IT - THEY ARE HOME...
Praise the Lord. We have made it. The girls came home today after 4.5 months. It was an interesting evening and day in the NICU. We were very fortunate that their primary Night Nurse, Andrea, was able to change her schedule so that we could all be together for one last night. We also were able to spend the day with Crystal, the girls primary daytime Nurse. These 2 Nurses have meant so much to us as a family and especially the girls. Along with all of the Doctors, these amazing people, kept the windy road of the NICU bearable. We love them all for all of their efforts, patience, guidance, and pure love for us and the girls. They are truly special people that have the very difficult job of managing not only what needs to happen on a day to day basis for the health of the all the babies that they care for but also the emotions of all of the family members they encounter along the way.
I also have to quickly comment on the NICU's Sleep In Room. We were fortunate as we were the first family to stay in their recently redone room. It was really nice. They have done a great job trying to replicate a feeling of home there. I can say it made a big difference this past evening.
Mom and Dad were pretty much on our own (Full Duty) but we had a couple of visits from Andrea. We gave them all of their medications, did their assessments at the appropriate times, and bottle fed Kinsley. Trinity took her first continuous feed throughout the night through her NG tube so she just needed to be assessed. All went pretty well but little sleep for Mom and Dad.
Crystal was very nice and brought us breakfast tacos - so good. Thanks Crystal. During the day we had so much to go through. All the questions, paperwork, and review of everything that they needed for the days and months to come. It was an exciting but scary time for us. The girls were ready to leave but were sad to say bye to Andrea and Crystal.
We got all of their prescriptions and will need to fill them on the way home - Caffeine, Iron, Multi-Vitamins, Reglan, and Zantac. It is a crazy schedule of meds but necessary to the girls. Both Trinity and Kinsley get these meds at different times through syringes. Looks like we will be running a Pharmacy out of the house but hopefully not for too long. The girls each will be coming home on monitors to alert us if they have a heart rate drop or any Apnea. These monitors sound like Fire Alarms so hopefully they will not go off to often. They also will go off if there is a loose connection - oh no. Trinity comes home with a Feeding Pump for continuous feeds at night as she still is not taking her entire bottles during the day. She will be put on a nighttime rate based on her consumption during the daytime feeds.
As you can see there is a lot going on but that is OK with us as we will finally be together as a Family. Thank you Lord for this path and please give us the energy and patience in the coming days and months.
Our Daily Encouragement:
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, is the Rock eternal.
Isaiah 26:3-4
Praise the Lord. We have made it. The girls came home today after 4.5 months. It was an interesting evening and day in the NICU. We were very fortunate that their primary Night Nurse, Andrea, was able to change her schedule so that we could all be together for one last night. We also were able to spend the day with Crystal, the girls primary daytime Nurse. These 2 Nurses have meant so much to us as a family and especially the girls. Along with all of the Doctors, these amazing people, kept the windy road of the NICU bearable. We love them all for all of their efforts, patience, guidance, and pure love for us and the girls. They are truly special people that have the very difficult job of managing not only what needs to happen on a day to day basis for the health of the all the babies that they care for but also the emotions of all of the family members they encounter along the way.
I also have to quickly comment on the NICU's Sleep In Room. We were fortunate as we were the first family to stay in their recently redone room. It was really nice. They have done a great job trying to replicate a feeling of home there. I can say it made a big difference this past evening.
Mom and Dad were pretty much on our own (Full Duty) but we had a couple of visits from Andrea. We gave them all of their medications, did their assessments at the appropriate times, and bottle fed Kinsley. Trinity took her first continuous feed throughout the night through her NG tube so she just needed to be assessed. All went pretty well but little sleep for Mom and Dad.
Crystal was very nice and brought us breakfast tacos - so good. Thanks Crystal. During the day we had so much to go through. All the questions, paperwork, and review of everything that they needed for the days and months to come. It was an exciting but scary time for us. The girls were ready to leave but were sad to say bye to Andrea and Crystal.
We got all of their prescriptions and will need to fill them on the way home - Caffeine, Iron, Multi-Vitamins, Reglan, and Zantac. It is a crazy schedule of meds but necessary to the girls. Both Trinity and Kinsley get these meds at different times through syringes. Looks like we will be running a Pharmacy out of the house but hopefully not for too long. The girls each will be coming home on monitors to alert us if they have a heart rate drop or any Apnea. These monitors sound like Fire Alarms so hopefully they will not go off to often. They also will go off if there is a loose connection - oh no. Trinity comes home with a Feeding Pump for continuous feeds at night as she still is not taking her entire bottles during the day. She will be put on a nighttime rate based on her consumption during the daytime feeds.
As you can see there is a lot going on but that is OK with us as we will finally be together as a Family. Thank you Lord for this path and please give us the energy and patience in the coming days and months.
Our Daily Encouragement:
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, is the Rock eternal.
Isaiah 26:3-4
Wednesday July 29th
Babies Situation:
The girls are ready to break out of the NICU. They are really being active and fussy. In fact, our Nurses have to put them in a sling and walk them around more often to settle them down. Plus the girls like to visit with everyone else there (social butterflies). They are getting restless and need the development and stimulation at home which is great but I think our Nurses just want to have them close to them, since they are leaving soon. I also think the girls may realize that their visit will end soon so they make our Nurses carry them around. The girls want to be near our Nurses as well. We are still working through a lot of items and details of how we are going to manage everything when we get home. More details to come tomorrow on these items.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are so close. What a journey filled with so many emotions. The end of our stay in the NICU is upon us. It has seemed like our stay passed quickly but also felt like we were there for a lifetime. It is officially rooming in night so there is much to do to prepare for them to come home - Lots of questions to be answered, Lots of thank you notes and hugs to be delivered, Lots of celebrating to be enjoyed. We will update you on our stay tomorrow and everything we will encounter in the days to come.
I know we have written this before, but all of you have played such an important role to our family in this process - more than you will ever know. I hope you take great joy in celebrating with us. These little miracles have endured the ups and downs of a NICU life to this point. We have been blessed that they have avoided many of the major surgeries or issues thus far, have had the best care we could have ever imagined, and have had all of the support from all of you out there. Even though we may be leaving the NICU, the challenges in the coming days, months, and years, will still remain. We will all continue to stay at an even keel, taking it one day and 1 challenge at a time. We understand that God is in control. As you have seen, we have had many more positive days than negative - a true blessing. Thank you all and most importantly thank you Lord.
Our Daily Encouragement:
The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
Psalm 116: 5-7
The girls are ready to break out of the NICU. They are really being active and fussy. In fact, our Nurses have to put them in a sling and walk them around more often to settle them down. Plus the girls like to visit with everyone else there (social butterflies). They are getting restless and need the development and stimulation at home which is great but I think our Nurses just want to have them close to them, since they are leaving soon. I also think the girls may realize that their visit will end soon so they make our Nurses carry them around. The girls want to be near our Nurses as well. We are still working through a lot of items and details of how we are going to manage everything when we get home. More details to come tomorrow on these items.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are so close. What a journey filled with so many emotions. The end of our stay in the NICU is upon us. It has seemed like our stay passed quickly but also felt like we were there for a lifetime. It is officially rooming in night so there is much to do to prepare for them to come home - Lots of questions to be answered, Lots of thank you notes and hugs to be delivered, Lots of celebrating to be enjoyed. We will update you on our stay tomorrow and everything we will encounter in the days to come.
I know we have written this before, but all of you have played such an important role to our family in this process - more than you will ever know. I hope you take great joy in celebrating with us. These little miracles have endured the ups and downs of a NICU life to this point. We have been blessed that they have avoided many of the major surgeries or issues thus far, have had the best care we could have ever imagined, and have had all of the support from all of you out there. Even though we may be leaving the NICU, the challenges in the coming days, months, and years, will still remain. We will all continue to stay at an even keel, taking it one day and 1 challenge at a time. We understand that God is in control. As you have seen, we have had many more positive days than negative - a true blessing. Thank you all and most importantly thank you Lord.
Our Daily Encouragement:
The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
Psalm 116: 5-7
Tuesday July 28th
Babies Situation:
We had another good day with the speech therapist. We are in the process of trying many different bottles for Trinity to determine which one is best for her. We already figured it out for Kinsley (she likes Dr. Brown). Today, Elizabeth was very gracious again in both her time and the resources at the hospital. She started with a nook nipple but quickly changed over to a Soothie (sounds good to me) and then finally back to her peach nipple. Overall Trinity did great taking the most she has in weeks - 37 cc's. Way to go! Everyone was very encouraged and excited about her slow progress. Kinsley on the other hand needed Mom's touch. She was very fussy for Crystal and even Dad in one of her feeds. Mom came in, calmed her down, and was able to give her the entire amount - 70 cc's. Soon they will be asking us for more but right now we would be content for them to take what is given to them. I guess they will just have to wait for dessert - more for Dad.
Parent's Thoughts:
Today was a difficult day for Mom. It was her turn to insert the NG tube into Trinity. She did a great job for her first time. It went right in and only needed a small adjustment as it was not inserted deep enough based on her measurements. Trinity seemed to be OK with it as well. Maybe that was the trick to ensure she ate more during her feed. We also received pump training as we will be bringing one home to feed Trinity until she can take her whole bottle. The pump is smaller than the one they use at the hospital and mobile. It should work well if we ever have to take her out. We spoke with Dr. Untalon about all of the things that were coming home with us - monitors, tubes, caffeine, and many other items. He has been so good to us and the girls. Thank you. We are so excited. We are getting close. We have been looking forward to this day for 4 months and 10 days - Thank you God.
Our Daily Encouragement:
We had another good day with the speech therapist. We are in the process of trying many different bottles for Trinity to determine which one is best for her. We already figured it out for Kinsley (she likes Dr. Brown). Today, Elizabeth was very gracious again in both her time and the resources at the hospital. She started with a nook nipple but quickly changed over to a Soothie (sounds good to me) and then finally back to her peach nipple. Overall Trinity did great taking the most she has in weeks - 37 cc's. Way to go! Everyone was very encouraged and excited about her slow progress. Kinsley on the other hand needed Mom's touch. She was very fussy for Crystal and even Dad in one of her feeds. Mom came in, calmed her down, and was able to give her the entire amount - 70 cc's. Soon they will be asking us for more but right now we would be content for them to take what is given to them. I guess they will just have to wait for dessert - more for Dad.
Parent's Thoughts:
Today was a difficult day for Mom. It was her turn to insert the NG tube into Trinity. She did a great job for her first time. It went right in and only needed a small adjustment as it was not inserted deep enough based on her measurements. Trinity seemed to be OK with it as well. Maybe that was the trick to ensure she ate more during her feed. We also received pump training as we will be bringing one home to feed Trinity until she can take her whole bottle. The pump is smaller than the one they use at the hospital and mobile. It should work well if we ever have to take her out. We spoke with Dr. Untalon about all of the things that were coming home with us - monitors, tubes, caffeine, and many other items. He has been so good to us and the girls. Thank you. We are so excited. We are getting close. We have been looking forward to this day for 4 months and 10 days - Thank you God.
Our Daily Encouragement:
The Lord himslef goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8
Monday July 27th
Babies Situation:
The Girls had great feeding days today. Speech came to assess Trinity and she ended up taking 27 cc’s without a fight. She was like a different baby today. Maybe she’s improving-Please God!!!! Kinsley had a good day taking between 50-80 cc’s per feeding. Yeah!! The Girls are having their sleep study done tonight. If it goes well and if there are no set backs in the next few days, we will be rooming in Wednesday night and bringing our babies home on Thursday.
Parent's Thoughts:
Since we are getting close to bringing the Girls home, we have started to train on the different procedures that we will need to do at home. Today, Keith learned how to put the NG tube in Trinity’s nose. Luckily for the both of them, he did a great job and got it in on the first try. I think it was harder on me than either of them. My stomach was turning and I had to look away. My turn is tomorrow and I am terrified. Please pray for me. I can be so weak and somehow I continue to be challenged with things that seem to be too much for me to handle but I always make it though. I know where my strength comes from though-Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Daily Encouragement:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.
Galatians 5:22
The Girls had great feeding days today. Speech came to assess Trinity and she ended up taking 27 cc’s without a fight. She was like a different baby today. Maybe she’s improving-Please God!!!! Kinsley had a good day taking between 50-80 cc’s per feeding. Yeah!! The Girls are having their sleep study done tonight. If it goes well and if there are no set backs in the next few days, we will be rooming in Wednesday night and bringing our babies home on Thursday.
Parent's Thoughts:
Since we are getting close to bringing the Girls home, we have started to train on the different procedures that we will need to do at home. Today, Keith learned how to put the NG tube in Trinity’s nose. Luckily for the both of them, he did a great job and got it in on the first try. I think it was harder on me than either of them. My stomach was turning and I had to look away. My turn is tomorrow and I am terrified. Please pray for me. I can be so weak and somehow I continue to be challenged with things that seem to be too much for me to handle but I always make it though. I know where my strength comes from though-Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Daily Encouragement:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.
Galatians 5:22
Sunday July 26th
Babies Situation:
The Girls weekly measurements are in!! Trinity still weighs 8 lbs 9 oz and is 19.75 inches long. Kinsley also weighs the same as yesterday at 8 lbs 7 oz and is 19.75 inches too. WOW!!! The dietitian gave us the recipe to the Girls’ formula. We are another step closer to bringing them home. We should be taught how to insert the NG tube in the next few days and we should be good to go.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are anxiously waiting to bring our sweet babies home. I try not to think about it or get too excited but it is so close. We still don’t have a date of when we will bring them home but we are hoping to have them home by the end of the week.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Two are better than one….If one falls down, his friend can help him up….If two lie down together, they will keep warm.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-11
The Girls weekly measurements are in!! Trinity still weighs 8 lbs 9 oz and is 19.75 inches long. Kinsley also weighs the same as yesterday at 8 lbs 7 oz and is 19.75 inches too. WOW!!! The dietitian gave us the recipe to the Girls’ formula. We are another step closer to bringing them home. We should be taught how to insert the NG tube in the next few days and we should be good to go.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are anxiously waiting to bring our sweet babies home. I try not to think about it or get too excited but it is so close. We still don’t have a date of when we will bring them home but we are hoping to have them home by the end of the week.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Two are better than one….If one falls down, his friend can help him up….If two lie down together, they will keep warm.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-11
Saturday July 25th
Babies Situation:
The Girls are getting so big! Trinity now weighs 8 lbs 9 oz and Kinsley is 8 lbs 7 oz. I never thought I’d be bringing home 2 8lb babies. They are both on 24 calorie formula which as you can tell, helps them gain weight pretty quickly. I think we found a trick to help Trinity eat. We are now starting her tube feed a few minutes before we give her a bottle. This way, she has some satisfaction in her belly so she isn’t as agitated when it comes to the bottle. Kinsley remains about the same on her feedings. She is still doing pretty well.
Parent's Thoughts:
We have a very special prayer request. Our friends Dave and Allie Alter were blessed with Jada Reese Alter earlier this week. Unfortunately she was born early at 24 weeks and lost her twin sister. We ask that you keep them in your prayers. We all know the ups and downs that come with having a 24 weeker but we also know that prayer works and that God has a plan. Here is their blog: http://alterfamily.wordpress.com
Our Daily Encouragement:
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.
1 John 5:1-2
The Girls are getting so big! Trinity now weighs 8 lbs 9 oz and Kinsley is 8 lbs 7 oz. I never thought I’d be bringing home 2 8lb babies. They are both on 24 calorie formula which as you can tell, helps them gain weight pretty quickly. I think we found a trick to help Trinity eat. We are now starting her tube feed a few minutes before we give her a bottle. This way, she has some satisfaction in her belly so she isn’t as agitated when it comes to the bottle. Kinsley remains about the same on her feedings. She is still doing pretty well.
Parent's Thoughts:
We have a very special prayer request. Our friends Dave and Allie Alter were blessed with Jada Reese Alter earlier this week. Unfortunately she was born early at 24 weeks and lost her twin sister. We ask that you keep them in your prayers. We all know the ups and downs that come with having a 24 weeker but we also know that prayer works and that God has a plan. Here is their blog: http://alterfamily.wordpress.com
Our Daily Encouragement:
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.
1 John 5:1-2
Friday July 24th
Babies Situation:
The Girls had their hearing tests today and both passed. Yeah!!! We feel so blessed that they both have had such a wonderful path so far. The feedings have been a struggle but we would rather have this issue than any of the others that could have popped up. I was able to get Trinity to take 14 cc’s today. That’s not much but it is better than anyone else could do. Kinsley was a rock star for me today. She took 80 cc’s the first time I fed her and 75 cc’s the second. Once again, that was more than the nurses could get her to take. There must be something special about Mama’s touch!!
Parent's Thoughts:
The Girls were pretty sleepy today. The night nurse propped them up on bobby’s and I think they really enjoyed the new angle. Since both of them slept most of the day, I didn’t have to juggle which crying baby to pick up. I was able to hold and rock both of them to sleep after their feedings. It feels so good to be a Mom.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6
The Girls had their hearing tests today and both passed. Yeah!!! We feel so blessed that they both have had such a wonderful path so far. The feedings have been a struggle but we would rather have this issue than any of the others that could have popped up. I was able to get Trinity to take 14 cc’s today. That’s not much but it is better than anyone else could do. Kinsley was a rock star for me today. She took 80 cc’s the first time I fed her and 75 cc’s the second. Once again, that was more than the nurses could get her to take. There must be something special about Mama’s touch!!
Parent's Thoughts:
The Girls were pretty sleepy today. The night nurse propped them up on bobby’s and I think they really enjoyed the new angle. Since both of them slept most of the day, I didn’t have to juggle which crying baby to pick up. I was able to hold and rock both of them to sleep after their feedings. It feels so good to be a Mom.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6
Thursday July 23rd
Babies Situation:
The Girls are 43 weeks today. Trinity weighs 8 lbs 5 oz, weighing more than her sister who weighs 8 lbs 4 oz. Trinity had another poor day of bottle feeding. She took the most for me which was only 20 cc’s. Kinsley did well taking 45 cc’s or more each feeding. The tube in her nose was removed. They will now monitor her for the next few days to see if she will continue to gain weight as she eats whatever she’ll take per feeding. The GI doctor never made it in today. Hopefully tomorrow!!
Parent's Thoughts:
I got to hold both Girls at the same time multiple times today. I even figured out how to pick them both up at the same time with no help! This might come in handy a few times in the future. With them both having more awake time now, they are requiring more stimulation and a lot more holding. Two babies crying in your ear at the same time can make you feel very overwhelmed but getting to cuddle with two precious babies at the same time is truly a blessing!! Thank you Lord!
Our Daily Encouragement:
Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Lord; Let Your loving kindness and Your truth continually preserve me.
Psalm 40:11
The Girls are 43 weeks today. Trinity weighs 8 lbs 5 oz, weighing more than her sister who weighs 8 lbs 4 oz. Trinity had another poor day of bottle feeding. She took the most for me which was only 20 cc’s. Kinsley did well taking 45 cc’s or more each feeding. The tube in her nose was removed. They will now monitor her for the next few days to see if she will continue to gain weight as she eats whatever she’ll take per feeding. The GI doctor never made it in today. Hopefully tomorrow!!
Parent's Thoughts:
I got to hold both Girls at the same time multiple times today. I even figured out how to pick them both up at the same time with no help! This might come in handy a few times in the future. With them both having more awake time now, they are requiring more stimulation and a lot more holding. Two babies crying in your ear at the same time can make you feel very overwhelmed but getting to cuddle with two precious babies at the same time is truly a blessing!! Thank you Lord!
Our Daily Encouragement:
Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Lord; Let Your loving kindness and Your truth continually preserve me.
Psalm 40:11
Wednesday July 22nd
Babies Situation:
Good news!! No more talk of the G tube surgery at this time. Our doctor met with the surgeon this morning and the surgeon doesn’t feel that Trinity is a candidate yet. 2 GI doctors from the Dell Children’s Hospital will come assess the Girls tomorrow and we will plan for follow-up appointments once we leave the NICU. Trinity will go home with the NG tube (the tube that runs through her nose to her belly). We will have to feed her what she doesn’t finish from her bottles through it. If Trinity doesn’t drastically improve in a month or two, I am sure it will be time to talk about the G tube again. Kinsley had a good bottle feeding day. Today, they fed her what she wanted and will weigh her tonight to see if she gains weight. Tomorrow, they are going to switch her over to half breast milk half formula to see if she will tolerate it. If so, they will be able to give her a higher calorie formula. With this new mixture, she won’t have to take as much volume and should still gain weight.
Parent's Thoughts:
Keith and I feel relieved that we don’t have to think about Trinity getting surgery anytime soon. We will have to learn how to put the NG tube through her nose to her belly but I know we can do it. We will do what it takes to avoid surgery. See, the prayers are working!!! Thank you God!
Our Daily Encouragement:
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
1 John 4:12
Good news!! No more talk of the G tube surgery at this time. Our doctor met with the surgeon this morning and the surgeon doesn’t feel that Trinity is a candidate yet. 2 GI doctors from the Dell Children’s Hospital will come assess the Girls tomorrow and we will plan for follow-up appointments once we leave the NICU. Trinity will go home with the NG tube (the tube that runs through her nose to her belly). We will have to feed her what she doesn’t finish from her bottles through it. If Trinity doesn’t drastically improve in a month or two, I am sure it will be time to talk about the G tube again. Kinsley had a good bottle feeding day. Today, they fed her what she wanted and will weigh her tonight to see if she gains weight. Tomorrow, they are going to switch her over to half breast milk half formula to see if she will tolerate it. If so, they will be able to give her a higher calorie formula. With this new mixture, she won’t have to take as much volume and should still gain weight.
Parent's Thoughts:
Keith and I feel relieved that we don’t have to think about Trinity getting surgery anytime soon. We will have to learn how to put the NG tube through her nose to her belly but I know we can do it. We will do what it takes to avoid surgery. See, the prayers are working!!! Thank you God!
Our Daily Encouragement:
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
1 John 4:12
Tuesday July 21st
Babies Situation:
Elizabeth, the speech therapist, is back!! She fed both Girls this morning. Results of her assessment of Trinity indicated that she still has a weak suck, especially on one side. Trinity's swallow on that same side is weaker as well. Long story short, she recommends that Trinity continues to get tube fed until she is able to take all her bottles. Trinity will either keep the tube in her nose or the doctors will put in a port into her belly (G-tube). The tube feedings could last 2 weeks, 2 months, or longer but eventually she will get it down. Kinsley did well for her today finishing her bottle. Elizabeth will work with her swallow reflex once a day while she remains in the NICU.
Parent's Thoughts:
Keith and I are hesitant on Trinity getting a G tube since it requires surgery but unfortunately it sounds like it is the best route. We will be talking to the doctors in the next few days to see what the pros and cons are and to ensure we know all of our options. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We thank you for the great support and especially the prayers. Prayer works!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his wisdom and knowledge and riches! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods! For who among us can know the mind of the Lord? Who knows enough to be his counselor and guide?
Romans 11:33-34
Elizabeth, the speech therapist, is back!! She fed both Girls this morning. Results of her assessment of Trinity indicated that she still has a weak suck, especially on one side. Trinity's swallow on that same side is weaker as well. Long story short, she recommends that Trinity continues to get tube fed until she is able to take all her bottles. Trinity will either keep the tube in her nose or the doctors will put in a port into her belly (G-tube). The tube feedings could last 2 weeks, 2 months, or longer but eventually she will get it down. Kinsley did well for her today finishing her bottle. Elizabeth will work with her swallow reflex once a day while she remains in the NICU.
Parent's Thoughts:
Keith and I are hesitant on Trinity getting a G tube since it requires surgery but unfortunately it sounds like it is the best route. We will be talking to the doctors in the next few days to see what the pros and cons are and to ensure we know all of our options. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We thank you for the great support and especially the prayers. Prayer works!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his wisdom and knowledge and riches! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods! For who among us can know the mind of the Lord? Who knows enough to be his counselor and guide?
Romans 11:33-34
Monday July 20th
Babies Situation:
The Girls had decent bottle feeds today. Both had a few good and bad ones. The speech therapist was out sick again today but is supposed to be back tomorrow. Hopefully, she will have time to assess them. Trinity cries, arches, and tongue thrusts through most of her feedings. From the looks of it, her reflux is not getting any better.
Parent's Thoughts:
Our friend Emily visited today and stayed throughout the afternoon. It was really nice to have her there to talk too and to help hold. The Girls got spoiled today and loved every minute of it!! Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Please pray that the Girls will start completing all their bottle feeds so that they can come home.
Our Daily Encouragement:
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered.
Joel 2:32
The Girls had decent bottle feeds today. Both had a few good and bad ones. The speech therapist was out sick again today but is supposed to be back tomorrow. Hopefully, she will have time to assess them. Trinity cries, arches, and tongue thrusts through most of her feedings. From the looks of it, her reflux is not getting any better.
Parent's Thoughts:
Our friend Emily visited today and stayed throughout the afternoon. It was really nice to have her there to talk too and to help hold. The Girls got spoiled today and loved every minute of it!! Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Please pray that the Girls will start completing all their bottle feeds so that they can come home.
Our Daily Encouragement:
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered.
Joel 2:32
Sunday July 19th
Babies Situation:
The weekly measurements are in!! Miss Trinity now weighs 7 lbs 15 oz and is 19.7 inches long. She has almost caught up with Kinsley who weighs 8 lbs 1 oz and is 19.9 inches long. Both Girls had some minor changes made to their bottle feeding. Trinity is now getting bottle fed every other feeding and is getting 72 cc’s per feed. She still doesn’t like her bottle. She averages around 25 cc’s per bottle feed. Kinsley is starting to have better more consistent bottle feeds. Her orders now state to attempt a bottle feed each feeding. Her minimum is also 72 cc’s. She finished a few bottles today which is an improvement! Good job Kinsley.
Parent's Thoughts:
The Girls need more stimulation now that they are considered to be at a corrected age of 2 ½ weeks old. Trinity is very picky about how she is held. She gets bored in certain positions and wants to see what is going on at all times. Kinsley just likes to be held and be close to you. She is a little cuddle bug. Both love sleeping on our chest. It gets harder and harder to leave them at the hospital each day but we know we will have them home when the time is right and they are ready.
Our Daily Encouragement:
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints-the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you.
Colossians 1:3-6
The weekly measurements are in!! Miss Trinity now weighs 7 lbs 15 oz and is 19.7 inches long. She has almost caught up with Kinsley who weighs 8 lbs 1 oz and is 19.9 inches long. Both Girls had some minor changes made to their bottle feeding. Trinity is now getting bottle fed every other feeding and is getting 72 cc’s per feed. She still doesn’t like her bottle. She averages around 25 cc’s per bottle feed. Kinsley is starting to have better more consistent bottle feeds. Her orders now state to attempt a bottle feed each feeding. Her minimum is also 72 cc’s. She finished a few bottles today which is an improvement! Good job Kinsley.
Parent's Thoughts:
The Girls need more stimulation now that they are considered to be at a corrected age of 2 ½ weeks old. Trinity is very picky about how she is held. She gets bored in certain positions and wants to see what is going on at all times. Kinsley just likes to be held and be close to you. She is a little cuddle bug. Both love sleeping on our chest. It gets harder and harder to leave them at the hospital each day but we know we will have them home when the time is right and they are ready.
Our Daily Encouragement:
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints-the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you.
Colossians 1:3-6
Saturday July 18th
Babies Situation:
The Girls had MRI’s done late last night to determine if there was anything wrong with them and to help the doctors rule out any major issues on why the Girls aren’t eating well. Thankfully both had negative results. Thank you Lord!! Since both Girls did have bad feedings throughout the night, the doctor decided to switch them both back to the RS formula. He will try this for the next 3 days to see if they have any improvement.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are so thankful that the MRI's did not show any kind of brain damage. No one really thought that they had brain damage but it’s nice to have the results to eliminate it from the equation. Plus Trinity did have a brain bleed and both of them have had high blood pressure along the way. We have been so blessed during the Girls growth as they have had their challenges but have also been able to avoid many of the major complications 24 weekers face. It is frustrating that they do not eat but I would rather have this kind of issue than a more severe issue affecting one of their organs.
Our Daily Encouragement:
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”
Mark 10:27
The Girls had MRI’s done late last night to determine if there was anything wrong with them and to help the doctors rule out any major issues on why the Girls aren’t eating well. Thankfully both had negative results. Thank you Lord!! Since both Girls did have bad feedings throughout the night, the doctor decided to switch them both back to the RS formula. He will try this for the next 3 days to see if they have any improvement.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are so thankful that the MRI's did not show any kind of brain damage. No one really thought that they had brain damage but it’s nice to have the results to eliminate it from the equation. Plus Trinity did have a brain bleed and both of them have had high blood pressure along the way. We have been so blessed during the Girls growth as they have had their challenges but have also been able to avoid many of the major complications 24 weekers face. It is frustrating that they do not eat but I would rather have this kind of issue than a more severe issue affecting one of their organs.
Our Daily Encouragement:
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”
Mark 10:27
Friday July 17th
Babies Situation:
Today Dr. Diven took at least 30 minutes out of his busy schedule to talk to me and review the girls data. The Girls feedings are going OK but I did come with another game plan for him to try. The data actually backed up some of what I was saying. In the next few days, if the Girls don’t drastically improve, he is willing to try my suggestions. For Kinsley, we might try her back on the RS formula (or a 1 to 1 breast milk/formula mixture) while keeping her on caffeine. For Trinity, we talked about doing the same with RS and caffeine. If there is no improvement, then he is just going to take Trinity off caffeine all together.
Parent's Thoughts:
It was really nice of Dr. Diven to take time with me today and discuss the Girls current situation. Not only did he take time with me but he listened to what I had to say. He is a wonderful doctor and whoever gets him as their primary is truly blessed. Thank you Dr. Diven!
Our Daily Encouragement:
But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.
Psalm 103:17
Today Dr. Diven took at least 30 minutes out of his busy schedule to talk to me and review the girls data. The Girls feedings are going OK but I did come with another game plan for him to try. The data actually backed up some of what I was saying. In the next few days, if the Girls don’t drastically improve, he is willing to try my suggestions. For Kinsley, we might try her back on the RS formula (or a 1 to 1 breast milk/formula mixture) while keeping her on caffeine. For Trinity, we talked about doing the same with RS and caffeine. If there is no improvement, then he is just going to take Trinity off caffeine all together.
Parent's Thoughts:
It was really nice of Dr. Diven to take time with me today and discuss the Girls current situation. Not only did he take time with me but he listened to what I had to say. He is a wonderful doctor and whoever gets him as their primary is truly blessed. Thank you Dr. Diven!
Our Daily Encouragement:
But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.
Psalm 103:17
Thursday July 16th
Babies Situation:
The Girls are 42 weeks gestation today. They both have good and bad feedings. The caffeine seems to be helping Kinsley but I am not so sure about Trinity. She really isn’t too interested in taking her bottles and at times, she seems uncomfortable. I’ll have to talk with the doctor about this tomorrow.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are still taking it day by day. I really thought we would be home by now but I guess it wasn’t in the plan. Sometimes don’t you wish you knew the plan?
Our Daily Encouragement:
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
John 14:1-3
The Girls are 42 weeks gestation today. They both have good and bad feedings. The caffeine seems to be helping Kinsley but I am not so sure about Trinity. She really isn’t too interested in taking her bottles and at times, she seems uncomfortable. I’ll have to talk with the doctor about this tomorrow.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are still taking it day by day. I really thought we would be home by now but I guess it wasn’t in the plan. Sometimes don’t you wish you knew the plan?
Our Daily Encouragement:
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
John 14:1-3
Wednesday July 15th
Babies Situation:
Kinsley is doing pretty good on her bottle feedings since she has been on caffeine. Her volume was increased to 75 cc’s today and she is finishing all but 5-15 cc’s per bottle feeding. This is looking very promising but the doctor says she still needs to regulate herself on feedings which basically means there is more room for improvement. We’ll get there!! Trinity was started on caffeine today as well. She was wide awake when we came to visit tonight and did pretty well with her bottle. She finished around 45 cc’s of her 65 cc minimum. Good job Girls!!
Parent's Thoughts:
We still do not know when the Girls will come home but I do know that from here on out, our motto is that they are coming home when we are actually walking out the door with them. Until then, we don’t know. They are staying awake for longer periods during the day and crying more. They like to be entertained. I guess it would be boring to lay there for most of the day starring at everything PINK!!! Soon enough Girls!! You’ll be home getting spoiled.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God-my God-will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.
1 Chronicles 28:20
Kinsley is doing pretty good on her bottle feedings since she has been on caffeine. Her volume was increased to 75 cc’s today and she is finishing all but 5-15 cc’s per bottle feeding. This is looking very promising but the doctor says she still needs to regulate herself on feedings which basically means there is more room for improvement. We’ll get there!! Trinity was started on caffeine today as well. She was wide awake when we came to visit tonight and did pretty well with her bottle. She finished around 45 cc’s of her 65 cc minimum. Good job Girls!!
Parent's Thoughts:
We still do not know when the Girls will come home but I do know that from here on out, our motto is that they are coming home when we are actually walking out the door with them. Until then, we don’t know. They are staying awake for longer periods during the day and crying more. They like to be entertained. I guess it would be boring to lay there for most of the day starring at everything PINK!!! Soon enough Girls!! You’ll be home getting spoiled.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God-my God-will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.
1 Chronicles 28:20
Tuesday July 14th
Babies Situation:
Today was a good day. Both Girls acted more baby like today. Their little arms and legs were going as they looked around the room and cooed. Both of them had a lot of awake time. Kinsley actually had a really good day of taking her bottles. She actually took 59 cc’s twice which is the most she has ever taken. The caffeine might be working. She also did not pull away, arch, or cry during her feedings. Trinity, on the other hand, wasn’t so sure about the breast milk. She did OK during her feedings but did not take more than 30 cc’s. She will probably be started on the caffeine tomorrow. Trinity now weighs 7 lbs 11 oz and Kinsley is officially 8 lbs!!!
Parent's Thoughts:
I am trying not to get too excited about how well Kinsley did today. Crystal and I both noticed the difference in her. Crystal was definitely excited so I’ll let her be excited for the both of us. I don’t want to get my hopes up again. It also makes me somewhat sad that little Trinity is a little behind her sis. I prefer to take both Girls home at the same time. I can’t imagine leaving Trinity at the hospital alone. The thought of it breaks my heart.
Our Daily Encouragement:
O Lord God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you…Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.
Psalm 89:8,14
Today was a good day. Both Girls acted more baby like today. Their little arms and legs were going as they looked around the room and cooed. Both of them had a lot of awake time. Kinsley actually had a really good day of taking her bottles. She actually took 59 cc’s twice which is the most she has ever taken. The caffeine might be working. She also did not pull away, arch, or cry during her feedings. Trinity, on the other hand, wasn’t so sure about the breast milk. She did OK during her feedings but did not take more than 30 cc’s. She will probably be started on the caffeine tomorrow. Trinity now weighs 7 lbs 11 oz and Kinsley is officially 8 lbs!!!
Parent's Thoughts:
I am trying not to get too excited about how well Kinsley did today. Crystal and I both noticed the difference in her. Crystal was definitely excited so I’ll let her be excited for the both of us. I don’t want to get my hopes up again. It also makes me somewhat sad that little Trinity is a little behind her sis. I prefer to take both Girls home at the same time. I can’t imagine leaving Trinity at the hospital alone. The thought of it breaks my heart.
Our Daily Encouragement:
O Lord God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you…Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.
Psalm 89:8,14
Monday July 13th
Babies Situation:
Since both Girls aren’t really improving on their feedings, their primary doctor decided to change it up on both of them. Trinity has been taken off the RS formula and is back to getting breast milk with Zantac to help with her reflux. Kinsley had her tests run this morning and they didn’t find reflux but they did find that she gets very close to aspirating when she swallows. They decided to change her back to a slow flow nipple and she is now getting the RS (Rice supplement) formula every 4 hours instead of breast milk every 3 hours. She will also start getting caffeine. Both Girls can go from the state of being wide awake to a state of being sleepy very quickly during a feed. The doctor hopes the caffeine will help give her brain the right signals to maintain a more stable state.
Parent's Thoughts:
Today was very interesting. I was almost positive that Kinsley had severe reflux by the way she acts during feedings. By her not having severe reflux, this makes her case even more mind boggling. I feel like the doctors are running out of options. We have a few more weeks of trial and error before we might have to consider the G-tube. Please continue to pray for us.
Our Daily Encouragement:
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16
Since both Girls aren’t really improving on their feedings, their primary doctor decided to change it up on both of them. Trinity has been taken off the RS formula and is back to getting breast milk with Zantac to help with her reflux. Kinsley had her tests run this morning and they didn’t find reflux but they did find that she gets very close to aspirating when she swallows. They decided to change her back to a slow flow nipple and she is now getting the RS (Rice supplement) formula every 4 hours instead of breast milk every 3 hours. She will also start getting caffeine. Both Girls can go from the state of being wide awake to a state of being sleepy very quickly during a feed. The doctor hopes the caffeine will help give her brain the right signals to maintain a more stable state.
Parent's Thoughts:
Today was very interesting. I was almost positive that Kinsley had severe reflux by the way she acts during feedings. By her not having severe reflux, this makes her case even more mind boggling. I feel like the doctors are running out of options. We have a few more weeks of trial and error before we might have to consider the G-tube. Please continue to pray for us.
Our Daily Encouragement:
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16
Sunday July 12th
Babies Situation:
The weekly measurements are in!! Trinity weighs 7 lbs 6 oz and is 19.3 inches long. Kinsley weighs 7 lbs 13 oz and is also 19.3 inches long. Can you believe it!! Well the Girls finally pooped today. Poor little things! They now go days without stooling and it is very painful for them. Trinity kept crying out today because her belly hurt.
Parent's Thoughts:
I look forward to talking with the Girls primary doctor tomorrow. If Kinsley ends up having reflux, I am going to suggest that he switch her over to an H2 blocker since the Prilosec doesn’t seem to be working.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.
2 Samuel 22:36
The weekly measurements are in!! Trinity weighs 7 lbs 6 oz and is 19.3 inches long. Kinsley weighs 7 lbs 13 oz and is also 19.3 inches long. Can you believe it!! Well the Girls finally pooped today. Poor little things! They now go days without stooling and it is very painful for them. Trinity kept crying out today because her belly hurt.
Parent's Thoughts:
I look forward to talking with the Girls primary doctor tomorrow. If Kinsley ends up having reflux, I am going to suggest that he switch her over to an H2 blocker since the Prilosec doesn’t seem to be working.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.
2 Samuel 22:36
Saturday July 11th
Babies Situation:
The feeding schedule was changed once again for Kinsley. She is no longer being fed on demand every 3-4 hours. She is now back to being fed every 3 hours with a minimum intake of 65 cc’s. She’ll remain getting bottle fed twice in a row, then tube fed. Trinity’s didn’t change. She is getting fed every 3 hours with only 3 bottle feeds per day having to take a minimum of 64 cc’s. Trinity is now weighing 7 lbs 6 oz and Kinsley is weighing 7 lbs 10 oz.
Parent's Thoughts:
The weekend doctors have decided that Kinsley needs the original two tests that I wrote about a week ago. She will be getting a swallow test and upper GI test on Monday. Hopefully this answers some questions. Please keep us in your prayers!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2
The feeding schedule was changed once again for Kinsley. She is no longer being fed on demand every 3-4 hours. She is now back to being fed every 3 hours with a minimum intake of 65 cc’s. She’ll remain getting bottle fed twice in a row, then tube fed. Trinity’s didn’t change. She is getting fed every 3 hours with only 3 bottle feeds per day having to take a minimum of 64 cc’s. Trinity is now weighing 7 lbs 6 oz and Kinsley is weighing 7 lbs 10 oz.
Parent's Thoughts:
The weekend doctors have decided that Kinsley needs the original two tests that I wrote about a week ago. She will be getting a swallow test and upper GI test on Monday. Hopefully this answers some questions. Please keep us in your prayers!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2
Friday July 10th
Babies Situation:
It was a nice day with the Girls. I was there for most of the day feeding, holding, and changing diapers. Neither did very well on their bottle feeding but that is expected once in awhile. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better!!
Parent's Thoughts:
Our neighbors in the NICU are rooming in tonight. They will be taking their 31 weeker home tomorrow. They are a very nice couple so it will be sad to watch another one of our friends leave but we are very excited for them. I still dream of this day.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6
It was a nice day with the Girls. I was there for most of the day feeding, holding, and changing diapers. Neither did very well on their bottle feeding but that is expected once in awhile. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better!!
Parent's Thoughts:
Our neighbors in the NICU are rooming in tonight. They will be taking their 31 weeker home tomorrow. They are a very nice couple so it will be sad to watch another one of our friends leave but we are very excited for them. I still dream of this day.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6
Thursday July 9th
Babies Situation:
The Girls are 41 weeks today and still working on their feedings. Dr. Diven, the Girls’ primary doctor, sat with Elizabeth (their speech therapist), Crystal (their primary nurse), and myself to figure out what the next step should be for their feedings. Trinity is going to remain at 3 bottle feeds a day. She is still averaging around 45 cc’s per bottle feed. She does act somewhat premature so we all feel comfortable keeping her where she’s at. Kinsley is acting more mature so Dr. Diven and Elizabeth decided to have her feed every 3-4 hours on demand. They have asked me to be present for as many feedings as possible. Since our nurse usually has to care for 4 babies at a time, with these new orders, it will be hard for them to feed Kinsley whenever she acts hungry. We plan to spend most of our time at the NICU this weekend (more than normal). On Monday, Dr. Diven and Elizabeth will re-evaluate the situation.
Parent's Thoughts:
Time is precious and everyone is now doing what they can to get the Girls home as soon as possible. Dr. Diven has made time each day this week to see the Girls. Elizabeth continues to show me techniques that will improve Trinity and Kinsley’s feedings. Our primary nurses work extra hard when feeding the Girls trying to get them to take the maximum amount. Thank you to everyone!! I also want to thank all of you who read our blog and pray for us. Without all of you, our situation would have been even harder for us to bare. Just remember-God is good and prayer is powerful.
Our Daily Encouragement:
But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.
1 Corinthians 4:19
The Girls are 41 weeks today and still working on their feedings. Dr. Diven, the Girls’ primary doctor, sat with Elizabeth (their speech therapist), Crystal (their primary nurse), and myself to figure out what the next step should be for their feedings. Trinity is going to remain at 3 bottle feeds a day. She is still averaging around 45 cc’s per bottle feed. She does act somewhat premature so we all feel comfortable keeping her where she’s at. Kinsley is acting more mature so Dr. Diven and Elizabeth decided to have her feed every 3-4 hours on demand. They have asked me to be present for as many feedings as possible. Since our nurse usually has to care for 4 babies at a time, with these new orders, it will be hard for them to feed Kinsley whenever she acts hungry. We plan to spend most of our time at the NICU this weekend (more than normal). On Monday, Dr. Diven and Elizabeth will re-evaluate the situation.
Parent's Thoughts:
Time is precious and everyone is now doing what they can to get the Girls home as soon as possible. Dr. Diven has made time each day this week to see the Girls. Elizabeth continues to show me techniques that will improve Trinity and Kinsley’s feedings. Our primary nurses work extra hard when feeding the Girls trying to get them to take the maximum amount. Thank you to everyone!! I also want to thank all of you who read our blog and pray for us. Without all of you, our situation would have been even harder for us to bare. Just remember-God is good and prayer is powerful.
Our Daily Encouragement:
But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.
1 Corinthians 4:19
Wednesday July 8th
Babies Situation:
The Girls both gained weight today. Trinity is now 7 lbs 2 oz and Kinsley is 7 lbs 5 oz. Both Girls are back to growing like weeds!! Their feedings haven’t gone so well today. It is either one of those off days where they don’t do so well or their reflux is really bothering them. I hope it’s not their reflux. I don’t like forcing them to eat when it is painful for them.
Parent's Thoughts:
I really wish the Doctors could figure out why the Girls aren’t eating well. I know it’s not that simple and from here on out, it is somewhat trial and error but the game we are playing here is not fun. I have been praying throughout the day for strength and patience and for the babies reflux to go away. I know God has a plan and is in control.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139: 23-24
The Girls both gained weight today. Trinity is now 7 lbs 2 oz and Kinsley is 7 lbs 5 oz. Both Girls are back to growing like weeds!! Their feedings haven’t gone so well today. It is either one of those off days where they don’t do so well or their reflux is really bothering them. I hope it’s not their reflux. I don’t like forcing them to eat when it is painful for them.
Parent's Thoughts:
I really wish the Doctors could figure out why the Girls aren’t eating well. I know it’s not that simple and from here on out, it is somewhat trial and error but the game we are playing here is not fun. I have been praying throughout the day for strength and patience and for the babies reflux to go away. I know God has a plan and is in control.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139: 23-24
Tuesday July 7th
Babies Situation:
The big news of the day is that the Girls were both released from their weekly eye exams. They made it through without any ROP - Thank you God!!! They won’t have to be seen for another 3 months and that is not to check for ROP. Trinity gained weight and is now 7 lbs 1 oz. Kinsley also gained weight and is now 7 lbs 4 oz. The Girls primary doctor decided not to have an upper GI done on Kinsley. Instead, he has prescribed her Prilosec and in 3 days, we’ll see if her reflux symptoms improve. If not, he’ll try a rice cereal or the RS formula next.
Parent's Thoughts:
Unfortunately, I was there today to witness the Girls eye exams and it was not pleasant. I have never heard them cry so loud and afterwards, their little eyes were red and swollen. From the fight, they were totally pooped out afterwards. It was heart wrenching to sit there and listen to them but I had to remind myself that it was necessary and luckily quick. It is a huge relief (and big blessing) that neither of them had ROP.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment. You stretch out the heavens like a tent, you set the beams of your chambers on the waters, you make the clouds your chariot, you ride on the wings of the wind…You set the earth on its foundations, so that it shall never be shaken.
Psalm 104 1-3,5
The big news of the day is that the Girls were both released from their weekly eye exams. They made it through without any ROP - Thank you God!!! They won’t have to be seen for another 3 months and that is not to check for ROP. Trinity gained weight and is now 7 lbs 1 oz. Kinsley also gained weight and is now 7 lbs 4 oz. The Girls primary doctor decided not to have an upper GI done on Kinsley. Instead, he has prescribed her Prilosec and in 3 days, we’ll see if her reflux symptoms improve. If not, he’ll try a rice cereal or the RS formula next.
Parent's Thoughts:
Unfortunately, I was there today to witness the Girls eye exams and it was not pleasant. I have never heard them cry so loud and afterwards, their little eyes were red and swollen. From the fight, they were totally pooped out afterwards. It was heart wrenching to sit there and listen to them but I had to remind myself that it was necessary and luckily quick. It is a huge relief (and big blessing) that neither of them had ROP.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment. You stretch out the heavens like a tent, you set the beams of your chambers on the waters, you make the clouds your chariot, you ride on the wings of the wind…You set the earth on its foundations, so that it shall never be shaken.
Psalm 104 1-3,5
Monday July 6th
Babies Situation:
The Girls weekly measurements are in and they are very close in size. Trinity is now officially 7 lbs and 19 inches long. Kinsley finally gained some weight and is 7 lbs 3 oz and 19 inches long. The Girls also finally pooped today. It has been 3 full days with no poops until today. I’m sure they feel much better. The speech therapist met with me during one of their feedings today. She agreed that Kinsley shows many signs of having severe reflux like her sis. She will be getting an upper GI tomorrow to see if that is actually the case. If it is, she will either get rice cereal or be switched over to the same RS formula her sister is on.
Parent's Thoughts:
Trinity is doing so much better on her feeds now. Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of room for improvement but she has come a long way. Kinsley took a step back but hopefully we’ll get it figured out soon. Reflux has to be painful so it makes perfect sense why they wouldn’t want to finish their bottles. Who would? We are getting so close!!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
The Girls weekly measurements are in and they are very close in size. Trinity is now officially 7 lbs and 19 inches long. Kinsley finally gained some weight and is 7 lbs 3 oz and 19 inches long. The Girls also finally pooped today. It has been 3 full days with no poops until today. I’m sure they feel much better. The speech therapist met with me during one of their feedings today. She agreed that Kinsley shows many signs of having severe reflux like her sis. She will be getting an upper GI tomorrow to see if that is actually the case. If it is, she will either get rice cereal or be switched over to the same RS formula her sister is on.
Parent's Thoughts:
Trinity is doing so much better on her feeds now. Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of room for improvement but she has come a long way. Kinsley took a step back but hopefully we’ll get it figured out soon. Reflux has to be painful so it makes perfect sense why they wouldn’t want to finish their bottles. Who would? We are getting so close!!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
Sunday July 5th
Babies Situation:
We are still working on feedings with the Girls. Trinity is averaging out at around 45 cc’s each feeding with is a huge improvement. It seems as if the new formula is working. Kinsley is doing just OK. It is almost like she is digressing with hers and now it is a pure fight to get her to take her minimum of 50 cc’s. We also found out that the doctor ordered to put Kinsley's feeding tube back in every 3rd feed which means they pull it out afterwards. We did not like the idea of that at all and asked the doctor on call today to allow for a permanent tube through her nose. She now has one again just like Trinity.
Parent's Thoughts:
Keith and I really struggled with Kinsley’s tube situation today. Unfortunately, we were there for one of her tube feedings and it was awful. Keith left the room but I got to experience her gagging as Crystal inserted the tube into her mouth and down her throat. She actually gagged for the next 5-10 minutes as we talked with the doctor on how we wanted the tube to remain in her nose. Thankfully, he agreed. It was very hard to sit there as she gagged on her tube and kept moving her tongue around it. It was gut wrenching.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Christ was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
1 Peter 1:20-21
We are still working on feedings with the Girls. Trinity is averaging out at around 45 cc’s each feeding with is a huge improvement. It seems as if the new formula is working. Kinsley is doing just OK. It is almost like she is digressing with hers and now it is a pure fight to get her to take her minimum of 50 cc’s. We also found out that the doctor ordered to put Kinsley's feeding tube back in every 3rd feed which means they pull it out afterwards. We did not like the idea of that at all and asked the doctor on call today to allow for a permanent tube through her nose. She now has one again just like Trinity.
Parent's Thoughts:
Keith and I really struggled with Kinsley’s tube situation today. Unfortunately, we were there for one of her tube feedings and it was awful. Keith left the room but I got to experience her gagging as Crystal inserted the tube into her mouth and down her throat. She actually gagged for the next 5-10 minutes as we talked with the doctor on how we wanted the tube to remain in her nose. Thankfully, he agreed. It was very hard to sit there as she gagged on her tube and kept moving her tongue around it. It was gut wrenching.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Christ was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
1 Peter 1:20-21
Saturday July 4th
Babies Situation:
Happy 4th of July!! The Girls wore their special 4th of July outfits today and got a lot of attention. Well, Kinsley was very close to coming home early next week but because her weight gain hasn’t been very good in the last week, she won’t be going home anytime soon. The doctor decided to have her tube fed every 3rd feeding and give her a little more time. The Girls must be bottle feeding 8 times a day and gaining weight to go home. Trinity had a good day with her bottle feeding - she took 40, 45, and 55 cc’s which is a record breaker for her. Kinsley remains at 7 lbs 1 oz while Trinity has caught up to her now weighing 6 lbs 15 oz.
Parent's Thoughts:
Keith and I enjoyed our day with the Girls. We both got to feed and hold them for a few hours. After our visit, we watched the Austin fireworks to the sound of the Austin Symphony. It was really nice. We are squeezing in as many dates as we can. We are disappointed that we won’t be bringing a baby home in the next few days but also know it will happen soon enough so we will enjoy our last few days/weeks of just the two of us.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Philippians 3:20-21
Happy 4th of July!! The Girls wore their special 4th of July outfits today and got a lot of attention. Well, Kinsley was very close to coming home early next week but because her weight gain hasn’t been very good in the last week, she won’t be going home anytime soon. The doctor decided to have her tube fed every 3rd feeding and give her a little more time. The Girls must be bottle feeding 8 times a day and gaining weight to go home. Trinity had a good day with her bottle feeding - she took 40, 45, and 55 cc’s which is a record breaker for her. Kinsley remains at 7 lbs 1 oz while Trinity has caught up to her now weighing 6 lbs 15 oz.
Parent's Thoughts:
Keith and I enjoyed our day with the Girls. We both got to feed and hold them for a few hours. After our visit, we watched the Austin fireworks to the sound of the Austin Symphony. It was really nice. We are squeezing in as many dates as we can. We are disappointed that we won’t be bringing a baby home in the next few days but also know it will happen soon enough so we will enjoy our last few days/weeks of just the two of us.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Philippians 3:20-21
Friday July 3rd
Babies Situation:
The Girls due date has now come and gone. It feels like a milestone has been met. The Girls are doing well again today. Daddy fed Trinity this morning. She is now getting 3 bottles a day. She only took 25 cc’s for him though. The speech therapist suggested that we bring in a vibrating chair for her to sit in while she feeds. It might help keep the food down so we’ll try that tomorrow. I fed Kinsley and she did pretty good. No choking/heart rate drops today. She is taking her minimum each feeding. This is a great start to the holiday weekend.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are still working on getting the house ready for the Girls to come home. I am visiting Babies-r-us more often these days but I have to say that I feel pretty much prepared. We do need to get the car seats set-up in the car and the crib in our bedroom. Once that’s complete, it will only be small things that need to get done. Thank you Lord that we are to this point!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever.
Psalm 37:18
The Girls due date has now come and gone. It feels like a milestone has been met. The Girls are doing well again today. Daddy fed Trinity this morning. She is now getting 3 bottles a day. She only took 25 cc’s for him though. The speech therapist suggested that we bring in a vibrating chair for her to sit in while she feeds. It might help keep the food down so we’ll try that tomorrow. I fed Kinsley and she did pretty good. No choking/heart rate drops today. She is taking her minimum each feeding. This is a great start to the holiday weekend.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are still working on getting the house ready for the Girls to come home. I am visiting Babies-r-us more often these days but I have to say that I feel pretty much prepared. We do need to get the car seats set-up in the car and the crib in our bedroom. Once that’s complete, it will only be small things that need to get done. Thank you Lord that we are to this point!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever.
Psalm 37:18
Thursday July 2nd
Babies Situation:
The Girls are officially 40 weeks gestation today - Yeah!! We had a great day!! We met with the speech therapist this afternoon. I fed Kinsley and she did pretty good taking 51 cc’s (her minimum). Keith fed Trinity with the help of Elizabeth and he did a really good job. She took 40 cc’s which is better than usual. We’ll let him try and feed her again tomorrow. He does better than me - ha! I was told that I need to be more assertive with feeding the girls. We also had an opportunity to meet with their primary Doctor and he plans on running a few tests on Kinsley to check for high blood pressure. If she continues to have hyper tension she might have to be regulated by medication for the next few months. We shall see soon enough.
Parent's Thoughts:
Our sweet primary nurses, Andrea and Crystal, both surprised us with gifts since the Girls are officially 40 weeks today (their original due date). We are so blessed to have them taking care of our babies. Thank you Andrea and Crystal!!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
The Girls are officially 40 weeks gestation today - Yeah!! We had a great day!! We met with the speech therapist this afternoon. I fed Kinsley and she did pretty good taking 51 cc’s (her minimum). Keith fed Trinity with the help of Elizabeth and he did a really good job. She took 40 cc’s which is better than usual. We’ll let him try and feed her again tomorrow. He does better than me - ha! I was told that I need to be more assertive with feeding the girls. We also had an opportunity to meet with their primary Doctor and he plans on running a few tests on Kinsley to check for high blood pressure. If she continues to have hyper tension she might have to be regulated by medication for the next few months. We shall see soon enough.
Parent's Thoughts:
Our sweet primary nurses, Andrea and Crystal, both surprised us with gifts since the Girls are officially 40 weeks today (their original due date). We are so blessed to have them taking care of our babies. Thank you Andrea and Crystal!!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
Wednesday July 1st
Babies Situation:
The Girls are 15 weeks today and their feedings are top priority. I started off trying to feed Trinity (one of her two bottles for the day) but I wasn’t successful from the start. Trinity did not like the taste of her new formula so Crystal had to take over. Crystal was able to get Trinity to take 40 cc’s but it was hard work. When I say hard work, I mean Crystal really had to push her. At 20 cc’s, Trinity did her usual shut down but Crystal pushed her hard to get over the hump. I think the key to success here will be for all the nurses to do the same. If they let Trinity give up at 20 cc’s, we’ll be visiting the NICU for a long time. Kinsley is still very sleepy during her feedings but she did decide to stay awake in between feedings - ha!
Parent's Thoughts:
The speech therapist will be by tomorrow to watch both Girls feed. Keith plans to take the day off so it will be nice for him to experience a feeding with her. Please continue to pray for the Girls through this time. Feeding isn’t coming easy to them. It’s very hard work for them and us as parents. Thank you for the continuous support we get. It is so helpful through the hard times.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12
The Girls are 15 weeks today and their feedings are top priority. I started off trying to feed Trinity (one of her two bottles for the day) but I wasn’t successful from the start. Trinity did not like the taste of her new formula so Crystal had to take over. Crystal was able to get Trinity to take 40 cc’s but it was hard work. When I say hard work, I mean Crystal really had to push her. At 20 cc’s, Trinity did her usual shut down but Crystal pushed her hard to get over the hump. I think the key to success here will be for all the nurses to do the same. If they let Trinity give up at 20 cc’s, we’ll be visiting the NICU for a long time. Kinsley is still very sleepy during her feedings but she did decide to stay awake in between feedings - ha!
Parent's Thoughts:
The speech therapist will be by tomorrow to watch both Girls feed. Keith plans to take the day off so it will be nice for him to experience a feeding with her. Please continue to pray for the Girls through this time. Feeding isn’t coming easy to them. It’s very hard work for them and us as parents. Thank you for the continuous support we get. It is so helpful through the hard times.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12
Tuesday June 30th
Babies Situation:
The Girls will be 15 weeks tomorrow (40 weeks gestation on Thursday) and it seems like all of a sudden the NICU staff are trying to figure out how to get the Girls home - ASAP. I know they were thinking about it before but suddenly, the babies seem to be getting a lot more attention. Trinity’s test results showed that she has severe reflux which explains why she hasn’t finished a bottle. After about 20 cc’s, Trinity seems to shut down. She’ll go to sleep not wanting to take anymore because at that point, everything starts coming back up all the way to her throat. She has now been taken off breastmilk. They are trying a thicker formula on her to see if that helps. Problem now is that her body knows what happens at 20 cc’s so it is going to take a lot of work to get her over that. Kinsley’s feedings have changed to every 4 hours. So far, it seems to have helped a little bit but she has been very sleepy lately wanting to sleep through her entire feedings.
Parent's Thoughts:
I have to admit that I am a bit frustrated that these tests weren’t done on Trinity weeks ago. We have been trying to bottle feed her for at least 4 weeks and there really hasn’t been any improvement. I feel these tests should have been done after two weeks. Now we are at 40 weeks and it will be another few weeks of trial and error to see what works. Kinsley will get to go home once she can take her required amount by bottle each feed and gains weight. We are very close with her. Thank you God but please help Trinity too.
Our Daily Encouragement:
I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In loving kindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the Lord.
Hosea 2:19-20
The Girls will be 15 weeks tomorrow (40 weeks gestation on Thursday) and it seems like all of a sudden the NICU staff are trying to figure out how to get the Girls home - ASAP. I know they were thinking about it before but suddenly, the babies seem to be getting a lot more attention. Trinity’s test results showed that she has severe reflux which explains why she hasn’t finished a bottle. After about 20 cc’s, Trinity seems to shut down. She’ll go to sleep not wanting to take anymore because at that point, everything starts coming back up all the way to her throat. She has now been taken off breastmilk. They are trying a thicker formula on her to see if that helps. Problem now is that her body knows what happens at 20 cc’s so it is going to take a lot of work to get her over that. Kinsley’s feedings have changed to every 4 hours. So far, it seems to have helped a little bit but she has been very sleepy lately wanting to sleep through her entire feedings.
Parent's Thoughts:
I have to admit that I am a bit frustrated that these tests weren’t done on Trinity weeks ago. We have been trying to bottle feed her for at least 4 weeks and there really hasn’t been any improvement. I feel these tests should have been done after two weeks. Now we are at 40 weeks and it will be another few weeks of trial and error to see what works. Kinsley will get to go home once she can take her required amount by bottle each feed and gains weight. We are very close with her. Thank you God but please help Trinity too.
Our Daily Encouragement:
I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In loving kindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the Lord.
Hosea 2:19-20
Monday June 29th
Babies Situation:
Today was a really good day. I was able to sit with the speech therapist while she fed both Girls. Trinity did a little better but she still only took half her bottle. Elizabeth has decided to run two tests on her tomorrow morning to see if she can figure out the issue. I should have the results by noon. Kinsley took all 54 cc’s so Elizabeth has decided that she is ready to be bottle fed all 8 feedings - yeah (another step closer). This will most likely tire Kinsley out so the doctor will probably adjust how many feedings she gets per day (maybe only feed her every 4 hours).
Parent's Thoughts:
Both Girls had a lot of awake time today, especially Trinity. I had to rock her to sleep twice hoping she would rest up for her next bottle feeding with Elizabeth. She loves to look around the room to see what is going on. All the nurses stop by to say "Hi" to her and she loves every minute of it. Kinsley was wide awake for a period of time too. She is a little different from her sister in that she loves her sleep so all I have to do is hold her close and rock her and she’ll be out within a few minutes. She is a cuddle bug. Thank you Lord for these precious babies!! We are so blessed.
Our Daily Encouragement:
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15
Today was a really good day. I was able to sit with the speech therapist while she fed both Girls. Trinity did a little better but she still only took half her bottle. Elizabeth has decided to run two tests on her tomorrow morning to see if she can figure out the issue. I should have the results by noon. Kinsley took all 54 cc’s so Elizabeth has decided that she is ready to be bottle fed all 8 feedings - yeah (another step closer). This will most likely tire Kinsley out so the doctor will probably adjust how many feedings she gets per day (maybe only feed her every 4 hours).
Parent's Thoughts:
Both Girls had a lot of awake time today, especially Trinity. I had to rock her to sleep twice hoping she would rest up for her next bottle feeding with Elizabeth. She loves to look around the room to see what is going on. All the nurses stop by to say "Hi" to her and she loves every minute of it. Kinsley was wide awake for a period of time too. She is a little different from her sister in that she loves her sleep so all I have to do is hold her close and rock her and she’ll be out within a few minutes. She is a cuddle bug. Thank you Lord for these precious babies!! We are so blessed.
Our Daily Encouragement:
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15
Sunday June 28th
Babies Situation:
We have a 7 pounder!! Miss Kinsley is officially 7 lbs and 19.25 inches long. Trinity isn’t too far behind at 6 lbs 8 oz (this is what I weighed when I was born) and 19 inches long. I talked to the doctor today on their growth and Trinity is slightly below what they expect but has been consistent so they see no issues. Kinsley is above what they expect so they might consider taking out the small amount of formula they added to her milk to slow down her growth a bit.
Parent's Thoughts:
Daddy got to hold both Girls at the same time today. At first, they tolerated it well but after awhile, they started to fight for space. There was some crying and flailing arms going on. I couldn’t help but giggle as I watched. It made me think back to one of the ultrasounds. We watched as their little arms flew back and forth across the screen. Again, we giggled but I’m sure in a few years, we won’t be giggling anymore when this happens - ha!
Our Daily Encouragement:
The Lord God is my strength, And he will make my feed like hinds’ feet, And he will make me to walk upon mine high places.
Habakkuk 3:19
We have a 7 pounder!! Miss Kinsley is officially 7 lbs and 19.25 inches long. Trinity isn’t too far behind at 6 lbs 8 oz (this is what I weighed when I was born) and 19 inches long. I talked to the doctor today on their growth and Trinity is slightly below what they expect but has been consistent so they see no issues. Kinsley is above what they expect so they might consider taking out the small amount of formula they added to her milk to slow down her growth a bit.
Parent's Thoughts:
Daddy got to hold both Girls at the same time today. At first, they tolerated it well but after awhile, they started to fight for space. There was some crying and flailing arms going on. I couldn’t help but giggle as I watched. It made me think back to one of the ultrasounds. We watched as their little arms flew back and forth across the screen. Again, we giggled but I’m sure in a few years, we won’t be giggling anymore when this happens - ha!
Our Daily Encouragement:
The Lord God is my strength, And he will make my feed like hinds’ feet, And he will make me to walk upon mine high places.
Habakkuk 3:19
Saturday June 27th
Babies Situation:
The Girls both gained weight today. Trinity now weighs 6 lbs 6 oz and Kinsley weighs 6 lbs 14 oz. Trinity remains at 2 bottles/day and still hasn’t finished off a complete bottle yet. Since Kinsley is almost finishing her 3 bottles/day, the doctor has increased her bottle feedings to 4/day but decreased her volume from 63 cc’s to 54 cc’s. They think she might get full towards the end of her feedings so a decrease in volume should help.
Parent's Thoughts:
Keith and I had a nice visit with the Girls. It is so nice to be all together as a family. We each will hold one baby for awhile and then swap. It is so cute to see them snuggle with their Daddy!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
May the love and favor of the Lord Jesus Christ rest upon you.
1 Corinthians 16:23
The Girls both gained weight today. Trinity now weighs 6 lbs 6 oz and Kinsley weighs 6 lbs 14 oz. Trinity remains at 2 bottles/day and still hasn’t finished off a complete bottle yet. Since Kinsley is almost finishing her 3 bottles/day, the doctor has increased her bottle feedings to 4/day but decreased her volume from 63 cc’s to 54 cc’s. They think she might get full towards the end of her feedings so a decrease in volume should help.
Parent's Thoughts:
Keith and I had a nice visit with the Girls. It is so nice to be all together as a family. We each will hold one baby for awhile and then swap. It is so cute to see them snuggle with their Daddy!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
May the love and favor of the Lord Jesus Christ rest upon you.
1 Corinthians 16:23
Friday June 26th
Babies Situation:
I had a nice Friday with the Girls. I was able to feed both of them. Trinity only took 12 cc’s. She wasn’t very interested in the bottle but was definitely interested in what was going on around us. She loves to watch all the action. Kinsley took all but 13 cc’s so she did really well. Both Girls are still having high blood pressure so the pediatrician wrote an order to have their blood pressure taken 6 times a day. If they continue to have high blood pressure, they will soon go on medicine to regulate it.
Parent's Thoughts:
Crystal, our daytime primary, had the Girls today and treated them to a spa day. Both Girls have dry scalps so each got their scalps washed really well. I took some pictures to show how much they enjoyed it. They absolutely loved every minute of it. Watch out Daddy!! They are just like their Mamma!! I see many spa days in the future - ha! We will let you come too though!
Our Daily Encouragement:
We may boldly say; “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
Hebrews 13:6
I had a nice Friday with the Girls. I was able to feed both of them. Trinity only took 12 cc’s. She wasn’t very interested in the bottle but was definitely interested in what was going on around us. She loves to watch all the action. Kinsley took all but 13 cc’s so she did really well. Both Girls are still having high blood pressure so the pediatrician wrote an order to have their blood pressure taken 6 times a day. If they continue to have high blood pressure, they will soon go on medicine to regulate it.
Parent's Thoughts:
Crystal, our daytime primary, had the Girls today and treated them to a spa day. Both Girls have dry scalps so each got their scalps washed really well. I took some pictures to show how much they enjoyed it. They absolutely loved every minute of it. Watch out Daddy!! They are just like their Mamma!! I see many spa days in the future - ha! We will let you come too though!
Our Daily Encouragement:
We may boldly say; “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
Hebrews 13:6
Thursday June 25th
Babies Situation:
The Girls are 39 weeks today but are not ready to come home yet. We have a feeling they will be in there for at least another 3 weeks. Trinity took half her bottle today but still has a weak suck along with a tongue thrust that interferes with her bottle feeding. With time, this should improve. Kinsley took her entire bottle in 10 minutes today. She likes to show off once in a while - too bad she can’t do that all the time. Soon I’m sure though!!
Parent's Thoughts:
Our friend Candra came to the hospital today and held babies with me all afternoon. It was nice. No one got left out. Both Girls were full of gas though putting on quite the musical show. They definitely get attention that way. They don’t care who is around - Dr’s, therapists, nurses… and we even got a few turned heads today. We just pointed at the babies and laughed. It was a great day!
Our Daily Encouragement:
Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone.
Colossians 4:6
The Girls are 39 weeks today but are not ready to come home yet. We have a feeling they will be in there for at least another 3 weeks. Trinity took half her bottle today but still has a weak suck along with a tongue thrust that interferes with her bottle feeding. With time, this should improve. Kinsley took her entire bottle in 10 minutes today. She likes to show off once in a while - too bad she can’t do that all the time. Soon I’m sure though!!
Parent's Thoughts:
Our friend Candra came to the hospital today and held babies with me all afternoon. It was nice. No one got left out. Both Girls were full of gas though putting on quite the musical show. They definitely get attention that way. They don’t care who is around - Dr’s, therapists, nurses… and we even got a few turned heads today. We just pointed at the babies and laughed. It was a great day!
Our Daily Encouragement:
Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone.
Colossians 4:6
Wednesday June 24th
Babies Situation:
The Girls are 14 weeks old today and doing great. Trinity now weights 6 lbs 5 oz and Kinsley weights 6 lbs 12 oz. Trinity did have a heart rate drop during her nap today but it was a quick and she self recovered. Because she has only had one, there is no need to put her on caffeine. The doctors will monitor her and if she has more, they will then consider putting her back on the caffeine. There feedings remain the same.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are having dinner with the Davis’s tonight. It has been really nice getting to know them. We have a lot in common. The Davis's Mom (Gaynelle) and I shared the same due date (July 2nd) and we were both expecting identical twin girls. We also had the same OBGYN. Our doctor would tell each of us about the other but she couldn’t give out our names. Finally, after knowing about her for months, we were able to meet a few weeks ago. Gaynelle was able to hold out 10 more days than me. She will be bringing home one of her twins, Leighton, tomorrow - yeah. The other twin, Taylor, had a heart rate drop last night so she will have to remain in the NICU for another 5 days. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
The Lord who created you…says,…I have called you by name; you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1
The Girls are 14 weeks old today and doing great. Trinity now weights 6 lbs 5 oz and Kinsley weights 6 lbs 12 oz. Trinity did have a heart rate drop during her nap today but it was a quick and she self recovered. Because she has only had one, there is no need to put her on caffeine. The doctors will monitor her and if she has more, they will then consider putting her back on the caffeine. There feedings remain the same.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are having dinner with the Davis’s tonight. It has been really nice getting to know them. We have a lot in common. The Davis's Mom (Gaynelle) and I shared the same due date (July 2nd) and we were both expecting identical twin girls. We also had the same OBGYN. Our doctor would tell each of us about the other but she couldn’t give out our names. Finally, after knowing about her for months, we were able to meet a few weeks ago. Gaynelle was able to hold out 10 more days than me. She will be bringing home one of her twins, Leighton, tomorrow - yeah. The other twin, Taylor, had a heart rate drop last night so she will have to remain in the NICU for another 5 days. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
The Lord who created you…says,…I have called you by name; you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1
Tuesday June 23rd
Babies Situation:
The Girls had their eye exams today and everything looked good. He will be seeing them in another 2 weeks for their routine follow-up. Still no ROP and it looks like their blood vessels have grown to zone 3 (the last zone) where they should be at this point. The speech therapist also saw the Girls while I was there. She fed both of them to see if there were any changes. Trinity was too tired from her eye exam to bottle feed so her session was over quickly. Kinsley took around 30 cc’s but slept through it all which caused her to choke a few times resulting in heart rate drops. Elizabeth, the speech therapist, will come back in a few days to check their progress.
Parent's Thoughts:
I could tell the babies needed extra lovin’ today. Their little eyes always look red and irritated after they get their eye exams. They are also so worn out after the eye exam from all the excitement. Both Girls fell fast asleep on me and did not make a sound or move the entire time I rocked them. That’s when I know they are over tired. It’s hard to leave my baby Girls at the hospital each day. I just have to keep reminding myself to take it day by day and before I know it, they will be home with Keith and I.
Our Daily Encouragement:
You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family-calling him “Father, dear Father”.
Romans 8:15
The Girls had their eye exams today and everything looked good. He will be seeing them in another 2 weeks for their routine follow-up. Still no ROP and it looks like their blood vessels have grown to zone 3 (the last zone) where they should be at this point. The speech therapist also saw the Girls while I was there. She fed both of them to see if there were any changes. Trinity was too tired from her eye exam to bottle feed so her session was over quickly. Kinsley took around 30 cc’s but slept through it all which caused her to choke a few times resulting in heart rate drops. Elizabeth, the speech therapist, will come back in a few days to check their progress.
Parent's Thoughts:
I could tell the babies needed extra lovin’ today. Their little eyes always look red and irritated after they get their eye exams. They are also so worn out after the eye exam from all the excitement. Both Girls fell fast asleep on me and did not make a sound or move the entire time I rocked them. That’s when I know they are over tired. It’s hard to leave my baby Girls at the hospital each day. I just have to keep reminding myself to take it day by day and before I know it, they will be home with Keith and I.
Our Daily Encouragement:
You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family-calling him “Father, dear Father”.
Romans 8:15
Monday June 22nd
Babies Situation:
Both Girls are officially over 6 lbs today. Trinity now weighs 6 lbs 2 oz. The nurse verified that the increase in formula is to give Trinity extra calories to help her gain weight faster. Kinsley also gained weight today and weighs 6 lbs 7 oz. Both Girls were wide awake this morning when I got to the NICU. They were just looking around the room. They both also got to sit in the bouncy seat today. They seem to really enjoy it since it allows them to look around the room. They like to see all the action!!
Parent's Thoughts:
We had two special treats tonight. Janice, the Reid’s primary nurse, was able to get the girls tonight since our primary was off. Janice is a wonderful, kind hearted, nurse who like our primary nurses, take extra special care of the babies. We were thrilled to have her watching over them. Our second treat was to meet Ethan, a precious baby boy of the sales person who sold us our car. He is also a thriving 24 weeker. Please keep him in your prayers that his journey will continue to be positive. Thank you God!
Our Daily Encouragement:
Fight the good fight for what we believe. Hold tightly to the eternal life that God has given you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12
Both Girls are officially over 6 lbs today. Trinity now weighs 6 lbs 2 oz. The nurse verified that the increase in formula is to give Trinity extra calories to help her gain weight faster. Kinsley also gained weight today and weighs 6 lbs 7 oz. Both Girls were wide awake this morning when I got to the NICU. They were just looking around the room. They both also got to sit in the bouncy seat today. They seem to really enjoy it since it allows them to look around the room. They like to see all the action!!
Parent's Thoughts:
We had two special treats tonight. Janice, the Reid’s primary nurse, was able to get the girls tonight since our primary was off. Janice is a wonderful, kind hearted, nurse who like our primary nurses, take extra special care of the babies. We were thrilled to have her watching over them. Our second treat was to meet Ethan, a precious baby boy of the sales person who sold us our car. He is also a thriving 24 weeker. Please keep him in your prayers that his journey will continue to be positive. Thank you God!
Our Daily Encouragement:
Fight the good fight for what we believe. Hold tightly to the eternal life that God has given you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12
Sunday June 21st
Babies Situation:
The Girls got their weekly measurements today. Trinity does not want to break the 6 pound mark so she remains at 5 lbs 15 oz. She is 18.25 inches long. Kinsley didn’t gain from yesterday either and is 6 lbs 6 oz measuring 18.5 inches long. Both Girls are getting Neosure added to the milk to give them more calories. The nurse told us today that the doctors did increase the amount of neosure Trinity was getting. I assume the increase is to help her gain weight but I’ll have to ask tomorrow.
Parent's Thoughts:
I do want to say to all the Fathers out there- “Happy Father’s Day!!” We had a very enjoyable Father’s Day today. I had the Girls dressed in Red Sox onesies with matching socks when we came in for our visit today. Keith was so excited to see them in Red Sox gear. He had a huge smile on his face which just made my day.
Our Daily Encouragement:
The Lord is slow to anger and great in power….His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.
Nahum 1:3
The Girls got their weekly measurements today. Trinity does not want to break the 6 pound mark so she remains at 5 lbs 15 oz. She is 18.25 inches long. Kinsley didn’t gain from yesterday either and is 6 lbs 6 oz measuring 18.5 inches long. Both Girls are getting Neosure added to the milk to give them more calories. The nurse told us today that the doctors did increase the amount of neosure Trinity was getting. I assume the increase is to help her gain weight but I’ll have to ask tomorrow.
Parent's Thoughts:
I do want to say to all the Fathers out there- “Happy Father’s Day!!” We had a very enjoyable Father’s Day today. I had the Girls dressed in Red Sox onesies with matching socks when we came in for our visit today. Keith was so excited to see them in Red Sox gear. He had a huge smile on his face which just made my day.
Our Daily Encouragement:
The Lord is slow to anger and great in power….His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.
Nahum 1:3
Saturday June 20th
Babies Situation:
It has been 5 days now since the Girls have had a dose of caffeine and from what we know, they have not had any apnea. By now, all caffeine should be out of their system so time will tell if their brains are developed enough to remind them to breath. The feedings remain the same except that Kinsley is now getting 3 bottles a day while Trinity is still getting 2 bottles a day.
Parent's Thoughts:
It was nice hanging out with the babies today. We each held one as they slept in our arms. I have to say though that we don’t like the corner of the bay that we are in. It’s too small for our double crib and us. By the time you have the babies, us, and the nurse-it’s tight quarters and the wires constantly get crossed and tangled. One of these days, someone is going to get their feet caught in them and go flying across the room. I’ll have to work on the nurses this week to see if we can get moved.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
Colossians 3:2-4
It has been 5 days now since the Girls have had a dose of caffeine and from what we know, they have not had any apnea. By now, all caffeine should be out of their system so time will tell if their brains are developed enough to remind them to breath. The feedings remain the same except that Kinsley is now getting 3 bottles a day while Trinity is still getting 2 bottles a day.
Parent's Thoughts:
It was nice hanging out with the babies today. We each held one as they slept in our arms. I have to say though that we don’t like the corner of the bay that we are in. It’s too small for our double crib and us. By the time you have the babies, us, and the nurse-it’s tight quarters and the wires constantly get crossed and tangled. One of these days, someone is going to get their feet caught in them and go flying across the room. I’ll have to work on the nurses this week to see if we can get moved.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
Colossians 3:2-4
Friday June 19th
Babies Situation:
The Girls are still off caffeine and are doing great. Andrea did warn me that the caffeine will remain in their bodies for 5 days so not to be too disappointed if they have a few apnea spells after 5 days. If they do, it doesn’t mean that they will need to go back on caffeine. Their apnea could occur up until they are 40 weeks. Trinity gained weight and is now 5 lbs 13 oz. She got to sit in a bouncie seat for the first time. Kinsley also gained weight and is at 6 lbs 4 oz. She will get to sit in a bouncie seat after one of her night feedings. She also had a big accomplishment tonight. She took her entire bottle in 10 minutes!! Andrea called us around 11:15pm letting us know the good news. Yeah!
Parent's Thoughts:
We are still getting our house ready for the babies to come home. I have a feeling we will be preparing up until the day they come home. I try to do a little each day and so far, it’s working out well. I did talk to the NICU Chief of Staff today for about 20 minutes. He said the Girls aren’t ready to come home yet since they aren’t bottle feeding well but once they get it, it will be a short notice for us so be prepared. He let me know that the bottle feeding will continue to be a struggle at home. Preemies start off not eating well and continue to struggle for a few months. It sounds like it will remain a challenge for us but we will take it on with everything we got.
Our Daily Encouragement:
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4
The Girls are still off caffeine and are doing great. Andrea did warn me that the caffeine will remain in their bodies for 5 days so not to be too disappointed if they have a few apnea spells after 5 days. If they do, it doesn’t mean that they will need to go back on caffeine. Their apnea could occur up until they are 40 weeks. Trinity gained weight and is now 5 lbs 13 oz. She got to sit in a bouncie seat for the first time. Kinsley also gained weight and is at 6 lbs 4 oz. She will get to sit in a bouncie seat after one of her night feedings. She also had a big accomplishment tonight. She took her entire bottle in 10 minutes!! Andrea called us around 11:15pm letting us know the good news. Yeah!
Parent's Thoughts:
We are still getting our house ready for the babies to come home. I have a feeling we will be preparing up until the day they come home. I try to do a little each day and so far, it’s working out well. I did talk to the NICU Chief of Staff today for about 20 minutes. He said the Girls aren’t ready to come home yet since they aren’t bottle feeding well but once they get it, it will be a short notice for us so be prepared. He let me know that the bottle feeding will continue to be a struggle at home. Preemies start off not eating well and continue to struggle for a few months. It sounds like it will remain a challenge for us but we will take it on with everything we got.
Our Daily Encouragement:
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4
Thursday June 18th
Babies Situation:
The Girls continue to gain weight. Trinity is now at 5 lbs 12 oz and Kinsley is at 6 lbs 2 oz. It is amazing how fast they are growing now. No other changes today. They are still monitoring both of the Girl's blood pressure. Both remain somewhat high which might mean that they will need to go on medication before coming home. We shall see.
Parent's Thoughts:
Andrea, our primary night nurse, said that both Girls were very alert during their assessment tonight - should I say alert and calm - ha. They usually don’t like their temperature taken or their diaper changed but tonight they were OK with it. She even took them around the bay to say Hi to everyone and all the other babies. We feel very blessed to have Andrea and Crystal as our primary nurses. They take such good care of the Girls and go above and beyond to make sure they are comfortable at all times. Thank you Andrea and Crystal!!
The Girls continue to gain weight. Trinity is now at 5 lbs 12 oz and Kinsley is at 6 lbs 2 oz. It is amazing how fast they are growing now. No other changes today. They are still monitoring both of the Girl's blood pressure. Both remain somewhat high which might mean that they will need to go on medication before coming home. We shall see.
Parent's Thoughts:
Andrea, our primary night nurse, said that both Girls were very alert during their assessment tonight - should I say alert and calm - ha. They usually don’t like their temperature taken or their diaper changed but tonight they were OK with it. She even took them around the bay to say Hi to everyone and all the other babies. We feel very blessed to have Andrea and Crystal as our primary nurses. They take such good care of the Girls and go above and beyond to make sure they are comfortable at all times. Thank you Andrea and Crystal!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.
Ruth 1:16
Wednesday June 17th
Babies Situation:
The girls had some visitors tonight, our friends, Shannon and Jeff. They are also still doing well off the caffeine. Yeah!!! They have had only a couple of apneas in the past 7 days. There is still no change on the bottle feeding. We are just waiting for that light bulb to turn on and for them to “get it”. We do have a 6 pound baby though - yeah. Trinity isn’t far behind at 5 lbs 10 oz but Kinsley is a whopping 6 lbs 1 oz. WOW!!!
Parent's Thoughts:
The Girls are doing so well. We are proud of them. We are in the home stretch and let’s just say that we can definitely feel it. I was able to get a bunch of baby necessities today in preparation for their home coming. It’s so exciting.
Our Daily Encouragement:
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.
Psalm 36:9-10
The girls had some visitors tonight, our friends, Shannon and Jeff. They are also still doing well off the caffeine. Yeah!!! They have had only a couple of apneas in the past 7 days. There is still no change on the bottle feeding. We are just waiting for that light bulb to turn on and for them to “get it”. We do have a 6 pound baby though - yeah. Trinity isn’t far behind at 5 lbs 10 oz but Kinsley is a whopping 6 lbs 1 oz. WOW!!!
Parent's Thoughts:
The Girls are doing so well. We are proud of them. We are in the home stretch and let’s just say that we can definitely feel it. I was able to get a bunch of baby necessities today in preparation for their home coming. It’s so exciting.
Our Daily Encouragement:
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.
Psalm 36:9-10
Tuesday June 16th
Babies Situation:
The Girls had a big change today!! Since they haven’t had any apnea since the 10th, they were both taken off caffeine. They will remain off caffeine unless they have an apneic spell. Thank you God! Other than that, no change on the bottle feeding or weight gain today.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are so excited that the Girls were taken off their caffeine today. We are going to be careful though not to get too excited knowing that they still have a pretty good chance of having more apnea. They are still under 40 weeks gestation, although this is a step closer to them coming home.
Our Daily Encouragement:
I love the Lord because he hears my prayers and answers them. Because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I breathe!
Psalm 116:1-2
The Girls had a big change today!! Since they haven’t had any apnea since the 10th, they were both taken off caffeine. They will remain off caffeine unless they have an apneic spell. Thank you God! Other than that, no change on the bottle feeding or weight gain today.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are so excited that the Girls were taken off their caffeine today. We are going to be careful though not to get too excited knowing that they still have a pretty good chance of having more apnea. They are still under 40 weeks gestation, although this is a step closer to them coming home.
Our Daily Encouragement:
I love the Lord because he hears my prayers and answers them. Because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I breathe!
Psalm 116:1-2
Monday June 15th
Babies Situation:
The Girls were seen by both their speech and occupational therapists today. Their feeding are going a slight bit better but there is plenty of room for improvement. There muscle tone is also looking good but the therapist did ask for Kinsley to be put on her right side when resting. Her right foot still turns out which is due to her knee and hip turning out. If she lies on her right side, it will align her hip and knee which in turn aligns her foot/ankle. Both Girls also had labs done this morning and everything looks OK. Trinity did have high blood pressure this morning so the doctor asked for her blood pressure to be taken twice a day to see if there is an issue there. Both Girls gained more weight today. Trinity is 5 lbs 8 oz while Kinsley is 5 lbs 15 oz. Wow!!
Parent's Thoughts:
Keith got to spend the evening with the Girls tonight as I rested and got caught up on some stuff around the house. He was able to hold both of them at the same time (good practice for when they get home). We joke about him getting to watch a lot of sports, if he holds the babies during it. He says he likes that idea. He also got to feed Kinsley. She took 41 cc’s for him which is awesome. I only got her to take 12 cc’s for me today. She had her lips pierced shut and there was no way she was going to let me put a bottle in her mouth. It was cute (but frustrating). I had to repeat the word “patience” in my head and convince myself that this was just spending quality time together, not trying to get her to feed - ha.
Our Daily Encouragement:
May the god of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope.
Romans 15:13
The Girls were seen by both their speech and occupational therapists today. Their feeding are going a slight bit better but there is plenty of room for improvement. There muscle tone is also looking good but the therapist did ask for Kinsley to be put on her right side when resting. Her right foot still turns out which is due to her knee and hip turning out. If she lies on her right side, it will align her hip and knee which in turn aligns her foot/ankle. Both Girls also had labs done this morning and everything looks OK. Trinity did have high blood pressure this morning so the doctor asked for her blood pressure to be taken twice a day to see if there is an issue there. Both Girls gained more weight today. Trinity is 5 lbs 8 oz while Kinsley is 5 lbs 15 oz. Wow!!
Parent's Thoughts:
Keith got to spend the evening with the Girls tonight as I rested and got caught up on some stuff around the house. He was able to hold both of them at the same time (good practice for when they get home). We joke about him getting to watch a lot of sports, if he holds the babies during it. He says he likes that idea. He also got to feed Kinsley. She took 41 cc’s for him which is awesome. I only got her to take 12 cc’s for me today. She had her lips pierced shut and there was no way she was going to let me put a bottle in her mouth. It was cute (but frustrating). I had to repeat the word “patience” in my head and convince myself that this was just spending quality time together, not trying to get her to feed - ha.
Our Daily Encouragement:
May the god of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope.
Romans 15:13
Sunday June 14th
Babies Situation:
The Girls had their routine measurements and weight taken today. Trinity is 18 inches long and weighs 5 lbs 8 oz. Kinsley is 17.75 inches long and weighs 5 lbs 12 oz. It is amazing how fast they are growing. I bottle fed both of them today. Trinity did a little better taking 27 cc’s. Kinsley did pretty good herself taking 34 cc’s. The doctor thinks we’ll see a big improvement on their feedings by the end of the week. I hope he’s right!!
Parent's Thoughts:
Keith and I had a great Sunday. The sermon at church was amazing and then we got to come hold our precious baby girls. We both got to cuddle up with them while they slept in our arms. It is nice having two so we each get one and no one gets left out. We are so blessed.
Our Daily Encouragement:
As we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we are like Christ here in this world.
1 John 4:17
The Girls had their routine measurements and weight taken today. Trinity is 18 inches long and weighs 5 lbs 8 oz. Kinsley is 17.75 inches long and weighs 5 lbs 12 oz. It is amazing how fast they are growing. I bottle fed both of them today. Trinity did a little better taking 27 cc’s. Kinsley did pretty good herself taking 34 cc’s. The doctor thinks we’ll see a big improvement on their feedings by the end of the week. I hope he’s right!!
Parent's Thoughts:
Keith and I had a great Sunday. The sermon at church was amazing and then we got to come hold our precious baby girls. We both got to cuddle up with them while they slept in our arms. It is nice having two so we each get one and no one gets left out. We are so blessed.
Our Daily Encouragement:
As we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we are like Christ here in this world.
1 John 4:17
Saturday June 13th
Babies Situation:
The Girls continue to gain weight. Trinity is now at 5 lbs 6 oz and Kinsley is up to 5 lbs 10 oz. Trinity is still getting bottle fed twice a day while the doctor did decide to reduce Kinsley’s bottle feedings from 4 times to 3 times a day. We will see if that makes a difference. Please continue to pray that they both will catch on to bottle feeding very quickly and that their apnea will go away.
Parent's Thoughts:
We started thinking about pediatricians this week and we have it narrowed down to two. After talking with the babies primary doctor, we think we know who we are going to go with but I still might interview both of them. He highly recommended one of them which makes me feel good. We are so ready to bring them home!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
1 Corinthians 3:7-9
The Girls continue to gain weight. Trinity is now at 5 lbs 6 oz and Kinsley is up to 5 lbs 10 oz. Trinity is still getting bottle fed twice a day while the doctor did decide to reduce Kinsley’s bottle feedings from 4 times to 3 times a day. We will see if that makes a difference. Please continue to pray that they both will catch on to bottle feeding very quickly and that their apnea will go away.
Parent's Thoughts:
We started thinking about pediatricians this week and we have it narrowed down to two. After talking with the babies primary doctor, we think we know who we are going to go with but I still might interview both of them. He highly recommended one of them which makes me feel good. We are so ready to bring them home!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
1 Corinthians 3:7-9
Friday June 12th
Babies Situation:
It was a good Friday for the Girls. No big changes. They got to eat and sleep all day long. I was able to feed Trinity and she took about half her bottle as usual before falling asleep. Crystal fed Kinsley and said that she tired out half way through hers as well. With our initial feedings with Kinsley, she would finish the entire bottle within 15 minutes but she was only getting up to 2 bottles a day, so Crystal is thinking 4 bottles per day is too much for her and will suggest to our doctor that they decrease her to 3 bottles per day.
Parent's Thoughts:
I really enjoy holding the babies on my chest while I rock them. There is nothing better and the world seems to stop all around me. I forget about any issues I might have as I sit there with my baby Girls. Thank you God for this wonderful experience.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:15
It was a good Friday for the Girls. No big changes. They got to eat and sleep all day long. I was able to feed Trinity and she took about half her bottle as usual before falling asleep. Crystal fed Kinsley and said that she tired out half way through hers as well. With our initial feedings with Kinsley, she would finish the entire bottle within 15 minutes but she was only getting up to 2 bottles a day, so Crystal is thinking 4 bottles per day is too much for her and will suggest to our doctor that they decrease her to 3 bottles per day.
Parent's Thoughts:
I really enjoy holding the babies on my chest while I rock them. There is nothing better and the world seems to stop all around me. I forget about any issues I might have as I sit there with my baby Girls. Thank you God for this wonderful experience.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:15
Thursday June 11th
Babies Situation:
The girls had our close friends and neighbors, Sheramee and John, come to visit them tonight.
The Girls are 37 weeks gestation today. I can’t believe they are 3 weeks away from being full term. The doctor did tell me that they are still 2 weeks behind developmentally but could catch up in the next few weeks. Both Girls experienced reflux again this morning but Elizabeth, the speech therapist, was right there to help them through it so no bad spells today. No changes on their feedings will be made for the next week to see if they learn to manage the reflux better. If they don’t, rice cereal will be added to the milk to see if it helps. The Girls are also still on caffeine. At the end of next week, the doctors will review their apnea activity to see if they are ready to be taken off the caffeine.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are getting closer to being able to bring our babies home. We need two things to happen. We need the Girls to bottle feed 8 times a day while gaining weight and we need them to have 0 apnea. The nurses told me today that it is possible for the babies to mature a lot in the next 3 weeks and that is what we are going to pray for. We are in the home stretch. Thank you Lord.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me…The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Psalm 51:10,17
The girls had our close friends and neighbors, Sheramee and John, come to visit them tonight.
The Girls are 37 weeks gestation today. I can’t believe they are 3 weeks away from being full term. The doctor did tell me that they are still 2 weeks behind developmentally but could catch up in the next few weeks. Both Girls experienced reflux again this morning but Elizabeth, the speech therapist, was right there to help them through it so no bad spells today. No changes on their feedings will be made for the next week to see if they learn to manage the reflux better. If they don’t, rice cereal will be added to the milk to see if it helps. The Girls are also still on caffeine. At the end of next week, the doctors will review their apnea activity to see if they are ready to be taken off the caffeine.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are getting closer to being able to bring our babies home. We need two things to happen. We need the Girls to bottle feed 8 times a day while gaining weight and we need them to have 0 apnea. The nurses told me today that it is possible for the babies to mature a lot in the next 3 weeks and that is what we are going to pray for. We are in the home stretch. Thank you Lord.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me…The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Psalm 51:10,17
Wednesday June 10th
Babies Situation:
The Girls are 12 weeks old today and growing. Trinity is 5 lbs 5 oz and Kinsley is 5 lbs 9 oz. Big Girls, huh!! The bottle feeding is still a work in progress. Trinity is now getting 2 bottles a day. She still has a weak suck and still struggles with reflux. Kinsley is getting bottle fed every other feeding so she is up to 4 per day. She showed her first signs of reflux today. During one of her feedings, she choked and then held her breath for about 30 seconds turning grey. Talk about scary.
Parent's Thoughts:
Kinsley’s spell tonight made me realize that the Girls are not out of the woods. I was feeding her when she made a small choking sound. I took the bottle out of her mouth and sat her up to pat her back. The monitor started to ding letting me know she was not breathing and she started to turn grey. Luckily, Andrea (primary nurse) was right there and remained calm. Me patting her on her back was not working so Andrea suctioned out her mouth but Kinsley still didn’t respond. Once she gave Kinsley oxygen, she started to breath again and her color came back. I hope I won’t have to experience anymore spells like that. Feeding them is already intimidating and this didn’t help.
Our Daily Encouragement:
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.
Isaiah 42:16
The Girls are 12 weeks old today and growing. Trinity is 5 lbs 5 oz and Kinsley is 5 lbs 9 oz. Big Girls, huh!! The bottle feeding is still a work in progress. Trinity is now getting 2 bottles a day. She still has a weak suck and still struggles with reflux. Kinsley is getting bottle fed every other feeding so she is up to 4 per day. She showed her first signs of reflux today. During one of her feedings, she choked and then held her breath for about 30 seconds turning grey. Talk about scary.
Parent's Thoughts:
Kinsley’s spell tonight made me realize that the Girls are not out of the woods. I was feeding her when she made a small choking sound. I took the bottle out of her mouth and sat her up to pat her back. The monitor started to ding letting me know she was not breathing and she started to turn grey. Luckily, Andrea (primary nurse) was right there and remained calm. Me patting her on her back was not working so Andrea suctioned out her mouth but Kinsley still didn’t respond. Once she gave Kinsley oxygen, she started to breath again and her color came back. I hope I won’t have to experience anymore spells like that. Feeding them is already intimidating and this didn’t help.
Our Daily Encouragement:
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.
Isaiah 42:16
Tuesday June 9th
Babies Situation:
Another good day for the Girls. They both had eye exams this morning and still no ROP so the doctor won’t need to see them weekly anymore. Their next eye exam will be in 2 weeks. Yeah!! Both gained weight today. Trinity is at 5 lbs 3 oz and Kinsley is at 5 lbs 7 oz. They are doing great on weight gain. The speech therapist met with me today to assess both Girls as I bottle fed. Since they are doing pretty good, she increased their bottle feedings from once to twice a day. Keith was able to help me bottle feed tonight. Kinsley was the lucky girl and both did great!
Parent's Thoughts:
I was much more relaxed today during both bottle feeds. It’s really nice to have the speech therapist help but since the Girls are doing so well, she has reduced her visits to 3 times a week instead of daily. It’s great to see the daily improvements with the Girls. Practice makes perfect!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
The ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Isaiah 51:11
Another good day for the Girls. They both had eye exams this morning and still no ROP so the doctor won’t need to see them weekly anymore. Their next eye exam will be in 2 weeks. Yeah!! Both gained weight today. Trinity is at 5 lbs 3 oz and Kinsley is at 5 lbs 7 oz. They are doing great on weight gain. The speech therapist met with me today to assess both Girls as I bottle fed. Since they are doing pretty good, she increased their bottle feedings from once to twice a day. Keith was able to help me bottle feed tonight. Kinsley was the lucky girl and both did great!
Parent's Thoughts:
I was much more relaxed today during both bottle feeds. It’s really nice to have the speech therapist help but since the Girls are doing so well, she has reduced her visits to 3 times a week instead of daily. It’s great to see the daily improvements with the Girls. Practice makes perfect!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
The ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Isaiah 51:11
Monday June 8th
Babies Situation:
Both Girls did well on their feedings today. Trinity had all but 17cc’s out of 50 cc’s. She still tires out and falls asleep half way through but at least she almost finished it. Kinsley finished her entire bottle in 15 minutes but had some reflux during it so she still needs to be paced. Since Kinsley did so well, the speech therapist has recommended that she can take 2 bottles a day and the doctor agreed. We are on our way to success!
Parent's Thoughts:
Let me just tell you how blessed and thankful we are. I met a couple across the bay from us today and she told me that her baby only has a few more days left to live. Their precious little girl was born missing part of her brain and will pass shortly. They plan to bring her home tomorrow to spend as much time with her until she goes to be with the Lord. I will never forget the conversation I had with this sweet Mom. My heart goes out to them. Please pray for them as they go through this. I cannot even fathom what they must be feeling.
Our Daily Encouragement:
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
Romans 14;17-19
Both Girls did well on their feedings today. Trinity had all but 17cc’s out of 50 cc’s. She still tires out and falls asleep half way through but at least she almost finished it. Kinsley finished her entire bottle in 15 minutes but had some reflux during it so she still needs to be paced. Since Kinsley did so well, the speech therapist has recommended that she can take 2 bottles a day and the doctor agreed. We are on our way to success!
Parent's Thoughts:
Let me just tell you how blessed and thankful we are. I met a couple across the bay from us today and she told me that her baby only has a few more days left to live. Their precious little girl was born missing part of her brain and will pass shortly. They plan to bring her home tomorrow to spend as much time with her until she goes to be with the Lord. I will never forget the conversation I had with this sweet Mom. My heart goes out to them. Please pray for them as they go through this. I cannot even fathom what they must be feeling.
Our Daily Encouragement:
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
Romans 14;17-19
Sunday June 7th
Babies Situation:
Both Girls gained weight today. Trinity has finally reached 5 lbs-YEAH!! Good job Trinity! Kinsley gained 2 more ounces weighing 5 lbs 6 oz. Both Girls grew in length as well and now are 17 ¾ inches. Their bottle feeding status remains the same. Trinity took 17 cc’s again, doing most of it half asleep. She must have been really tired today. I had to stimulate her the entire time to keep her half awake for 20 minutes until she was totally passed out. I think I know the issue. The nurse had me pull her hat over her eyes to help her concentrate which in turn put her to sleep. I don’t think we’ll use the hat tomorrow. Kinsley is really getting use to the bottle and finished another complete bottle in 20 minutes.
Parent's Thoughts:
It is still stressful for me to bottle feed the Girls. I am a little more comfortable but geez this is hard work. I even tried to get the nurse to bottle feed for me today but she talked me into doing it. She had to remind me to breath - Thank you Bridget. 12 years ago, she had twins in the NICU so it was nice to know that she felt the same way back then.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Both Girls gained weight today. Trinity has finally reached 5 lbs-YEAH!! Good job Trinity! Kinsley gained 2 more ounces weighing 5 lbs 6 oz. Both Girls grew in length as well and now are 17 ¾ inches. Their bottle feeding status remains the same. Trinity took 17 cc’s again, doing most of it half asleep. She must have been really tired today. I had to stimulate her the entire time to keep her half awake for 20 minutes until she was totally passed out. I think I know the issue. The nurse had me pull her hat over her eyes to help her concentrate which in turn put her to sleep. I don’t think we’ll use the hat tomorrow. Kinsley is really getting use to the bottle and finished another complete bottle in 20 minutes.
Parent's Thoughts:
It is still stressful for me to bottle feed the Girls. I am a little more comfortable but geez this is hard work. I even tried to get the nurse to bottle feed for me today but she talked me into doing it. She had to remind me to breath - Thank you Bridget. 12 years ago, she had twins in the NICU so it was nice to know that she felt the same way back then.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Saturday June 6th
Babies Situation:
Today was a low key day. Trinity did a little better on bottle feeding. She took around 17 cc’s which is a big improvement from yesterday. She is good for about 20 minutes but after that, she is done. She won’t even open up her mouth for anymore milk. Miss Kinsley took her entire bottle tonight. Wow, great job Kinsley. We know Trinity will catch up soon. Trinity remains at 4 lbs 15oz while Kinsley is now 5 lbs 4 oz.
Parent's Thoughts:
Both Girls have been full of gas in the last few days. It is surprising the amount of gas they have had and how loud they can be. It makes our nurses and us giggle especially when it echos across the bay. The speech therapist told me the other day that my Girls are “musical”. They grunt and toot all the time. I’ll take that as a compliment. I find it all so cute -ha!
Our Daily Encouragement:
God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Corinthians 10;13
Today was a low key day. Trinity did a little better on bottle feeding. She took around 17 cc’s which is a big improvement from yesterday. She is good for about 20 minutes but after that, she is done. She won’t even open up her mouth for anymore milk. Miss Kinsley took her entire bottle tonight. Wow, great job Kinsley. We know Trinity will catch up soon. Trinity remains at 4 lbs 15oz while Kinsley is now 5 lbs 4 oz.
Parent's Thoughts:
Both Girls have been full of gas in the last few days. It is surprising the amount of gas they have had and how loud they can be. It makes our nurses and us giggle especially when it echos across the bay. The speech therapist told me the other day that my Girls are “musical”. They grunt and toot all the time. I’ll take that as a compliment. I find it all so cute -ha!
Our Daily Encouragement:
God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Corinthians 10;13
Friday June 5th
Babies Situation:
We moved bays again today. Our new bay is nice, big and open but we were able to get a quiet corner. I fed both babies again. Kinsley did well taking half her bottle but Trinity was not so much interested. She kept her lips tightly sealed wanting nothing to do with the bottle. We have some work to do with her! After Kinsley wet through her diaper, onesie, and blanket all over her bed, our Nurse decided they needed the next size up for diapers. Both Girls graduated out of preemie diapers into newborn diapers today - yeah.
Parent's Thoughts:
It’s so exciting to see both Girls in newborn clothes, newborn diapers, and using a newborn size pacifiers. I have been waiting for this day for a long time. We have really enjoyed watching our babies grow. Soon enough, we will have them home with us. Thank you God.
Our Daily Encouragement:
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
We moved bays again today. Our new bay is nice, big and open but we were able to get a quiet corner. I fed both babies again. Kinsley did well taking half her bottle but Trinity was not so much interested. She kept her lips tightly sealed wanting nothing to do with the bottle. We have some work to do with her! After Kinsley wet through her diaper, onesie, and blanket all over her bed, our Nurse decided they needed the next size up for diapers. Both Girls graduated out of preemie diapers into newborn diapers today - yeah.
Parent's Thoughts:
It’s so exciting to see both Girls in newborn clothes, newborn diapers, and using a newborn size pacifiers. I have been waiting for this day for a long time. We have really enjoyed watching our babies grow. Soon enough, we will have them home with us. Thank you God.
Our Daily Encouragement:
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Thursday June 4th
Babies Situation:
The Girls are 36 weeks today and got to meet their Aunt Kirsten for the first time. Kirsten was able to even give Trinity her bath. How fun!! I got the privilege to bottle feed both Girls. Trinity took about 10 cc’s but she was done after that. From the look on her face, she decided that getting fed from the bottle was too much work and preferred the tube feeding - ha. Kinsley did much better and finished half of her bottle before she was too tired to continue. We’ll just have to keep trying until they can get it down. Trinity remains at 4 lbs 15 oz. Kinsley gained weight - she is now at 5 lbs 2 oz.
Parent's Thoughts:
I think bottle feeding is more stressful for me than it is for the babies. I am great at multi-tasking but when it comes to bottle feeding, I have a hard time watching their face for stress cues, feeling their back to see if they are breathing, and making sure the bottle is tipped at the right angle. I am also suppose to pace them with only letting them have up to 5 sucks at a time before giving them a chance to breath. Wow, I never thought bottle feeding could be so hard.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
Isaiah 40:28
The Girls are 36 weeks today and got to meet their Aunt Kirsten for the first time. Kirsten was able to even give Trinity her bath. How fun!! I got the privilege to bottle feed both Girls. Trinity took about 10 cc’s but she was done after that. From the look on her face, she decided that getting fed from the bottle was too much work and preferred the tube feeding - ha. Kinsley did much better and finished half of her bottle before she was too tired to continue. We’ll just have to keep trying until they can get it down. Trinity remains at 4 lbs 15 oz. Kinsley gained weight - she is now at 5 lbs 2 oz.
Parent's Thoughts:
I think bottle feeding is more stressful for me than it is for the babies. I am great at multi-tasking but when it comes to bottle feeding, I have a hard time watching their face for stress cues, feeling their back to see if they are breathing, and making sure the bottle is tipped at the right angle. I am also suppose to pace them with only letting them have up to 5 sucks at a time before giving them a chance to breath. Wow, I never thought bottle feeding could be so hard.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
Isaiah 40:28
Wednesday June 3rd
Babies Situation:
Today was exciting. Not only are the Girls 11 weeks old today but when I came to visit, Kinsley was off her nasal cannula. So far, she’s done really well all day. Go Kinsley!! The occupational therapist and speech therapist also visited the Girls today. The occupational therapist assessed both Girls and let me know that their muscle tone has gotten a lot better in the last week. It was really nice to hear!! The speech therapist decided it was time to bottle feed both Girls. With them being almost 36 weeks, she said that we would start trying once a day until they can figure it out. I was very thankful to hear this knowing it can take weeks for a 24 weeker to catch on to bottle feeding. I was there while she fed Trinity and she did pretty good. Her heart rate and oxygen level remained where it should. She would take a few sucks, and then she’d take a rest to breathe. From what I was told, Kinsley did the same. Baby steps. Trinity gained weight today coming in at 4 lbs 15 oz. She’s almost caught up to Kinsley who remains at 5 lbs.
Parent's Thoughts:
The speech therapist is going to let met work with the Girls on their bottle feeding. Tomorrow, she is going to let me bottle feed them as she watches and instructs me on what to do. I am very excited about this. I know it’s not going to be easy for them but they will catch on when they are ready. From here out, this will be a daily routine for us. Please pray that they catch on soon and that they stop having apnea.
Our Daily Encouragement:
God’s peace…is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet at rest.
Philippians 4:7
Today was exciting. Not only are the Girls 11 weeks old today but when I came to visit, Kinsley was off her nasal cannula. So far, she’s done really well all day. Go Kinsley!! The occupational therapist and speech therapist also visited the Girls today. The occupational therapist assessed both Girls and let me know that their muscle tone has gotten a lot better in the last week. It was really nice to hear!! The speech therapist decided it was time to bottle feed both Girls. With them being almost 36 weeks, she said that we would start trying once a day until they can figure it out. I was very thankful to hear this knowing it can take weeks for a 24 weeker to catch on to bottle feeding. I was there while she fed Trinity and she did pretty good. Her heart rate and oxygen level remained where it should. She would take a few sucks, and then she’d take a rest to breathe. From what I was told, Kinsley did the same. Baby steps. Trinity gained weight today coming in at 4 lbs 15 oz. She’s almost caught up to Kinsley who remains at 5 lbs.
Parent's Thoughts:
The speech therapist is going to let met work with the Girls on their bottle feeding. Tomorrow, she is going to let me bottle feed them as she watches and instructs me on what to do. I am very excited about this. I know it’s not going to be easy for them but they will catch on when they are ready. From here out, this will be a daily routine for us. Please pray that they catch on soon and that they stop having apnea.
Our Daily Encouragement:
God’s peace…is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet at rest.
Philippians 4:7
Tuesday June 2nd
Babies Situation:
The Girls got their eye exams today and nothing has changed. Still no ROP which is awesome!! Thank you God. Also, one of the Girls reached 5 pounds today. Miss Kinsley is officially 5 lbs!! Trinity is not far behind at 4 lbs 12 oz. I’m sure she’ll catch up very soon. It has been another good day for the Girls. No big changes. They are in the feeding-growing stage.
Parent's Thoughts:
I was able to talk to our primary doctor today. He said developmentally, the Girls are more like 32/33 weeks rather than 35 weeks but they are where he would expect them to be since they were born at 24 weeks - so they are 2-3 weeks behind-not too bad for what they have been through. He still expects them to go home between 40-42 weeks so they should be home by mid July. Yeah!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
The Girls got their eye exams today and nothing has changed. Still no ROP which is awesome!! Thank you God. Also, one of the Girls reached 5 pounds today. Miss Kinsley is officially 5 lbs!! Trinity is not far behind at 4 lbs 12 oz. I’m sure she’ll catch up very soon. It has been another good day for the Girls. No big changes. They are in the feeding-growing stage.
Parent's Thoughts:
I was able to talk to our primary doctor today. He said developmentally, the Girls are more like 32/33 weeks rather than 35 weeks but they are where he would expect them to be since they were born at 24 weeks - so they are 2-3 weeks behind-not too bad for what they have been through. He still expects them to go home between 40-42 weeks so they should be home by mid July. Yeah!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
Monday June 1st
Babies Situation:
It was bath night again tonight. I gave Trinity a bath while Keith gave Kinsley a bath. They both enjoyed their baths and we enjoyed giving them their baths! Trinity gained weight today and now weighs 4 lbs 12 oz (she’s catching up with sis). Kinsley is still at 4 lbs 14 oz. It will be a short time before we have 5 pounders on our hands! Trinity’s feeding time decreased. She is now getting fed over 30 minutes rather than 1 hour. This is another preparation for bottle feeding. Both Girls had labs drawn to check hemoglobin levels and both came back OK.
Parent's Thoughts:
I want to share something with you that has helped me get through the last 10 weeks. Within the first few weeks of having the babies, I heard a much needed sermon on TV. I took some notes on a near by breast feeding guide that I carried with me everywhere just in case I had questions. I read it multiple times a day. I couldn’t have gotten through all this without it.
-Make the most of each day and accept things we cannot change
-Don’t waste time focusing on the negative
-Give it all up to God each night
-Don’t think about the set backs but think about or thank God for what doors he is about to open
-Disappointments are inevitable, misery is optional
-When you get up, learn to accept the present God has given you
I hope these lines help you as much as they have helped me. They are simple but powerful.
Our Daily Encouragement:
God surrounds (us) with his loving care.
Deuteronomy 33:12
It was bath night again tonight. I gave Trinity a bath while Keith gave Kinsley a bath. They both enjoyed their baths and we enjoyed giving them their baths! Trinity gained weight today and now weighs 4 lbs 12 oz (she’s catching up with sis). Kinsley is still at 4 lbs 14 oz. It will be a short time before we have 5 pounders on our hands! Trinity’s feeding time decreased. She is now getting fed over 30 minutes rather than 1 hour. This is another preparation for bottle feeding. Both Girls had labs drawn to check hemoglobin levels and both came back OK.
Parent's Thoughts:
I want to share something with you that has helped me get through the last 10 weeks. Within the first few weeks of having the babies, I heard a much needed sermon on TV. I took some notes on a near by breast feeding guide that I carried with me everywhere just in case I had questions. I read it multiple times a day. I couldn’t have gotten through all this without it.
-Make the most of each day and accept things we cannot change
-Don’t waste time focusing on the negative
-Give it all up to God each night
-Don’t think about the set backs but think about or thank God for what doors he is about to open
-Disappointments are inevitable, misery is optional
-When you get up, learn to accept the present God has given you
I hope these lines help you as much as they have helped me. They are simple but powerful.
Our Daily Encouragement:
God surrounds (us) with his loving care.
Deuteronomy 33:12
Sunday May 31st
Babies Situation:
The Girls had more visitors today. Our neighbors Jack and Diane came by to meet the babies and they brought them cute little outfits. Thank you Jack and Diane!! The Girls also had their weekly measurements done tonight. Trinity is now 4 lbs 10 oz, her head is 29.5cm, and she is 17.5 inches long. Kinsley also gained weight and she is now 4 lbs 14 oz, her head is 30 cm, and she is 17 inches long. We can’t believe she is close to 5 lbs!! No changes were made for them today. Our goals for the babies this week is for Trinity to start bottle feeding and for Kinsley to come off her nasal cannula. Hopefully, the babies have the same goals.
Parent's Thoughts:
The Girls were all snuggled up to each other when we came to visit them today. Talk about cute! They also seem to be gaining weight at a nice rate. The doctor thinks they will weigh around 6 lbs when we bring them home. At this rate, they are gaining about 1 lb every two weeks so I think he is right on. The babies had a great weekend and we know they will have a good week as well.
Our Daily Encouragement:
The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
John 12:25
The Girls had more visitors today. Our neighbors Jack and Diane came by to meet the babies and they brought them cute little outfits. Thank you Jack and Diane!! The Girls also had their weekly measurements done tonight. Trinity is now 4 lbs 10 oz, her head is 29.5cm, and she is 17.5 inches long. Kinsley also gained weight and she is now 4 lbs 14 oz, her head is 30 cm, and she is 17 inches long. We can’t believe she is close to 5 lbs!! No changes were made for them today. Our goals for the babies this week is for Trinity to start bottle feeding and for Kinsley to come off her nasal cannula. Hopefully, the babies have the same goals.
Parent's Thoughts:
The Girls were all snuggled up to each other when we came to visit them today. Talk about cute! They also seem to be gaining weight at a nice rate. The doctor thinks they will weigh around 6 lbs when we bring them home. At this rate, they are gaining about 1 lb every two weeks so I think he is right on. The babies had a great weekend and we know they will have a good week as well.
Our Daily Encouragement:
The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
John 12:25
Saturday May 30th
Babies Situation:
The Girls got a lot of Daddy time today. I wasn’t feeling well so Keith went to the hospital alone and was able to hold both Girls together all afternoon. Trinity did have 4 A’s and B’s today but Kinsley had 0. It’s always great to hear if the Girls go through an entire day with 0 A’s and B’s. The only change made today was an increase on their feedings. Other than that, they had a nice peaceful day of snoozing. Trinity gained another ounce. She is at 4 lbs 8 oz today. Kinsley gained a few grams but she is still at 4 lbs 12 oz.
Parent's Thoughts:
Keith really enjoyed his day with the Girls. His exact words were “it was awesome”. He is such a great Daddy and is already hands on. At first, he was somewhat hesitant but in the last few weeks he has really come around and is a lot more comfortable. The Girls love when Daddy talks to them and they snuggle right up to him when he holds them. He is now a pro at holding both babies at once (it’s cute to see him using the boppy). I am very thankful to have such a wonderful husband who is also a wonderful Daddy. Us three are very lucky!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
Isaiah 43:2
The Girls got a lot of Daddy time today. I wasn’t feeling well so Keith went to the hospital alone and was able to hold both Girls together all afternoon. Trinity did have 4 A’s and B’s today but Kinsley had 0. It’s always great to hear if the Girls go through an entire day with 0 A’s and B’s. The only change made today was an increase on their feedings. Other than that, they had a nice peaceful day of snoozing. Trinity gained another ounce. She is at 4 lbs 8 oz today. Kinsley gained a few grams but she is still at 4 lbs 12 oz.
Parent's Thoughts:
Keith really enjoyed his day with the Girls. His exact words were “it was awesome”. He is such a great Daddy and is already hands on. At first, he was somewhat hesitant but in the last few weeks he has really come around and is a lot more comfortable. The Girls love when Daddy talks to them and they snuggle right up to him when he holds them. He is now a pro at holding both babies at once (it’s cute to see him using the boppy). I am very thankful to have such a wonderful husband who is also a wonderful Daddy. Us three are very lucky!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
Isaiah 43:2
Friday May 29th
Babies Situation:
The Girls aren’t feeling well today from their immunizations. Both are running slight fevers, they are very sleepy, and somewhat whiny. Poor babies! The occupational nurse did visit them today and said that they both have low muscle tone. She said that when she stretches out their arms, they do not push back at all. Some of this might be due to how they feel but she says it is common for 24 weekers to have this. Their muscle tone should increase with time though. Trinity did gain weight today. She is now at 4 lbs 7 oz while Kinsley remains at 4 lbs 12 oz.
Parent's Thoughts:
I held both babies for a long time today. They actually showed signs that they were comforted when being held and both needed to be comforted. The occupational nurse also swaddled them with their arms out which allowed them to put their hands to their face (one way they use to console themselves). They slept like that the entire time I was there. It was really hard to leave them today knowing that they needed me. This might sound weird, but most of the time when I am holding them I feel like I am just keeping them awake but this time I felt they needed me and it felt great.
Our Daily Encouragement:
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Psalm 62:1-2
The Girls aren’t feeling well today from their immunizations. Both are running slight fevers, they are very sleepy, and somewhat whiny. Poor babies! The occupational nurse did visit them today and said that they both have low muscle tone. She said that when she stretches out their arms, they do not push back at all. Some of this might be due to how they feel but she says it is common for 24 weekers to have this. Their muscle tone should increase with time though. Trinity did gain weight today. She is now at 4 lbs 7 oz while Kinsley remains at 4 lbs 12 oz.
Parent's Thoughts:
I held both babies for a long time today. They actually showed signs that they were comforted when being held and both needed to be comforted. The occupational nurse also swaddled them with their arms out which allowed them to put their hands to their face (one way they use to console themselves). They slept like that the entire time I was there. It was really hard to leave them today knowing that they needed me. This might sound weird, but most of the time when I am holding them I feel like I am just keeping them awake but this time I felt they needed me and it felt great.
Our Daily Encouragement:
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Psalm 62:1-2
Thursday May 28th
Babies Situation:
The girls are 35 weeks gestation today and growing. Trinity lost an ounce and weighs 4 lbs 6 oz while Kinsley gained for both of them weighing 4 lbs 12 oz. Both Girls got their immunizations tonight. Dr. Kansas told us that she recommends that the babies get their first immunizations in the NICU since sometimes it will cause them to have more apnea. They now can watch them closely to make sure they do not have any severe reactions to the shots. She also told me that Kinsley isn’t ready to come off her nasal cannula just yet but hopefully soon.
Parent's Thoughts:
Crystal and I had a good laugh at the babies today. They grunt all day long!!! They grunt when you aren’t touching them but they also grunt when you are. You cannot take their temperature or change their diaper without grunts. If you move them, they grunt. Fortunately, we think their grunting is the cutest thing ever. Now when we bring them home and cannot get any sleep, we might think differently - ha.
Our Daily Encouragement:
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Deuteronomy 33:27
The girls are 35 weeks gestation today and growing. Trinity lost an ounce and weighs 4 lbs 6 oz while Kinsley gained for both of them weighing 4 lbs 12 oz. Both Girls got their immunizations tonight. Dr. Kansas told us that she recommends that the babies get their first immunizations in the NICU since sometimes it will cause them to have more apnea. They now can watch them closely to make sure they do not have any severe reactions to the shots. She also told me that Kinsley isn’t ready to come off her nasal cannula just yet but hopefully soon.
Parent's Thoughts:
Crystal and I had a good laugh at the babies today. They grunt all day long!!! They grunt when you aren’t touching them but they also grunt when you are. You cannot take their temperature or change their diaper without grunts. If you move them, they grunt. Fortunately, we think their grunting is the cutest thing ever. Now when we bring them home and cannot get any sleep, we might think differently - ha.
Our Daily Encouragement:
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Deuteronomy 33:27
Wednesday May 27th
Babies Situation:
The Girls are 10 weeks old today. It is amazing how fast time has flown by. Trinity gained weight and is now 4 lbs 7 oz. Kinsley remains at 4 lbs 9 oz. The speech therapist assessed both Girls for bottle feeding today. She tried to bottle feed Trinity and decided she still isn’t ready. She’ll try again at the end of the week to see if there is any improvement. For Kinsley, she didn’t bottle feed her but did do a few exercises with her and she definitely isn’t ready yet. It is time for the Girls to get their immunizations in the next few days so we’ve been asked to read and give authorization. Other than that, no new changes.
Parent's Thoughts:
Please keep the Girls in your prayers. We need Kinsley to come off her nasal cannula in the next week. For both Girls, we need the apnea to go away and for them to bottle feed and gain weight. If both of these occur, they should be able to go home. We are still hoping to bring them home by 40 weeks (July 2nd). We also ask that you pray for our little friend Aiden. He is now 31 weeks and he just started having intestinal issues. If you remember, intestinal issues start occurring around 31-34 weeks. Thank you for everyone’s prayers and support. As you have witnessed, prayers work!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:17-18
The Girls are 10 weeks old today. It is amazing how fast time has flown by. Trinity gained weight and is now 4 lbs 7 oz. Kinsley remains at 4 lbs 9 oz. The speech therapist assessed both Girls for bottle feeding today. She tried to bottle feed Trinity and decided she still isn’t ready. She’ll try again at the end of the week to see if there is any improvement. For Kinsley, she didn’t bottle feed her but did do a few exercises with her and she definitely isn’t ready yet. It is time for the Girls to get their immunizations in the next few days so we’ve been asked to read and give authorization. Other than that, no new changes.
Parent's Thoughts:
Please keep the Girls in your prayers. We need Kinsley to come off her nasal cannula in the next week. For both Girls, we need the apnea to go away and for them to bottle feed and gain weight. If both of these occur, they should be able to go home. We are still hoping to bring them home by 40 weeks (July 2nd). We also ask that you pray for our little friend Aiden. He is now 31 weeks and he just started having intestinal issues. If you remember, intestinal issues start occurring around 31-34 weeks. Thank you for everyone’s prayers and support. As you have witnessed, prayers work!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:17-18
Tuesday May 26th
Babies Situation:
We had another poop party tonight. As Keith was giving Trinity a bath, she just couldn’t help herself and soiled the water. Miss Kinsley had a diaper blow out right before her bath and soiled her new onesie and blanket. We have some stinky little Girls - ha!! Neither of the Girls gained weight tonight (we are assuming due to the poop party). Both did receive their eye exams. So far, still no ROP - Thank you God!! Oh, and they both graduated to the big girl pacifier. They are now using a full term baby pacifier. I know it doesn’t sound like a big step but it is if you would have seen their micro-preemie pacifier.
Parent's Thoughts:
It is amazing to watch both Girls grow. Trinity loves her pacifier and it is so cute to see her sucking away. Both Girls like to be held where they can see over your shoulder. They love looking around the room. They are becoming more alert now during their assessments and remain awake longer than before.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Pray…that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father.
Colossians 1:10-12
We had another poop party tonight. As Keith was giving Trinity a bath, she just couldn’t help herself and soiled the water. Miss Kinsley had a diaper blow out right before her bath and soiled her new onesie and blanket. We have some stinky little Girls - ha!! Neither of the Girls gained weight tonight (we are assuming due to the poop party). Both did receive their eye exams. So far, still no ROP - Thank you God!! Oh, and they both graduated to the big girl pacifier. They are now using a full term baby pacifier. I know it doesn’t sound like a big step but it is if you would have seen their micro-preemie pacifier.
Parent's Thoughts:
It is amazing to watch both Girls grow. Trinity loves her pacifier and it is so cute to see her sucking away. Both Girls like to be held where they can see over your shoulder. They love looking around the room. They are becoming more alert now during their assessments and remain awake longer than before.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Pray…that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father.
Colossians 1:10-12
Monday May 25th
Babies Situation:
The girls are getting bigger every day. Kinsley now weighs 4 lbs 9 oz (wow way to go Kinsley) while Trinity now weighs 4 lbs 5 oz. It is great to see them gaining so rapidly. They are also still swaddled and are now even facing each other in their crib. It is so cute to see them together. They almost work off of what the other is thinking. The bottle feeding for Trinity has been put on hold. The doctor would like to wait until the speech therapist sees her again to see if she is really ready. In the meantime, we will continue to give her the pacifier during feedings and will do the oral exercises the therapist has suggested. Kinsley is starting to look for her hand when it’s time to feed so I think she is slowly getting ready to try bottle feeding.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are really enjoying all the interaction that we are getting with the babies now. We can hold them as much as we want, it is so much easier to change diapers in the crib rather than the isolate, watching them suck on their pacifier is so cute, and hearing all their cute noises just melts our hearts. Holding them at the same time is really enjoyable too. They are still getting stronger each day and growing like a weed. We are so blessed. Our babies went from 1 lb 6 oz and 1 lb 4 oz to 4 lbs 5 oz and 4 lbs 9 oz. God is good. True miracles.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
The girls are getting bigger every day. Kinsley now weighs 4 lbs 9 oz (wow way to go Kinsley) while Trinity now weighs 4 lbs 5 oz. It is great to see them gaining so rapidly. They are also still swaddled and are now even facing each other in their crib. It is so cute to see them together. They almost work off of what the other is thinking. The bottle feeding for Trinity has been put on hold. The doctor would like to wait until the speech therapist sees her again to see if she is really ready. In the meantime, we will continue to give her the pacifier during feedings and will do the oral exercises the therapist has suggested. Kinsley is starting to look for her hand when it’s time to feed so I think she is slowly getting ready to try bottle feeding.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are really enjoying all the interaction that we are getting with the babies now. We can hold them as much as we want, it is so much easier to change diapers in the crib rather than the isolate, watching them suck on their pacifier is so cute, and hearing all their cute noises just melts our hearts. Holding them at the same time is really enjoyable too. They are still getting stronger each day and growing like a weed. We are so blessed. Our babies went from 1 lb 6 oz and 1 lb 4 oz to 4 lbs 5 oz and 4 lbs 9 oz. God is good. True miracles.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
Sunday May 24th
Babies Situation:
It was another great day for the girls. Lots of news to report. Kinsley now weighs a whopping 4 lbs. 6 oz and is 17 inches long. Trinity hasn't changed in a couple of days and weighs 4 lbs. 3 oz but she is now 16.75 inches long. Due to Kinsley’s weight gain, her feedings increased to 41 cc’s over 1 hour every three hours. Her oxygen pressure on the nasal cannula was also decreased from 2 to 1 which is a big improvement. Good job Kinsley!! Both Girls are doing really well with their breathing. We did try to bottle feed Trinity again today. She struggled a little more today than yesterday but she did take 3 cc’s (1 more cc than yesterday). As we tried to bottle feed her, she fell asleep a few times and would forget to breath. She had a few A’s and B’s and needed to be stimulated a lot to help her focus. She did a lot of licking of her lips as she could taste the milk but was trying to figure out how to swallow it.
Parent's Thoughts:
With experiencing Trinity’s first two days of bottle feeding, we can tell it is going to require a lot of patience from us and a lot of hard work from the Girls. The bottle feeding will not come easy to them so we will start off very slow with trying 1 bottle feeding a day for around 10 minutes. It is a lot of work for Trinity (hopefully Kinsley too soon) which in turn wears her out fast. After 10 minutes, Trinity was spent and fast asleep. For some reason, it is somewhat stressful on us and emotional as we thought bottle feeding would come easy. It was hard to see her so tired as we kept trying to get her to take the bottle. I notice that Keith and I have gotten a little comfortable and forgot how trialing our situation still is. We will lean on God for patience and remember that it’s all in his hands. Thank you God for our sweet baby Girls.
Our Daily Encouragement:
And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God.
Deuteronomy 28:2
It was another great day for the girls. Lots of news to report. Kinsley now weighs a whopping 4 lbs. 6 oz and is 17 inches long. Trinity hasn't changed in a couple of days and weighs 4 lbs. 3 oz but she is now 16.75 inches long. Due to Kinsley’s weight gain, her feedings increased to 41 cc’s over 1 hour every three hours. Her oxygen pressure on the nasal cannula was also decreased from 2 to 1 which is a big improvement. Good job Kinsley!! Both Girls are doing really well with their breathing. We did try to bottle feed Trinity again today. She struggled a little more today than yesterday but she did take 3 cc’s (1 more cc than yesterday). As we tried to bottle feed her, she fell asleep a few times and would forget to breath. She had a few A’s and B’s and needed to be stimulated a lot to help her focus. She did a lot of licking of her lips as she could taste the milk but was trying to figure out how to swallow it.
Parent's Thoughts:
With experiencing Trinity’s first two days of bottle feeding, we can tell it is going to require a lot of patience from us and a lot of hard work from the Girls. The bottle feeding will not come easy to them so we will start off very slow with trying 1 bottle feeding a day for around 10 minutes. It is a lot of work for Trinity (hopefully Kinsley too soon) which in turn wears her out fast. After 10 minutes, Trinity was spent and fast asleep. For some reason, it is somewhat stressful on us and emotional as we thought bottle feeding would come easy. It was hard to see her so tired as we kept trying to get her to take the bottle. I notice that Keith and I have gotten a little comfortable and forgot how trialing our situation still is. We will lean on God for patience and remember that it’s all in his hands. Thank you God for our sweet baby Girls.
Our Daily Encouragement:
And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God.
Deuteronomy 28:2
Saturday May 23rd
Babies Situation:
Trinity had an extra special day today. She had her first try at bottle feeding and was taken off the nasal cannula. She is breathing on her own without any support - How amazing. Dr. Diven decided to give her a chance on her own so hopefully she is strong enough to register her breathing. Michele and I also gave them their baths. As far as the bottle feeding, Trinity was able to take in 2 cc’s and then was fed the rest through a nasal feeding tube. They had to remove the other feeding tube to allow for bottle feeding. Kinsley also gained a little weight and is now 4 lbs 4 oz. Trinity remained at 4 lbs 2 oz.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are so happy to see such good progress but also know that the move off of nasal cannula was more a trial to see if she could handle it at this point. So far so good but we do not want to get to excited in case she does have to go back on some pressure. With Trinity being off the feeding tube and the nasal cannula, we can finally see her entire face. We are very thankful that God is on their side - praise, praise, praise.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come fearlessly into God’s presence, assured of his glad welcome.
Ephesians 3:12
Trinity had an extra special day today. She had her first try at bottle feeding and was taken off the nasal cannula. She is breathing on her own without any support - How amazing. Dr. Diven decided to give her a chance on her own so hopefully she is strong enough to register her breathing. Michele and I also gave them their baths. As far as the bottle feeding, Trinity was able to take in 2 cc’s and then was fed the rest through a nasal feeding tube. They had to remove the other feeding tube to allow for bottle feeding. Kinsley also gained a little weight and is now 4 lbs 4 oz. Trinity remained at 4 lbs 2 oz.
Parent's Thoughts:
We are so happy to see such good progress but also know that the move off of nasal cannula was more a trial to see if she could handle it at this point. So far so good but we do not want to get to excited in case she does have to go back on some pressure. With Trinity being off the feeding tube and the nasal cannula, we can finally see her entire face. We are very thankful that God is on their side - praise, praise, praise.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come fearlessly into God’s presence, assured of his glad welcome.
Ephesians 3:12
Friday May 22nd
Babies Situation:
The Girls had some changes today. Both gained weight. Trinity is 4 lbs 2 oz and Kinsley is 4 lbs 3 oz. They both were started on Epogen. They will get 3 Epogen shots a week to help them produce red blood cells. This should keep them from having to get anymore blood transfusions. Their feedings increased. Trinity is now getting 40 cc’s and Kinsley is getting 39 cc’s - both on full feeds. The biggest change was the redcution of the amount of pressure being used for their nasal cannula. Trinity was reduced from 2 liters to 1 liter of oxygen pressure and Kinsley’s was reduced from 3 liters to 2 liters. This is a big step in the right direction.
Parent's Thoughts:
The goal is to have both Girls off the nasal cannula by week 36. Trinity is very close but Kinsley will need the 2 weeks. She still needs the extra support. They both have come such a long way and have done so well. They are amazing little fighters that continue to get stronger each day. We really look forward to them breathing totally on their own without any support.
Our Daily Encouragement:
If I say,"Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become nightaround me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
Psalm 139:11-12
The Girls had some changes today. Both gained weight. Trinity is 4 lbs 2 oz and Kinsley is 4 lbs 3 oz. They both were started on Epogen. They will get 3 Epogen shots a week to help them produce red blood cells. This should keep them from having to get anymore blood transfusions. Their feedings increased. Trinity is now getting 40 cc’s and Kinsley is getting 39 cc’s - both on full feeds. The biggest change was the redcution of the amount of pressure being used for their nasal cannula. Trinity was reduced from 2 liters to 1 liter of oxygen pressure and Kinsley’s was reduced from 3 liters to 2 liters. This is a big step in the right direction.
Parent's Thoughts:
The goal is to have both Girls off the nasal cannula by week 36. Trinity is very close but Kinsley will need the 2 weeks. She still needs the extra support. They both have come such a long way and have done so well. They are amazing little fighters that continue to get stronger each day. We really look forward to them breathing totally on their own without any support.
Our Daily Encouragement:
If I say,"Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become nightaround me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
Psalm 139:11-12
Thursday May 21st
Babies Situation:
The Girls are 34 weeks today, 6 more weeks until they are full term!!! Yeah!! They had a special visitor today. They got to meet their Aunt Michele for the first time. Michele got to hold both babies, separately. We’ll have her holding both at the same time before the weekend is over. No changes were made today on the Girls but Kinsley did gain some weight. She is now at 4 lbs 2 oz while Trinity remains at 4 lbs.
Parent's Thoughts:
As most of you know, we do not have any family here in Austin. We consider all of our wonderful friends our Austin family but it’s great to have real family in town. It means a lot to us to have Michele here meeting her nieces for the first time. It’s not only special for the babies but it’s really special for us. We hope one day that the Girls will have their cousins to play with whenever they want. We are both very family oriented and grew up having a bunch of cousins around. I hope the same for our babies.
Our Daily Encouragement:
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then you Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:6
The Girls are 34 weeks today, 6 more weeks until they are full term!!! Yeah!! They had a special visitor today. They got to meet their Aunt Michele for the first time. Michele got to hold both babies, separately. We’ll have her holding both at the same time before the weekend is over. No changes were made today on the Girls but Kinsley did gain some weight. She is now at 4 lbs 2 oz while Trinity remains at 4 lbs.
Parent's Thoughts:
As most of you know, we do not have any family here in Austin. We consider all of our wonderful friends our Austin family but it’s great to have real family in town. It means a lot to us to have Michele here meeting her nieces for the first time. It’s not only special for the babies but it’s really special for us. We hope one day that the Girls will have their cousins to play with whenever they want. We are both very family oriented and grew up having a bunch of cousins around. I hope the same for our babies.
Our Daily Encouragement:
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then you Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:6
Wednesday May 20th
Babies Situation:
We have 4 pounders on our hands. Both Trinity and Kinsley are officially 4 lbs today. 9 weeks old and 4 lbs!! The Girls are having another good day. Both had labs taken this morning to make sure everything looks good and it did. They are also doing well on their feedings but do desat a little bit during their feedings which is common in preemies. However they will have to improve for them to come off the nasal cannula. There are 3 levels to the nasal cannula: 1 liter, 2 liters, and 3 liters. Trinity is on 2 liters of oxygen and Kinsley is on 3 liters of oxygen. They will probably decrease their levels in the next week or so if all goes well.
Parent's Thoughts:
The Girls are 9 weeks old today and will be 34 weeks gestation tomorrow. We were able to give both Girls tub baths tonight. It was so much fun!! They loved it!! They just looked around as we scrubbed them up. Mimi(Grandma Baden) also bought them cute fuzzy hats that they modeled for us tonight. Talk about cute! Andrea called them “Southern Bell Hats”. We will have them model them once again when the babies get older. They will add a little spunk to their wardrobe - ha.
Our Daily Encouragement:
For in Him we live and move and have our being.
Acts 17:28
We have 4 pounders on our hands. Both Trinity and Kinsley are officially 4 lbs today. 9 weeks old and 4 lbs!! The Girls are having another good day. Both had labs taken this morning to make sure everything looks good and it did. They are also doing well on their feedings but do desat a little bit during their feedings which is common in preemies. However they will have to improve for them to come off the nasal cannula. There are 3 levels to the nasal cannula: 1 liter, 2 liters, and 3 liters. Trinity is on 2 liters of oxygen and Kinsley is on 3 liters of oxygen. They will probably decrease their levels in the next week or so if all goes well.
Parent's Thoughts:
The Girls are 9 weeks old today and will be 34 weeks gestation tomorrow. We were able to give both Girls tub baths tonight. It was so much fun!! They loved it!! They just looked around as we scrubbed them up. Mimi(Grandma Baden) also bought them cute fuzzy hats that they modeled for us tonight. Talk about cute! Andrea called them “Southern Bell Hats”. We will have them model them once again when the babies get older. They will add a little spunk to their wardrobe - ha.
Our Daily Encouragement:
For in Him we live and move and have our being.
Acts 17:28
Tuesday May 19th
Babies Situation:
The Girls are enjoying their new crib life. When one of the girls moves or makes a sound, the other one seems to do the same. It’s quite cute. Lots of interesting sounds are now heard coming from their crib. Because the isolettes were closed in, we didn’t hear too much from the babies. We randomly heard a little cry but now we hear everything. Only a few changes occurred today. Trinity was started on vitamins and iron. Kinsley has been on them for awhile. Both of their caffeine levels were increased to match their weight and neither baby gained today. Kinsley actually lost an ounce and weights 3 lbs 13 oz while Trinity remained the same at 3 lbs 14 oz. Both Girls had their eye exams today. Poor babies. Their eyes were red and puffy when I got there. No ROP so far!!! Thank you God!!
Parent's Thoughts:
This is around the time ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity) will surface if they are going to get it. We hope and pray that neither baby will get this but please keep them in your prayers that this won’t be an issue for them. If it does occur, they will have to get laser surgery which is a big set back.
Our Daily Encouragement:
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
Psalm 145:17-19
The Girls are enjoying their new crib life. When one of the girls moves or makes a sound, the other one seems to do the same. It’s quite cute. Lots of interesting sounds are now heard coming from their crib. Because the isolettes were closed in, we didn’t hear too much from the babies. We randomly heard a little cry but now we hear everything. Only a few changes occurred today. Trinity was started on vitamins and iron. Kinsley has been on them for awhile. Both of their caffeine levels were increased to match their weight and neither baby gained today. Kinsley actually lost an ounce and weights 3 lbs 13 oz while Trinity remained the same at 3 lbs 14 oz. Both Girls had their eye exams today. Poor babies. Their eyes were red and puffy when I got there. No ROP so far!!! Thank you God!!
Parent's Thoughts:
This is around the time ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity) will surface if they are going to get it. We hope and pray that neither baby will get this but please keep them in your prayers that this won’t be an issue for them. If it does occur, they will have to get laser surgery which is a big set back.
Our Daily Encouragement:
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
Psalm 145:17-19
Monday May 18th
Babies Situation:
The Girls had another bay change today. They are now in a bay with other babies that require oxygen. The bay they were in yesterday was more of a bay for babies that are ready to go home soon. Our babies require a little more attention than the babies in that bay. We have updated measurements on the babies today - both Girls are 3 lbs 14 oz. Trinity is 16.25 inches long while Kinsley is 16 inches long. They are getting big (to us)!!! The only other change made today was Trinity’s feeds increased to 36 cc's over one hour every 3 hours.
Parent's Thoughts:
Now that the Girls are on nasal cannula, we can start working with them to prepare them for bottle feeding. During their tube feedings, a pacifier is supposed to be given to them to start working on their sucking ability. We (our nurses and parents) are performing exercises with the girls supposed to get them ready. As I held Trinity today during her feeding, I tried some of them. She actually did pretty good but did show signs of stress - so I only worked with her for a few minutes. The goal is to introduce a bottle to them in the next two weeks. I think Trinity will be ready but Kinsley might be a few days to a week behind her sister on this one. We’ll have to wait and see.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait,I say, on the Lord.
Psalm 27:14
The Girls had another bay change today. They are now in a bay with other babies that require oxygen. The bay they were in yesterday was more of a bay for babies that are ready to go home soon. Our babies require a little more attention than the babies in that bay. We have updated measurements on the babies today - both Girls are 3 lbs 14 oz. Trinity is 16.25 inches long while Kinsley is 16 inches long. They are getting big (to us)!!! The only other change made today was Trinity’s feeds increased to 36 cc's over one hour every 3 hours.
Parent's Thoughts:
Now that the Girls are on nasal cannula, we can start working with them to prepare them for bottle feeding. During their tube feedings, a pacifier is supposed to be given to them to start working on their sucking ability. We (our nurses and parents) are performing exercises with the girls supposed to get them ready. As I held Trinity today during her feeding, I tried some of them. She actually did pretty good but did show signs of stress - so I only worked with her for a few minutes. The goal is to introduce a bottle to them in the next two weeks. I think Trinity will be ready but Kinsley might be a few days to a week behind her sister on this one. We’ll have to wait and see.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait,I say, on the Lord.
Psalm 27:14
Sunday May 17th
Babies Situation:
Both Girls are still on the nasal cannula today. Kinsley did struggle a little bit last night but the Dr. decided to increase the air flow on the cannula so now she is doing much better. If she continues to have too much trouble, they will move her back to the CPAP for awhile. They don’t want her working too hard burning much needed calories. Both their feedings increased today though. Trinity is now at 35 cc's and Kinsley is at 37 cc's. Oh, and how could we forget. They moved bays. They are now in the “feeders and growers” bay. This bay has older, more stable babies that don’t need as much attention as the babies from our old bay. The girls also had some new nurses over the past few days and today helping them - thank you Carol, Madison, and Shari. Dawn will have them again tonight - the girls are very excited.
Parent's Thoughts:
It is so nice having both babies in a crib and on nasal cannula. The one downside is that we can’t keep our hands off of them. They are easily accessible and we can see their cute little faces. We can also hear them grunting and cooing which just makes us smile. All day today, we were leaning over them, adjusting their hats, adjusting their blankets, talking to them, looking at them, wiping their mouths…. They aren’t going to get much sleep with us around. Sorry Girls, you’re just too cute and we have waited a long time for this. We’ll have to discipline ourselves to make sure we aren’t bothering them too much! ha...
Our Daily Encouragement:
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.
Proverbs 12:22
Both Girls are still on the nasal cannula today. Kinsley did struggle a little bit last night but the Dr. decided to increase the air flow on the cannula so now she is doing much better. If she continues to have too much trouble, they will move her back to the CPAP for awhile. They don’t want her working too hard burning much needed calories. Both their feedings increased today though. Trinity is now at 35 cc's and Kinsley is at 37 cc's. Oh, and how could we forget. They moved bays. They are now in the “feeders and growers” bay. This bay has older, more stable babies that don’t need as much attention as the babies from our old bay. The girls also had some new nurses over the past few days and today helping them - thank you Carol, Madison, and Shari. Dawn will have them again tonight - the girls are very excited.
Parent's Thoughts:
It is so nice having both babies in a crib and on nasal cannula. The one downside is that we can’t keep our hands off of them. They are easily accessible and we can see their cute little faces. We can also hear them grunting and cooing which just makes us smile. All day today, we were leaning over them, adjusting their hats, adjusting their blankets, talking to them, looking at them, wiping their mouths…. They aren’t going to get much sleep with us around. Sorry Girls, you’re just too cute and we have waited a long time for this. We’ll have to discipline ourselves to make sure we aren’t bothering them too much! ha...
Our Daily Encouragement:
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.
Proverbs 12:22
Saturday May 16th
Babies Situation:
The Girls had another visitor today. Our friend, Jana, swung by for a little bit to meet the babies for the first time. She got to experience a very special day for all of us. After 8 ½ weeks of life, the babies were finally reunited into a double crib. We are also happy to report that our good friends “The Reids” took home their 24 weekers (Jenna and Blake) today - Congratulations!! We’ll miss you but we are so excited for you. Crystal(one of the girls primary nurses) worked her way into getting us the Reid's double crib now for our twins. Thank you Crystal as the girls would have been separate otherwise. We would have been really disappointed if the twins would have been moved into separate single cribs. What a great day!!! We both held the babies as Crystal finished moving all their stuff over to the crib. Now the babies must keep up their body temps to remain in the cribs. We can’t afford them to get cold because they will burn too many calories trying to stay warm. Kinsley also was moved over to the nasal cannula at 2 PM. Please pray that she will remain on the cannula. She has had a handful of A’s and B’s but she might also be getting acclimated to the cannula. One last piece of good news. Trinity and Kinsley weighed the same today. They both are 3 lbs 11 oz!! Amazing.
Parent's Thoughts:
Today was an incredible, special day for all of us. With Kinsley moving to the cannula and the twins finally reunited in a crib, we were ecstatic and thankful. Another day of blessings for us. Thank you God. We are blessed to have such great nurses and doctors, we are blessed with the progress of the babies so far, we are blessed to have such great support from friends and family, we are blessed each day we have with our babies, and we are blessed to have God as the center of our lives.
Our Daily Encouragement:
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.
Psalm 33:18
The Girls had another visitor today. Our friend, Jana, swung by for a little bit to meet the babies for the first time. She got to experience a very special day for all of us. After 8 ½ weeks of life, the babies were finally reunited into a double crib. We are also happy to report that our good friends “The Reids” took home their 24 weekers (Jenna and Blake) today - Congratulations!! We’ll miss you but we are so excited for you. Crystal(one of the girls primary nurses) worked her way into getting us the Reid's double crib now for our twins. Thank you Crystal as the girls would have been separate otherwise. We would have been really disappointed if the twins would have been moved into separate single cribs. What a great day!!! We both held the babies as Crystal finished moving all their stuff over to the crib. Now the babies must keep up their body temps to remain in the cribs. We can’t afford them to get cold because they will burn too many calories trying to stay warm. Kinsley also was moved over to the nasal cannula at 2 PM. Please pray that she will remain on the cannula. She has had a handful of A’s and B’s but she might also be getting acclimated to the cannula. One last piece of good news. Trinity and Kinsley weighed the same today. They both are 3 lbs 11 oz!! Amazing.
Parent's Thoughts:
Today was an incredible, special day for all of us. With Kinsley moving to the cannula and the twins finally reunited in a crib, we were ecstatic and thankful. Another day of blessings for us. Thank you God. We are blessed to have such great nurses and doctors, we are blessed with the progress of the babies so far, we are blessed to have such great support from friends and family, we are blessed each day we have with our babies, and we are blessed to have God as the center of our lives.
Our Daily Encouragement:
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.
Psalm 33:18
Friday May 15th
Babies Situation:
Today, the girls had another visit from our friend Julie. She and I were able to catch up as I held Kinsley. It was really nice. She saw the twins when they were around 1-2 weeks old so she was amazed at their changes. Something happened today that we never thought would happen. Kinsley caught up with Trinity on weight. They both weigh 3 lbs 9 oz. Trinity’s feeds did increase to 32 cc's over 1 hour every 3 hours while Kinsley increased to 35 cc's over 1 hour every 3 hours. Together, they are going through close to 7 NICU bottles (each bottle is 2.5 oz). The nurses have asked me to bring some of my reserves of frozen milk from our house about every other day. I’m glad I have a good supply. The nurses have also noticed that Trinity de-sats during her feedings and has some milk back-up in her air tube. Dr. Untalan decided to put her on a reflux medicine to see if it helps. To prepare Kinsley for the nasal cannula, her CPAP of 7 was reduced to 6. She is doing great so far!
Parent's Thoughts:
I was able to hold both the girls today both separately in the cradle position which was very nice. I get to see their precious faces, admiring their little features. Kinsley let out a little baby cry as the nurse moved her from her isolette to my arms and it melted my heart. With them being born at 24 weeks, it has been a long, hard journey but getting to watch them grow and change each day has been a miracle. When I see the look on new Parents faces as they enter the NICU for the first time, I hurt for them knowing what they are feeling and will be going through but I also know that it will make them into a better, stronger person and that they will experience the miracles we have. I pray that all these Parents have God in their hearts. We couldn’t have gotten through this without him.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.
Romans 12:4-6
Today, the girls had another visit from our friend Julie. She and I were able to catch up as I held Kinsley. It was really nice. She saw the twins when they were around 1-2 weeks old so she was amazed at their changes. Something happened today that we never thought would happen. Kinsley caught up with Trinity on weight. They both weigh 3 lbs 9 oz. Trinity’s feeds did increase to 32 cc's over 1 hour every 3 hours while Kinsley increased to 35 cc's over 1 hour every 3 hours. Together, they are going through close to 7 NICU bottles (each bottle is 2.5 oz). The nurses have asked me to bring some of my reserves of frozen milk from our house about every other day. I’m glad I have a good supply. The nurses have also noticed that Trinity de-sats during her feedings and has some milk back-up in her air tube. Dr. Untalan decided to put her on a reflux medicine to see if it helps. To prepare Kinsley for the nasal cannula, her CPAP of 7 was reduced to 6. She is doing great so far!
Parent's Thoughts:
I was able to hold both the girls today both separately in the cradle position which was very nice. I get to see their precious faces, admiring their little features. Kinsley let out a little baby cry as the nurse moved her from her isolette to my arms and it melted my heart. With them being born at 24 weeks, it has been a long, hard journey but getting to watch them grow and change each day has been a miracle. When I see the look on new Parents faces as they enter the NICU for the first time, I hurt for them knowing what they are feeling and will be going through but I also know that it will make them into a better, stronger person and that they will experience the miracles we have. I pray that all these Parents have God in their hearts. We couldn’t have gotten through this without him.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.
Romans 12:4-6
Thursday May 14th
Babies Situation:
The Girls are 33 weeks old today. Can you believe it? We can’t but we are very thankful. We are more than half way through our NICU journey, hopefully only 7 more weeks to go. Trinity is still on nasal cannula and doing great. She is still getting 30 cc's over 1 hour every 3 hours and fortifier was added today which will help her gain more weight. Kinsley is doing great on her CPAP of 7 and she is getting 35 cc's over 1 hour every 3 hours with the maximum amount of fortifier. Trinity didn’t gain weight today, she is still at 3 lbs 9 oz. Kinsley weighs 3 lbs 8 oz.
Parent's Thoughts:
Today was a special for me (Trena). I was able to hold both babies at the same time. It was amazing but I realized that I would always need assistance in doing this. Once I had both Girls in my arms, I had no extra hands to move hair out of my eyes or to catch falling hats. For 45 minutes, I sat with my precious babies looking at one than the other. It will be nice when Kinsley is off CPAP so that I can see more of her features. The babies resemble but don’t look identical yet since Kinsley is smaller. Thank you Kelly(nurse) for this experience. Oh, how could I forget. Kinsley even took a poop half way through so the experience was somewhat smelly but still enjoyable.
Our Daily Encouragement:
For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.
Proverbs 3:26
The Girls are 33 weeks old today. Can you believe it? We can’t but we are very thankful. We are more than half way through our NICU journey, hopefully only 7 more weeks to go. Trinity is still on nasal cannula and doing great. She is still getting 30 cc's over 1 hour every 3 hours and fortifier was added today which will help her gain more weight. Kinsley is doing great on her CPAP of 7 and she is getting 35 cc's over 1 hour every 3 hours with the maximum amount of fortifier. Trinity didn’t gain weight today, she is still at 3 lbs 9 oz. Kinsley weighs 3 lbs 8 oz.
Parent's Thoughts:
Today was a special for me (Trena). I was able to hold both babies at the same time. It was amazing but I realized that I would always need assistance in doing this. Once I had both Girls in my arms, I had no extra hands to move hair out of my eyes or to catch falling hats. For 45 minutes, I sat with my precious babies looking at one than the other. It will be nice when Kinsley is off CPAP so that I can see more of her features. The babies resemble but don’t look identical yet since Kinsley is smaller. Thank you Kelly(nurse) for this experience. Oh, how could I forget. Kinsley even took a poop half way through so the experience was somewhat smelly but still enjoyable.
Our Daily Encouragement:
For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.
Proverbs 3:26
Wednesday May 13th
Babies Situation:
Trinity is IV-less and on nasal cannula and doing great!! This IV lasted for 3 days which is unusual but it went bad today. The nurses tried numerous times to get another one started but her veins weren’t cooperating and Dr. Untalan decided it was better to leave the IV out than to keep poking her. Holes in the body can lead to infection. So when we came to see her today, she was wearing a shirt like sis. Talk about cute!!! She is on 21%(room air like we breathe) on her nasal cannula which is the lowest setting. If she starts to struggle in the next few days, they can bump her up to 30% but anything higher means it’s not beneficial for her to be on the cannula. It would be better for her to go back on the CPAP. She weights 3 lbs 9 oz today. The CPAP added 3 oz to her weight so we expect Kinsley to loose some weight as well once her CPAP is removed. Trinity’s feedings are now over 1 hour instead of 30 minutes. She could be having some reflux so they decided to extend her feeding time to see if that helps. She is getting 30 cc's over 1 hour every 3 hours. Kinsley had a nice weight gain. She is now at 3 lbs 8 oz. She is doing great on a CPAP of 7, almost better than when she was on a CPAP of 8. She is getting fed 33 cc's over 1 hour every 3 hours.
Parent's Thoughts:
It’s nice to see both girls wearing clothes. We went out and bought them some preemie onesies and night gowns for them to wear. This should keep them comfy and cozy while in the hospital. We hope Trinity continues to do well on the nasal cannula and highly anticipate Kinsley being moved to the nasal cannula. It’s still projected for the weekend or early next week. The Girls are doing so well right now with no infections, their breathing is strong, and they are tolerating their feedings. We did hold the babies at the same time tonight. Keith held Trinity and I held Kinsley. It was amazing. Keith was able to hold Trinity in a cradle position since she is off the CPAP. He seemed more comfortable with holding her this way. Little Kinsley loves to be held too. I held her swaddled instead of skin to skin and you could tell she just enjoyed being held. We look forward to our one hold a day. Hopefully soon we’ll be granted unlimited holds.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:2-3
Trinity is IV-less and on nasal cannula and doing great!! This IV lasted for 3 days which is unusual but it went bad today. The nurses tried numerous times to get another one started but her veins weren’t cooperating and Dr. Untalan decided it was better to leave the IV out than to keep poking her. Holes in the body can lead to infection. So when we came to see her today, she was wearing a shirt like sis. Talk about cute!!! She is on 21%(room air like we breathe) on her nasal cannula which is the lowest setting. If she starts to struggle in the next few days, they can bump her up to 30% but anything higher means it’s not beneficial for her to be on the cannula. It would be better for her to go back on the CPAP. She weights 3 lbs 9 oz today. The CPAP added 3 oz to her weight so we expect Kinsley to loose some weight as well once her CPAP is removed. Trinity’s feedings are now over 1 hour instead of 30 minutes. She could be having some reflux so they decided to extend her feeding time to see if that helps. She is getting 30 cc's over 1 hour every 3 hours. Kinsley had a nice weight gain. She is now at 3 lbs 8 oz. She is doing great on a CPAP of 7, almost better than when she was on a CPAP of 8. She is getting fed 33 cc's over 1 hour every 3 hours.
Parent's Thoughts:
It’s nice to see both girls wearing clothes. We went out and bought them some preemie onesies and night gowns for them to wear. This should keep them comfy and cozy while in the hospital. We hope Trinity continues to do well on the nasal cannula and highly anticipate Kinsley being moved to the nasal cannula. It’s still projected for the weekend or early next week. The Girls are doing so well right now with no infections, their breathing is strong, and they are tolerating their feedings. We did hold the babies at the same time tonight. Keith held Trinity and I held Kinsley. It was amazing. Keith was able to hold Trinity in a cradle position since she is off the CPAP. He seemed more comfortable with holding her this way. Little Kinsley loves to be held too. I held her swaddled instead of skin to skin and you could tell she just enjoyed being held. We look forward to our one hold a day. Hopefully soon we’ll be granted unlimited holds.
Our Daily Encouragement:
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:2-3
Tuesday May 12th
Babies Situation:
The Girls are having another good day. Our friend Andre and Dad were able to swing by to check in on the girls briefly this morning. It is always great for us to share this experience.
As far as the girls, both of their feedings increased today. Trinity is now at 28 cc's over 30 minutes every 3 hours. Kinsley is at 34 cc's over 1 ½ hours every 3 hours. Trinity will have a big change occur tomorrow. Dr. Untalan wants to try her back on the nasal cannula. Kinsley had a big change today with the decrease of her CPAP pressure from 8 to 7. Thank you Dr. Untalan!! If she tolerates it well, they will try her on the nasal cannula by the weekend or sometime next week. Such great news!!! Trinity will be done with her antibiotics by the 15th and her IV should be able to come out. No IV means less chance for infection. Kinsley is doing really well on holding her temperature. She actually is slightly warm every time Crystal checks her. We’re getting closer and closer to getting them in a crib TOGETHER!! They will be reunited. What a joy that will be to see. Oh, and the Girls had another eye exam yesterday and no ROP at this point. God is good!
Parent's Thoughts:
We are really looking forward to the next few weeks. Between putting them in clothes, moving them to a crib, and bottle feeding them, we are just so excited!! Kinsley is already wearing preemie shirts and Trinity will be able to wear clothes once the IV comes out. We are limited to what they can wear due to the CPAP machine but once they are both on the cannula, they can wear just about anything. Having them in a crib together will be a joyful day. They have been separated for 8 weeks (as of tomorrow) and I know it will be very special to have them together once again. From what I hear, the bottle feeding can be frustrating since it usually takes 24 weekers awhile to catch on but we are ready for the challenge. All these steps get us closer to bringing them home. We dream of that day!!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36
The Girls are having another good day. Our friend Andre and Dad were able to swing by to check in on the girls briefly this morning. It is always great for us to share this experience.
As far as the girls, both of their feedings increased today. Trinity is now at 28 cc's over 30 minutes every 3 hours. Kinsley is at 34 cc's over 1 ½ hours every 3 hours. Trinity will have a big change occur tomorrow. Dr. Untalan wants to try her back on the nasal cannula. Kinsley had a big change today with the decrease of her CPAP pressure from 8 to 7. Thank you Dr. Untalan!! If she tolerates it well, they will try her on the nasal cannula by the weekend or sometime next week. Such great news!!! Trinity will be done with her antibiotics by the 15th and her IV should be able to come out. No IV means less chance for infection. Kinsley is doing really well on holding her temperature. She actually is slightly warm every time Crystal checks her. We’re getting closer and closer to getting them in a crib TOGETHER!! They will be reunited. What a joy that will be to see. Oh, and the Girls had another eye exam yesterday and no ROP at this point. God is good!
Parent's Thoughts:
We are really looking forward to the next few weeks. Between putting them in clothes, moving them to a crib, and bottle feeding them, we are just so excited!! Kinsley is already wearing preemie shirts and Trinity will be able to wear clothes once the IV comes out. We are limited to what they can wear due to the CPAP machine but once they are both on the cannula, they can wear just about anything. Having them in a crib together will be a joyful day. They have been separated for 8 weeks (as of tomorrow) and I know it will be very special to have them together once again. From what I hear, the bottle feeding can be frustrating since it usually takes 24 weekers awhile to catch on but we are ready for the challenge. All these steps get us closer to bringing them home. We dream of that day!!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36
Monday May 11th
Babies Situation:
Today, Trinity and Kinsley were visited by our neighbors Pat and Donna Abbott. It was a very nice visit along with a great day again.
Trinity is now on a CPAP of 6 which is the lowest setting. The next step is the nasal cannula. Hopefully, the doctors will try her on this in the next week. They are also trying to get her IV line out so they are aggressively increasing her feeds. Her 10th. day of her antibiotics should be on Sunday so if they can get her up to full feeds by Sunday, they should be able to pull the IV line. Trinity’s feedings are now at 24 cc’s over 30 minutes every 3 hours. She is still tolerating them well. She did gain weight and is now 3 lbs 12 oz. Wow!! Kinsley had a small change in her feeding schedule. She is now getting 32 cc's over 1 ½ hours every 3 hours. She is still at 3 lbs 6 oz.
Parent's Thoughts:
It was bath night again. Kinsley was too cold when we took her temperature so we were not able to help bathe her during our visit. The babies have to be at least 98 degrees to get a bath and she was only 97.7. Andrea will bathe her later in the night when her temperature rises. However, we were able to play with Kinsley a little bit though so it was OK. Her eyes were wide open and every time we talked to her, her eyes would look in the direction of our voices. It was so neat!! Keith also took his hand from one side of the isolette to the other (like he did for Trinity a few days ago) and again, Kinsley would turn her head side to side to follow his hand. It was amazing!! I can’t believe that they are doing that already. We were able to help bathe Trinity tonight. She wasn’t very thrilled with her bath but it was still fun for us. Any interaction with the babies is awesome. We love you Trinity and Kinsley!!! Can’t wait to see you tomorrow!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:5-8
Today, Trinity and Kinsley were visited by our neighbors Pat and Donna Abbott. It was a very nice visit along with a great day again.
Trinity is now on a CPAP of 6 which is the lowest setting. The next step is the nasal cannula. Hopefully, the doctors will try her on this in the next week. They are also trying to get her IV line out so they are aggressively increasing her feeds. Her 10th. day of her antibiotics should be on Sunday so if they can get her up to full feeds by Sunday, they should be able to pull the IV line. Trinity’s feedings are now at 24 cc’s over 30 minutes every 3 hours. She is still tolerating them well. She did gain weight and is now 3 lbs 12 oz. Wow!! Kinsley had a small change in her feeding schedule. She is now getting 32 cc's over 1 ½ hours every 3 hours. She is still at 3 lbs 6 oz.
Parent's Thoughts:
It was bath night again. Kinsley was too cold when we took her temperature so we were not able to help bathe her during our visit. The babies have to be at least 98 degrees to get a bath and she was only 97.7. Andrea will bathe her later in the night when her temperature rises. However, we were able to play with Kinsley a little bit though so it was OK. Her eyes were wide open and every time we talked to her, her eyes would look in the direction of our voices. It was so neat!! Keith also took his hand from one side of the isolette to the other (like he did for Trinity a few days ago) and again, Kinsley would turn her head side to side to follow his hand. It was amazing!! I can’t believe that they are doing that already. We were able to help bathe Trinity tonight. She wasn’t very thrilled with her bath but it was still fun for us. Any interaction with the babies is awesome. We love you Trinity and Kinsley!!! Can’t wait to see you tomorrow!!
Our Daily Encouragement:
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:5-8
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