Trinity and Kinsley

17 Months Old...

2010-08-20T18:16:00.002-04:00

Babies Situation:

The babies turned 17 months on Wednesday which was also the birthday of my niece Angel who would have been 9 years old. She was born really early at 20 weeks and didn’t make it so she got to spend her birthday with Jesus in Heaven. On a lighter note, the Girls are growing bigger and getting faster! Trinity is around 19 lbs and 29 inches. Kinsley is around 18 lbs and 28.5 inches. Trinity was moved to a convertible car seat this past week – still rear facing though – since she is at the max length for the infant car seat. We’ll probably move Kinsley to the convertible in the next few weeks.

Last week, we switched them over to whole milk which wasn’t an accepted change at first but in the last 2 days the Girls are back to taking 16 oz a day. Their solid food intake is going well too. We have them eating a nice variety of foods. We’ve noticed that Trinity is a meat eater but Kinsley not so much. Trinity will eat all the meat on her plate while Kinsley will eat all her cheese and vegetables(like her Mama). Trinity is also a slower eater like her Dad but Kinsley is more like her Mama eating quickly always waiting for more. It’s so cute. Kinsley will tap her fingers on her tray like she’s bored. She’s somewhat impatient – another trait she has inherited from meL

Sleep wise, the Girls are doing better. With all the changes this summer(bottle to sippy cup, formula to milk, feeding schedule), they have struggled with sleeping through the night. I think they are also teething right now which doesn’t help either. We have our good nights and our bad nights. I’m sure we are on the path to more good nights than bad since we are done with making any major changes for now.

Developmentally, the Girls are running(toddler style). They can make it from one side of the room to the other in seconds. I know if I open a bathroom door or their bedroom closet door, my time is limited before both of them are in there looking for trouble. We’ve been practicing scribbling with crayons which more crayon eating occurs than actual coloring but hey, you have to start somewhere. At this age, I wouldn’t expect anything less. The Girls have also learned to hold spoons. They love this!! Every day, I let them feed themselves yogurt or pudding. For the most part, the food makes it into their mouth. I think Trinity is going to be a leftie like her Mama and Kinsley appears to be right handed like Daddy. Time will tell though. Both Girls can show you where their belly is and Mama’s nose. Not only can they point to my nose but they will even pick it for me if I let them(which I don’t). They have definitely figured out where their noses are and seem to only stick their finger up it when someone is looking. It makes me giggle every time.

Parent’s Thoughts:

This toddler stage is awesome!! Don’t get me wrong that it is a lot of work but watching them grow and learn has been a true blessing. We love teaching them new things or being surprised by them doing something new that they had learned that day. You should see how the Girls light up when they see their Daddy. They both give him this extra special smile that no one else gets. It melts my heart to watch! There is definitely a special connection there. Keith is a great Father and spends a lot of quality time with them. I love all the hugs I get in passing. I sit on the floor as they play and in passing, they stop, climb on my lap, we’ll sing a few songs and give some hugs and kisses, and then they are off to play some more. This happens over and over. I couldn’t ask for anything more.

Our 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

Birthday and Vacation...

2010-08-20T18:12:00.002-04:00

Babies Situation:

The Girls are 15 months, finally 1 year adjusted and almost running!! We have been very busy in the last few months. In May, we had the Girls 1 year Birthday party with around 75 of our friends – it was amazing! The Girls turning 1 year was a big milestone and there was nothing better than to share it will our friends.

In June, we took our first family vacation to Panama City. The drive wasn’t fun but the week we got to spend with my sister and her family and Keith’s brother and his family was amazing! Each family had their own room and bathroom so the Girls slept in back-n-plays in our room. Unfortunately, they were still waking up a few times a night and with the thin walls of the condo, they were also waking up everyone else too. No one seemed to mind though. Everyone would get up the next morning with a smile on their face pretty much laughing at us. The Girls loved the new environment. The kitchen and dining was tiled which was somewhat new to the Girls. They were unsure of how it felt which forced them to walk. Spending this week in Florida really accelerated their walking. The ocean and pool were also new to the Girls. They had been sick for so many weeks before the trip that we never got the opportunity to take them to the pool. Kinsley was fine with the ocean and the pool but Trinity needed some convincing that it was safe and fun. We did see a few tar balls but that was only one day.

Developmentally, the Girls are still doing great. Their “cause and effect” toys are teaching them a lot. They are also loving their riding toy. They fight over it and don’t like to share it. When we push them across the room on it, they get the biggest smile on their face. We are even teaching them to push each other since they are able to climb on and off of it on their own. Trinity is repeating a lot of words these days. She is saying Daddy, Mommy, eggs, Sissy, ashes(from Ring around the roses). Kinsley will randomly say Daddy, Mommy, and sometimes “up” and “cup” from the Dr. Seuss book “Hop on Pop”. She likes to whisper so we can’t always here what she is saying. She is funny though. She whispers when she talks but she screams when she cries. She has learned that the louder she screams, the faster Daddy and Mama move – especially at night. Personality wise, I still find Trinity more dependant wanting to be entertained. Kinsley is definitely independent and will go play by herself with no issues.

Eating wise, the Girls are doing great. Over the next 2 months, we will be weaning them from formula onto PediaSure and whole milk. The pediatrician doesn’t want them on whole milk entirely since they are only in the 5% on the 12 month chart. They are off all jar food and eating all table foods which is great. They eat a well balanced diet of a meat, vegetable, and fruit for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We are still using bottles as well which will change soon. With the Girls taking such a large intake of formula, I don’t want to disrupt it at this time. I feel the large amount of formula intake is due to them trying to catch up for the time they were sick. The calorie intake is very important right now for weight gain. Trinity should be around 18 lbs and Kinsley is 17.5 lbs. Once they come down to taking 20 oz per day, we will take away the bottles and only offer the sippy cup. Once the sippy cup is in full swing, then we’ll move from formula to the PediaSure and whole milk. I am not concerned with pushing either right now since they really just turned 12 months last weekend.

Parent’s Thoughts:

Keith and I thoroughly enjoyed our vacation in Florida. It was very enjoyable for us to have a change in scenery and to hang out with our family. I miss our siblings, especially our nieces and nephews. Next time, we’d like to go for 2 weeks. We weren’t ready to come home after the one week. It was neat to watch the Girls flourish in the new atmosphere too. They adapted quickly and squealed as they explored the new surroundings. The Birthday party was perfect too. I wouldn’t change a thing. A lot of work and preplanning went into the party but it was totally worth it. God continues to bless us day after day and we are very thankful. We look forward to raising these sweet baby Girls in a Christian home.

Our Encouragement:

Let your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me.

Psalm 40:11

Catching Bugs (Rough Few weeks)...

2010-07-02T10:11:00.004-04:00

Babies Situation:

The Girls have had a rough 4 weeks with catching a few nasty viruses but I think we are finally over this last one. Kinsley has had diarrhea since last Friday but last night was a successful night of no diarrhea diapers – Thank you God!! With Keith traveling for work all week, it has been a very long week for me but it’s over and Kins is feeling better so we are all good.

Developmentally, Trinity is back on track. She is walking 75% of the time and just talking up a storm. Last night, she was brave enough to hold something in her hand while walking across the room. A few times this past week, she attempted to run across the room which resulted in her falling but she tried it a few more times. She is getting more brave! In her high pitched voice, she calls me “Daddy” and seems to be saying “Sissy” randomly. She is now bottle feeding herself which is bitter sweet. I love giving them their bottles but it does get difficult when they are hungry at the same time. One usually had to wait their turn fussing for 10 minutes while the other is getting her bottle.

Kinsley is slowly getting back to her old self. She is Queen of funny faces and in the last 2 days, I have noticed that she is making a lot more than what she’s done in the last week. She is probably walking 50% of the time. I think in the next week she will really take off with her walking if we can keep her healthy. She will say “Mom” once in awhile when she wakes up from a nap or in the morning. Before she got sick, she was jibbering a lot so I’m sure that will come back soon. She is not bottle feeding herself yet which is somewhat our fault. When I do let her feed herself, she gets so interested in watching the formula move in the bottle that she stops eating and starts playing with the bottle. Since she has lost about 1 lb in the last 6 weeks, calorie intake is very important. If we hold the bottle for her, she’ll take what she needs. I think this weekend I will let her bottle feed herself but I will be right there with her encouraging her not to play but to eat.

Parent's Thoughts:

The last 6 weeks have been very difficult for not only the babies but for us. The Girls haven’t slept well since they got sick so we are both lacking sleep. Hopefully we’ll catch up over the weekend!! Between having sick babies and working full time, it has been trialing but we have managed it well. Keith and I are a great team and I am very thankful that he is right in there with me helping. I never imagined how much harder it is with having sick babies. It is heart breaking to watch your babies go through hard times but it is comforting to know that they will build up tolerances which will make them stronger.

On a good note, the Girls are so much fun!!!! We read books, play with toys together, sing our ABC’s (well Mamma sings and they just smile), splash in the bath tub, dance to music and clap our hands to the beat, and they love helping Mama fold clothes and put them away (not really, they actually laugh as they pull everything out of the drawer and enjoy knocking over the folded pile). I cannot believe they are 14 months old, 11 months adjusted. Time flies when you are having fun!!!

Our Encouragement:

Do not withhold your tender mercies from me, O Lord; Let your loving kindness and your truth continually preserve me.

Psalm 40:11

First Steps - Week of May 10th...

2010-07-02T10:02:00.002-04:00

Babies Situation:

We have some very exciting news to share!! Miss Kinsley took her first 4-5 steps this week. The Girls will do anything to get their hands on the TV remote so our Nanny decided to entice her with it and it worked. I was pretty skeptical when Nancy told me what Kinsley can do until I tried it and she walked!!! It was amazing!!! Now Trinity hasn’t fallen for the remote trick yet but we will continue to work with her on it to see if we can have her walking very soon. Not bad for 13 months, 10 months adjusted.

We have more good news! Because the Girls are doing so well developmentally and aren’t showing issues with eating, the Occupational therapist has released them from therapy. We are officially on our own except for the GI specialist and he really doesn’t change anything. We give him an update and he tells us to continue with what we are doing. He did suggest that we wean the Girls off their nightly dosage of Prilosec so we’ll start that soon. He also wants us to continue with formula since it is their main source for calories. Both Girls are still pretty small (like their Mama) and in the 10th percentile on the adjusted chart for weight. They are not even on the chart for their real age.

In the last few weeks, we have had some exciting activities. We were able to help celebrate the Reid Twins turning 1. It was a great party and such a huge milestone for micro-preemies. The Reid family is very dear to us and we have enjoyed watching their sweet babies grow over the last year!! We also did the March for Babies last week – what a blast!! We had 5 families walk with us and we were financially able to surpass our goal. Thank you to everyone who helped with that. The March of Dimes is a great cause and we are living proof of their research and support.

Parents Thoughts:

It is such a great feeling to know that your babies are on the right path developmentally. It has been a saving Grace to have weekly visits from the Occupational therapist providing guidance and expertise on how to get the Girls caught up to their chronological age. Her exact words were “they are doing exceptionally well for being micro-preemies”. Thank you God!! Now I just need to get them to eat more or I need the peace and comfort that they are getting what they need so I need to leave it alone!! They are very active and burn lots of calories. Luckily, it hasn’t affected them developmentally but it seems to be a persistent topic with the GI specialist and pediatrician. Both say they are doing great and look great but it is a topic that we discuss at all appointments so it lingers in the back of my head – daily! Overall, the babies are doing great. They love to play all day long and get into everything that they aren’t supposed to be in. True blessings!!

Our Encouragement:

Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Isaiah 51:11

Easter - New Pics...

2010-05-06T18:53:00.005-04:00

Visit to the NICU - Week of April 26th.

2010-05-06T18:28:00.005-04:00

Babies Situation:

This week we took the Girls back to the NICU to visit some of their old friends. We saw many nurses, doctors, and therapists who saw the Girls on a regular basis. It was a nice to see everyone and to catch up. Everyone looked great and their smiling faces once again brought comfort. They will always be heroes to us and we are so thankful for having them apart of our lives.

The Girls are doing great. They are so close to walking. Both will stand without holding on to anything. Trinity does it a little more than Kinsley but Kinsley is very fast at moving around her activity table that is about 12 inches tall. She’ll go half way around it and then turn around quickly heading the other way. These Girls are so active!! They explore every inch of our living room and hardly ever take a break. I like sitting on the floor with them. They will crawl over me and go behind my back as they cross the room. A few times they will run into me with their shopping cart but they are usually in a hurry to get to the other side of the room so I will get a few quick kisses and then they are off again. They also like to go in behind the chair where we can’t see them and they just giggle. There’s a lot of belly laughing going on in our house. They really enjoy each other!

We did change up their feeding schedule. They are now getting bottles and solids at separate times of the day. Since the schedule change, their intake on solids has increased while they seem to be maintaining the same amount of formula. Yeah!!

Parent's Thoughts:

The visit to the NICU brought back a lot of memories. Even just parking in the parking garage. I parked in that garage at least 140 times (since the girls spend 135 days in there and I was in the hospital myself for 5 days). Most days, I made 2 trips to the NICU so that number is most likely double. I did see a few moms pass through to visit their brand new baby and my heart sunk for each and every one of them. I almost felt guilty for being in there with my healthy babies just knowing how they felt and knowing what road lies ahead. To everyone out there – If you think about it today or this week, please pray for all these NICU babies and Parents. They need it!!

Our Encouragement:

For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.

Psalm 71:5

OT to end??? - Week of April 12th.

2010-05-06T18:00:00.008-04:00

Babies Situation:

The Girls are getting stronger at pulling up and moving between furniture. They got their first set of tennis shoes which seems to help. I also got them some new toys from the AMOM (Austin Mom's of Multiples) consignment sale. They now have a table with activities on top of it that requires them to stand while playing, a shopping cart that they push back and forth across the living room, and a talking mirror with lights (it's like a karaoke mirror).

Trinity loves the push toys and goes back and forth all day. Kinsley isn't as strong so she'll push a toy if encouraged but it's rare for her to start it on her own. Julie, the OT, says that Kinsley is a perfectionist so she will walk when she has it mastered. Trinity is the opposite. She'll go for it, fall, pick herself back up, and start again.

Julie has now moved her visits to every other week. She said the Girls are doing great developmentally and they seem to be ok with eating different textures which can be a problem with reflux children. She'll come a few more times and then she thinks they can be released from her care.

Trinity has had a rough week of teething. She has been up throughout the night all week long. She has been able to put herself back to sleep without our assistance. Hopefully, Keith and I can recover on our sleep this weekend. Kinsley was slobbering pretty bad too so she might be entering a bad teething stage now. Oh, a quick update on our first trip to church with the Girls. We decided to try one of the morning services which happened to fall at nap time. From what we were told, Kinsley cried most of the time and Trinity cried out of sympathy for Kinsley. We'll be trying a different service time next week.

Parent's Thoughts:

I cannot believe OT is talking about releasing the Girls. It's a great milestone to hit but honesty, it scares me not having the safety net of someone in the medical field checking on them weekly reassuring me they are where they should be at this point. It was nice having Julie come weekly to show me what the Girls should be working on next. Now I have to figure it out on my own!!! I already do this but I will continue asking God for wisdom as I raise these special little Girls. They bring such joy to our lives!!!

Our Daily Encouragement:

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he sustain you.

Psalm 55:22

Small Sips - Week of April 5th.

2010-05-06T11:23:00.004-04:00

Babies Situation:

The Girls had another great week! They are talking up a storm and getting into everything that they shouldn't be getting into. Oh, and how could I forget teething!! They each have 4 teeth now - 2 on top and 2 on the bottom and let me tell you they are sharp!! The Girls have been interacting with each other a lot more lately. They smile and belly laugh at each other all throughout the day. There is nothing better than sitting there watching them communicate like this. What a joy it is to hear them laugh like they do.

Our newest challenge this week is getting the Girls to take their milk from a sippy cup. They do not like it at all!! Nancy tried for the first time yesterday and there was lots of crying. We tried last night and it didn't go over so well. Keith was trying to feed Kinsley and she threw a fit. She kept trying to crawl over to me hoping I would help her. Hopefully, Nancy will have better luck. This weekend is going to be a long weekend if not.

Parent's Thoughts:

We are so excited! We are starting back to church this Sunday. It will be another learning experience for the Girls but a very good one for them. We have not been able to attend church regularly since the Girls came home last July so this is one step closer for us to getting our lives back on track.

Our Daily Encouragement:

When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

Proverbs 4:12-13

Happy Birthday Girls! - New Pics...

2010-05-06T10:40:00.012-04:00

Happy St. Patty's Day! - New Pics...

2010-05-06T10:30:00.007-04:00

1 Year Old - Week of March 15th.

2010-05-06T09:26:00.004-04:00

Babies Situation:

It was a big week for the Girls. They are officially 1 year old!! We had a very intimate celebration with my Parents, the girls Nanny (Nancy), her daughter, and one of the girls NICU nurses (Andrea). It was perfect! We were able to focus on the Girls all day long! A big party is soon to come!! The girls also celebrated St. Patty's Day in style! Grammy O'Brien (even though she is more Italian than Irish) sent the cutest outfits that the girls wore all day.

Developmentally, the Girls are doing great! They pull up on everything and are cruising back and forth across the baby gate and couch. A few days ago, we got them a toy that they can hold onto while walking. As they get bigger, they will be able to ride it. Julie, the occupational therapist, says that they are doing so well that she is ready to decrease her weekly visits to twice/month but our pediatrician has asked that she continue to see them weekly until we know there are no issues with eating solids.

In 3 weeks, Julie will re-evaluate to see if every other week is the right call. Some new things the Girls are doing...We have caught Trinity licking the wall a few times and if Kinsley hears the word "no" it only motivates her to move faster at what she plans to do. Trinity's favorite toy right now is the piano and Kinsley is loving baby dolls!!

Parent's Thoughts:

I have to admit, I was somewhat afraid of what emotions would come with the Girls actual birthday. For sure I would be thankful and happy that we made it and that the Girls were doing so well but part of me was afraid that some of those other memories would creep in of how I felt throughout the NICU stay. With God's Grace, I woke up the morning of their 1 year birthday feeling as if I was free of those memories. Thank you God!! Ever since, I have not thought once of them. I am thoroughly enjoying every minute I get to spend with my babies. They are growing up so fast that I don't want any of it to be taken for granted. Happy Easter!! I hope everyone remembers the true meaning of this weekend!!!

Our Encouragement:

From the fullness of his grace we have received one blessing after another.

John 1:16

We're Still Standing...

2010-03-12T20:36:00.003-05:00

Babies Situation:

The Girls will be 1 year old next week. Wow does time fly! We have had a wonderful, blessed year. Thank you God. Both Girls have mastered the art of pulling up and are starting to cruise and play with toys while holding on to the baby gate. Kinsley has figured out that there are buttons on the TV. She gets great enjoyment out of turning the TV off and then turning to see your reaction. Smart Daddy has taken care of that one though by putting the baby gate in front of the TV. In the last few days, Kinsley has finally figured out how to sit down from a standing up position. She does it very slowly and carefully - it is actually pretty graceful. Trinity hasn't figured that part out yet. She is very quick to pull herself up on everything but hasn't figured out how to let herself back down. This has not really been any issue until it's bedtime and you find her falling asleep standing up.

Both Girls have had major teething going on this week, especially Trinity. Since last weekend, there has been few naps and broken sleep at night. Trinity cannot even crawl across the room without stopping to put her hand in her mouth. No sleep+poor feedings=fussy babies and sleep deprived parents :( Hopefully, we are almost done with this bad teething spell. Both seem to be getting better each day. We only heard one cry last night and it lasted 3 seconds. We do have a bad habit to break though. Trinity has been in so much pain for the last three nights that we have rocked her to sleep. Last night we tried putting her down without rocking her and she wasn't going to let us get away with her/our normal routine. I think she enjoys it as much as we do... ha. Tonight is going to be day 1 of trying to break the bad habit we have all formed. Please pray for us. I am weak and cannot stand to hear my babies crying.

On a more positive note, both Girls are officially crawling on their hands and knees with the exception that if there is a new, hot toy across the room they know to drop to the elbows for speed. It is quite the show to see two 15 lb babies speed across the room for the same toy. There is lots of huffing and puffing that goes along with it.

Parent's Thoughts:

Overall, the Girls are doing great. Julie, the occupational therapist, said that developmentally they are catching up to their chronological age for being 1 next week. We have really enjoyed watching them develop. What a joy it is to see your babies grow. We go for their last RSV shot today. Yeah!! We have almost made it through RSV season. It is a true blessing that we have been able to avoid this nasty infection thus far. We have been taking them out to eat on patios and trying to get them somewhat exposed to life outside the house. They are slowly adapting. In a few weeks, we will start taking them to church and to indoor facilities like the mall or a store. We are planning at least 1-2 outdoor/indoor activities per weekend. We will be having a 1 year birthday party either late spring or summer (once flu/RSV is minimal) so we need to get them ready to socialize. Please continue to pray for good health and adaptability. We do appreciate all the comments on the blog. The support has really helped us through this year.

Our Encouragement:

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57

I don't feel like sleeping...

2010-03-03T23:48:00.000-05:00

Trinity - Feb. 11th.

2010-03-03T23:39:00.000-05:00

Kinsley - Feb. 11th.

2010-03-03T23:38:00.000-05:00

Stop It...

2010-03-03T23:34:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

2010-03-03T23:30:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

2010-03-03T23:27:00.000-05:00

Daddy's Birthday - 2 Wonderful Gifts

2010-03-03T23:22:00.000-05:00

Kinsley trying to escape - No chance

2010-03-03T23:20:00.000-05:00

Peekaboo - Can you see us?

2010-03-03T23:17:00.001-05:00

Trinity - Jan. 25th.

2010-03-03T23:14:00.000-05:00

Back in Action...

2010-03-03T22:44:00.002-05:00

Babies Situation:

The Girls turned 11 months on Feb 18th. so they are now 7 1/2 months corrected. We had a good, healthy week. No colds or stomach flu - only teething!! Both are slobbering excessively with hands or toys in their mouth constantly. They cannot even make it across the room without stopping and sticking their hands into their mouth. We know this is a phase so hopefully we'll have a break soon.

We introduced high chairs to the Girls over the weekend. They loved them!! They think it's a new toy which makes keeping their attention on eating almost impossible. From the looks of things, we might have to start over on how much solids we can get them to take. They are more interested in the chair and what's around them rather than the food. Oh well, lesson learned.

Kinsley loves solids so she'll take anywhere from 1 oz to 4 oz per feeding but when she takes around 4 oz that means she only took a few ounces of formula. Trinity loves her bottle so she will finish her bottle but only take 1 to 2 oz of solids. The new position of sitting up makes it harder for Trinity to keep her food in her mouth since she has an over active tongue. I'm sure the OT will be able to help her with that.

Julie, the occupational therapist, has us pretty much working with the Girls on the same things. We are working with them on crawling on their hands and knees, pulling up, and eating from high chairs. Our pediatrician said that we could start introducing stage 3 solids but Julie would first like to start feeding the Girls crackers to see if they will chew their food rather than just swallow it whole. I bought some Ritz crackers for them to practice on. Both Girls are loving to pull-up on the couch (with assistance) but Kinsley did it on her own yesterday. Keith was watching the Girls while I was away hosting a baby shower. When I got home, Kinsley crawled over to the baby gate to say HI and pulled herself up on it to see me. It was awesome!!!

Parent's Thoughts:

Overall, the Girls are advancing great. We had ECI come out and do another evaluation last Friday and they both are ranking at 8 months which is great for micro preemies. They are not delayed at all for their corrected age. Due to being sick for a few weeks, they did loose a few ounces which slowed them down developmentally but they are back on track. We know there will be more set backs but we'll work through them and pick up where they left off. We are not concerned at this time that they are not closer to their chronological age. They have plenty of time to catch up. We are just enjoying them as they are.

Our Encouragement:

May the Lord continually bless you with heaven's blessings as well as with human joys.

Psalm 128:5

To pooped to pop - Feb. starts with a mess

2010-03-03T22:26:00.003-05:00

Babies Situation:

The Girls are 10 1/2 months old, 7 months corrected as of the first week in Feb. Trinity is now army crawling when provoked with the TV remote while Kinsley is zooming around the room on her little elbows. For the next few weeks, we will be working with the Girls on pulling up and cruising the furniture, crawling with their hands and knees, and going from a laying down position to sitting.

The Girls have had a rough start to Feb. with the stomach bug. We noticed their appetite decline about 1 1/2 weeks ago but that was probably due to teething. On Tuesday Feb 2nd., Kinsley vomited on Julie, the girls OT. Later that night, she had her first diarrhea diaper. Trinity was soon to follow. They both made a trip to the pediatrician on Wednesday and we were told to keep them hydrated but also to keep our eye out for dehydration. The issue here is that the Girls are very picky eaters and will only take their formula - nothing else. Their formula is milk-based which in turn doesn't go well with the stomach bug. Long story short, it has been some long days/nights and lots of stinky diapers!! We are giving them Florator for Kids twice/day and 1 oz of pedialyte(through a syringe). The largest syringe we have holds 5 ml. We have to fill it up 6 times to get 1 oz!! eek! After 4 days of this routine, it seems as if they have gotten a bit better (No dirty diapers since 7:30am Sat) - Thank you God!! I hope this is a sign that we are through the hardest part. Now we need their appetite to come back so that they can regain the pound they didn't gain this past month. Trinity weighs 14.11 lbs and Kinsley is 14.2 lbs.

Parent's Thoughts:

It has been a very tough start to Feb. for Keith and me. It has been stressful trying to figure out what the Girls need and how to comfort them. It is not a good feeling to be holding your crying baby and to have no idea what hurts and how to fix it. We have done our research and lots of trial and error to get these Girls better. I think it is finally paying off. Hopefully, we can get some sleep tonight along with the Girls. Kinsley has learned that if she yells (not cries) really loud, we will come running to find a little, round smiling face peering out at us through the crib slates. No matter what time it is though, it still puts a smile on our face.

Our Encouragement:

Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Psalm 71:17

Just Sitting Around

2010-01-28T09:51:00.003-05:00

Babies Situation:

The Girls turned 10 months on Jan. 18th.!! Yeah! Both are in full swing of teething. Kinsley's second tooth broke through over the weekend but you can only see the first one when she smiles. Trinity still has no teeth breaking through but she has had low grade fevers, drooling, and fussiness so we know it's going to happen soon.

Both Girls can sit. Trinity is a little bit stronger and can sit longer but Kinsley does sit on her own. We started off giving them large, tall toys to play with for them to lean on and practice. Now OT suggests giving them small toys where they have to balance to strengthen their core muscles. It's working!!

The crawling is coming along. Kinsley now whips around the room in her half army crawl(she's about an inch off the ground) getting into everything she shouldn't get into. It's funny to watch her. She first looks around the room to see what's off limits and then goes for it. She like bedroom shoes, cups, remotes, cell phones, plugs, and going behind the couch. Over the weekend, Trinity started moving more. She will army crawl a few inches but that's it for now. She hasn't realized that she can make it across the room. Boy are we in trouble when she does!

Parent's Thoughts:

It has been such a joy watching them grow. They are doing new things every day and it feels great for them to meet their milestones month after month. At this point, they are doing everything they should be doing for 6 1/2 months old. We will continue to work with them on crawling, sitting, and some standing. We have so much fun with them. We all get to laugh and play together which reminds Keith and I what life is really about. Thank you God.

Our Encouragement:

I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.

2 Corinthians 7:4

The Texas Tooth Step...

2010-01-12T12:39:00.005-05:00

Babies Situation:

The Girls have had a good first week of the year. Kinsley is cutting her first tooth but doesn’t seem to be too bothered by it. She has a small, sharp, nobby tooth that just broke the surface. A few months ago, she had more symptoms than now which included eating poorly, broken sleep patterns, and lots of drooling. Trinity is going through all of that right now. She is drooling heavily and eating poorly. She doesn’t want to play as much and is very needy – she wants to be held a lot.

The occupational therapist, Julie, came this week after being off for the holidays. She was very impressed with how much the Girls have changed and improved over the last few weeks. She said both Girls are above their adjusted age of 6 months except for sitting on their own. We will be working on that!! Trinity is stronger throughout her back and can sit a little better and for longer but she still needs assistance. Kinsley is weaker at sitting but she has mastered lying on her side which is the next step to sitting up. Julie feels both will be sitting in the next few weeks!

We are still working on feeding the Girls different solid foods. Today they had sweet potato and absolutely loved it. Yesterday was peas and from what I saw on Kinsley’s face, it isn’t one of her favorites. Julie did tell us that kids with severe reflux will be pickier with textures and taste so she plans to monitor Kinsley’s eating habits. Still today, Kinsley will not eat oatmeal or rice cereal. Trinity will eat everything and anything. You can’t feed her fast enough and she gulps it all down.

Parent's Thoughts:

It has been really neat watching the Girls grow –personality wise and developmentally. Both are very different from each other. Trinity is miss smiley, she loves food, but she doesn’t care too much about anything that she might have to work for. Kinsley is more serious with a sweet smile. Food isn’t her #1 priority but physically, she is all over the place. It seems like the one’s weaknesses is the other’s strength. Overall, we had a good week of health!! Thank you God!!

Our Encouragement:

Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.

Psalm 37:5-6

A Year of new beginnings...

2010-01-03T21:06:00.003-05:00

We are back and committed to updating the Girls’ blog once a week!! We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Babies Situation:

We have so much to report on the Girls. They turned 9 months December 18th and 6 months adjusted yesterday January 2nd. Trinity is just over 14 lbs while Kinsley is 13.5 lbs. Both are growing so quickly!! Both are still getting treated for reflux. Trinity is only getting one dose of Prilosec per day. Her reflux seems to be mild. Kinsley is getting 2 doses a day and is still not keen on eating. We have to be careful with her feeds not to cause any aversion. Some feeds she’ll only take up to 2 oz and we cannot force her to take more. We give her a break and try again in an hour. Overall, the pediatrician wants them taking 18-20 oz per day and we are meeting that requirement. The Pediatrician also gave us the OK to start feeding the Girls two solid meals a day. They get a fruit or vegetable in the mid morning and then oatmeal for dinner. We have been feeding them prunes for the last month to help with their constipation so they have had some practice with being spoon fed. So far, they have seemed to like everything we have given them especially bananas and prunes. They are unsure on the peas and the oatmeal has taken some time to get used to. We still have a bunch of flavors to try!! Yes, the constipation is still an issue. It is getting slightly better but they have not been able to regulate themselves.
Their development is coming along great!! Over the weekend, Kinsley has taught herself to army crawl and seems to get into everything she isn’t supposed to have. She isn’t so interested in her toys but loves Mama’s cell phone, computer, the home phone – everything off limits!! Trinity isn’t far behind. She is pivoting well and can move about a foot but she seems content with staying in one spot and playing with anything she can reach. I am now placing toys all around their playmate and blanket to encourage them to reach, pivot, roll, and crawl. They are pros at rolling so we haven’t worked on that in awhile. Right now, we are working on sitting up.

For Christmas, they received a few toys that they are able to sit over and play with. Another favorite activity for the Girls is playing in their jumperoo’s!! We now have two of them and they go crazy when they are in them. Trinity loves to jump and has been jumping for weeks. Kinsley finally figured out that she can jump and loves it. It’s so much fun to watch them.

We still have OT coming out once a week. Julie works with them on reaching, pivoting, crawling, sitting, and feeding. Developmentally, the Girls are at their adjusted age of 6 months but ahead of that with their hand skills. We also have ECI coming out once or twice a month. They evaluate them and then give us a few exercises to work on with the Girls to help strengthen anything that needs work. I am still working full time so Nancy, our wonderful Nanny, keeps them. She is great with them and takes such wonderful care of them.

Parent's Thoughts:

As you can see, everyone is doing great!! The Girls are healthy and growing on track. Keith and I have really enjoyed how fun the Girls have become in the last few months. They are very interactive and love to play. They smile all the time and talk (very loudly). They echo throughout the house!! They are starting to play with each other too. Well, sort of. They are actually starting to take toys away from each other but I’m sure they will share in the future. We still feel so blessed and excited to raise these precious babies. We do ask that you continue to pray for good health. Flu season is here until April so we have 4 more months to keep them at home to protect them from any major illnesses. In the last 5 months, they have only gotten to go to the doctor’s, to a few small house parties, and 2 restaurants so we have done a great job protecting them. We still fear the flu or colds so we will be home bound until May. Thank you for all your love and support.

Our Encouragement:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and to not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

At Home - Week 3 (Aug. 17th-23rd)

2009-08-31T16:08:00.011-04:00

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)

2009-08-31T15:25:00.003-04:00

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

At Home - Week 1 (Aug. 3rd-9th)

2009-08-30T15:35:00.005-04:00

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

Sunday August 2nd

2009-08-09T14:15:00.002-04:00

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

Friday July 31st

2009-08-09T14:09:00.002-04:00

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

Thursday July 30th

2009-08-09T13:21:00.003-04:00

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

Wednesday July 29th

2009-08-05T06:49:00.004-04:00

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

Tuesday July 28th

2009-07-28T19:15:00.003-04:00

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:

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

2009-07-28T19:12:00.001-04:00

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

Sunday July 26th

2009-07-27T01:52:00.001-04:00

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

Saturday July 25th

2009-07-27T01:49:00.002-04:00

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

Friday July 24th

2009-07-27T01:46:00.001-04:00

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

Thursday July 23rd

2009-07-27T01:42:00.001-04:00

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

Wednesday July 22nd

2009-07-27T01:36:00.002-04:00

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

Tuesday July 21st

2009-07-22T10:30:00.002-04:00

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

Monday July 20th

2009-07-22T10:28:00.001-04:00

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

Sunday July 19th

2009-07-20T13:44:00.002-04:00

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

Saturday July 18th

2009-07-20T13:37:00.002-04:00

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

Friday July 17th

2009-07-20T13:33:00.002-04:00

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

Thursday July 16th

2009-07-20T13:32:00.001-04:00

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

Wednesday July 15th

2009-07-17T11:08:00.001-04:00

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

Tuesday July 14th

2009-07-17T11:05:00.002-04:00

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

Monday July 13th

2009-07-17T11:03:00.002-04:00

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

Sunday July 12th

2009-07-17T11:01:00.000-04:00

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

Saturday July 11th

2009-07-17T10:58:00.001-04:00

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

More New Pictures

2009-07-13T18:33:00.001-04:00

More Pictures

2009-07-13T18:31:00.004-04:00

More New Pictures

2009-07-13T18:29:00.004-04:00

New Pictures

2009-07-13T17:33:00.004-04:00

Friday July 10th

2009-07-13T16:50:00.000-04:00

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

Thursday July 9th

2009-07-13T16:46:00.002-04:00

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

Wednesday July 8th

2009-07-13T16:44:00.001-04:00

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

Tuesday July 7th

2009-07-07T19:19:00.002-04:00

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

Monday July 6th

2009-07-06T19:16:00.002-04:00

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

Sunday July 5th

2009-07-06T19:04:00.002-04:00

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

Saturday July 4th

2009-07-06T19:00:00.002-04:00

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

Friday July 3rd

2009-07-06T18:57:00.001-04:00

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

Thursday July 2nd

2009-07-03T01:51:00.002-04:00

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

Wednesday July 1st

2009-07-03T01:47:00.002-04:00

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

Tuesday June 30th

2009-07-03T01:42:00.002-04:00

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

Monday June 29th

2009-07-03T01:38:00.001-04:00

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

Sunday June 28th

2009-07-03T01:35:00.002-04:00

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

Saturday June 27th

2009-07-03T01:32:00.002-04:00

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

Friday June 26th

2009-06-26T19:21:00.001-04:00

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

Thursday June 25th

2009-06-26T19:18:00.001-04:00

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

Wednesday June 24th

2009-06-26T19:06:00.002-04:00

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

Tuesday June 23rd

2009-06-24T11:03:00.001-04:00

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

Monday June 22nd

2009-06-24T11:01:00.001-04:00

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

Sunday June 21st

2009-06-24T10:58:00.002-04:00

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

Saturday June 20th

2009-06-22T20:13:00.001-04:00

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

Friday June 19th

2009-06-22T20:12:00.001-04:00

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

Thursday June 18th

2009-06-19T17:58:00.001-04:00

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!!

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

2009-06-19T17:48:00.002-04:00

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

Tuesday June 16th

2009-06-19T17:46:00.001-04:00

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

Monday June 15th

2009-06-19T17:39:00.002-04:00

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

Aunt Kirsten with the Girls

2009-06-15T11:10:00.004-04:00

New Pics

2009-06-15T11:07:00.004-04:00

Sunday June 14th

2009-06-15T10:56:00.001-04:00

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

Saturday June 13th

2009-06-15T10:54:00.001-04:00

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

Friday June 12th

2009-06-15T10:51:00.001-04:00

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

Thursday June 11th

2009-06-11T17:19:00.002-04:00

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

Wednesday June 10th

2009-06-11T17:05:00.002-04:00

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

Tuesday June 9th

2009-06-11T10:28:00.002-04:00

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

Monday June 8th

2009-06-11T10:25:00.001-04:00

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

Sunday June 7th

2009-06-11T10:23:00.001-04:00

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

Saturday June 6th

2009-06-11T10:20:00.001-04:00

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

Friday June 5th

2009-06-11T10:17:00.002-04:00

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

Thursday June 4th

2009-06-11T10:14:00.002-04:00

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

Wednesday June 3rd

2009-06-04T11:00:00.003-04:00

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

Tuesday June 2nd

2009-06-04T10:56:00.001-04:00

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

Monday June 1st

2009-06-02T11:53:00.003-04:00

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

Sunday May 31st

2009-06-02T11:45:00.002-04:00

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

Saturday May 30th

2009-06-02T11:43:00.001-04:00

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