Thursday March 19th

Babies Situation:

The main concerns are three fold - Lungs, heart, and the brain. They are monitoring their levels of sodium, potassium, and sugars from their blood work while making adjustments as needed. Trinity and Kinsley are hanging in there. They are breathing room air at close to 20% which is what we all breath. This is a true blessing as it could affect many more concerns down the road. However, they are still getting some CPAP help (20 breaths per minute if they need them). Head ultrasounds are taken and the Doctor orders Echocardiograms for Friday. They are both squirming around in their incubators (this is a sign of distress) as they no longer have constraints as they previous did inside. Apnea's (they stop breathing as they forget they are no longer tied to their previous life source - the placenta) come and go but it is not too significant at this point.

Parent's Thoughts:

Walking into the NICU and seeing your daughters struggling is very very difficult. However, we know they are in the best place possible. The girls have the best Doctors and Nurses looking after them 24/7.

The sounds of NICU are heart wrenching. Buzzers and Alerts are continuously going off. The nurses had to explain what each meant and how the monitors reflected the situation. NICU 101 was now in session - equipment, procedures, etc... Each buzzer, each alert, again and again and again. Many more emotions going on this day that will remain with Mom and Dad.

On the other side, support from family and friends was true encouragement. Many calls, notes, texts, thoughts, and prayers from all of you reading this blog. God has blessed us not only with these 2 lovely babies but also has blessed us with so many loving, caring, family and friends.

Another blessing occurs when I make a late night visit to the NICU and meet Jason and Kim Reid, proud parents of Jenna and Blake. They are our neighbors in the NICU and also had 24 weekers. Right now, Jenna and Blake are approaching 33 weeks. I can't say how much of an impact this meeting and talk had on me as this was some needed guidance, peace, and comfort from the Reids and their experiences.

I ask anyone reading this post to please pray for the Reids and the health of their babies.