Day 7 - Happy 1-Week Birthday
Day 7 – Monday, July 24, 2017
AGE: 1 week (25 weeks, 4 days gestation)
Lochlan: Weight is 1 lb 7.3 oz. (Birth weight: 1 lb 10.8 oz.)
Length 12.8 in. (Birth Length 13 in.)
Lex: Weight is 1 lb 6.9 oz. (Birth weight: 1 lb 10.8 oz.)
Length is 13 in. (Birth length: 13 in.)
Both Lochlan and Lex are very stable. Many of the issues they have had or are having are almost standard considering their age. We are asking their bodies to do things they are not supposed to do this early. As I said before, for now it is one breath at a time for our fighting Irish.
The amount of breast milk they are fed is increasing each day and both are having bowl movements now. I am producing more than enough milk for them Kyle was able to help change a diaper, take a temperature in armpit and put a breast milk soaked q tip in Lex’s mouth. They put breast milk in babies’ mouths for oral care and immune support. Both Lochlan and Lex gets really excited when you put the breast milk in his mouth. He moves his mouth and tongue and even tries to bite down. A baby step toward the real thing.
The twins’ color and movements looks great. They are both getting help with breathing although their oxygen needs look good. Once their umbilical catheters are out and they are out of the humidity treatment, we get to start kangaroo care. Kangaroo care is when baby lays on mom/dad’s bare chest. It helps with regulating heart and breathing, helps babies gain weight, get more deep sleep and helps mom get breast milk. Kangaroo care for our mighty guys will be an uninterrupted 3 hours of snuggle time. This should start in a week.
The twins move when we speak. When we touch the bottom of their feet they react by clenching their toes. The nurse said that’s a good sign for developing reflexes. Their little eyelids are still fused shut, but they try really hard to open their eyes by scrunching their forehead. It is quite adorable.
Both twins are receiving treatment for Patent Ductus Arteriousis (PDA). PDA is a heart valve that is currently open and usually closes after birth. They are undergoing Tylenol treatment to encourage the valve to close. Repeat echocardiograms will happen in a few days to see if the valve has gotten smaller and if the treatment has helped.
A cranial cat scan done on Loch yesterday shows some brain bleeding (Intraventricular Hemorrhaging (IVH)). This is one of the major concerns of babies born this early. It is not uncommon. Doctors will keep an eye on this and do another scan Friday (07/28) to see if the bleeding has stopped although tests and behavior would suggest that the bleeding has stopped. Brain bleeds can resolve themselves or may need interference. For now, they are just keeping an eye on it. Kyle and I aren’t playing the ‘what if’ game and will be taking all of this one day at a time to see how things progress. We are optimistic with where Lochlan is even with his IVH. We see a strong developing baby that continues to make progress hourly and plan to see that pattern continue.
The twins are so cute and look visibly stronger each day. They both have Daddy’s big, strong shoulders. Their feet, hands and arms look very long. Lochlan is our soft soul who always looks at peace while he rests. Lex is a total dude with his legs spread out as far as possible and hands behind his head. We catch them doing the same motions at the same time like having their hand near their mouth as if they are trying to suck a thumb. One nurse said they are the most twin-like twins she has ever seen starting with the fact they weighed the exact same amount. They take turns making progress and having little speedbumps but all in all are neck and neck in the race to get home. Slow, steady and boring as all get out is the goal. We will have plenty of time to fun and excitement when we get these babes home in a few months.
I know many people are eager to visit these special guys, but we are reserving the NICU visits to our immediate families for now until things settle down and the twins get stronger. We usually visit the hospital once a day. We are staying at our home until I am more recovered from my surgeries. We are making arrangements to stay close to the hospital once I am stronger. I get stronger every day and look forward to having the stamina to hang out in the NICU for longer periods of time.
I cannot express how blessed we are to have the tribe we have. We came home to a squeaky clean home and set up twins’ room all thanks to my sister and my best friend.. My father also mowed our lawn and cleaned up the outside of our house. Poppy has been take in with open arms by Kyle’s family and my parents when needed. Poppy is very intuitive and seems to understand that I am healing and that the twins need a lot of our time right now. She is already being a big sister and by choosing to be independent. It also helps that she seems to think she is on princess vacation with the way she is getting spoiled by everyone. Our employers have gone beyond what anyone would expect from an employer. I wouldn’t have enough time to thank everyone else that has offered words of encouragement, prayers, flowers, gifts and/or meals we are grateful.
