Jake & Ben, 12 days old

Hello All!

Before I head out to the hospital, I wanted to give an update on the boys. They are doing very well. Jake is three pounds nine ounces and Ben is two pounds five ounces. The doctors are pleased with their weight gain. Both boys are opening their eyes a lot and staying awake for longer periods of time. Their cranial ultra sounds came back normal once again!
Wooo hoooooo!!!

Ben was recently put on caffeine for his bradycardia spells. This is a very common/safe treatment plan. Jake has an intermittent heart murmur that the doctors believe is related to PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus.) PDA is when a valve has not closed that is supposed to close shortly after birth. Sometimes with preemies, it takes a little longer for the valve to close. Jake has no symptoms of this causing a problem for him. The doctors are hoping it will eventually close on its own. If it doesn’t, there is medication or a very routine procedure that can be done. Even though the boys are experiencing typical preemie stuff, every time we see the docs they tell us the boys are doing great!!!

About four days ago they put Ben and Jake in the same isolette. It is so darn cute!! They interact with each other by playing with each other’s hands and trying to pull one another’s tubes out. Every night they fall asleep spooning each other…it is quite a site to see. Whenever we leave them we feel so much better knowing they are not alone!!

Recently, we have been allowed to give them a bath, change their diapers, and help the nurses with their overall care. The bigger they get, the more we can do with them. We are getting used to being at the NICU. These days I don’t get as upset when all the buzzers go off. Sadly, it is something we are getting used to. Even though I know the NICU is saving our boys lives, it still can be a sad place to spend your days. About a week ago, a baby died in our room. It was awful!!!

All in all, we are surviving through part two of this journey. I do enjoy having my independence back!! I drove last week for the first time in four months!! It was very exciting!! Sad…huh?? :)

We continue to count down the days till they can come home! Not sure when that will be. Hopefully in the next five weeks or so…

Have a great day!
Love, Danielle & Kevin