Tuesday, October 9, 2007

When plans fail...

Well, our little tube-less experiment didn't work out so well for Abigail. We went to the pediatrician today for a weight check and she had actually lost weight since Friday. (Natalie had gained two ounces and is now 7lb 1 oz).

Poor little Abby did great for the first three days. She started petering out early this morning. In fact, she completely refused her 9am and 12pm feedings. We left at 3 for the doctor and didn't return until almost 6pm. So, she didn't eat anything for nearly 12 hours. She's also having a pooping problem. The girls that used to poop everywhere each time you changed them are now constipated - and somewhat grumpy. At least Abby is. She hasn't had a decent poop since 12am Sunday morning. I think she's been very uncomfortable and that's why she's not eating. I wouldn't want to eat either if my insides were all full.

So, as soon as we got home, I put her feeding tube back in. It was so sad. She sneezed and shook her head. Her poor little eyes watered. I felt awful. But, she needed to eat, so I set up her feed and she went right to sleep. I want to get her strong again and then we will try again.

It is so frustrating when the girls don't eat. It's by far the worst and most emotionally and physically taxing element of having twins. Honestly, if they ate normally, having twins wouldn't be that hard (so far). I think the hardest thing is not having any control over whether or not they eat and how much. That old proverb about the horse and water takes on new meaning. You really can't make them eat. It's a very helpless feeling. At times it seems like Abby will never get it. I try to remember that Natalie has just been home longer and Abby will get it too. Sometimes, though, it's really hard not to get discouraged.

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