Friday

The girls continue to do well. Abby is doing extremely well on the nasal canula. She has been on room air most of the time. Her feeds are increasing to 12.2ml 2 hours on/ 2 hours off. Remember, that means 24.4 ml total over the two hours, then two hours to digest. It's working too, because she is pooping and peeing well and growing! Last night she was 1044g. Now that she is maintaining 1000g, Abby and I are going to be involved in study doing kangaroo care. Since we are doing kangaroo care anyway, we might as well help science!

Natalie is also doing well - as her CPAP. They have tried a few times to put her on the nasal canula but she keeps desating and braiding down when they try. So, she goes back on the CPAP and is happy as a lark. Maybe in a day or two she'll be happy on the nasal canula. On the good side, her feeds are increasing. At 4pm today, she will be on 7.6ml 2on/2 off (15.2ml total). Her urine output is good and we've been privy to a few blow-outs! She's weighing in at 911g - just above 2 lbs.

They both also have a condition called Hydronephrosis, officially "the distinction and dilation of the renal pelvis, usually caused by obstruction of the free flow of urine from the kidney". It's not a huge deal, except the back flow of urine in the kidney can cause an infection. So, they are being given oral antibiotics just in case that happens.

They have both been practicing with their pacifiers which are nearly as big as half their heads. They especially give them to them while being feed so they can associate getting a full feeling with sucking. Hopefully soon, we can start introducing the bottle and breast. That's a big step towards going home. The nurse also mentioned that they could share a bed once they each learn how to regulate their temperatures. That usually begins to happen around 1400g. Hopefully, that will happen in about 2 weeks if they continue to gain well. Soon they will progress actively to the eating and growing stage and they will be that much closer to coming home!