Abigial and Natalie are once again on the move! Their first road trip took place this evening as they were transferred from Duke to Durham Regional's Special Care Nursery. They moved over between 9:30 and 10pm. We are excited about the move since it means they are believed to be stable enough to not need the intensive care they have been getting. Their goal now is to feed and grow. However, we are actually quite sad that we are leaving Duke. They have been great to us and we were rather used to the place. It felt comfortable. Now, we have to learn a new system with new rules and new nurses. I'm sure it will be fine, but change is always hard - even sometimes when it's good.
The girls have had a great last few days. Poppy was here Thursday-Sunday for a visit. It was nice for him not to have to peak and run. We actually spent a lot of quality time with the girls. After a disastrous road trip from NYC that involved her car's engine dying, numerous tows trucks, a hotel stay and a rental car, Aunt Kimmy finally made in to NC nearly 24 hours later than expected. But, all was forgotten when she was able to be the first family member to hold Natalie. She was excited about holding her namesake for the first time. After patiently waiting nearly 3 days, Poppy had his time with Natalie too. Of course, Kimberly held Abby for her first time too and even had the privilege of changing a poopy diaper. It was one of the fun ones that keeps on going after you take off the diaper! Speaking of diapers - Abby and her chubby self have moved up to the next size of diapers. I think the nurses were tired of changing her bedding all the time. Kimberly has also brought them tiny little NICU approved shirts for them to wear that snap in the front. She dressed them up and they are just adorable.
Here are the stats for the last few days:
Natalie - Nat has been receiving a calorie boost to her food for a few days now to help her gain weight. She seems to have stalled out a bit.
Fri - 1057g
Sat - 1084g
Sun - 1113g
Mon - 1106g
Abby - Abby has been very busy learning to eat. I found out that she did NOT actually have her first bottle without me on Thursday as I reported. They did what's called "nipple feeding" They take the nipple top and let her suck on it while they squeeze milk into the open end as she sucks it down. I think it must be harder to suck the whole bottle because of the pressure or something so this is a stepping stone. She did great with it. When I found out she didn't have the bottle, I left a request to wait for me. Unfortunately, the nurse Saturday morning misunderstood the note and gave Abby her first bottle early Sat morning. So, I missed it after all. She reported she did very well. I tried to give her a bottle about 3pm Sat afternoon, but she was too sleepy and just fell asleep. They try either a bottle or nipple feeding at least once, maybe twice a day. It takes a lot of energy for them (they have to get out of the isolette of course) so they don't want to tire her out. So, far it doesn't seem to be a problem as she continues to fatten up.
Fri - 1324g
Sat - 1356g
Sun - 1382g (3lbs, 1 oz)
Mon - 1398g
I am currently in Brooklyn with Kimberly, but will be returning Thursday. I will probably start spending more and more time with the girls working on breastfeeding, the bottles, and nipple feeding. I will probably start trying to "lick and learn" with Natalie when I get home. It's time to really work on fattening her up. Ben is already doing a great job playing single dad and taking care of them. All we have to do now is continue to feed and grow (and avoid NEC and any other evil bug) and they'll be home before we know it!
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