The First 2 days of Life - the update

I have managed to slip away for a few quick moments from my time between hanging out with the boys in the NICU and my other full time job - pumping milk - to give you a quick update!

Already given the great nicknames by Papa Shrack, "Elliott - float like a butterfly -Dean" and "Ethan - sting like a bee - Oliver," the boys are proving to be strong fighters.  The doctors have told us many times that the first twin out seems to fair a little better than the second twin out and this seems to be holding true for the boys.  Elliott has been taken off his CPAP (the big mask on is face in the previous pics) and only has to wear a small tube to supply some extra oxygen.  He was also the first to poop!  A big step for the little man demonstrating that although he arrived WAY to early, his intestines are able to function at this time.  Ethan is holding his own but seems to be taking things a bit slower.  He as struggled more to breath and has remained on the CPAP.  He has needed intermittent changes between the amount of oxygen he needs to keep his oxygen saturation where it needs to be.  With this said - he is still remembering to breathe on his own (most of the time) and has not needed to be intubated.  There has been discussion of needing to give him some more surfactant (a substance to keep his lungs open), but at this point, the doctors believe he is stable and are holding off.  Both boys received this at birth to help open their tiny lungs up and prepare them for breathing air when for just a short bit they were practicing breathing amniotic fluid.  This morning the neonatologist mentioned that if Ethan improves a little he may be able to be taken off CPAP in the next few days as well.  A big milestone for Ethan - he finally pooped today too!  He is slowly but surely letting us know that his body is maturing, just not quite as fast as his old wombmate :)  Ethan and Elliott are both jaundice - and are enjoying the nice tanning bed lights that are keeping this under control.  This is common for premies and we expected to see both of time under these "spotlights" from birth.

Neither of the boys have had their first meal yet as they had to prove that their GI tracts were ready to work...but today we got news that both boys will get a little taste (well, not really taste as it will be through a feeding tube) of breast milk to continue to stimulate their intestines!  Yea!  My hard work of pumping is paying off - and I feel like I am able to help!  They will continue to receive nutrition through their veins as well.  They start the breast milk slowly as to not overwhelm the immature intestines.

Although they boys have made some great strides in only a short ~60 hours of life, we are reminded by the NICU staff that they will continue to be on a roller coaster for the next several weeks where we will see progress and set backs.  We are all doing our best to stay optimistic and remembering that they truly are little fighters!  You continued support and prayers keep us going!

An update about the 'Rents
Patrick has done an amazing job of taking care of me through the entire pregnancy!  From entertaining me while on bed rest, giving me lots of massages, and holding my hand when I needed him during the C-Section, to wiping away the occasional tears as we watch our boys fight to live, waking up at each feeding through the night and running breast milk up to the NICU, and figuring out all the insurance paper work for the new additions.  He still manages to be the most incredible strength and support system for me!  His optimism really keeps me going!

I am feeling well and have essentially recovered from the C-Section (other than the long line of staples that still remain along my abdomen).  I am able to get up and down well and walk without much discomfort to and from the NICU.  Although I am physically feeling great, I have found myself a bit on the emotional side of things with no surprise.  Patrick and I have enjoyed the many floods of emotions that this process has brought.  From the bordum of bed rest, to the anticipation of our new additions, to the excitement and concern of realizing that they were indeed going to make their arrival into this world a bit early, to the most powerful and new kind of love we have ever felt!  This has really been an incredible process!  One of Patricks and my highlights has been going to the NICU to see them at their birth times in the middle of the night.  I am not sure if I will ever look the same at 0332 and 0333 in the morning!

Wow - I have been a bit long winded and am going to head back in to love the boys!  We cannot thank you enough for all the love and support we have received!  We will keep you posted!

Love and Peace
Your New Mama Bear