Step Forward, Step Backward...Step Forward!

It's Ethan and Elliott's 4th day outside in the world, and they are progressing nicely.  Julie and I have slowly grown accustomed to the "roller coaster" ride of the NICU.  We have found it has many ups and downs, which is a little tiring.  However, the staff has gone above and beyond all our expectations regarding our concerns and the care of the boys.

Since the last update, the boys have stayed true to the ups and downs of the NICU but mostly ups!!!

The boys have caught enough rays from the UV lights and their jaundice is improving for now.  No more spot lights for the time being.  A step forward.

The boys have not been tolerating their feedings very well and are on back to IV feedings until their GI tracts calm down a bit - and they poop again.  A step backward.

Ethan, although still on a C-PAP, is not requiring as much supplemental oxygen as before.  We are hoping he will be off his C-PAP in the next day or two.  A step forward.

Yesterday Elliott did not tolerate his advancement off the C-PAP, so he was put back on the machine with the possibility of intubation and the addition of more surfactant to his lungs.  A step backward.

This morning Elliott tolerated room air through his C-PAP all of Tuesday night.  They took him back off the C-PAP today and his blood gases (CO2) are stable.  A step forward.

Both of the boys were started on caffeine to help keep them stimulated as they were both experiencing frequent apneic episodes.  A step backward.

Now - for A BIG step forward!

We were able to hold the boys!  As parents, we are allowed to hold the boys for an hour each day.  Julie held Elliot today and I held Ethan.  It was awesome!  We get to hold them against our skin as it helps regulate their temperature and calm them - called Kangaroo Care.  It was one of the most amazing moments of my life.  I thought hearing their first cries in the delivery room was a rush but holding Ethan on my chest and feeling his breathing and little fingers took me to a whole different level.  I was completely and totally at peace for one hour today!  I am really looking forward to have that moment with Elliott tomorrow - as long as there aren't any set-backs.

Here some pics from today:

Elliott and Mom

Ethan and Dad

Julie and I have also been able to get some much needed rest in between the pumping and hanging out with the boys.

Tomorrow we get to go home!  It will be nice for Julie to see the house again and rest in her own bed.

Thanks again for all the love and continued support!

Patrick, Julie, Ethan, Elliott