Ella and Mila need to be trained to accomplish all the things they would have already developed in utero for full term gestation. One major area the girls are working really hard on is feeding. Babies usually develop the sucking instinct in utero in the 34-36 week timeframe, but they are having to learn this in the outside world. Mila is doing well on nursing, but Ella is being a little slower at catching on (although when Ryan was doing "kangaroo care" with her she was rooting around!) Ella has done fairly well on the bottle and Mila goes at it like gangbusters for the first 5 minutes, then she's totally worn out! They keep telling her she needs to be the tortoise, not the hare ~ slow and steady wins the race!
A couple of days ago they advanced to every other feed being by bottle or breast which takes all their energy. They are only allowed to nurse or take bottle for about 20 minutes then they supplement with tube feed. They don't want them burning more calories than they are taking in.
They tend to get over-stimulated very easily and the doctors are obviously very cautious. They've been told they are to limit visitors to just the grandparents, (but have been able to allow their only Uncle Aaron to meet them). Unfortunately, the no visitor rule will be for a while yet.
Thursday night Ryan and Stacee were able to give Mila her first bath. She wasn't too keen on it, until they were finished and had her wrapped in a warm towel. They then washed her hair which she really enjoyed.
Ella had a difficult time regulating her temperature so she was moved back into the warmer early in the week. However, she is now doing better and I believe she is now maintaining on her own. Mila is regulating her temp well and was moved to a crib (after she was able to get off phototherapy which was either Wednesday or Thursday. )
Both girls were having trouble with spitting up alot but we were happy to hear that so far today (up to around 3PM) they had not spit up at all...Way to go girls!
Since no one knows how long Mila and Ella will be in the hospital, Ryan has gone back to work (he'll take a couple of weeks off once the girls come home) He and Stacee are trying to establish a routine. Right now, Ryan takes Stacee up to the hospital on his way to work and they both go in for their 8AM feed. They say typically when they go in Mila is lying awake, quietly looking around. But, Miss Ella likes to sleep in and be up at night. Early bird and night owl??? HMMMMM....
Ella has gained a little of her birth weight back, now up to 4 lb 4 oz.; Mila is still at 4 lb 2 oz.
They are doing so well, but still have quite a ways to go. They remain in the highest level of care (4) in the NICU with a nurse ratio of 1:2. They may progress to level 3 soon, however they have to have space available and the other levels of the NICU have been full ever since they arrived. Ryan and Stacee don't mind if they stay there; once they move on the ratio of babies to nurse increases.
Stacee's mom will return to Florida on Wednesday, with plans to come back and help out after the girls come home. So thankful her schedule is flexible; allowing her the time to come whenever she is needed (or just wants to come spend time with her girls!)
I've been asked by several people when they will come home. Good question! It's not so much a specific time but a matter of accomplishment. Three things they specifically must be able to do:
1. consistently regulate body temperature on their own
2. breathe unassisted
3. eat unassisted
They are doing pretty well on the first two. The Neonatologist says the biggest factor now is "gain and grow".
We have much to be thankful for! Nine of which, I have to tell you, are the GREATEST coworkers/friends anyone could ever have. They are an incredible blessing to me, as well as my entire family, in so many ways; and, I confess, are probably the reason I've been able to stay semi-sane throughout our crazy life. On Friday they surprised me with a "Grammie" shower. They gifted me with all the things a Grammie needs: picture frames, brag book, toys, etc, AND a CAMERA!!! Now I won't have to rely on others for pictures of my little sweeties! Thanks girls! Your infinite encouragement, support and generosity humble me. I'll steal a line from MT and say "Lovin' what I do" (and will add) "and who I'm blessed to do it with!"
There's probably more I need to share or possibly some misinformation due to the fact I'm heavily medicated, but you'll have to give me a break. And I don't have any new pictures of Ella and/or Mila but I will attach a couple from my Grammie shower!
Much love,
Christie
PS: Big praise: cultures came back negative. Thank you, Father!!!
"Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty."
Rev 15:3
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