33 Weeks

The girls are now 4 weeks old and tomorrow is their 1st month birthday! Madelyn is being re-weaned back into an open bed today. It brought tears to my eyes to see our Emma in her open bed yesterday. Of course the temptation to just pick them up and never let go is there, but it's important to let them rest and not overstimulate them, as they are still growing and getting stronger.

Both of their blood work yesterday showed that they may be anemic. They will repeat the blood work on Friday and if it's low again, they will need blood transfusions. As horrible as that sounds to me, the nurse practitioner says it's a very common occurance and is not a huge deal for them to perform. It may be why they can't seem to wean their oxygen down too much. On the other hand, their oxygen levels may be due to just being preemies. It's hard for us because we want to see vast improvements every day and sometimes it just takes time.

They both pooped out on us during their bottles yesterday, again due to their age. They both got down about 7cc's out of 30. As of today, they'll be moved up to 35cc's every 3 hours and I think they will start to incorporate more feedings by mouth.

A few of you have asked about holding the girls while they are in the NICU. My parents are really the only ones that we have and will let hold the girls right now. They have only had the opportunity once so far, and may or may not have the chance again. The reason is that we only get about 2-4 hours with them a day and they are fragile. During this window, we have to squeeze in feedings, sometimes bath time and kangaroo care. These activities wear the girls out. It's most important for us to get this bonding time with them ... they need it and so do we, as it's so hard on all of us not to have them home with us. Soon enough, when they are home and as long as you are well and germ-free, and pass our scrutiny of questions ... you may be able to hold our little snuggle bugs. Due to them being preemies, we will for sure be protective, but with good and valid reason... so please don't be offended if you can't visit or hold them at any certain time. For some, it may not be until summer that you can hold them. May is usually when RSV season is over.