Thursday, January 24, 2008

The Twins - Day 17

I went to work an hour early yesterday so that I could get to the hospital in time for Kate's feeding and not miss any work time. As I've mentioned before, I'M SO FAR BEHIND! It turned out to be a wonderful 2 hours - Kristen and I were the only ones there with the girlies. We had such a nice visit and it was so peaceful.


Both girls nursed. They're doing so well with both nursing and bottle feeding. They're still getting tube feedings in between the two times that Kristen is there, or to supplement what they get from nursing or bottling. They are growing like little weeds - each gained 2 ounces since yesterday. Kate is up to 3 lbs. 9 oz. and Emma is at 3 lbs. 4 oz.


Right now there are FOUR sets of twins in the NICU. One set was a month early (boy/girl) and weighed 5.5 and 6.5 pounds. They look enormous compared to K&E, and when I realize that Care Bear weighed 5.5, it seems strange - she seemed so tiny at that time.


The nurses have so much fun dressing them up in cute outfits, and taking pictures. Last night, they moved them into the same "house" (which is what they call the isolettes). They have taken off their little fabric covers so they can get used to being in more light. This is the first time they were out together.




Kate was pretty in purple. She didn't stay awake too long, but she nursed really well.









This was the first time I got to see Emma with her eyes really open and focusing. She looks like she's smiling!

I FINALLY got to hold Emma. She was so pretty in pink.
There used to be a "rule" that the preemie had to weigh 5 pounds before going home. Now it is a combination of eating entirely with breast and/or bottle, and able to retain their temperature without the help of the isolette. They predict a couple more weeks.

28 comments:

Linds said...

Oh Dawn, they are so tiny and so beautiful! I want to cuddle them too! How well they are doing. How long will they stay in hospital? Is there a weight they have to reach before they can come out?

Grafted Branch said...

I'm at a loss to find words to describe how precious these pictures are.

Needled Mom said...

Dawn, they look like such healthy preemies. I am so glad they are both gaining so quickly. Better get ready for that trip home.

Diane@Diane's Place said...

All together now....Awwwww! ;o)

They're gorgeous and I'm SO glad they're doing so well. It won't be long now before they're at home where they belong.

Love and hugs,

Diane

Mimi said...

Oh my goodness...what a wonderful blessing to hold such sweetness and know that it is your own grandbabies...
lucky lucky you grandma Dawn!!!

Barb said...

Oh Dawn, they're so tiny and so precious. I can't believe they're already 17 days old. Wonderful photos. These photos show very clearly how tiny they really are.

They're such little troopers. How thrilling it has to be for all of you that's they're doing so well. I know you can't wait to get them home.

Nancy said...

This really brings back memories of our time in the NICU.

Your twins are just precious and growing like weeds- indeed!

Thanks you for keeping us posted.

My prayers continue for all of you!

Carole Burant said...

Hello dear Dawn:-)

I so loved seeing the newest pictures of the girls...little darlings, both of them!! I'm just so happy that they are both doing so well but I can imagine how happy Kristen will be to finally be able to bring them home.

I've enjoyed reading more of your Kona Adventure and seeing all the beautiful pictures! xox

nancygrayce said...

They had that rule when my preemie was born...not only did he have to weigh 5 lbs....not 4 lbs. 15 3/4 ozs......but I couldn't even touch him! He was in an incubator for 28 days!

These girls are so beautiful and so perfect! Praise God!

Linda said...

Oh Dawn, they are so precious! I just love the pictures. What amazing little miracles they are. Thanks for sharing these special moments with us. They are a wonderful answer to prayer.

Mary said...

Dawn,

I'm so glad you got to hold her and they are both darling. I'm glad they are gaining weight and doing well. I am keeping your family and the girlies in my prayers.

Blessings,
Mary

Lala's world said...

what a miracle they are! I love seeing the pictures of them and how neat that they can be in the same house together!!!

Maine Mom said...

Has it really been 17 days already?! I'm glad to see that Emma is catching up to Kate in weight. They are both so precious! It's fun to see them together in pictures.

Stop by my blog when you get a chance and see the new award you have. :-)

Midlife Mom said...

Oh Dawn they are so beautiful! They are God's little miracles!! Thank you so much for keeping us updated on them! They will be home soon!! xoxox

Laura Paxton said...

It's SO good to see how well the girls are doing! They are both adorable...makes me really miss the baby stage!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I love when they get to move back in together. It's like they look at each other and say, "Where you been?" We have a set of boys right now whose names are Noah and Evan. Good choices, I think. :) Those girls are cute, cute, cute.

Julie

Izzy, Emmy 'N Alexander said...

Has it really been 17 days! Wow! They still seem so tiny, but they are such precious little girls. Glad you were able to hold them and have some time with them.

Anonymous said...

They are so BEAUTIFUL! :o)

Deb said...

Oh they are so beautiful and precious! I love how they're snuggled into each other in the pictures of them together. So sweet! :)

Susie said...

Dear Dawn,
What absolutely precious photos of your two little miracle babies :)
I know you're all looking forward to the day when they're home. It won't be long now..
xoxo

Gran said...

Dawn... I am so glad that the girls are growning so fast...they are indeed true miracle babies.

The photos of you and the babies are soooo sweet. I know that your heart is overflowing with all of that Grandma Dawn love each moment that you think of the precious twins.

My prayer journal has your family in it for special prayer. It want be long before they will be at home where they belong.

May may your weekend be filled with many blessings.

((((HUGS)))
Angela

Sharon Lynne said...

Oh those picture brought tears to me eyes. What beautiful moments. Holding God's answer to prayer! I'm so glad they are gaining weight.

Susan said...

So wonderful.
Susan

Chris said...

What blessed pictures. How precious. Gods miracles in your arms.

www.frogparenting.blogspot.com said...

As the mother of a premie who weighed 3 pounds 4 ounces at birth, I just want to say --Those babies sure look healthy ! WOW!
We had to wait till our daughter was 5 pounds and or her originial due date untill we brought her home. Do you have some warm cosy hats for the girls?, I would suggest getting some now, you will be needing them! (maybe someone could knit or crochet some?) I only sew, otherwise I would offer!

Andrea said...

It sounds like they are doing so well. Those were some great pictures!

What a proud Grandma! :)

j said...

Oh Ms Dawn, how miraculous! Those babies are so beautiful. It is wonderful that they are gaining weight and looking so ALERT! My grandmother said that eyes that big and alert looked like "two burnt holes in a blanket". I wish you continued blessings - Jennifer

Robin said...

Oh those pictures just melt my heart. What a blessing to be able to snuggle those sweet little baby girls!