Milestones

Sorry it took me so long to post again.... Things are crazy. During the week I have been staying at the Ronald McDonald house in Springfield so I can be close to the boys. I come home on the weekends to relax, recharge and get a few things done. It is very difficult being away from home and Trevor so much. Thursday the 15th will be our 4 year anniversary so he is coming to Springfield to be with me. It will be nice to have him there with me more this week, it helps keep the stress level down just having him there. Last week was hard because he was sick with a cold so he couldn't come up and see the boys or me. We can't risk the boys getting sick.

Ethan's infection is better now. He made a BIG step this week. On Tuesday he pulled his ventilator tube out!! The good news is they didn't have to put it back in because he was breathing OK without it!!!!!! He is getting some assistance with his breathing with nasal prongs. I got to hold him that day for a few moments while they changed his bed. Then on Wednesday I really got to hold him. They call it Kangaroo Care where I unbutton my shirt and they lay him on my chest so he gets the skin to skin contact. It was awesome to get to hold him so close!!! Below is a picture of me holding him. I get to hold him once a day now for about as long as he tolerates it. So far it's been about 30 minutes a day. He pretty much just snuggles right up. He is up 6 oz. from his birth weight to a total 2 lb. 9 oz.


Nicolas has another infection so he is on anti-biotics for that. He is still having some difficulties breathing because he has a lot of secretions in his lungs, he's coughing those up though. They have to watch him closely and help him get the gunk out of his tube when he coughs because is blocks the airway. But with all the monitors he's on they are able to be on top of everything. There is a nurse in their room at all times. Nicolas FINALLY opened up his eyes for Trevor and I for the first time on Monday!!! (picture below) Today - he reached a milestone - he now weighs 3 lb..... up 11 oz. from his birth weight!!!

They are both gaining weight nicely. Ethan is being fed my milk only, getting no more assistance from IV fluids; and Nicolas has been started on my milk this week but is still getting some nutrients through an IV.