We have a semi surprising update. Went to the Dr on Monday and he said "Lets deliver these babies" Not because anything was bad but because nothing was Great.. So we delivered yesterday at 12:12 (32.6 weeks). Officially Kathryn Elizabeth is 4 lbs 8 oz 17 1/2 inch long 12 inch head. Anna Lucile is 1 lbs 14 oz 14 inches long 10 1/2 inch head!
Due to their age, they were taken to a separate room immediately after delivery to be checked and assessed by the wonderful NICU team.
Around 5:00 Katie was wheeled from her recovery room to the NICU to see the babies from a far. Katie was so nauseated that she briefly opened her eyes to see the girls from afar. Then they wheeled Katie to her regular room for the week. Later that evening once Katie's spinal medicine wore off and she could finally feel her toes, Sam wheeled her down in a wheel chair to see the girls at 11:00 at night. This is the first time we could actually see the girls in their private NICU rooms.
They were on breathing machines over night.
Anna with C-pap machine to help her breath on Tuesday
Kathryn on Ventilator to help her breath on Tuesdays.
Wednesday January 23, 2013
We were pleasantly surprised to see the girls on Wednesday without C-pap and Ventilator. The girls responded positively with their respiratory functions and were removed from machines and instead received oxygen assistance through their nose, which is much more comfortable. The doctors were pleased with how well they were doing in a short amount of time.
Anna on oxygen in her little house. Her house helps her regulate her temperature and minimize noise and light to protect her from being over stimulated since she is so tiny, but mighty!
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Kathryn received her first bath this evening She did not like it at first until they ran the water over her head and she became very calm.
Kate touching Kathryn for the first time
Anna and Kathryn have jaundice, which is a common issue with preemies where the bilirubin in the blood is not processed properly through the liver. The photo therapy lights help them process bilirubin. They wear their sunglasses at night, because they are starts that shine bright! :)
Thursday January 24, 2013
The girls jaundice levels have improved so they were removed from the photo lights today. They did not like the sunglasses, They both figured out how to take them off. Little Anna wiggled her face out of the lights so she "didn't need" her glasses. Silly girl, it is fun to watch her personality develop.
Anna's breathing is improving and they removed her off oxygen assistance today.
Our little blessings had another great day and what a thrill for Kate hold her little girls for the first time. They were both a little fussy when the nurse picked them up but as soon as they go to lay on moms chest they immediately got quite and even their breathing improved.
First time holding Anna.
First time holding Kathryn
The treatment is called skin to skin or kangaroo care. It keeps the babies temperature high enough where they do not need the warmers. It is very relaxing for mom and girls. We wish we could do it more than once a day.
Anna, with Mom and Dad
Friday January 25, 2013
Anna continues to stay off oxygen and Kathryn goes off oxygen assistance for the first time and doing well. Kathryn actually pulled out the oxygen from her nose and the doctor said, I guess we will see how she can do without it. Sure enough, she was just perfect with out. She is already telling us what she likes and does not like, classic!
Katie holding Anna for the second time, she is so little, but so cute!
Kathryn relaxing without oxygen, looks pretty happy
Saturday January 26, 2013
Katie is released from the hospital today, hurray! I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed free from interruptions from the nurses, doctors, etc.
Sam held Kathryn for the first time today. She was very calm and relaxed on his chest during the skin to skin time.
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Sunday January 27, 2013
Sam held Anna for the first time today. She relaxed peacefully in his arms for about 2 hours. I think they both enjoyed their time together. Katie held Kathryn and looked across to Sam holding Anna at the same time. We enjoyed our time together as a family of four. Sam's shirt and Anna's hat coordinated today, what a cute Father Daughter picture!
Throughout the entire week they have been gradually increasing Kathryn's food. In the near future she will hopefully be off all IV nutrients and only fed with milk. As the week progressed she became more calm and happy the more food she received.
Anna has been stable with her feedings, even though she only receives a little amount every 6 hours. She is still on her IV nutrients to give her the calories she needs. She should be able to get more food at her feedings more frequently in the near future.
Kathryn continues to sleep in her warming bed, and Anna in her plastic house to help them moderate their temperature.
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