So, here’s how we ended the month of June. If you’ll recall, tomorrow, July 1st, was supposed to be the twins’ birthay.
Getting started in the morning was difficult, but relatively uneventful. We moved all their “stuff” downstairs and started using the bouncy seats and travel swing. We did determine, however, that none of the three are ideal for long-term sitting/sleeping. One is too high angled, one to slouchy and the third too slouchy in a funky way.
The next thing was the Pediatrician’s visit. We met with Dr. Todd. She was quite nice and gave us a lot of time to talk, ask questions, assess the girls, etc. Emily weighed 5lbs 3oz and Abby 6lbs even. Looks like Emily may have a blocked tear duct in her left eye as it’s been a bit gunky, but comes and goes. No biggie according to the Dr. Em’s umbilical cord looked a bit “wet” so she used silver nitrate (sp?) to help dry it out permanently.
As this was our first “outing” with the girls, getting everything together proved a bit crazy. We forgot blankets, but, at least it was warm outside and in the van. The pacifiers each fell on the floor and with a premie, the 5-second rule really doesn’t apply… no backups meant a quick wash before replacing.
Neither girl had finished their bottle, so we did that during the appointment, too. We talked about the length of time we’ll use the monitors. Dr. Todd said she wouldn’t have sent us home with them, but that’s an individual perspective. So, she’s thinking a month, while they grow to what would have been full-term for any single baby (the 40 week mark). She also suggested we may be able to wean off the Reglan and Zantac at some point too.
For now, though, status quo.
Both seem to do very well when in the car thus far, so hopefully I can start sitting up front again soon.
Ron put together the bouncy seats we got and they are fantastic! Looks like these will be the girls’ home away from home so to speak. They lean back for relaxed snoozing and sit up for general merriment. 🙂 The swing may be heading back to Babies R Us though as it just doesn’t fit an infant well. We’re going to take a road trip though and have the girls test some models before deciding.
Both ate well today, but more from bottles than by nursing. I did manage to pump every bit of what they need (plus some!) today, which is a feat, I might add. Emily, unfortunately did have a choking episode and desat (where she turns blue due to lack of breathing) while eating. Ron had her at the time, but a few pats on the back and a tug on her chin got her going again. One preemie issue we’re still working through is her getting her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth.
The monitors, however, registered nothing! Gotta love technology. They beep and squeal at us for loose connections and unregistered breaths, and then when something actually does happen, nothing. The thing registered 3 times for Apneas for Abby, but in taking a look at her, she was just fine. Go figure.
My boss at work brought us some food today, too. Well, not some, but a ton! We got barbeque from Danny’s BBQ, with cole slaw, beans, potatoe salad and the traditional banana pudding! And, she brought a lasagne, bread and dessert too! We could eat off this for a week if we could stand that many leftovers! Yum! 🙂
Ron and I have both noted that we miss our boy. Things are SO(!) different and without him around it seems even more odd. But, we know (for a fact) that he’s having a blast at Grandma and Grandpa’s. And, that’s probably for the best as I’ve had my share of crying jags today alone — which he wouldn’t have like had he witnessed them. He’s very sensitive to Mommy’s emotions.
We moved everything back upstairs and put the girls down for the night. Well, the next 3-4 hours at least! Sleep well!