I can't believe that it's already been 2 weeks since giving birth to these two! They are just extremely precious and never cease to amaze me! Each day they get stronger and stronger, bringing more joy into our lives.
Kamdyn went from struggling to catch up with her brother to passing him by in a flash. She came off of her oxygen and never looked back. Their goal for this past week was to come off of the iv fluids and nipple from a bottle at their feedings. She took to it right away which allowed for me to start breast feeding her right away as well. That first try of nursing was just prefect. It's been 10 years since the last time I nursed and I had forgotten just how special it is. Her eyes looking up at me, creating a bond like no other. For being premature she is nursing really well. If I am available for a feeding at the hospital she usually nurses for 15 to 20 mins, and takes half of her bottle or more. I try to get in at least one feeding per day but have been there for 2 most days. Kamdyn is now up to 4.6 lbs and we were told there's a chance she can come home this week.
Andrew is still just a chill little guy! This has made it a little more challenging for him at this stage. He has the same goal as Kamdyn to nipple each feeding. Now, because premature babies are so small what happens is the energy it takes to nipple, swallow and breathe burns a ton of calories and exhausts them. This is what is happening for him. He will take a bottle for his first feed then feeding tube the next because he's so tired he doesn't even wake up to eat! He's just chill! Drew is still gaining weight up to 4.1 lbs and taking more and more each feeding so he's moving in the right direction which we are so proud of.
This week we were able to hold them side by side for the first time and the older kids were able to come to the nicu window to see them. It's funny since having them we go in to visit everyday but you forget they are twins because they are away from each other. Phil and I just think of them as two babies. We are so excited too bring them home to really experience this crazy journey! The older kids were amazed at how small they are. Each of them said in pictures they don't seem that small. They are dying to love on them and be helpful big siblings!
That's the update so far! Phil and I are holding up well. He is back at work for now which he says is hard because he thinks about them constantly. I spend my days at the hospital and my evenings with the kids at home, my nights are spent pretending like babies are here pumping every 3 hours. Our freezer has turned into a milk factory! I am staying unusually strong for most of the week and then I have one night of tears. It makes it hard to talk about because of course I know the twins are doing amazing and will be home soon but there is still a void in my life right now that I don't know how to fix. Soon enough they'll be home and the tears will be coming still because twins I have heard will do that to you, lol! Whatever the case I'm ready to bring my babies home. Hopefully next week their 3 week pictures are side by side in our home!
