NICU Day 28~ We are Homebound

Life was a bit of a whirlwind once Grey overcame his eating issues and Camden was able to finally hold his own body temperature. 28 days later and we are leaving our little suite in the NICU and going home. It's a bit surreal. We've been operating on autopilot for so long.... What will we do now that you all are home?! We are all so excited to have you home. Especially the big kids at home waiting for you. They haven't been able to see you much in person, but they have given you plenty of virtual kisses through Facetime.

NICU Day 11

Camden you came out of the Isolette again. But because of a puking spell and the stress of your increased feeds, you were again put back in the warmer. This time they will slowly wean the temperature down inside. Camden you are 4lb 3oz.

Grey you are doing wonderfully. You lost a little weight in the beginning but now you continue to gain. You are 4lb 13oz.

NICU Day 10- The Day We All Came to Visit

Cailin was so excited to hold you! All day she was practicing and asking questions. Oh the anticipation!

 Me: Rylie what's the baby's name?
 Rylie: Person

 Rylie you were surprisingly gentle with the babies.

 Look at Rylie's latest smile. She closes her eyes and smiles really big when you say cheese.

NICU Day 9- Daddy Time

Daddy held you both for the first time!

NICU Day 8

Camden repeatedly had borderline temperatures, so he was placed back in the isolette. I was a little disappointed, because we've had a lot of good days so far. But I have to remember that NICU life is two steps forward and sometimes one step back.

Good news is Grey you remained in the open crib. You have done great so far. And now you both don't have your IV's any longer. One less connection!

 It works out for me to go to the hospital early in the morning. Your big sister wanted to see you all so bad that she got out of the bed at 5am so we could be at the hospital about 7. She sat and loved on you, Grey. She talked to you and didn't want to put you down. Everyone told me of stories where the older sibling wasn't thrilled that their parents were having more children. That has never been the case with Ariel. She loved you guys and counted down the days and weeks until you could come home.

NICU Day 7

We came into the NICU and found you both out into open cribs. We were so happy! Then we learned that your IV's will be discontinued tomorrow because you are almost up to full feeds. Progress! Progress! Progress!

NICU Day 5

You both are doing so well today. Camden needs no help breathing and is out from under the lights for jaundice. Grey was weaned off CPAP yesterday but is still jaundiced.

NICU Day 3

Camden was taken off CPAP. You didn't need help breathing any longer.

 Then you both were jaundiced. So, under the bili lights you go!

NICU Day 2~ Kangaroo Time

Just Camden and I. We lay skin to skin. And I love it!

Grey had a little trouble breathing, so I had to hold off on holding you. But we still held hands.

P.S. Daddy didn't want to hold you both just yet, because you were so small and hooked up to lots of different monitors.

The Day We Met Our Sons

I took notes to remember the time that you spent in the NICU. I wanted to remember all your milestones you conquered as you continued to grow outside of me.

 

The day was Thursday, June 27th. I was 31 4/7 weeks. My doctor was on call and the night shift nurse called to tell him that I was having more painful and frequent contractions. Dr. Garner came to check me and it was discovered that I was 4-5cm dilated and almost 100% effaced. He agreed to watch me for another hour. I was so upset, because I had a feeling that I was definitely having babies tonight. I was having contractions every 2-5 minutes. So now I was faced with the choice of how I would deliver. I chose a c-section because you were still little guys. I chose the section even though I had an ultrasound early in the day that verified that you were both head down. And it was a good thing I did, because during a contraction once Camden was out, Grey flipped and was pulled out breech (feet first).  Grey had spent the whole pregnancy transverse (just laying across my belly). The ultrasound tech said that this way gave you more room. Camden had been head down for about a week.
So, we waited on Daddy to get to the hospital from work, before they took me to the operating room. Poor Daddy didn't even get to eat, because of speeding in for the delivery.

The Spinal Epidural was so freaky, because I was numb from the breast down. I couldn't even move my legs and while I was laying flat, I felt like I couldn't breathe. That was instantly cured the moment you both were pulled out. I knew you would be okay because you both had nice strong cries. They brought Camden to me to see and you didn't even have Oxygen on your face. The toughest part was waiting the hour in the Recovery Room before I was allowed to meet you both.

They wheeled me in on a stretcher to see you both.

Baby Boy A is Camden. Exactly two minutes older than your brother. You were both born right before 11pm.

You were smaller, but more fiesty than your brother. You didn't require any additional Oxygen. Just Room Air through the cannula to keep your lungs inflated.

Baby Boy B was Grey. You were almost a full pound bigger than Camden. You had a bit more trouble with your breathing. You required a dose of Survanta to help your breathing.