THINGS ARE LOOKING GOOD

Grace, July 23, 2008
Madeline, July 23, 2008
Nicklaus, July 23, 2008

Hello Friends and Family. It seems like ages ago when I was writing my daily e-mails from my hospital room. If the babies were still in my tummy they would be 36 weeks today, actually in the NICU they still count them as 36-weekers. Steve and I were there today and the kids are doing so wonderful. Of course the big question is, when are they coming home? Well here is the answer I give. There are a few requirements, 1. They need to be breathing room air without any assistance. (they all do) 2. They need to hold their own body temperature. (they all do) 3. They need to use a bottle for feeding and gain weight. (well, we are all trying to do this one) All three are attempting a bottle at least once a day. Both of the girls are trying once a shift. It is hard to explain via e-mail but the babies were not old enough to learn the suckle part of their growing experience. Last week we really worked of using a pacifier to help them learn the sucking action of eating. With most babies this would come naturally and easy but with preemies this is a hard task. The babies will take a few sucks and then need to pause and take deep breathes. It is very different from just giving a bottle. Grace is doing well, when she wants too, Madeline is a little kick back with it and Nicklaus loves the bottle but his stomach cannot handle it. All of our kids are known as the throw-up kids but they are loved just the same. Besides being known for that, everyone (including other parents and grandparents) think our children are just beautiful. We agree completely. Lastly, Steve and I gave the kids their first real baths this weekend. They all seemed to love it! I loved the way they smelled, like a clean baby good enough to eat. (just kidding)Thank you for all the continued prayers. We hope the babies will be home with us soon (maybe two weeks) and then the craziness will begin. Gods Blessing to everyone! Christy and Steve