You probably noticed we missed a few posts this week, but one of the bloggers is on short term disability leave, leaving the other to do everything. While it is nice to watch Morgan do all the things I have to do every day, I would like to be able cut my own food or shower on my own. I'm sure Morgan would also like to not have to be such an integral part of certain things, particularly the pumping process. Yep, the honeymoon is truly over.
On Friday, the nurses removed Wilson's air cannula and he breathed on his own - without any assistance - for 24 hours.!!! The air cannula is back under his nose but it is merely providing a small amount of air flow with no added oxygen. Chris was able to hold him without any tubes (other than his feeding tube) and it was great to see his face for the first time.
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| Watch out ladies |
Clara is also doing well but will sometimes experience a drop in her oxygen and/or heart rate. That is typical of preemies and the doctors don't seem too worried, so we try not to be either. Tomorrow both kids will get another CBC ("Complete Blood Count") to see if either of them needs a blood infusion. If Clara is low on hemoglobin or has a low red blood cell count, it could explain the occasional drops in oxygen. However, both Clara and Wilson continue to receive more food (Clara receives 22cc's of milk every 3 hours and Wilson receives 24 cc's / 3hrs), which could also explain some of these episodes.
The good news is that Clara is really growing. Clara was 13 inches long and weighed 1 lb 8 oz when she was born. Today, she weighed 2 lbs 8 oz and is 14.75 inches long. Wilson still weighs more than she does (he weighs 2 lbs 11 oz) but has gained less weight overall.
Hopefully this week is a little less eventful. We can't thank everyone enough for all of the love, prayers, calls, emails, food, and texts this week. Even if we didn't have time to respond, it meant a lot just to know people were thinking about us. Chris goes back to the hand surgeon on Friday and hopefully he'll outfit her with a smaller splint so some of her fingers will be free.
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| Clara shows off the dress Chris made last weekend. She also wants Mom to be able to use her hands again soon. |
way to go, wilson!
ReplyDeletelove clara's new dress!!!
Chris and Morgan, my parents are neighbors of the Venhoff's and shared your blog. I just wanted to send some encouragement as we had preemie twins earlier this year and can attest to how resilient the little peanuts can be. Although ours were 31 weekers, we experienced the barrage of tests and uncertanties and general constant roller coaster of the NICU. Your kids will grow up so strong, patient, and resilient from what they've endured since birth. And what a story they'll be able to tell their friends later on! You are amazing, Chris, for sticking with pumping throughout everything you've been through. All those nights of waking up to pump when you're desperate for sleep are so worth it! Hang in there and know that it will get easier and SO, SO rewarding very soon. - Stacie (Harting) Marsh
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