05-14-10

Richard and I got to hold the girls last night. They did so much better while we were holding them. This week has been touch and go with their breathing while we hold. They tend to "hold their breath." When they hold their breath is is considered premature apnea. But when the stop breathing and their heart rate drops, it is called bradycardia, brady for short. Both girls have had a few bradys throughout the day. Last night, Quinn's way of telling me she wanted to go back to bed was with a brady. The nurses during the day have told me the girls are recovering on their own from the brady. So that is good. But ultimately, the bradys need to stop. The nurses and Nurse Practitioner are making sure they get suctioned more throughout the day. They seem to do better when their passages are clear. They suctioned before we held last night and it may be the case.

Last night was also bath night and "Soon-to-be Chunky Chickie" weigh in night. The Porky Princess gained 6 oz. in two days. Initially you would think she has water weight. But she is peeing regularly and she is not swollen. She now weighs 3lbs and 15oz. I have a baby that is nearly 4lbs. WOW! I don't call her Chunky Monkey for nothing. She took a bottle yesterday and fed 20ml out of her 27ml. She likes to eat!!! She did really great in her bath. Richard and I did a tag team washing the girls. We get it done quicker so they don't stay cold for too long. Plus, you have to manuver your arms through two holes in the bed. So it can be tricky if you aren't used to it like the nurses.

Brooklyn is now weighing the same as Quinn did when they were born. She weighed in at 2lbs and 5 oz. She also fed on a bottle yesterday. She took 7ml from her 17ml. She is also gradually working her way up to big girl status. Still need to get more meat on those bones. She is doing so good though and it is sad that her lack of weight is the issue with most of the decisions made on her behalf. She is keeping up with Quinn but the only lagging issue is her weight. She is just small and has absolutely no clue how small she is. Her personality is so big! And she had developed a smaller version of the "eat crap look." She gives it to the nurses when they are messing with her. I got one last night when I was bathing her. I believe she has a favorite between Richard and I. She always smiles and opens her eyes when she hears him talking to her. It makes him feel good. But I can get a grin out of Quinn quicker than he can. Or at least that is what I will continue to tell myself.

All in all, the girls are doing well for their gestational age. I spoke to their nurse a couple of nights ago and she rejoiced in how well they are doing. So hopefully they will continue to grow and not have anymore set backs. I know we are not out of hot water yet, but it feels like I can breathe a little deeper. I am so proud of those girls. They are so strong and willing. They are the embodiment of bravery and encouragment. Their will to survive is enough to inspire anyone. They have taught me so much. This entire situation has created a new type of faith in God and it is a great feeling to sit back and let Him do His work. I love those girls with everything I have...He loves them more.

Now, what about insurance companies playing with us like we are used toys. I cannot stand dealing with insurance companies. And I am not predujice. I don't like car, home, medical, dental, even shipping insurance (I work for a mail order hobby company). My medical bills have started ROLLING in. One a day in the mailbox and they are adding up. I received one the day after I was released from the hospital. They are quick! Lets just say that it is just the beginning. These are my bills and the girls bills haven't yet started. I have read blogs from women talking about the NICU and insurance battles. One baby was in NICU for 30 days and had a $400,000.00 bill. Another had twins in NICU for 100 days, her bill...2.5 million dollars. Yep, this will be interesting. I have a cap on my insurance that I am sure will be met and exceeded. I am looking into supplemental insurance to cover the rest of NICU. I have found out the State of Georgia is not so forthcoming with their information. I am taking on the State to help with the babies. They offer programs but make you dig for the help and info to get these programs. Wish me luck. Please!

Continue to pray for meat on those bones! And thank you again for your prayers and encouraging words. Your words of encouragement keeps me posting on this blog.

UPDATE AS OF 2:00PM:

They suctioning the girls more often. I have a couple of snotty nose kids. This should help with the bradying. Quinn is up to 29ml and Brooklyn is up to 19ml.