Latest Update

I am trying to update this as much as possible to keep everyone informed, but it's been kind of hectic now that I am back to work. The girls are doing very very well, thank you to everyone for the kind words and prayers, it seems we cannot thank you all enough. It has been 11 days since their birthday and they are getting better every day.

Just to give everyone an update as to what has happened in the past week, the girls are off ventilators and have been since last weekend. Being off ventilation is the most important factor on their road to recovery. We were surprised when Sophia was put back on mid-last week because she was struggling to breath and putting in more effort than she needed, but has since been removed again. Kathryn was on a CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure), which keeps hers lungs full of air, most of last week but has since been taken off that as well. The good news is both of them are now off any machines and breathing normal room air with no increase in oxygen levels. They only have to use a nasal cannula now which gives them a little air flow. So, we can finally see their adorable little faces without all the large tubings. Every now and then they have apnea spells where they forget to breath and their heart rate drops, but a quick "nudge" from the nurse gets them going again. When we see this happen, it is pretty scary, but the nurses assure us that this is typical preemie behavior and they would be surprised if they didn't occasionally have apnea spells.

Sophia is now up to 6 ml of breast milk every 3 hours and is tolerating her feeds very well. Kathryn is having difficulty with digesting milk so they are feeding her 1 ml of a specialty formula every hour until her system can tolerate feedings better. Since they put her on the formula, she has been digesting it well, so they will soon be moving her back to breast milk. With any newborn, preemie or full term, a decrease in weight is expected. Both Kathryn and Sophia went from 2 lbs 8 oz to around 2 lb 2 oz, but both have since gained about 3-4 oz back already. Unfortunately, we just found out yesterday that Kathryn has a bacterial eye infection that she is getting antibiotics and eye drops for. The infection is not serious and is caused from being inside the incubator environment (warm and humid). However, because of the contagiousness of the infection we have to wear gloves and gowns around her. They are telling us it should be gone in a couple of days, but we have to take precautions so we do not infect her sister or allow the bacteria to spread to other areas of her body (ie. stomach or lungs), which would be more serious.

All of the doctors and nurses at TCH have been spectacular and keep us informed on everything. This past Sunday, they let us hold the girls for almost an hour, Mom in one rocking chair and dad in the other. Even though they're not at home with us it is an unbelievable feeling to hold them close and just stare at them. Both were wide-eyed and bushy tailed. Sophia stared at me with her bright blue eyes the entire time and I swear she was smiling during our "conversations". The nurses say both of them are feisty girls, but Sophia seems to be the calm one and Kathryn is the lively one. Once you hold them though, they melt into you. They let us change their diapers and I must say, I've still got the touch. Mommy forgot to follow the rules (always have a diaper under them while you're changing them) and Sophia decided to soak her blankets, no accidents for daddy so far.

I've added some pics below, but there isn't much new news. We get very good news on a daily basis when we visit and/or call. I contribute part of their vitality and good health to the continued prayers of everyone, especially Evelyn, who prays for them every night. Enjoy!

Kathryn in her favorite sleeping position. Doesn't she look like one of those Anne Geddes pictures?

I told you Sophia smiles at me. That one is just a smirk.

Kathryn with her bad eye infection, poor baby.