Big Boys!

Well, we've got a 4.4 pounder and a 5.10 pounder! Whoa! I'm happy to report that both boys are doing very well.

Cole is off of his oxygen completely and has been holding his own for a few days now - yay!!! And he's still working on getting better with his bottles. He's still being tube fed a few times a day and takes bottles as often as he can. He still gets tired very easily; and go figure, it's much easier to get tube fed right? It's a lot less work, that's for sure. Boys will be boys I guess. We're still looking at another week or so before he can come home I think. The new NICU unit at AAMC opens this weekend and they are transferring all of the patients on 11/14 - we're hoping that he's home before that so we don't get to experience the new unit...as beautiful as it will be, we would rather not have to see it! Here's Cole's 9 week picture.



We had JD's 2nd home visit today. The hospital sends a home nurse out twice a week after a NICU baby is released. He had a great report. He's gained 5.5 oz since Monday which is excellent. He's a little over 18" long and growing like a weed. We have another pediatrician appointment tomorrow. He's a joy to have home - a great baby and so much fun. He does a lot of sleeping, like preemies do but is spending more and more time awake each day. His wake time is full of coo's and smiles. He's as happy to be home as we are to finally have him home. He just misses his brother! Here is his 9 week photo, as taken at the photo shoot at Grammy's house earlier this week.



Thanks to both Grandmothers for your help this week in taking care of JD. I know that it's tough on you both (snicker, snicker). It's been a godsend to have you both available so that I am able to spend time with Cole each day. I do feel like he's getting jipped a bit since I can only visit for a few hours each day but I try to savor every moment with him. It's especially nice when I can get there for a feeding during the day too. THANK YOU!

We have a roommate in NICU that I want to introduce you to - his name is Jack. His Mom & Dad are awesome people and we've had some really fun and funny times lately during our visits. Baby Jack was born just 4 days after Cole & JD and he's gone through just about the same course of treatment as Cole has. They are about the same size and have the same spunky, no quit attitude. If you're interested, his Mom keeps a blog too and there is a very cute picture of him as Superman for halloween.

www.everythingaboutjack.blogspot.com

I can't tell you how great it is to have other NICU parents around to lighten the load. We've developed a nice friendship and I'm thankful that they ended up being our roommates. Remembering back to how worried I was about being in that "back room", it all works out for the best doesn't it? Check out Jack's blog if you have an interest.