Finn and Harper are moving up in the world! They've upgraded to a larger room that's much more comfie for all four of us, they've put on some hard earned pounds (well actually ounces), and they were finally able to bust into their wardrobe of mini clothes!
Today they are 24 days old and 32.4 weeks gestation...they've both gained great weight this week and are steadily increasing their feeds which are administered 8 times a day for 90 minutes each. Finn is eating 33 mL every 3 hours and Harper is eating 24 mL and increasing every day. All this eating and the extra calories has paid off since today Finn weighs in at 3 lbs. 11 oz. and Harper is a hefty 2 lbs. 12 oz. (1/2 a pound since birth!).
Finn is still holding strong with zero breathing support and Harper is trucking along with minimal support. Both are truly doing great. Despite all our precautions, we did have a little sickness scare with Harper earlier in the week but she was given a clean bill of health after labwork was processed. Harper still has little spells where she forgets to breathe or her heart rate drops but this is super normal and generally she corrects it herself. We think she just likes to set off the alarms so we (and the nurses) pay more attention to her : )
We thought we'd include some pictures and thoughts today of the things that make them the unique little people that they are. They have both proven to be laid back and well adjusted little babies but Finn takes it to another level. Finn is super chill and NOTHING stresses him out! He has only yelled at me twice and is super relaxed at all times...it's really a pretty impressive trait and I have to say, that just may not have come from his mom. Then there's Ms. Harper...she has a flair for the dramatic but is overall pretty go with the flow. She can be feisty and VERY persistent. She has absolutely mastered the ability to pull out her feeding tube and nasal cannula and no amount of tape or swaddle can stop her!
Finn is filling out a bit and has little chipmunk cheeks, huge hands and pudgy feet. He even has biceps, when he catches the light just right... His feet turn in but apparently Greg and Uncle Jake were both pigeon-toed as kids and they turned out okay I suppose : ) Harper is still very long and lean with the longest fingers ever and pointy little elfish ears (seriously cute). Her face is super dainty with the biggest dark eyes ever. Over the past week we've seen a dimple appear on her chin which is a very desirable feature that came straight from her mom : ) Both seem to have a little color to them and have a pretty good head of brown hair..not a bad way to start out in life!
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| patiently waiting her turn.... |
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| Finn's foot |
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| Finn's big paw |
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| Hi Guys!! I've got clothes on! |
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| Harp's elfish ear |
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| the manly bicep (pictures don't do it justice) |
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| Lil Peanut |
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| Harp's a thumb sucker |
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| Harper in clothes! |
Today has been a great day with 45 min. sponge baths for both, first clothes (matching of course) and a very special visitor from a far off land. We love our weekends with the twins, lots of fun firsts are generally packed in. Greg and I are doing well. Hanging in there with work and life here at the NICU but overall we are doing great and have lots to be thankful for.
Hope you all have a great rest of your weekend!!
Looks like they are doing very well and they area sooo cute! Also sounds like you 2 are doing very well. I know how hard it can be. It will all be behind you before you know it. I look at my 2 premie grand twins at 3 1/2 now and rejoice. So fun to read how they are gaining weight and breathing so well.
ReplyDeleteKim Currie
Hi Allie,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Julie Nelson, I'm Jake's wife. The babies look so good. So big and strong. As you know we had our twin girls at 29 weeks as well. Almost exactly one year to the day! I know you must be overwhelmed with everything going on, the highs and lows can be exhausting. I just wanted to let you know that you guys are not alone, I'm home with the girls so you can call anytime you need a shoulder to lean on or have questions. One piece of advice I wish someone could of given me: This is just a rough patch, 2 months, 6 months, a year from now you won't even believe where you started. No question is stupid, ask all the questions you want of your nurses and doctors. I had a hard time with that in the beginning, I felt like they would think I was stupid or they had told me a million times but that is why they are there so ask away!
Again, please remember you are not alone. I know that we don't know each other but I have been there, you can call me anytime!
It is so great to see their little heads and faces without all the gear on. They are adorable!
ReplyDeleteThey are adorable! I am so happy they are doing well.
ReplyDelete