WOW...Where has the time gone?!
Lane and Sloan are now 7 months old, and we have all been home for 3 months! I am thrilled to report that both babies are doing fantastic! (so are mommy and daddy)
Lane Kathryn continues to be the sweetest little girl. We call her a little busy body, as she is always looking around to see whats going on. She loves having company over and has no problem be being held by everyone. Very rarely will you catch Lane WITHOUT a smile on her face! No matter how crazy my day can get, I can look at her sweet face, and somehow my worries go away. Lane now weighs about 12 pounds and is 22 1/2 inches long. A far cry from 1 pound 6 ounces, huh?! She is a strong little girl who can hold her head up and roll from her tummy to her back. She still has her sparkling blue eyes, and her hair is just now starting to grow. Scott and I are still debating what color her hair is going to be. I am thinking she will have dark hair like my side of the family, but her daddy is certain he is going to have a blonde-haired baby girl. I guess we will see:) As you can imagine, Lane is a daddy's AND a Papa's (my dad) little girl. If either one of them are around, the odds of me or anyone else getting to hold her are slim!
Sloan Benson has been OXYGEN FREE for about 3 weeks now and he is doing great! While we had all gotten use to all of the tubing and the portable tanks anytime we left the house, it is so nice for him to be FREE! He has been a new baby ever since. Sloan is the funniest little man in the world! He loves to laugh, and once you get him going he will not stop. He is also the "talker" of the two! After his first bottle in the morning, Sloan will lay on his jungle mat, look up at himself in the mirror and talk to himself for a good 30 minutes. Sloan is also 12 pounds (yes, he finally caught up to Lane) and is 21 1/2 inches long. She still has him beat in length though! We have seen a big improvement in his strength since being off of oxygen. He does not tolerate tummy time as well as Lane, but he can hold his head up and roll from his tummy to back as well. We have a physical therapist that comes once a week to work with both of them, and Sloan seems to think that if he rolls over at the beginning of the session then he is done! And just as I had hoped, Sloan is a momma's boy!:) He too likes having company over, but he would rather his mommy hold him while he checks everyone out. He is a little snuggler too, and unlike Lane, allows me to rock him to sleep!
Thankfully, Lane and Sloan are great sleepers too. They have both been sleeping all night for awhile now. It is amazing how much better I function with a full nights sleep!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Tomorrow we will have been home for 2 weeks, and I do not know where the time has gone! While I still have not unpacked all of our bags, I believe we have finally settled in to a schedule that works for babies, mommy and daddy, and my mom (aka GoGo!) I don't know what I would do without my wonderful husband and my mother.
I am happy to report that Lane and Sloan are doing fabulous! They have both grown so much in the short time that we have been home. Last Wednesday Scott and I loaded everyone (and everything!) up in the car and drove back to Amarillo for our first outing as a family to our pediatrician for the babys' 4 month check-up. We were thrilled to find that they had both gained a pound in one week! Lane weighed 7 lbs. 2 oz, and Sloan gained right at 7 pounds. They are also growing in length with Lane being 19 inches long and Sloan 18 3/4 inches. We go back next Wednesday, and I just know they will have both gained another pound!
Every morning when I step foot in their nursery I continue to thank God for his precious gifts to me. I look into their little blue eyes, and my heart melts all over again! I couldn't ask for anything more!
I am happy to report that Lane and Sloan are doing fabulous! They have both grown so much in the short time that we have been home. Last Wednesday Scott and I loaded everyone (and everything!) up in the car and drove back to Amarillo for our first outing as a family to our pediatrician for the babys' 4 month check-up. We were thrilled to find that they had both gained a pound in one week! Lane weighed 7 lbs. 2 oz, and Sloan gained right at 7 pounds. They are also growing in length with Lane being 19 inches long and Sloan 18 3/4 inches. We go back next Wednesday, and I just know they will have both gained another pound!
Every morning when I step foot in their nursery I continue to thank God for his precious gifts to me. I look into their little blue eyes, and my heart melts all over again! I couldn't ask for anything more!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
HOME!!
Well...after 117 days we are finally HOME with our precious babies!!!!
After a long day of paperwork and meetings, we were surprised with a cake and a small going away party from the wonderful NICU staff before we left. While we were thrilled to be going home, it was hard saying goodbye to all of the wonderful people we have spent the past 4 months with. I know we will be keeping in touch with them for many years to come!
Lane and Sloan slept peacefully in their carseats for the 2 hour drive, and around 9:00 p.m. we walked through the front door of our house! What a great feeling it was!
They had a great first night waking up every 3 hours to eat and then falling right back to sleep. My mom (their GoGo) came to stay with us so daddy could finally get some sleep. So far we have been able to stay on their eating/sleeping schedule that was established in the NICU.
As you can imagine we are a little sleep deprived, but we wouldn't change it for anything in the world! Scott and I are so thankful to have our family under one roof, and we truly appreciate all of the support and prayers.
After a long day of paperwork and meetings, we were surprised with a cake and a small going away party from the wonderful NICU staff before we left. While we were thrilled to be going home, it was hard saying goodbye to all of the wonderful people we have spent the past 4 months with. I know we will be keeping in touch with them for many years to come!
Lane and Sloan slept peacefully in their carseats for the 2 hour drive, and around 9:00 p.m. we walked through the front door of our house! What a great feeling it was!
They had a great first night waking up every 3 hours to eat and then falling right back to sleep. My mom (their GoGo) came to stay with us so daddy could finally get some sleep. So far we have been able to stay on their eating/sleeping schedule that was established in the NICU.
As you can imagine we are a little sleep deprived, but we wouldn't change it for anything in the world! Scott and I are so thankful to have our family under one roof, and we truly appreciate all of the support and prayers.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
6 POUNDERS!!
After 15 1/2 weeks....both Lane and Sloan are 6 pounds!! We sure have come a LONG way from 1 pound 6 ounces! I was looking back at the pictures of them when they were first born, and I think I was in denial about how small they really were. I remember getting frustrated when people would come and see them and the only thing they would say is "They are so little!" I can admit now how truly shocked and scared I was, and YES they were so little. Looking back, I am glad that I was in a state of denial or I don't know if I would have been able to make it through the first few weeks.
Thankfully, today we are in a whole new place with the babies! We are actually talking with the doctors and nurses about going HOME soon! There are few things left on our "checklist" to accomplish before we take our sweeties to Gruver. The main thing we are working on now is being sure that both Lane and Sloan will take every feeding (8 a day) either by breast or by bottle. Neither one of them have their feeding tubes anymore, and we are hoping those are a thing of the past. They also have to pass the carseat challenge. This is where we bring their carseats in and they have to be able to sit in them for 3 hours without dropping their heartrate. More than likely Sloan will be going home on oxygen, so we also need to meet with a home healthcare to get trained on how to operate his oxygen tank. Lastly, we will be rooming-in with the babies for atleast 2 nights to make sure we are ready to care for them around the clock! So, as you can see...we are getting REAL close!
Thankfully, today we are in a whole new place with the babies! We are actually talking with the doctors and nurses about going HOME soon! There are few things left on our "checklist" to accomplish before we take our sweeties to Gruver. The main thing we are working on now is being sure that both Lane and Sloan will take every feeding (8 a day) either by breast or by bottle. Neither one of them have their feeding tubes anymore, and we are hoping those are a thing of the past. They also have to pass the carseat challenge. This is where we bring their carseats in and they have to be able to sit in them for 3 hours without dropping their heartrate. More than likely Sloan will be going home on oxygen, so we also need to meet with a home healthcare to get trained on how to operate his oxygen tank. Lastly, we will be rooming-in with the babies for atleast 2 nights to make sure we are ready to care for them around the clock! So, as you can see...we are getting REAL close!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Off the Ventilator....AGAIN!
At 9:15 yesterday morning, about 12 nurses came into our NICU room and said a prayer over Sloan before he was wheeled down to surgery. Scott and I were once again touched by the love and compassion shown to us from our new friends.
At 9:30 we walked Sloan down to the operating room, and then made our way to the waiting room. After 3 hours, (yes..we were starting to go crazy!) the surgeon came in to let us know that Sloan did great, but that he was going back to the NICU on a ventilator. We knew there was a great chance this would be the case, but we were optimistic that he would be extibated before he left the OR. Sloan rested for the next several hours, and around 11:00 p.m. it was decided that he could come off the ventilator! He has been doing great ever since. I was able to start nursing him at all of his feedings today, and in between we let him sleep.
Scott and I are thankful for all of the support and prayers and to be able to mark his surgery off of the list!!
At 9:30 we walked Sloan down to the operating room, and then made our way to the waiting room. After 3 hours, (yes..we were starting to go crazy!) the surgeon came in to let us know that Sloan did great, but that he was going back to the NICU on a ventilator. We knew there was a great chance this would be the case, but we were optimistic that he would be extibated before he left the OR. Sloan rested for the next several hours, and around 11:00 p.m. it was decided that he could come off the ventilator! He has been doing great ever since. I was able to start nursing him at all of his feedings today, and in between we let him sleep.
Scott and I are thankful for all of the support and prayers and to be able to mark his surgery off of the list!!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Preparing Sloan for Surgery
Well, the night to prepare Sloan for hernia surgery has finally come and Scott and I are full of all kinds of emotions. His surgery is scheduled for 9:30 in the morning, so he will not be able to eat after 2:30 a.m. Our first prayer tonight is that Sloan nurses well at his 2:00 a.m. feeding and remains calm and comfortable until surgery time. Our second prayer is for the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and the nurses who will be with our son. And our final prayer is for a speedy recovery where Sloan is able to get back on track.
I was extremely touched to learn that one of our favorite nurses went in and said a special prayer over our baby boy before she went home tonight. We are so thankful to be surrounded by amazing nurses and staff who truly love and care for our babies. We will forever be grateful for every one of them!
I was extremely touched to learn that one of our favorite nurses went in and said a special prayer over our baby boy before she went home tonight. We are so thankful to be surrounded by amazing nurses and staff who truly love and care for our babies. We will forever be grateful for every one of them!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
They are getting so BIG!!!
Alexandra, Samuel and Carter
They are smiling, but they are really sad that they cant go in to see the babies
Time to wake up to eat....
What a doll...
Happy.....
That is one chubby foot Sloany Britches
Daddy and Lane
A cute little picture w/Sloan
Daddy berping Sloan
Big YAWN..... wake up, its your turn Lane!!
Aunt BB and Sloan- she looks HAPPY!!
Nanny w Sloan-- VERY HAPPY!!
GoGo giving Lane a snuggle before she goes back to sleep,
Looks like Lane is puckering up doesn't it?
All Bundled Up
Friday, March 18, 2011
100 Days Old!
Wow...100 days ago our lives were forever changed!! Happy 100 days old sweet babies!
Both Lane and Sloan are continuing to grow and progress every day.
Lane Kathryn now weighs 5 lbs 14 oz. She is so close to 6 pounds and is 17 1/2 inches long! Her preemie clothes and diapers are getting a little snug on her belly and chunky legs, so I am thinking she will graduate to newborn sizes soon. When Lane is awake during feeding/assessment times she is able to nurse up to 6 times a day. For the other two feedings, my milk is being fortified with extra calories/nutrients and she is fed through her feeding tube in her nose. During those feedings, she is getting 50 cc.(almost 2 ounces!) of milk. Lane continues to have an eye exam every other Thursday. Her exam yesterday showed that her eyes are improving! We were thrilled to hear that her routine MRI came back clean and she passed her hearing test! Oh, and I don't mean to brag, but Dr. Naqvi mentioned (after examining her) that he believes she is very bright. He thinks she may be at the top of her class! And he is a VERY smart man, so I think he may be right:)
Mr. Sloan Benson is growing and growing as well. He now weighs 5 lbs. 10 ounces, and is 16 1/2 inches long. He got so close to catching Lane in weight the other day, but she just wouldn't allow it:) His preemie clothes are getting a little snug as well, but since he is a little shorter they still fit him pretty good. Sloan is also able to nurse 6 times a day, and he is a pro at it! We both thoroughly enjoy our little time together so much, that when I do nurse both babies together he will shoot a little a "look" at Lane and start crying!! It's pretty funny how jealous he can get. If Sloan is not awake during feeding/assessment time he is getting 46 cc. through his feeding tube. He is on an opposite schedule than Lane for his eye exam, so his last one was last Thursday. It showed an improvement as well! He will be assessed again next Thursday. I am proud to say that Sloan also passed his hearing test and his MRI was clean too! GOD is so good!! We met with the surgeon again this morning and his hernia surgery is now scheduled for Wednesday. While we are nervous to have him back on the vent and risk possible infection, the doctor reassures us that this is a pretty simple procedure. We are praying he recovers quickly and we can make plans to get our sweeties HOME!
Both Lane and Sloan are continuing to grow and progress every day.
Lane Kathryn now weighs 5 lbs 14 oz. She is so close to 6 pounds and is 17 1/2 inches long! Her preemie clothes and diapers are getting a little snug on her belly and chunky legs, so I am thinking she will graduate to newborn sizes soon. When Lane is awake during feeding/assessment times she is able to nurse up to 6 times a day. For the other two feedings, my milk is being fortified with extra calories/nutrients and she is fed through her feeding tube in her nose. During those feedings, she is getting 50 cc.(almost 2 ounces!) of milk. Lane continues to have an eye exam every other Thursday. Her exam yesterday showed that her eyes are improving! We were thrilled to hear that her routine MRI came back clean and she passed her hearing test! Oh, and I don't mean to brag, but Dr. Naqvi mentioned (after examining her) that he believes she is very bright. He thinks she may be at the top of her class! And he is a VERY smart man, so I think he may be right:)
Mr. Sloan Benson is growing and growing as well. He now weighs 5 lbs. 10 ounces, and is 16 1/2 inches long. He got so close to catching Lane in weight the other day, but she just wouldn't allow it:) His preemie clothes are getting a little snug as well, but since he is a little shorter they still fit him pretty good. Sloan is also able to nurse 6 times a day, and he is a pro at it! We both thoroughly enjoy our little time together so much, that when I do nurse both babies together he will shoot a little a "look" at Lane and start crying!! It's pretty funny how jealous he can get. If Sloan is not awake during feeding/assessment time he is getting 46 cc. through his feeding tube. He is on an opposite schedule than Lane for his eye exam, so his last one was last Thursday. It showed an improvement as well! He will be assessed again next Thursday. I am proud to say that Sloan also passed his hearing test and his MRI was clean too! GOD is so good!! We met with the surgeon again this morning and his hernia surgery is now scheduled for Wednesday. While we are nervous to have him back on the vent and risk possible infection, the doctor reassures us that this is a pretty simple procedure. We are praying he recovers quickly and we can make plans to get our sweeties HOME!
Friday, March 11, 2011
The Stedje Twins
Sloany looks at Mommy in Awwww......
Sleepy Baby
Little Lane- So Sweet
She loves her Momma...
Sloan and his favorite nurse Jessica
Makein' me MELT....
GOGO- She's the BEST!
He loves the camera....
Discovering the thumb.... YUMMY!!!
Snuggle Time....
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
No More Isolettes!
I am extremely blessed to say that Lane and Sloan have both had many great days since my last blog!
A huge milestone was reached two nights ago when Sloan hit 5 pounds!! We officially have two 5-pound babies:) They are continuing to put on weight each day. Tonight Lane weighed 5 pounds 10 ounces, and she is 17 1/2 inches long. Our little man Sloan weighs 5 pounds 3 ounces and is 16 inches long. They have both come a long way from 1 pound 6 ounces and 11 inches!
Today we also reached another big milestone...both Lane and Sloan are in open cribs!! NO MORE ISOLETTES!! They are both maintaining their temperatures, and they seem to be much happier outside of their "box". It is so neat to go in there during assessment time and simply pick them up from their beds.
Both Lane and Sloan are still receiving a little oxygen. Lane is now just on a nasal cannula with very little oxygen, and Sloan is on HIFLO and gets between 30-45%. While we were hoping to be completely off oxygen soon, it is not a requirement before we can go home. The doctors and nurses tell us that many babies go home on oxygen and that it is easy to maintain. If this is the case, they will also send us home with a monitor that will let us know if their heart rate drops or if they are holding their breathe.
Nursing is the last thing we need to accomplish before we are able to take our babies home! I am now nursing them each 3 times a day, and they are doing great. The other times they are tube fed through their feeding tube in their nose. I am slowly working up to full feedings which is 8 times a day. They must get full feedings from me for 48 hours and gain weight!
I know after all of this time it sounds CRAZY to be talking about going home, but we are getting so close! They are 38 weekers today....almost full term. They were due to be born March 24th.
Thank you GOD for the progress we have made this week:)
A huge milestone was reached two nights ago when Sloan hit 5 pounds!! We officially have two 5-pound babies:) They are continuing to put on weight each day. Tonight Lane weighed 5 pounds 10 ounces, and she is 17 1/2 inches long. Our little man Sloan weighs 5 pounds 3 ounces and is 16 inches long. They have both come a long way from 1 pound 6 ounces and 11 inches!
Today we also reached another big milestone...both Lane and Sloan are in open cribs!! NO MORE ISOLETTES!! They are both maintaining their temperatures, and they seem to be much happier outside of their "box". It is so neat to go in there during assessment time and simply pick them up from their beds.
Both Lane and Sloan are still receiving a little oxygen. Lane is now just on a nasal cannula with very little oxygen, and Sloan is on HIFLO and gets between 30-45%. While we were hoping to be completely off oxygen soon, it is not a requirement before we can go home. The doctors and nurses tell us that many babies go home on oxygen and that it is easy to maintain. If this is the case, they will also send us home with a monitor that will let us know if their heart rate drops or if they are holding their breathe.
Nursing is the last thing we need to accomplish before we are able to take our babies home! I am now nursing them each 3 times a day, and they are doing great. The other times they are tube fed through their feeding tube in their nose. I am slowly working up to full feedings which is 8 times a day. They must get full feedings from me for 48 hours and gain weight!
I know after all of this time it sounds CRAZY to be talking about going home, but we are getting so close! They are 38 weekers today....almost full term. They were due to be born March 24th.
Thank you GOD for the progress we have made this week:)
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Together At Last!
We just left the hospital, and I am wearing a HUGE smile! I was able to hold both Lane and Sloan together for the first time! I can't even begin to describe how amazing it felt. It is was so cute how they just looked at eachother. We like to think they were thinking..."hey, I remember you!" :) I am pretty sure Scott was a little jealous. He said it is his turn tomorrow.
Scott and I were able to meet our pediatrician today too. After visiting with Dr. Walsh for awhile, we can already tell she is going to be a great fit for our family! She comes highly recommended from many of our friends and Dr. Naqvi, so we know Lane and Sloan will be in very good hands. Dr. Naqvi will also follow the babies for the next 18-24 months as well.
Both of our little roommates in the NICU went home yesterday, so it was a little too quiet in our room today. We sure did miss visiting with the parents, but we are thrilled that they were able to go home! I know we will remain in contact with them for many years. We love you baby Curren and Kaylor and can't wait to have a "playdate" soon:)
Lane and Sloan had a pretty quiet day today which is great! Both had a good weight gain tonight. Lane gained an ounce and now weighs 5 pounds 2 ounces. Sloan weighs 4 pounds 9 ounces.
Scott and I were able to meet our pediatrician today too. After visiting with Dr. Walsh for awhile, we can already tell she is going to be a great fit for our family! She comes highly recommended from many of our friends and Dr. Naqvi, so we know Lane and Sloan will be in very good hands. Dr. Naqvi will also follow the babies for the next 18-24 months as well.
Both of our little roommates in the NICU went home yesterday, so it was a little too quiet in our room today. We sure did miss visiting with the parents, but we are thrilled that they were able to go home! I know we will remain in contact with them for many years. We love you baby Curren and Kaylor and can't wait to have a "playdate" soon:)
Lane and Sloan had a pretty quiet day today which is great! Both had a good weight gain tonight. Lane gained an ounce and now weighs 5 pounds 2 ounces. Sloan weighs 4 pounds 9 ounces.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
5 Pounds!
Well folks...we officially have a 5 Pounder on our hands! YES, Lane's weight tonight is 5 pounds 1 ounce. She is getting so big that she is about to outgrow her preemie clothes. We are so ready to put that girl in some newborn clothes! Lane is continuing to nurse two times a day as long as she is awake during feeding times. For those of you that know me well, you know that I am a BIG planner, so I am having to learn to be flexible! I am told that I need to master that anyways before we go home:) When Lane is not nursing she is getting 42 cc. of milk through her feeding tube. It is hard to imagine that she started out getting only 1/2 cc. when she was born! She is still in her isolette, but it is no longer "climate controlled". She has maintained her temperature this past week, so are anticipating she will be back in an open crib again soon.
Sloan is continuing to amaze us everyday as well! He is still a little smaller than his sister, but he is slowly catching her. He had a big weight gain tonight and is now 4 pounds, 7 ounces. He looks just as chunky at Lane does, but he is a couple of inches shorter. I am sure everyone is real suprised to know that we do not have very long kiddos:) Sloan is also nursing two times a day, and actually does better than Lane does. He is such a little snuggler that I truly enjoy our special time together! When Sloan is not nursing he gets 37 cc. of milk. His feedings will go up tomorrow since he had such a good weight gain tonight. Sloan still gets breathing treatments and therapy every 12 hours to strengthen his lungs. We can tell they are both working as he is getting stronger and stronger each day.
We thank GOD each day for the "baby steps"...HE has been good to us!
Sloan is continuing to amaze us everyday as well! He is still a little smaller than his sister, but he is slowly catching her. He had a big weight gain tonight and is now 4 pounds, 7 ounces. He looks just as chunky at Lane does, but he is a couple of inches shorter. I am sure everyone is real suprised to know that we do not have very long kiddos:) Sloan is also nursing two times a day, and actually does better than Lane does. He is such a little snuggler that I truly enjoy our special time together! When Sloan is not nursing he gets 37 cc. of milk. His feedings will go up tomorrow since he had such a good weight gain tonight. Sloan still gets breathing treatments and therapy every 12 hours to strengthen his lungs. We can tell they are both working as he is getting stronger and stronger each day.
We thank GOD each day for the "baby steps"...HE has been good to us!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Sloan Joins the 4 Pound Club
Yesterday Sloan joined his sister in the 4 Pound Club!! Today he gained 2 more ounces, so he is now weighing in at 4 pounds 2 ounces. He is getting so big! I am also starting to nurse Sloan two times a day as long as he is awake during his assessment time. I love my bonding time with him, and it is teaching me the true meaning of patience:)
Lane was able to go into an open crib for about 12 hours, but she was having a little bit of a rough time so the doctor decided to put her back into her isolette and try again in a few days. It was about the same time she started nursing, so it may have just been too much for her to handle at once. She is doing great now! Lane is also steadily gaining more weight. Tonight she weighed 4 pounds 10 ounces. She is on her way to 5 pounds!
This past weekend we also learned something new about both Lane and Sloan...they LOVE to suck their thumbs!:) I know, I know...it's a bad habit, but I decided that if it makes them happy that's great!
Lane was able to go into an open crib for about 12 hours, but she was having a little bit of a rough time so the doctor decided to put her back into her isolette and try again in a few days. It was about the same time she started nursing, so it may have just been too much for her to handle at once. She is doing great now! Lane is also steadily gaining more weight. Tonight she weighed 4 pounds 10 ounces. She is on her way to 5 pounds!
This past weekend we also learned something new about both Lane and Sloan...they LOVE to suck their thumbs!:) I know, I know...it's a bad habit, but I decided that if it makes them happy that's great!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Dimples and Double Chins
Lane and Sloan are continuing to grow and are getting stronger!
We hit another huge milestone today....I was able to start nursing Lane! She did so well that I am going to start nursing her twice a day. She is still off CPAP and only desats after she eats as she still has some trouble with refluxing. Lane is now up to 4 pounds 7 ounces, and she has a double chin! We love it!
Sloan continues to amaze us since he pulled out his ET tube! He is OFF of CPAP as well and is breathing really well. He is now only a couple of tiny steps behind Lane! I am hoping to get to start nursing him soon. He now weighs 3 pounds 13 ounces....so close to joining the 4 Pound Club!:) The other day we noticed that Sloan has a big dimple on his right cheek....the same as his daddy!!
Both babies had their routine eye exam and there was no change from last Thursday, which is good. They will have another one next Thursday. We are looking forward to reaching their next milestone....being in an open crib! They will probably have the "open crib challenge" in the next couple of days to see if they are ready. They must be able to regulate their body temperature for a few hours. It will be so nice when they make this move. Then we will be able to simply reach down and pick them up:)
We hit another huge milestone today....I was able to start nursing Lane! She did so well that I am going to start nursing her twice a day. She is still off CPAP and only desats after she eats as she still has some trouble with refluxing. Lane is now up to 4 pounds 7 ounces, and she has a double chin! We love it!
Sloan continues to amaze us since he pulled out his ET tube! He is OFF of CPAP as well and is breathing really well. He is now only a couple of tiny steps behind Lane! I am hoping to get to start nursing him soon. He now weighs 3 pounds 13 ounces....so close to joining the 4 Pound Club!:) The other day we noticed that Sloan has a big dimple on his right cheek....the same as his daddy!!
Both babies had their routine eye exam and there was no change from last Thursday, which is good. They will have another one next Thursday. We are looking forward to reaching their next milestone....being in an open crib! They will probably have the "open crib challenge" in the next couple of days to see if they are ready. They must be able to regulate their body temperature for a few hours. It will be so nice when they make this move. Then we will be able to simply reach down and pick them up:)
Sunday, February 13, 2011
A BIG Week
After reading my last post, I realized that ALOT has happened since Tuesday!
Scott and I woke up Wednesday morning to several inches of snow on the ground, so we decided we would call the NICU to see how the babies were doing before we shoveled our car out of the parking lot. When Tana (one of fabulous nurses) answered the phone we could tell right away that she had some good news for us! She couldn't wait to tell us that Sloan had pulled out his ventilator tube and was breathing on his own!!! So, we threw on some clothes and headed to the hospital to see our BIG BOY!
I am happy to say that Sloan remains off of the ventilator, and as of 2:00 today he has graduated from SIPAP to CPAP! We are so proud of him. Sloan has also gained a couple of ounces since then. He now weighs 3 pounds 10 ounces!
Thursday morning was also a big day. Our little ones graduated to the next room! After being in the NICU everyday for 9 weeks we have figured out that the closer the babies get to the door, the closer they are to going home. While we are not there yet, we are ONE step closer:)
Lane didn't want Sloan to get all of the attention this week, so she decided to reach a couple of milestones herself. She hit 4 pounds lastnight!! She is actually getting some chunky cheeks and legs! Today Lane was also able to get off of CPAP. She has been off of it a couple of times before, but we are hopeful that she will not have to wear that mask anymore.
Every night this week we have been able to get both of the babies out at the same time and hold them for a couple of hours, and each night we rotate who we are holding. Tonight Scott held Lane and I held Sloan. I could hear Scott talking to Lane, but I couldn't figure out what he was saying. I finally asked him and he said that they were having judging practice! Oh boy....here we go!!
Scott and I woke up Wednesday morning to several inches of snow on the ground, so we decided we would call the NICU to see how the babies were doing before we shoveled our car out of the parking lot. When Tana (one of fabulous nurses) answered the phone we could tell right away that she had some good news for us! She couldn't wait to tell us that Sloan had pulled out his ventilator tube and was breathing on his own!!! So, we threw on some clothes and headed to the hospital to see our BIG BOY!
I am happy to say that Sloan remains off of the ventilator, and as of 2:00 today he has graduated from SIPAP to CPAP! We are so proud of him. Sloan has also gained a couple of ounces since then. He now weighs 3 pounds 10 ounces!
Thursday morning was also a big day. Our little ones graduated to the next room! After being in the NICU everyday for 9 weeks we have figured out that the closer the babies get to the door, the closer they are to going home. While we are not there yet, we are ONE step closer:)
Lane didn't want Sloan to get all of the attention this week, so she decided to reach a couple of milestones herself. She hit 4 pounds lastnight!! She is actually getting some chunky cheeks and legs! Today Lane was also able to get off of CPAP. She has been off of it a couple of times before, but we are hopeful that she will not have to wear that mask anymore.
Every night this week we have been able to get both of the babies out at the same time and hold them for a couple of hours, and each night we rotate who we are holding. Tonight Scott held Lane and I held Sloan. I could hear Scott talking to Lane, but I couldn't figure out what he was saying. I finally asked him and he said that they were having judging practice! Oh boy....here we go!!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
We HATE shots!!
Today Lane and Sloan received their 2 month immunizations...3 shots!! Sloan did pretty good, but Lane did not like them at all. Of course, the nurse had to tell me this because I asked her to give the shots when I was not going to be around:)
Other than the shots, we had a pretty good day today! Scott and I got to spend a lot of time in the NICU before the weather got bad. Two of our favorite nurses were in our room so it was nice to sit and visit with them while we hung out with the babies.
Lane is still weighing 3 pounds 9 ounces, and is still doing well on CPAP. We are anticipating her to be off of it real soon. Hopefully her lungs are getting strong enough! I thought Scott was going to change his first diaper (YES, his FIRST one!) but the nurse noticed his eyes watering so she let him off the hook:)
Sloan has lost an ounce and then gained it back. He weighs 3 pounds 7 ounces. He is still being weaned off of the ventilator. Today his rate was 24, so we are getting so close to 15! The doctor told us that having him off the ventilator by next week would be a great goal for him. We are saying our prayers and crossing our fingers!
Lastnight we experienced a "first"....Scott held Sloan at the same time I held Lane. It was great!
Looking forward to what progress tomorrow brings!
Other than the shots, we had a pretty good day today! Scott and I got to spend a lot of time in the NICU before the weather got bad. Two of our favorite nurses were in our room so it was nice to sit and visit with them while we hung out with the babies.
Lane is still weighing 3 pounds 9 ounces, and is still doing well on CPAP. We are anticipating her to be off of it real soon. Hopefully her lungs are getting strong enough! I thought Scott was going to change his first diaper (YES, his FIRST one!) but the nurse noticed his eyes watering so she let him off the hook:)
Sloan has lost an ounce and then gained it back. He weighs 3 pounds 7 ounces. He is still being weaned off of the ventilator. Today his rate was 24, so we are getting so close to 15! The doctor told us that having him off the ventilator by next week would be a great goal for him. We are saying our prayers and crossing our fingers!
Lastnight we experienced a "first"....Scott held Sloan at the same time I held Lane. It was great!
Looking forward to what progress tomorrow brings!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
8 weeks old
I cannot believe that Lane and Sloan are now 8 weeks old! I was looking back at their 6 week old pictures, and I cannot believe how much they have changed in the last couple of weeks. They both continue to amaze us everyday!
Lane is growing! In the last week she has consistenly gained weight. She now weighs 3 pounds 9 ounces, and is filling out her preemie clothes! She has also been off and on CPAP twice. The first time she was on high flow she did really well for a couple of days and then got tired. The doctors put her back on CPAP for a few days and then tried high flow again. The second time she was only able to tolerate it for about a day, when the decision was made to return to CPAP. We were alittle disappointed to have her back on CPAP, but of course we want what's best for her. Hopefully, this will only make her lungs stronger! Lane continues to love bath time (every Wednesday and Sunday) and her pacifier. She makes the loudest smacking noises when it's in her mouth! But, I believe her favorite thing is when her daddy holds her. The other day Scott was holding her and I overheard him telling her that she can never get married because he wanted her to live with him forever!:)
Our little man Sloan is over his infection!! His blood cultures came back negative. AMEN!! Hopefully we are done with those nasty infections. He is also growing. Sloan now weighs 3 pounds 4 ounces. He has the cutest short little legs and arms:) Sloan is still on the ventilator, but the doctors are still weaning his rate by 2 each day. He is now on a rate of 26, so we are getting closer to our goal of 15. I hope and pray that he will be on CPAP sometime next week. Unlike Lane, Sloan does NOT like bath time! Scott lets me know that little boys do not like baths! He does love a good back massage though. A couple of minutes of rubbing his back and he is calm and falling back to sleep.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support! I wake up every morning feeling extremely blessed for my new little family.
Lane is growing! In the last week she has consistenly gained weight. She now weighs 3 pounds 9 ounces, and is filling out her preemie clothes! She has also been off and on CPAP twice. The first time she was on high flow she did really well for a couple of days and then got tired. The doctors put her back on CPAP for a few days and then tried high flow again. The second time she was only able to tolerate it for about a day, when the decision was made to return to CPAP. We were alittle disappointed to have her back on CPAP, but of course we want what's best for her. Hopefully, this will only make her lungs stronger! Lane continues to love bath time (every Wednesday and Sunday) and her pacifier. She makes the loudest smacking noises when it's in her mouth! But, I believe her favorite thing is when her daddy holds her. The other day Scott was holding her and I overheard him telling her that she can never get married because he wanted her to live with him forever!:)
Our little man Sloan is over his infection!! His blood cultures came back negative. AMEN!! Hopefully we are done with those nasty infections. He is also growing. Sloan now weighs 3 pounds 4 ounces. He has the cutest short little legs and arms:) Sloan is still on the ventilator, but the doctors are still weaning his rate by 2 each day. He is now on a rate of 26, so we are getting closer to our goal of 15. I hope and pray that he will be on CPAP sometime next week. Unlike Lane, Sloan does NOT like bath time! Scott lets me know that little boys do not like baths! He does love a good back massage though. A couple of minutes of rubbing his back and he is calm and falling back to sleep.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support! I wake up every morning feeling extremely blessed for my new little family.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Lane and Sloan at Six Weeks Old
Little Lane Smiling....
Little Sloan
Daddy and Sloan
Mommy and Lane
Sloan's bathtime
Breathing on her own,
what a big girl!
Mommy changing Sloan's diaper
Happy....
Lane's sweet little hands
And her sweet little foot
Patiently waiting for his bath
Very alert during his massage
Sloan's sweet toes.....
....and he's already had a little trim
Lane having her dinner
Sloan
Lane
Saturday, January 29, 2011
3 Pounds!!
The most exciting news for the day...Lane hit the 3 pound mark!!!! The nurse was going to wait and weigh Sloan at his 11:30 assessment, but we are pretty sure he will be 3 pounds as well! Our little ones are growing!
We have a lot to be thankful for!
Lane is doing well breathing on her own, tolerating 25 cc of milk (yes, almost an ounce), and sucking on her pacifier. She is already addicted to that thing:) She gets mad when it falls out of her mouth and she can't find it. Lane still has a little trouble with reflux but it seems to be getting better.
Sloan has about another 7-10 days of antibotics, but I think he is feeling better everyday! He is up to 16 1/2 cc. of milk and is tolerating it very well. He is still on the ventilator and after a couple of days of leaving the rate alone, they have started him back on a chronic wean. This means the rate on his ventilator will be decreased by 2 each morning. Tomorrow morning I expect the rate to be at 35. Hopefully, he will be able to get off the vent soon!! That is my prayer for our little man!
Both Lane and Sloan have graduated out of the Giraffe beds and into smaller isolettes. They have also graduated out of the xs preemie diapers and into preemie diapers! Thankful for the BABY STEPS:)
We have a lot to be thankful for!
Lane is doing well breathing on her own, tolerating 25 cc of milk (yes, almost an ounce), and sucking on her pacifier. She is already addicted to that thing:) She gets mad when it falls out of her mouth and she can't find it. Lane still has a little trouble with reflux but it seems to be getting better.
Sloan has about another 7-10 days of antibotics, but I think he is feeling better everyday! He is up to 16 1/2 cc. of milk and is tolerating it very well. He is still on the ventilator and after a couple of days of leaving the rate alone, they have started him back on a chronic wean. This means the rate on his ventilator will be decreased by 2 each morning. Tomorrow morning I expect the rate to be at 35. Hopefully, he will be able to get off the vent soon!! That is my prayer for our little man!
Both Lane and Sloan have graduated out of the Giraffe beds and into smaller isolettes. They have also graduated out of the xs preemie diapers and into preemie diapers! Thankful for the BABY STEPS:)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Back in the Right Direction
Today was a good day for Lane and Sloan!
My mom and I walked into the NICU this morning to the nurse saying that she wanted to try something new with Lane. I looked into her isolette and noticed that her head wrap was off....she was off of CPAP!! We were thrilled! She now has two prongs in her nose giving her a small amount of oxygen (she was at 22% most of the day). We know that there is always a chance that she may have to go back on CPAP, but she did so well today that we are hoping that CPAP is a thing of the past for her. It was so nice to look into her isolette throughout the day and see her little face. Nothing on her face is covered up anymore! Lane also gained a little weight today. She is now 2 pounds 13 ounces. A BIG day for our BIG girl!
Sloan also had a good day today. He was more alert during assessment time and a little less sensitive than he has been in the last few days. His progress is a little slower than Lane's, but the important thing is that he is progressing! The doctor decided to stop his chronic wean on the ventilator for a couple of days. They don't want to push him too hard. He is at a rate of 39. Our goal for Sloan is to get to a rate of 15 and tolerate that before he can move on to SIPAP and CPAP. We have faith that he is getting better and moving in the right direction!
My mom and I walked into the NICU this morning to the nurse saying that she wanted to try something new with Lane. I looked into her isolette and noticed that her head wrap was off....she was off of CPAP!! We were thrilled! She now has two prongs in her nose giving her a small amount of oxygen (she was at 22% most of the day). We know that there is always a chance that she may have to go back on CPAP, but she did so well today that we are hoping that CPAP is a thing of the past for her. It was so nice to look into her isolette throughout the day and see her little face. Nothing on her face is covered up anymore! Lane also gained a little weight today. She is now 2 pounds 13 ounces. A BIG day for our BIG girl!
Sloan also had a good day today. He was more alert during assessment time and a little less sensitive than he has been in the last few days. His progress is a little slower than Lane's, but the important thing is that he is progressing! The doctor decided to stop his chronic wean on the ventilator for a couple of days. They don't want to push him too hard. He is at a rate of 39. Our goal for Sloan is to get to a rate of 15 and tolerate that before he can move on to SIPAP and CPAP. We have faith that he is getting better and moving in the right direction!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Ride Continues
I hate that I have waited this long to give an update! We have been so busy during the day and ready for bed as soon as we get back to the Ronald McDonald House.
Our rollercoaster ride continues!
The last time I posted Sloan had developed his second infection. It ended up being an infection in his blood. The doctors decided to put him on antibotics for 3 weeks. While that infection started to get better, our little Sloan now has what the doctors call a "water bug" from all of the secretions that the ventilator caused. So once again his antibotics were changed to fight this bug. Sloan is also receiving medicine to prevent him from having a yeast infection (he is at risk for this from being on antibotics for so long). Unfortunately, since he is not feeling well, his rate on the ventilator has been increased. It seems to be a vicious cycle. Being on the ventilator for so long has caused him some problems, and the problems cause him to go up on the ventilator. It is very frustrating! On a positive note, Sloan's coloring is great and he is no longer puffy. He is also gaining weight. Tonight he weighs 2 pounds 11 ounces. He is getting closer to the 3 pound mark!!
Lane is continuing to do great on CPAP! This gives her pressure but allows her to breathe on her own. She has to wear a little head wrap to keep her nose piece on, and you can tell she doesn't like that too much! I keep waiting for her to pull it off!:) During assessment time, the nurse will take off her head wrap and nose piece and it is amazing watching her hang out and breathe completely on her own. That is one of my favorite times of the day! Her oxygen rate fluctuates some, but on average it is set at about 26 (room air is 21). It is exciting and scary to think that in a short amount of time she could be off of CPAP. Lane is also close to 3 pounds. She weighs 2 pounds 12 ounces.
The best part of my day happened just an hour ago...Scott held his baby girl for the first time! I will never forget the image of Scott smiling from ear to ear with Lane all snuggled up in his arms. I can tell she is going to a Daddy's girl...she loved it just as much as he did!
Our rollercoaster ride continues!
The last time I posted Sloan had developed his second infection. It ended up being an infection in his blood. The doctors decided to put him on antibotics for 3 weeks. While that infection started to get better, our little Sloan now has what the doctors call a "water bug" from all of the secretions that the ventilator caused. So once again his antibotics were changed to fight this bug. Sloan is also receiving medicine to prevent him from having a yeast infection (he is at risk for this from being on antibotics for so long). Unfortunately, since he is not feeling well, his rate on the ventilator has been increased. It seems to be a vicious cycle. Being on the ventilator for so long has caused him some problems, and the problems cause him to go up on the ventilator. It is very frustrating! On a positive note, Sloan's coloring is great and he is no longer puffy. He is also gaining weight. Tonight he weighs 2 pounds 11 ounces. He is getting closer to the 3 pound mark!!
Lane is continuing to do great on CPAP! This gives her pressure but allows her to breathe on her own. She has to wear a little head wrap to keep her nose piece on, and you can tell she doesn't like that too much! I keep waiting for her to pull it off!:) During assessment time, the nurse will take off her head wrap and nose piece and it is amazing watching her hang out and breathe completely on her own. That is one of my favorite times of the day! Her oxygen rate fluctuates some, but on average it is set at about 26 (room air is 21). It is exciting and scary to think that in a short amount of time she could be off of CPAP. Lane is also close to 3 pounds. She weighs 2 pounds 12 ounces.
The best part of my day happened just an hour ago...Scott held his baby girl for the first time! I will never forget the image of Scott smiling from ear to ear with Lane all snuggled up in his arms. I can tell she is going to a Daddy's girl...she loved it just as much as he did!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Great Day!
Today was probably Lane and Sloan's best day so far!
Sloan is starting to feel better. He was calm, yet alert and moving around a lot today. He got 2 cc. of milk and tolerated it really well, so tomorrow he will get 3 1/2 cc. every 4 hours. The doctor was also able to lower his ventilator rate from 55 to 45. Sloan is also starting to gain weight. He is now 2 pounds 3 ounces. It was such a blessing to walk into their room today and see our little man with his eyes wide open looking around.
Lane is still off the venitlator and she is doing great! It is so neat to be able to see her entire little face. Yes, my predictions were correct...she IS a cutie! She continues to do really well on SIPAP. Today her rate was lowered from 30 to 20. We are expecting to walk in the room tomorrow and see it lowered to 15. Lane has not gained any weight in the last couple of days, but she is holding steady at 2 pounds 5 ounces. She is so close to gaining 1 pound since birth (she was born 1.6). I like to think that she is waiting for her brother to catch up to her and then they will both take off together!:)
We are so thankful that our prayers were answered today!
Sloan is starting to feel better. He was calm, yet alert and moving around a lot today. He got 2 cc. of milk and tolerated it really well, so tomorrow he will get 3 1/2 cc. every 4 hours. The doctor was also able to lower his ventilator rate from 55 to 45. Sloan is also starting to gain weight. He is now 2 pounds 3 ounces. It was such a blessing to walk into their room today and see our little man with his eyes wide open looking around.
Lane is still off the venitlator and she is doing great! It is so neat to be able to see her entire little face. Yes, my predictions were correct...she IS a cutie! She continues to do really well on SIPAP. Today her rate was lowered from 30 to 20. We are expecting to walk in the room tomorrow and see it lowered to 15. Lane has not gained any weight in the last couple of days, but she is holding steady at 2 pounds 5 ounces. She is so close to gaining 1 pound since birth (she was born 1.6). I like to think that she is waiting for her brother to catch up to her and then they will both take off together!:)
We are so thankful that our prayers were answered today!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Rollercoaster Ride
The last few days have been full of ups and downs. The doctors, nurses, and others that have experienced time in the NICU all tell us that our journey here will be like a rollercoaster ride. While we hear them say that over and over, we are never prepared for the bumps along the way.
This past Wednesday Sloan developed his second infection. It is an infection in his blood. The doctors think that it may have been caused from the infection he had two weeks ago. Fortunately, it was caught early and antibotics were started right away. Unfortunately, it is a step back. His ventilator is set at a rate of 55 (it was 28), and he is back to eating 1/2 cc every 4 hours. He has been pretty calm for the most part and has been able to sleep quite a bit. It is going to take a few days for the antibotics to run its course. We are praying he feels better real soon and can get back on track. It kills me to know he is not feeling well.
Like I said....it is a rollercoaster ride, so while there are down moments there are also ups! Scott called the NICU this morning to check on the babies and we received some exciting news. Miss Lane decided to pull out her venitilator, and she was breathing on her own!!! The past few days she has been moving her head from side to side. I told Scott I thought she was doing that because she was tired of the tube in her mouth. Sure enough that is exactly what she was trying to tell us. I guess she decided to take matters into her own hands and take it out herself! We rushed to the hospital and for the first time we were able to see her precious little cheeks and mouth. (they have been covered up with tape to hold the ventilator in) We also couldn't wait to hear our baby girl cry:) While we haven't heard a big cry yet, we have heard her little whimper. The nurse said it may take her a day or two to "find her voice". Hopefully tomorrow will be the day! So, now Lane is on CPAP. It allows her to breathe on her own, but it will kick in and give her a breath if she needs one. We know that there is a chance she will have to go back on the ventilator, but we are living in the moment and remaining positive! The nurses in the NICU like to joke with us about what a strong willed little girl we have. She has a mind of her own! Wonder where she gets that.....DAD?!
This past Wednesday Sloan developed his second infection. It is an infection in his blood. The doctors think that it may have been caused from the infection he had two weeks ago. Fortunately, it was caught early and antibotics were started right away. Unfortunately, it is a step back. His ventilator is set at a rate of 55 (it was 28), and he is back to eating 1/2 cc every 4 hours. He has been pretty calm for the most part and has been able to sleep quite a bit. It is going to take a few days for the antibotics to run its course. We are praying he feels better real soon and can get back on track. It kills me to know he is not feeling well.
Like I said....it is a rollercoaster ride, so while there are down moments there are also ups! Scott called the NICU this morning to check on the babies and we received some exciting news. Miss Lane decided to pull out her venitilator, and she was breathing on her own!!! The past few days she has been moving her head from side to side. I told Scott I thought she was doing that because she was tired of the tube in her mouth. Sure enough that is exactly what she was trying to tell us. I guess she decided to take matters into her own hands and take it out herself! We rushed to the hospital and for the first time we were able to see her precious little cheeks and mouth. (they have been covered up with tape to hold the ventilator in) We also couldn't wait to hear our baby girl cry:) While we haven't heard a big cry yet, we have heard her little whimper. The nurse said it may take her a day or two to "find her voice". Hopefully tomorrow will be the day! So, now Lane is on CPAP. It allows her to breathe on her own, but it will kick in and give her a breath if she needs one. We know that there is a chance she will have to go back on the ventilator, but we are living in the moment and remaining positive! The nurses in the NICU like to joke with us about what a strong willed little girl we have. She has a mind of her own! Wonder where she gets that.....DAD?!
Sloan & Lane Are One Month Old
Thank you Lisa Johnson for sharing your talent with us!
They got all dressed up for their pictures.....
Baby Lane Kathryn
Baby Sloan Benson
Sloan's respiratory therapy
Lane Having Her Dinner
Mommy and Daddy Love You Both VERY Much!
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