How are we already into the third week?? I have a feeling that I’m going to feel this way with each passing week!
Parker can now visit with family!
Parker with Papaw
Grandma & Parker
Monday was certainly not one of my favorite days for sure – not going to lie. And I know it wasn’t one of Eric’s as he had to go back to work this week 😦 To say the least, I was not a fan of our nurse. It was the first time that I felt like the care for Hannah and Parker (especially Parker) was not consistent with all the other nurses we’ve had, and I certainly did I appreciate the way she handled some situations. In the little amount of time Eric was here, he was about ready to box her! Maybe it was a good thing he went back to work because I don’t think he would have lasted all day! Thankfully, Tuesday morning, I spoke to the NICU Manager and requested to not have her again, if at all possible. She was very understanding, and it sounds like we shouldn’t have a problem… fingered crossed!
However, interesting news during rounds on Monday, the original doctor that was on our delivery and that was with us the first week was back and asked for the results of Hannah’s chromosome tests. Come to find out, the real reason why they ordered the test was because her heart condition is considered to be balanced AV Canal Defect, verses unbalanced. I guess patients with balanced AV Canal almost 100% of the time also have Down Syndrome. I think she shocked them all that she doesn’t have it!
Parker and Hannah are doing so well, and really at this point, no big news is good news! They continue to tolerate their increased feedings (Parker is up to just about an ounce and half and Hannah is up to a full ounce)! Iron has also been added into their formula to help with their red blood cell counts. Parker is still on the caffeine until next week, but it really seems to be working. As of Thursday, Parker is getting closer and closer to being able to bottle feed, or at least try! After getting the ok to try from the doctor, he of course hasn’t shown any signs of wanting a bottle with the past few feedings. Maybe by this weekend!
Miss Hannah
Both have had good weight gains throughout the week and while I would love for their nose tubes to come out (it’s a battle to keep them in – both know how to pull them out!), I don’t want them having to work harder to breathe and burn more calories. Hopefully it’s won’t be too much longer! Thursday, we gave them baths and had to take off all of Hannah’s wires and stickers so I finally got to see her pretty little face without anything on it! So cute! I know it won’t be too much longer before we get to take her home, but I can’t help but feel bad for either one of them since I know how much they can’t stand all the tape on their faces 😦
This weekend has brought some exciting new events for both kiddos! Parker finally started trying a bottle! He hasn’t taken much, but it’s a start! He’ll get the hang of it here soon – all the nurses say that once they figure it out, it’s like a light bulb goes off and they act like they’ve been taking a bottle for years, haha. He also got to try out a swing for the first time! Here we’ve been calling him such a big boy compared to his sister, but once we put him in the swing – he look so tiny again! Parker enjoyed it for the most part, but it was funny to watch when he opened his eyes you could tell he didn’t know exactly what was going on!
On Sunday, Hannah and Parker got baths again, but this time we were able to put them in the tub, which was basically a rubber maid box! LOL Parker finally lost his umbilical cord, so he can finally get a real bath. After their baths, we were able to put them into the crib together so they could meet for the first time in three weeks! I think Eric and I enjoyed it more than the kids!! Parker definitely had that look on his face like “I’m here, and I’ll take a few pictures, but I’m not thrilled about this!” While Hannah still has just a few more ounces to gain before she can move out the isolette, she at least got a taste of what life feels like outside of the box!
In just a week, Parker has gained 10 ounces and Hannah gained 6 ounces, but in the short three weeks, both have gained close to a pound!
Hannah's first tub bath!
Miss Hannah
Freah Baby Parker!
Hannah & Parker 1.22.12
hpgreen 