continuing - on track

Both Mary Louise and David did very well today. Mary Louise is still hard at work with her breathing. What a big girl she is at just 2 pounds 4 ounces - showing that vent (and the doctor for that matter) who's boss! Her feedings have been increased once more to 20mls and we really hope she starts to gain weight again soon. Her medications are slowly being switched to PO (given by mouth) and she is working towards yet another goal - no IV lines! Oh her dopamine was discontinued as well. We heard her cry loud and clear today. It is just the most precious sound in the world to us and although we've been told differently, I can't imagine that I'll ever really get tired of hearing it. She makes the sweetest pouty faces and the corner of her mouth sometimes draws up and she looks like she's smiling.

The biggest news (for us anyhow) is that we got to hold her again - for a whole hour!! I will post photos later - maybe tomorrow? Brent and I are having a much needed date night complete with dinner and a movie so I must make this blog rather short. Anyhow, it was just heaven to stare at her in awe while she stared right back - no plastic walls between us. Tomorrow, the plan is to get an order from the doctor so that we may hold her each day!

Little David is still trucking along - his Nitric Oxide was in fact turned off which means one giant machine will be removed from his little corner! He also had a significant poop today! (ok - once they start going regularly, I'll stop documenting every single one, but right now, we just get so very excited about them - as ridiculous as it sounds) Overall he looks very good and seems a little calmer although he still has his particulars - position must be just right and he simply does not like to be touched - especially not tapped, rubbed or moved. He does tolerate a simple offering of a finger or a cuddle around the head and feet quite well though. We just can't wait until we can hold him as well - I just know that day will come soon! and I'm hoping that maybe he'll handle it well once he's in our arms. I'm told (by the nurses) that once holding can start that the babies tend to relax a bit more and sleep much better. They were also able to wean his cotisone slightly but have not yet made progress on the dopamine - one thing at a time seems to be working though.

Must get back to date night! The progress continues!! and we are just thrilled!

Love to all,
Heather