We've had another positive day today. Both babies remain stable as of this afternoon. It's now 10pm and we haven't had a phone call yet...
Mary Louise unfortunately had to have her umbilical artery line removed today. Her blood cultures were still positive this morning so they went ahead and removed it. Hopefully, she will be able to tolerate being weaned from the ventilator in the next week or so. This will greatly reduce the number of heel sticks necessary. Other than that she is doing well overall. They started feeding pedialyte today - very small amount to start. Apparently, choosing to feed pedialyte prior to breast milk is the doctor's preference. It is thought that maybe the pedialyte would be easier on the gut at first as it only takes basic absorption to digest it - no enzymes or real processing necessary. Residual gastric volume is checked after a time post feeding. After the first one, she didn't have any residual - showing her body processed the pedialyte well.
I've just received a phone call from the NICU that Mary Louise extubated herself for a bit. The doctor had to come in and reintubate her 20 minutes later though. He just wanted to let me know that they tried the cannula once more. Determined little buggar right?
David is doing well overall with weaning the rate on the ventilator. Weaing his oxygen level is a bit slower but progress is being made all the same. He opened his right eye while we were there. He makes the funniest little grumpy and serious faces. He has been trying so hard for awhile to open those eyes - wrinkling his little forehead. His nurse just told me on the phone that his left one is open now as well. If he can tolerate his oxygen level at 30% or below, they will start to wean the nitric oxide. He is currently at 42% which is down from 47% about 3 hours ago. The surgeon came to see him today to follow up again on his belly. He was pleased with David's progress and the appearance of his incision.
In response to the demand, we've taken many more photos of our 2 little miracles. The first ones of David are dark but there are some better ones later in the album. Enjoy...
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Wonderful experience, so much love to share.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful babies! How wonderful that they are both gaining weight and I am so very sorry about Kuylen's passing. I just found your blog yesterday and was so heartbroken when I read your story. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you as you continue your life as parents of triplets.
ReplyDeletePrecious babies! You will be amazed at the strength thise tiny babies have! I am a mother of 2 micro preemies (3 yrs apart!) and am to this day in awe of them! Sounds like Mary Louise is tired of the vent!
ReplyDeleteLaura (Pulaski, TN)
They are just so precious. I am so happy that you had good news today. Hopefully with their determination and prayers they will keep it up.
ReplyDeleteYipee for happy baby days!!!! I'm hooked on this blog like my trollin' ed pts on crack, loracet, soma and xanax, haha! That Mary Louise is CUTTIN' UP in the NICU going straight from pt to pulmonologist-extubating herself! David is just the strongest little soldier ever too! He probably hears your voices and is trying his hardest to get both those eyes wide open so he can just silently say a quick, "Hullo, Mum, Hullo Dad". (For some reason they both have an English accent right now in my head). Heather, I just love you and Brentypoo and can't even express the amount of respect and awe I have for your strength and spirit! Most women get ta-ta'ing from the birth or the c-section...you only mention your physiological changes from the end of the pregnancy and surgery as a sideline after repeated inquiries! Brent, you are an amazing tower of strength with sensitivity and attachment to these precious gifts from God, how you poke at my heart with unabashed loved for these babies and support for Heather, for the open prayers for your family! I am lifting you all up in prayer and love knowing that the Lord is covering the Leblanc's with His love, attention and grace because HE has all the power. I wish I could do something to help speed their progress along, but am inadequate and helpless, so I pray...it's all I can do and will continue to do so. I just pray, and know, He will supply all you need for each day as it approaches. I pray today along with continued progress for David and Mary, wisdom and guidance for all who care for them and another joyful, heartening day for Mom and Dad! Love you both sooo much! Okay, this is now a book and I have to go to bed--love you guys!
ReplyDeleteGo Mary Louise....we women learn early that we have minds of our own and know how to use them! How did the rest of the pedialyte feedings go? How long will they do that before allowing the breast milk? Hopefully it won't be long and David can join her for dinner. By the way, it is official, i am addicted to your children and their well-being. i start early each day and check throughout the day and before bed. My eyes are swollen every morning 'cause i cry at nite with you when things have been bad and rejoice in tears when the day has been good. We will pray that it is a wonderful 1st Mother's Day for you.
ReplyDeletelove, marsha
We miss those babies, you and Brent. The pictures will just have to do.
ReplyDeleteCindy and Charles
Ha! Mary Louise is the little noncompliant patient, eh? What a little stinker! And we're all cheering on David to open those eyes wider! :) Can you tell who they look like? They're just precious from your photos...
ReplyDeleteHannah
Glad to hear continued good news! Amazing how their PDAs have closed. That is such a blessing!
ReplyDeleteHope all stays well, and hope little Mary Louise gets those nasal progns soon! Their little noses are so small it often takes a while before they can put them in since the size 0 prongs are too big for their nostrils!
Yay for feedings starting soon; never heard of doing pedialyte first, but awesome that she tolerated it! I hope that she does great with the tropic feeds! Just think, you're already weeks ahead on the pumping :)
Thank you for sharing more photos of your babies - they are so beautiful! ** Wishing you a blessed first Mother's Day, Heather **
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