Update

A lot of people have asked how the girls are doing, how long they will be in the NICU and other related questions. I am going to try to keep this updated to answer any and all questions!

As for the girls. They are both stable and doing well.

Mackenzie is tolerating full feedings. At this point they go directly to her tummy through a tube. However, she nurses when I am with her and takes at least one bottle of breast milk a day. She doesn't get a full feeding in then but it is a start. It is a lot of work for her to get everything she needs herself. She is gaining weight well! Yesterday she gained an ounce and a half. She is one ounce shy of her birth weight...3lbs 7oz! She has been breathing on her own for about a week now. She only needed a cpap for some forced oxygen for a short bit at the beginning. She is no longer receiving any additional medicine or IVs. At this point, she is "sleeping and growing". As soon as she gets a little fat on her she will hopefully be able to maintain her temp with little work and make it one step closer to coming home!

Our fiesty little princess!

Awake and Alert!

Caroline was progressing right along side her sister until the weekend. While she is still stable and doing quite well she has been diagnosed with PDA causing a slight heart murmur. This is VERY common with preemies. Part of the heart remains open when inside mom. Typically this part closes shortly after birth in all babies. However with Caroline it has not yet closed! She is being treated for this right now with medicine. This medicine can cause upset tummies along with other side effects. The doctors have put her back on IV nutrition to avoid any tummy issues. Aside from that she is tolerating the medicine well and is having no other issues. In fact, the PDA is showing minimal symptoms! We are hoping the medicine works quickly to close the duct and she can start feedings again soon to catch up with her sister! However, she is still gaining weight and slightly bigger than her sister...3lbs 8oz!

Caroline and Daddy

Sweet Caroline!

We were told that the girls would be in the NICU for about 5 weeks. With one week down we are hoping it is 4 weeks or LESS until they are both home with us! The nurses have no reason to think that the girls wouldn't be home with us by Labor Day! Continued prayers that they continue to do well and make strides towards coming home as soon as possible are greatly appreciated! Big brother Alex has seen his sisters 3 times. He seems very interested in the "bees" or "bays" and will tell you he has "two" sisters when asked (most of the time)! We can NOT wait until our family of five is together!!!