Our life in NICU

Today I'm posting our journal of the babies progress since my last blog. Our world has been a little crazy lately. We moved into the new house and are trying to get everything settled. I seem to be a bit scatter brained, dropping things, losing my wallet in the parking lot at the hospital, and simply wasting the little amount of time that I do have with unnecessary tasks. The only feeling of control I have is to be at work right now. We thank you all for all of your kind words, facebook posts, texts, calls, cards and everything that you have done. It truly means so much to us. Special thanks to the ladies that came to our home to set up the nursery and unpack my kitchen. What a relief of stress you all took off my shoulders. I seem to find peace when I sit in their nursery and think about when they will be home. 


3-12-11
Both babies did really good today, Blake took a bottle and Dax was able to regulate his temperature. Blake has been dubbed the teradactyl, the wounded rabbit, the cat caught in a tree, and who knows what other names the nurses have given my itty bit. You know whatever that name is they probably are not gonna tell mama bear.

Diaper Duty:
So papa has been peed on multiple times now and I find it to be quite entertaining to say the least. Keep in mind this is the same man that said multiple times during the pregnancy that he was not going to be changing diapers. One thing that we have learned as a result of the rain showers is that if you see a baby boner you best take cover. Baby boner means that Dax man is about to spray you at any given second. Oh and one more thing, you always want to be pointed south bound in order to prevent wet clothes.

Clothes:
Since both have been doing so well they were able to wear clothes for the first time. I'm in the progress of getting their matching OU shirts and booties washed and ready so they can wear them next.


3-17-11:
Two cute little leprechauns stopped by the nurses station and left them a bag of little cuties, snickers, kit kats, and some cookies. Their names were Blake and Dax and they felt so lucky to have the best NICU nurses. Overall we think it was a hit and why not give the nurses a little extra incentive to be extra nice to our little itty bits. Dax the same baby that has slept through feedings decided that in honor of St. Patty's Day he would take an entire bottle. St Patty's day is the day of drinking so what a better day to begin taking the bottle. 


Our sweet Blake began having lime green vomit so she had all her feedings taken away to give her intestines a break. She is currently being observed, x-rayed, and has had part one of her lower GI testing. We are hoping and praying there is nothing wrong and that it's just a preemie thing. 


03-20-11:
Feedings are monitored very closely since we are trying to gain weight and make sure the baby gets the exact amount provided (no more or no less) So when they told me I could breastfeed for the first time I was so excited. It started out pretty funny considering TB told Dax this was his first tit even though it was his mom's there would be a lot more in his life time. Yes that was said to my sweet baby.



03-21-11:
We received the results of Blake's tests and so far they have ruled out genetic disorders and are leaning more towards this being a premature issue with her intestines. They began her feedings again at 3cc's a feeding. She is seriously pounding the 3cc's in literally 30 seconds. The amount is such a small amount that the nurse puts the milk in the tip of bottle nipple. 


SSBRTPDF:
Suck, Swallow, Breath, Regulate Temperature, Poop, and Digest Food is our life of the NICU world. We are on that roller coaster ride 24/7 and every day that we get good news that they have done this we get a set back so to say the least it makes for a very stressed out mom and dad. We go to the hospital everyday for the 3 wake time and stay till 7 or later. Our excitement is to take a temperature, change a diaper in hopes of a stool, hold them, and hope that they are going to take the bottle. Dax started out slowly and to date can pound 60cc's in less than 5 minutes, he's an animal. Blake is still putting it all together and working towards this accomplishment. She is currently on 20cc's and we hope everyday that she digests the little bit that she receives so we can get her closer to getting out of there.  Both are still in the isolates with temperature control. A week ago we thought we were close to getting Dax home and then he had to go back to his isolate due to temp control. 


03-27-11:
Four weeks ago today my sweet darlings were born. I still have not forgotten that pain to all of those who say you just forget it...umm not so much. Today we are waiting on testing for Blake and trying to rule out surgery. This is a bitter sweet day as we wait in anticipation of the outcome. She has been off food again as a result of the green vile return. This go around they did an upper GI test so we are just waiting and hoping it's positive results.My sweet baby had a rough day today. 

4 Weeks old 4 pounds 2oz

4 weeks old 5 pounds 3 oz

In Blake's short life she has now had a blood transfusion, 3 picc lines, multiple iv's, a lower GI test, and an upper GI test. She is a little fighter let me tell ya. So far they have ruled out surgery at Childrens, ruled out genetic disorders, and are now trying to diagnose the mystery. They resumed feedings and we are hoping this is reflux; however this has not officially been diagnosed.  Dax on the other hand is growing like a little bean, pounding the bottle except when it's his vitamins, pooping pretty much every diaper, and trying to get his temperature under control so he can go home. To date he has failed two crib tests, this is where he comes out of his isolate and they see if he can keep his temp up. If he fails he goes back into his little home. I like to say that he knows his tab is running and mom and dad are footing the bill. He has had one blood transfusion, one picc line, and to date he is officially not any kind of feeding tube or iv (fingers crossed this does not return). 


You know your life has changed when you go to dinner and toast your glass of wine to your baby having a poopy diaper. We never thought this would happen and no we will not become mini van owners. When Dax has a poopy diaper Daddy passes it off to me because he's not feeling the daddy vibe; however he has a deal with Blake that if she will give us one he will change it every time. 


Enjoy,
Ma & Pa

Hi Aidan

Blake's future boyfriend was born today! She was so excited to learn that Aunt Meredith was in labor. 

to big for preemie clothes, to small for newborn...

What up mom?

Beautiful handmade quilts that we love...

Pounding the bottle...

Sweet Blake 

Could not resist a mohawk

the bottle hold

love my little man

Blake on the bottle

first outfit

learning to bottle feed

Apnea (Thank goodness we are done with this...freaked me out every time.)

Apnea is another common health problem among premature babies. During an apnea spell, a baby stops breathing, the heart rate may decrease, and the skin may turn pale, purplish, or blue. Apnea is usually caused by immaturity in the area of the brain that controls the drive to breathe. Almost all babies born at 30 weeks or less will experience apnea. Apnea spells become less frequent with age.

In the NICU, all premature babies are monitored for apnea spells. Treating apnea can be as simple as gently stimulating the infant to restart breathing. However, when apnea occurs frequently, the infant may require medication (most commonly caffeine) and/or a special nasal device that blows a steady stream of air into the airways to keep them open.

Monitoring and alarm systems

Monitoring machines vary depending on the hospital and NICU. However, all monitors record the heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature. A pulse oximeter may be taken to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. You may notice that your newborn has various sticky pads or cuffs on his chest, legs, arms or other body parts. These sticky pads and cuffs have wires that connect to the monitor which often looks like a television screen and displays various numbers.
*Alarm systems go off periodically in the NICU and it does not always indicate an emergency.
Methods of feeding (Depends on the premature newborn’s individual needs)
Intravenous lines – This method carries nutrition directly into the blood stream. This method is used for premature babies who have immature digestive systems and are not able to suck, swallow and breathe in a coordinated manner. This method may also be used when treatment for other health complications is being implemented. An IV may be placed in the scalp, arm or leg.
Umbilical catheter – This method involves a tube that is surgically placed into a vessel of the umbilical cord. Don’t worry it is not painful. This method can carry potential risks (infection or blood clots) and therefore is used only for the most critical babies and with those who may need this type of feeding for several weeks. For these critical babies, it is the safest and most appropriate way to supply nutrients.
Oral and nasal feeding – This method involves a narrow flexible tube threaded through their nose (nasogastric tube) or mouth (orogastric tube). This method is provided for babies who are ready to digest breast milk or formula but still not able to suck, swallow and breathe in a coordinated manner.
Central line (sometimes referred to as a PICC line) - This is an intravenous line that is inserted into a vein, often in the arm which allows use for a larger vein. This is normally used to deliver nutrients and medicines that would otherwise irritate smaller veins.

Other equipment

Incubator – A clear plastic crib that keeps babies warm and helps protect them from germs and noise.
Bili lights – This is a bright blue fluorescent light that is located over your baby’s incubator. This light is used to treat jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes).

What is Kangaroo Care? (our favorite)

Kangaroo care is placing a premature baby in an upright position on a mother’s bare chest allowing tummy to tummy contact and placing the premature baby in between the mother’s breasts. The baby’s head is turned so that the ear is above the parent’s heart. Many studies have shown significant benefits. According to Krisanne Larimer, author of “Kangarooing Our Little Miracles”, Kangaroo care has been shown to help premature newborns with:

• Body temperature – Studies have shown that mothers have thermal synchrony with their baby. The study also concluded that when the baby was cold, the mother’s body temperature would increase to warm the baby up and visa versa.
• Breastfeeding – Kangaroo care allows easy access to the breast and skin-to-skin contact increases milk let-down.
• Increase weight gain – Kangaroo care allows the baby to fall into a deep sleep which allows the baby to conserve energy for more important things. Increased weight gain means shorter hospital stay.
• Increased intimacy and attachment

How YOU can participate in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

There are other ways besides breastfeeding and Kangaroo Care that a mother or father can help care for their baby in the NICU. Both the mother and father are encouraged by the NICU staff to interact with their baby. As a mother or father you may not see how it is possible to interact with your baby with all the wires, machines and incubator in the way. Surprisingly, there are quite a few ways you can accomplish this:

1. Touch your baby as much as possible. You can do this through gentle touch or even stroking motions.
2. Talk to your baby. Your baby is used to your voice(s) and it could be comforting to hear you. Along with talking you can read or sing to your baby.
3. Change your baby’s diaper.
4. Participate in your baby’s first bath. Depending on your baby’s progress, you may use washcloths or sponges to do this.
5. Take your baby’s temperature.