40 days

Today marks 40 days in the NICU...40 days since our babies were born. In some ways it seems like just yesterday we were rushing to the hospital for their birth, but in other ways it seems like an eternity. We know that we still have many miles to travel along our NICU journey. We are also thankful for the stability both Drake and Kennedy have had lately.

Kennedy is doing really well. She is continuing to tolerate her feedings. She gets fed every three hours slowly over a two hour period. Her ventilator settings are very minimal and she is continuing to grow 3# 3oz. Before we know it she will be ready for another try at the CPAP. We enjoy our daily kangaroo time together.

Drake is doing really well also. He had another doctor listen to his heart murmur and take a look at his X-rays. He too agreed with the other doctor about strictly monitoring it for now instead of a surgery at this time. Thank goodness! He has already endured so much. The orthopedic surgeon is reviewing his knee X-rays, sono, and MRI. We have not yet heard what his recommendation is but should hear back soon. The infectious disease doctor recommended aspirating (draining with a needle), but we are hopeful it will correct itself in time without having to do anything. He has been weening off of some of his settings on the ventilator and excelling at milk digestion. He is almost up to sister's levels. He is still holding steady at 3# and we are hoping to see him gain some in the next few days. We've needed him to lose weight with the extra fluid for so long, but now that the fluid is gone it is time to start gaining.

We had one of our friends from Tyler come visit today. It was really nice to sit and visit with a good friend. She was able to meet Drake and Kennedy and see a bit of their personalities. It still amazes me how distinctive their personalities are at such a young (should not be born yet) age.

Pictures: Kennedy during kangaroo time, Drake during kangaroo time, Drake cheering for sister, Kennedy cheering for brother :)