Symbiotic Relationships

Thursday will be 9 weeks since the twins were born. They are doing so well and have been called "miracle babies" from so many people. Nurse Lisa says, "You know, half the nurses in the nicu are in love with your babies. They stop in all day to see how they are doing." There is so much love surrounding these two kids, it's been astounding.

Here are some updates: Robinson is breathing on the high flow nasal canula since 6/8 and is doing pretty well. He's a little more tired than usual, all this breathing can be exhausting....but this is one step closer to breathing without assistance. High flow nasal canula is basically allowing them to breath on their own with an occasional burst of air given to them in the nose. He is tolerating food well and has no eating issues so far (eating issues are common with preemies). He is gaining weight every day. Today he is 3 lbs 4 oz. His right brain ventricle has increased slightly, by about 1 cm, and this has devastated me and caused a minor meltdown this week. I will not be able to feel better, sleep well or stop the excessive worrying until it resolves completely. Robbie is so sweet; he does not deserve to have an added difficulty in his life and it tears me up.  Nurse Glenda has insisted this news is not as bad as it seems. For one thing, his HEAD has grown 1 cm since his last brain scan a week ago, and the xrays don't show the bleed is doing anything more than resolving. Dr. Gutierrez says we will not move forward with any additional treatment regarding his brain at this point because it is not a severe change but he will be scrutinized every week through an ultrasound. Linda is increasing her Reike healing treatments.

Robbie loves being held, and loves to be talked to. He squeezes fingers, and looks around. Nurse Laurie says he is one of the most tolerant kids she has ever taken care of in the Nicu. During eye exams, lab pricks and his medication injection he gets to increase his red blood cell count, he gives out a little whimper and that's it. He was so feisty when he was born, he has now become a more calm and laid back version of that guy.

Harper is breathing on the high flow nasal canula since June 5th and is doing amazing on it. She is so close to breathing without any assistance. She is tolerating food well and has no eating issues so far. They are both being fed milk via the feeding tube, and we will attempt to feed them without it in a couple weeks. She also weighs 3 lbs 4 oz today. Her hair grows thicker everyday. She loves a body pillow. She squeezes your fingers and looks at your face. Her favorite time of day is when dad gets off work and holds her and sings to her.

Robbie and Harper have had their symbiotic relationship since birth. They do well at the same times, grow at the same rate, they have identical feedings because they weigh the same. Their monitors beep at the same time in a way that suggests they are having similar experiences with their blood pressure, heart rate or breathing. I'm calling this "Cryptophasia" which means "The secret language of twins."

Linda and Harper 3 lbs 4 oz

Harper loves cuddling with auntie Lin. Harps does very well during their holding time.

Harper doesn't like the cold stethoscope on her body

Robbie with what Pete calls "his jazz hands."

No baby has ever been cuter.......except Harps who is equally cute..............

Oh no, now what?

Dad protects me.

The twins can't wait to spend time with their BFF's from the neighborhood:
Baby Olivia, Baby Isabella Sophia, Baby Madelyn, and Baby Angelina.......
all born in the same year.
Hello World, I'm here!!!
(Robbie will be popular with all the girls around him).

Love ya man

Pete likes to put Trident gum in his mouth and pretend he has buck teeth.

Thank God I'm married to man who keeps me laughing.