You Cannot Afford One Negative Thought

It has been an uphill road, and the twins are nearing their discharge date. They have made us so proud with their accomplishments, their will to continue moving forward, and the strength of a million people.

Their combined accomplishments
since enrolling in Nicu school:

90 Days in St. Joes Nicu
7 blood transfusions
2 successful PDA Ligation heart surgeries
6 brain scans
2 hip ultrasounds (breech babies are at risk for hip dysplasia)
6 eye exams----all successful; kids show no signs of eyesight problems
2 hearing exams---no problems noted
10 physical therapy sessions
12 lab pricks
12 vaccinations
4 diaper sizes
2 clothes sizes (Preemie to NB)
Gained almost 9 lbs combined
(from 1 lb 7oz & 1 lb 5oz to 5 lb 12.5oz & 5 lb 13oz)
Grew 10 inches combined
(from 12.25 in & 12 in to 17.25 & 17 in)
Gained 7 inches of head circumference combined
30 Reike Spiritual Healing Sessions

Parent Accomplishments:

2 Whooping cough Vaccinations
2 Baby CPR classes
4 lactation consultations
Learned preemie bathing
Learned sideline bottle feeding
Learned how to build a preemie nest
Learned how to sanitize properly (no long fingernails allowed)
Learned how breast feeding works for preemies
Setting boundaries (preemies are at risk for over stimulation/stress & germs)
Advocating for the kids (in hospitals, in school systems/in the future)
Asking for what we need
Using Instincts as parents
Importance of "date night" 1x/mo (High divorce rate with preemie parents)
Combating stress of preemie care
Guest room ready for Karla
Getting nursery ready...........................IN PROGRESS

There were long weeks in April where the kids were fighting for their lives.
Belly Button still black from birth and skin was so fragile.

There was a time when the kids took drops of milk in a feeding

This is Robbie when he was smaller than his alligator

Today Harper loves to vibrate in her new bouncey seat...


...And Robbie is 3x the size of his alligator

There is nothing we would rather do than be together as a family