4 Weeks Later

As you can probably imagine, I don't have a lot of time right now to write a detailed blog but I wanted to give a quick update on how everyone is doing. James and Lauren have continued to make excellent progress in the NICU. They are both out of the incubators (isolettes) and in "cribs" now. They haven't had any apnea episodes in over a week and are now both off of caffeine, which was being used to help remind them to breathe. Both of their pulse / oxygen monitors have been removed now that their heart rates have stopped dropping. James is taking every feeding from breast or bottle and Lauren is taking two out of every three feedings from breast or bottle. James continues to breastfeed very well, however, Lauren still has some catching up to do there. James is 4 lb 15.9 oz (aka 5 lb), and Lauren is officially 4 lb now! Every time we see them, it seems they have changed. They're still tiny, but we can definitely see the weight they've put on.

Their neonatologist informed me this afternoon that if James continues to gain weight, despite some calories being taken away (they've been supplementing my breastmilk with a type of formula that gives them extra calories), that he should be ready to go home on Monday (in 4 days)! Once he comes home with us though, he will be put back on the enhanced breastmilk. If Lauren progresses at the same rate she has been, she should only be a week behind James, if not sooner.

I also had a baby shower last weekend, where some of my family and closest friends came and showered us with wonderful gifts. A big thank you to Kristen, Nicole and Melissa who hosted it! These three girls were so flexible with our family's schedules. The shower was originally suppoesd to be on Saturday, August 30 -- my birthday. But we all remember the slight change in plans that occured. James and Lauren decided to come on into the world! Lauren and James received many fun, special, and meaningful gifts that we look forward to using and showing off. Thank you to all who attended and shared this special event with us! I didn't get many pictures on our personal camera, so after I get some pix from friends and family who came, I'll post to Picasa.

Signs & Diaper Cake by Mel!

Mel & Her Daughter Layla

The present openers: Cody, Clyde, John & Me