As of Thursday, James and Lauren are both now home with us. John and I "lived in" at the hospital NICU last Sunday where we stayed in a bedroom there with the two babies and took care of them all night, just as we would at home. Nurses were there to answer our questions, monitor how they were doing, and ensure we felt comfortable taking them home. That night was pretty rough on us. We didn't sleep a wink. James and Lauren were a bit fussy, but it was more due to nurses and doctors continuously coming in and out of our room to check the babies' stats. The next day James was discharged home with us. Lauren had to remain in the NICU since she still wasn't taking all feedings from breast or bottle. She would latch on but tire out quickly, forcing them to gavage (feeding tube) the remainder several times. The next couple of nights with just James at home were, I hate to say this, pretty easy. Taking care of a single baby (and one who slept well at that) was a piece of cake compared to two fussy babies. Lauren must have realized that Brother had left without her because the light came on and she began taking every feeding from a bottle the very next day. Lauren was released to us on Thursday.
James in his Pak N Play
Now the challenge for me and John has become figuring out how to most efficiently change, feed, burp and pump (for me) within the shortest amount of time possible. John has made it easy on me by taking some time off work and feeding them while I pump. But he has to go back, so we've been practicing feeding them simultaneously, and also practicing with me doing everything myself since there will be several feedings no one will be around to help me with. Lauren and James still have to wake up every three hours to feed to help them put on weight. Their pediatrician said we could space those feedings out to every four hours once they both reach 7 lb. As of this past Tuesday, James was 5 lb 11 oz. As of Thursday, Lauren was 4 lb 6 oz. If all goes well, they should be gaining about 1-2 oz's a day.
Lauren & James on the couch with us
Although John and I are extremely sleep deprived (as expected), we are thrilled to have Lauren and James home together at last. Our family is complete with our two dogs and two babies and we look forward to the challenges parenthood will bring. Pictures have been posted to Picasa (see "James & Lauren at Home").
Please keep your prayers coming as we will always continue to need them!
