Two Weeks Old!

It's been two weeks since Cora and Sutter were born. Each day they seem to be hitting momentous milestones. Frank and I have been spending each day with them as the NICU has 24 hour access to our babes.

At this point, Cora is eating at 9 a.m. and Sutter eats at 10 a.m. The NICU has them eating every three hours, so we try to make it a point to be there for the feedings and diaper changes. I've been able to supply them with pumped breast milk for all of their feedings. Because they were premature, the milk has to supplemented with extra calories. Breast milk has 20 calories, so the supplements increased by 4 calories. This week, they were reduced to 22 calories. They also started taking vitamin supplements. When they come home, the milk will continue to be supplemented with the extra calories until the pediatrician says to stop.

Milestones for release from the NICU include regulating their body temperature, taking 100% of their feedings from the bottle (aka, nippling), instead of through the tube, regulating their breathing, and getting to on-demand feedings. Sutter was able to regulate his body temperature. Cora has had some trouble with this. The difference is their weight. Cora just needs to gain a little more weight and it will naturally happen. At this point, the nurses are keeping her double swaddled to keep her warm. The last two days we've seen both of them eating with vigor. Cora seems to down her entire bottle in 8 minutes, with signs that she's still hungry. Sutter takes things a little more paced, finishing his bottle within 25 minutes and a few moments to stop and burp. They're already above their birth weight and seem to be gaining each day with their weigh-ins. We are so thrilled with their progress.

They passed their hearing exams. Their belly button cords have fallen off (weird). They have been able to focus with their eyes on us. They have latched on to me...mostly. They like to poop when we change them. They are adorable when they stretch right after they are taken out of their swaddle. We are so happy to have these moments.

The good news is they may be coming home soon...like in the next few days. Once I heard this, we put our energy into the last few things we needed to get ready. I've been soaking in all the advice from the NICU nurses on how to manage the transition. However, nothing will ultimately prepare us for these bundles to come home. I'll just put on my Rosie the Riveter attitude and we'll make this adjustment - We can do it!

Here are a few highlights from the last two weeks.

One week old, Frank is holding Sutter and I am holding Cora.

Sutter is on the left and Cora on the right.

Sutter always keeps a low profile while he's sleeping. I love those lips!

Cora loves to smile. 

Taken on 5/30/13, she was giving me the tight lipped look before her feeding. The nurses made her hat more feminine. 

Here we are spending a little quality time together with Cora after her feeding. 

My mom has been with us for the last two weeks. The day that the babies were delivered, my mom and sister flew up here in a moments notice and took a cab to the hospital. My dad drove here. I recall them being around, but that was during my very hazy time. Sara and Dad had to go home after a couple of days and my mom stayed with us. It's been beyond helpful to have her here helping us with the driving, shopping, cleaning and eating. The bonus is she has had all this quality time with the babes and the learning from the nurses in the NICU, too. She leaves today, but I know she will be back soon.

Last weekend, my dad was able to drive up and spend some time with Buster and Posey. We all made the most of our time together.

Thank you for all your love and support. We truly feel blessed from your all your kind words and love.

xoxo