Baby steps

Well, we're making progress! Titus is steadily gaining weight, which is FABulous. He was up to 1880 grams yesterday, 50 grams over his birth weight, and today is up to 1910 (4 lbs about 3 ounces). He's also showing signs of starting to maintain his own body temperature. They test this by slowly turning the regulated temp in the isolette down, and watching how he reacts. If he's able to maintain his body temp without losing weight (by burning too many calories trying to keep up his temp), they continue to lower it until it's around 29-30 deg C (84-86 F). Once he can maintain on his own there, they put him in an open crib for a trial period. If he struggles to continue keeping up on his own, they'll put him back in the isolette and try again later. When this might happen for us is still up in the air, of course, but the nurses think it will be pretty soon, perhaps even within a week. We're not letting our hopes get up, but are encouraged that the staff feels he is doing so well.

Another exciting thing is how well he's doing already with beginning nursing signs. He was able to latch on twice today for short periods of time, which was really big for Mama. Baby steps! He's definitely very interested, and knows what to do. It's really a matter of coordination and being a little stronger and bigger in general. Eventually we'll be combining nursing with gavage feedings until he's definitely getting enough just from Mama.

So far being home has been wonderful. The kids have really enjoyed having Mama home to eat dinner with and we've all been taking "turns" (as dictated by Stella) putting the kids to bed. Stella has also woken up early a few times and come to crawl in bed with Mama. It's been fun having a snuggly girl in the morning. The new routine seems to be going well, and not TOO stressful or confusing yet. It will be a little easier when I can drive myself, but it's been working out just fine so far. They kiddos get to bed later than they usually do, but that's okay. This will be over before we know it!

Some other fun news is that I got a chance to talk briefly with the Mom of the little baby in the NICU with us. She was born at 25 weeks (is now 26, I believe). Her name is Lily and has been pretty stable the past couple days, which is a big step for a baby that small. The nurses were training another staff person and were describing some of the differences in the babies, and mentioned how Titus is 1800 some grams, while Lily is only 585 or so. That's VERY SMALL, only 1 lb 4 ounces. Please keep little Lily in your prayers, as she's still in a very sensitive state. Pray for the mom as well, and that we could get some more opportunities to speak with her and find out any small way we can help her along in this difficult situation. I have not seen a father around yet, but she did have a ring on her finger. Dad could be deployed or something, I have no idea.

Baby Kennedy is also doing well, and is steadily making progress. We've had a good time talking with Mom and Dad, and sharing our daily steps forward. Thank you for praying for their family as well.

Another praise is that Nick got all his leave approved for the next two months, which is HUGE. He'll be taking a day off or two a week throughout, being able to be off work the majority of the time. I'm so thankful that his higher ups have been so supportive, and even their wives have approached us with offers of help with meals, cleaning, watching kids, shuttle service to/from the airport, etc. We are very blessed to have such a caring workplace!

P S...The photos were taken by a dear friend of ours, Krissie. Thank you!