1.19.2009

Update on the Babies...and oh yeah, Casey, too!!




Babies, babies, babies!!! Did I mention we have lots of babies?? Wow! That's all I can say to sum up the last couple of days...WOW!!!

Alright, so here are some updates on the Fab Five:

- Brooklyn has been the most relaxed of the five...she's just totally chill everytime we go up. She was moved to an isolette (incubator) to help her maintain her fluids and heat. Eventually, all of the babies will make this move and will stay in their isolette for several weeks.

- Britton is going to be our little beach bum - you can tell she has really enjoyed freedom from the womb! Several times when I've been up to the NICU, she's been completely stretched out like she's laying out at the beach...too funny! She has a little issue that popped up today that they are watching pretty closely. She has a raw spot on the inside of her right leg that was probably caused by some urine getting between her legs. With her skin being so sensitive, it caused a really nasty looking sore to develop. They are trying to keep her legs open so it can heal up and not get infected. She has also been in competition for the loudest and has already been awarded the most high maintenance award. The instant she has a wet diaper, this girl is letting the nurses know!!
- Jack is also a little chill bug. Everytime I'm up there, he is perfectly content and chilled out! He doesn't fuss, he doesn't squirm, he just lays back and takes it all in. He is probably doing the best of all of the babies which is surprising because usually the premie boys don't do as well as the girls. He is the only one so far to take a feeding and actually digest the milk. That's my Jack!! Did I mention how big his hands are...HUGE!! ;-)

- Lila Addison is also pretty relaxed. She doesn't make much of a fuss and doesn't seem to be bothered by much. Her jaundice has been worse than the other babies so they have had her under special blue lights to keep it under control.

- Ryan is in competition with Britton for the loudest one of all. She is the only baby who was making noise in the operating room and she hasn't stopped yet! They are keeping a close watch on her belly button as it appears to be developing an infection. The doctors have put her on IV antibiotics and are keeping the area moist with some triple antibiotic cream. They are not too concerned at this point, but are really monitoring her closely.

In general, all of the babies are doing really well for their age and weights. They all have little issues that they are watching, but the doctors are very happy with how they are handling everything. Everytime we go up to the NICU, the nurses give us a full report on each baby - they really throw a lot at you! By the time this is all over with, Casey and I are going to be able to take over...yeah, right! The babies are expected to remain in the NICU until we near their original due date, March 27th. It's a long time, but they are in really good hands so we are not complaining. There is no question that these babies would not survive if it weren't for all of the amazing care they are receiving!

For her part, Casey is still dealing with a lot of pain and discomfort. Her belly is extremely sore, her legs are still swollen, and it is still really difficult for her to do just about anything. It is a team effort to get her up out of bed and then back in again. It is frustrating for her because she isn't able to stay on her feet for long which means she can not go up to see the babies very often. We made it up twice today for a total of about an hour and a half. Ladies, can you imagine only being able to see your newborn for an hour and a half every day? And not being able to hold them?? Not cool...

The good news, however, is that Casey will get to hold a couple of the babies starting tomorrow. They will do skin-to-skin holding with the two healthiest babies for about 30 minutes each. Studies have shown that this contact helps the babies grow better and helps Casey's milk to come in better. It also allows Casey to come into contact with the germs that the babies are exposed to which will cause her body to build up antibodies to fight these germs. Casey will then pass these antibodies to the babies through her milk...AMAZING! Unfortunately, since there is no medical benefit to the babies, I won't get to hold them for a few more days.

All in all, life is very good being a father of six! The days have been hectic and stressful, but it feels really good to know we've got five healthy babies working overtime to enhance the quality of our lives for years to come. It's only been 3+ days and these five have us hooked!

Please continue to pray for Casey's quick recovery, the babies' health, and the well-being of the NICU doctors and nurses!

God Bless,
Ethan

5 comments:

Emily's Blog said...

I'm so happy that they are all doing well and that Casey's doing well too. It is such a blessing when you have a medical team member tell you what to pray for.
Seton has the best NICU in Austin, as I have several friends whose babies have lived in the NICU for the first few months of life. Your babies are in the best hands possble.

Anonymous said...

Hello
CONGRATS on your five beautiful babies,what a true blessing.
You don't know me nor do i know you but i follow the wright five blog and saw your link anyways i just wanted you to know that i'm a mother to GBB triplets born @29w6d on january 17th 2005 weighing 3#8,3#10 and 3#7,they just turned four the day after yours were born,how time fly's.Our NICU days were also long and it seemed like we were there "forever" and once we did leave we felt like we became nurses,we knew everything about the NICU and what to look for in the babies.The NICU is a wonderful place,they take such gr8 care in your babies.
MY triplets came home after 48(march 5th) and 72(march 29th..my actual due date)days.
I'll pray for you and your little ones that they have a fast NICU stay and come home one at a time so that you can get adjusted to them and spent some one on one time with them,it will also be easier on your older child.I had a three year old at hom and bringing home my boys first and getting everyone into a routine/schedule was hard,then having to do it all over again once Emma joined the family was even harder.
All the best and remember take help when it's offered.

Tori :) said...

Thanks for the specific updates. It's good to hear that for the most part the babies are doing great. I will continue to pray for Casey, babies, doctors, etc...

Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke said...

congratulations! I am a good friend and photographer for Rachelle and her quints and would love to donate photography services when the babies get strong enough. follow my name to my blog and let me know.

Klin said...

Love reading about each of their little personalities.

It would be so hard if I could not hold my newborns. So glad Casey can start the skin to skin. I've seen it do great things.

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