Even though the first official day of spring is tomorrow, it definitely feels like a new season has arrived. The boys are doing extremely well and continue to grow every day. Whereas much of the past 6 weeks have been filled with stress, anxiety, sadness, fear and feelings of overwhelm, we are now able to look to the future and breathe a little easier knowing our boys are progressing well. There were so many days when our stomachs were in knots every single time we walked into the NICU. Tyler and Max were so very premature and fragile, which meant just about anything could go wrong. We have had our fair share of problems - infections, heart murmurs, breathing problems - but now most days at the hospital are filled with good news and progression. As I kangarooed with both Max and Tyler at the same time yesterday (so amazing!), the scary memories and feelings seemed a little more distant.
Although things are going well, we are not out of the woods yet. The boys will be having eye exams this week to check for a disorder called Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), in which the retinal blood vessels are not fully developed, causing abnormal blood vessels to develop. ROP primarily affects premature infants born weighing less than 1250 grams (approx. 2 3/4 lbs) and born before 31 weeks gestation. Although severe cases of ROP can cause blindness, we are fortunate that laser surgery can now treat ROP and is effective in 90% of the cases. Stevie Wonder was actually born prematurely and is blind from ROP as laser treatments were not available at the time of his birth. The doctors and nurses do not feel there is a very big chance Max and Tyler will have ROP, but please keep them in your prayers this week.
On a happy note, Max and Tyler both hit 3 pounds! Tyler weighed in on March 16th and Max followed on March 18th. They should be gaining about an ounce every day from now on - about a pound every two weeks. It's easy to forget that they are still very tiny because they are so much bigger than when they were born! See below for some more comparison pictures. It really is astounding.
We had a great time with Big Jim last weekend and can't wait for Grandpa Sam and Grandma Linda to visit for the Easter weekend. As promised, there are lots of pictures below from the past few days. Thanks again for the continued thoughts and prayers. They certainly seem to be working!
Although things are going well, we are not out of the woods yet. The boys will be having eye exams this week to check for a disorder called Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), in which the retinal blood vessels are not fully developed, causing abnormal blood vessels to develop. ROP primarily affects premature infants born weighing less than 1250 grams (approx. 2 3/4 lbs) and born before 31 weeks gestation. Although severe cases of ROP can cause blindness, we are fortunate that laser surgery can now treat ROP and is effective in 90% of the cases. Stevie Wonder was actually born prematurely and is blind from ROP as laser treatments were not available at the time of his birth. The doctors and nurses do not feel there is a very big chance Max and Tyler will have ROP, but please keep them in your prayers this week.
On a happy note, Max and Tyler both hit 3 pounds! Tyler weighed in on March 16th and Max followed on March 18th. They should be gaining about an ounce every day from now on - about a pound every two weeks. It's easy to forget that they are still very tiny because they are so much bigger than when they were born! See below for some more comparison pictures. It really is astounding.
We had a great time with Big Jim last weekend and can't wait for Grandpa Sam and Grandma Linda to visit for the Easter weekend. As promised, there are lots of pictures below from the past few days. Thanks again for the continued thoughts and prayers. They certainly seem to be working!
Max's turn with Big Jim (fyi - the name Big Jim was coined by Max and Tyler's big cousin Braeden)
Holding Max's feeding
Group shot
Comparing Tyler to Daddy's shoe. Even though size 15 is pretty big, these guys are still tiny!
And Max
Tyler at 3 1/4 lbs on March 16, 2008
Max at 3 lbs exactly on March 18, 2008
Now for some comparisons: Tiny Tyler only a few days old. Pay close attention to his fingers and head
A few days old
6 weeks old and 3 lbs - with chubby cheeks even!
Tyler sucking away on his pacifier. Both boys have started sucking on their hands, which means they are close to bottle feeding. The nurses got the go-ahead today to try them with a bottle whenever they are alert at feeding time. Let's go boys!
Tyler staring up at us
Heaven!
5 comments:
Bridget!! the last picture is my fav. Ok they all are but that one is so great!! We are all so happy for you and Andy. We love you guys!! Give the boys hugs and kisses from "Uncle" Doug and Moe.
Love,
Maureen and Doug
I love when they look at you!! That is so sweet...it's so interesting to see the comparisons for the beginning and now!! Wow! :)
Bridge - it doesn't get any better than the last picture...you are glowing.
YAY!!! It's so exciting!! I will warn you...when Caden hit 3lbs.....a week and a 1/2 later, we brought him home!!! They will gain weight like CRAZY once they hit 3lbs and it won't slow down!! Caden is gaining almost a pound a WEEK!!! Get ready girl. I am so happy for you guys!! We can't wait to meet them!! Caden is excited too!! We love you guys!!! Don't worry about the eye exam...they will be just fine!!! :0) We are continuing to pray!! They are strong little fighters - like their friend Caden!!
Love,
Paul, Nikki and Caden
Bridget and Andy--
Great pictures and blog! The boys have more hair than Big Jim and me so I am jealous. I can't believe Jennifer Lopez copied from you and named her son Max. People should be looking at Max and Tyler and Bridget and Andy than J'Lo! We certainly love the pictures and it is great to see them progressing.
Love, Joe and Rita
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