Waiting for Max

Apparently Tyler must not be ready to leave his brother yet. After spending all day Saturday getting everything ready for Tyler's possible homecoming, we arrived at the hospital to learn he had a few apnea spells that afternoon. Since he hadn't had any spells for almost 3 weeks, this was very surprising news to hear - and obviously meant he needed a little more time before coming home. Both boys are now exclusively bottle feeding every three hours and Tyler has moved into an open air crib since he hit 4 lbs. This is great progress but also requires much more effort, which is most likely why Tyler is having some spells. Besides eating from a bottle (which the nurse equated to running a mile every three hours when you're not used to running), he also has to regulate his own temperature in the open air crib. Both of these require a lot of energy so the little guy is worn out! It is very normal to have spells due to these added tasks, so hopefully Tyler won't be pushed too far back. He has to go at least 5 days without any spells and his last one was yesterday at 7am, so we're getting there. Both boys are continuing to gain weight with Max at 3 lbs 13 3/4 oz and Tyler at 4 lbs 1 3/4 oz - more than twice their weights at birth!

The good news is that our house is completely ready for the boys to come home - thanks in large part to some incredible friends. A group was planning a shower for us, but when they heard that Tyler might be coming home this week, they took the money they were going to use on food, drinks and decorations and bought about half of our registry items at Babies R Us. We were in absolute shock and could not believe their sincere generosity. They made us stay upstairs while they set up all the gifts for us to see, and they even took pictures like it was a real shower. It was perfect and so extremely kind of them. We really cannot thank you girls enough - you are lifesavers!

So now we wait. At least Tyler is giving Max some time to catch up so maybe they will go home at close to the same time. We are a little disappointed that Tyler isn't coming home yet, but we really do not want them to leave the hospital a minute before they are absolutely ready. The boys have done an incredible job thus far and we have no doubt that their strength and determination will bring them home in no time. In the meantime, I guess we better try and get some sleep while we can!

The best baby shower ever from Colleen, Nikki & Caden, Joy, Amanda and Rebecca (not pictured). Thank you girls from the bottom of our hearts!

It's not too often that you have a baby shower with A) a non-pregnant woman and B) a boy there ;)

Tyler hit 4 lbs on Sunday, March 30th

Andy and Max sharing a moment. I wonder what they are talking about?

Max is starting to grow into his preemie clothes

Tyler in the open air crib!

All bundled up with his pacifier