Life's a Trip: Steps in the Right Direction

We have had a couple of good days in a row with the boys and feel they are making steps in the right direction. They are all gaining weight, especially Brennen, our little guy! He is up to 2lbs. 11oz. from his birth weight of 2lbs. 2oz. Graham now weighs 3lbs. 6oz. and Liam weighs 2lbs. 15oz. I decided tonight we'll have a party when they all hit 3lbs!

A few days ago they discovered a heart murmur in Liam and diagnosed him with a PDA in his heart. I can't remember exactly what it stands for, but basically it's a hole that is open in utero so blood bypasses the lungs. It is supposed to close at birth, but his didn't. Graham has had the same thing and responded well to treatment. They started Liam on medication yesterday and can no longer detect the murmur with the stethoscope. We will learn tomorrow if it is gone completely.

Other than that the main thing we are dealing with for all the boys are "Bradys" where they quit breathing. Most of the time they start again on their own, but some times they require a little stimulation to get going again. The first time I was there and witnessed one that required stimulation it freaked me out, but the nurse assured me it's just part of what happens for preemies. Of course we want them to go away, but right now it's just a part of what they are going through. Until their bradys decrease and they can turn their oxygen down, they will still have the "Cpaps" in their little noses.

We took Addie for another visit today and tried to snap a few pictures. She asks to go see them and we haven't quite figured out what she likes more, seeing the boys or getting a snack out of the vending machine in the lounge when she leaves...I'm thinking the snack!

During our visit tonight Graham and Liam were wide awake and looking around. It's the most we've seen of their pretty eyes! Brandon and I help with their care time by taking their temperatures, changing diapers and lifting them up to help weigh them. Graham and Brennen threw big fits tonight during their care times; they especially hate it when the nurses suction their mouths and noses. Liam was a pretty chilled out little dude tonight, just content to suck on his pacifier! All in all, it was a good night!