NICU, Day 3

I am thinking about starting to post multiple times per day. These days are long, but it really seems as though a lot gets crammed in these seemingly boring-ish days.

This morning at the morning "rounds" we got our first update of the day for the boys.

• Silas had a great night! (I never would've guessed based on the countless times he woke me up with his high pitched squeak!) They were able to turn down his CPAP oxygen level to 23% oxygen to air ratio. He had been at 50%, and you and I breath 21%--so GREAT progress! He still needs to be having multiple wet diapers to lose weight and the fluid built up. He is noticably puffy, and currently weighs 6#9oz. It is amazing to me that it would be necessary for such a little baby to need to lose weight!
  
• Owen, on the other hand, while he has started in better shape, and never required the oxygen that Silas did, is not exactly progressing with his food intake. He is supposed to be taking 40 mL/3 hrs. He likes to hover around 27-32mL, and the doctors do not like that.  If he does not improve, he will be getting a feeding tube.
  

Later in the morning, both boys had a head ultrasound, which is apparently a standard of care for all babies born at 36 weeks. They look for any bleeding in their brain or any other abnormalities. Not because they suspect anything is wrong, just as a standard. We (literally) just found out that both were normal. Another thing to be thankful for!

And here is the latest updates on the boys as of the 10 o'clock news:

• At 9:30 tonight, Silas had his CPAP removed! Shortly after rounds this morning, they turned his oxygen level down to 21%, and he has done very well at the room air level. It is wonderful to see his face and watch him with newfound freedom! He is still noticeably puffy, but it's great to see progress!
• Before Owen's 9pm feeding, he did have to have a feeding tube put in. Which is a big bummer, but he still is having regular formula feedings, that are simply assisted by the glucose in the feeding tube. 

We've had a nice day with a good balance of visitors and quiet. It really has been relaxing. But I have got to find a way to be showered and non-stinky before 3pm :)

Until another day, we remain thankful for the progress and the prayers!