NICU, Days 1 & 2

We are so excited to welcome the boys that I didn't want to taint their 'birth story' blog with their transfer to Des Moines. 

Shortly after both boys were born, it was pretty evident that Silas (2nd) was not breathing exactly how he should be. Even with a little help from the respiratory therapists, and a couple of hours, he did not make the progress that Dr. Richmond had hoped, so arrangements were made for him to go to Des Moines via Lifeflight. 

After the arrangements were made for Silas, Dr. Richmond turned his attention back to Owen, who had seemed to be thriving, and noted that his breathing rate was rather quick, even though his oxygen level seemed to be good. So, details were taken care of to transfer Owen by ground to Des Moines. 

Neither one was in critical need,  they just couldn't be transferred together.  I strongly feel that it was best that they both go, and we don't need to worry at all about being in Des Moines for one boy and Osky for the other.  Jesse and his mom headed to Des Moines to be with the boys. Hayden went with Jesse's brother and family

Wednesday morning, my doctor gave me discharge papers and I could leave whenever I was ready. So, after lunch and getting showered, my parents took me home to pack (you know, after the fact) and head to Des Moines. 

Wednesday evening was pretty much a blur for me. But before going to bed the status on each boy was this:

Owen, good oxygen level and his breathing rate had improved greatly. 

Silas, had fluid in his lungs, very quick breathing, and low oxygen in his blood. One of the neonatologists here read a chest x-ray for us, showed us the fluid haziness in his lungs. While it wasn't a dire situation, sometimes the way they explain all of the possibilities is just overwhelming. Infection, long term this and that...a little much to take.

Today has been an entirely different story.  We haven't made fantastic progress, but know that everything is just a matter of time. 

Owen was moved from a warmer to a crib, has had his first bath, but now the challenge is to get him to eat and to desire to eat. He has struggled with his blood sugar levels, but so far we have avoided going the feeding tube route as his levels have stayed just above what they want.

Silas' color has improved dramatically, and the numbers on the monitors (which I've been learning about, but its taking some time to master), have started to head in direction that they want. This helps the doctors to determine and believe that there is not an infection involved.  They have decided to extend Silas' antibiotics for 5 more days, but they anticipate that the antibiotics won't be what is keeping him here, he has other development things that need to come around.

We are able to feed and hold Owen, and hope that soon he will no longer have an IV so we can really hold him. I am still the only one who has been able to hold Silas, and that was back when we were in Oskaloosa.

We take comfort in the fact that both boys are improving and we are by no means the worst case in this unit. We have much to be thankful for! In a matter of days we will all be at home and adjusting to real life.  For now, the NICU is our home. And visitors over 14 years of age are welcome in our 'home'. Just call!