June 24th Update

Hey all...

Sorry for a delayed update.  Alexander was put back on the billy lights (actually a billy blanket that he lays on) and I couldn't really take any good photos.  However, yesterday, Alex's bilirubin levels went down, and so he didn't have to be on the blanket anymore. 

More exciting was that yesterday was the first day I got to hold both boys at the same time!  What a way to mark their 2nd week in this world.  Heather was with us and took a ton of photos (she's awesome) and Chad was a good sport about letting me be the first to hold them both.  He'll get to next time :-) 

This AM we got a phone call from the NICU that Elliott had to be put back on oxygen because he was desat-ing a lot over night and they think its because he has a very large bowel movement that he needs to pass.  The gas and backup apparently puts pressure on the diaphragm and can keep him from breathing deeper breaths.  We are waiting for him to have a good poop today :-) 

Also, we are taking a baby CPR class this evening and we are hoping, if both babies are feeling good, to give them their first "baths" since they were born.  They are going to be sponge baths, but they could use it.  Believe it or not, babies have stinky feet just like adults--something I just recently learned after I got a whiff of Alex's oxygen monitor when they took it off his foot.  Boy did it stink...

Here are some pictures from yesterday.  Excuse my appearance--lack of sleep will do that to you.  Don't look at me, just look at the babies!

June 20th Update

So, the boys are both now officially over their birth weight.  Elliott is 3lb 5oz and Alexander is 3lb 7oz.  Alexander has been having a little trouble with and de-sats after he is fed and both boys have had some Brady's since they were taken off caffeine.  I had no idea what these words meant until a few days ago. 

Brady--stands for "bradycardia," where the baby's heart rate drops to below normal readings.  Preemies usually have heart rates around 140 (give or take).  The boys have been dipping to around 80, but have recovered without intervention after 10 seconds or so.

De-sat--stands for desaturation of oxygen levels.  Alexander has been struggling with lower levels, especially after his feeds.  The doctors might put him on a drip feed to help with this.  We find out today. 

We FINALLY got our SLR camera out to the hospital and took some good photos.  We kangaroo cared both boys.  I am in love!! 

Oh, by the way, Elliott is the baby with the hat and Alexander is the munchkin without a hat.  Since I had the camera, I didn't get any shots with me holding Alexander, but we will get some next time.  Elliott has been opening his eyes and looking around more than his brother.  I tried to get some good shots with his eyes open. 

The Crosby Twins First Post

Hey Everyone!  So, today marks Alexander and Elliott's 9th day of being alive, and Chad and I wanted to get our butts in gear to start a blog to update everyone on their progress in the NICU at Prentice.  All is going well!!  As of their first week, both boys have been taken off of their IV's and are currently receiving 25 CC's with every feeding.  We will be sharing more information as the boys progress.