Back on Track

Today has been a better day for the Howland boys. I got a call from the neonatologist this morning and he said that boys are doing wonderful. He also said that although Kaden needs the c-pap he is not concerned about his respiratory status. He decided to leave him on c-pap for an additional 24 hours and then address weaning him off of it again. Both boys have been doing well with their feedings and they are going to continue bumping them up. Braylon is almost on full feedings and they are going to increase his calories to 24 calories per milliliter. He is having less trouble with reflux since starting on the Zantac. Kaden is still a little bit behind on his feeding but the doctor expects him to be close to full feedings by this afternoon, this means he will get his little IV out tomorrow. They are going to increase his feedings to 22 calories per milliliter. The doctor said that Kaden is really just one step behind his brother and both are doing exceptionally well.
During all their care times both boys had presents for mommy. They both have passed their meconium and now have normal poos. Daddy would be so proud; they have made up for all the dirty diapers that they have given him. I was able to hold Braylon twice today for a little over an hour. He just snoozed the whole time. Kaden was wide awake during most of his cares today and I got to spend some time just talking to him and touching him. He just laid there with his eyes wide open studying my face. At one point I had to switch sides of the bed with the nurse and when I spoke to him he followed my voice to the opposite side.
Our favorite nurse had the boys tonight. She is very pro snuggling and let me get a little snuggle in with Kaden during his 8pm care time. It was so nice to get to hold him even if it was for only 5-10 minutes. He did really well and actually maintained his oxygen saturation with little help. She said that the babies sleep so much better after having time with mommy. Both were passed out when I left this evening.
Today has been a better day for mommy too. I have developed a routine which helps to pass the time. My hormones have finally leveled back out and my weird crying spells have stopped for the most part. This will make Bryan happy when he comes up this weekend. I’m sure he thought his wife was going crazy when the tears started flowing when he simply asked if I needed a napkin at dinner. I have to admit it was a little ridiculous. There were a couple of times when I would have to just sit silently because the minute I started to say something, anything at all, I would start crying. It is amazing what hormones can do. I finally feel close to normal. My swelling has gone down in my hands, legs, and face. And I only look like I did when I was about 3 months pregnant. I am looking forward to being able to wear my wedding ring again.
Bryan’s family has taken on the task of getting our house back in order before the babes come home. It had gotten cluttered over the past couple of weeks as my doctor continued to decrease my activity level. Bryan called and said the house looks amazing and said I will probably cry with joy when I see it. I am so thankful to have such wonderful in-laws. The bedding that we ordered in December finally showed up last week. I made the mistake of saying to Bryan “The babies well probably show up before the bedding.” Well they did. It has been an ongoing battle with place we ordered it from it was suppose to arrive in January. Anyways, Brenda has been washing the linens and Bryan sent me a picture on the phone of one of the cribs and it looks wonderful. The babies will love it. Hopefully I will have pictures I can post on here. I can’t wait to see it in person.