Living on Coffee

It's great to have Emma home, but the last couple of days have been extremely tiring. We were told that babies with tummy issues are usually crabby, and that was no joke. She is sleeping in what I would say are 40 minute (that might be a stretch) intervals. If she isn't asleep, she is screaming. She was like this before she left the NICU so we don't think it's anything other than being fussy. We called the NICU and asked if there were any reasons why we couldn't up her feeds. We've been concerned with overloading her bowels so soon after surgery. They said there shouldn't be a problem gradually going up every feed until she seems satisfied. She seems to be doing fine with the increase. Hopefully this increase will help her to finally sleep. Abby has been so mellow with Emma being home, and this has been so helpful. She is happy in the bouncy or in the swing. She seems to know that sister needs more attention at this point than she does. She's been sleeping through the night and only wakes to eat. Occasionally when Emma's crying, Abby feels the need to sympathize and cry with her.


Emma had her first appointment with the pediatrician, and all seems to be going well. Dr. F was still amazed that both girls came home with no oxygen or monitors. When we left the NICU, Emma was labeled at risk for failure to thrive so we have a home health nurse who comes in twice a week to check her vitals and to talk with us on how we feel she is doing. I am so thankful for this. It helps reduce her visits to the pediatrician's office. She was here on Monday and thought Emma looked great. She was nice enough to weigh Abby (8lb 1oz.) since she had to weigh Emma (5 lb. 5.7 oz). We are hoping that this fall we will be able to have home health come in and give the Synagis shot for RSV at home instead of going into the ped's office where sick kids are.

Today we have Infant Toddler coming to work with Abby and evaluate Emma. This is a program the girls qualified for since they were born so early. They help with any physical issues they may have. At this point I think they are just working with Abby to help her meet developmental age appropriate goals. Officially they are almost 6 months but in reality they are around 6 wks old.

There hasn't been a day that we've been able to stay in our pj's, but I've got my fingers crossed that Thurs. or Fri. will be a pj day.