Update on girls

I had some extra time to write today. This morning I woke up with a red rash on my face and a slight fever. The NICU nurse wanted me to be checked out by a doctor before coming to see the girls (which I totally understand). They weren't sure about the rash, but thinks it is allergy reaction and gave me steroid shot, he does want me to wait 24 hours after my fever is gone before going back up to the NICU. Luckily I have amazing sister and husband. My sister sat up there all day with the girls and Al spends so much time up there daily with them. He gets extra snuggle time since he is only on other side of hospital. I am so happy my girls have their daddy so close, it makes me feel so much comfort throughout the day. 

I went back to work this week and it has been HARD. My bosses decided to put me on an hourly salary while the girls are in the NICU. This way I can make my own schedule. The bad thing is, I have to work at least 30 hours a week to maintain our bills until I get my paid maternity leave. It is so hard sitting up at work when I can be at the hospital with the girls. I know it is something I have to do right now. I am in the "suck it up and do it" mode right now.

Today the girls are 16 days old. Lilah might just be turning the corner. I try not to get my hopes up real high for fear that something else is going to happen, but I also want to celebrate her tremedous milestone. Her blood pressure has been steady for two days now. Her color is back and she is such a beautiful little girl. They have removed three of the IV's in her feet and started feedings back up very slowly. She is only on 2 ml at five times a day. They don't want to stress her heart out after just recovering from kidney failure. Everything with her is a very slow process, but my baby girl is recovering and had two great days. Right now that is ALL that matters!

Here is my beautiful little Lilah Grace: Today she is 3 lbs 3 oz. Finally starting to gain back all the weight she lost.

Where do I start on my Olivia June? Wow she is such an amazing little girl. Always full of smiles. For those who say babies really don't smile at this age and it is only gas, well I respectfully disagree. She knows our voices and knows my heartbeat when doing kangaroo care. She looks up at me and smiles. I smile back and think on how blessed I am to have this baby in my life and she is mine. Well mine and Al's :) Her feedings were up to 27 ml at five times daily, but she started spitting up after feedings so they put her IV back in and went down to 22 ml's. She is growing everyday and hopefully when she reaches 1800 grams ( which is about 4 lbs 2 oz) she will be taken out of the closed incubator and be able to wear clothes. This will be a huge milestone for her as well. 

Here is my amazing Olivia June. Today she is 3 lbs 9.7 oz.

It sure wasn't my plan to have them here so early and I do wish I could have kept them in a few more weeks, so there weren't so many complications, but I sure love these little girls!

I also want to give a HUGE shout out to my loving husband Al. Without you none of this would be possible. Our girls wouldn't be here. You truly amaze me everyday with the what a true man you are. I love how you jump in and change poop diapers without a second thought. How you love our girls and love me. I know that since the birth I have been suffering with some extreme emotional issues and you are always here for me. Washing and setting up my pumping supplies, tucking me into bed, hugging me and letting me know things will be okay when I am crying from missing them so much. My aunt was right the other day when she said you were a "saint" I agree with her 100% and count my blessings daily. I remember not to take advantage of you, but instead be grateful and love you more. Your parents did an amazing job when raising you into a man. 

I love you so much and more than any word could ever describe. You are my heart, along with our two new daughters and my Cierra.  


ADDED:

This is completely off the topic, but someone sent me an email this week (maybe) she had a little girl that had heart surgery and saw my blog through Cristy's blog. To this person, I am SO sorry I haven't answered you back and now I lost your email. Please know I am not ignoring you and would love to answer back. Could you send me the email again??