We are just continuing on in this "feeder/grower" stage and waiting for the babies to be efficient eaters...
Most babies don't really learn to breastfeed or bottle feed until about 34-36 weeks gestation, but our babies have had a good jump start (Shaylie started breastfeeding at about 31 weeks and Tycen at 32 weeks). They are consistently taking in just over half of their feed by mouth, about 3-4 times per day. Shaylie has already taken her whole feed by breast 3 times now! They need to be able to take their full feed by mouth (breast and/or bottle) 8 times per day.
Shaylie and Tycen love their binkies! Shaylie is practicing her sucking skills in this picture.
All the nurses say that probably sometime this week something will just click and they will start to progress very quickly with their feeds. Thinking back, I realize they already have improved a lot and are now able complete their feed in about 15-20 minutes. We have to be careful to not push them too long or they will burn excessive calories or become too tired for their next feed.
Lots of sleeping...
Shaylie (left) and Tycen (right, both pictures)
Shaylie is telling Tycen a secret :)The babies are getting so much bigger! Tycen now weighs 4 lbs 13 oz and Shaylie weighs 4 lbs 2 oz!
Tycen cuddling with mommy**Praise God for steady and healthy growth! They are both very tall for their gestation; Tycen is now over the 90th percentile for length (he's about 19 inches, Shaylie is about 18 inches). Please pray for continual normal nutritional labs, as well (measures their calcium, albumin and other values), so they don't have to get any transfusions while they're here.
Shaylie, such a tall girl!We are so excited to be planning our homecoming! Grandma and Grandpa Haij have been helping us complete the baby room these past couple of weeks. Grandma decorated the walls and helped with all the finishing touches. Grandpa and Uncle Nick put together a book shelf that we had ordered and then Grandpa painted it for us. As soon as I take a picture of the baby room, I will post one online :)
We interviewed a pediatrician and we are so happy to feel that she is a good fit for us. This was something I had planned to do before the babies arrived but like many other things, just didn't quite have enough time. Now that we have chosen one, our neonatologist (the babies' doctor in the hospital) can send our pediatrician weekly updates so she is completely up to speed by the time the babies are discharged.
Scott had our carseats installed in my car today at Segals. I just LOVE seeing them in my car. It makes me feel like there's an end in sight. The babies still probably have anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 more weeks, which really isn't that far away considering how long we've been here. At this point, nothing is definitive because we won't know when the babies will decide they are ready. So, we are just trying to be patient and enjoying every minute that we have with them!
**Please pray for continued health and growth for Tycen and Shaylie. Pray that they will learn to breastfeed and bottle feed efficiently very soon. Also pray that God will continue to prepare Scott and I for when the babies come home so that we will be confident in taking care of them without all of their monitors and help from the nurses. Until then, pray that we will continue to be patient until our discharge day is here.
