No oxygen~~! (trial run)

We were so excited to arrive at the hospital to find out that the kids were being taken off of their nasal canulas. The feeding tubes were put in their noses and they did great!! They still have the d&b's but the extra oxygen wasn't helping much with that and being that these episodes would happen anyway, why not take them off? I was so happy and this means that we will begin trying to breast feed soon. Yay! They both had eye exams this morning and they came out normal.. another great milestone. :)

The other amazing thing that happened was that I got to hold them BOTH today skin to skin like I would have had I delivered them naturally. It was the most wonderful feeling to hold both of them at the same time, all snuggled into each other.. much like they were in the womb. Austin immediately dipped his head and leaned into Grace's arm. It was the sweetest thing I have ever seen. :) I got to hold them for more than an hour and the nurses said that I could do that from now on bc they have no wires. That will save me a ton of time each day. .. so relieved!! I only get to hold them once a day and this way, I can maximize my visits..

A very sweet friend came to visit today and it was really fun. She has twin boys that were born at Cedars as well and were in the NICU. It is so nice to have a girlfriend that has been here and knows what it is like. I really want to join the twins club she belongs to so our kids can have playdates together.. when they get a little bigger of course. :) She got us some great little tops with the months on them so we can log each month of their first year. I'll post those pics tomorrow.

Updates
Grace
Her feedings were increased to 34ML and she seems to be handling them well. She lost a few grams but not many.. she is still around 3lbs.15oz.

Austin
His feedings are the same 38ML and he gained a few grams back so he is closer to 4 lbs. 5 ozs. again..

It was a really special day and I am starting to get the excitement factor now.. even though I don't know when they will be coming home, it is still fun to see some light at the end of the tunnel. They ARE improving and that is all that matters!!

Much love to you all,
Erica and Tom