Our first hurdles

Today went well but we didn't get to hold them. I was just excited to see them given we weren't able to yesterday. T3 seems to be getting better and we aren't showing signs of getting his cold so hopefully tomorrow we can snuggle.

We unfortunately had some more setbacks. They went back on oxygen today. ;( We had hoped that we would bypass this part bc they were breathing so well on their own, but they both had increased desats and bradies (forget to breathe and oxygen saturation decreases) that needed more and more stimulation to get through. We were both so sad but when we saw them today, they seemed more peaceful.. Well kind of. Now that i think about it, Grace was throwing her arms in the air and arching her back in protest of the nasal canula .. It kept falling out.

Austin was doing pretty well with it although he has some other issues. We found out today that he has a small cyst in his head and his carbon dioxide levels are elevated. They said not to worry about the cyst but we are watching the co2 closely. They still haven't ruled out a heart value possibly not closing but we will cross that bridge later.

I know that when this whole thing happened the doctors said it would be an up and down path with a few steps forward and a few back, it's just hard to hear news like that and not fret. For the most part, they are doing great.. Again, considering that they should still be in my ute for 9 to 10 more weeks they are doing great!

On a more positive note, they are tolerating their feedings well and the doctors have decided to slowdown on the rate that they increase their milk and how long they give them to complete it. Our nurse today said that she was happy to see them slowing things down, and not having such high expectations of them.

Updates:
Grace
She weighs 2 lbs 11 oz. she's at her birth weight! Go Gracie go! Her face is changing so much each day and it is fun to see her spunky personality shining thru. I think she will be our wild child .. She honestly has a mind of her own.. Already!! She is up to 14ml feeding and loves to be on her tummy while holding her binky. She reminds Tom and I of Maggie from the Simpsons with how much she sucks on her paci, very cute.

Austin
He weighs 2 lbs. 15 oz. and was born at 3.2 so he close as well. They are neck and neck.. He looked bigger and stronger today with his cute pink skin and sweet little face. He is more mellow and I am so surprised because he was always up to no good in the ute. He ruled the roost in there and needs to step it up to beat out Gracie for the alpha position. He is so precious though, I can't stand it!

So.. Today was ok, we aren't out of the woods according to the neonatologist but we can sleep tonight knowing they are in good hands and we can see them tomorrow.

XOXOXO
Erica and Tom