Both Drake and Kennedy were able to get their PIC lines out of their little arms today. Kennedy has had good results on full feeds, meaning she is receiving her total nutrition from mommy's milk; therefore, she no longer needs additional nutrition through the IV. Drake was not quite ready to have his removed from a nutrition standpoint, but the swelling in his shoulder made the doctor feel removing the PIC would help his shoulder heal. They added a new IV so he can continue to receive the additional nutrition that he needs as well add the other medicines he needs. He has moved up to higher calories in his milk and will be on full feeds like sister in no time.
Today, Kennedy was jealous of Drake because he got to enjoy kangaroo time with mommy and she was not able to because of the CPAP to ventilator change. Truthfully, she was so exhausted from giving all her energy to breathing that once they switched her, she was out. Mommy and daddy were so proud of the effort she gave.
As if we didn't have enough to worry about, the doctors said we have transitioned into the preemie growth stage, but this brings with it the potential for more complications. He was telling us they are watching for Necrotizing Enterocolitis...whoa, what a scary name. Oh, only 5% of preemie babies get this...So the glass is always half full, the odds are in our favor.
Drake's knee is not getting smaller, nor is it changing from the purple/blue coloration it has. This worries the doctors since they do not know what is wrong with it. They are monitoring it closely and will order a sonogram on Monday.
As always, your continued prayers for their health are much needed and appreciated.
Pictures: mommy & Drake, mommy, daddy & Drake, Kennedy looking "Pretty in Pink"
It's so nice to see Annie and you smiling. We continue to pray for baby Kennedy and baby Drake!
ReplyDeleteWay to go Kennedy! 24 hours! You will be breathing on your own in no time with those kinds of first downs!
Drake - I'm sure this won't be the last time Kennedy will be jealous of you! Your mommy and daddy love you both so much. Proud of your continued improvement you fighter you! Praying for you and sister and mommy and daddy daily!
Annie and Brian - beautiful-just beautiful! Your family is so strong! Love you - Sydney and Yvonne
Will be praying specifically that the problem with Drake's knee is figured out and improves. I will also pray that your sweet babies sail through the preemie growth phase and are spared further complications. Your children are beautiful miracles. Prayers will continue.
ReplyDeleteAwe look at her sweet pinkness!
ReplyDeleteMy prayers hold steadfast for your precious kiddos. The lught if God enfolds tgem, His power protects them and His presence watches over them.
Is it possible that the coloration and swellung of Drake's knee is a birth mark? I know it is far fetching but I have a friend who has a daughter witg a big red/purple raised birth mark on her leg...and my daughter has a huge birthmark...it isnt raised but it is a few shades different than her natural tone also...
Anyway, thanks fot sharing the pictures. Yall are a beautiful family.
Sorry to hear Drake's knee is not getting better. Hopefully, the sonogram will shed some light on what is going on. That's great that Kennedy did 24 hours on CPAP. She'll get the hang of it in no time. Our twins were both on ventilators for 5 weeks before going to CPAP without having to go back on the ventilator. They both had to have dexamethasone (steroid) to get them off the ventilators. That was a scary decision, but it worked for them. I'm sure the doctors are waiting for your babies to be able to do it on their own which is far better. As far as NEC goes, I wish the doctors wouldn't always have to tell you all the most horrible things that could happen. I liked to be informed, but I don't think it is necessary to scare the parents with all the the things that could go wrong. If either of you ever want to talk to a parent who has been there, feel free to contact me - bailey_mg@yahoo.com.
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures of you both holding your babies. Once both of our babies were on CPAP, I was able to hold both of them together. I'm sure your wife is looking forward to that day. Mine were a combined weight of only 5 lbs when I held them together (my son was 3 lbs. and my daughter was 2 lbs.). Despite still having to be in the NICU, you all have so many special moments to look forward to, and each moment will be so much more special because of the fight you all have had to get there. I look forward to seeing pictures of Drake and Kennedy both on mommy's chest, Drake wearing his first outfit (Kennedy looks adorable by the way), both on CPAP and then cannula, giving each of them a bottle for the first time, and so many other wonderful things. My older daughter was 3 when my twins were in the NICU and she always prayed, "Dear God, I pway for the babies to gwo stwong and helfy (grow strong and healthy)." I'm saying the same prayer for Drake and Kennedy.
So great to hear good news, we will stay on top of the praying for Drake's knee :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's great news to hear that they're both doing well on their feeds! Mommy's milk is liquid gold and can work all kinds of wonders. We will continue praying for their lungs and for Drake's knee. Our 24-weeker got off the vent at about 6 weeks after a few unsuccessful tries...he just needed to be a little bigger and stronger to handle the CPAP. Yours will succeed when the time is right!
ReplyDeleteI end my day by holding my girls, and reading your wonderful updates! It also helps us decide on the best prayer for Drake and Kennedy. Thank you Brian and Annie for sharing your beautiful miracles with us. Stay strong mom and dad your babies are beautiful fighters that will continue to make you proud!
ReplyDeleteTyra
It is so good to see good news keep coming day after day... baby steps little by little work just fine :)
ReplyDeleteIt is so great to see them growing slowly but surely, getting onto mother's milk, not needing feeding tubes, and more... progress is awesome :)
God rocks, taking care of his two little ones, as well as his two big ones, their parents :)
Keep it up Drake and Kennedy! You two are doing awesome and just keep this up! We know you two will make it just fine and can't wait to see you brought home :)