Hello Friends!
Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers for our children this week, especially Ava. Ava is doing better. The surgeon removed the drain from her tummy and it's healing nicely. Now, we'll start feeding her with breast milk. If her body tolerates it, she'll be able to move forward like her siblings. If she can't tolerate food, then we'll have to meet with the surgeons again and discuss other options. Please continue to hope and pray Ava can tolerate her feedings and that this weekend is a success.
Other good news this week is that the NICU staff was able to move all of our children into the same "pod." For those of you unfamiliar with the NICU, this means that all of our children are now in the same room, sharing the same nurses. We can close the glass doors and read/sing to all of our children all at once. It's such a blessing.
In other news, the children (except Ava) are now "non-nutritive feeding." This means we are allowing them to practice breast feeding right after I finish pumping. This way, they're not getting too much milk, but they are able to practice sucking, swallowing, and breathing. Classic overachiever style, Clara has taken to this like a duck to water. We practiced again today and she immediately latched on. She's such a smart cookie.
We also like to think of Clara as the healer. Shortly after she and Millie held hands (see below), Millie's breathing has improved and she came off of her ventilator and supplemental oxygen. We are hoping Clara and Ava can get some time together this weekend.
The other news from this week is that the hospital would like to host a press event next week. We would love to celebrate the hospital and all they've done for us, but we'll admit that being the center of attention is not our normal. But, I am very excited to dress the quints (they're big enough to dress now!) for their introduction to the world.
I've also spent time this week talking to other moms of multiples, pediatricians, insurance agents, and much more. When we aren't at the NICU, I'm usually on my phone or computer trying to finish paperwork and tie up loose ends. I don't think it's even hit me that Christmas is next week. But, we have all the presents we could ask for, so I'm content to let the season wash over me with peace and joy.
I am continuing to heal fairly well. I developed a bladder infection this week which was no fun, but we've got it under control now and I'm feeling much better. I got my staples out and I'm only using pain medication to sleep. I'm looking forward to being able to drive myself this weekend (freedom!!!!) and walk a bit more each day.
I think that's all for now. Thank you so much for your prayers and generosity. We so appreciate the gifts, the donations to GoFundMe, the homemade dinners, the gift cards to restaurants, and much more. We are so humbled. Merry Christmas to all.
Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers for our children this week, especially Ava. Ava is doing better. The surgeon removed the drain from her tummy and it's healing nicely. Now, we'll start feeding her with breast milk. If her body tolerates it, she'll be able to move forward like her siblings. If she can't tolerate food, then we'll have to meet with the surgeons again and discuss other options. Please continue to hope and pray Ava can tolerate her feedings and that this weekend is a success.
 | ||||
| Ava is now well enough to be out of her isolette and held by Daddy. |
Other good news this week is that the NICU staff was able to move all of our children into the same "pod." For those of you unfamiliar with the NICU, this means that all of our children are now in the same room, sharing the same nurses. We can close the glass doors and read/sing to all of our children all at once. It's such a blessing.
 |
| Before moving to our own pod with Isabelle, Luke, Clara, and Millie. Holding two kiddos at the same time is absolutely amazing. |
In other news, the children (except Ava) are now "non-nutritive feeding." This means we are allowing them to practice breast feeding right after I finish pumping. This way, they're not getting too much milk, but they are able to practice sucking, swallowing, and breathing. Classic overachiever style, Clara has taken to this like a duck to water. We practiced again today and she immediately latched on. She's such a smart cookie.
We also like to think of Clara as the healer. Shortly after she and Millie held hands (see below), Millie's breathing has improved and she came off of her ventilator and supplemental oxygen. We are hoping Clara and Ava can get some time together this weekend.
 | ||||
| Clara and Millie hold hands |
The other news from this week is that the hospital would like to host a press event next week. We would love to celebrate the hospital and all they've done for us, but we'll admit that being the center of attention is not our normal. But, I am very excited to dress the quints (they're big enough to dress now!) for their introduction to the world.
I've also spent time this week talking to other moms of multiples, pediatricians, insurance agents, and much more. When we aren't at the NICU, I'm usually on my phone or computer trying to finish paperwork and tie up loose ends. I don't think it's even hit me that Christmas is next week. But, we have all the presents we could ask for, so I'm content to let the season wash over me with peace and joy.
I am continuing to heal fairly well. I developed a bladder infection this week which was no fun, but we've got it under control now and I'm feeling much better. I got my staples out and I'm only using pain medication to sleep. I'm looking forward to being able to drive myself this weekend (freedom!!!!) and walk a bit more each day.
I think that's all for now. Thank you so much for your prayers and generosity. We so appreciate the gifts, the donations to GoFundMe, the homemade dinners, the gift cards to restaurants, and much more. We are so humbled. Merry Christmas to all.
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