Getting closer and closer...

Hi, everyone! Ross has moved into an open crib and so far, he is doing a great job of keeping himself warm! Riley had a great weight gain last night and is now 5lbs 7oz! He was also measured and is 18 inches long, which is not a big change from last week, but that's ok because he has gained so much weight. Ross lost a tiny bit of weight yesterday, probably because he was moved to an open crib and had to use so many calories to keep himself warm. However, he was also measured and is now 17 1/2 inches long which is a big jump! The doctors are considering changing him to a higher calorie formula to boost his weight gain. It looks like we will be moving to the Pediatric Unit tomorrow, which is a big step! I will be able to stay with the boys and sleep in their room, so we can start to prepare for coming home!

New pics

Please be sure to check out the new photos! The boys are doing well. They both had great weight gains once again and Ross is now at 4lbs 4.5oz and Riley is now at 5lbs 5oz. They are big boys and I love their chubby cheeks!! Ross is now doing a great job maintaining his own temperature and is almost ready for an open crib, which is a big step in getting ready to go home. The boys are eating well, sleeping calmly, and generally doing beautifully. Depending on how the next few days go, the boys may be moved to a step down unit where I can stay overnight with them, in preparation for them coming home. Of course, it all depends on how they continue to make progress, so please keep your fingers crossed!

I'm back

Hi, everyone! I am being discharged from the hospital today and am feeling much better. My pancreatitis is all gone and my gall bladder has been removed. I certainly didn't want to spend 6 days in the hospital, but at least I knew the boys were safe and well cared for while I recovered. I was also happy to be able to walk down to the NICU several times each day to visit with them while I was in the hospital. A very special thank you to my sister for posting and letting everyone know why I was out of touch for a few days. The boys are doing well! They have each gained some weight since I last posted and here are their current weights: Ross is at 4lbs 2.7oz and Riley is at 5lbs 2.7oz. Riley actually hasn't gained in the past couple of days, so he is going to get formula with some extra calories to see if we can boost his weight gain. Also, he is a little anemic, but the doctors ran some tests and determined that he is making new red blood cells at a good rate and should be just fine. Both boys are now on "demand" feeding which means that they can eat whenever they are hungry (although they are not allowed to go longer than 4 hours without eating) and can eat as much as they want. Ross and Riley are each eating close to 2 1/2 oz at each feeding! That's very similar to what full term newborns eat, which is so exciting! Finally, both boys are still having a few brady's (heart rate drops), which is still expected for preemies at their age. However, that means that neither kiddo is quite ready to come home yet, since they have to go 7 days without a brady before being discharged. So, that's the update! Thanks for checking and caring so much about the boys! -Melissa

Hi, this is Melissa's sister Ilyssa posting today. Sorry it has been a while since our last post; things have been sort of hectic. Ross and Riley are both doing well and continuing to grow each day. Melissa, however, is not doing quite as well. She is in the hospital and has to have her gallbladder removed. She will unfortunately be there until Wednesday or Thursday. However, she is able to visit the babies frequently, which makes being there not as bad. She's not in terrible discomfort anymore, just pretty tired, as she prepares for surgery. I'll try to post news about the babies every couple of days if possible. As always, Melis says thanks for all of your notes, calls, and general support.

More great weight gains! Ross is now at 3lbs 8.6oz (that's a whole pound of growth since his birth!!). Riley is now at 4lbs 12.3oz...he is a very big boy! My mom and I had a great night with the kiddos last night, getting them washed up, weighed, and fed before they fell asleep. Thanks again for the phone calls, emails, and messages on the message board. I appreciate all of your support!

Holding my breath....

It's been an exciting morning here so far! First of all, last night both boys had another weight gain. Ross is now 3lbs 6.9oz and continues to love to eat! The doctors increased the amount he is eating at each feeding and he is thrilled! Riley had a tremendous weight gain of 4oz in one day and now weighs 4lbs 10.4oz!! The doctors have decided that he can now eat whatever he wants at each feeding. More exciting news for Riley - he is now big enough to maintain his own body temperature and doesn't need to be in an incubator anymore! He has also been transferred to a regular bassinet. I also got some news this morning that is almost too exciting to think about. First, Riley has to finish his course of IV antibiotics (he still has six more days). Then, as long as he has no more bradys (heart rate drops), maintains his own temperature, continues to gain weight and does well with his feedings - HE CAN COME HOME!!!!! That's a lot of goals and he has to meet them all, so I am trying not to get my hopes up. We will just have to wait and see how he does.

No more tubes!

I had a wonderful suprise waiting for me when I got to the hospital today. Both boys' feeding tubes have been removed and they are taking all feedings by mouth. Riley had a little trouble staying awake for one of his feedings, but he did better the next time. Ross seems to have a neverending appetite and always finishes his whole bottle. The boys look so gorgeous without any tubes on their faces. Special thanks to Karen and Cindy for coming to visit today!