Life of the Lewis's

Friday, October 3, 2008

9/12/2008 to 9/20/2008 - The First Week Home!

We were so happy to finally have the girls home! We were busy adjusting and finally sharing some quality family time from Thursday all the way until Saturday, when their first visitors arrived! Grandma and Grandpa Lewis and Aunt Jenny and Uncle Rick stopped by. Mom finally took a nap and actually did wake up in time to see Grandpa Lewis and Uncle Rick. She felt bad and embarrassed, but she was able to visit with Grandma Lewis and Aunt Jenny. Apparently Madison provided some excited by having a major blowout on the changing table on Aunt Jenny. We had to have a discussion that she needs to save those moments for Mom & Dad and not her visitors!

Unfortunately, Monday meant back to work for Dad. Mom stayed busy in the morning with feedings and baths. Dad was able to leave a little early to take the girls to their first doctor's appointment. We were anxious to find out their weights. Taylor was 4 lbs, 11 oz and Madison was 5 lbs, 3 oz. Taylor was up 5 oz and Madison was up 7 oz just since Thursday! Although it does not sound like a lot, it is for their size! We were relieved that our 3 am feedings were paying off! Everything else checked out great and they were scheduled to go back in 2 weeks, in which they would be 2 months old and due for vaccinations.

Grandma & Grandpa Mraz arrived late Monday afternoon after the girls' appointment! They could not believe how much they had grown! We were lucky to have some much needed help, as with Dad back to work it is hard to get much sleep with just two people available for feedings every three hours. Not to mention the fantastic dinners that we had all week!

Mom & Dad even got out to see how the new house was coming along. It looks great and we can not get moved in quick enough! Not too much longer though, hopefully early December!
Mom also had an exciting afternoon at Babies R' Us picking up some items that she needed! Wow, how things change with newborns! Who would have thought that a trip to Babies R' Us could be so exciting! Not too mention that purchasing a few items that make everything easier (like an additional video monitor, an incline bed (to help prevent spitting up) and a bottle storage/dryer rack) could be so fun!

Early on Wednesday morning when Mom was preparing the girls for their 6 am feeding, she laid them by one another to have some sister time and Taylor was being especially cute. She was smiling and reaching out to hold Madison's hand (at least it appeared that way). Grandpa Mraz was able to watch as well!

On Friday Mom gave the girls baths with the help of Grandma & Grandpa Mraz. We then dressed them in cute outfits for a little photo shoot! Then it was time for Grandma & Grandpa Mraz to return to St. Louis. Mom, Dad, Taylor, Madison and even Indy (he was able to go on long walks with Grandpa) had a great time and really appreciated all of the help!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Madison & Taylor

Taylor & Madison

Madison

Taylor

Grandma Lewis & Taylor

Grandpa Lewis, Madison, Grandma Lewis & Taylor

Grandpa Lewis & Madison

Taylor & Madison

Monday, September 15, 2008

Mom, Dad, Taylor & Madison

Taylor

Madison

Dad, Taylor & Madison

Taylor & Madison

Grandma Mraz & Madison

Grandma Mraz & Taylor

Grandpa Mraz & Madison

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Madison & Taylor

Friday, September 19, 2008

Grandma Mraz, Madison & Grandpa Mraz

Grandpa Mraz & Madison

Madison, Grandpa Mraz, Taylor & Grandma Mraz

Madison, Grandpa Mraz & Taylor

Madison, Grandpa Mraz, Taylor & Mom

Taylor & Grandpa Mraz

Madison

Madison & Taylor

Taylor

9/5/2008 to 9/11/2008 - Homecoming!

On Friday, Mom arrived to find that Taylor had a bradycardia over night, which meant that she would not be coming home. She had not had one since 8/22, but she must have been telling us that we were pushing her too hard and she was not quite ready. She had been working hard, as she was moved to a crib, laying flat, and increasing feedings quite a bit over a short period of time. So we were extremely disappointed, but realize that we want to be sure that she is ready to come home when the time arrives.

However, both Taylor & Madison had passed their car seat exams (had to sit in them for an hour w/ no episodes) and were given their Hepatitis B shots in preparation of coming home. They said that Madison would probably be home on Saturday. We were feeling torn because as bad as we wanted them home, we did not really want them separated. Also, once Madison left she could not return to the NICU, so to visit Taylor we would have to leave Madison at home. However, the doctors said it was not really up to them, that it was up to the insurance company.

Early Saturday morning we received a phone call from the doctor stating that Madison had now had a bradycardia over night. She had not had one since 8/9. However, she had spit up and was probably just choking, so they were not concerned, but thought that we should keep them both there awhile longer to be sure that they are ready and also we could try to get them home together at the same time. We think that was her way of staying with her sis!

They sailed through the rest of the week with no problems and continued to eat well and gain weight. We were thinking that they may be coming home Tuesday or Wednesday because the guideline is 5 days without any episodes. But then midweek we were advised that it would probably be over the weekend, but to be ready at any moment to bring them home. Mike had taken off Wednesday through the rest of the week in anticipation of them coming home. He ended up getting to play in a golf tournament on Wednesday - had to get it in while he could!Then he decided not to go in on Thursday because he had a feeling that they just may be ready discharged. We had been expressing to the doctors and nurses that we were anxious to get them home. We had a car seat safety inspection at 10:00 am and we were on our way to the fire station when we received the call! The girls were sitting in their car seats with their thumbs out waiting to be picked up on Clearavista Drive (the street the hospital is located on)! We were so excited! We couldn't get through the car seat safety inspection quick enough!

We arrived at the hospital and decided to go ahead and bathe and feed them one last time, as they would be way off schedule if we waited to feed them at home. We quickly learned how many items they require and accumulate as we began packing their room to leave. I keep telling Dad that we need a minivan, but he has yet to accept the thought! On our way out we were able to snap a few family photos! As nice as everyone was in the NICU, I don't think any of us will miss being there!

Upon arrival at home they met their big brother, Indy (our Weimaraner whose life just changed dramatically). He was curious and sniffed, but kept his distance. He has adjusted well considering! He does seem genuinely concerned when they cry out loudly. Otherwise, he pretty much just sniffs and then leaves them alone and I'm sure that he is jealous. In his defense, I do feel bad when he is seeking attention and Mike and I are both holding/feeding one of the girls. But he is slowly adjusting over time and doing great! I told him before long they will be his best friends, as I'm sure they will leave behind many crumbs and share snacks with him!

The first day/night went great! We are feeding the girls every 3 hours (9, 12, 3, 6), which is a tough schedule to keep, but they are doing well. It is hard to sleep or take your eye off of them too long due to worry. We had grown so accustomed to the monitors that we worry that they could experience a bradycardia or sleep apnea when we are not in the room. However, we found that we quickly adjusted and no longer worry quite as much. We are so thankful & happy to finally have them home & healthy!

Friday, September 5, 2008