For the last couple days Emily has been so close to hitting the 3lb mark....but finally last night she officially made it. She is now 3lbs 0.8oz and Ellery is 3lbs 11.4 oz. Just a few weeks ago they were the tiniest babies I've ever seen and now they seem so big. Of course put them next to a 6-8 lb baby and they will seem tiny again.

Both girls have now taken an entire feeding by bottle the last two nights. This again is a huge accomplishment. The nurses didn't expect them to do so well so early. They definitely like having the bottle instead of the feeding tube.

For the last couple days Emily has been so close to hitting the 3lb mark....but finally last night she officially made it. She is now 3lbs 0.8oz and Ellery is 3lbs 11.4 oz. Just a few weeks ago they were the tiniest babies I've ever seen and now they seem so big. Of course put them next to a 6-8 lb baby and they will seem tiny again.

Both girls have now taken an entire feeding by bottle the last two nights. This again is a huge accomplishment. The nurses didn't expect them to do so well so early. They definitely like having the bottle instead of the feeding tube.

This weekend was pretty quiet in the Singer corner of the NICU. The girls were focused on gaining weight and sleeping. Personally I'd love to be doing the sleeping part, but the gaining weight...not so much. As of tonight Emily weighs 2lbs 15.4oz and will hopefully hit the 3lb mark by tomorrow. Ellery weights 3lbs 7.2 oz and is fast approaching 3 1/2 pounds.

They both had their first attempt at bottle feeding last night. The nurse who works the night shift decided to give them a head start to see if they could do it. Normally they don't start the preemies on bottles until 32 weeks which will be on Tuesday. Both girls only had about 5ml which is a very small amount but they seemed to do pretty well. Hopefully they pick it up quickly because they can't go home until they've mastered the bottle.

This weekend was pretty quiet in the Singer corner of the NICU. The girls were focused on gaining weight and sleeping. Personally I'd love to be doing the sleeping part, but the gaining weight...not so much. As of tonight Emily weighs 2lbs 15.4oz and will hopefully hit the 3lb mark by tomorrow. Ellery weights 3lbs 7.2 oz and is fast approaching 3 1/2 pounds.

They both had their first attempt at bottle feeding last night. The nurse who works the night shift decided to give them a head start to see if they could do it. Normally they don't start the preemies on bottles until 32 weeks which will be on Tuesday. Both girls only had about 5ml which is a very small amount but they seemed to do pretty well. Hopefully they pick it up quickly because they can't go home until they've mastered the bottle.

No major updates to report. Ellery is now 3lbs 2 oz and Emily is 2lbs 10 oz as of last night. They've been moved to the East wing so that they can just hang out and grow. Yesterday I was able to hold both of them at the same time. It was great, but it was hard to look at one baby at a time.

Emily

Ellery Smiling!

No major updates to report. Ellery is now 3lbs 2 oz and Emily is 2lbs 10 oz as of last night. They've been moved to the East wing so that they can just hang out and grow. Yesterday I was able to hold both of them at the same time. It was great, but it was hard to look at one baby at a time.

Emily

Ellery Smiling!

Nice Work Emily!

Today I walked into the NICU to find Emily without her nasal cannula. She's been very annoyed about any of the equipment she's had up her nose. She's been on a very low level of air for the last few days so they took her off altogether. She's been off for 12 hours and doing great, so hopefully she is able to stay off the nasal cannula. Of course there is a chance she'll have to go back on, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she's off for good.

I also gave Ellery a bath today. I've never given her one before and had just given Emily her first on on Friday. Even though they are tiny they sure are strong!!

Ellery in her "bath tub"

Ellery & Emily (without her nasal cannula!!!)
Hi Sister (taken 3/17/08)

This is a typical day in the NICU. Alarms going off, other babies crying, sleeping......

Nice Work Emily!

Today I walked into the NICU to find Emily without her nasal cannula. She's been very annoyed about any of the equipment she's had up her nose. She's been on a very low level of air for the last few days so they took her off altogether. She's been off for 12 hours and doing great, so hopefully she is able to stay off the nasal cannula. Of course there is a chance she'll have to go back on, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she's off for good.

I also gave Ellery a bath today. I've never given her one before and had just given Emily her first on on Friday. Even though they are tiny they sure are strong!!

Ellery in her "bath tub"

Ellery & Emily (without her nasal cannula!!!)
Hi Sister (taken 3/17/08)

This is a typical day in the NICU. Alarms going off, other babies crying, sleeping......

Ladies and gentleman we have a 3 pounder!

Today Ellery hit the 3lb mark! I feel like she's been gaining weight quickly but they tell me once you are at 3lbs you gain even faster. Emily is also doing great at gaining and is at 2lb 9 oz. They look chunkier (if under 3 lbs can even be considered chunky??) everyday. It's the cutest thing ever!

Ellery & Emily

In their NICU outfits given to them by cousins Krista, Korryn, Kerri, and Aunt Kathie

Ladies and gentleman we have a 3 pounder!

Today Ellery hit the 3lb mark! I feel like she's been gaining weight quickly but they tell me once you are at 3lbs you gain even faster. Emily is also doing great at gaining and is at 2lb 9 oz. They look chunkier (if under 3 lbs can even be considered chunky??) everyday. It's the cutest thing ever!

Ellery & Emily

In their NICU outfits given to them by cousins Krista, Korryn, Kerri, and Aunt Kathie

One Month Old Today

Emily & Ellery are one month old today. It feels like it was just a little bit ago that they were born, but yet it also feels like it was at least a few months ago. I know...doesn't make any sense. I feel like we have been in a time warp in the NICU. Life outside flies by and I can't remember what day of the week it is or why I can't seem to accomplish anything, but yet inside the NICU time goes by very s-l-o-w-l-y.

This weekend was pretty quiet for the girls. They slept for the majority of my visits...but that is their job. As of last night, Ellery now weights 2lbs 13.5 oz and Emily is up to 2lbs 7.5 oz. Won't be too long before I have 3lb babies!

One Month Old Today

Emily & Ellery are one month old today. It feels like it was just a little bit ago that they were born, but yet it also feels like it was at least a few months ago. I know...doesn't make any sense. I feel like we have been in a time warp in the NICU. Life outside flies by and I can't remember what day of the week it is or why I can't seem to accomplish anything, but yet inside the NICU time goes by very s-l-o-w-l-y.

This weekend was pretty quiet for the girls. They slept for the majority of my visits...but that is their job. As of last night, Ellery now weights 2lbs 13.5 oz and Emily is up to 2lbs 7.5 oz. Won't be too long before I have 3lb babies!

30 Weeks

Today the girls are 30 weeks gestational age. For a single baby full term is 40 weeks and for twins it's usually 38 weeks or so. The girls are still behaving....somewhat. They both have been caught pulling on each others feeding tubes, pushing each others heads, and just doing what normal siblings would do. They are still doing wonderfully after being put in the same bed. They are regulating their temperatures (this is a common problem for preemies) and are gaining weight. Ellery is up to 2lbs 10.5 oz and Emily is 2lbs 4.2 oz. Our goal is to gain about a 1/2 oz a day and while some days they don't gain that much the next day they will gain twice that amount. So on average, we're doing great!!!

30 Weeks

Today the girls are 30 weeks gestational age. For a single baby full term is 40 weeks and for twins it's usually 38 weeks or so. The girls are still behaving....somewhat. They both have been caught pulling on each others feeding tubes, pushing each others heads, and just doing what normal siblings would do. They are still doing wonderfully after being put in the same bed. They are regulating their temperatures (this is a common problem for preemies) and are gaining weight. Ellery is up to 2lbs 10.5 oz and Emily is 2lbs 4.2 oz. Our goal is to gain about a 1/2 oz a day and while some days they don't gain that much the next day they will gain twice that amount. So on average, we're doing great!!!

Surprise!!!

When I walked into the NICU today I had a big surpise waiting for me......Emily & Ellery have moved in together!!!!

Once twins are stable enough they like to move them together since they have spent most of their time snuggled up next to each other. The girls seem to really like it. They have both been very relaxed today and I think are just trying to figure out who keeps touching them and who is right next to them. Hopefully they behave and don't pull out each other's feeding tubes....if they do we'll have to separate them. It's so cute to see them together!

Ellery & Emily

Surprise!!!

When I walked into the NICU today I had a big surpise waiting for me......Emily & Ellery have moved in together!!!!

Once twins are stable enough they like to move them together since they have spent most of their time snuggled up next to each other. The girls seem to really like it. They have both been very relaxed today and I think are just trying to figure out who keeps touching them and who is right next to them. Hopefully they behave and don't pull out each other's feeding tubes....if they do we'll have to separate them. It's so cute to see them together!

Ellery & Emily

A year ago this week....

This is what was going on at our house a year ago this week. The infamous dump truck rolling over onto my newly poured foundation & retaining wall fiasco. So much fun!

A year ago this week....

This is what was going on at our house a year ago this week. The infamous dump truck rolling over onto my newly poured foundation & retaining wall fiasco. So much fun!

Grams & Ounces!

Well Emily's new nasal cannula set up seems to be working because the last two nights she has gained more than 50 grams a day. (30 grams = 1 oz) Emily is now 2 lbs 2.9 oz and Ellery who also is gaining pretty rapidly is 2lbs 9.1oz. The girls spend their days sleeping, eating, and pooping.....just like any other infant.

Grams & Ounces!

Well Emily's new nasal cannula set up seems to be working because the last two nights she has gained more than 50 grams a day. (30 grams = 1 oz) Emily is now 2 lbs 2.9 oz and Ellery who also is gaining pretty rapidly is 2lbs 9.1oz. The girls spend their days sleeping, eating, and pooping.....just like any other infant.

3 weeks old!

WOW ! Three weeks old already....I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. I still feel like the days fly by but yet I haven't unpacked very many boxes and I don't really know what I've accomplished during the days. The girls are still doing well. Emily's exciting news is that she is off the CPAP and on something called the high-flow nasal cannula which is supplemental humidified air provided through a tube in her nose. If you've ever been in the hospital or had surgery you may have had something similar but that likely had oxygen in it. This is a positive step up from the CPAP but Emily's not technically ready to be off the assisted air like her sister is. She's been having some reflux issues which are common in preemies and the extra air from the CPAP was making it worse. The Dr thought that by switching to the nasal cannula it would allow Emily to digest her food a little better. She's been on it almost 24 hours and doing great. It's wonderful to see her head and entire face. Hopefully this works for her. Now that we can actually see her we don't want her to go back on the CPAP.

Emily and Ellery have both exceeded their birth weights and our main goal is to just get them to gain weight. Emily is now 2lbs .01 oz and Ellery is tipping the scales at 2lbs 6.6 oz. Emily's new oxygen set up should also allow her to gain weight a little faster. For the next few weeks our goals are to have them gain weight and remain stable.

Today I had my first baby shower. It was so much fun. I can't believe how generous everyone has been. I can't wait for the girls to come home and see the amazing things and adorbale outfits they have waiting for them. Emily and Ellery are going to be quite stylish. Thanks to you all for being so generous and thoughtful!

Almost all of Emily's prior photos have her covered in medical gear so it's her turn to be the star now that she's almost tube free!

Ellery in her isolette

3 weeks old!

WOW ! Three weeks old already....I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. I still feel like the days fly by but yet I haven't unpacked very many boxes and I don't really know what I've accomplished during the days. The girls are still doing well. Emily's exciting news is that she is off the CPAP and on something called the high-flow nasal cannula which is supplemental humidified air provided through a tube in her nose. If you've ever been in the hospital or had surgery you may have had something similar but that likely had oxygen in it. This is a positive step up from the CPAP but Emily's not technically ready to be off the assisted air like her sister is. She's been having some reflux issues which are common in preemies and the extra air from the CPAP was making it worse. The Dr thought that by switching to the nasal cannula it would allow Emily to digest her food a little better. She's been on it almost 24 hours and doing great. It's wonderful to see her head and entire face. Hopefully this works for her. Now that we can actually see her we don't want her to go back on the CPAP.

Emily and Ellery have both exceeded their birth weights and our main goal is to just get them to gain weight. Emily is now 2lbs .01 oz and Ellery is tipping the scales at 2lbs 6.6 oz. Emily's new oxygen set up should also allow her to gain weight a little faster. For the next few weeks our goals are to have them gain weight and remain stable.

Today I had my first baby shower. It was so much fun. I can't believe how generous everyone has been. I can't wait for the girls to come home and see the amazing things and adorbale outfits they have waiting for them. Emily and Ellery are going to be quite stylish. Thanks to you all for being so generous and thoughtful!

Almost all of Emily's prior photos have her covered in medical gear so it's her turn to be the star now that she's almost tube free!

Ellery in her isolette

No News is Good News in the NICU

I've been getting lots of calls and concerns about there not being any updates on the blog for a while. Everything is great....we've just been swamped. On Sunday we FINALLY moved into the house......ok we stayed the night, we're still moving stuff in. I can't believe how long it's taking me to get things organized. We also didn't have internet access until today, so I haven't had a chance to check email or update the blog.

The girls are doing well. They are both up past their birth weights after losing 15-20% of their weight shortly after they were born. Ellery is 2 lbs 4.6oz and Emily is 1lb 15oz. Ellery is still going strong off her CPAP. The Dr's and nurses tell us every day that its possible she'll have to go back on again soon...but the girl is going on 6 days and doing great! Emily is hopefully a few days away from being off her CPAP. She's not pleased about that but she's still so tiny so she has to work a little harder to breath on her own. Ellery has moved to a isolette bed which is one of those plexi glass enclosed incubators you would expect to see in a NICU. Believe it or not that is a step up from the bed she was in first. Once Emily's CPAP comes off she'll be in an isolette for a few days and then we'll be able to have them in the same open warmer bed together. I can't wait for that.

The other big news this week is that both had their IV's removed. They are getting all their nutrients from breast milk and no longer need the IV fluids to supplement. There is a risk of infection with the IV's so we are very happy to have those out. The feeding tubes are the only tubes both girls have. They still have a few other wires attached for the monitors that track their heart rates, breathing, and oxygen levels but it's nice to know they don't have anything else stuck in their little bodies.

Thank you everyone for your calls, emails, and thoughts. We are so lucky to have such great friends and family who care about us!

Emily

Ellery

No News is Good News in the NICU

I've been getting lots of calls and concerns about there not being any updates on the blog for a while. Everything is great....we've just been swamped. On Sunday we FINALLY moved into the house......ok we stayed the night, we're still moving stuff in. I can't believe how long it's taking me to get things organized. We also didn't have internet access until today, so I haven't had a chance to check email or update the blog.

The girls are doing well. They are both up past their birth weights after losing 15-20% of their weight shortly after they were born. Ellery is 2 lbs 4.6oz and Emily is 1lb 15oz. Ellery is still going strong off her CPAP. The Dr's and nurses tell us every day that its possible she'll have to go back on again soon...but the girl is going on 6 days and doing great! Emily is hopefully a few days away from being off her CPAP. She's not pleased about that but she's still so tiny so she has to work a little harder to breath on her own. Ellery has moved to a isolette bed which is one of those plexi glass enclosed incubators you would expect to see in a NICU. Believe it or not that is a step up from the bed she was in first. Once Emily's CPAP comes off she'll be in an isolette for a few days and then we'll be able to have them in the same open warmer bed together. I can't wait for that.

The other big news this week is that both had their IV's removed. They are getting all their nutrients from breast milk and no longer need the IV fluids to supplement. There is a risk of infection with the IV's so we are very happy to have those out. The feeding tubes are the only tubes both girls have. They still have a few other wires attached for the monitors that track their heart rates, breathing, and oxygen levels but it's nice to know they don't have anything else stuck in their little bodies.

Thank you everyone for your calls, emails, and thoughts. We are so lucky to have such great friends and family who care about us!

Emily

Ellery