Sunday, January 10

We had a fabulous day with the babies. We got good reports this morning on all of their blood gases and x-rays. Andrew and Mattie's lungs have started to improve, and they've been weened off their ventilators a little. It's great to celebrate these things, but we're also aware that tomorrow is another day, and they could have lung problems again. Kevin and Tara went to church this morning and got to visit with several people. It's great knowing so many people are following our blog. We hear that it's a little difficult to become a follower and leave comments, but we've heard lots of stories about people reading and praying for our babies. We'd like to say hi to everyone that we don't know. Thanks for keeping up with us and praying for the Three Peets. Thank you to all of our friends and family for following along as well. We love you.

After a Sunday afternoon nap, we headed to the NICU, and Kevin got a chance to hold Adelaide for 2 hours. When we arrived she was a lot more active then the previous day, so when the nurse put her on Kevin's chest, she was squirming and throwing her arms and legs around. We soon found out why. Her diaper was full. The nurse quickly took her back and changed her. Adelaide slept on Kevin's chest for most of the time, making sweet yawning sounds, sighs, and grunts. Kevin even closed his eyes and fell asleep for short periods of time. The kangaroo therapy (skin to skin contact) is really good for the babies. It helps them to regulate their temperatures and heart rates, which helps them to fall asleep, which in turn helps them to grow and get stronger. Kevin also sang U2 lullabies to her. Tara had another chance to hold her after Kevin, but not with the skin to skin contact. It was still very special for her. After dinner, Tara had a really fun experience with Adelaide. The nurses gave her a bath, and Tara was able to wash and dry her. It was awesome! Adelaide cried and squirmed. She was really slippery. Tara had a wonderful time washing her hair and combing it.

Andrew was giving the nurses fits this afternoon for awhile. His blood oxygen levels would drop, and they were having to continually adjust his oxygen intake. His improved lungs are the big story though. We're so happy. We just hope it continues. One of the nurses showed Kevin the x-rays, and he could see a huge difference in what the doctor showed him the other day. Andrew is back up to around 2lbs. in weight, and they increased his feedings again. Andrew calmed down in the evening and was sleeping peacefully when we left. He was also put back on photo therapy for jaundice. They are doing some blood tests tomorrow morning to check his liver functions. There's a chance that the iv fluid he's given is too much for his liver to handle, which makes him jaundice. If it is, they will just give him a different type of iv fluid.

Mattie has gained weight as well and is almost 2lbs. She weighed 1lb. 13oz. tonight. The nurses agree that she will be giving us a run for our money. She's definitely the feistiest. We're gathering a few nicknames for her too. Mattie the Marauder, Mattie the Maniac, and one nurse likes to call her Sissy. Kevin changed her diaper tonight, and Mattie got so mad; she turns red all over. She was crying and throwing her arms around. We hope she outgrows this "don't touch me" phase. We can't wait to see what God has planned for her with her personality. We already love her spirit so much.

Praise
Kangaroo therapy with Kevin and Adelaide.
Bath time with Tara and Adelaide.
Improved lungs - The prayers are working!
Weight gain.
Beautiful heads of hair on all three.
Adelaide's and Mattie's eyes now open wide - they look around and turn their heads to see who is talking to them!

Prayer
Andrew's blood test would help determine why his jaundice levels keep changing.
Continued protection over the babies lungs from long term issues.
Continued weight gain and strength.
Mattie and Andrew would become stable enough for kangaroo therapy.