Saturday, April 17

Life with the babies is going well, and we're adjusting to lack of sleep and a hectic schedule.

Andrew is still on the Evita vent and running around 50 percent on his oxygen needs. We spoke with the pulmonologist, and he would like Andrew to have his oxygen needs in the 40s, and his carbon dioxide levels in the 50s before moving back to a home vent. Andrew's carbon dioxide levels have been in the 60s lately, so we wait. If his levels don't come down by early next week, the doctor may try more medications including another round of steroids. The doctor thinks Andrew's acid reflux is really holding him back, and is getting into his lungs. We're tired of Andrew being in there and really want him to get better, so he can come home. Another issue that we may run into is that Andrew is 3 weeks past term and may need to move to the pulmonology or Pediatric ICU wing. A decision will be made in the next few weeks.

Thursday was a very busy and stressful day for us and the girls. We spent most of the day at doctor's appointments. One appointment was planned and the other was scheduled the day before when the doctor's schedule opened up. Mattie was able to be squeezed in to see the same pulmonologist that Andrew has. He said Mattie looked good and wants us to try removing her nasal cannula for short periods of time to see how she reacts. He's also going to increase some medications for her lungs. The second appointment was worse for the girls. They had eye exams, and they hate them. The doctor uses an instrument to hold their eyes open that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. Adelaide's eyes looked great and will not have to be checked again. Mattie's eyes are not completely developed, so she'll be examined again in 5 weeks. After we left the appointment, our car wouldn't start. The battery was starting to go, and we had to get it jumped. We thought we were going to be stuck in Plano. We got home late after stopping for a new battery, and turned around to go back to Dallas to visit Andrew. Quite a long day.

Praise
Adelaide's eyes look great.
Mattie getting in with the pulmonologist.
Weight gain for the babies.
Andrew's Echo looked awesome. No heart issues.

Prayers
Pray for the decision we need to make on Andrew's care.
Pray that he will improve in the next few days, so he doesn't have to go through steroids, again.
Pray that Mattie's eyes will develop.
Pray for Kevin and Tara as we try to juggle work, medical paperwork, family, doctor's appointments, and visits to Andrew.