Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Update

Sorry for not posting an update sooner. As you can imagine I'm pretty wiped, but most definitely not complaining! I'm madly in love with these two little peanuts and won't let sleep deprivation keep me from enjoying my dreams come true!

Both Liam and Silas are still in the Special Care Nursery. They are making great progress, but can't go home until they get better at feeding and gain some more weight. Both boys lost weight, which is expected, but haven't quite mastered the suck, swallow, breath stuff without tiring easily. Monday the pediatrician wanted to incorporate bottle feeding into our routine, so I was nursing, bottle feeding, and pumping every three hours. This meant that I'd get 1-1.5 hours of sleep at a time for about a total of 4 hours a night (the hospital gave me a room to stay here with the boys). Today we started using a supplemental nursing system, which seemed to be a better alternative for the boys, because they only had to "work" once instead of twice to get their food. Also, the boys have been given NG tube feedings to help them grow while they're improving their feeding skills. So far the boys have only been given my breast milk (and K's colostrum), but I presume my frozen supply will run out soon. At that point they'll be given formula along with the breast milk that they get while nursing and from the little I pump. I have to admit that I'm unsure how I'll be able to maintain this routine when I'm home, but I'm happy that I'm doing what I can now.

Liam's and Silas' personalities are already showing. Silas is my "wild child"--he likes to move about more and really gets demanding when he wants to feed. Liam is a little more laid back and patient. Liam is a great nurser and immediately takes to the breast, but Silas is a little more pokey. He prefers to let his brother get the milk to let down before he begins his feedings. Although both boys like to cuddle with mamma, Liam is my little snuggle bunny. He just loves to cuddle skin to skin with me after he feeds.

J is such a great daddy! He's very confident in his abilities to change diapers, give baths, and handle the boys. It melts my heart to see him loving his boys! Today J went to work, which just so happens to be at the same hospital where the boys are staying, and came to visit them several times. After work he was telling them how much he missed them and gave them kisses. It was so cute!

The Grandmas and Grandpas came to visit again today and finally got to hold the boys. I think it made their day!

I've been reading books to the boys. I started with big brother Myles' favorite book I Love You Stinky Face. I talk to them all the time and feel fairly confident that they can now recognize my voice. When I talk to them they turn their eyes to me, which warms my heart! I look at them and sometimes can't believe that they are mine. I am so very, very blessed!

K is doing quite well too! She's coming to visit the boys tomorrow and I know they are excited to see her! I know I am! K said she'd post an update, so I'll let her fill you in on how she's doing.

Our local newspaper wants to do a feature story on us, which is pretty cool, so tomorrow the photographer is coming to take some photos of us and on Friday the reporter is coming to interview us. When the article runs I'll make sure to put a link on the blog. I'm delighted that a heart-warming, beautiful story of surrogacy is going to be shared with the world. I think our story is one of inspiration and hope, so I hope others enjoy reading about it.

Off to feed my boys ...

16 comments:

The Lesters said...

I'm so happy things are going so well. Your boys are dolls. Hope they get to come home soon! I miss when my twins boys were that small. Enjoy every moment!

Saffy said...

Ah, a few tears here in happiness at just how joyous this time is for you :) Sounds as tho 'the fellas' are doing marvellously - our daughter spent 12 days in NICU getting the hang of the whole feeding business - it's hard work when you're little, huh? Has it totally sunk in yet that these beautiful boys are yours? I only ask because it took me a wee while to totally get it that this baby was ours to take home and love - for keeps. Thanks so much for finding the time to update us - it is such a pleasure hearing how you're all going :)

Lost in Space said...

So so happy for you, Niki! I love how their personalities are showing through already!

How long are they expected to be in special care?

Dora said...

So so happy for you. Wonderful to hear about you snuggling your sweet miracles. xoxo

Jacinta said...

You are right, your story is totally one of inspiration and hope. Well done for sharing it, you guys are totally amazing. The boys are just gorgeous and I am not surprised to see what great parents you both continue to be!

Kelly said...

How neat to run a story on your journey! Will be exciting to read that when it's done! I think you're doing a fab job so far pumping and nursing and such. What little you give them matters so much!! I can't wait until they can go home and you guys can be a family.

M said...

so glad to hear that all is going so well. and i love that you'll get to be a positive force in the media representing the sane side of IF. you are totally right, your story IS one of hope and love and is a definite inspiration to me and i'm sure to many many others.

Anonymous said...

You go girl! I am so, so, so happy for you - and so glad you updated!

I think the newspaper article is fabulous - if I could offer some assvice - I was just part of one for the homeless legal clinic I helped to start - and the article was pretty bad.

Maybe they will let you proof it before they publish it?

Anyway - I think of you so much and so happy that you have your boys in your arms.

((HUGS))

Anonymous said...

Couldn't be happier for your whole family (including K!) and so glad you're going to be the subject of a "When Surrogacy Works" article - the world needs to see more of the GOOD stories out there! So happy for you!

Nadine said...

So great to read that all is well with everyone! Sounds like you are loving it. (and thanks about posting aobut the bfing - I was wondering how it was going!).

Tiffany said...

I am crying happy tears for you right now, but must say I was sad to not see more pictures. That K of yours is one special woman. A featured story? That's great!

Poppy said...

Glad you were able to update us. Sounds like everything is going very well, which I know is a real blessing to you.

An article in the paper about your new little famly! How cool is that?! I'll be anxious to read it.

Kristina said...

You are doing wonderful with your boys. God has been so gracious to you. Congratulations!!

Shantay said...

Stopping by to say woohoo and congratulations!

When I had my surro twins (oct.2010) they were 36 weeks and stayed in the nicu for exactly 2 weeks with the same issues you listed above.

So happy for you and J!

Kandi Ann said...

I tried to post yesterday but wasn't logged in. I loved/love the picture of all of you. It really touched my heart. K is glowing. You can see her soul sighing with happiness that she was able to complete your family. Amazing. And the story, I 2nd the proof it. They better not mess it up. You really are a shining example of a success story. Can't wait to read the rest of the journey. I've been here a while and am not going any where. xoxo, Kandi Ann

~Denise~ said...

Glad to hear things are going so well!