Home Isn't SO Far Off...

Sorry for the delay in posting.  We were exhausted last night and just didn't have the energy to sit at the computer.  But the lack of post isn't because we didn't have a great day with some big steps to report!

Both Paige and Andrew hit the next pound mark in their weight-ins today!  Andrew hit 3 pounds and Paige hit 4!  We all joked that Paige couldn't just give him one day to be in the same weight class as her:)  Paige also had her PICC pulled way earlier then expected!  She is almost at her feeding goals and her fluids were running too low, so they decided to finish her last dose of antibiotics and get rid of her access.  They pulled it late last night, so we haven't seen her yet without it.  Seeing her with both arms free and getting to hold her without three extra lines will be amazing!

Feeds are steadily increasing and Paige should hit her goal by today.  Andrew's pace was increased and he should hit his goal in the next two days.  Once we hit their goals, we will start fortifying my breast milk -- basically we'll add packets to my pumped milk to bulk it up.  Regular breast milk and formula is 20 calories per ounce.  To help them gain weight without burning more calories to consume a greater quantity, we will make their feeds 22 calories per ounce and then up to 24 for Paige and eventually 26 for Andrew.  This will mean they need to be bottle fed eventually, but we'll first try to master the breast feeding since thats a bit harder for them and we don't want them to be too lazy:)  Paige and I continue to attempt this once a day, although she doesn't seem too interested yet.  Andrew has to get a little bigger and stronger first so that we aren't burning his calories without a reward.

So proud of the progress we made this weekend and hoping for continued success this week. Home is seeming not SO far off when you have a couple good days!