Today was a great day! I arrived at the hospital for Kinley's normal bottle time, and the nurse informed me that the doctor had decided earlier this morning that Kinley was now allowed to have a bottle at ANY feeding, as long as she was awake and interested (opening her mouth, sucking her fingers, etc.). After offering Kinley a bottle at 8:30 am, the nurse felt like Kinley was ready for nursing. So, after getting the doctor's approval, we decided to give it a try.
These girls continuously surprise us....Kinley did absolutely amazing! She latched almost immediately and needed no help from myself or the nurse. I was so proud of her! She nursed off and on for at least 15 minutes and then still received her normal extra-calorie milk via feeding tube. She did so well the first time, she ended up nursing three times throughout the day!
Kinley getting burped after nursing.
Devyn and Kinley are making great progress every day. The doctor says he thinks they'll be home in about 3 weeks!!!
Devyn no longer needs to be on caffeine, which was her only medication. She also had the pressure on her CPAP turned down today, and the respiratory therapist said that if she does well, the doctor may take her off CPAP tomorrow or Monday....then it would be her turn for a bottle! She was very fussy today. The nurses say it's because she's jealous of her sister:-)
"It's not fair!!!" -Devyn
Devyn isn't too interested in Mom's book club book....
Kinley was on 21% oxygen almost all day, even with her new eating adventures. Normal room air is 21%, so the longer she can remain at this rate, the more likely she is to be removed from breathing support altogether, which is one of her last big steps before coming home (along with eating on her own).
Now that the girls are in cribs, instead of the high-tech incubators, they have to be placed on a scale for their nightly weigh-in. They don't like it very much....
Kinley's weigh-in
Both girls continue to gain weight. Devyn is now at 5 lbs. 14 oz....almost 6 pounds! She is a chunk compared to most of the other NICU babies! And Kinley is at 4 lbs. 11 oz. The doctor said that they will soon begin weaning them off the extra-calorie milk.
That is almost a 6 pound baby!!! (Devyn)
Dad and Devyn
Kinley had a very busy day! I think she's tired.
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