Mommy's don't have much time, do they??

When I decided to start writing a blog, I had planned on writing even after the babies were born.  I thought that I would have plenty of time to sit and write while they were still in the hospital. Ha! I clearly didn't know what I was talking about. I find it amazing that these two tiny little girls can occupy so much of my time, without me even realizing it!  I certainly am not complaining, the days (even weeks) are flying by, which means that I will soon be able to snuggle with my girls in the comfort of my own home. :)  I will certainly try to continue blogging, as I have heard that many of you enjoy reading it and would like to keep up to date on how the girls are doing.  Bare with me!

Speaking of time, I can't believe that the girls are already 3 weeks old! Seriously, I have 3 week old daughters? It is still hard for me to fathom. I suppose it will finally begin to sink in once I have them home and I actually have to/able to do all of their cares (instead of the nurses).  I am very excited to be able to introduce them to Webster City when we get home!

Gracelynn is on the left (she was Baby B) and Kinley is on the right (Baby A)

How are the girls doing???
I guess this is the REAL question, isn't it?  They are doing spectacular.  They have both gained their birth weight back and are making progress everyday. 


Kinley did have a little hiccup last weekend, however.  When I was changing her (poopy) diaper, she started going #2 some more.  This little bit that was coming out had a little blood in it, so I let the nurse know.  Even though it didn't look like a lot, and we weren't sure why it was happening, the doctor took all of the precautions as if it were the worse case scenario.  The worst that the doctor could foresee it being was called "Free Gas," which is when there is air that perforates through the intestines.  The only way to fix that is to do surgery.  The nurses and doctors all did what they needed to do (including numerous X-Rays, antibiotics through an IV, discontinuing her feedings, drawing blood and urine, performing multiple blood tests, and starting her on a fluid through an IV called TPN which has vitamins in it since she wasn't getting any nutrients through food).  The next few days she was a little grumpy with everyone.  I definitely don't blame her.  I would not like getting poked and prodded, and I especially would want to continue eating!  The poor thing was a warrior through it all and all of the tests came back negative. We aren't really sure what caused the bloody stool, but we do know for sure that she didn't have "Free Gas."  

"Ok, Mom. I'm ready for my close-up!" - Kinley

After all of that, she still continued to gain weight until the last couple of nights.  As of last night she weighs 3 lbs 8 oz.  She is still getting a little bit of help with her oxygen, but the nurse has it turned down to its lowest setting so I can see her getting off of it by the end of the weekend.  She has started to eat again, but they had to start her off slow.  She is up to 18 mls every 3 hours (30 mls is 1 oz).  We got an order that I can begin to breastfeed her again and to bottle feed her as well.  We are also going to start weaning her out of her isolette into a crib.  And by crib, I basically mean a plastic storage container (see picture below).  Like I said before, she really is doing great and we hope to have her home soon!

Miss Kinley Sue is ready to cheer on her Hawkeyes today!

As for Gracelynn, she has kind of been the rockstar lately.  She has been off her oxygen since day 5 or 6 (even though we have threatened to put her back on it a few times!)  She has been breastfeeding for probably a week and a half now.  It is kind of interesting how that works.  I weigh her on a scale before I begin to feed her, then I let her eat.  She gets pretty tired after about 10 or 15 minutes and soon falls asleep.  I have been really impressed at how well she latches on and acts like she knows what she is doing.  A lot of premies will figure out how to latch on, but then forget to breath or swallow.  Gracie has it all figured out already.  But seriously, did I expect anything less than genius out of my two girls? Anyways, so I weigh her before I begin feeding (and get a weight in grams) then I weigh her once she seems like she is finished with me.  The difference in weight is supposed to be how much she got out of my boob.  It is actually a pretty slick system.

Wide Awake Gracelynn :)

As of last night, Miss Gracelynn weighed 3 lbs 14 oz.  She has been eating 32 mls every 3 hours (so just over an ounce).  They also have been adding a fortifier to my breastmilk when they feed her, just so she is taking in more calories.  This has clearly been working, because she has gained at least an ounce almost every day since they began giving it to her.  Gracie is also in a crib already! She is doing great maintaining her temperature.  We are also trying to wean her off of her feeding tube.  She needs to be able to eat everything by mouth for 24 hours before it can come out.  So, basically in order to take her home, she needs to learn to eat everything by mouth.  Pretty exciting stuff! :)

Gracie in her crib

I know I am kind of on the back burner now that the girls have arrived, but there have been a few people who have asked how I am.  I am doing pretty dang good.  I am getting exhausted, as I didn't realize how tiring and time consuming pumping was.  I have to get up twice during the night in order to maintain my milk supply to suffice for both girls.  I have a pretty good back up supply as of now, but I am sure as they continue to grow and increase their feedings, they will soon catch up to me.  

The C-Section pain subsided almost entirely after a week, and was pretty good even after a few days.  I am sure the pain medications helped, but I really can't complain.

How's Dad doing, you ask?  When I asked him, he replied, "Good." (Remember, a man of many words? :)  He did mention that it is kind of tiring.  I can only imagine how tired he is.  After working a 9 hour day, he will usually drive down here to Des Moines.  Sometimes he is lucky and can find a ride with someone who wants to come see the babies, but even riding can be exhausting.  Since the girls were born, there has only been two days that he hasn't been able to see them.  From my point of view, he is doing a GREAT job and has certainly shown me how great of a Dad he is and will be.

Gracelynn on the left and Kinley on the right.  This was taken on Labor Day, and I can see that they already look bigger!

As tiring as it is to drive back and forth almost everyday, we enjoy seeing, holding, and interacting with our daughters so much!  We are very much looking forward to all being at home and being together as a family.  We appreciate everyone who as stopped by to meet the girls, or sent prayers and thoughts our way.  We can't believe how smoothly (I am knocking on wood) this journey has gone, and are so incredibly thankful that it has been that way.  We hope to see you soon! :)

The Orton's :)