Day 12

Today was the 12th day in the hospital for our babies. I've gone every day, twice a day since they were born. In the past two weeks, I haven't been able to drive. I'm so thankful for all those who have sacrificed their time and gas tanks to take me back and forth. I'll be going to the doctor tomorrow for my 2 week check up and will hopefully be approved to drive again. Woo hoo! Watch out people on 121! This mama hasn't driven in over a month!  

As expected, there will be good days and bad days for Dylan and Kaylan. While I wouldn't call today a bad day, I would say it was not great. Doctors are concerned that Kaylan has an infection. Her white blood cell count was very elevated which is an apparent indicator of infection. They drew blood cultures on her, however they will not know the results of that for 48 hours. Rather than waiting 48 hours, they went ahead and started her on some antibiotics. They will administer another dose at 18 hours and a 3rd dose at 36 hours. If the cultures show that she does not have an infection, they will stop the antibiotics and attribute the elevated white blood cells to stress. On a positive note, she seems to be having more regular um, err....poops. Yeah that's right...poops. Go Kaylan! Also, they increased her feedings to two cc's instead of 1.5 She appears to be tolerating the feeds well so far. Kaylan was not her usual wirey, fiesty self today. I am concerned that she might have the suspected infection just because she was so lathargic today.

As for Dylan, he threw up three times tonight. They lowered his feedings back down to 20 cc's and are feeding him slower now. Both babies are on back up respirators to help them with their bradys (episodes of stopped breathing). Dylan could have gotten sick because of the extra air in his tummy from the back up respirator. The doctors did an x-ray on his tummy but it came back fine. Praise the Lord! I did spend two hours kangarooing my sweet little Dylan today. We took a nice 2 hour nap together. I love holding him. Can't wait to hold Kaylan when she's ready.

I think I'm finding that when they have a good day, then I have a good day. When they don't, I don't. It's hard for me to see Kaylan not being herself and seeing sweet little Dylan spit up all his food. I know these things are bound to happen, but right now, it's hard for me process all the beeping monitors and heel pricks, labs, cultures and x-rays. So, when you pray for Dylan and Kaylan tonight, please say a prayer for their mommy too. I know it's probably harder for me watching it than it is for them.

Still trusting His plan and His faithfulness. Thanks for lifting up our family.
Jennifer