Part Time Mom, Full Time Job

Lately I feel like a "part time mom" when it comes to Kaylan. Ever since Dylan has been home, I have to dedicate so much time and energy to him that I feel almost neglectful of my thoughts on Kaylan. She gets about 2 hours of my time a day and Dylan gets 22. This week with Landon being off work, we've been taking shifts at the hospital. Since she's now bottle feeding, one of us goes at 9 a.m. and the other goes at 3 p.m. While one goes, the other stays home with Dylan. I miss her so much during the day. I'm so looking forward to the day she comes home - and I know that day is coming.

She's now 3 lbs 11 oz and growing every day. She's still needing some oxygen support with the nasal canula. There's a chance that she could actually come home on oxygen - which scares me to death. The thing is, if she gets to where she is consistently gaining weight, doesn't have bradys and takes all feeds via a bottle, they will send her home even if she still needs oxygen. Please be in prayer for her lungs to develop and have enough to strength to support her without needing the extra support of a machine when she comes home. Kaylan also had another eye exam this past Sunday. Her previously diagnosed Stage 1 Retinopathy is now between Stage 1 and Stage 2 Retinopathy. While we are sad to hear this, it's still within the realm of being "normal" for preemies (especially ones her size) and they won't start talking about treatment unless it progresses to Stage 3. She'll have another follow up in 3 more weeks. Please be praying for the vessels in her eyes to develop at a normal rate and not cause any further problems.

One thing that helps us get through the days knowing we can't see Kaylan as often or as long as we'd like is knowing she is in the care of some really special nurses and doctors. I have grown to be close friends with one nurse in particular, but many of the others are just so incredibily caring, it gives us comfort when we can't be there. Every time we call the NICU, after they give us a report on Kaylan, they always ask about Dylan and tell us how they miss him. I've had one nurse who is out for 6 weeks email me and tell me to hug the babies for her. We're so blessed to know the NICU staff at Plano Presby. What an incredible calling these people have to nurse these precious babies (not just ours, but a whole unit full of them), back to health.

Meanwhile, we are falling more in love with our sweet Dylan every day. We love having him home. He's so cuddly and loving....and he loves naps with us on our bed....I know, I know...DON'T get in that habit, right?

Here's a couple pics from Dylan's first few days at home.