Happy One Month Birthday, Boys! Gretchen and Jugenia (I hope I spelled that right) helped me stage this shot on the boys' one-month birthday. The hats came from a sweet girl that works at the salon where I got regular prenatal massages thru the winter. Aren't they adorable? And the boys wear them so well. :)
Things have been going pretty smoothly since our last post (knock on wood!). Henry, Sam and Joe have each been doing well on their bottles - and have each taken a turn at actually finishing an entire feeding by bottle (though they're not very consistent yet). They've done so well, in fact, that on Sunday I was able to start nursing each of them once a day. Henry and Sam have been the most successful at that, but Joey certainly does his best. They just need to grow a bit more and get some more practice. They'll all be pros at this suck-swallow-breathe coordination thing soon enough!
Henry's first bottle
Sam's first bottle (his IV was in his head and he has gauze under his chin from the absess drainage after it was lanced - and even with all that going on, he still ate like a champ!)
Joe's first bottle
Hopefully we'll be able to start bottles and nursing with Tom very soon. His feedings started on Sunday and he's ramping back up; he should be on full feedings later today.
As I think I mentioned in one of my last posts, Sam and Henry have moved into a crib together and have really seemed to be enjoying hanging out together. Check out their new digs:
Yesterday, Tom moved out of his isolette and is now sharing a crib with Joey. I left last night without taking a picture of their new digs, so I'll snap a shot today and include it with our next post.
We found out over the weekend that the cause of Tom's issues late last week can be attributed to a urinary tract infection. I guess this is fairly common with preemie boys. So he'll finish up antibiotics later this week to make sure the infection is gone. He's definitely back to being himself and seems much more comfortable.
Joe and Henry got another head ultrasound (just a routine check) yesterday and everything looked great. Sam and Tom will get theirs today (they still had IVs in their heads yesterday). Dr. Vitale has stopped Sam's caffeine and will stop it with the other boys over the next week or so. The caffeine is used to help avoid apnea. Since they're all coming down on their oxygen support, the caffeine won't be needed much longer. This is yet another sign that they're getting closer to coming home. In fact, the doc is targeting another 3-4 weeks for discharge. Pressure's on! We need to get our poop in a group and make sure we're as ready as we can be for these boys to come home. (...lord help us...)
I had another follow-up appointment with Dr. Donald on Monday. My blood pressure was back to normal (118/72) so I no longer have to take the medication. I'll go back in 4 weeks for my final follow-up.
Here are their current weights as of last night (unless otherwise noted). They're getting so big!
Sam: 3 lbs 11 2/3 oz (as of Monday night)
Tom: 3 lbs 6 2/3 oz
Henry: 3 lbs 12 oz
Joe: 3 lbs 10 oz
I think that covers it for now. We'll post again soon!
Lots of love,
Tim, Kristin and the boys
Kristin and Tim,
ReplyDeleteWe are so glad the boys are doing so well. They are absolutely adorable. Pat and I would like to set up a time to visit! Let us know what would work, also let us know if you need anything, we are certainly available to help.
Alison and Pat Goldsmith
My how the boys have grown since I was there to see them. The ladies where Granny stayed always ask for an update and they are always in the prayers from there too. Both you, Kris and Tim, look great too. Our love to all.
ReplyDeleteHoney and Ken
OMG! They look sooo good! Can't believe how blond Sam looks. They're all so handsome. Tim looks like a natural at the feeding - good work! Thanks for the pix. Love to all.
ReplyDeleteBrooksie
Can you believe that a one month birthday is such a milestone? As I read your entry, I cried. We are so thankful for our grandsons and what little fighters they are. God has blessed you so much with these boys -and the experience of nurturing and raising them. We are all so fortunate to be part of their lives. You guys are awesome parents. Can't wait to see the van. Wait 'til it's loaded. It's gonna be so cool. Remember, the cartop carrier is in the basement when you need it! See you soon.
ReplyDeleteLove, Mom and Dad
Dear Coleman Family,
ReplyDeleteWe loved the update and pics. Can't believe it's been a month, but to you, it must seem longer than that. It looks like you are all doing well and soon that mini van will be packed to overflowing! What a blessing God has given you. Enjoy every day as you watch the boys grow and become stronger. You are still the focus of many prayers and well wishes. Can't wait to see them make their first walk through the neighborhood.
Take care of yourselves and each other.
Warm regards, The Marsh Family
i LOVE the new pictures!!! (especially the first burp)
ReplyDeletei'm so thrilled about the weights you posted, can you believe you almost have a 4 pounder on your hands????
one month has gone by fast for me in keeping up, but for you and tim i'm sure it's been a long time-----------
i'm happy to know they are doing so well. i will be so ready to take a peek at them when you are ready to share with the outside world.
both you and tim look so comfortable and natural with your sons. i know from my friends and ffamily your ictures have been email all over the country so people cold see what precious babies they have been praying for. So like yousaid, "gdet your poop in a group" it won't be long before all of you are home.
ReplyDeleteLove, Donna
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this is great news. The boys are adorabl and you look SOOOO fabulously happy. We miss you here at work and talked all about you and the boys this week at RSA.
ReplyDeletexoxoxoox
ashely
Great news! You look terrific Kris and it's great to hear that your blood pressure is back to normal! So great to see and hear that the boys are growing and getting closer to coming home! YEAH!
ReplyDeleteThose pics are great! Glad to hear they are so hungry, that's always a good thing! I love the pic of all 5 of you most. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDelete