Update: September 22, 2009

"This is a much needed update... I apologize for not getting something out sooner. My last update I believe I talked about the doctors trying the babies on CPAP, which didn't come when we thought, BUT today Jaron was on it. Around noon today Jaron self extubated himself (which means he pulled his tubes out) so the doctor said to give CPAP a try, and he was doing great on it! This means he is breathing on his own... the CPAP gives pressure and oxygen. And when they drew his blood gas and looked at his levels they looked good, after being on CPAP! I am so proud of our little man, he knew he was strong enough to try this, that's why he took into his own hands and pulled his tubes out himself :-)

Teagan's CO2 (carbon dioxide) level wasn't quite as good, so they didn't try CPAP on her, but we are praying she is not far behind. Who knows maybe I will go in tomorrow and have the same surprise as I did with Jaron today!

They are both still eating like champs, 28 ml's every 3 hours. They will soon be up to an ounce (30 mls) on feedings. Jaron now weighs 3 lbs. 6 oz and Teagan 3 lbs. 5oz. I am amazed at how much they keep growing, and how they just keep getting cuter everytime I see them!! Jaron just looks like a little boy, and Teagan a girly girl!

One last thing, they had their first eye exams today, and the doctor told the nurse everything looks good for now, praise God. So we continue to believe for good reports after each eye exam.

May you all continue to be blessed as you read these updates, and be encouraged knowing that your prayers are so effective.

Love, Heather"

Update: 9/16/09

"Well, not a lot of new news on the babes, which is good. But I did want to let you all know that Jaron is now weighing in at 3 lbs. 2 ozs, and Teagan isn't far behind from reaching 3... she's 2 lbs. 14 oz. It's amazing just from week to week how much they grow and change. It's fun to see. Tomorrow they will be 6 weeks old already (making them 31 weeks corrected age). God has already brought them through so much, and He will continue to do so.

Love,
Heather"

Update: 9/11/09 9:20pm

"My heart is filled with joy, as I can give yet another awesome report on Jaron and Teagan! Yesterday was their last day of antibiotics, so no more IV's!!! Woohoo! They are both now over 1200 grams, so they can wear clothes... this is just adorable. It's amazing how that just makes them look bigger. And what I am most excited about, is that they have their vents now on a different setting, it's more of just assisted breathing, instead of the vent doing most of the breathing for them. This is a way the doctors start to wean them off of the vents, and the doctor told us today they with try the cpap in the next several days! This means that the twins are taking their own breaths, the cpap just gives oxygen and pressure. Pray for strength, that they transition to the cpap easily.

Another prayer request, next week sometime they will do an eye exam on them. This is standard, looking to see the blood vessels behind the retina. As of right now, they shouldn't even have these blood vessels yet, but they will start to check to make sure they are growing straight, and not twisted. If they would see eventually that they aren't growing as they should, it would mean lasik surgery. This is the only surgery they do at Women and Babies, so it would be done there. But we are believing that they won't need this surgery.

Because He's faithful,
Heather"

Update: 9/6/09 4PM

"Sorry it has been a little while since I gave all you faithful bloggers something to read! Jaron and Teagan are both doing well... still finishing out their antibiotics for their infections which seem to be healing! And they are both eating and growing like champs :-) They take turns in passing each other in weight, Teagan is now 2 lbs 10 oz, and Jaron is 2 lbs 8 oz. Jaron is now eating 20 ml's and Teagan is 18 (or 19? all the sudden I am drawing a blank). That 3 pound mark isn't very far away!!

They are still on the vents to help them breathe, which means they have a breathing tube going down their mouths. Pray that when they start weaning them from the vents it will be a MIRACULOUS time span, that it will be quick. Obviously, going off of the vents means their lungs are getting stronger, but it will also be great to have those tubes out of them because they are such a source of infection.

This past Thursday made them 4 weeks old.... I can't believe it's been a month already. It truly has gone fast, so I am praying the next two go just as fast, so we can bring our babies home!

Much love,
Heather"

Update: 9/1/2009 9 PM

"Just wanted to send out a fun little update. Both the babes are doing well, they are on their antibiotics, about seven more days they will have on that to take care of their infections. Pray that after this their immune systems will be strong and no more infections.

They are both doing awesome with their feedings! They are now bumped up to 17 ml's every 3 hours! This is the key, the more nutrition the stronger they will become. Jaron's nurse, Cindy (she's awesome I love her) said it is miraculous that they have been doing so well on their feeds, because most preemies, especially as early as they were, just don't tolerate feedings as well. I said they are our little miracles! So praise the Lord that he's made their little "guts" stimulate so well!!

Yesterday they were going to wash Jaron's hair, and since we were there they asked if I would like to wash it. I said of course! I just made a wipe warm and wet, put some shampoo on and just rubbed his head with it.... and Jaron LOVED it! He just closed his eyes and chilled :-) It was so fun. Today I got to hold the little man too.... I am hoping I can hold Teagan again soon. The past 2 days her nurse has said she just needs to relax and settle in her isolate.

Oh yes, their weights, Teagan is 2 lbs. 4 oz, and Jaron is 2 lbs. 6 oz! Can't wait til they hit the 3 pound mark!!

Blessings,
Heather"