I walked into the NICU this morning to see the babies and ask if it was going to be possible to hold them. Before I could speak the nurse was asking me if I was ready and went to grab a chair for me. I was able to hold Alec for over an hour and a half!!! As soon as he was placed in my arms and I started talking to him he opened his eyes and looked at me. It was the most beautiful experience! I cannot wait to hold Lilah later today.

Alec has been a champ. He continues to improve every day. His bilirubin numbers have dropped and he will be done with the lights this afternoon.

Lilah is a fighter! She is continuing to work on breathing and is doing okay under the lights. Daddy got to change her diaper and took her temp! We tag teamed putting a little milk on her gums. She cooperated for me but clamped down when Dave tried. We both had a good laugh.

I should be able to hold my baby girl later this afternoon. Here is a picture of my time with Alec

Instead of shopping today our children are sunning themselves under the beautiful blue "bili lights" to help with their high bilirubin numbers. They will be under these lights for the next few days. It's a very common problem with newborns.

Both kids are now off the breathing tubes and seem to be handling it okay. Alec has been stable enough they have increased his feedings. Lilah just came off of her breathing tube this afternoon and they will keep an eye on her. There is still a chance she will need to have the breathing tube back in.

If all continues as it has, there is a small chance Dave and I will be able to hold our little ones! I told my mom earlier today that once I get to hold my babies they are going to have a hard time kicking me out! I am set to be discharged on Sunday.

Our First Family Thanksgiving    

 

Alec and Lilah continue to improve, although slowly and in "baby steps".  Yesterday, the doctors removed Alec's breathing tube and this morning, they removed one of the catheters which is a good thing/  Lilah had a breathing tube put in yesterday so that she didn't have to work so hard to get oxygen and has responded well, as she is now breathing the same level of oxygen as the rest of us, where as before the hospital had to increase her oxygen levels by almost 3 times, so this is a great step in the right direction.  We are hopeful that she will come off the tube in the next few days and will continue to pass along information as it is ave dvailable.

 

As we celebrate our first Thanksgiving as a family of 4, I find myself thankful for so much.  For all of you who have sacrificed to help us during the stressful last 5 weeks, I am thankful.  For my family and friends who continue to support us, pass along their prayers and love, I am thankful.  For the strength my wife has had throughout an ordeal that would have crushed most people I am thankful.  And for the son and daughter we now have, for their strength, beauty and indomitable spirit, I am thankful to the point that I cannot express with words.

 

May you all have a very happy, healthy Thanksgiving and enjoy your time with you families!

 

All our love,

The Atlas Family    

Around 10:30 pm last night I started having contractions. By 12:40am our son Alec Tyson Atlas was born -- 2lbs 15oz. He has a full head of hair (as my brother put it, had he gone term he could have had dreads!) He has a breathing tube, but is determined to let those nurses know how much he would like to breathe on his own.

At 12:41 Lilah Eleanor was born -- 2lbs 13oz. She is hooked up to a cpap machine but may have to have a breathing tube. We will keep you posted!

I had an ultrasound this morning. Baby A has lost a little more fluid. He went from measuring 3 on Friday to 2.7 today. The tech said 2 is still within normal range. Baby B is looking good. Her fluid was in the fives. They are both kicking and moving like crazy!

Nothing new from the Doctor. Just the same, watch and wait.

48 hours came and went without labor so I am now sitting in the week long waiting period. I am still having an occasional contraction, but for the most part things have been quiet here. Every day I tell myself that I am lucky to be here and that I can make it one more day. This Thursday will mark five weeks of laying on my side here in the hospital. I'd like to keep looking toward our 32 week goal, but the truth is, my brain can only handle on day at a time at this point :)

This morning we discovered that our baby boy is leaking amniotic fluid. Apparently there are three categories for possible outcomes. First, some women deliver within 48 hours of this happening. The second category of women deliver in a week of the rupture, which is the most common scenario. Finally the last category belongs to women who continue to stay pregnant for weeks. We are really hoping to make it to 32 weeks, however we are grateful for every passing day!

Two awesome things today:

1. Getting to the 28 week goal. We are pretty excited to have made it this far!!!

2. It's my birthday!

Meeting such a huge goal on my birthday is the best gift ever! 

Information for babies born at 27-28 weeks

Today I was given teddy bears for our babies from a program called Teddy Bear Hugs U based out of White Bear Lake. It was a really nice surprise! They give bears to all the kids next door at  Amplatz. Check out their site: http://teddybearhugsu.org/

We had a scare on Saturday. I started having regular contractions (none of which I could feel) in the evening. I was put back on magnesium and stronger contraction drugs for a few days. Luckily, they were able to stop the contractions and as of today I am back to status quo. I am exhausted from the drugs and from the stress of thinking my babies were not going to stay put until 28 weeks.

They have decided to keep me here for the duration of the pregnancy. I have dilated more since I was admitted and they are worried I could go into labor at any time.