Merry Christmas

I meant to get this out yesterday, but Christmas kept us busy. I had mixed feelings about Christmas this year. Up until two days ago it hardly seemed like Christmas. I spent most of December in the hospital, Jake and Emmett don't really "get" Christmas yet, and we're not living in our house so there was no decorating. Since we're living at Scott's Dad's house, his Step-Mom was nice enough to decorate here and put a tree up, so that helped. On the other hand, it certainly got me out of a lot of shopping and got me thinking more about family and the spirit of Christmas on the actual day. I felt pretty sad going to visit the girls Christmas day. They are only two weeks old, but I definitely felt like a part of our family was missing at home.

Scott finally got a chance to do some kangaroo care. He was nervous, but he really enjoyed it once he relaxed. It made me nervous at first too. They are so light and seem so fragile, but they settle right in once they get on our chests.

Millie now weighs 2 lbs 3 oz and she's up to 18 ml of breast milk every 3 hours. Ruby still weighs 1 lb 15 oz and she's taking 16 ml of milk every 3 hours. I'm amazed that they can take that much since the MD has increased the feeds every day, but so far so good. They still have their PICC lines, but they are only getting some saline in the line. The MD is giving them a little more time to prove they don't need it before they take it out. Both girls have had some spells where they drop their heart rates and oxygen sats. Apparently Millie dropped enough times last night that the MD put her back on 2 L of flow through the nasal cannula today. Her nurse told me that they did find a kink in her tubing this morning, and she also had some big boogies clogging her nose, so that may have been what it was. Their nares are so small that a big boogie can really affect them. Other than that, they are really doing well and that's the best Christmas present of all. I am so thankful for their continued progress and grateful for all our family and friends that are holding us up through this time. It helps more than you know.

Scott holding Ruby

Millie today in her new pink hat (thank you Dana!)