A Roller Coaster Day

4/15/10

Wow - Today has been a roller coaster. So much has happened in one day that I feel like this day has gone on forever.

First, we closed on the sale of our house today. This should be an exciting event, but I was so worried about my babies that I really didn't get excited about this at all. The whole time during closing I was just thinking give me the papers so I can sign them and get out of here. I hate to sound ungrateful. I feel very fortunate that our house sold so quickly, and it's great that we don't have to worry about that anymore. But, my mind was preoccupied with going to see my babies.

After closing, Jim and I went to the hospital. He stayed for a while, but then he had to go back to work. I stayed with Camdyn and Cade all afternoon until the NICU closed for shift change. I was so worried all day because neither one of them was doing too great. Camdyn's right lung was still not open all the way, and her left lung looked "hazy" after the x-ray. Her oxygen levels were between 70-80%. Cade was needing a lot more help; his oxygen levels were between 90-100%. So, I was very worried for both of them. The nurses and doctor told me that this was to be expected as they recovered, but when it's your babies, everything is much scarier.

By the time Jimmy and Bridget came up to the hospital around 6 PM, Camdyn's lungs were both open, and her oxygen needs dropped slightly to 70-80%. Cade was still at 100% oxygen. It was hard to leave the NICU knowing that they both were still struggling.

At around 9 PM, we called the NICU to check on them. They decided to turn Cade over onto his tummy. He must have liked this because his oxygen needs dropped significantly from 100% need to 68% need. Camdyn's was also dropping slowly from 80% need to 70% need. I was beginning to feel better and to believe they were going to have a better night.

Well, I just called around 11 PM and heard great news. Cade is now at 38% oxygen need which is the lowest he has ever been! He must really like laying on his tummy. And, Camdyn, although not dropping as quickly, is now at 60% oxygen need. She is also now on her tummy. So, I think I should be able to sleep tonight (that is for my 3 hour stretch between pumpings). I feel so relieved and happy right now. I do wish I could see them laying on their tummies. I am sure they look absolutely adorable. Now that I think about it, I have never even seen their backs because they have always been laying on their backs.

With preemies as little as ours, every step is a miracle, and we really get to appreciate each and every step. Like I said, I can't wait to see their backs. Have any parents of full-term babies ever thought that? I don't remember thinking that with Brenna. Also, their eyes should be opening soon - within the next week or so. I don't think I mentioned that before. Their eyes are still fused shut right now. I can only imagine what a miracle it will be to see their eyes open. They truly are my miracle babies.

Thank you God for a successful surgery, and thank you for their recovery. I know we still have a long road ahead, but I am so thankful that they are coming through this as well as they are. I ask you to continue to bless them, help them gain strength, and comfort them along the way. I thank you for the miracle babies you have sent me. Amen.