Daily Visit - July 23, 2012

Westyn Dale Shay

Wesley Dean Shay

So I have decided to create a blog to keep everyone updated on the boys progress. Figured this would be the easiest way to keep in touch with everyone. We had a very lively visit today. Since I am unalbe to drive I have lined up people for this week to take me to see the boys. Today Katie (Bush) took me to get my staples taken out and see my doctor and then over to the hospital. I was worried about how it would feel getting the staples taken out, but it actually wasn't that bad at all. I still have to take it easy and am limited to the things that I can do. I asked the doctor to release me back to work and driving next week because I am gettin stir crazy just laying around and not being productive. She agreed that was fine and that I was doing good and released me to return to work on Monday, July 30. I can also start driving as well. I am super excited about that, which is crazy to think about getting so excited to go back to work, but it will help my days go by faster until the boys are released. I am planning on trying to put in a full day and then after work head to the hospital to see the boys and kangaroo with them. Also, will have to keep dropping off breastmilk until they have a good supply of it and then we will begin freezing it.

The boys are doing great. Still holding their own, but continue to ask for prayers to keep the progress going. I met with Dr. Stiner (spelling not sure) and he said he is very happy with where the boys are at right now. He said that he expects them to go home around 6-8 weeks. Hopefully they keep up the strength and can come home before then, but me and Ronnie both agree that they know what is best and want them to be there until they are healthy enough to join us at home.

Updates:
Westyn - was taken off his IV so he has no more needles sticking him, just the monitors and his feeding tube. He is up to 23 ml of breastmilk. Weight 3lbs. Has pooped (which is a big thing in the NICU). Kangarooing with him daily and can't wait till Daddy decides to hold him.
Wesley - was taken off of oxygen yesterday and has stayed off it. Still having to do some phototherapy for the bilirubin (Jaundice). Had first kangaroo with him yesterday, July 22 and will now on a daily basis. He is up to 21 ml of breastmilk. Weight 2lb 12ozs.

We had a couple of first funs today. After the kangaroo today with Wesley I went to hand him back to the nurse and when I looked in my shirt by his foot I thought that he was bleeding, but as I took a closer look I realized he had pooped on me.. Of course I didn't mind it at all. Just took some tissues and wiped it off.  The picture to the right is Wesley all relaxed after the kangaroo and being cleaned off- I also got to change Westyn's diaper for the first time. I was hesitant to do it at first, but Katie and the nursed convinced me to change it. He wasn't a happy camper, but it was a great experience to be able to do something interactive with them. The picture below is mommy changing Westyn's diaper.

The nurse also sent home their blankets for me to wash and then I will sleep with them and keep them around me till tomorrow and then take them back to the hospital for them to lay the boys on so they can have my scent on them and they will be able to smell it.

All in all we are so happy with how the boys are doing. We know that we still have a long road ahead and continue to ask everyone to keep the boys in their prayers. Hopefully the updates will keep everyone informed on their progress and can't wait till the day I get to post that they are coming HOME!!