Packin' on the ounces - 6/23

Almost two weeks have passed since the last update and the girls haven't been weighed for almost as long.  Even then, Brooklyn and Madison came in at 7 lbs 4 oz & 6 lbs 6 oz at the last check.  We're nice about how we tell them but the baby fat is becoming more obvious. 

(Brooklyn trying on her new sun hat)

(Madison hanging on her lounger)

The girls spend a great deal more time together now at home and are starting to seemingly recognize each other.  They'll even reach out to each other from time to time when placed within reach of the other.  Eye contact is becoming more constant and Brooklyn has shown signs that she might even start intentionally smiling at us, given a good reason of course.

While public appearances aren't yet a common occurrence, we've started venturing out into the world a little more.  Brooklyn made a detour after the doctor the other day to visit Dad at work.  Both girls toured the local farmers market and even dropped by Home Depot to help pick out a new dishwasher.  Walks around the neighborhood and BBQ'ing out back still tend to be the most frequent "adventures" for now though. 

As far as the days ahead, Grandpa Jeff (Abrams) is coming from Florida to meet the girls for the first time next week and Brooklyn has another shot at getting her oxygen off.  When Madison heard this, she gave Brooklyn a high-five for encouragement.  It's been a long-time coming and we still have high hopes it'll happen this time as she missed her chance last week after passing only 2 of 3 parts to the oxygen test.  

The Beat Goes On

We finally got our hands on more professional photos that we had taken, but this time outside the hospital at home.  The blog updates have been fewer, and for that we apologize, but as you can see, we quite literally have our hands full...

The girls love their nursery but not nearly as much as being held, something that Mommy doesn't appreciate or have the ability to do very easily while Dad is working. 

They've stayed on a schedule pretty well since leaving the hospital, eating every 3 hours, but since eating (coupled with changing and burping) takes at least an hour, the nights are long, but that's old news to those other parents out there. 

(Brooklyn napping in one of her favorite positions)

The oxygen continues for both girls so the photo shoot provided a nice break from those remaining pesky tubes.  Brooklyn has an appointment with the doctor on Friday to be tested again to see if she can come off the oxygen finally.  Madison isn't expected to be ready quite yet but will get a "courtesy testing" anyway while we're there for her sister.  

(Mom with Madison)

The girls have slowly been introduced to all their wonderful friends and family.  They continue to be fragile and need to stay healthy but look forward to the many other visitors that would like to come see them.  

(Brooklyn)

Professional Photos - 6/5

The girls posed for their first of two professional photo shoots.  These are a couple weeks old and back in the NICU.  The next shoot took place a couple weeks later at home and we are still awaiting the pics from the photographer, hopefully soon.

(Brooklyn on left, Madison on right)

(Mommy with the girls)

The red marks are from the stickers used to hold the oxygen cannulas in place.  They get occasional, short breaks from oxygen for pictures or baths.  With any luck, at least Brooklyn will be off oxygen a week from now. 

(Madison on left, Brooklyn on right)

(Brooklyn on left, Madison on right)

(Madison on left, Brooklyn on right)