THE WEATHERLEY ADVENTURE: 5 Days Old

As of Monday, the boys have been here for 5 days. They continue to stay in the Holtzman Special Care Nursery at Southwest Washington Medical Center. Colton and Casen are both doing very well. They are both healthy, showing no signs of jaundice and are slowly increasing their alert time. What aren't they doing you may ask? The answer to that is easy - Eating!
During the 37-38 week of gestation, babies are given the urge or instinct to eat. As the boys were born at 35 weeks, they just don't have the urge. We have seen some bright moments where we think it may click, but it just wears them out for the next feeding. Another downfall to being a preemie, they just don't have any energy. As you look at the pictures, keep in mind while they look great (like normal like babies), they are being constantly fed every three hours through nasal gastric tubes. They are getting breast milk about half the time and supplemented the other half. The nursing staff at the NICU had done an amazing job taking care of both us and the twins. They have been so helpful and great to work with. We have also had good luck with the pediatricians on staff, as well as the lactation consultants and social worker (keeping an on Mom and Dad's mood, just in case we need someone to talk to) who pop their heads to give us updates or just chat.
So the good news is when eating 'clicks', the boys can come home. The bad news is they are supposed to be eating 52 ml every three hours and right now only about 10 is going through their mouths.
Colton and Casen are sharing a crib now, which is about the cutest thing we have ever seen. Casen has the most adorable habit of rolling over to get as close to Colton as possible. He likes to tough Colton's hands and face. They also like to pull out each others NG tube. They are also typical boys in that they pee everywhere!!!
Presley has been a great big sister. For a two year old being in such a confined space, she is doing well. We just try to take as many breaks as possible. We are also trying to get home each night for dinner and bedtime.
All in all, as difficult as it has been, it has been a good transition and we just can't wait to have Colton and Casen at home with us, whenever that may be!