29 Weeks: 34 Days of Life

This week we celebrated one month of life with the Mighty Three. We also got to celebrate Ryan on Father's Day. Even though we had two amazing events to celebrate, it still was a tough week with the infections hanging over Max and Miller like a dark cloud. We will update you more on those below.

Ryan and I are "adjusting" to NICU life. The nurses are constantly reminding us to nap, go on a date, and to take care of ourselves. This week I am so thankful for the nurses, RTS, doctors, and staff at NE Georgia Medical. They have gone above and beyond! They don't just care for our babies, but care for us and pray! God has placed these babies in sweet hands. 

This week was also filled with GENEROUS people sending money, meals, gift cards, care packages, a freezer (because my pumping and breastmilk is out of control ;) ), text, calls, and prayers. Please know we are beyond thankful for ALL the support y'all give!

Maggie

Maggie had a stable week. We have now learned that micro preemies are not reliable, but Maggie stayed pretty steady all week. Maggie has become the most alert of the three. She keeps her eyes open during hands on and loves to look at you! She had some minor set backs with blood gases, hemoglobin levels, and blood counts but the doctors gave her blood to help with her levels. As of now, her levels are back to normal. She went back on the conventional vent (she was on the NIV/NAVA last week) for most of the week. She did get to try the NIV (breathing vent) once again this week but only lasted 5 hours. Maggie weighs 1lb 15oz. She is so close to 2 pounds. Maggie's biggest setback, besides her lungs, is her weight. The doctors have started to add 6 calories to my breastmilk per feed to try and increase her weight. We tried to give you a picture below to understand just how small she still is. Please pray for growth and lung development. 

Above: Maggie trying out the NIV for the second time. 

Above: Maggie wearing Ryan's wedding ring as a bracelet :)

Above: Ryan's wedding ring on Maggie's foot

Max

Max battled hard this week with an infection in his lungs, urine, and blood. The cultures came back and showed high levels of E-coli in all three. They started him on three different antibiotics. The doctors also did a procedure to take a sample of his spinal fluid to make sure he didn't have meningitis or E-coli in his spine or brain. Praise Jesus, the spinal tap showed no infection in his spine or brain!!! Because he is fighting the infection so hard, he was placed back on the conventional vent (he was on the NIV/NAVA last week). He still has three more days of antibiotics and as of now, his body is responding to the medication. He now weighs 2lb 2oz and will also be getting 6 calories added to his feeds. The doctors want to see all three babies on the growth curve. One HUGE praise this week, Ryan got to hold Max for the first time. Talk about a good Father's Day. Max did so well and loved spending time with his daddy. 

Above: Max almost wire-free before his bath

Above: Max getting his first "bath" from mom and dad (trust me these babies are STINKY)

Above: Ryan holding Max for the first time!

Miller

Miller also had an uphill battle this week has he had a staph infection in his lungs and blood. Luckily, the doctors caught it early and after seven days of antibiotics, he is infection free! HUGE answered prayer! Miller has struggled this week with his oxygen and CO2 levels. The doctors have now tried three different vents in a week and haven't found the "magic" touch yet. Please pray that the doctors can find a vent and vent setting that allows Miller to get the oxygen levels he needs. The doctors have expressed that he is behind in oxygen and lung development at this point. Miller weighs a whopping 2lb 13oz! He looks HUGE compared to Maggie and Max even though he has a long way to go. He will also start to get an additional 6 calories added to his feeds. Miller's biggest hurdle is his lungs! 

Above: Miller smiling for the camera. Our nurses and RTs are amazing! This was a picture we got at 1AM from the staff. 

Above: Abby holding Miller for the second time. Miller rocked his skin-to-skin time. 

Prayer Request

Weight gain for Maggie, Max, and Miller

Lung development for all three babies

Maggie's blood levels

Maggie to try the NIV again and last longer than 5 hours

Max's infection to be completely gone!

Max's pain management and weaning of morphine

Miller's lung development 

Miller's oxygen and CO2 levels

Please keep fighting with us! Our fears are starting to be eased as we trust in the Lord more. He is a Good Good Father and we chose to believe in Him and His plan for these three miracles. On those hard days please remind us of all the answered prayers through this journey. We need you! Please keep walking with us on this journey. 

-Ryan and Abby