Arms Full

Happy two week birthday to our sweet twins!

Jacob (on my right) and Audrey (on my left)

I always enjoy it when I get to hold them

A very happy (and tired) mommy!

Arms Full...I just need Ella to sit in the middle and I'd feel complete!

Miss Audrey Helene (currently weighing 3 lbs. 2 oz.)

Mr. Jacob Pierce (currently weighing 3 lbs. 3 oz.)

Sweet Audrey...always so quiet and content

Mr. Jacob Pierce with his angry face...he is a little more particular than his younger sister

Jacob now happy being swaddled in mommy's arms and checking out his mommy

Audrey and her head full of medium blonde hair (her brother's hair is super blonde!!)

The babies had been doing really well on their high flow nasal cannula, but as of Thursday afternoon, they were starting to get really worn out. So, it was back on CPAP they went. We won't get to hold them for several days while we let them rest. I'm glad I got these pictures before they got hooked back up and snuggle them both at the same time. We won't be able to hold for many days so they can rest...because remember, they aren't really supposed to be out in the world yet. We are always understanding when the staff tells us they need to just sleep for a few days.

As of today (Friday), Audrey looks so much more comfortable than yesterday. She is not breathing as fast and not working as hard. She definitely needed some extra respiratory support to give her some rest. There is also some talk that she may need a blood transfusion because her hematocrit level is a little low. Jacob is still having some apnea/brady spells, but he recovers quickly on his own. Both babies are getting caffeine to help with this.

Although this all may sound concerning, they really are doing well. We were told to expect all these things by the neonatologist last weekend when we had our meeting. The babies are just doing things that 28 week preemies do. Their prognosis is still very good.

Otherwise, many of you have asked what you can do to help. We have many needs these days...and it seems like those needs will be even larger in the months to come. The babies will have a lot of doctors appointments, physical therapy, etc. this first year of their life. And of course, I need to make special times to just spend time with our little Ella. Andrew and I are struggling to find balance at the moment...balancing our need to be with three kids whom we love all equally, but live in different places at the moment and all have different needs. We need to just as importantly find time for each other as well. Earlier this week, we literally had to schedule time to talk. In my next post, I will write about our specific needs for the next few weeks. But for now, we would be humbled if you would just pray for God to help us find a good balance in spending time at the hospital, with Ella, and each other.

I read all your notes, texts, e-mails and listen to all messages. I am always very touched by your prayers. If I don't call you back or write back, please just charge it to my head and not my heart. I love you all very much...one of these days, I hope I can return all the favors. It is hard to depend so much on others, but it has taught Andrew and I so much about servant hood. Please don't stop calling or writing. Sometimes, it is just a simple e-mail saying "I prayed for you today" that helps me get through an emotional hour.