The Feeding, diapers, plastic housing, and sleep

All is good at West Allis Memorial.

Both boys are still on IVs and are now getting more vitamins, proteins and fats, than just sugar water. They are also taking 2 - 4 ccs of formula or breast milk every three hours along with the IVs. They need to eat 35ccs of formula or breast milk every three hours to meet their caloric requirements to leave the NICU. The NICU doctor authorized Melissa to try breast feeding both of them to at least start getting them used to the process and maybe to get a little extra nourishment in the process. She tried this afternoon and Donovan latched on for a little while and hopefully he got something. Hayden had other things on his mind. We will try again late tonight.

I changed three diapers so far while they were in the incubators. We now have 7297 diapers left to change. Much like the billable life requirement, I have now set up the diapered life requirement.

It looks like the boys will stay in their plastic houses at least through the weekend and then we will see what new structure they can live in the NICU.

While we do not have the boys with us in our room, we still get to wake up every two-and one-half hours for Melissa to use the breast pump. I wash the pump parts when she is done, then I deliver the goods to the NICU, and then I get to check on the boys, and then go back to bed. The nurses spelled me on the 5:00 a.m. run and cleaning last night, but Melissa does not have that luxury of delegating. Not once has she complained though. She is definitely going to be a dedicated mom.