09/15/2011 Update on Kendall and Keaton

                                                                   Kendall Chayse

                               Kendall (Monty's hand beside him)

                             Kendall all relaxed and napping.

                                   Daddy and Mommy with Keaton.

                               Keaton holding hands with mommy!

                                  Keaton sleeping and snuggled up.

                          Kendall got his bedding changed.

Andrew and I are some very, very, very proud parents. The boys are being soooo strong and doing really well. Keaton is doing an excellent job. He is doing so well that mommy and daddy got to hold him the other day (09/15/11), take his temp., and change his diaper. It was the most amazing feeling getting to hold him for the first time. I could have sat and held him all day long, but we knew he needed his rest on his own as well. He was so precious. He would look around and make the cutest facial expressions. Keaton even moved up and is now in an Isolate. It doesn't look like a step up because he is in this box that keeps him warm and it has holes for us to reach in and touch him. He can come out still when we visit and we can hold him. The next step after the Isolate is moving into a crib. He will be in the Isolate for a while though. The nurse thought he would be in it for about four weeks. This will seem like forever for us, but know he is doing well and getting stronger and stronger by being in it. He had his little eyes open looking around and then he was sleeping really well and looked so comfortable. (Keaton you are doing an amazing job and mommy and daddy are so proud of you! Keep up the good work!)

Kendall is doing a great job as well. He isn't as stable as Keaton, but he is being strong as well. He is just playing catch up and will be fine. He has had a little trouble keeping his heart rate up. He will do really well for a while, but have moments where it drops. They are trying to get that regulated. He has a little tube down his throat to help keep the saliva from just sitting on his stomach. The tube is helping drain it. He also has a little tube that runs to his nose to help give him some oxygen. The nurse said if he has a good night she will move him to his Isolate. We are praying he catches up, but know he may need just a little more time than brother Keaton. Overall they are doing really well for being born at 31 weeks and 2 days. They are our precious miracle babies and are just going to continue to grow every single day! (Kendall mommy and daddy are proud of you and want you to stay strong!)

There have been many emotions through this whole experience. I have been on an emtional coaster. I am so proud of them that I cry, when they cry I want to cry, just seeing them and how precious they are makes me cry, and knowing they are our babie boys makes me cry. Andrew and I are just so proud and blessed. Andrew and I should get released on Saturday and this will be pretty emotional. I want to come home for just a little bit (maybe sleep at home for a night) and come back. It will be tough not getting to take the boys home with us, but we know they need a little more time to grow. Getting to go home on Saturday will be my first time going home and getting to leave this hospital in over nine weeks. Daddy and I will be nervous to leave, but ready to come back and see them asap. We are going to talk to the Ronald McDonald House and stay there some so we won't have to drive back and forth each day.

I am going to post some pictures of the boys. Please enjoy the pictures and keep them in your prayers.