Bottles

Boys are doing well and advancing with their bottling which is very impressive considering what skill it takes to suck, swallow and breathe. Today Nolan is trying to take all feeds (8) by bottle for the first time, and Asher is attempting to take 7 of 8. They no longer have their indwelling feeding tubes and are so close to full oral feeds they can taste it (pardon the pun!).  Bottling is going better than breastfeeding, but each of them is making reasonably successful attempts so that's all we can ask for for now. Both boys continue to require oxygen only for feeds and are otherwise breathing room air with markedly less bradys and desats.

Weight gains are going well too. Nolan as of last night was 7 lbs 6 oz and Asher was 6 lbs 6oz. They have increased their total fluid intake and the fortifiers added to my milk in order to help speed up weight gain.

Lastly, they have made the inevitable transfer from neonatologist to pediatrician. Although at first I was sad to lose the security of the 4 neos on site, I know it is time to change to a sole caregiver and it is yet another sign that they are growing up and requiring less specialized care. So far so good and we are really happy with her.

I know we haven't updated many photos lately, so here are a few including the boys with their two primary nurses. Our family is very thankful that the boys have these two keeping a close eye on them.

Nolan: "Mother get that camera OUT of my face"

Asher, awake as usual

Nolan and Krista

Asher and Nicola