Big Changes!!!

Bennett & Kendyll experienced LOTS of changes over the weekend! On Friday when I arrived in the snow, both babies were wearing "real" clothes (I say this because they look like real babies now) -- the temperature in their isolettes was dropped to a point where they could each wear clothes instead of just diapers. The NICU had a busy night on Thursday -- they had four new babies (including a set of triplets) come in, so they had to move Bennett into Kendyll's "cubicle" space to make room-- it is so nice that they are together now! Bennett's IV had finally been removed and Kendyll's nasal cannula had been removed, too (well actually it "fell out" -- or as I like to think she was finally tired of it and pulled it out overnight -- and when the nurse noticed it wasn't in she saw that Kendyll's oxygen level and numbers were better with it off than with it on!). Kendyll had taken her first bottle that morning and I was able to feed Bennett his first bottle as well -- they still have a lot to learn, but at least this is another big step. And Bennett was moved into a "big boy" bed (open crib) while I was there and Kendyll was moved into her "big girl" bed on Saturday. Now we can get them out, change them, etc. whenever we want (we used to have to wait for a nurse to remove them from the isolette). Although they are big for the NICU (both are around 4 lbs 2-3 oz), they seem so small and fragile to us.

The twins had several visitors this weekend, too. Grandma & Grandpa Zelasko and Nana Williams came down on Sunday and spent the day at the NICU with Bennett & Kendyll. Today Papa Williams is driving down to see them as well (he, unfortunately, had to work yesterday).

Everyone can't believe how much B & K have changed in just a week. We are still optimistic that they will be able to come home in a week to 10 days, but we haven't really been given a timeframe for when to expect to bring them home (the doctors are still using the 36 week mark as a guideline, which would be next week). They still need to gain a little weight, up their formula amounts, take all 8 feedings a day by bottle and pass a carseat test before they can come home. It seems like a lot, but the nurses assure us that once the suck/swallow/breathe reflex kicks in with the baby this will all seem to go by fast. Lets all keep our fingers crossed that they are quick learners! :-)

Here are a few pics of Bennett & Kendyll in their new "homes" and in clothes. Enjoy!

Kendyll in a new outfit from Nana & Papa (Bennett has one, too!)

Bennett in his big-boy bed (learning to suck/swallow/breathe with his pacifier)

Kendyll up close

Bennett up close