Day Four -- Eyes Wide Open

Amelia’s condition is improving. Both of her chest tubes have now been removed, and her medical team is working on weaning her off the ventilator. To give you an idea of her progress, one number on the ventilator, and I have no idea what this number means, was set at thirty just after her surgery. By the time John and I left the hospital late this afternoon, it was set at ten. (Actually, I just called the hospital – it’s 11:30 – and it’s now set at zero so she’s breathing on her own. The tubes won’t be removed until they’re sure she can handle this.) She looks much better without the chest tubes and the suspension system, both of which were rather grisly. She opened her eyes today and was awake while John and I visited, but she doesn’t seem comfortable. She doesn’t seem to be in a lot of pain, but she’s not exactly thrilled to be there either. In fact, she was awake for too long; the nurse was planning to give her some medication to help her sleep by the time we left. Aunt Karen also came for a visit and peppered the nurse with detailed medical questions. The nurse later asked me if Karen had any medical background. Anyway, all of her numbers are better today than they were yesterday, and John and I are both very pleased with her progress. We can only hope that she continues to improve and will be taken off the ventilator soon.

And how’s Jack doing? Jack, or, as I like to call him, Twin A, is doing very well. He weighed about 8 ½ pounds as of last Sunday, so he’s already doubled his birth weight. He’s starting to settle down a bit and become more predictable, with regular awake and alert periods interspersed with lots of eating and sleeping. This newborn period feels like it’s going on forever – he’s almost nine weeks old, but is only like a two-week-old baby. Last night, he decided to wake up at midnight and so wasn’t asleep again until 2:30. Then, he woke up to feed at 4:30 and, because of his cold, I didn’t get back to bed until after 6:00. Those of you who have older children are laughing heartily right now. I shudder to imagine nighttime parenting with twins. Will I ever sleep again? As I write this blog, Jack’s hanging out with Dad, who is dozing in the chair while Jack waves his hands around. I hate having to take him to the hospital every day, but that’s breastfeeding for you. Tamar came today to help us with Jack. She took him for a nice walk in the stroller, and he behaved quite well. She also brought us some very good bread.

Thanks Tamar!