Back together and competing to get the most attention.

The boys are fifteen weeks old today and finally back together. Both boys are a UCD and it is nice to have them together. We are able to spend more time with them and a little less traveling for the two of us. Don't get us wrong we do miss our MSJ. Brody came over to UCD Wednesday for his scheduled surgery on Thursday. He had a bilateral hernia surgery and was circumcised. He did better than expected. We were a little worried because last time he had a procedure (eye surgery) he had a hard time getting off the vent (breathing tube)He was out of surgery at 10:00 in the morning and by 3:00 he was extabated. He is now back on the nasal cannula on one liter flow where he was before surgery. We think the the worst part for him was the not eating. His first meal was at about 2:00 on Friday and he was hungry. He ate 75 cc really well from a bottle. He was eating 62 cc prior to surgery. We were very excited for him to do well and have this surgery, one step closer to coming home. Today (Friday) in rounds the plan is for him to come home next week. The last few tests and procedural things make it seem so close and a little scary.

Although we were very happy that Brody did so well yesterday we had quite the scare with Drew. Yesterday when Dee Dee was holding Drew he had a severe episode of apnea and bradycardia. Bradycardia is not super uncommon for the boys but they normally come back immediately if you rub their backs. Drew did not come back he completely stopped breathing and his heart dropped very very low. He did this 8-9 times yesterday in total. They had to bag him to get him to start breathing again. They did a work up in him and it looks like he has a staph infection. He also had his vaccinations on the day before these episodes. We asked if this could be related to his vaccinations the doctors don't seem to think that is the case, even though some of the nurses have said that they have seen this in the past. At any rate, he is acting more like his old self today and we were happy to see that.

Through the last 105 days we have continually struggled with celebrating the victories and trying to find the good in the most difficult times. Friends have really helped use through this difficult time. Aunties (friends) have really helped use and touched our hearts by helping with Carleigh and going out of their way to visit Drew and reading to him. In fact the only one that has held the boys besides us and hospital staff is Aunt LO. We are extremely grateful for our friends and appreciate them from the bottom of our hearts.