20 Days of Parenthood

Parenthood~
Jason and I have been parents for 20 days. Although in some ways, we haven't been able to experience many of the "perks" of parenthood-holding both of our babies whenever we want, rocking them to sleep, feeding them, dressing them, bathing them, waking up to their cries to console them, seeing their eyes open each morning to the sound of our voices, watching them doze off each night, stare at them as they sleep in our arms.....we have been able to form a truly amazing bond with our two precious babies. We are so proud.We are so very thankful for being blessed with two strong babies who are true fighters.

In many ways it seems that the three weeks of being in NICU has been mere hours and in other ways it seems it has already been months. We were cautioned that the NICU experience would be like riding a roller coaster. One that you didn't just ride once and get off. You just stay on and continue to ride and ride. this is true. We are so thankful for each "uneventful" or "boring" day. We cherish the low-key days. We are quickly learning the nature of "NICU Parenting"-unpredictable.

Anyways......
Here is our nightly update.....

Blake had his "lumbar puncture" this evening in order to see if this infection has entered into other parts of his body. The prelim results will be tomorrow and the final will be back in a few days. Blake was given a sedative before hand. He was looking around off and on when we visited tonight then he drifted into a nice comfortable sleep. He is just so darn cute! His O2 levels are looking GREAT! He weighed in at 1lb 12 ounces tonight. He is looking good. He is now 12.8 inches long. He was 12.4 at birth.

Jenna and I had some kangaroo time tonight again. It was just so comfortable and felt so natural. I don't know who was more comfortable sitting there, her or me. She remained calm and rested well. Jason will be holding her for the first time tomorrow. I can't wait. Jenna weighed in at 1 lb 12 ounces again tonight. She has a nice little round belly. Before her kangaroo time, I "got to" change a really icky dirty diaper. This is the first "messy" one I've changed and, boy, it was a stinker-hahahaha. Many many more to come I know. Jenna is now 12.65 inches long. She was 12 inches at birth.

2lbs, here we come!!!!! Getting closer.....

Before you become a parent, you hear about, are witness to and are told many things about parenthood. However, nothing could have prepared us for what we have experienced thus far. The wait we are enduring for our family to be together at home has already been a VERY long one. We have a long wait ahead of us. However, even so, I would not trade a minute of this "wonderful" privilege of being a "mom" for anything in the world!