Last night was the BEST night I've had since the night I discovered I was pregnant! I was able to hold both girls (kangaroo: their skin to mine) at the same time! They have not been together or touched one another since they were in the womb. It was monumental...
I got Julianna positioned first, then the nurse placed Gardner on my chest right beside her. They were both wide eyed staring at each other and grabbing around trying to figure out what was going on. They almost immediately, after a few little noises exchanged, got comfortable and dozed off to sleep. Shortly after, Julianna reached over and placed her hand on top of Gardner's and squeezed. Gardner reciprocated, squeezing onto her fingers... I, of course, burst into tears as it was, without a doubt, the sweetest moment I've ever witnessed! I can't begin to describe how it felt to be able to look at both of their faces at the same time, seeing their little naked bodies practically glued together, watching them become pacified by each other's existence.., truly amazing. It was such a special time for me, as it was just the girls and I by ourselves, for about an hour, in complete and utter bliss. Brandon then came and took some of these pictures...
I got Julianna positioned first, then the nurse placed Gardner on my chest right beside her. They were both wide eyed staring at each other and grabbing around trying to figure out what was going on. They almost immediately, after a few little noises exchanged, got comfortable and dozed off to sleep. Shortly after, Julianna reached over and placed her hand on top of Gardner's and squeezed. Gardner reciprocated, squeezing onto her fingers... I, of course, burst into tears as it was, without a doubt, the sweetest moment I've ever witnessed! I can't begin to describe how it felt to be able to look at both of their faces at the same time, seeing their little naked bodies practically glued together, watching them become pacified by each other's existence.., truly amazing. It was such a special time for me, as it was just the girls and I by ourselves, for about an hour, in complete and utter bliss. Brandon then came and took some of these pictures...
Julianna is now wearing clothes in her incubator because they are weaning her. They are decreasing the heat little by little, seeing if she can maintain her own body temperature. If all goes well, the next step for her is an open crib!
Both girls are struggling with reflux (which is common for preemies) but it affects their breathing and heart rates, so we are praying that they will start to tolerate feeds better and soon be over this hurdle.
Gardner is up to 14 ccs of milk each feeding- still not a whole lot but she is increasing daily as long as she tolerates it. She is moving at a slower pace but it is the best thing for her right now.
Both girls are taking a break from bottles right now because we are thinking they may not be quite ready and don't want to push anything. A typical baby in utero does not start to suck, swallow, and breathe until around 34 weeks, so we are not worried and are sure they will master it by then! (our girls are still 32 weeks gestation).
So that was Saturday... other than UGA losing to Bama, it was a pretty great day!
Thanks for your prayers... Your support... Your big big hearts...
Lots of Love,
The Fields
Wonderful news !! We love the blog and think about you and the girls - and Brandon - all the time. Love, Aunt Ann
ReplyDeleteCaroline, I can imagine the joy you felt and the love, comfort and security little Juliana and Gardner felt to have their arms around each other AND their mother. The pictures are wonderful...they've come such a long way and each day I'm sure has precious firsts....thank you for sharing this one!
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