Babes on Thursday

Thursday has been a day of settling in.

Last nights shifts worked really well which meant we were both quite refreshed after being so tired for the last few days.

Daniel is starting to up his intakes nicely although erratically which means he takes 60 ml in one feed and then takes less for the next few feeds. We learnt how to "cheat" (from an ICU nurse) when feeding him today by giving the teat a gentle squeeze when he is really sucking so more than usual liquid goes in. He is really great, wakening only to be fed and have his nappy changed. Here is a picture of him with his eyes open (he is scratching his face but this is normal):
















We spent quite a bit of time in ICU with Emma today. The nurses there are excellent and are playing a fantastic mentoring role for us (managers could learn a lot from their ways - very real dedicated professionals). Learning lots. Daniel comes in with us which is great. Emma has regained the weight she lost after birth (a normal thing). She is also doing really well. They have now decided that they are going to reduce the temperature in her incubator to a level which is normal and see if she can maintain her body temperature. If she can, she'll be home with us. I'm confident that she will do that without a problem. She is taking her milk without much problem and so all is going well.

Nice today to see two other couples with twins in the ICU and the second of triplets went home today after over 30 days in ICU. The biggest of the triplets can't suckle yet so he is staying in.

Here is a picture of Emma with her Dad who fed her today:
















We need to say such a big thank you to everyone who has helped us out. We have a house jam packed with flowers and drawers packed with clothes, equipment etc. Today Sasol contributed a large package of several hundred Pampers nappies. Really fantastic and makes such a difference. Thank you!!! You know with South Africa as it is, one tends to think that, except for your family, that you are essentially out there alone. We have been so pleasantly surprised at the amount of empathy and giving from people - some of whom are total strangers to us. Fantastic to see that our society still has that caring in it. Gives me great hope for the future of Daniel and Emma.

Fiona visits her new Oncologist tomorrow.