Getting Better All the Time

The last couple days have brought some positive and unexpected improvements for the twins. First, late in the day yesterday, Milo was extubated and moved to a CPAP machine. We thought this might happen eventually, especially since the little guy was doing so well on the ventilator. We just didn't expect to see it so soon. He's doing well so far, though, and hopefully he'll be able to stay off the ventilator for good.

Although CPAP is a big step forward in his treatment, it looks much worse than a standard ventilator -- instead of just having the tube in his mouth, Milo has to wear the mask over his nose and the little hat to keep it in place. He's not a big fan of the apparatus, and he basically does what he can to try and squirm out of it. Milo also very active and tends to move around a lot in his isolette. Donna, one of Milo's nurses, swaddled him today and he likes it very much! The only down side is that it's tough to see much of him under all the gear. Hopefully in the coming days we can begin the kangaroo holding with him again.

Milo all swaddled up and sporting a CPAP mask.

Madeline is also doing well. She is recovering nicely from her surgery and was finally put back in an isolette today. You may have noticed that she was on a warming table in the last few pictures; they had to keep her there for several days following her surgery. I hated the thing -- it looked far too much like one of those roast beef carving tables you see at the end of a buffet line. I just kept imagining that someone was going to walk up and ask for an end cut and some horseradish sauce. (Too far?)

Madeline is still on an oscillating ventilator, but she is able to tolerate her breast milk feedings well so far. As she continues to get bigger and gain strength, she'll likely be able to move to CPAP or SiPAP like her (slightly) bigger brother.

Madeline holding hands with Dad inside her fresh new isolette.

BTW: just in case you were planning to visit, but are concerned that you don't happen to know the lyrics to "I Can't Smile Without You" or "On Top of Spaghetti," Janet, one of Madeline's great nurses, has kindly printed out the words and posted them at their bedsides. No excuses now!