Max and Michaela have gone through countless tests (and photo shoots!) this 1st week of their lives. Here are a few of their larger milestones:
- Both babies were able to move off of full ventilation by day 2 and are now breathing on their own with minimal intervention.
- Both Max & Michaela were treated for jaundice with phototherapy (blue light + ‘sunglasses’ you see in their early pictures) and have responded well. Max completed his phototherapy on day 5 and Michaela should follow shortly afterwards.
- Both Max & Michaela received cranial ultrasounds on day 3 to screen for perinatal brain injury (bleeding around the brain) which can be a sign of potential long term developmental issues. Scans are completed on day 3 because most abnormalities occur within the 1st 72 hours of birth. Both of their cranial scans came back perfectly normal – a great sign for future development and a HUGE relief!
- Both babies have been introduced to breast milk (1 cc per feeding) and are beginning to tolerate it well. This will help protect them from respiratory and intestinal infections.
So far they’ve done remarkably well for babies of their size and gestational age. They’ve remained stable throughout their first week of life and we are beyond thrilled! Here are some pictures from the last few days:
Michaela under her phototherapy light holding Ashley’s hand. She’s got a strong grasp reflex!
Max opening his eyes while crying during his cares (diaper change, temperature check, belly measurements…)
Max’s big foot
Michaela’s got long fingers like her mom…
A visit from Grandma 🙂
Dad watches over his little girl
They’ve each got a full head of wavy hair!
Max & Michaela 
Beautiful pictures, beautiful babies! Thank you for sharing and I know they got the best mommy and daddy in the world. My prayers will continue for their continued growth and health.
We are so happy that the new additions to the Piche family are doing so well! Tough cookies! Auntie is coming in to town in a few short days and can’t wait to meet her niece and nephew! We miss and love all four of you!!
what a nice site! thanks for creating a way for everyone to share in this incredible journey. So happy that Max & Michaela are healthy in every way. And please don’t ground Max for forcing this outcome, Michael 🙂
Prayers and congratulations from Colorado! Love and miss you guys, hope to see you all when I’m home in March!
Congrats!! I know you we haven’t had a formal introduction but I work at KIPP and have been getting the email updates headquarters have been sending out. I just returned from work after having my preemie daughter on August 12th. She was in the NICU at GW for 37 days and now she is 14+ lbs. The most helpful thing we got from friends were prepared meals. We were so tired from shuttling back and forth from the NICU we didn’t have the energy to cook and the dinners and meals were so welcome. Could I do the same for you both? If I can help please email me your address. jessica.mckechnie@kippdc.org.
Take care. Your family are in our prayers. Stay as relaxed as possible despite the stress cause it’ll help with pumping. Please let me know if there are any other ways we can help.
Jessica and Andrew McKechnie
Dear Ashley and Michael,
I am so thrilled that Max and Michaela are gaining weight and their tests were so positive. I think this blog is so awesome too! My thoughts and prayers are with you as your two precious angels continue to progress and grow.
Love,
Mary von Freymann
WOW. Ashley and Michael – I’m so happy to hear that the twins are doing great and the results of the tests have been good. I’ll continue to keep you all in my prayers. Also – would love to bring by some meals for you two.