After a brief period of plateaued weight gain and more frequent spells of apnea and bradycardia, both Max and Michaela have strung together some amazing days.  Michaela had the biggest breakthrough, as she’s graduated from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to high flow.  This means she’s now breathing unaided aside from the occasional oxygen boost high flow provides to make sure oxygen levels remain at the correct level in her bloodstream.  She seems markedly more comfortable, and we can now see her face without obstruction from her CPAP mask – just like her brother!  Both M & M are tolerating their milk, which is fortified with extra calories, and they’ve both started gaining weight quickly.  Max weighs 2 lbs, 7 ounces, and Michaela is right behind him at 2 lbs, 5 ounces.

Since they are more stable, we are able to hold Max and Michaela more often now, so we try to time our visits to coincide with their feeding and cares (diaper change, measurements) as to maximize baby-touching time.

Multiple NICU doctors, nurses and parents who have been in similar situations have cautioned us that this process will feel like a roller coaster – there will be good days, and there will be setbacks.  We are definitely happy to celebrate the recent uphill climb!

Michaela stretching with Duckie. So happy to see her face!

Somehow Michaela found a hat that fits her

Max gets his turn with mom