6.19.09: One tube down, two to go

Today (at 8 days old) Daphne had her feeding tube removed as well as her monitor for oxygen saturation. She is taking more than her minimum feeding requirement via mouth (I think she takes after her dad with her ability to down a bottle quickly). This is a huge accomplishment and basically the only one preventing the girls from coming home. Fiona and Stella are taking about half of their feedings by mouth, they are both making progress each day but taking the time they need. Rumor has it, if all goes well this weekend, Daphne will be heading home mid to late next week!

We have just figured out our daily routine but of course once Daphne comes home everything will change. Typically we go to Hyde Park together in the morning. Brant puts in some time at work (preserving his paternity leave for once everyone is home) while I hang out with the kids. Then Brant comes to help with their afternoon feeding and after that we head home. Usually we end up doing only the required household functions to survive (pay bills, etc) and then we end up taking a nap. After a quick dinner we go back to the hospital to help with the nighttime feeding and meet the night nurses (shift changes between 7-8). We return home around 10 and usually crash only getting up to pump. It makes for a long day, but of course totally worth it.

I really look forward to the day when everyone is home. I am a bit nervous for some being home while others are still in the NICU - I think it is going to be really difficult to split our time since no one under 18 is allowed into the NICU - even siblings. We will figure it out though, and hopefully soon enough they will all be home. Send us lots of happy eating thoughts!