6.25.09: Progress

Today was a day of progress for everyone.

Daphne and I had followup doctor appointments. Brant and I had some major anxiety about taking our little one back into the germ filled hospital but we had no choice and just guarded her from anyone or anything that looked suspicious. She gained almost 10oz since her discharge from the NICU only two days prior. Of course, this weighing-in may have included a wet diaper and definitely included clothing. Either way, she is steadily gaining weight - a great accomplishment and of course encouraging to Brant and I as new parents that we must be doing ok.

In my appointment I learned that my heart, lungs, blood pressure, and edema have all pretty much recovered from the stress of carrying three babies. I also learned that I lost 50 lbs in two weeks. Don't I sound like an infomercial? Apparently, if you have triplets, you too can lose this much weight quickly (not to say there isn't another 35 lbs to go, but we won't talk about that). My doctor also informed me that I can't drive for another month (6 weeks total). This makes visiting the girls in the NICU more and more challenging, but hopefully they will be home soon so it won't be too bad. Brant drove down to see the girls tonight while Daphne and I stayed at home. We are still trying to make sure one of us sees them at least once a day but of course we both wish we could be there all the time.

Fiona had her feeding tube removed because she was doing so well eating. She also had her oxygen saturation monitor removed. Both signs that she is getting ready to come home. Let the countdown begin.

Stella (not to be out down by her sisters) became a super eater overnight. The nurses all agree that this eating thing just finally clicked with her. She still has her tube in but has begun taking almost all of her feedings via mouth (rather than via tube). A couple more days of this and she too will have her feeding tube removed. In weight gaining news, Stella finally reached 5lbs - this makes all the girls 5lbs or more. I think Fiona and Stella realize that Daphne is gone and want to come home too - and we are SO excited to have them.

Also in the NICU, we are finally no longer required to wear our masks. For about a week, the hospital required everyone to wear masks when around intensive care patients as there was a mini-outbreak of the swine flu amongst some hospital workers. Apparently, this threat has been contained and we are able to enjoy smooching on our little ones without breaking the rules.

Progress is progress and we will take it!