Ups and Downs of the NICU

The past week has had its share of ups and downs in the NICU.  Thankfully, Kate and Braden have done wonderfully and as of tonight have surpassed their birthweights.  Kate and Braden both currently weigh 3lbs 14oz.  Their weight gain has taken off in the past couple of days, so I am hoping they will reach 4lbs soon and be able to move to an open crib.  They are both taking at least 2 bottles a day and tolerating the transition well.  Brooks has had a harder week than the other two.  He finished the meds for his heart murmur and was able to resume eating shortly thereafter.  For a few days, there was no sign of heart murmur, however nurse and MD heard murmur again on Tuesday of this week.  He also had some bowel issues on Tuesday, with a lot of "air" in his belly.  MD was unsure of cause of the increased amount of air in his belly, so ordered him to begin IV fluids again and made him NPO ( no food).  This was hard for me to hear for numerous reasons.  #1- He had a great morning on Tuesday and actually took his first bottle that morning prior to this downfall--that day was literally filled with emotional highs and lows for me! #2 He had just started to gain weight when they had to stop his feedings--it is awful to look at your tiny baby and know he is not going to get to ear for a couple of days. #3- I was terrified of the underlying cause of this "air" in his belly, especially since MD tried to prepare me for the worst (I know she was just doing her job, but it was hard to hear nonetheless).
     Once again, God has provided and answered my prayers.  Brooks is doing much better today and was able to resume eating (taking milk through feeding tube for now).  They are starting him out slow and gradually increasing the amount of food he receives at each scheduled feeding.  He had gained up to 2lbs 4oz, but after this set back has lost back down to 2lbs 2oz.  I pray he will tolerate his return to eating well with no bowel/stomach problems and begin putting on weight.
    Another "high point" of the week occured today when 3 sweet girls from Springfield High School came to NICU to deliver Baby Bundles that were donated from students in her class at school.  What a kind and thoughtful thing to do for mothers who are going through the stresses of having a baby in the NICU.
    I am still unsure of when the babies will be able to come home, but if Kate and Braden continue to progress well, I feel like they will be home pretty soon.  Thank you for you prayers--please continue them for now.