Three for Thursday – Triplets 38 Week Old Edition Update #3

Owen as Tough as they Come

Hi Folks, it's that time again.  Every thursday I put up an update about how the Forness triplets are doing.  It'll take me a bit of work this weekend, but expect that I will set up a new page where all the historical triplet posts I've written will be linked to, including any future updates. 

 Back to the Babies – Baby Owen

The babes are 38 weeks old gestationally today, and eleven weeks old from birth.

So, I am sad to say that I am still sitting here a week later waiting for Owen to have his two surgeries.  We are on the schedule for 2:00pm EST but judging by the demeanor of the nurses, I think that it would not be unexpected if he got bumped again.  I go in there every night and my heart breaks.  When he's not passed out, he's got this expressive, pained look on his face and I can only imagine it's because his belly is telling him that he's hungry,  He hasn't eaten in twelve days now. 

They feed him nutrients intravenously and because of the fluids, he's getting puffy.  His weight is up to 5lbs even, which would be encouraging were it not obvious that it's a result of the fluids.  I'm not one to raise a stink, but I will be seriously furious if they don't get him in tomorrow.

Noah with Rich Uncle Mike

Big Noah

The timing was finally right for my big bro to finally get to hold Noah.  Seems like each time he comes the babies are sick or the nurse is too busy.  Was a nice moment to see him completely soften and take to holding my son.  We both commented that the stresses of work seem to melt into the background when you sit there holding a sleeping baby. 

Note to Self – New Business Idea to rent the babies out as stress relief for overworked corporate cube rats.  Zen Babies. 

Noah is settled in around 5lbs 8oz.  He's been higher, but quite frankly, was much too puffy.  Now, thanks to the diuretics, he looks alot happier.

It's tough to see due to the glare off Rich Uncle Mike's forehead but Noah is now wearing clothes!  Which is kind of a dilemma for us.  We have a ton of girl clothes and not so many boy clothes and since Noah's favorite habits include pooping, then pooping again, pee target practice and projectile vomiting stinky baby formula I think we're gonna have a problem keeping him in clean clothes. 

Noah doesn't seem to handle his bottle feedings well yet.  He doesn't keep the food down for more than a minute or two, so we have to hope for some improvement soon.  They can't do much more for him other than continue the anti-reflux meds he's on.  It's just a common factor in prematurity and he will get there soon enough.

Bella Marie Cuter than a Button

 

 

 Ms. Bella Marie

 Bella has had several good days in a row.  She, too is now wearing clothes.  She's also bottle feeding every other feed and seems to tolerate her food better than when she receives it through the tube.  Last night I personally fed her for the first time.  I have to admit that I was quite clueless at it, but I did well.  The nurse stayed with me the whole time to make sure I didn't cause any permanent damage.  She did everything like a champ and I am so proud of me…I mean her. 

Ms. Bella is up to 4lbs 8oz, and despite her weight, appears to be further along than the boys.  The female nurses seem to delight in telling me that.  Anyway, that's it for this week.  As soon as Owen has his surgery, I will post a short article on how he does coming out of it.  Till then, thank you so much for reading.  We appreciate all the comments and well-wishing.

Namaste,

- Papa Charley