NICU Day 72

Discharge plans are being made for the McTwins. We're excited that they will be coming home, but they will be coming home on different days. Logan is being discharged Friday (Jan 2) and Landon will be discharged in 2 weeks. Even though Landon is still on oxygen, he'll be coming home with his best buddy (oxygen) and an apnea monitor. It was previously felt that Logan would come home with an apnea monitor, but through diligent and answered prayers, he hasn't had an apnea episode in 7 days, which means, no monitor will be riding north to the Delta with Logan.

Landon
His weight is up to 5 lbs 6 oz and his feedings continue to be between 60cc and 75cc. No stimulated apnea episode since Sunday ( I really think he was showing out for Billy to show everyone who is really in control of things. We only think we are.)

Logan
His weight is up to 7 lbs 13 oz. It's a sure bet he'll hit the big 8 before he's discharged on Friday.
I think Logan has been telling Landon that he's going on a scouting mission. He's going home to scout out the homestead and will let him all the in's and out's by the time he's ready to be discharged in 2 weeks. What are brothers for, but to pave the way for bigger and better things, or should we say, more cushy and comfortable surroundings.

No matter what, we know the McTwins will regin in the end.

"Two are better than one....for if they fall, one will life up his fellow" Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Posted by Dawn McMinn

NICU Day 69

Today was uneventful for the McTwins. Mary Beth and I took the CPR course for infants at River Oaks, which is required for all preemies discharged from NICU. This gave Billy alone time with the boys. There is no telling what the topics of conversation were between the 3 of them. The CPR course is another step in bringing us closer to discharge

Landon
Landon is now wearing newborn size diapers. His feedings continue to be between 60cc-70cc and tolerating them well. No change on his oxygen status. His weight is 5 lbs 5 oz. The physician said yesterday that he wanted Landon to weigh between 5 1/2lbs and 6 lbs before he would even consider discharging him home with oxygen. He also had a stimulated apnea episode today, which he hasn't had in awhile

Logan
No changes today. His feedings are between 120cc-130cc, which means that if more than 120cc, he has to have a 3rd bottle since each bottle is 2 oz, or 60cc. One of the nurses said that you know it's time to go home when you start on your 3rd bottle at each feeding. I don't want to say the "A" word, but no episode since Monday (6 days and counting). The physician wants him to go 7 days without an episode before allowing him to go home without a monitor. His weight is 7 lbs 10 oz.

Posted by Dawn McMinn

NICU Day 68

Well the "big" guy was good to the McTwin's. He was able to stuff goodies in their stockings and they both got the same thing so there wouldn't be any fighting. Logan said his favorite thing was the cammo baby bottle from Bass Pro Shop. He can't wait to try it out! The nurses continue to spoil them with wrapping them in their Christmas blankets to taking pictures of them in a stocking on the big day. We're so blessed to have the love and support of the staff in NICU as they go out of their way to do things to make each day special in the lives of our angels. It also doesn't hurt to send cookies to them. The best part about the cookies we send is, when they are broken apart, the calories and sugar fall out, which makes it perfect to eat all you want with no guilt.

Landon
Landon continues on his low flow oxygen by nasal cannula, which is adjusted as needed from 50%-70%. His weight today is 5lbs 3 oz.


Logan
Logan has been eyeing his new bottle and waiting for the day he can eat from it. At least he can tell the difference between his and cousin Keighly's bottle, her's is pink cammo, and he said he wouldn't be caught touching a pink bottle (unless it's full). His weight today is 7lb 4oz.

NICU Day 66

Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17

The McTwins continue progressing at their own pace, slow but sure. Maybe this is some insight into what their personalities will be like. One which is gung ho to do something and does it with gusto, and one which is cautious. But whatever they are, I'm sure it's going to be interesting!

The boys have also told the nurses that they are eager to see what Santa will leave in their stockings tonight. Mary Beth has gotten them stockings to hang on their cribs, and since they've been good boys, I'm sure he'll leave goodies. We'll report tomorrow on what the "big" guy leaves .

Landon
Landon had a blood transfusion Monday for a low hematocrit, but the I.V. has already been discontinued. The physician feels that giving him a transfusion will also help his respiratory status. He's still on oxygen, though on a very low flow rate. The physician laughs and says that Landon just doesn't seem to want to give up the oxygen quite yet, maybe that's the cautious side of him. Otherwise he's doing well. No problems with his feedings of 60cc each feeding time. Landon's weight has hit the big 5 lb mark!!

Logan

What can we say about the chunky monkey. His feedings are up to 110-120cc (4 oz) each feeding, and he's savoring every drop. His weight is up to 7 lbs!! We haven't ask about his apnea in the past few days. Each time we do, it seems he has an apnea episode, so we don't want to jinx him by asking "the a" question.

As our blessings continue to be answered, we wish each and everyone who looks at our precious babies and keeps us in their prayers, a very Blessed Christmas!

Posted by Dawn McMinn

NICU Day 63

This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24

Each day out prayers continue to be answered as the McTwins continue their progress. They both are loved by the nurses and are being spoiled rotten with TLC.

Landon
Landon has his feeding tube removed and is taking all his feedings from a bottle. He takes approx 60 cc each feeding, but not as eager about eating like "big" brother. We've whispered in brother's ear to have a discussion with Landon about his eating habits, I guess we'll see how persuasive he can be. Landon had a chest X-Ray yesterday for follow-up from his course of diuretics, and there were still a couple of areas of fluid that the doctor feels can be resolved with another course of diuretics. His weight has increased to 4lbs 14 oz.

Logan
Logan continues to be the poster child for bottle feeding. He took 105cc at one of his feedings yesterday and his weight is now 6lbs 12 oz. He continues to have non stimulated apnea episodes periodically, so his apnea count is the pits.

Posted by Dawn McMinn

NICU Day 61

As we get bogged down in all the hussle and bussle of the Christmas season (I know I do), we sometime forget about "THE REASON FOR THE SEASON". As we look at the most wonderful gift given, the precious baby Jesus, we look at our own gift of children with adoration and know how lucky we are that these gifts have been entrusted to us.

Sons are a heritage from the LORD... Psalms 127:3

The McTwins are doing well under the loving care of the nurses and their Mom.

Landon
Today was another big step for Landon, he was moved out of the isolet into a crib! (now both boys are in cribs). His diuretic was discontinued because of the improvement in his lungs, and he continues to do well on low flow oxygen. His feedings range between 50cc-60cc each feeding, and the nurses are trying to have him take all his feedings by bottle so his feeding tube can be taken out. He's weight is up to 4lbs 12 oz.

Logan
Logan is doing well, though continuing to have episodes of nonstimulated apnea. His feedings are approx 90cc each feeding and you can tell he enjoys every drop! He is now into newborn size diapers and cloths since his weight is up to 6lbs 10 oz.

Mary Beth was able to move into the Ronald McDonald House yesterday. My best friend, Patsy Turner and I helped her move some of her things in last night and was given the tour of the house. It's a great support system for the families staying there as there are several moms which have babies in NICU. She'll be able to stay there until one or both of the boys come home, which will probably around Jan 1. What a great way to start the year!

The Lord is good to all and His tender mercies are over all His works Psalms 145:9

Posted by Dawn McMinn

NICU Day 55

Today was a good visiting day for the McTwins (lovingly named by Anita Batman). Mom has been absent for 2 days because of the weather, but back with open arms. Grandaddy (Billy) and Grandmother Dawn (haven't decided on a name yet though Nanna is at the top of the list) visited also, so there was alot of holding and rocking going on.

The McTwins have the most stylish crib and isolet in NICU thanks to Aunt Patsy. Their giraffe print blanket are being used, along with their bears watching over them, so their "space" seems so much personal.

Logan is up to 6lbs 2oz. and is on apnea count down. Apnea count down is when the days from an apnea episode is counted to determine when a baby can be discharged, if there are no other problems keeping it in NICU . If a baby has an episode and doesn't require any stimulation to recover, then it's 5 days from the last episode till they can be discharged. If stimulation is required, then the count is 7 days from the last episode till discharge. Logan was up to 3 days with no apnea episode until Thursday night, and then the nurse said he acted ugly and had a nonstimulated episode along with one yesterday. He continues to do well except for his apnea, so each day will be a counting day and hopefully he'll be able to come home soon

Landon is still on high flow O2, but as the doctor told us today, he's only on a wisp (25%) of oxygen, and hoping to get changed over to low flow soon. The cold he had last week set him back, but he's making progress now. His feedings continue to be both bottle and by feeding tube. He's not able to take all of his feeding from a bottle because of his respiratory status, but this is improving on a regular basis. His weight today is 4lbs 7oz.

Posted by Dawn McMinn

NICU Day 53

Logan has had a good several days. No apnea since Monday.. making some progress! He now weighs 5lbs. 15oz.

Landon is thru taking his antibiotics for his cold and has his IV out. He now weighs 4lbs 7oz.

NICU Day 51

Logan is doing really good! He is taking between 80 and 100cc. eac feeding every 4 hours. He is still having some apnea but it getting better everyday. He now weighs 5lbs. 10oz.


Landon is back on high flow nasal cannula with his oxygen at 30%. He had a chest x-ray on thursday and his lungs were still hazy and they started him on a diuretic and sodium to clear it up. As of yesterday his lungs are clearer than Thursday; so we are getting improvemnt from that medicine. He has also come down with a little cold and was started on some antibiotics thru an IV. He will get the antibitics for about 3 or 4 days. He is taking 40cc. each feeding every 3 hours. He now weighs 4lbs. 4oz.

NICU Day 46

Logan now weighs 5 lbs. 4 oz. No other changes.

Landon is still high flow nasal cannula but now on 1 liters and oxygen at 28%. He is taking 37cc. each feeding every 3 hours, and he now gets a bottle every other feeding. He weighs 4lbs. 4 oz.

NICU Day 43

Logan has now been moved to a crib!! He is also taking a whole bottle (60cc.) every 4 hours at each feeding. He is now 5lbs. 2.6oz. He has had some apnea today but it seems to be getting better each day.

Landon is now taking 34cc. every 3 hours at each feeding. He takes 15cc. of his feeding with bottle and he ges his bottle twice a day! He is now weighs 4lbs.!!!

NICU Day 41

Logan is now 5lbs.!!! He has had feeding tube taking out and takes 60cc. every 4 hours.

Landon is making progress on trying to take a bottle also. He started today on trying and was able to take 15cc. and they put what he didn't take (17cc.) in his feeding tube. We have our IV out and still high flow nasal cannula at 2 liters and oxygen at 30%.

NICU Day 39

Logan has now been moved away from Landon, he has been moved to the "growing" side. He is now taking 40cc. every 3 hours. He weighs 4lbs. 14oz.

Landon has been put back on high flow nasal cannula with his oxygen at 30%. He has had a minor set back and had to have a small blood transfusion last night due to a low hematocrite. He will have his IV in for several more days. He is now taking 32cc. every 3 hours. He weighs 3lbs. 12oz.

Yesterday they were put in the same isolete, but being that Landon "wanted to be ugly" they had to separate them.

NICU Day 36

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 188:24

We are rejoicing each day as the boys are growing stronger and make progress.
I can't believe it's been 36 days since they were born. There have been days when their condition would worsen and they would be put back on the ventilator, receive a blood transfusion, add another antibiotic, or do whatever was necessary to assist them for their condition to improve. Now with many prayers and blessings, they are both doing well and progressing each day. Though it's slow, there is progress.

We love seeing them wear their preemie cloths, but I don't think anyone gets as much pleasure from it as the nurses do when they pick out their cloths for the day. Each time Mary Beth visits, they tell her what they picked out for them to wear and how cute they are before she every gets to see them.

Logan's weight today is 4 lbs. 11 oz.and Landon's is still 3lbs 6oz. with no other changes.

NICU Day 35

Logan weighs 4lbs. 10oz. No other changes.

Landon is now taking 30cc. every 3 hours an weighs 3lbs. 6oz. No other changes.

NICU Day 33

Logan now weighs 4lbs. 8oz. and wearing his preemie clothes. There are no other changes with him.

Landon is still on low flow nasal cannula at 1 1/2 liters and 25% oxygen. He now weighs 3lbs. 5oz. He is now wearing preemie diapers and also wearing his preemie clothes.

NICU Day 31

Logan is now off nasal cannula and just at room air with his oxygen.. HE IS A BIG BOY NOW!! He is taking 40cc. every 3 hours on his feedings and every other feeding is with a bottle. He loves his bottle! He is now able to wear clothes and loves his clothes. He weighs 4 lbs. 6 oz.

Landon is still on low flow nasal cannula with his oxygen at 30%. He is taking 28 cc. every 3 hours on his feedings.. soon to catch up with his brother! He weighs 3 lbs. 3 oz.

They are both able to be held and I got to hold together for the first time. It is such a wonderful feeling to be able to hold them and also feed them when I am there visiting.

NICU Day 29

Today was a wonderful visiting day for the boys and Mary Beth. The staff in the NICU are so supportive, and allow us to stay as long as we want, along with giving information and support during the visit.

Landon finally had his way today after his discussions regarding having his own mommy time. Mary Beth was able to be hold him for the first time today, and he was quite content in being held and rocked for quite awhile. He keeps the nurses on their toes, as he pulled out his feeding tube 4 times yesterday. They had to come up with a new way to secure his tube so he couldn't pull it out. This may be an insight into who will be the instigator.

Logan was feed by a bottle yesterday for the first time, though he still has his feeding tube until he completely transitions to the bottle. He sucked down 41cc with no problem. The nurses and doctors were surprised that he was able to do so well for his first time, but he comes from good stock when it comes to consuming food. They will alternate his bottle feedings with his tube feedings as he continues his progress.

These are again small steps toward progress, and we appreciate each and every blessing!

Posted by Dawn McMinn

NICU Day 27

A day that there is any progress in the boys is a blessing, and I LOVE to share the good news with you. We thank GOD for the joy that he gives us for the small things in our lives which lets us know that through patience, we will receive many (or double) blessings.

I Colossians 1:11 Strengthen with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness.

Logan has made it to 4#, in fact he's #4.3!!! He continues to be on low flow nasal cannula and his feedings are still at 36cc (which is 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon) Another small thing is he's wearing a diaper shirt now. This may not seem like much, but it's another small step to progress. He looks forward to his visits from his Mom so he can be held and rocked (of course he told me this at my last visit)

Landon has also made a milestone, he's up to 3#!!! He continues on his nasal cannula and his feedings are up to 26cc (almost a tablespoon). He's looking forward to the time when he can also be held and rocked like brother, but unfortunately Mom may have to take turns, but just as Logan talked to me, Landon told me that he's had to be more patient and so he will want to make up for lost rocking time. Big Bubba (Billy) has already volunteered to fill in the gap on this.

Please continue us in your prayers for the health and growth of the boys, and also for our safe travel as we continue to visit our double blessings.

Posted by Dawn McMinn

NICU Day 25

Logan is still on low flow nasal cannula and doing really good on that. He is now taking 36 cc. each feeding every 2 hours. He is still having some episodes of apnea. He weighs 3 lbs. 15 oz.

Landon is starting to catch up with his brother and the nurse says he is trying to be a "big" boy. He was taken off CPAP and was put on low flow nasal cannula. He is taking 25 cc. each feeding every 2 hours. He is still having periods of apnea. He weighs 2 lbs. 14 oz.

NICU Day 23

Today was a really good day for the boys!

Logan is still on low flow nasal canula and doing really good. He is now taking 34 cc. at each feeding every 3 hours and tolerating it really well. He had a little bit of apnea today as well. He weighs 3 lbs. 14 oz. I got to hold Logan for the first time today and it was so wonderful to finally hold him!

Landon was taken off SIPAP and put on CPAP and doing really good. They have increased his feedings to 20 cc. every 2 hours and he is tolerating it really well. He also had some apnea today. He weighs 2 lbs. 12 oz.

NICU Day 23

Yesterday was a good day for both boys.

Logan is still making progress each day. He was taken off the high flow nasal cannula and put low flow nasal cannula. He is now taking 32 cc. with each feeding every 3 hours. He weighs 3 lbs. 10 oz. He also had some apnea.

Landon seems to be getting better each day. He is still on SIPAP and resting a lot better. He is now taking 17 cc. with each feeding every 2 hours. He weighs 2 lbs. 10 oz. He is also having some apnea.

NICU Day 20

The boy's health are progressing slowly, but we're blessed that each day brings new progress and new blessings.

Logan is still on nasal cannula and enjoying his every 2 hour feedings ,which are up to 30 cc. He's anxious for "little" brother to catch up. His weight is still 3 lbs. 9 oz.

Landon is responding to the antibiotics he's been on for his infection in his blood stream. He's only on Ampicillin at present since the other 2 antibiotics were discontinued. The lumbar puncture and blood cultures, which were done yesterday, were negative for any sign of infection, which is great news! He was removed from the ventilator this evening and placed on SiPAP. The feedings are up to 10 cc. every 2 hours and he's tolerating them with no problem. His weight is still 2 lbs.9 oz., but he has visions of catching up with "big" brother soon.

NICU Day 19

Logan is still on nasal cannula and progressing on a little bit more each day. He is now up to 28 cc. each feeding every 3 hours. He also had some apnea. He weighs 3 lbs. 9 oz.

Today was a better day for Landon. He is still on the vent and slowly being weaned off and hoping to be on CPAP tomorrow if he does good throughout the night tonight. They started his feedings again yesterday at 2 cc. every 3 hours and he was increased today to 7 cc. every 3 hours. They have put an IV in his foot and giving him an antibiotic called Ampicillin for his infection and took him off the other antibiotics he was on. They also did a lumbar puncture on him to make sure the infection has not gotten into his spinal fluid and if it has not then he will be on the antibiotic for 7 to 10 days but if it has then he will be on it for 14 to 21 days. He weighs 2 lbs. 9 oz.

NICU Day 17

There are no changes today with Logan. He's still eating 30cc each feeding and taking life easy while still on nasal cannula. The nurse said that he's just enjoying life while waiting on his brother to get better. His weight is still holding at 3.6lbs

Landon is still on the ventilator, but he's been turned down to 30% and breathing better. He was started on a different antibiotics for an infection. We were told that the infection is what set him back and caused him to have to be put back on the ventilator, but he's slowly getting better. He's still off his feedings until he's off the vent, but hopefully he'll be weaned off of the vent soon and can start back eating and try to catch up with "big" brother.

Thank you for checking on my boys!!!

NICU Day 16

Logan is doing good and just progressing right along each day. He is now taking 30 cc. every 2 hours and have started giving multi-vitamins twice a day. He is now up to 3 lbs. 8 oz. He also opened his eyes and very alert and also smiling while his mommy was talking to him today.


Today was not a good day for Landon. He was put back on the vent this morning at 40%. He was also given a blood transfusion this afternoon because of a low hematocrite. They also stopped his feedings due to being back on the vent. He is still weighing 2 lbs. 6 oz.

NICU Day 15

Both have been having apnea.

Logan's feedings were increased to 26 cc.

Landon's feedings were increased to 12 cc.

CATCHING UP

I have not been updating like I should but it has been a busy two weeks trying to adjust to everything with Landon and Logan at River Oaks in Jackson. This is a new journey for me and my family and it has it ups and downs as my babies are still trying to grow and mature like they need to be.

I am going to try and catch you up with them:

October 20, 2008
My mother and grandmother went to Jackson to see the boys and take pictures for me to have while I was still in the hospital.

Landon was on the ventilator.
Logan was on CPAP

October 21, 2008
There were no changes made this day.

October 22, 2008
I was discharged from the hospital and was looking forward to travel to Jackson to see my sons for the first time.

No changes were still made.

October 23, 2008
I went to Jackson to see Landon and Logan for the first time, and it was the best feeling to see and touch them for the first time.

No changes were still made.

October 24, 2008
Started trying to feed Logan but did not tolerate his feedings.

No changes were still made.

October 25, 2008
I went back to Jackson to see them and it is the best feeling to just be there with them and see them changing and getting better everyday. When I arrived, the nurse taking care of Landon said he was a big boy now.. ha. He had been taken off the ventilator and put on SIPAP. Logan had been taken off CPAP and put on nasal cannula. Tried feeding Logan again today and he tolerated 2 cc. every 6 hours. They were both given echocardiograms to see if there Patent Ductus Valve had closed, because they both had heart murmurs, and they had not closed; they stared them on Indocin to help them close and were given 7 doses of the medicine.

October 26, 2008
They increased Logan's feedings to 4 cc. every 3 hours. They started feeding Landon but did not tolerate it to well.

October 27, 2008
Logan went off the nasal cannula and back on CPAP. His feedings were increased to 8 cc. every 3 hours. His weight was 3 lbs. 2 oz. Saw his eyes open for the first time and it was again the best feeling to see him just looking around.

Landon was on SIPAP and put on nasal cannula. His weight was 2 lbs. 2 oz. He also had a PIC line put in to receive fluids and medicine. This line prevents him from possibly getting any infection he would have gotten from his previous umbilical IV site.

October 28, 2008
Both given last doses of Indocin for there heart murmurs.

Logan's feedings increased again to 12 cc. and still on CPAP. His weight was 3 lbs. 3 oz.

Landon was still on nasal cannula. His weight was 2 lbs. 5 oz.

October 29, 2008.
After given last dose of Indocin on Tuesday they did another echocardiogram on both boys and it showed that the Patent Ductus Valve is closed, which will help with their breathing and circulation.

Logan was put on nasal cannula and increased his feedings to 15 cc. every 3 hours. I changed my first diaper on Logan.

Landon restarted his feedings and tolerated them. He was given 1 cc. every 6 hours.

October 30, 2008
Logan's feedings were increased to 18 cc. every 3 hours. He was also put back on CPAP.

Landon's feedings increased to 2 cc. every 4 hours.

October 31, 2008
Both started having a little bit of apnea today.

Logan's feedings increased to 2o cc. every 3 hours. His weight was 3 lbs. 4 oz.

Landon's feedings were increased to 5 cc. every 3 hours. His weight was 2 lbs. 5 oz.

November 1, 2008
Logan's feedings increased to 22 cc. every 3 hours. His weight was 3 lbs. 6 oz.

Landon's feedings increased to 8 cc. every 3 hours. His weight was 2 lbs. 6 oz.

November 2, 2008
Logan is put back on nasal cannula and feedings increased to 24 cc. every 3 hours. His weight was 3 lbs. 5 oz.

Landon is put back on CPAP and feedings increased to 10 cc. every hours. His weight is 2 lbs. 6 oz.

THE BEGINNING

I hope this will be a place that will keep you up to date on the progress of Landon and Logan.

Finding out I was pregnant with twins overwhelming. Besides being pregnant with twins and all the changes it brings I had a wreck at 16 weeks pregnan and broke the ulna and radius in my left arm. Because of this, I had to have surgery which required the placement of plates and screws to repair the fracture along with damage to the muscle requiring occupational therapy for several weeks.

Besides seeing my regular doctor in Greenwood, along with seeing Dr. Bennett (orthopedist), and Brian (Occupational Therapist), I was referred to UMC for follow-up care since I was classified as a high risk pregnancy. At my first visit to UMC I was told I possibly had Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, which occurs in identical twins and is a disease of the placenta (when shared by both babies) and also contains abnormal blood vessels which connect the umbilical cord and circulations of the twins. The common placenta may also be shared unequally by the twins.

On follow-up visits, this syndrome didn't progress very much and didn't become as serious as it could. The boys growth didn't really become evident until around 24 weeks and the meaning of carrying twins really showed.

At week 29 at my visit to UMC, there was discussion of delivering there.

As usual, we think were in control but were reminded in many ways that God is in control and thingns are done in his time and for a reason.

On October 19, I went into labor . From the time I went to the hospital, it was approx. 1 hour till the boys were delivered by C-Section. Landon was born at 2:33 weighing 2 lbs. 5 oz. and 14 3/4 inches long. Logan was born at 2:34 and weighing 3 lbs. 4 oz. and 15 3/4 inches long. Being premature they were transferred by ambulance to NICU at River Oaks Hospital, where they will be cared for until able to come home. The staff at River Oaks has been so supportive to myself and my family, that I know its the best place for my boys to be at this time.