Day 45 Update

Hi Everyone. I was too exhausted to post yesterday. Jon was trying to make his quota at work and had to be at the computer as much as possible so I was handling all the feedings solo. Jon took over last night at midnight, giving me much needed sleep, although he is still running on fumes... and caffeine.

I took Leah and Micah to the pediatrician on Thursday (with help from Linda, thanks Linda!) to discuss their possible reflux. I merely described their symptoms and he watched them lay there and spit up repeatedly while he examined them and he started explaining what reflux was and why they had it. Needless to say, I stopped him and said I knew all about from myself and from Harry. We agreed that we would try adding cereal to their bottles for three days and if that didn't work then he would call in a prescription for Zantac for them both. The good part is that they both have gained weight nicely so the reflux isn't affecting that thankfully - of course, that's because we are taking an hour and a half to feed the two of them. Micah weighed in at 7 lbs. 15 oz. and Leah at 5 lbs. 14 oz. We couldn't believe how much they had gained - two pounds for Leah in the 20 days since her last visit!

He also checked Micah's circumcision and said it looked fine, but his left testicle was swollen! Apparently Micah has a congenital testicular hydrocoele - in English, he has fluid filling the sac surrounding that testicle. It usually resolves without any intervention within the first year or two of life and doesn't cause any pain or problems, but is merely something to keep an eye on and make sure it doesn't change or worsen. Also, we need to keep an eye on the area just above and to the side of his penis to make sure it doesn't show swelling because that could indicate that this problem is a hernia and not a hydrocoele (although the doctor doesn't think that is the case).

In spite of the plan, I called the doctors' office this morning to ask them to abort the cereal trial and call in the Zantac now. Both babies had really bad nights complete with copious spitting up and writhing in pain. I am waiting for them to call back.

Golda is doing well. Her g-tube site is looking better and less red so they are continuing the antibiotics for a full 7 day course. After today she has one full day then one day with two doses. While it stinks that she needs to remain on them for so long, in a way it works to our advantage - there aren't any beds yet in St. Mary's and she can't be transferred while they are still resolving this issue so it buys us some much needed time.

Golda is now up to 35 ml of milk each feeding and is tolerating it well. The day before yesterday she lost a little weight and was down to 1588 g ( 3 lbs. 8.01 oz.) but she gained most back last night and weighed 1601 g (3 lbs. 8.47 oz.). I went to visit her last night and found her wide awake and looking all around. Her face is looking more full and cuter now too. I was sorry I didn't take my mom's camera from the car. Oh well, next time.

Harry had lots of fun trick or treating with Mema. He almost filled his pumpkin! The funny part is that he doesn't really like candy so it will sit there until we decide to throw it away (or eat it).

That's about it for now. Have a good weekend!