One less wire today!

MDM and I enjoyed a long morning with the girls before MDM caught a flight out this afternoon. My hormones got the best of me all day (and still are as I write this) wishing MDM didn't have to leave his five girls (yes, I am including Izzie in the count). He will be back very soon. He got to spend time with all the girls this morning while I pumped in the NICU. He was holding Denver Paige while I pumped, so I didn't get a picture of them. He also took Izzie on a walk this afternoon. 

Our day did end on a good note, MDM made it back safely and the girls do not have IVs anymore! This happened two days earlier than we thought which means the girls are taking their feeds well and I am pumping enough milk right now.  Actually my milk hasn't come in yet. Breast milk typically is supposed to come in 3-5 days post-partum, but I have two things working against me: I had a c-section so I am missing some hormonal connections and the girls are in the NICU so I am missing that bonding/mommy connection.  

My mom accompanied me to the NICU tonight to deliver milk since I cannot drive till the 4th. She enjoyed seeing the girls since she hasn't seen them since the 21st. When we started looking through the isolets - there was one big difference - no IVs!! Such good news. I texted MDM immediately! I also got to hold Denver Paige a minute while the nurse changed her bedding and Denver Paige calmed immediately once she heard my voice.  Love it! One single sensory system can be very powerful when  others are not fully developed yet (i.e. their vision).  After working so long with kids with sensory processing disorder is it so great to see how one sensory system can have such a positive effect on comforting and regulating a body. 

I am typing this while pumping because I am exhausted after this emotional day and 4am will come early to start another day pf pumping. I am really looking forward to them breastfeeding and not being on this tight of schedule. hahaha! Iyla and Denver Paige started rooting (looking for the breast) today when I held them. I was very tempted to just give it to them, but I know its early! I am going to talk to the neonatologist about it tomorrow. The girls are gaining weight now that they are increasing their feedings. Denver Paige weighs the most at 3.6 lbs, Iyla is next at 3.4 lbs and Nadine is the smallest at 3.2 lbs.  Hopefully tomorrow will be another good day.

Iyla 

A happy dad and Nadine