Making the Move from Newborn to Infant

The first month has gone by so fast and everyday there is a new sign of growth. We were surprised by how much weight they had gained in between doctor visits. Aron had his first visit to the pediatrician followed by a trip to the pulmonary specialist. Both visits he received positive observations and they are encouraged by his progress. The pulmonologist discontinued the additional oxygen and predicts he will be off the apnea monitor by the end of the month. Since he has been home he has really improved on his feeding technique and has beaten his brother in finishing his bottle. Also he has had no apnea episodes since he has been home. We really believe bringing him home was the best medicine.
Aden and Aron have really become good friends and enjoy play time on their mat. They interact by reaching and going back and forth in squawking baby talk. Aden has really become a chatty baby and testing out his lung capacity. He is also moving constantly and building a lot of strength. Aron is stealing the hearts of all that hold him with his laid back demeanor and inquisitive eyes. He loves to be held and take in the world around him. In the last week both boys have been spoiled with attention by all their visitors especially grandma Oma and Auntie who made special out of town trips to see them.

Life With Two: One Month Old

Mommy and Daddy are trying to acclimate themselves to the new sleep schedule with two babies in the house. We can toss our alarm clock, we have two new ones that are pretty reliable. We're getting the hang of handling the interrupted sleep and quickly accomplishing the feeding and diaper change in the middle of the night. When feeding time comes they're quick to express their hunger. Aden is a bit more expressive than Aron; Aron is a more sound sleeper. Aden is the feisty one; Aron is more laid back. Aden has a hollow leg much like his Daddy did, gulping down his bottle each time as if trying to set a new record. Aron seems to be a more leisurely eater and his appetite can vary. Both are so sweet. Mommy and Daddy get some laughs when we first put them down in the crib together after feeding; not sure if they are communicating with their little gurgles and squeaks or competing. It's very cute and safe to say they've figured out they're not alone.

A Complete Family: Aron Comes Home

Aron came home today after demonstrating five consecutive days of no sleep apnea. Mommy is so happy to have both her babies home and can hardly stand not holding them both every minute. Uncle Evan and Grandma Clinton were on hand to welcome him home. He still requires being hooked up to an apnea monitor and requires a small amount of oxygen during feeds; we're hoping being home will do him good and he'll be done with all of that business soon. He's such a sweet docile little guy and with the widest unblinking eyes that scan all around. He already seems very happy to be home, but not sure if he's figured out who the other little baby is yet....

Aden's First Week Home

We are please to say that we have all successfully survived the first week home. Aden is really striving and enjoying having mommy and dad all to himself. Since he has been home he has gained a pound and is really becoming an active newborn with all his facial expressions and accompanying gurgles and coos. This week we had our first doctor's appointment and was an angelic child for the doctor- we were so proud. The doctor gave him a clean bill of health and said he is doing exceptional as a preemie. At home we have our routine of three hour shifts of eat, sleep and poop but a few minutes a day there is play and learning. Aden is very fond of himself in the mirror and reaches out to the handsome devil. He is also learning to hold his own pacifier as he is demonstrating for Pap Pap in the photo. Mom and dad are doing well considering the new sleep cycle. Mom is fitting back into her pre-pregnancy clothes and still hopeful that some day she'll find the time to exercise.

Aron is getting better everyday. He is struggling a little with apnea which is the only thing holding him from being discharged. Unfortunately, every episode sets his release date back five days for observation. The doctor says that all we can do is wait for him to grow out of it. This waiting game is very frustrating to Alex and I because we get excited that he is coming home and then he will have an episode and has to stay for another week. It is really pulling on the heart strings to be so close to having him home. We all miss him; especially his brother.

Aron (01/27/09)

Aron Update

Mommy visited Aron today while Daddy and Aden had some mantime at home. Aron has made some big strides in the past couple of days. He's been taken off his little nose tubes and moved out of the incubator into an open crib. If he continues without troubles and continues to feed well over the weekend, he may be home early next week. Mommy thinks Aron is going to be our little linebacker; he seems to be bigger and stronger than his brother. We'll see, can't wait to get him home....

One Home, One To Go....

Aden came home with us this evening. He fell asleep in his carseat and rode peacefully through Houston rush hour traffic. Mommy has done a great job putting the finishing touches on the baby room and everything else over the past couple of days in eager anticipation. The ranch is ready for babies. We've had a successful feeding and diaper changing so far tonight. We've been holding him almost constantly. We'll see how the 2am and 5am feedings treat us....

Aron Graduates to Level 2

Today was a big day. Aron has been doing well in the level 3 NICU, taking bottles, off his IV, and breathing without oxygen. He's officially been moved to Level 2 and has taken up residence right next to his brother. Aden is doing great, he's about to move from the incubator into an open crib. He should be coming home soon.