More weight, open eyes and a smile....

Can't complain about the past week, as we pretty much had positive news each day. Both the little 'uns are packing on the ounces, with Dillon now at 3Lb 4oz and Madeleine at 2lb 7oz (a full pound over her birth weight). Dillon also had a major step forward in his breathing this week. The SiPap machine, which is the mask over his nose, is no longer "puffing" air at a respiratory rate. It is now just a constant flow of oxygen enriched air. This means he is doing all his lung work breathing in and out by himself, with no assistance. His supplemental oxygen requirements are getting lower as well, with him needing on average 28% -29% O2. (21% is regular air). Madeleine is a bit further behind, but knowing her competitive spirit, she'll catch up soon.

Doctors were saying yesterday not to get our hopes up too high about babies being home for Christmas, as they might be in up to 2 weeks past due date. That would put us at the 7th of January or so given their due date was Dec 22nd. They did however, discuss the possibility that we could try and get into the ICU at New Westminster earlier, as BC Womens was likely to remain full. We would need both babies out of level 3 ICU and more stable than they are today, but it was a hopeful conversation. If the twins can't be at home for Christmas, hopefully they can at least be in Vancouver.

I'm flying back to Vancouver for work next week, Monday to Friday. Julie Jones Jones is going to come out for Tuesday night, and then Joelle will be in town Wednesday through Sunday. Should be a busy week!. Here's some more baby shots.....

Madeleine sound asleep, dreaming of holding a finger.....


Although it is apparently medically impossible for babies to smile at this age, I am sure Dillon smiles in contentment near the end of this video.. (wishful thinking?..)

Madeleine furiously sucking her soother. Make sure you have your sound on, as she is pretty noisy about it!

This is the most alert we have seen Madeleine since birth. She was even more wide-eyed before the video, but we had to turn the lights in the room on so the camera could have enough light to film. Also.. her dream came true and she is now holding Abby's finger.