Happy One Month

I walked in to your room today to see it all decorated for your big day!

Your nurses had decorated all of your cabinets for your "birthday." And what a wonderful sight to walk in on your special day and see those big ole isolates had been removed too.

Unfortunately, for you guys, you had a stressful day ahead of you. Your day began with another brain scan (easy-peasy) and was also going to include the dreaded eye test. I arrived much earlier than usual so that I could be with you long before the eye exam (drops at 10, test at 11) and immediately began to snuggle you two!

Your doctor came in to give me the daily update. Ryan, since going back on caffeine your destats have slowed back down and you haven't had one in nearly 24 hours! Woohoo! However, he also informed me that when listening to your heart today he heard a murmur. He's hoping tomorrow he doesn't hear it again, but if so they'll have to examine your heart more closely. We're praying that it goes away and this is nothing to be concerned about.

Soon after that news, the nurse informed me that the eye exam had been postponed until 2, maybe even later. She had also said it would probably be best that I wasn't there. I was so sad because I knew I wouldn't be there at two and wanted to be with you both for this test and afterwards to calm you down.

You were both saddened by this news too - Wiley you were already begging me not to leave you alone and Ryan, you went into prayer.

If I wasn't going to be there for the actual eye exam, I was definitely going to be back sometime after to check on you guys. While I was trying to work out the rest of my day, a new doctor walked into the NICU...it was the eye doctor! He was going to do the tests right now! While he spoke to your everyday doctor, my nurse let me know that she planned on taking you both to a back room in warmer beds for the test, but that I could wait in your room for your return.

The eye doctor returned and began setting up in your room. "I'll just do it right here, this is fine." The nurse turned to me, "Mom, you going to stay?" The eye doctor let me know he didn't mind if I stayed. And while I knew the nurse thought it was too intense for me to stay for, I replied, "Well, if my boys can survive the test, I surely can survive being in here with them." The doctor smiled, "I like your attitude, ma'am!"

So, we got in some final snuggles and smooches, I whispered some brave words to you guys, and offered a prayer for good results.

Wiley, you were up first, while I continued to hold you, Ryan. The doctor began to put the equipment onto your eyes and you began to wail! I wanted to go over and love on you, but had to stay back. So, I whispered to Ryan, hoping it would soon be over. Your crying didn't last long at all. I was so impressed with how bravely you handled the exam. And before we knew it, you were finished and the nurse was putting you back in my arms! The doctor looked at me with a smile, "He looks great!"

Ryan, I gave you a smooch and handed you off for your test, while comforting you, Wiley. Just like your big brother, Ryan, you passed with flying colors and hardly even cried! I have two tough little guys.

We snuggled some more, before going back to your cribs. After the test, you both slept so soundly - taking your temperature (which you usually scream louder for than the terrible eye exam you had!), changing your clothes, and getting a new diaper didn't even wake you. So, I smooched you each once more and let you recover.

We are so blessed that you are both healthy and continue to do well. Later this afternoon, we got the news that your follow-up brain scans came back normal! There is so much to be thankful for today. I cannot believe you are already a month old. Time is moving much too quickly! We pray that we'll soon be celebrating these monthly landmarks in our own home!