When the day is done...

I've started this entry a couple times, but my eyes glaze over and before I know it, I've completely forgotten what it is I'm supposed to be doing. Needless to say, it's been an extremely long day. Although tomorrow will be equally as draining, I plan on worrying about that tomorrow (well, it's 12:52 am, so maybe that doesn't work out).

Today's highlights:

• Steve's burns and blisters look horrible, but I'm getting better at wrapping them. It takes about 30-45 minutes to get him all bandaged and comfortably situated. Considering we need to repeat the process two times a day, the quicker we learn to communicate and the fewer breaths he has to involuntarily sucks in when I touch a particularly tender spot, the better for us both.

• When I left the house this morning, everything was neat and clean thanks to my parent's visit last night. It was such a satisfying feeling to wake up and know that you have enough clean underwear and that there are more options for breakfast than a handful of dry Lucky Charms.

• The babies are doing very well. Josiah is still having several drops in his heart and respiratory rate throughout the day, but most of them he can self-resolve. They are checking to see if the amount of caffeine needs to be increased because he's gained weight.

• Lilly was able to breast feed for one of her feedings today. She ate 28 ccs in 30 minutes!!!!! This is only 2 less than she is being fed through her feeding tube!!!! The nurse was completely impressed and said that she had never seen a baby at 33 weeks eat that much. Josiah still needs to learn how to suck without falling asleep every 5 minutes, but I think he'll do well once he figures out how to stay awake. It was weird to breast feed, but I like the feeling of closeness the babies and I enjoy.

I couldn't help but include a ton of pictures from today. For the last couple days, we've had a nurse whose been very kind and accommodating. We've been able to pull the curtains closed and enjoy some "quite time" together even though it's a much smaller space than in the intensive unit. Our families still can't see the babies (and won't be able to until they're discharged) but we hope by publishing or mailing pictures that they're able to feel a little closer to them. It's so painful to leave the hospital every day and not bring them home. I must admit that when I see a family leave with their baby, I'm a bit jealous and very sad.

Josiah-

Lilly-

Daddy and the twins-

Lilly and Josiah-

Josiah-

I feel like there are so many funny stories that I want to share with you, but at the moment, I can't seem to remember any of them.

I've just realized that I've been drooling, so I know it's time to wrap things up. I'll be awake in 4 hours to pump anyway....boooo.