It is my goal to post an update AT LEAST once a week, we'll shoot for every Thursday but I promise I will try to do it more often.
Working through acid reflux...
When dad went to the pediatrician on Friday for Anders' follow-up and weight check, he mentioned that he boys were fussy after eating (for at least an hour or two each time) and that they are spitting up a lot more too. After some further discussion she said that the boys have acid reflux and that shewould be surprised if any preemie baby didn't have it. So she gave him two prescriptions for Zantac and he IMMEDIATELY filled them. They have been on it for almost a week and we are seeing slight improvements. It is now only once in a while that they have a post-feeding fit where they are restless for hours. I'm going to follow-up with the doctor to see if there isn't something more we can do for them (mom & dad) to get them sleeping and eating better.
The boys are continuing to grow and get stronger every day. Aaron and Anders have extremely good head strength and are able to lift them with ease. Asher is coming along as well, but his head is still larger and heavier from his pre-shunt swelling so it may take a little longer for him.
Asher went in again this week to have his shunt turned down as it was draining more fluid that seemed necessary. We are able to monitor this by keeping an eye on his fontanel. If it appears to be sunken in - it should be turned down, if it is firm - it should be turned up. Luckily this is the second time he has had it turned down, thus the jury is still out on whether he will end up needing the shunt for the rest of his life. We'll see, either way he is doing so much better!
The dogs are quite the pair. Athena is the "nuke collector" as we find if we are looking for more than 90 seconds to find a nuke, we should check the basement as she has started bringing them downstairs. We don't mind as she seems to just bring them down there, it would be a completely different story if she actually ate or chewed on them - nukes are expensive! Atlas has been showing some preference towards Anders. It wasn't until the other day that we noticed when Anders cries - Atlas come running. He doesn't seem scared - just concerned or curious. He will stand at the side of the portable crib or at the end of the hallway behind the baby gate just watching - it cute. Asher and Aaron better be nice to him as it seems he has a concerned older brother looking out for him!
Mom and dad have been trying out a new sleep schedule. As of right now it is impossible to get any sleep while once is actually watching them, thus we are now sleeping in shifts. One person sleeps while the other watches the boys. This can make for some extremely stressful moments, especially when all three want to eat at the same time, but it is worth it to get 5-6 hours of uninterrupted sleep. So far so good, but we may reach out to you all for some "helpers" to come with an extra set of hands to help. Dad needs helpers during the day and mom needs some helpers in the evening.
Over all, this week with the acid reflux has been better than last week -- we look forward to next week and hope it gets better every day in between!
Sounds like you guys are falling into a routine..just remember it won't last forever:) On the reflux if Zantac doesn't show improvement soon, ask for Prevacid! So many moms (myself included) refer to prevacid as the miracle drug! Truly made Eli a different, more likable child.
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