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Day 2 has been a busy one indeed. Here are some updates!
This morning, the Pediatrician and Occupational Therapist approved letting the boys try to eat a little. They were showing signs of interest, and each sucked on a paci for practice. At the first feeding, N drank 5 ml from the bottle. For the nurse, L drank 2 ml from the bottle, then was fed 4 more through a tube. L was deemed a pokey eater and was about to get a tube to help him eat. Daddy stepped in on the feedings, and helped encourage L. By the afternoon feedings, both boys were eating everything from the bottle, roughly 6 – 7 ml at a time. (We are THRILLED with this!) Not only were feeding concerns expected because of assumed suck swallow delays…even a “normal” 34 week baby often has trouble with feeding at first. For them to be eating from a bottle on day 2 is a HUGE win!
Not only are they using a bottle, they are good at it! They eat quickly and burp well. I even attempted nursing with N this evening, and the NICU nurse was very pleased with his efforts. At this rate, they’ll plan to increase the amounts, and help these boys start gaining weight.
Daddy has gotten to change several diapers.
Mommy has enjoyed watching that part.
The boys have each had some tummy time. They hate it. I’m happy that they hate anything. Seeing them get aggravated at things is also a good sign. Both boys are showing improved tone and responsiveness today. We even got to hear each of them cry out at various times.
Both boys had baths. L stayed a little cool after his, but each boy is still in an isolette to help them maintain body temps for now anyway.
We met with a Pediatric Geneticist and had a good but familiar conversation. It is too soon for him to tell us a lot of useful information, but he agreed our boys are beautiful.
We have had FANTASTIC luck with nurses.
As of 7:00 pm, N isn’t getting any extra help with oxygen. Both boys are 100% breathing room air.
We’re still anxiously awaiting blood work and an MRI so we can move forward with understanding these two brains and their genetic makeup better, but overall, these first two days have gone far better than we could have anticipated. And we are so thankful for every little moment and milestone. We are truly blessed.
Speaking of special moments…for the first time since they were born, the boys were reunited this afternoon and are now right next to each other in the NICU.
Here are our two precious miracles, reunited again!
Mama Laughs 
Praising God for what He has accomplished so far in these precious boys and for all that He is still doing and will continue to do. They are absolutely beautiful Melody!
I have been following your story and have been praying for you and your boys.
They are absolutely precious!!
Jan in Ohio
They are beautiful! And they do look like their brother and Daddy. Congratulations!
Such an amazing love story ♥ rooting and praying for these beautiful boys.
So much to be thankful for! What a blessing and a miracle these two boys are! Congrats, Mel and Justin! They are quite handsome 🙂
I am a good friend of Meredith and Josh’s. I wanted to let you know that your babies are so adorable. My son D.J. was born at 35 weeks. He had quit moving inside of me on the night of Oct. 29, 2005. I was so scared nothing I did would make him move or kick. I assumed the worst and thought my son was gone. We rushed to the birthing center where they hooked me up to the machines and found his heartbeat. It was moving but not at a high rate. They did an ultrasound and he was laying inside of me with lot’s of extra water. They decided to do a crash emergency c-section. They had me on the operating table 20 mins after prepping me. When D.J. was born he weighed 8lbs. 7oz.. He had a lot of adeama “water weight” in his little body. He could not breathe without help. The first little glimpse I had of him he let out one tiny cry and that was all I heard. They rushed him to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Their is where he spent the first 3 weeks and 1 day of his life. He also had an MRI and they found that he had had a stroke inside of me and was missing the right sensory portion of his brain. His left side will forever be weaker than his right. But after his first 3 years in First Steps he is doing great now. Their is very few people who see my son who can see any signs of his stroke. I can because of course I am his mother. His left hand is weaker but other than that he is doing great. My son was born October 30, 2005 and will be 8 yrs old in just a few weeks. The day he was born was without a doubt the greatest day of my life. I wanted to share my story with you. We both have true living miracles thanks to our wonderful Heavenly Father. I will keep my prayers going for your entire family.
Lot’s of thoughts and prayers,
Michelle Gates-Denney
Melody and Justin, God is so Great and your boys are beautiful. I pray that the days continue to be God filled. Both of you are inspiring as parents and Faithful Children of God.
Tina Woods
They are so precious! Glad you are enjoying your time with them and that only good news so far!!! They look like mini Justins! I am praising God for His miracles! Your faith and your big miracles are helping me through this difficult week of waiting.
Praising God for your boys and only good news so far! They look exactly like Justin! He must be so proud! Your big miracles are getting me through this difficult week of waiting. Loving you guys from Houston!
Wonderful!
Praise be to God for answered prayers! Your babies are beautiful!! I am so thankful that they are doing so well and you are too. I know your focus is on Landon and Nolan right now – but please don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. We will continue to pray for Landon and Nolan – and the whole family. I look forward to seeing what other miracles God has in store for these little guys.Congratulations!
I heard about your story from Jeanne, as we prayed for you at Bible Study this week. Praying for your sweet family. The boys are precious!
I’m praying for you and your babies.
We love you..The boys look so awesome …We still are praying for all test to come back and show that God is still in control..with the miracle that is being done…
M – Your little boys are so precious. May God, the Master Healer/Physician, continue to work miracles in N and L’slives. May they continue to surpass all predicted outcomes and reach ever higher milestones. May God continue to bless and keep you all in the palm of his loving hands. Blessings!
My heart is just leaping with thanksgiving to Jesus…those precious boys are just so adorable!!! I can see immediately that they look like daddy! Melody and Justin, you are such a testimony of God’s power, love, grace, and peace…and I know you give Him all credit for that! Tom and I continue to pray for God’s miraculous work in your family…physically and spiritually. Our love surrounds you! Your Gateway family is standing in awe with you! Thank you Jesus! We also continue to kneel with you as the days unfold…To God be the Glory.
I was so excited to check and see such a great update. I’m so happy the boys are doing so well. And I agree, they are beautiful!
They are beautiful beautiful babies!!!! Tears of rejoicing from me today!!! Continuing prayers for you and your family. Big hugs all around!!!!
Melody they are beautiful! Seeing them brings such a peaceful feeling over me. I’m not sure why or if it means anything, but I am hoping and praying along side of you for continued miracles. I truly admire your faith. Much love to you and all of your precious family!
What a true blessing from God. I am so happy and over joyed with the news you have received thus far. Miracles are from God and he has shined upon the boys. What a truly awesome God we serve. My prayers are still with you and your family. I just look forward each day to see what God has in store for these precious little angels.
Love and prayers.
Your boys are beautiful and such a blessing. I am happy for your little family and praying. God is so good.
They are definitely miracles from God. They look so much like their Daddy and Uncle Jared!!! We love you all and are so thankful to God that he has brought the boys to us safely!!! May he continue to work his miracles!!!! Love you guys!!!!