Update for 03/20/07 through 03/26/07

For those of you who check our blog daily, you may have notice that we have not done an update since last week. Since the babies are working on growing, there has not been many new things. So that is one reason that the blog is not updated and another reason is that we are both pretty tired and it is late once we do get home from the hospital.

So this is what has happened since last week Monday through yesterday.

Tuesday March 20, 2007
We went to the the hospital at night. It was a good visit. Alex got a bath and we did the cares for the others. Today the boys had some success with nippling.

Alex getting weighed after his bath: Alex getting a bath:
Wednesday March 21, 2007
Today the kids are going to have head ultrasounds done. The ultrasounds are done on a monthly basis. We did not go to the hospital tonight. It was hit and miss with nippling today.

Thursday March 22, 2007
The head ultrasounds that were done all came back normal. Tonight Zachary got to try breastfeeding. He did s0-s0, but should continue to get better. Liz was retaining a lot of fluid today, so she was given some Lasiks to help her urinate more.

Alex and Daddy:

Friday March 23, 2007
We went to the hospital tonight. Early morning nipple tries for the boys went well. Big event today was Alex is now 5#. He is doing very well, but needs to get the nippling conquered. Zach is showing great signs for wanting to breastfeed. He gets tired quickly, so they let him rest during the day instead of trying nippling. Tonight we found out that the kids will be moving to a different room. Yes, they will all go together. They are actually moving across the hall, which is for less critical babies. The spot that they are moving will be just theirs. They usually put multiples in this room. We are excited for their move; another step closer to getting out.

Mommy and Zach:

Saturday March 24, 2007
For the first weekend since the snow storm at the end of February, we had a free weekend. We did some errands that we have been wanting to do for a while prior to going to the hospital. Today Grandma and Grandpa met us at the hospital. They have not seen the babies in two weeks, so they were pretty happy to see them. Also today was a big day for them, as they got a chance to hold for the first time. We got to the hospital first and got to see the kids new accomadations. Unfortunately the NICU was very busy Friday night and they need to put a baby with our kids. The room they are in is a two bed room. So the 4th baby was bunked next to Alex. Normally they do not do this due to privacy issues. After being there the nurse decided to move Alex across the room to be by Liz and Zach. This also makes it better for us and our privacy. Prior to leaving the hospital we found out that Zach would be moved to an open crib. He is not officially 1800 grams, but should be very, very soon. So attached are pictures of the new 'suite' and the vey happy moments for Grandpa and Grandma. Enjoy!!!

Daddy with Alex:

Liz waking up:

Zach sleeping peacefully with a full tummy:

Grandma, Mom and Zach:

Grandma's first time holding Zachary:

Grandpa, Mom and Alex:

Grandpa's first time holding Alexander:
The Lenzendorf Suite:

Sunday March 25, 2007

Today was a beautiful day outside. We did not go to the hospital. We opted to get some things done at home. Everyone is doing great: gaining weight; tolerating feeding; Zach and Liz are being weaned off of their cannulas. Liz is still in a low amount of oxygen and Zach is in room air.

Monday March 26, 2007

We arrived at the hospital a little earlier than normal, so we got extra time there. I gave Liz her bath tonight; first time for me. She did very well. All of the kids are having issues with reflux, so all were given orders to start Zantac. Both Liz and Zach were retaining some fluid so they were given some Lasiks. Officially Zachary is now over 4#!!! Everyone is doing great!!!

Just a little note:

I am getting very anxious to get them home and start being a parent. No, we don't know when they will be released, but hope that it will be soon. As much as we try to be mom and dad; it is hard to feel like we are when we are being told what and when we can do things. I am so looking forward to touching ours kids when I want once they are home. Although our NICU experience has been ok- just small ups and downs, it still is not something I would want to repeat. It is hard to put into words what it feels like having our children there. Although it has been nice to be able to heal and get things done before getting them home, but after expriencing this I would rather have them home. I am sure that Jeremy would agree with me. This has been a very draining experience, to say the least.

Hope you enjoyed the update. We are trying to keep this updated often. Remember that just because there is not an updated post does not mean something is wrong, just lack of time and energy:)

Jen

Update 03/19/07

There was no visit to the hospital today. The update I got over the phone was good. All three have got orders to nipple feed with cues. So this morning Zach drank 17 cc out of 29 cc from the bottle but then got tired and quit. He will rest for the remainder of the day before trying again. Liz drank 4cc out of 38cc. She was just not interested after the first 4cc. Both did good for the first time with a bottle. Alex was given the bottle at his 1am and 7 or 10am feeding and did great. Both times he finished his whole bottle. Judy is very proud of him after him being lazy for the last couple days. All have gained weight. No pictures today.

Update 03/18/07

Today's visit was a very busy, hectic visit. It was a very big day for both of us and the triplets. Nana and Papa headed to the hospital with us again. Once we got there we met Grandma Lenzendorf. She has not seen the triplets since they were a day old. The first task at hand was to do the boys' cares. Jeremy took care of Alex and I took care of Zach after he had his first bath given by Judy. Zach did enjoy his bath for the most part. He only fussed a little. We both held them after we were done. As we were holding them, Judy mentioned that great grandparents and grandparents were now allowed to hold the babies. So I gave Zach to Jeremy's grandma and he gave Alex to his mom. Both ladies were quite happy to say the least!!! Jeremy's dad was able to hold Liz once her feeding and care time came around. Everyone was quite happy. After all the visitors left, Jeremy and I did the boys' care again and then held them and just relaxed for a little while. We have some amazing four generation pictures that were taken. Please enjoy looking at them.


Judy giving Zach his first bath:

Great Grandma Lenzendorf holding Zachary for the first time:
Nana holding Alexander for the first time:
Papa holding Elizabeth for the first time:

Papa, Nana, Liz and Alex:

Four Lenzendorf generations- in their birth order (Alex, Liz, Zach):

Mom and Dad holding the boys while Liz sleeps comfortably in her open crib:

Update 03/17/07 Happy St. Patrick's Day

After doing some sight-seeing earlier in day, we got to the hospital right after the boys were fed at 4. Due to Zachary having a few alarms during the day, we were unable to hold him. I did get to hold Alex and Jeremy got to hold Liz. The nurses tried Alex again on the bottle but he was being lazy and did not want anything to do with it. Today we did take pictures, enjoy!

Alex hanging out in his open crib:

Liz fast asleep in her daddy's arms:

Zach holding on tight ot mommy's finger:

Liz and Zach:
Liz with Papa and Daddy:
The Lenzendorf Wall- all three are in this area; a whole wall to themselves:

Update 03/16/07

Tonights visit was busy for us. Nana and Papa were in town to see the little ones so they came to the hospital with us. Tonight was the first time for us to bathe Alex. I gave him his bath and we both survived!! I was a little nervous but made it through. Usually the nurses do not recommend breastfeeding after a bath but I was told if Alex was awake to try and he was. So we tried but he fell asleep soon after starting. I got to kangaroo with Alex while Jeremy was with Zach. After Jeremy was done with Zach he then got to kangaroo with Liz. All babies are still doing good. Unfortunately no digital pictures taken tonight.

Update 03/15/07

Today's visit was very busy. I start by trying to breastfeed Alex. Unfortunately he did not want to wake up enough to feed. So he ended up getting fed through the tube. I got to kangaroo with him after his feeding. Once I was done with him I moved onto doing Liz's cares. Today was her first bath. She did not think highly of it. After her bath, I got to kangaroo with her. After a very short break, I did Zach's cares and started to kangaroo with him. While I did that Judy started to try to nipple feed (bottle feeding) Alex. She brought him over by Zach and I so I could see how he did. He did wonderful by drinking the whole bottle. He is doing a great job of progressing. A few pictures were taken today.

Judy giving Liz her first bath:

Liz after her bath:

Update 03/14/07

Tonight's visit was a short visit. Not too much new to report. All are tolerating their feedins and gaining weight. The kids were pretty tired tonight due to the eye exams that they had today. The doctors check the eye often when the babies are premature to make sure that the retinas are developing correctly. No pictures taken tonight.

Alarms

Some of you may be wondering what we mean by the "alarms" that happen. All three kids are connected to monitors that keep track of their heart rate and respirations. Zach and Liz also have the oxygen in their blood monitored. Each thing that is being monitored has high and low limits set by the doctors and nurses. If the monitor reads something going above or below these limits it sets off an alarm. There are different sounds for different problems so the nurses know if they need to rush right over or can wait a little to see if the baby can return to normal on their own. Hope this helps!

Jeremy

Second Update 03/13/2007

After being at the hospital, I have a few updates. When I first showed up at the hospital Zach was being moved into the same room as Alex and Liz. Unfortunately he is not right next to them, but is much closer than before. His incubator is now in front of a window, so he is getting some natural light. He looked great. His color is getting better, which means he is starting to make red blood cells. His levels were low due to blood draws and not replacing the red blood cells fast enough. As a preemie they have a harder time making red blood cells, so it takes a little longer. I did his cares but did not hold him today. Alex was given his first bath. Next time we will be able to do the bath, this time was a 'demo'. He was wide awake the whole time. I think he really enjoyed it. I got to hold him for a little while before doing Liz's care. Liz had some tests run today to check out some lung/heart issues. We will know results tomorrow. I did her cares and then read to her while I held her. She is doing good in her open crib, keep good body temperature. Attached are the pictures for today. Enjoy:)

Love, Jen

Alex's 1st bath:


Alex is all clean:

Jen reading to Liz:

Update 03/13/2007

This morning when I called for an update I found out that Zach only had one alarm in 24 hours, which is spectacular!!! He has 'turned a corner' as his doctor said. He is continuing to gain weight. The doctor also mentioned that he most likely will not need the prongs again and that he would like to move him to the same room as his siblings so they can be together again. I am very excited for them. Alex is still just plugging away as usual. Liz is doing well in her crib, maintaining her body temperature. They will be performing some tests today to determine why she is still needing oxygen. Most likely we will get results tomorrow. I am still at home at this point but will be headed to the hospital shortly. I will add to the post if needed.

Love, Jen

Update 03/12/2007

A few exciting events happened today. In the morning Zachary was taken off of his prongs and put on the cannula. He is loving it!!! He is continuing to gain weight and grow. He is doing good on his feedings. We are keeping our fingers crossed that he gets to stay on the cannula. Alex is pretty much the same as before: he is enjoying his open crib and continues to gain weight. He is spitting up after feeding so that is being watched. It is called reflux and is very common in preemies. As for Liz, she was weighed and is over 1800 grams. She was suppose to get a new incubator, but instead she got an open crib!! Now she has to be able to maintain her body temperature. She is doing well on her feedings. We found out today that it is time to get all three kids' eyes checked. Preemies retinas are not attached when they are born so they check them to make sure that they are continuing to grow correctly and that there are not problems that need to be handled. This will be done on Wednesday. That is about all for todays news.



Love, Jen

Alex snoozing after being fed:
Liz enjoying her new home:
Zach enjoying not having prongs:
Zach yawning big before his feeding:

Update 03/11/2007

Everyone is doing good today. They are doing good on their feedings and gaining weight. We were told today that the doctor on call for the weekend wants to have Zach taken off of the prongs and put on the cannula. We are excited for him and talked to him about keeping the alarms down so he can stay on the cannula. Today daddy got to care for Alex and hold him, while I cared for Zach and held him. I ended up getting to hold Zach for 2 hours. He did great while I was holding him, only one alarm!! Zach is still in a different room than the his siblings and to my surprise Jeremy was able to bring Alex over for a short period of time. That is the closest the boys have been since before they were born. The nurse took a picture or us. Alex was then taken back to his crib and hooked back up to his monitors. What a nice moment!! Since I was still holding Zach, daddy took care of Liz and held her for a while. Only a few pictures today...most important the one of us and our boys.

Love, Jen

A rare moment to have the boys and us together:


Alex hanging out in his crib:

Alex being held by daddy:

Update 03/10/2007

Today Alex made the big step to the open crib. He is currently just a little over 4#. He is working maintaining his own body temperature. He has done very well with that. Liz should be going to an open crib as well. She has .5 ounces to gain. Hopefully she will be changed tomorrow. We did not get to care for Liz due to timing but we were able to care for the boys. I took care of Zachary, was not able to hold him due to the amount of alarms he has had during the day. Jeremy took care of Alex and then held him for a little while. I was then able to breastfeed him for a little while. He did a great job!! This week I should be trying to breastfeed Liz, too. Again, everyone is doing great.

Love, Jen

Alex in his new open crib:

Update 03/09/2007

Tonight we got to the hospital just in time to care for both Alex and Zach prior to their feedings. I got to hold Zachary for about 10 minutes prior to the shift change. We planned on kangarooing with Liz and Alex, since we have only done that one time with them. This time I got Alex and Jeremy got his little girl. It was nice spending that close time with them. Everyone is still doing well. Hopefully Alex will be in an open crib soon and Liz is not far behind him. Well that is all for now.
Love, Jen



Jeremy & Alex prior to kangaroo time:

Update 03/08/2007

Not much to report today. Due to a miscommunication between myself and the nurses, I was at the hospital for over an hour without being able to do anything. The kids are each on a feeding schedule, the boys are on the same time and Liz is one hour after them. So we have the hour proceeding the feeding to care for and hold the kids. Unfortunately things got a little messed up on Thursday. I did get to kangaroo with Zach again. They got a doctors order to take the prongs out and put the cannula in while I held him. He alarmed a couple times while I held him....he got a little too comfortable and forgot what he is suppose to be doing.....breathing. Due to the mix up with the schedules, I did not get a chance to try to breast feed Alex again. I think he understood, we will try again a different day. I did get to hold Liz.

No pictures again....I was by myself:)

Love, Jen

Update 03/07/2007

Unfortunately Zach had too many alarms with having the cannula, so tonight he is being switched back to the prongs, which he HATES!!! Since he is the smallest/youngest of the group this is not surprising to any of the doctors or nurses. He is working very hard and he gets tired and that is what is causing the alarms. Even though he hates the prongs, it is best for him. They will continue to push him and eventually he will come off the prongs again. We are still very lucky on how things are going. This our first "major" set back, which is not that big of a deal. Everyone is still gaining weight and tolerating feedings very well. Jeremy was able to hold Zach for the first time while he still had the cannula in. I have been trying to read to the kids as much as possible, tonight I read to Liz. She slept the whole time.

Love, Jen


Alex sleeping peacefully:
Jen reading to Liz:
Zachary resting comfortably without his prongs:

Jeremy's first time holding Zach: