Temperature

The babies' temperatures are taken every three hours. In part, the nurses use the temperatures to gauge how well the babies are maintaining body temperature and whether or not they need more or fewer blankets. However, an abnormally high or low temperature is a marker of potential sickness/infection. This morning, Thomas had an abnormally low temperature. He was also experiencing some significant episodes of apnea. He had times of fast breathing yesterday, so perhaps that was an early indication of whatever it is that is bothering him. He's now on a different type of CPAP (not bubble CPAP) that actually forces air into his lungs in case he forgets to breathe, and he has heat lamps over him to warm him up. They sent things off to the lab to be tested but went ahead and started him on antibiotics as a precautionary treatment while they gather more information. The first set of results (white blood count and a couple of other things that are markers of infection) should be had within a few hours. The cultures that they try to grow to determine if there is infection in the blood stream or urine (and if so, what kind of infection) take 1-2 days. We're praying that it's nothing serious and that the antibiotics help knock it out right away. The nurses said that he looks a lot better already, so hopefully he's comfortable. 

Audrey is doing well and is now taking a bottle every other feed. If I were to bet, I'd say she'll be the first one home....potentially soon. Eek!

Charlotte is doing well too, but she often seems to be too tired to take her full feed from the bottle. I suppose we can't rush these things. She'll let us know when she's good and ready.  

I'm reminded again of how precarious things still are with these little ones. Life is a gift each day for all of us. If you've been praying along with us, thank you for your loving support. Please continue to pray for grace for each day, and especially for little Thomas.