Liv and Will's Great Adventure: Sleep, Health Care Reform, and other updates...

Wow. No one ever really tells you how hard it is to have newborns at home, especially preemie twins. They are eating on demand, which is anywhere from 8-11 times a day...each. By the time I feed both, burp both, change both...it's almost time to start again! Needless to say, I've had very little sleep. Thank God for Brent...if he didn't help as much as he does in the evening, I'd be in the loony bin by now! Last night, they went on a 3 hour eating schedule, which allowed me two periods of 2 hours of sleep in between, and I feel like a new woman! In the past, a total of 4 broken hours would not feel good...amazing how that's changed!

Brent and I feel so lucky to have so many great friends and family. My mom stayed with us the first week (oh, how I wish she was still here!!). Brent's mom has been making many great meals and taking our dogs for walks - she's also great at calming Liv with a German lullaby. Our local friends - all whom have families and jobs of their own to take care of - are all pitching in and offering to help...you all know who you are...we can't say enough how much we love and appreciate you.

They are doing great! They were just weighed today by the visiting nurse: Will is 6 lbs 11 oz, and Liv is 6 lbs 10 oz. They are growing a very fast rate, so we must be doing something right! They're actually getting chubby cheeks, double chins, and round bellies...looking more like newborns than preemies. Their official due date is December 13, so they are just 2 weeks away from being considered full term newborn!

Healthcare: I admittedly know nothing about the health care reform issues, but I know for sure that I don't want anything about my healthcare to change. The babies have such amazing care - all through the NICU, special care nursery, pediatrician, eye doctor, visiting nurses, and early intervention. All covered through insurance. Will's eyes are still a bit immature, so we'll be seeing an eye doctor every 2 weeks for a couple of months to ensure they are progressing okay (if not, he may require laser treatments). The visiting nurses come 2 x a week (for one month) for their vitals and general well-being check, so we don't have to take them to the doctors as often. And, early intervention is a state program that they automatically qualify for as preemies...they come to our house and assess their development, and work with them as required. The first assessment is a week from today, which will include 2-3 people (physical therapist, developmental specialist, etc.).

Their Grandpa Nemo (Melissa's dad) is arriving today for a few days - first time he'll be meeting Liv and Will!

Will loves the doggies!