Not much new to report but thought we'd post some more pics. Melia as of today weighs 5lbs 14oz and Elle is 4lb 15oz. Melia is honing her feeding skills, while Elle is just getting it going...again! About 2 weeks ago Elle realized that she didn't really have to work to get fed so she stopped breastfeeding and bottle feeding completely which has really delayed us coming home. It's a good thing she's cute or she would have been in big trouble. Our due date is in 2 weeks and I'm sure we'll be in hospital until then. Our first night home can't come quick enough.

Melia is on the left & Elle is on the right

So another week and we're nearing the end - wherever that may be. Once neonatals reach 1800 grams, then they are of weight to move into a crib. Melia has progressed and Elle is waiting her turn out. As it happens, Elle needed some breathing assistance again - hopefully for the last time as we head into the final month of NICU care. I know we've said it before and we'll say it again, but "it will be much easier when...". Somehow, I'm thinking we'll be saying that a few more times, like "when they go to school" or "when they start paying for our retirement."

Gramma & grampa Melton (Linda & Ed) flew in from Atlanta, GA for a long visit weekend. Had it not been for visiting hours, I'm sur eon their way through Windsor to Kingsville, they would have had a peek. Saturday afternoon, they made it in bringing great gramma Doris along for her first viewing. Gramma made a wonderful, padded, play mat for the girls - nice for rolling around. The jury is still out on who the girls resemble most - only time will tell.

Busy, busy!

Well, part-time parenting is busier than one thinks. We spend 4 to 5 hours with them during the day and then a few more hours at night - it makes a long day, everyday. Bathing happens everyday here in Windsor - a full bath one day and a sponge bath the next. During the day is Melia's production when Tige is at work. In the evening is Elle where I get a hand by Tige. I suppose it is preparing me for when we get home and I will be by myself.

As for the girls, they are doing really well - growing too fast. If it were up to Tige, he'd keep them in this baby stage forever. Melia now weighs 4lbs 5oz and Elle 3lbs 9oz. I am also b-feeding the girls now which adds to the production. Melia is a pro at breastfeeding and is quite the chatty one - constantly grunting, making noises, and always talking to Tige when he is holding her. Surely she's working fast to seal the deal (inheritance if there is one)! Elle already has his heart too and works her angle quite differently - slow and steady.

The bigger they get, the harder it gets to be at the hospital. Strange because our difficulty before was getting back home in Windsor. As soon as "the hers's" start feeding on their own then it will be time for them to come home. Personally, time cannot go by fast enough. Elle is still gaining her strength back after her last infection, so she is a bit slower at feeding. My little girl is a fighter and, as sure as day, will shock us all at how fast she catches on.

Little Ms. Elle

Little Ms. Melia