Yesterday the girls were ten days old and twenty-seven weeks gestational age. Everything continues to be stable. Both Ella and Lucy had head ultrasounds yesterday. Ella continues to have no sign of brain bleeding. Lucy's small bleed from last week seems to be resolving itself as it is smaller than the last ultrasound. The threat of new bleeds is very low past ten days and we are very glad that neither of the girls has had a major bleed. Lucy's grade two bleed should have no long term effect.

Ella has now had a blood transfusion and is also on antibiotics for a possible infection. Lucy is just finishing her round of antibiotics for her lung infection and hopefully it is cleared up. Lucy is now on day three of the medication to close her duct, we will find out shortly if it has been effective. Both of them are tolerating their feeds, Ella every three hours and Lucy every two hours.

They both continue to be on the ossilators and decreasing their oxygen needs is the next big hurtle. The ventilation is necessary right now but the doctors and respiratory techs tell us that the less time they are on ventilation the better. The ventilation causes chronic lung troubles, symptoms of which the girls are already exhibiting. It is a balancing act to be sure that they are getting enough oxygen while limiting the potential damage. Lungs are not fully developed until a child is about eight so there will be time for the lungs to be regenerated but the less damage the better.

The other major concerns going forward are infections, eye development, feeding troubles, and the duct openings. The doctors and nurses have been very good at preparing us for what is likely ahead. Every day now where things are stable is good - it allows the girls to gain strength for the challenges ahead.

I will post some pictures later... Theresa