How we spend our days

Several different people have responded with surprise when Andy and I have expressed how we feel like there is never enough time in the day.  Sure, our boys are being cared for in the NICU but that doesn't mean we sit around bored all day.  So here is a look at my typical day:

12-1:50am Hopefully sleeping

1:50-3am Drying pump parts, pumping, washing pump parts

3-4:50am Hopefully sleeping

4:50-6am Drying pump parts, pumping, washing pump parts

6-7:50am Hopefully sleeping

7:50-9am Drying pump parts, pumping, washing pump parts

9-10am Visiting the boys, getting updates from the doctors and nurses

10-10:50am Eating breakfast, sending the daily e-mail to family, maybe sleeping

10:50am-12pm Drying pump parts, pumping, washing pump parts

12-1pm Taking a shower, eating lunch or a snack

1-2:30pm Kangaroo care time with the boys

2:30-3pm Pumping in NICU

3-3:30pm Spending time with the boys, comforting them if they're upset

3:30-4pm Washing pump parts

4-4:50pm Resting

4:50-6pm Drying pump parts, pumping, washing pump parts

6-7:50pm Eating dinner, relaxing

7:50-9pm Drying pump parts, pumping, washing pump parts

9-10:50pm Spending time with the boys, maybe bath time

10:50pm-12am Drying pump parts, pumping, washing pump parts

Lather, rinse, repeat.  This schedule is totally changed when someone comes to visit, Andy and I go home to take care of some things, or we have a support group meeting.  Pumping really is a full time job but I'm thankful I'm able to provide Jacen and Spencer with so much of their daily food. 

The boys are doing great.  Jacen might need a blood transfusion next week which scares me a little.  But I know if it's needed then I'll be happy he's getting it.  Both boys will hopefully be switched from CPAP to nasal canulas tomorrow.  I'm so excited for that!  It'll open up a lot more opportunities for us to be hands on with their care.  Tomorrow they will be two weeks and three days old, or 32w gestation.  That's a big gestational milestone for them to finally reach!  They might even get to try to bottle feed within the next week or two.  I'm not sure they're ready for it, but they are showing a lot of signs that they're getting there.  All of a sudden they absolutely love their pacifiers and are beginning to wake before feeding times.  Hopefully it's only good news from here on out!