Today (Wednesday) we were informed that Ansley needed a blood transfusion. We had been expecting this for a couple weeks, but she never really needed it. After having increased amounts of apnea spells and a couple of days of being a bit calmer than normal, the Doctor ordered bloodwork to check her hemoglobin levels. The results were as expected. Her red blood count was below normal and the tranfusion was ordered. Almost all preemies require at least one transfusion during their stay. (They have also told us that Abigail might need one before her stay is over.) So much blood is taken to do daily tests that their little bodies can't replace it all by themselves. She did great with this procedure and is already back to normal. Her color is better and she is squirming around again!!

She is also showing her intelligence with of all body parts....her tongue! Both girls have a tube in their mouths that goes down their throats to their little stomachs that serves a couple purposes. One, this is how they are fed until they can suck, swallow, and breathe simultaneously. Second, this is how they relieve the gas in their tummies. Ansley has shown that she can work the tubing out of her mouth (all the way from her stomach) with her tongue. What she must not have figured out just yet is that the nurses HAVE to put it back down her throat and into her stomach causing her "gag" reflex to empty part of what she has eaten!!! It is way too funny to see the nurses try to rig this tube where she can't pull it out. As soon as they think they have it "baby proofed," Ansley starts moving her tongue...and slowly...the tube starts working its way out again.

While Ansley was showing us her trick with her tongue, Rebecca and I were able to hold Abigail. Rebecca held her for about 15 minutes before I got jealous and begged for the last 15 minutes of holding time. She is really starting to get used to us and loves being held. Her monitored stats really do well, if not improve, when being held now as opposed to the first couple weeks of life!!

At tonight's weigh in, Abigail continued to put weight on. She now weighs 3 lbs. 3.2 oz. Ansley also gained after a weight loss the night before. She weighed 2 lbs. 11 oz. Her weight has been a mystery to everyone. Both girls continue to look good and Abigail is growing another chin like her daddy!!

Please pray that both girls continue to gain weight and that the transfusion will continue to make Ansley feel better and slow the Apnea spells.


Daddy comforts Abigail while she is on the scale.













Ansley poses for the camera.












Daddy and Mommy get to hold Abigail.