Regier boys update

Hello friends,
I've been meaning to update you since the last one but these days have been very long and full and we are utterly exhausted! So here goes:

HEARTS: We are excited to report that the heart medication was effective for Sawyer and his duct closed - he no longer has a heart murmur and we are very grateful! Jacob's duct didn't close with the meds and is actually open pretty big, so he'll be having surgery tomorrow morning at 8:45. This is a somewhat common surgery for premies - and it involves putting a clamp on the duct to close it (the duct is outside the heart, so they won't be opening up his heart thankfully). It should be fairly quick (ie, under an hour), assuming Jacob responds okay- especially since they have to move the left lung out of the way to make an incision and access the duct. We are very confident that he needs this surgery but it is nerve-wracking nonetheless and we appreciate your prayers for safety during the procedure and then a good recovery for him. He was given a blood transfusion today to get him extra ready, as well as was put on a ventilator. They assume he'll take a step or two back for a bit as he recovers but then should move forward again.

LUNGS: Sawyer had an entire day with no breathing support. After 24 hrs he was pretty tired out and is now back on the CPAP but at room oxygen level (so basically he needs the pressure help more than oxygen help). The doctors think he'll probably graduate to a nasal canula in the next day or two. We're hoping the duct was what was holding him back from progressing even more with his breathing. These next few days we should know more for sure. Jacob has been laboring much more to breathe but most likely it's due to the open duct issue above. So we're hopeful that closing the duct will mean he'll progress more with his breathing. But he, too, has been on CPAP and required a small amount of oxygen.

FOOD: In addition to the IV food, they've both been taking breast milk through a feeding tube to their bellies. We're very grateful that they've tolerated it so well and continue to have the amounts increase. (Though obviously Jacob will be off it for a bit with surgery and then slowly increase as tolerated afterwards.) I'm working hard to stock pile since before I know it, they'll be eating like crazy!

WEIGHT: Thanks to all the food, they've both regained weight they lost after birth and are now even bigger! Jacob is 2 lb 15 oz (I'm hoping when they weigh him tonight he'll have reached the 3 lb mark!) and Sawyer is 3 lb, 7.5 oz. We are so happy to see them getting bigger and have even starting using the adjective "chubby" on Sawyer (I know, it's all relative since he's not even 4 lbs).

BRAINS: Their brain ultrasounds from last Friday came back with great results: one had absolutely no bleeding and the other such a teeny tiny amount they had to mention it but deemed it insignificant and "normal." Obviously we are so relieved and grateful!

KIDNEYS/RENAL: All has been great so far - no problems or issues!

CUTENESS: Both are very, very cute and getting increasingly cuter every day. We may be a bit biased but we're certain they're the most handsome and lovable of all babies in the ICN!
As you can see, the report overall is very good and we continue to be very, very grateful! That doesn't mean that this week has been free of stress. Every day there seems to be a major test or screening, discussing the results, and then deciding how to move forward. We spend many, many hours talking with doctors each day - all types and multiples ones in various disciplines. So all that to say that we still find the days completely packed and have no energy at night to respond to your emails. But I want to tell you again how much we appreciate them! It is so wonderful knowing we have so many people thinking about us 4 and praying for us - that we're not alone in this! I wish I had the time to respond individually to you all but that day will have to wait. :) But thank you for your words of encouragement! They are so, so appreciated!

I will email you post-surgery to let you know how it went. We continue to trust in God's faithfulness and goodness as we entrust our sons into His hands and loving care. Thanks again for your prayers!

Love,
Brad and Arja