Hi, All! I wanted to thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Both Gwen and Cole are progressing daily. Gwen came home this past Thursday and Cole is supposed to join us in the next few days. For recent pictures of the little ones, please visit our new website at: http://gwenandcole2008.shutterfly.com/
November 17, 2008 (Day 2 in the NICU)
First time holding Cole and doing Kangaroo Care Cole getting into trouble. He was so angry he pulled a pen out of the doctor's pocket with his tiny little hands! Daddy changing Gwen in the isolette Daddy doing Kangaroo Care with Gwen
Day 4 with Gwyneth Pearl
Day 5: Hanging with Cole in the NICU
First time wearing big boy clothes!
One Week Old
First Family Picture!!!!
Thanksgiving Day Visitors
11/28/08-11/30/08
Second time hanging out together!
Gwen loves tummy time with Mommy
Gwen's Homecoming- 12/4/08
Family Picture before Gwen heads home
Chilling with Gwen
Cole's Homecoming on 12/7/08 and Gwen's First Bath
Dear Family and Friends,
We want to start by saying thank you for the outpouring of support we have received from everyone since the twins were born in November. So many people have done so much for us and supported us while the babies were in the NICU. Additionally, we have had people offer to do everything from cleaning our home to watching the babies so that we can enjoy a night out on the town. Every bit of help that has been offered (and accepted) truly is appreciated. We are experiencing the biggest challenge of our lives, and we’re lucky to be surrounded by many family members and friends who have shown us so much love and support.
Since Gwen and Cole were born many of you have inquired about visiting us to share in the joy and to meet the babies. We hope that the following explanation of RSV will help everyone understand why we need to limit visitors at this time.
If you are not aware of RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, you are among the majority. Most people have not heard of RSV, even though nearly every child has had the virus by age two. For full-term babies, RSV typically is not any worse than a common cold, but for preemies, the virus can be quite different. Babies born before 36 weeks are at the highest risk for serious complications like pneumonia, bronchiitis, and other sometimes fatal complications. As you know, Gwen and Cole were born premature (32 weeks, 6 days), are multiples, and had low birth weights. Unfortunately these are among the highest risk factors for contracting RSV and developing serious complications.
Preventing the spread of RSV is very difficult. Thus, we must be vigilant about keeping our little ones safe during RSV season (October through April). The virus is spread through physical contact, in the air via a cough or sneeze, or by touching an infected object. The virus can live as long as six hours on hands and up to twelve hours on objects, and it spreads very easily. Studies have also shown that infants pose an even higher risk of spreading RSV to others. You may ask, “Can’t they fight it off and build up their immune system? Kids need to get sick, right?” The simple answer is NO. Since Gwen and Cole were pre-term, they did not acquire the necessary immunities to fight off infection. If they contract RSV, they will be hospitalized immediately and develop serious complications.
It is for these reasons why our pediatrician and the NICU doctors have recommended that we limit visitors during RSV season to immediate family and that we keep Gwen and Cole inside our home as much as possible. We’ll be asking our family/visitors to follow a few guidelines to help prevent the babies from contracting RSV or any other illness.
We ask that all visitors do the following:
1. When you arrive, please wash your hands and use hand-sanitizer as needed before touching the babies.
2. Please, if it is possible, get a flu shot.
3. Please refrain from coming over if you are currently sick and have not been symptom-free for at least 5 days, if you live with someone who is sick, or have been in close contact with someone who is sick.
Unfortunately this means that we will not be attending many events during RSV season. Our goal is to make it through this and the next RSV seasons without the babies contracting RSV or any other serious illness. Their lungs are still very fragile until they are 2-years-old.
Please understand that this entry is not meant to offend anyone, just simply to provide an explanation of why we will not be able to show off our little ones in person for a few more months. It has been very difficult for us to tell those that we love: "Sorry, you cannot come over right now" especially when everyone is so excited to meet Gwen and Cole. Oh, and did i mention that we are going a little stir crazy?!? We do love receiving your phone calls (they are keeping us sane!) and will try our hardest to keep this website up to date as far as pictures go. We hope you understand, and we appreciate your help in keeping Gwen and Cole safe.
If you would like more information about RSV, please refer to the following resources:
http://www.preemiecare.org/rsv_resourceshtm.htm
http://www.preemiecare.org/rsvfaq.htm
http://www.preemiecare.org/rsv2.htm
Love, Meg & Andy
