Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Back and Forth






You might have guessed by this posting's title that things are never the same. What I mean by that is that Carsen (the one who likes to keep us on our toes) isn't sure if he wants to eat again. Lately, he has a good week of eating and then a bad one. Well, we are lingering in the 'bad one' longer than I'd really like. Carsen eats about half of his feedings when he gets in these ruts. So far he continues to gain weight which is obviously the goal but the weight gain isn't as much as his Doctor would like. He needs the raw calories more than anything else and that has been our focus. Trying baby veggies, and fruits is an idea but doesn't quite bring the calories we get from formula. So, unless Carsen decides to increase his appetite our options don't look that great. We would be looking at a feeding tube. Obviously I'm not thrilled by this idea as you could fill his lungs with formula if you don't have the tube placed just right. They would teach us how to do it but still not very comforting. I can tell you that this is probably the single most stressful thing I go through everyday. The greatest contributors to brain and lung growth in the first year of life is nutrition and oxygen! This is huge for these little babies. We are already seven months into that first year. That is probably why I have literally found white hairs on my head. It weighs on me every hour of the day. Thank goodness these babies don't understand the stress they cause. So, for now we get gray and keep on praying. I think I'm learning this is a motto for all parents. We hope Carsen decides that he likes food as much as his Mommy and Daddy do. O.k...... like his Mommy does.

5 comments:

MJ said...

Oh how frustrating for you guys. We almost had to have Brooklyn discharged with a feeding tube and I was scared to death! Luckily she totally picked up feedings and both girls have been going strong since. I love the picture where they are both on their tummies looking at you. It seems my girls won't be to that point forever! Your babies are so darn adorable and I can't wait til we can meet them in person! Hang in there--preemie twins are VERY challenging but so worth it--and years from now we will look back and say "we made it!" We think of you guys all the time and pray for you and your babies.

Ashlee said...

AHHH they are so big and so cute! We would love to see them...Speaking of that...! We were wondering if we might be able to swing by and visit you guys the day after Thanksgiving. I'll e-mail you the details! Yay, we hope to see you soon. I love the picture of Braden and Gracie too, wow they are getting big and Braden looks like a little man now, Wow!

Rod Eskelson said...

I still think theya re both very lucky they got Uncle Rod's good looks!
Just kidding they are awesome! And grow so fast.
We love all six of you guys so much!
Isn't it funny the scrambled word to write in inorder to realize I am a person putting your comment in is "dectall" what is a "dectall"? weird anyways see ya!

Unknown said...

Hi Eskelsons: Love reading your blog and keeping up with your family...even with all the challenges. Sorry. Hopefully Carson will pick up on eating again. Bishop Andrews gave the ward a challenge to live off our food storage for the past 2 weeks. I think most everyone was awakened to what we need to add to our storage. Greg and I need powdered eggs. (At least for baking!) I've been busy traveling the Stake visiting all the primaries. Wow. What a calling! We will be talking to Derrick on Christmas, and then he will be home in July. Doesn't seem like he's been out for nearly 1 1/2 years. Thanks for the updates on your blog, and our prayers are with you. Love, Nickie

Iverson Insanity said...

Hey guys, long time no see! A feeding tube (NG) isn't that bad, Kailey had one for 12 months and then it was converted to a G tube in her abdomen. It is scary, but it is better to help him now before he avoids eating period. You are constantly in our prayers. Give us a call sometime, or I will call and bug you guys. I think that it helps to talk to someone that knows the roller coaster ride we all live through with having micropreemies...as the challenges seem to never stop! Love you!