Oliver Finn and Luka Ellis!
Born on Wednesday, February 3, Ollie (top) arrived first at 6:07 p.m. weighing 5 lbs 14 oz while Luka made his debut at 6:21 weighing 6 pounds. Our sweet little dudes stole our hearts immediately. We love these tiny people in a way we never knew possible. ??
Unfortunately, our elation quickly turned to shock when we found out just a few hours following their birth that Luka had a heart condition, called pulmonary atresia, and would need to be transferred to the Stollery Children's Hospital for further evaluation. We were beyond overwhelmed with emotions over this news (nothing can prepare you for finding out your baby's sick) but we're slowly starting to emerge from the fog and are feeling much more hopeful about the future. Ultimately, we're grateful he'll be in the capable and experienced hands of the Stollery's pediatric cardiology team. They're Western Canada's best!
Late last week, Luka underwent a catherization procedure and he will also need a series of surgeries over the next six months. He's in stable condition now and we received fantastic news today -- his breathing tube was removed this morning. Yay! We're hopeful he'll continue to make gains in the coming days. Especially since the dude's feisty like his mama. (: The photo above is from yesterday. I held Luka for the first time since he was born which made me so so happy!
Late last week, Luka underwent a catherization procedure and he will also need a series of surgeries over the next six months. He's in stable condition now and we received fantastic news today -- his breathing tube was removed this morning. Yay! We're hopeful he'll continue to make gains in the coming days. Especially since the dude's feisty like his mama. (: The photo above is from yesterday. I held Luka for the first time since he was born which made me so so happy!
Meanwhile his older brother Oliver (above) is in the NICU at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. Initially his blood sugar levels needed to be stabilized (they were low which is not unusual in pre-term babies). Now that his levels are stable, he needs to master demand feeding before coming home. We're hopeful this will happen soon, but in the meantime we're enjoying snuggling, feeding & changing him. He's such a chill super snuggly baby and all of his 'Aunty Nurses' are just as besotted with him as we are. They call him Mr. Sweet Face.
Over the past six days we've experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, but surprisingly enough we've found the strength to keep it together through the support and love of our family, friends (thanks for the surprise food drop offs, peeps!) and of course, our mutual goofy sense of humour. Yes, we've shed many tears but we've also shared many laughs. Even with two babies in intensive care, we still have much to be grateful for and we'll continue to stay positive for the boys and for each other. We're overjoyed to finally have our little miracles here!
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention and thank the wonderful nursing staff at both hospitals. They've been nothing short of amazing (both during and after labour and in the NICU). It's been a challenge dividing our time between two babies at two separate hospitals. Knowing both boys are receiving the highest level of care by their Aunty Nurses gives us comfort and peace of mind.
Over the past six days we've experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, but surprisingly enough we've found the strength to keep it together through the support and love of our family, friends (thanks for the surprise food drop offs, peeps!) and of course, our mutual goofy sense of humour. Yes, we've shed many tears but we've also shared many laughs. Even with two babies in intensive care, we still have much to be grateful for and we'll continue to stay positive for the boys and for each other. We're overjoyed to finally have our little miracles here!
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention and thank the wonderful nursing staff at both hospitals. They've been nothing short of amazing (both during and after labour and in the NICU). It's been a challenge dividing our time between two babies at two separate hospitals. Knowing both boys are receiving the highest level of care by their Aunty Nurses gives us comfort and peace of mind.
Our sole purpose in life for the next while will be to bring our sweet babies home, healthy and happy. For now, we'll continue to relish the fact we're finally parents to the most adorable wee dudes. Our wish came true and we couldn't be more thrilled!
If you'd like to see more of the babies make sure to pop on over to Instagram or Facebook. I'm an ecstatically proud new mom, so I'll be sure to share more photos as their little selves begin to develop and we celebrate all of their victories, big and small, in the NICU...
xoxo, Dajana, Scott, Luka, Oliver & Lucy
If you'd like to see more of the babies make sure to pop on over to Instagram or Facebook. I'm an ecstatically proud new mom, so I'll be sure to share more photos as their little selves begin to develop and we celebrate all of their victories, big and small, in the NICU...
xoxo, Dajana, Scott, Luka, Oliver & Lucy
