Sunday, July 10, 2011

18 Weeks, 2 Days (Corrected: 5 Weeks)

Well, it sure has been a while since I've posted.  With twins, the times when our hands are not full are rather limited. . .

Gabe now weighs over 10 lbs.  A couple weeks ago his shunt pressure valve was adjusted down to 60mmHg.  This is almost a third of the pressure he started with.  Dr. Riva-Cambrin made the adjustment in order to provide a lower pressure path for the fluid to drain down the tube rather than around the tube.  Fluid is still pooling in Gabe's scalp and it is about the size of a finger.  After our report to the doctor this week, he wants to reduce the pressure down to 30mmHg---the lowest setting---this Wed to fix this pooling fluid problem.  Right now we have his head wrapped to keep it from filling with fluid.

Many people have asked about Gabe's development, given his PVL.  We have been pleasantly surprised at the positive signs that Gabe is showing.  He moves all his limbs, grabs fingers and objects with his hands, lifts his head when he is on his tummy, and puts weight on his feet.

Zeke is almost 9 lbs and is doing great.  He is starting to give us the occasional social smile.  Right now, Eliza and Isabella are fighting over who gets to hold him.  They have both been great helpers these last few weeks.