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
Dajana, they are incredible! So beautiful...congratulations to you and Scott! Sending you all sorts of good vibes and hoping that you'll have them both happy and healthy at home in no time. ❤️❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteI'm so so happy for you and Scott Dajana, congratulations and I will be saying prayers for your little guys.
ReplyDeleteOh, they are the sweetest little ones!! Congrats, Dajana, and know you're all in my prayers! The Stollery is AMAZING; we've placed our eldest in their care when she was very ill and they were SO good. We are so fortunate to have the Stollery here and I know you're little Luka is in very capable hands. Hugs!
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ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all of you. Your boys sound like strong little men who will conquer any obstacles. Many positive thoughts coming your way as you navigate the next weeks. Beautiful boys!!
ReplyDeleteThey're here. You did it. <3 Praying you're all home as a unit soon. I'm so sorry that this didn't start out easier but gosh, it sounds like you are staying afloat. So so much love.
ReplyDeleteA warm and fuzzy congratulations Ms. Beautiful and Mama Sweet Face. Your boys are gonna do great!!
ReplyDeleteI have faith it's going to work out for you guys! You've worked so hard to get here. Enjoy the boys! Love and hugs and here's hoping they get to come home soon xo
ReplyDeleteMy ovaries are aching, they are adorable ♡ Thoughts are with you, I can only imagine the challenges. Sending much love!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your sweet boys!! I'm keeping them and your family in my prayers. They will be home before you know it!
ReplyDeleteOh my word. They are perfection! I just love love love their names (Oliver was also a contender over here. Can you imagine if we BOTH had Ollies and Lukas? Hahaha). I can't imagine how tough your week has been. Our week in hospital was easily one of the best and worst weeks of my life all at once, so I get your highs and lows, but being able to laugh will be your best weapon against sleeplessness and frustration in the coming weeks - it's our saving grace over here. I'm so happy for you guys, and will be praying for all of you, especially Luka. I can't wait to see more of these beautiful little dudes!!! xo
ReplyDeletehuge congratulations to you my friend! i can't imagine what a rollercoaster this last week has been for you and scott. sending so much love and strength to all four of you. can't wait to hear the news that you are all home together <3
ReplyDeleteoh and ps. they are BEAUTIFUL!!!
ReplyDeleteLook at you and Scott holding your babies - pure joy! Many congratulations to you. The boys are so big, both almost 6 lbs, that's amazing! It sounds like Luka is a fighter and that he has many people looking out for him. Hope your family of four gets home together soon. Enjoy these early days of snuggles and that heavenly new baby smell. xo.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! I love reading your blog! I actually work at the front desk of the Royal Alex NICU! Im sure we've crossed paths! You guys are in amazing hands and if you ever need anything stop by the desk and say hi!
ReplyDeleteSamantha.
Dajana and Scott and wee ones, I am so happy to know that you are all together and staying strong! Yes an emotional time ....I'm sending you prayers and love. Hope that you can get those babes in your beautiful nursery as soon as possible. Big hugs!
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DeleteJan
Congratulations!! Please keep us updated and know we are thinking of you all.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! Thinking of your little family and hoping you are all home together soon!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness they are so gorgeous. And great size for twinsies!! All the best thoughts are with you - I am totally tearing up at work while reading this. Can only imagine the heart soars and dips you've had these past 10 days. xoxoxoxoox keep strong mama and papa, and keep fighting little boys!! You'll be rambunctious and feisty at home in no time. xo
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Our little dude was a preemie too and spent his first two weeks in the NICU and was almost the same weight as Oliver. At the time it seemed so hard and so emotional to not bring him home but the upside was that we had so many FANTASTIC nurses helping learn to do the basics like breast feed, bathe the tiniest little human and swaddle him like pros. Yay for awesome health care. Congrats - motherhood is seriously the best.
ReplyDeleteHi Dajana! Congrats to you on the birth of beautiful boys!! How wonderful that you have come so far and now have your family. I've been following your blog for a while. I too went through fertility treatments, but unssucessfully, despite Dr.Mottan's reassurance that I would at least come out of it all with twins. Our good news story is that it did eventually happen naturally, our baby Kai was born on February 10. I was actually labouring in the hall when you and your husband walked by, heading toward the NICU. I wanted to say hi, but was worried when I saw only one carseat...so glad you have both boys and that all is working out for both. Hang in there, it's going to only get better. Would love to meet your family someday. Congrats to you all!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your gorgeous baby boy! We wish you every happiness. May he be blessed with a lifetime full of love and laughter
ReplyDeleteMany congratulations on the birth of your son! ...
ReplyDeleteMay your child be blessed and cradled with love and joy.
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