This is exactly how my daughter was. A nurse finally pulled me aside and said you need to stay here non stop for 24 to 48 hours and be here all the times the Dr comes by. I even told the Dr she eats fine when I'm here because I have more time to sit and do things at her pace which I know the nurses sometimes can't. She came home right after that. Nurses are amazing and awesome but sometimes they just need mom and dad full time.
Someone I work with was just telling this story. His baby was in the NICU over feeding as well for many weeks. He started noticing that the baby was feeding way better with family than the nurses/doctors and he actually started charting it in excel and recording all the info about who did the feeding and how it went, proved out that family is better and presented that information to the doctors and they released his baby to home.
I hope this gets boosted! Cuz all the others are talking about her being there for 24-48 hours, which might not be possible rn, or might not be best for the family. So if she could present a case showing Maisey is ready and get her out that way, that would be great!!!
As a nurse it’s disappointing to me to here other nurses say “why is she back again?” when they asked you to come more for the twins entire feeding schedule a few weeks ago… I didn’t hear the tone so I’m not sure if they meant it rudely but I know nurses can be a little harsh and judgey sometimes… just know you should be there as much as you want for your baby and you’re being an awesome momma! They’ll get over it if they think it’s too much! You’re helping your baby girl progress!
Me too!! also why is she even asking why she's there AGAIN? Of course she's gonna be there as much as she can... that's her baby girl and she wants to be with her, I feel like no matter the intent behind it, it's rude regardless
okay so i’m sure we all know colleen and erik are terrific parents- they most definitely deserve some kind of award… but, can we also just take a second to appreciate & commend colleens mom for being a huge help all around?! she’s there for colleen, flynn, wesley, and i’m sure erik as well, anytime they need her. no wonder colleen turned out to be such an amazing person, she leads by example from her parents 🤍
I think Maisy likes getting her bottle with love. I am sure she can tell how much she is loved by you and Erik so she is comfortable and can do the bottle.
@@joankgillette She takes the bottle from Erik as well so I think switching off would be way more useful than having her sleeping in a recliner and not meeting her other two kids for a few days
I agree with the comments, it sounds like Maisy does amazing with her bottles when you/erik feed her because she likes getting her bottles with the warmth of her parents! I think she takes time to fully trust people because I remember you saying that she’s always alert and curious when you pick her up and takes/took a little time to adjust. You could test this theory out and hopefully see results, praying for you and your family to be able to be together soon ❤️
Colleen, this sounds like a pattern. And I don't mean for this to sound harsh in any way because I know you are doing everything you possibly can and so is Erik but it sounds like you may need to camp out at the hospital for 24-48h to get her through those full bottles to finally get her home. I know you're tired mama but this is the final home stretch you can do it to bring her home ❤
This is something that NICU babies do. They do well, then they get tired and stop eating as well. She is doing well, and is going at her own pace. Nothing more anyone can do. Also, because of CoVID restrictions on visiting policies, I don't think it's possible for them to stay 24-48 hours.
Me and my mom watch you’re vlogs every night. My mom gets so emotional over you’re journey with the twins. My mom had me and my twin sister about 5 weeks early. It was hard on her and she got through it. So proud of you Colleen. Merry Christmas from my Mom and Me (Ally) 🎄❤️
You should give the nurses a recording of you singing Maisy’s feeding song so that she feels comfortable enough to finish her bottles even when you’re not around
Let’s go Maisy! 5 bottles in a row 💪🏼 what a champ! Maybe she wants mom/dad to be there with her non-stop and give her ALL bottles! She’s a girl who knows what she wants 👍🏼
I really hope it isn't bad for her developement to stay there without her parents with her all the time, really seems like she isn't comfortable with or doesn't want to eat when they're not there.
Like everyone else in the comments has noticed, Maisy wants those bottles from you or Erik! It seems so difficult, but there is definitely a pattern there. Take a deep breath, she will be home before you know it 🥰
@@joankgillette Colleen doesn't need to do anything if she doesn't want to. It's no secret that she loves her boys very much and that going to the hospital is stressful, spending the night at home is important for time to heal! But if they end up doing this method, good for them, but I'm just saying, that would be a lot of commitement.
@@joankgillette that literally makes no sense. Maisy takes bottles from Eric as well. So why would Colleen take away Eric’s time with maisy away From him and why would she want to leave her two boys days at a time. The way they’re doing it now works great! They both get to hang out with all 3 kids and build that bond verses one with the boys always and the other one with maisy all the time.
@@KeeHart I am a nurse practitioner in the NICU, Maisey simply needs time to learn to latch, and she will take as long as she needs to, regardless of how much time Colleen is there. We see plenty of babies with parents who are rarely around, figure out feeding quickly and plenty of babies who have parents there for every feeding, who take much longer. Every baby is different, and the Nurses wouldn't tell her to go home, if they thought she wasn't there enough or if they thought that overnight stays would be beneficial for Maisey. Edit: Just to be clear, I am not a NP in Maiseys NICU. I hope my comment doesn't confuse anyone but just in case it does, I work in a NICU across the country
Flynn saying “that’s enough” when u read him his letter to Santa was so precious. He is so fabulous and I can’t wait to see the personalities of the twins develop. I can can tell Flynn is really keeping you going through all of this with that big hug. Love u so much Colleen and I’m sending all of my prayers your way to have maisey home for Christmas !
I’m gonna have to agree with everyone else here in the comments, Maisy likes her feeds from you and Erik. Would they allow either of you to be there for a 24 hour period to do all of her feeds?
She can't because she has her toddler Flynn who also needs attention and Wesley is at home and needs his momma to be with him. I know she is doing what she can to help all of her kids and I want her to know that we all are so proud of her❤️
@@malakstitou1800 but she has help.. her mom is there, kory is there she has people to step in and help her and Erik can switch off for 24 hours and get maisy home! She’s in a better position then a lot of single parents who are doing it a lone
I know it’s difficult, especially with one newborn and a toddler at home, but like so many others have pointed out, this may very well take you and Erik never leaving the hospital for those 24-48 hours. It seems that there is a definite pattern to her eating and it’s mom and dad! I would take turns switching back and forth and I would not let them feed her though that tube unless neither one of you can get her to eat! She can do it!!
Flynn saying "That's enough" after giving you his list for Santa made my heart smile. Can't wait to hear you camped out at the hospital and got that baby girl home!! Great work mom, dad, big brothers, and everyone else on team twins!
I agree with the notion that your daughter is a sensitive soul. Maisy needs the love and warm of her parents when she feeds. She’s smart enough to know when it’s someone’s job to feed her and when it’s someone’s love and devotion that’s feeding her. When your family is all together under one roof no matter how difficult things may seem, your home will blanket you all with, love, health and happiness. There’s no place like home for this beautiful family! 🥰💖🎄🎅🏼👍
PATTERN! She only eats for you and your family, she doesn’t know the doctors properly so she doesn’t trust them. She loves you and she wants you and Eric to be the ones to feed her because she trusts her🥰
I feel that she’s finishing bottles with you guys because she comfortable with y’all. She doesn’t finish the rest of her bottles because she knows you guys aren’t feeding them to her. Just from bits and pieces I’ve put together. I hope you guys the best
It sounds like she does way better with feeds with mom and dad. Maybe you guys could work out a 48 hrs where one of you is always there to get her to take all her feeds? Just an idea!
2 steps forward, 1 step back is still 1 step forward Colleen! Maisy has got this! So have you and Erik, you super parents. Super proud of all of the progress you have all made. Sending so much love and strength ❤
Seems like other people see the same pattern here... not sure if you folks are able to stay over night but it may do the trick. Sending so much love and good vibes to you!
Yeah this is by no means a judgement but I think she’s responding well when mommy and daddy are feeding her. I know how difficult it is juggling all the babies but maybe one of you should stay with her a full 24 hours.
Agreed! If one of or both of the parents can stay for a 24 hr period consistently, it might give her the edge she needs. Can they lessen the food going into the feeding tube so she is more hungry for the bottle too?
Oh my goodness this takes me back to my time in the NICU. I would feel such anger after my baby ate for me the entire day then the night nurses would say sorry he didn’t eat any bottles. I would think the night nurses were being lazy and not trying. Haha. It was all in my head of course but I remember the anger and frustration I felt. Then I stayed at the NICU for 14 hours straight and he took every bottle. I really think he just needed me to be there, to hear my voice. None the less, it is just a memory now as it will be for you momma. Stay strong. ❤️
Colleen, it sounds like she wants bottles from her mama!!! Is it possible to have Erik do bottles for Wesley so you can stay in the NICU for 24hrs and feed Miss Maisy her bottles so she can come home? We are all rooting for you both!
Colleen, I am a nurse practitioner in a NICU and I just wanted to say that you are doing amazing. My daughter was a NICU baby and she struggled for a long time to figure out how to latch and stay latched. I know this feels like a step backwards, but she is closer and closer to figuring it out. Please listen to the nurses, I know you want to be with Maisey as much as possible, but if the nurses are telling you to go home and rest, they are saying it for a reason💜 We know she is your baby and your heart, but we need Mom to be rested and healthy. I didn't fully understand how intense the mom guilt is, until I suddenly became a NICU mom last year. Every minute I was home, even though I knew I needed to shower, eat and sleep, I felt like I was failing at motherhood. I was reminded of years ago, we had triplets in the NICU. Two of the babies went home within days of each other, after about 6 weeks but baby C stayed for another month. Their mom had two newborn's at home, but was coming back and forth to the NICU as much as she could. She thought if she could be at every feeding, that baby C would come home sooner. We tried to tell her that we had it covered, that she needed to focus on the two babies at home too, and take care of herself. We would have to tell her to go home sometimes, and one day as she was walking to the elevator, she passed out. Driving back and forth, having two newborn's at home and not taking care of herself, her body was exhausted. Had she not stopped to chat with another NICU mom, she could of passed out while driving. Please remember to take care of you. You are a supermom, there is no higher compliment than having nurses tell you to go home and rest, it means you are at the NICU so much, that we are worried that you aren't taking any time for YOU. Please remember that these babies need their Momma to be ok, so that they are ok. It's ok to take time to rest, your Maisey is in great hands when you aren't there.
Thank you so much for this comment. I know that all the people in the comments mean well when they tell Colleen to “just” stay at the NICU for 24/48 hours as if that is a realistic thing to ask of her in this trying time..
"Is this funny to you? It's not for mommy it's traumatizing" - as a trauma survivor, that made me laugh more than it ought to. Sometimes that's the best thing to do to cope; laugh. I'm sure Maisy will be home soon, based off what you've shared it seems like she prefers feedings with you and Eric! I'm praying she'll be home for Christmas for you 🙏 ❤ Edit: spelling error
I'm glad you mentioned this. I also have PTSD and I giggled when she said that. It's so true what you said about how laughter is sometimes the best medicine. It's sometimes hard to laugh about the trauma but also sometimes it can be very healing. Thanks again and hope you are all well 💕
On the bright-ish side of things, I remember when you were pregnant being scared of not bonding with your babies since they would be in the NICU. While we ALL wish Maisy would eat with anyone, it does show that she’s bonded with you and Erik. Love you guys and sending best wishes that she’s home soon ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Follow those instincts Colleen. You know what Maisy and all your babies need everyone has advice which can be helpful but ultimately you know best for your babies :)
Maisy is adorable. She definitely knows how to do the eating thing, and her repertoire of baby skills is growing. She will be home soon, and you will have a wonderful 2022 together with Erik and all your babies!
"theres so much sunshine headed my way soon" meanwhile flynn has been singing that all week. Thats so cute it subconsciously has reassured her. Youre family will be together soon mama, Maisy is trying so hard xx
Tortilla talk question: as a medical resident in the Netherlands, I'm really curious what can nurses or doctors do to make the whole situation just a bit more bearable? And what are things that didn't help you at all or made the whole thing even worse?
I feel like it always helps to think about where she started. She's eating so much better and can breathe on her own now. I know it's a long and hard road but she's learned so much already! Love you Colleen from Switzerland
Maisy Jo is the perfect little princess and is so strong, she will catch on and be home very soon. I know from experience being a former NICU mom it sucks and it is so hard, especially on the last few weeks before coming home, y’all are all in my prayers 🥰💙💜💚
Hey mama, I am also a NICU mama my son is now 5 but he was born at 34 weeks and the only thing we had to wait on was him to be able to learn to eat and finish all his bottles as well. Watching your videos it's like I'm reliving exactly what we went through. The first thing I want to say is the NICU nurses are great BUT sometimes they don't try as hard as us parents do. I think they mean well but they are busy and so often times they would try to feed our baby for 5 or 10 mins and if he wasn't willing they wouldn't try any tricks or tips they would just give up and give it to him through the feeding tube. Where me and my husband had a fire under our butts to get out of there and really pushed it more and it really seemed like our baby KNEW that we meant business and knew when it was us feeding him vs. when it was a stranger and he thrived with us but was horrible with them. Even though they are little they still know their mama and dada and feel more comfortable and have that bond so it's not surprising that maisy thrives with you and your husband but then won't take the bottle for the nurses. She just knows her mama and dada and can feel how much you want it vs. someone that is feeding her and isn't really trying. The only way we got our son out of the NICU was my husband lived at the NICU I would be there during the day but we had other kids at home so I would come home in the evening and stay the night with our kids and my husband stayed at the NICU and did EVERY feed and it was because he was there doing the feeds that we where able to get him to finish all his bottles and go home. I know that may seem to be impossible for one of you to be there all the time right now so my heart breaks for you but if you can for 48 hours switch off so one of you is there around the clock to do all the feedings then she could be home and it could be over. I know it's horrible being apart but being apart for 2 days might be better then another week or so in the NICU. I just wanted to give you that little piece of advice that the reason she is finishing her bottles with you and your husband is because your her people and she can feel the love and bond and so she thrives with you.
Everyone is telling her to stay at the hospital for every single feed. That may not be possible due to Covid restrictions on visiting policies. All these comments are probably making her feel worse and less in control of the situation. She's already overwhelmed, instead of encouraging her to rest, and let Maisy take the time she needs to get it, everyone is telling Colleen to do more. Wtf is wrong with you all?
"There's so much sunshine headed my way so soon" I love you colleen. I needed to hear this. From one twin nicu mama to another, and I know all these other people commented this too, but she wants her bottles for mama or daddy. As parents we sit and talk with them and love on them, encourage them and are patient with them. Nurses a lot of times have several other babies to take care of and don't always have the time to really sit and work with the baby, so they tube feed the rest. I've seen it with my twins when they were in the nicu. Especially when they were both there. Maybe if you guys can keep going for every feed or try to stay all day, she will do better raking them all from you guys. You are an amazing momma and yall do have so much sunshine headed your way. I think about it like this. With me, nothing about learning a new routine with newborn twins and my other kids at home too, sleepless nights... none of it seemed as hard as just being separated from them. Finally having both my babies home brought me so much happiness and I was just so grateful they were home I didn't care how difficult all the adjusting felt. Bc that didn't even compare to the pain and difficulties of them still being in the hospital away from me. Keep your head up mama, you're in the final stretch and I really think she will be home very soon!!
** PLEASE SAY HELLO TO TRENT!** It's nice to see a peek of him in your last few videos. I know he prefers to stay out of the limelight, but it's nice to see him included in the family love fest! Hope he is doing well and enjoying the chaos.😉
Flynn taking selfies when he thinks he is taking pictures of the family is the absolute cutest thing on earth and exactly what I needed to see to get my mind off my exam today!
Maisy is getting there! Five bottles in a row are a lot, she's a champion! You'll have all your babies together soon, Colleen, these are the last struggles, but your family and you have been amazing superheroes during this hard time. Sending love and hope ❤
I know how hard this is and my heart aches seeing how this has affected you. You are so strong. You are doing great mama. You and eric have done a great job with all of this. You two are great parents. My parents never cried about me the way you cry for your babies. Your kids are very lucky. I love you.
The moment at 7:00 made me tear up a lil, Colleen is such a good mummy; I hope one day when I have children I can be their absolute comfort like Colleen is for her kids
Colleen is so resilient and i'm so inspired by how strong she is and how good she is at communicating her feelings. I really think she is a wonderful role model and a brilliant mum.
Are you allowed to stay the night (I know it’s hard with Flynn and Wes) because I think you’ll get her home sooner if you can feed her through the night maybe the nurses just don’t have time/patience and she needs one of you and she’s eating great for you two! That should be recognised! Sending love x
I’ve been saying this. Colleen needs to stay with her all day and night and leave Erik with the boys. I personally would never leave my newborn. She can absolutely stay the night because there are no set hours for NICU parents you can go whenever you want.
I've been commenting this on every video. My son came home right after I stayed for 24 hours and they saw how well he did with momma. She NEEDS to stay for 24 hrs.
@@joankgillette but don’t you see she’d have to leave her other newborn who is breastfeeding home? It’s not like she wants to leave Maisy but she kinda has no choice , she’s there as much as she can be.
My preemie was exactly the same. I finally had our nurse tell me... You need to stay here 24 hours and do all the feedings. After I did that he finally got it all and we were realeased. I truly believe if I hadn't stayed 24hours it wouldn't have worked. It was so hard because we had 4 kids at home. And we were in the NICU for 63 days. Maybe you need a good 24 hour stint with her
Isn’t it amazing that even though you are intensely struggling, for such VALID and understandable reasons, you have thousands of people supporting you and cheering this beautiful little family on? I listen to you everyday, Colleen, because you are so real and refreshing. But tonight was the first time in a long time I looked at the comment section you always talk about. I started crying! Man you are loved, and you should be. I’ll echo everyone else… you got this, so does your little warrior girl.
I really like what you said about there being "so much sunshine" coming your way. Because of my chronic illness/disability, I sometimes get bogged down in the day-to-day of setbacks and disappointments and longing. And to be clear, I think this is normal and appropriate. Anyone whose energies and emotions are 100% occupied by demanding life circumstances is going to feel overwhelmed and I believe it's important to validate those negative feelings because they're just part of the package. But I appreciate the reminder to make some space for sunshine in the future. I'm so used to preparing for disappointment that I sometimes forget to prepare myself to receive the sunshine. It's just a small shift in perspective and it doesn't really change the reality of my daily life, but coming up for air every once in a while and allowing myself to imagine joy in my future can make such a difference in my mental state. Thank you for reminding me of the sunshine to come and may yours arrive swiftly
It seems that Maisy only likes to do what she should from mom and dad, not the doctors. Is it too much to have you and Eric be there for 48 hours, one at a time. To make it happen? So she always has one of you with her at all times
I got chills when Colleen said "you love Wesley?" And Flynn shyly answered "yeah" it was so cute. Sending so much love and many hugs your way Colleen. I totally get why you're frustrated. But you got this! 💕
Same thing happened with my son he took full bottles with me and day nurse then that night they gavaged his feeds. I was so mad I made a scene mainly b/c I was emotional. Ironically a day later his tube was out and he was ready to be discharged 24 hrs later. Prayers she comes home this week for you guys!
I work NICU and this is how they start doing better. First 1 bottle,then five, then 2-3, then they start soaring!!! Love you! Maisy will be home soon 💓
I’ve noticed Maisy has eaten from bottles with you and Erik mostly. Maybe it’s just that she wants to be fed by one of you? Sending love you’re so strong💜💜
I know we all can’t wait for the whole family to be together, but one thing that stood out to me in this vlog is Flynn trying to write with his left hand! As a fellow lefty, it just stood out to me. 🤣 But really, I can’t wait for Miss Maisy to be home with her amazing parents and brothers.
Colleen, I can't even imagine what you are going through. Keep your head held high and celebrate the small wins. The big ones will come soon! You are so strong and are doing amazing. I'm praying for you that it will get easier and that she will be home soon. Luv you
Every time Flynn says the cat food is “fire sauce” it reminds me of when Duncan always said the jam would be “strawberry wild strawberry” every day haha
i was a nicu baby and even thought i obviously don’t remember my time there, i grew up hearing about it and it just made me appreciate my family and what they did for me so much more. my mom nearly watched me die and hearing that story just makes me think of how strong she is.
They for sure go at their own pace. I remember being so sad with my little one and being so impatient when she was in the nicu. I know how hard it is with the ups and downs. I’m so sorry she will be home soon and you guys will be complete. I 100% agree that fog sucks but does lift when you get them home. You both are doing amazing❤️.
I also remember trying to get my little one to get off the feeding tube and she would fall asleep while eating it’s so discouraging but she’s strong just like you and Erik! You got this mama❤️❤️ the light at the end of the tunnel is closer than u think!❤️
I can’t wait for Masiey to come home! Not only will it benefit her but it will benefit you, her brothers and her whole loving family! I’m so proud of you for getting thru this! You managed to get thru all of that horrendous pregnancy but the universe wouldn’t put u thru all of this if it didn’t think you could thrive through it! ❤️Love from the U.K.
Would it be possible for you and Erik to set it up so one or the other is there for a 24 hour period? Like, do you think she’d finish a bottle for either of you? Probably not possible for that to happen with both Flynn and Wes home.
See if you can stay for the full 24 hours with her for the feeds. I think she is trying to tell you something ;) Are the nurses using the scented pads with her and are they keeping the pads near her for the feeds? Can you also make a recording for them to play of you singing her song over and over during the feeding or teach them the song? Haha
Yes, I was absolutely thinking about having the nurses incorporate her bottle song at feed. It may be, too, that Maisy just wants to feed from her parents not nurses which I've heard is a thing with other NICU families and I wish the staff would just give some allowances for babies in this situation instead of just expecting a different result from the same tactics.
Wesley’s taco outfit is the same outfit I brought my baby home in two months ago! It’s so cute!! I love how sweet Flynn is as a big brother. He’s going to teach them so much and you can see how much he loves Wesley already. Seeing your other video today I so so hope that Maisy made some good steps to coming home soon. Hopefully Christmas comes early for you guys! ❤️
I’m a NICU momma too and Ive been giving you the advice of figuring out a way to stay with Maisy for a couple days cause babies always eat better for their mommas. I know it’s gonna be hard to leave your other baby and Flynn for a short time but it WILL get her home faster!! I had to do the same with my daughter while my husband stayed home with our other kids. Just have Erik feed Wesley your pumped milk. You’ll be glad you did so she can come home faster and by Christmas 🎄
I love love how you have conversations with all 3 kiddos or you sing to them and hug n kiss all of them showing them each love...its so heart warming 🙏❤️ Your a GREAT GREAT MAMA!
Colleen you are suchhhhh a good mom I’m so happy to see it! I know this for many reasons but in this video when Flynn gave you a hug during elephant calendar I thought that was so sweet 🥺 Because I feel like that shows Flynn’s love language is quality time because for him it’s not the quantity of time that he spends with you, but the quality of the time he does get with you because you are such a genuinely loving, attentive, and empathetic mama! He really just loves being around you and for good reason ☺️ can’t wait to see your family grow up in such a stable home and I just know Maisy will be home soon. We’re all rooting for Maisy, you, and your family ❤️❤️❤️
It seems that from what you’ve been saying, she’s only eating full bottles from you and Eric. Maybe, it’s because she trusts you guys the most! I hope that maybe sometime you guys can plan a time to have your mom take Flynn and Wesley and watch them for a while and you guys can take turns being at the hospital constantly for 48 hours?
Colleen, It does not matter what the nurses think as NICU mom myself, I recommend you go to EVERY SINGLE FEED.... Sadly we found that the nurses were just lazy at our nicu, didn't want to feed my baby in the night so they put the tube back in and put up the feed and went on their way... I stayed there for 48 hours ( I left to go sleep and shower when my son slept ) but food time I was back and in charge. He came home 24 hours later. Go be with Maizy and feed her and tag team with Erik. but BE at every feed...... I love you and this will be over soon but listen to your mamma instinct and do what you need to to get your baby home!!! Doing a good job mamma, we love you!
... that will make her feel grrrreat about having her daughters there. smh. Well intentioned I'm sure, but think about someone in her position reading this everywhere in comments ??? The now piled on guilt, more worry ... again, just smh. Sorry but after reading a TON similar... "lazy nurses..." just got my empathy going.
I don't think it's possible for them to be there for every single feeding. Covid restrictions on visiting policies have changed a lot making it impossible for parents to stay there at all hours. I disagree with you about the lazy nurses. The nurses have 3 babies to care for at the same time who all need to help with learning to bottle feed. I don't think they "put the tube back to go on their way", more like set up the gavage feeding so they can feed the other babies they are teaching to bottle feed also. The babies are given a time limit of 30 minutes, if they don't finish the bottle in that time then the remaining feeding is given by tube.
Dang girl....your so real and raw and that's why my opinion of you changed so much....... not that it matters my opinion but showing these ups and downs is real life and man your a strong happy woman with the life most will never have yet your humble at the same time so is your husband thanks for sharing his journey also
Colleen, it’s okay to be disappointed when things don’t go the way you we want them to. It’s okay we understand and want you to know it’s good to feel the feels that aren’t the best feelings. We’re here for you! We love you! Some day many years from know it’ll make sense why you had to go through these traumatic times, and even if it doesn’t make sense, it makes you stronger! 💜🙏🏼
I love that Maisy is already making you guys laugh and smile so much. Little moments like that show how much of a light she is in this darkness. You guys will get through this together. Endless smiles are ahead! Sending you guys all the love!
Hey Colleen! Don’t ever beat yourself up for sharing how you are feeling. I’m living in the UK away from my family who are in India and recently tested positive for Covid so I’m quarantined. Every time I feel lonely, I watch your vlogs because you’ve genuinely become a friend to all of us. Every time I talk about you guys to my friends they say that I talk as if I know you personally … but that’s how it feels! We’re all rooting for you, Maisy and Erik! Praying that she gets home soon and you all can be together very soon! It’s so so natural to get your hopes up but we’re all here with you. Hoping she gets better soon! Sending love❤️
Yes Colleen!! I love the “i’m gonna get her home damnit” I think she really wants her parents to feed her! Edit: question for nicu nurses, do how long do you wait for the baby to try to eat the rest of their bottle before giving the food through the nose?
@@joankgillette erik deserves to see maisy and colleen deserves to see flynn and wes they seem to have a balance switching off. There may come a time where they have to do overnight at the nicu but it doesn't mean only colleen has to do the nicu. They both like seeing all their kids and they both need breaks.
They eat for 30 minutes as long as it’s safe and then it’s in the feeding tube. But if you change their diaper etc and they don’t even wake up.. you don’t force feed them
This is exactly how my daughter was. A nurse finally pulled me aside and said you need to stay here non stop for 24 to 48 hours and be here all the times the Dr comes by. I even told the Dr she eats fine when I'm here because I have more time to sit and do things at her pace which I know the nurses sometimes can't. She came home right after that. Nurses are amazing and awesome but sometimes they just need mom and dad full time.
Boooooooost!
Boosting!
Boosting- I really hope Colleen sees this!!!!
Boost, I dont mind not having a vlog if colleen or Erik need to do this for maisie
I hope she sees this ❤️
Someone I work with was just telling this story. His baby was in the NICU over feeding as well for many weeks. He started noticing that the baby was feeding way better with family than the nurses/doctors and he actually started charting it in excel and recording all the info about who did the feeding and how it went, proved out that family is better and presented that information to the doctors and they released his baby to home.
I hope this gets boosted! Cuz all the others are talking about her being there for 24-48 hours, which might not be possible rn, or might not be best for the family. So if she could present a case showing Maisey is ready and get her out that way, that would be great!!!
This happed to my 28 weeker and I had to stay with him while my son stayed home with the kids he was home 2 days later
boosting this comment ^^^
Boosting to Colleen and Erik for sweet little Maisy❤️🙏🏻
+
7:00 Colleen really needed that hug, the way she melted into it just warmed my heart
I do the same thing with my cat 😂💞 that was sweet
As a nurse it’s disappointing to me to here other nurses say “why is she back again?” when they asked you to come more for the twins entire feeding schedule a few weeks ago… I didn’t hear the tone so I’m not sure if they meant it rudely but I know nurses can be a little harsh and judgey sometimes… just know you should be there as much as you want for your baby and you’re being an awesome momma! They’ll get over it if they think it’s too much! You’re helping your baby girl progress!
Me too!! also why is she even asking why she's there AGAIN? Of course she's gonna be there as much as she can... that's her baby girl and she wants to be with her, I feel like no matter the intent behind it, it's rude regardless
I just remember how heart broken she was when they said she needed to be there more.
YES! They wanted her there more but then when she’s there more they ask why she’s there?
Why nurses judge that a last thing a mom or dad need to hear
okay so i’m sure we all know colleen and erik are terrific parents- they most definitely deserve some kind of award… but, can we also just take a second to appreciate & commend colleens mom for being a huge help all around?! she’s there for colleen, flynn, wesley, and i’m sure erik as well, anytime they need her. no wonder colleen turned out to be such an amazing person, she leads by example from her parents 🤍
THAT PART
I think Maisy likes getting her bottle with love. I am sure she can tell how much she is loved by you and Erik so she is comfortable and can do the bottle.
I’ve been saying this. Colleen needs to stay with her all day and night and leave Erik with the boys.
@@joankgillette She takes the bottle from Erik as well so I think switching off would be way more useful than having her sleeping in a recliner and not meeting her other two kids for a few days
I was thinking the same exact thing.
I was honestly thinking the same thing.
I agree Maisy only eats full bottles with Erik and Colleen. Which sucks because she knows the difference
I agree with the comments, it sounds like Maisy does amazing with her bottles when you/erik feed her because she likes getting her bottles with the warmth of her parents! I think she takes time to fully trust people because I remember you saying that she’s always alert and curious when you pick her up and takes/took a little time to adjust. You could test this theory out and hopefully see results, praying for you and your family to be able to be together soon ❤️
I thought the same thing!
Agree 100%
I was going to say this too!! She doesn't seem like she wants to eat with the nurses. Just her parents 💗💗
Colleen, this sounds like a pattern. And I don't mean for this to sound harsh in any way because I know you are doing everything you possibly can and so is Erik but it sounds like you may need to camp out at the hospital for 24-48h to get her through those full bottles to finally get her home. I know you're tired mama but this is the final home stretch you can do it to bring her home ❤
Exactly I’ve been saying this!!
Exactly!!
This is something that NICU babies do. They do well, then they get tired and stop eating as well. She is doing well, and is going at her own pace. Nothing more anyone can do. Also, because of CoVID restrictions on visiting policies, I don't think it's possible for them to stay 24-48 hours.
Me and my mom watch you’re vlogs every night. My mom gets so emotional over you’re journey with the twins. My mom had me and my twin sister about 5 weeks early. It was hard on her and she got through it. So proud of you Colleen. Merry Christmas from my Mom and Me (Ally) 🎄❤️
You should give the nurses a recording of you singing Maisy’s feeding song so that she feels comfortable enough to finish her bottles even when you’re not around
Let’s go Maisy! 5 bottles in a row 💪🏼 what a champ!
Maybe she wants mom/dad to be there with her non-stop and give her ALL bottles! She’s a girl who knows what she wants 👍🏼
that's what the psychic said too...
I really hope it isn't bad for her developement to stay there without her parents with her all the time, really seems like she isn't comfortable with or doesn't want to eat when they're not there.
@@m0t0b33 she met with a psychic?
@@debbieliz8612 yea when she was still pregnant she made a videos about it
@@debbieliz8612 yeah, when she was pregnant...well the psychic came to her; are you new here, or you aren't subscribed to her main channel?
Like everyone else in the comments has noticed, Maisy wants those bottles from you or Erik! It seems so difficult, but there is definitely a pattern there. Take a deep breath, she will be home before you know it 🥰
I’ve been saying this. Colleen needs to stay with her all day and night and leave Erik with the boys.
@@joankgillette Colleen doesn't need to do anything if she doesn't want to. It's no secret that she loves her boys very much and that going to the hospital is stressful, spending the night at home is important for time to heal!
But if they end up doing this method, good for them, but I'm just saying, that would be a lot of commitement.
oh my god I legit commented the same thing 😭 attachment
@@joankgillette that literally makes no sense. Maisy takes bottles from Eric as well. So why would Colleen take away Eric’s time with maisy away From him and why would she want to leave her two boys days at a time.
The way they’re doing it now works great! They both get to hang out with all 3 kids and build that bond verses one with the boys always and the other one with maisy all the time.
@@KeeHart I am a nurse practitioner in the NICU, Maisey simply needs time to learn to latch, and she will take as long as she needs to, regardless of how much time Colleen is there. We see plenty of babies with parents who are rarely around, figure out feeding quickly and plenty of babies who have parents there for every feeding, who take much longer. Every baby is different, and the Nurses wouldn't tell her to go home, if they thought she wasn't there enough or if they thought that overnight stays would be beneficial for Maisey.
Edit: Just to be clear, I am not a NP in Maiseys NICU. I hope my comment doesn't confuse anyone but just in case it does, I work in a NICU across the country
Flynn saying “that’s enough” when u read him his letter to Santa was so precious. He is so fabulous and I can’t wait to see the personalities of the twins develop. I can can tell Flynn is really keeping you going through all of this with that big hug. Love u so much Colleen and I’m sending all of my prayers your way to have maisey home for Christmas !
Right? I loved when he hugged his momma ♥
He makes me want to work with kids again
"I'm disappointed...NOT in Maisy...but in my fantasy..." Colleen, THANK YOU for being so specific about this.
Maisy is really trying
@@Ifyoulikeorangesurugly report them
@@anonymoose1233 same but she shouldn’t have to always emphasize so people don’t get mad at her
Honestly, all I want for Christmas is for Colleen to have her whole family together at home. Come on, Maisy Jo! You can do it little ladybug!
Yes my Christmas wish too!! I’ve cried so many times since November 6th I just want Colleen to be happy and have her baby home
She dosent have a feeding tube in anymore! Good signs!
More like - come on, Colleen, you can stay at the hospital over night a couple nights & get that baby home!
7:03 That moment makes me feel things. Colleen’s expression is priceless and so beautiful in showing how much she genuinely enjoyed Flynn’s hug.
There’s nothing like a hard squeeze from your little 😭
It reminded me of when I hug my own mom like that I know it makes her feel warm and loved a lot
So beautiful.
I’m gonna have to agree with everyone else here in the comments, Maisy likes her feeds from you and Erik. Would they allow either of you to be there for a 24 hour period to do all of her feeds?
She can't because she has her toddler Flynn who also needs attention and Wesley is at home and needs his momma to be with him. I know she is doing what she can to help all of her kids and I want her to know that we all are so proud of her❤️
They encourage it.
@@malakstitou1800 but she has help.. her mom is there, kory is there she has people to step in and help her and Erik can switch off for 24 hours and get maisy home! She’s in a better position then a lot of single parents who are doing it a lone
her feeding tube is out? shes probably home now
@@ginahatim3088 it is ?
I know it’s difficult, especially with one newborn and a toddler at home, but like so many others have pointed out, this may very well take you and Erik never leaving the hospital for those 24-48 hours. It seems that there is a definite pattern to her eating and it’s mom and dad! I would take turns switching back and forth and I would not let them feed her though that tube unless neither one of you can get her to eat! She can do it!!
Exactly, I’ve been saying this! It’s exactly what me and my husband had to do but it brought our daughter home faster
@@hannahbanana3298 👋 👋 👋
Flynn saying "That's enough" after giving you his list for Santa made my heart smile. Can't wait to hear you camped out at the hospital and got that baby girl home!! Great work mom, dad, big brothers, and everyone else on team twins!
I agree with the notion that your daughter is a sensitive soul. Maisy needs the love and warm of her parents when she feeds. She’s smart enough to know when it’s someone’s job to feed her and when it’s someone’s love and devotion that’s feeding her. When your family is all together under one roof no matter how difficult things may seem, your home will blanket you all with, love, health and happiness. There’s no place like home for this beautiful family! 🥰💖🎄🎅🏼👍
PATTERN! She only eats for you and your family, she doesn’t know the doctors properly so she doesn’t trust them. She loves you and she wants you and Eric to be the ones to feed her because she trusts her🥰
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agreeeeeed
I was thinking of this too!
Totally Makes sense!
Yes!!
I feel that she’s finishing bottles with you guys because she comfortable with y’all. She doesn’t finish the rest of her bottles because she knows you guys aren’t feeding them to her. Just from bits and pieces I’ve put together. I hope you guys the best
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I agree!!
Yea probably like a scent thing like oh your my mommy
I feel the same!
That’s what I was going to say yesterday!
It sounds like she does way better with feeds with mom and dad. Maybe you guys could work out a 48 hrs where one of you is always there to get her to take all her feeds? Just an idea!
I’ve been saying this. Colleen needs to stay with her all day and night and leave Erik with the boys.
@@joankgillette why are you copy & pasting this reply on everyones comments lol not saying I dont agree but this is a bit much
@@shpup it's probably so Colleen will be able to see it no matter which comment she looks at!!
@@rachelotremba8100 its all anyone is commenting about though haha shes definitely gonna see this idea but I get whatcha mean
Yess
I cannot wait for Maisy to come home and Flynn to immediately say “ANOTHER ONE?!” 😂💖
“AGAIN?!” Omg he’s the cutest 😭😭😭
Another one
2 steps forward, 1 step back is still 1 step forward Colleen! Maisy has got this! So have you and Erik, you super parents. Super proud of all of the progress you have all made. Sending so much love and strength ❤
Seems like other people see the same pattern here... not sure if you folks are able to stay over night but it may do the trick. Sending so much love and good vibes to you!
Yes, hope Colleen sees this!!
Yeah this is by no means a judgement but I think she’s responding well when mommy and daddy are feeding her. I know how difficult it is juggling all the babies but maybe one of you should stay with her a full 24 hours.
Agreed! If one of or both of the parents can stay for a 24 hr period consistently, it might give her the edge she needs. Can they lessen the food going into the feeding tube so she is more hungry for the bottle too?
I thought the same thing!!!
This is exactly what I thought
Oh my goodness this takes me back to my time in the NICU. I would feel such anger after my baby ate for me the entire day then the night nurses would say sorry he didn’t eat any bottles. I would think the night nurses were being lazy and not trying. Haha. It was all in my head of course but I remember the anger and frustration I felt. Then I stayed at the NICU for 14 hours straight and he took every bottle. I really think he just needed me to be there, to hear my voice. None the less, it is just a memory now as it will be for you momma. Stay strong. ❤️
@colleen please praying you see this!!! Stay all night and get that sweet girl home 💕💙💕💙
💗💗💗
💜😌🥰
💗💗💗
🥰🥰🥰
“This is not funny to mama, this is TrAuMaTiZiNg.”
The way you said that was so funny, love you Colleen ❤️
I laughed out loud at that it was so funny
@@Sofia.kar7 Haha omg I did too!!!
I’m so glad I wasn’t the only one who laughed at that 😂
Colleen, it sounds like she wants bottles from her mama!!! Is it possible to have Erik do bottles for Wesley so you can stay in the NICU for 24hrs and feed Miss Maisy her bottles so she can come home? We are all rooting for you both!
Yesss
Maybe
Worth trying
Colleen, I am a nurse practitioner in a NICU and I just wanted to say that you are doing amazing. My daughter was a NICU baby and she struggled for a long time to figure out how to latch and stay latched. I know this feels like a step backwards, but she is closer and closer to figuring it out. Please listen to the nurses, I know you want to be with Maisey as much as possible, but if the nurses are telling you to go home and rest, they are saying it for a reason💜 We know she is your baby and your heart, but we need Mom to be rested and healthy. I didn't fully understand how intense the mom guilt is, until I suddenly became a NICU mom last year. Every minute I was home, even though I knew I needed to shower, eat and sleep, I felt like I was failing at motherhood. I was reminded of years ago, we had triplets in the NICU. Two of the babies went home within days of each other, after about 6 weeks but baby C stayed for another month. Their mom had two newborn's at home, but was coming back and forth to the NICU as much as she could. She thought if she could be at every feeding, that baby C would come home sooner. We tried to tell her that we had it covered, that she needed to focus on the two babies at home too, and take care of herself. We would have to tell her to go home sometimes, and one day as she was walking to the elevator, she passed out. Driving back and forth, having two newborn's at home and not taking care of herself, her body was exhausted. Had she not stopped to chat with another NICU mom, she could of passed out while driving. Please remember to take care of you. You are a supermom, there is no higher compliment than having nurses tell you to go home and rest, it means you are at the NICU so much, that we are worried that you aren't taking any time for YOU. Please remember that these babies need their Momma to be ok, so that they are ok. It's ok to take time to rest, your Maisey is in great hands when you aren't there.
Thank you so much for this comment. I know that all the people in the comments mean well when they tell Colleen to “just” stay at the NICU for 24/48 hours as if that is a realistic thing to ask of her in this trying time..
"Is this funny to you? It's not for mommy it's traumatizing" - as a trauma survivor, that made me laugh more than it ought to. Sometimes that's the best thing to do to cope; laugh. I'm sure Maisy will be home soon, based off what you've shared it seems like she prefers feedings with you and Eric! I'm praying she'll be home for Christmas for you 🙏 ❤
Edit: spelling error
I also am a trauma survivor and have PTSD and it made me laugh harder than it probably should have too
@@michaelapowers5954 I'm so sorry you had to endure trauma, and immalso glad I'm not the only one who laughed 💜 I hope you're well
I laughed too and I felt a little bad but you’re right laughter is sometimes the best medicine
I'm glad you mentioned this. I also have PTSD and I giggled when she said that. It's so true what you said about how laughter is sometimes the best medicine. It's sometimes hard to laugh about the trauma but also sometimes it can be very healing. Thanks again and hope you are all well 💕
i cant wait to watch wesley and maisy grow up and see their cute personalities like flynn’s 🥺
The ppl that keep sending these links are killing the mood tbh
@@ciarapower6275 I know !! They’re in the wrong comment section
Ikrrr
@@ciarapower6275 ik so annoying
same!
watching colleen sink into flynn’s hug during advent was the sweetest thing i’ve ever seen. you can so tell she just needed that from him ❤️❤️
On the bright-ish side of things, I remember when you were pregnant being scared of not bonding with your babies since they would be in the NICU. While we ALL wish Maisy would eat with anyone, it does show that she’s bonded with you and Erik. Love you guys and sending best wishes that she’s home soon ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
It's so impressive that Flynn knows every vehicle that comes out of his elephant calendar. Sooo adorable
Tortilla talk question: how is Flynn adjusting to Wesley being home? Seems like he’s doing awesome 😄
that has been my question for weeks:)
Lol, to me he's like - "This baby, so fragile, so smol, mama and dada watching me, must kiss. I do not know why, I just must."
@@trinny_y lmao that is cute and funny
that’s adorable
Follow those instincts Colleen. You know what Maisy and all your babies need everyone has advice which can be helpful but ultimately you know best for your babies :)
Maisy is adorable. She definitely knows how to do the eating thing, and her repertoire of baby skills is growing. She will be home soon, and you will have a wonderful 2022 together with Erik and all your babies!
"theres so much sunshine headed my way soon" meanwhile flynn has been singing that all week. Thats so cute it subconsciously has reassured her. Youre family will be together soon mama, Maisy is trying so hard xx
The video she just put out..2 precious! Hope u saw it & read the description..Live Love & Laugh! ☮
Tortilla talk question: as a medical resident in the Netherlands, I'm really curious what can nurses or doctors do to make the whole situation just a bit more bearable? And what are things that didn't help you at all or made the whole thing even worse?
Good questions.
Good question. As a new birthing unit nurse I would like to know too
I feel like it always helps to think about where she started. She's eating so much better and can breathe on her own now. I know it's a long and hard road but she's learned so much already! Love you Colleen from Switzerland
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Maisy Jo is the perfect little princess and is so strong, she will catch on and be home very soon. I know from experience being a former NICU mom it sucks and it is so hard, especially on the last few weeks before coming home, y’all are all in my prayers 🥰💙💜💚
Hey mama, I am also a NICU mama my son is now 5 but he was born at 34 weeks and the only thing we had to wait on was him to be able to learn to eat and finish all his bottles as well. Watching your videos it's like I'm reliving exactly what we went through. The first thing I want to say is the NICU nurses are great BUT sometimes they don't try as hard as us parents do. I think they mean well but they are busy and so often times they would try to feed our baby for 5 or 10 mins and if he wasn't willing they wouldn't try any tricks or tips they would just give up and give it to him through the feeding tube. Where me and my husband had a fire under our butts to get out of there and really pushed it more and it really seemed like our baby KNEW that we meant business and knew when it was us feeding him vs. when it was a stranger and he thrived with us but was horrible with them. Even though they are little they still know their mama and dada and feel more comfortable and have that bond so it's not surprising that maisy thrives with you and your husband but then won't take the bottle for the nurses. She just knows her mama and dada and can feel how much you want it vs. someone that is feeding her and isn't really trying. The only way we got our son out of the NICU was my husband lived at the NICU I would be there during the day but we had other kids at home so I would come home in the evening and stay the night with our kids and my husband stayed at the NICU and did EVERY feed and it was because he was there doing the feeds that we where able to get him to finish all his bottles and go home. I know that may seem to be impossible for one of you to be there all the time right now so my heart breaks for you but if you can for 48 hours switch off so one of you is there around the clock to do all the feedings then she could be home and it could be over. I know it's horrible being apart but being apart for 2 days might be better then another week or so in the NICU. I just wanted to give you that little piece of advice that the reason she is finishing her bottles with you and your husband is because your her people and she can feel the love and bond and so she thrives with you.
Exactly, I’ve been saying this. I know from experience too. It’s not easy, especially having other kids at home but it CAN be done if your willing to
Everyone is telling her to stay at the hospital for every single feed. That may not be possible due to Covid restrictions on visiting policies. All these comments are probably making her feel worse and less in control of the situation. She's already overwhelmed, instead of encouraging her to rest, and let Maisy take the time she needs to get it, everyone is telling Colleen to do more. Wtf is wrong with you all?
"There's so much sunshine headed my way so soon" I love you colleen. I needed to hear this.
From one twin nicu mama to another, and I know all these other people commented this too, but she wants her bottles for mama or daddy. As parents we sit and talk with them and love on them, encourage them and are patient with them. Nurses a lot of times have several other babies to take care of and don't always have the time to really sit and work with the baby, so they tube feed the rest. I've seen it with my twins when they were in the nicu. Especially when they were both there. Maybe if you guys can keep going for every feed or try to stay all day, she will do better raking them all from you guys. You are an amazing momma and yall do have so much sunshine headed your way. I think about it like this. With me, nothing about learning a new routine with newborn twins and my other kids at home too, sleepless nights... none of it seemed as hard as just being separated from them. Finally having both my babies home brought me so much happiness and I was just so grateful they were home I didn't care how difficult all the adjusting felt. Bc that didn't even compare to the pain and difficulties of them still being in the hospital away from me. Keep your head up mama, you're in the final stretch and I really think she will be home very soon!!
Colleen and Flynn’s cuddle moment was so stinkin cute, I can’t get over it. Sending you guys all the love and strength and prayers ❤️❤️
** PLEASE SAY HELLO TO TRENT!** It's nice to see a peek of him in your last few videos. I know he prefers to stay out of the limelight, but it's nice to see him included in the family love fest! Hope he is doing well and enjoying the chaos.😉
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Flynn taking selfies when he thinks he is taking pictures of the family is the absolute cutest thing on earth and exactly what I needed to see to get my mind off my exam today!
good luck on your exam! they are super tough but the holidays are soon and you can get through it :)
Maisy is getting there! Five bottles in a row are a lot, she's a champion! You'll have all your babies together soon, Colleen, these are the last struggles, but your family and you have been amazing superheroes during this hard time. Sending love and hope ❤
I know how hard this is and my heart aches seeing how this has affected you. You are so strong. You are doing great mama. You and eric have done a great job with all of this. You two are great parents. My parents never cried about me the way you cry for your babies. Your kids are very lucky. I love you.
The moment at 7:00 made me tear up a lil, Colleen is such a good mummy; I hope one day when I have children I can be their absolute comfort like Colleen is for her kids
Sending so much love your way Colleen! You got this, you're almost there!
Colleen is so resilient and i'm so inspired by how strong she is and how good she is at communicating her feelings. I really think she is a wonderful role model and a brilliant mum.
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Are you allowed to stay the night (I know it’s hard with Flynn and Wes) because I think you’ll get her home sooner if you can feed her through the night maybe the nurses just don’t have time/patience and she needs one of you and she’s eating great for you two! That should be recognised! Sending love x
I’ve been saying this. Colleen needs to stay with her all day and night and leave Erik with the boys. I personally would never leave my newborn. She can absolutely stay the night because there are no set hours for NICU parents you can go whenever you want.
@@joankgillette Well she has 2 newborns in 2 different places so it's a bit more complicated than never leaving her newborn...
I've been commenting this on every video. My son came home right after I stayed for 24 hours and they saw how well he did with momma. She NEEDS to stay for 24 hrs.
@@joankgillette but don’t you see she’d have to leave her other newborn who is breastfeeding home? It’s not like she wants to leave Maisy but she kinda has no choice , she’s there as much as she can be.
@@thebjm1967 still difficult to split her time both ways
Everyone is seeing the connection, maisy girl wants her bottles from mom and dad🥺❤️keep up the good work mom, she’s coming home soon, you got this!!!
your mom... She is a saint!!! How she has been with all the Ballingerkids. Shout Out to GWEN!
It sounds like she only wants to eat full bottles for her PARENTS!!? She only wants her mommy and daddy to be feeding her it seems awww HUGS!!
Yes I totally agree! I hope Colleen sees this and all the other comments saying things similar! 💕
I hope Colleen sees this too!!!!
LIKE so Colleen sees! They need to stay non stop because that might be the only way to get all of the bottles in and get her HOME!!!
My preemie was exactly the same. I finally had our nurse tell me... You need to stay here 24 hours and do all the feedings. After I did that he finally got it all and we were realeased. I truly believe if I hadn't stayed 24hours it wouldn't have worked. It was so hard because we had 4 kids at home. And we were in the NICU for 63 days. Maybe you need a good 24 hour stint with her
"say cheese, guys!" HE IS SO CUTE. I definitely want to see those photos
I want to see them too, I bet they turned out so cute!!!
Isn’t it amazing that even though you are intensely struggling, for such VALID and understandable reasons, you have thousands of people supporting you and cheering this beautiful little family on? I listen to you everyday, Colleen, because you are so real and refreshing. But tonight was the first time in a long time I looked at the comment section you always talk about. I started crying! Man you are loved, and you should be. I’ll echo everyone else… you got this, so does your little warrior girl.
I really like what you said about there being "so much sunshine" coming your way. Because of my chronic illness/disability, I sometimes get bogged down in the day-to-day of setbacks and disappointments and longing. And to be clear, I think this is normal and appropriate. Anyone whose energies and emotions are 100% occupied by demanding life circumstances is going to feel overwhelmed and I believe it's important to validate those negative feelings because they're just part of the package. But I appreciate the reminder to make some space for sunshine in the future. I'm so used to preparing for disappointment that I sometimes forget to prepare myself to receive the sunshine. It's just a small shift in perspective and it doesn't really change the reality of my daily life, but coming up for air every once in a while and allowing myself to imagine joy in my future can make such a difference in my mental state. Thank you for reminding me of the sunshine to come and may yours arrive swiftly
It seems that Maisy only likes to do what she should from mom and dad, not the doctors. Is it too much to have you and Eric be there for 48 hours, one at a time. To make it happen? So she always has one of you with her at all times
I’ve been saying this. Colleen needs to stay with her all day and night and leave Erik with the boys.
6 hour shifts over 48 hours, so they each can rest and see the other kids.
@@yelyahhayley yes that could totally work ive been thinking that! But this was 2 days ago maybe things changed i hope so :3
@@MarusaTheBadKid I'm hoping the same!
Boost! This is what I needed to do for my son and he came home the following morning because the doctor saw he does better with me
I got chills when Colleen said "you love Wesley?" And Flynn shyly answered "yeah" it was so cute. Sending so much love and many hugs your way Colleen. I totally get why you're frustrated. But you got this! 💕
Same thing happened with my son he took full bottles with me and day nurse then that night they gavaged his feeds. I was so mad I made a scene mainly b/c I was emotional. Ironically a day later his tube was out and he was ready to be discharged 24 hrs later. Prayers she comes home this week for you guys!
I cannot get over how adorable Flynn is. He gets more adorable every vlog, he is especially adorable holding Wesly.
I work NICU and this is how they start doing better. First 1 bottle,then five, then 2-3, then they start soaring!!! Love you! Maisy will be home soon 💓
I love how she smiles every single time you’re with her.
I'm surprised the nurses world say that after asking you to be there as much as possible. Good luck colleen, lots of love.
right!
I’ve noticed Maisy has eaten from bottles with you and Erik mostly. Maybe it’s just that she wants to be fed by one of you? Sending love you’re so strong💜💜
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I’ve been saying this. Colleen needs to stay with her all day and night and leave Erik with the boys.
Boosting so Colleen can see this!
@@katejo5186 thank you!!!
I know we all can’t wait for the whole family to be together, but one thing that stood out to me in this vlog is Flynn trying to write with his left hand! As a fellow lefty, it just stood out to me. 🤣 But really, I can’t wait for Miss Maisy to be home with her amazing parents and brothers.
LOL same! I got so excited for some reason! Lefties rock 😆
Colleen, I can't even imagine what you are going through. Keep your head held high and celebrate the small wins. The big ones will come soon! You are so strong and are doing amazing. I'm praying for you that it will get easier and that she will be home soon. Luv you
Every time Flynn says the cat food is “fire sauce” it reminds me of when Duncan always said the jam would be “strawberry wild strawberry” every day haha
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i was a nicu baby and even thought i obviously don’t remember my time there, i grew up hearing about it and it just made me appreciate my family and what they did for me so much more. my mom nearly watched me die and hearing that story just makes me think of how strong she is.
They for sure go at their own pace. I remember being so sad with my little one and being so impatient when she was in the nicu. I know how hard it is with the ups and downs. I’m so sorry she will be home soon and you guys will be complete. I 100% agree that fog sucks but does lift when you get them home. You both are doing amazing❤️.
I also remember trying to get my little one to get off the feeding tube and she would fall asleep while eating it’s so discouraging but she’s strong just like you and Erik! You got this mama❤️❤️ the light at the end of the tunnel is closer than u think!❤️
Flynn's energy is everything I swear, he's such a joyful little king
Seems like she wants her mama and daddy to be the one who feeds her. More love coming from you guys and she can sense it! ❤️
I think Maisy just feels safest and most comfortable when eating with her momma and daddy. She’ll be home soon, I’m sure of it. ❤️
It seems like she likes when her mom or dad feeds her. So cute!
I can’t wait for Masiey to come home! Not only will it benefit her but it will benefit you, her brothers and her whole loving family! I’m so proud of you for getting thru this! You managed to get thru all of that horrendous pregnancy but the universe wouldn’t put u thru all of this if it didn’t think you could thrive through it! ❤️Love from the U.K.
That hug at 7:03 😭 I really felt how meaningful and loving that was ❤ He knew you needed that!
Colleen's mother seems like such a wonderful mom/grandma. I love seeing her in vlogs because she just radiates so much love ❤.
Grandma??
@@meghasinghania1 yes, Colleen's mother is the grandmother I'm referring to here.
Would it be possible for you and Erik to set it up so one or the other is there for a 24 hour period? Like, do you think she’d finish a bottle for either of you? Probably not possible for that to happen with both Flynn and Wes home.
See if you can stay for the full 24 hours with her for the feeds. I think she is trying to tell you something ;) Are the nurses using the scented pads with her and are they keeping the pads near her for the feeds? Can you also make a recording for them to play of you singing her song over and over during the feeding or teach them the song? Haha
Yes her bottle song ☺️
Yes, I was absolutely thinking about having the nurses incorporate her bottle song at feed. It may be, too, that Maisy just wants to feed from her parents not nurses which I've heard is a thing with other NICU families and I wish the staff would just give some allowances for babies in this situation instead of just expecting a different result from the same tactics.
Flynn is the cutest sweetest boy ever. He’s so cute rockin the headbands all the time! ❤️ Praying all of your babies will be home soon together! 🙏🏻
Wesley’s taco outfit is the same outfit I brought my baby home in two months ago! It’s so cute!! I love how sweet Flynn is as a big brother. He’s going to teach them so much and you can see how much he loves Wesley already. Seeing your other video today I so so hope that Maisy made some good steps to coming home soon. Hopefully Christmas comes early for you guys! ❤️
The hug between Colleen and Flynn is the sweetest ❤️ you can definitely tell Colleen needed that hug ❤️
Little Maisy will be home sooner than you expect 💕 she is very strong just like you ❤️❤️ I'm so glad she'll be home with you for Christmas!
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For the next couple days, I feel like if you/Erik do ALL the feedings for 48 hours, I think Maisy might surprise you!
I’m a NICU momma too and Ive been giving you the advice of figuring out a way to stay with Maisy for a couple days cause babies always eat better for their mommas. I know it’s gonna be hard to leave your other baby and Flynn for a short time but it WILL get her home faster!! I had to do the same with my daughter while my husband stayed home with our other kids. Just have Erik feed Wesley your pumped milk. You’ll be glad you did so she can come home faster and by Christmas 🎄
I don't think that is possible due to Covid restrictions on visiting policies.
I love love how you have conversations with all 3 kiddos or you sing to them and hug n kiss all of them showing them each love...its so heart warming 🙏❤️
Your a GREAT GREAT MAMA!
Colleen you are suchhhhh a good mom I’m so happy to see it! I know this for many reasons but in this video when Flynn gave you a hug during elephant calendar I thought that was so sweet 🥺 Because I feel like that shows Flynn’s love language is quality time because for him it’s not the quantity of time that he spends with you, but the quality of the time he does get with you because you are such a genuinely loving, attentive, and empathetic mama! He really just loves being around you and for good reason ☺️ can’t wait to see your family grow up in such a stable home and I just know Maisy will be home soon. We’re all rooting for Maisy, you, and your family ❤️❤️❤️
It seems that from what you’ve been saying, she’s only eating full bottles from you and Eric. Maybe, it’s because she trusts you guys the most! I hope that maybe sometime you guys can plan a time to have your mom take Flynn and Wesley and watch them for a while and you guys can take turns being at the hospital constantly for 48 hours?
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I’ve been saying this. Colleen needs to stay with her all day and night and leave Erik with the boys.
That would be great but she needs to be home to feed Wesley
@@iseultmac9484 I know. That’s where it gets tough. She’s in a really tough spot. 😔
@@iseultmac9484 they can switch off. Erik, Colleen, Erik, Colleen, etc..
Colleen, It does not matter what the nurses think as NICU mom myself, I recommend you go to EVERY SINGLE FEED.... Sadly we found that the nurses were just lazy at our nicu, didn't want to feed my baby in the night so they put the tube back in and put up the feed and went on their way... I stayed there for 48 hours ( I left to go sleep and shower when my son slept ) but food time I was back and in charge. He came home 24 hours later. Go be with Maizy and feed her and tag team with Erik. but BE at every feed...... I love you and this will be over soon but listen to your mamma instinct and do what you need to to get your baby home!!! Doing a good job mamma, we love you!
... that will make her feel grrrreat about having her daughters there. smh. Well intentioned I'm sure, but think about someone in her position reading this everywhere in comments ??? The now piled on guilt, more worry ... again, just smh. Sorry but after reading a TON similar... "lazy nurses..." just got my empathy going.
p.s.... see @4:05 Shhhh, something missing?? ;)
I don't think it's possible for them to be there for every single feeding. Covid restrictions on visiting policies have changed a lot making it impossible for parents to stay there at all hours. I disagree with you about the lazy nurses. The nurses have 3 babies to care for at the same time who all need to help with learning to bottle feed. I don't think they "put the tube back to go on their way", more like set up the gavage feeding so they can feed the other babies they are teaching to bottle feed also. The babies are given a time limit of 30 minutes, if they don't finish the bottle in that time then the remaining feeding is given by tube.
I know Maisy’s gonna pop soon!! 🍿 amazing that she has such a bond with you and Erik and wants feed from a bottle with you both 🥰
i feel like i’ve never heard colleen say i love you and when she said it to flynn it made me so happy i kept rewatching it.
Dang girl....your so real and raw and that's why my opinion of you changed so much....... not that it matters my opinion but showing these ups and downs is real life and man your a strong happy woman with the life most will never have yet your humble at the same time so is your husband thanks for sharing his journey also
Colleen, it’s okay to be disappointed when things don’t go the way you we want them to. It’s okay we understand and want you to know it’s good to feel the feels that aren’t the best feelings. We’re here for you! We love you! Some day many years from know it’ll make sense why you had to go through these traumatic times, and even if it doesn’t make sense, it makes you stronger! 💜🙏🏼
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"this is not funny to mama, maisy. this is traumatizing" LOVE YOU COLLEEN UR A QUEEN
I love that Maisy is already making you guys laugh and smile so much. Little moments like that show how much of a light she is in this darkness. You guys will get through this together. Endless smiles are ahead! Sending you guys all the love!
Hey Colleen!
Don’t ever beat yourself up for sharing how you are feeling. I’m living in the UK away from my family who are in India and recently tested positive for Covid so I’m quarantined. Every time I feel lonely, I watch your vlogs because you’ve genuinely become a friend to all of us. Every time I talk about you guys to my friends they say that I talk as if I know you personally … but that’s how it feels! We’re all rooting for you, Maisy and Erik! Praying that she gets home soon and you all can be together very soon! It’s so so natural to get your hopes up but we’re all here with you.
Hoping she gets better soon! Sending love❤️
Yes Colleen!! I love the “i’m gonna get her home damnit” I think she really wants her parents to feed her!
Edit: question for nicu nurses, do how long do you wait for the baby to try to eat the rest of their bottle before giving the food through the nose?
I’ve been saying this. Colleen needs to stay with her all day and night and leave Erik with the boys.
@@joankgillette erik deserves to see maisy and colleen deserves to see flynn and wes they seem to have a balance switching off. There may come a time where they have to do overnight at the nicu but it doesn't mean only colleen has to do the nicu. They both like seeing all their kids and they both need breaks.
They eat for 30 minutes as long as it’s safe and then it’s in the feeding tube. But if you change their diaper etc and they don’t even wake up.. you don’t force feed them