Not to worry, everything is perfectly normal. Both girls are "equipped" with an IV into their right hand; heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature monitors on their abdomine; and a pulse oximeter on their right foot.
Annellice has been equiped with a breathing tube to help push oxygen into her lungs (a move not unexpected). She has also had a feeding tube put in. This feeding tube is acting as an air release valve to prevent the stomach from bloating due to the forced flow of the breathing tube. Alexandra will also receive a feeding tube later today as both girls will receive their nutrition this way until such time as they are able to suckle a bottle or breast.
When I visited the girls late last night, both were doing really well. They were about to get a bath and be moved from the warming tables you see them in to incubators. This change in "living area" will allow a more consistent ambient temperature and a less stimulating environment in which they can concentrate on growing and getting stronger. Both girls had a blood gas test done to be sure that their breathing was efficient. Annellice returned strong numbers (Alexandra's numbers we expected to be good on account of her breathing on her own and having cosistently high pulse oximeter readings), as a result of which, they were able to reduce the amount of supplamental oxygen she is receiving. They hope to have her weened off the breathing tube in the next day or two.
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