6/14 update

We found out Tuesday that there was some concern with Austin's poop issues, as the doctors noticed increased distension in his tummy.  As a result, they ran some tests to see if he had a blockage or narrowing in his intestinal tract.  Because of his increased feedings and supplementation, his poop isn't quite as viscous as with before.  So the belly distension is what has them most concerned, as the explosive pooping indicates an overload of pressure in his intestines wither due to narrowing or blockage.  So the scan revealed that there was indeed some narrowing in his rectum, which could be indicative of something called Hirschsprung's Disease (HD).
Strangely, this isn't a preemie thing; it is rather something that goes awry during gestational development with the nerve cells (ganglion) being properly dispatched to certain cells of the digestive tract.  As a result, peristalsis fails in the inactive cells and a backup occurs.  What can happen if the backup becomes worse is a rupture and certain infection, or necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).  The problem with HD is that is almost certainly requires treatment by surgery, of which there are several techniques to "pull-through" the functioning segments to the anus.  Read more here: http://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/1015/p1319.html
He hasn't been diagnosed yet, and it can only be diagnosed with pathology from a rectal suction biopsy.  For whatever reason, they can't even perform the biopsy until he reaches 2500g (he's currently at 1820g).  So in the meantime, they have stopped his feedings to prevent the backup, which meant he had to go back on IV fluids for his nutrition.  They were also waiting for him to pass the Barium from his scan the other day, which he finally did last night - at least some good news...
Seeing him back on the IV was difficult because it seems to agitate him a bit.  Today, they're going to decide whether to resume normal feedings today (starting at half his original amount) or to install another PICC line to continue on IV fluids.  Last night he seemed uncomfortable and perhaps a little pissed that he wasn't getting his usual feedings.  It would be nice if he could get back on the breast milk, but if the narrowing persists it will almost certainly mean he'll need assistance in moving his bowels.  All this until they can officially diagnose him, which is still 1.5 lbs away.  The long-term prognosis is also unclear, but it could have wider implications if it isn't treated surgically.  And we're still trying to figure out what it would mean if the biopsy result was negative for HD.
All of this sort of takes the wind out of your sails.  It's a small bump in the road that I'm sure he'll get through, we just feel a little bad that the little guy has to be hooked up to all those IV lines again.  Worse yet, both Austin and Malia have potential issues that will require surgery down the road.  But what is right in front of us doesn't seem too bad for now, and as long as they're both growing and maintaining their comfort that's about all we can ask for.

Malia continues to do great.  She's up to 3lb, 2 oz., so we're pleased that she is handling larger feedings and growing like a weed.  She sat with her mommy last night for about an hour, and was very alert and happy the whole time.  Such a cute little face...

Bye for now...