A Bit About our Hospital

Maine Medical Center traces its beginnings to the mid-nineteenth century. At that time, the only hospitals in the state were a marine hospital in Portland and an insane asylum in Augusta. The Civil War had just ended, and the Great Fire of 1866 had destroyed much of Portland. The economic, social, and scientific stimulus of the war, combined with the drive to rebuild Portland, created an urgent need for a general hospital.

Maine General Hospital opened its doors in 1874, after five years of planning, fundraising, and construction following its incorporation by the state legislature in 1868. The forty-bed facility served 114 patients during its first year.

A series of construction and renovation projects, including a $46 million expansion in 1984, has created the present-day megaplex of more than a million square feet. Today's Maine Medical Center, is the largest hospital in northern New England and planned expansion will make it much larger.

Is expansion costing Mainers too much? The Governor's Office of Health Policy and Finance says YES -- read more.

Our Early Morning

Afternoon

We started the day with a walk around Mackworth Island this morning with Harry Boy. It was rainy and dreary yet beautiful to be outdoors. We only came across runners on the walk. Harry tried to catch a few squirrels -- they remain elusive to him!

Upon arrival this morning, Grace and William were breathing each other's air, holding hands, and spooning each other. They looked very peaceful -- and then their parents showed up! Ellen had changed William's diaper so we got his feeding going. He was alert for the first 10-15 minutes and watching Victoria. Then the babes were wrapped up together to sleep and grow! At the 2/3pm feedings, the babes were too tired so their feedings were gavaged.

They are becoming little people, with their quirks. William frowns too much for an infant -- he actually has frown lines on his forehead already. Grace yawns a fair bit and tries very hard to focus on looking at David or Victoria (whoever is holding her). Occasionally her eyes cross (very common for a preemie). They have found their voices and do not appreciate being moved from their sibling.

William is up to 42cc per feeding, while Grace takes 39cc. Tonight Grace was weighed while we were at the hospital; she is up to 4lbs, 14.5oz. David was too quick with William, between the clothes changing and feeding, so he will be weighed later tonight before a feeding.
It is very calming to see David be so comfortable with the kids. He talks to them, tells them their name, who their parents and grandparents are, where we live, etc. It is very sweet. The part that is not so sweet is when we change their diapers -- we can be scared by their waste production! This is progress too!

Love,

David, Victoria, Princess Grace and Prince William

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