For those who didn't see on facebook, we are expecting Baby #3! As of right now my EDD is
12-13-14 and I'm about 8.5 weeks along.
Because we've been so public and open with our ttc journey, we've gotten quite a variety of responses; the most common reaction being laughter :) I thought it might be beneficial to make a post of FAQs about this pregnancy since we are getting a lot of questions and know people are curious.
FAQs
Q: Are you serious?
A: Yes, absolutely.
Q: How? Did you do IVF? Or was this by accident?
A: When a man and a woman love each other.... jk. We did NOT do an IVF. We were told we wouldn't be able to conceive on our own and were actually planning for our first FET (frozen embryo transfer) in September/October. This was a complete shock. While I don't particularly like referring to it as an "accident," I know what you mean and don't know what else to call it, but it was not planned nor was it using any type of fertility treatment.
Q: Are you happy about it?
A: Yes! Of course we're happy! We're extremely shocked and still feeling very overwhelmed by it all, but we are very happy.
Q: Well, I know someone that went through IVF and then got pregnant on their own.... didn't you know that could happen?
A: I understand this question, but it's one of those questions I wish people wouldn't ask... it makes me feel like you think I'm stupid... but like I said I understand why people are curious.
Yes, I've met several people like that too. However, when you're told you can't get pregnant on your own and you go through fertility treatments, part of the process is grieving the idea of having a child on your own... at least it was for us. In order to move forward with the IVF, Bob and I talked extensively about what that meant for us. We didn't want to do it because we were desperate... we didn't want to do it if we believed we could get pregnant on our own but just weren't willing to wait.
We mourned the idea of conceiving without help. We accepted our reality that we would need medical intervention to conceive, which isn't wrong, but we gave up on the idea of ever having an "accidental" or "natural" pregnancy (for lack of better terms).
We also talked about future children. Did we want to ttc on our own before moving forward with more invasive methods? We decided while I was still pregnant with Abby and Josie that we would not ttc on our own once we were ready to try for more. We felt like God had already entrusted us with 8 more babies that are currently frozen in time and that we have both the privilege and responsibility to care for those children
We all know people who've gone through IVF and then get pregnant on their own. But as one of those people, I can tell you, we never dared to hope that we'd be that lucky couple.
Q: What about the other "ones?" Does this mean you're done?
A: By other "ones" I'm assuming you mean the remaining embryos. This doesn't change anything for us except the timing. We still believe God has entrusted those 8 babies into our care and it's up to Him how many, or how few, of them we'll hold in our hands and how many we'll only get to hold in our hearts. Bob and I have always said, we'll graciously take as many or as few children as God sees fit. While it was never our intention to have 11 children (2 born, 1 pregnant, and 8 frozen) if that's what He has planned for us, that's how many we'll have and His grace is sufficient.
However, there is still no guarantee that any of the other frozen embies will be take home babies. There's no guarantees period. God is still ultimately in control of it, and while there's times I wish He'd take my opinion into account, I know that His will and plans are far better than mine.
So, to sum up my answer. We're only done having kids if He says we're done. But we are not done ttc. As of right now, we will eventually try for all our remaining embryos. We have not decided about potential contraception after this baby is born... but we have a while before we need to worry about that.
Q: Is it just one this time?
A: We're assuming so :) I haven't had my first OB apt yet and I'll probably have an ultrasound when I do to confirm that its only one, but we have no reason to think its more than one.
I think that covers the most commonly asked questions we've gotten so far :) We know people are curious, and we are more than willing to answer other questions.
We'd appreciate your prayers as we embark on this next step in parenthood!
B&B
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Friday, March 14, 2014
9 Month Update
My beautiful daughters are 9 months old! What is happening!? Where has the time gone!?
Life has been very busy lately. Not only do we have our normal busy of raising twins, but we also have to be out of our house in 2 weeks so we're in the process of both packing up our current house and searching for a new one!
Here's a very quick update :)
ABIGAIL HOPE - 9 MONTHS
My precious, beautiful Abigator (nicknamed by her "cousin") Abby is such a joy! She is such a happy baby and so full of life! She's quick to offer a smile and is very laid back. I love how she wrinkles her nose when she smiles big and she has this look like she's always up to something. She never stops moving! Her legs and arms are always going (takes after her daddy!) While she likes people, she is also very content to play by herself.
Weight: 18lbs 6oz
Height: 27in
Milestones: She just started crawling 2 days ago!! She is SO proud of herself! Sitting :) 2 teeth (bottom front) sleeping through the night!! yay!!
Likes: Jumping, Jumping, Jumping, and more Jumping! This girl never stops moving and loves her jumper-oo Bath time - Abby is a fish out of water! She splashes and splashes! I love listening to her laugh in the tub. Loves self-feeding! She gets so excited when she gets to eat finger foods. She also now has a "blankie" that she has to have to sleep.
Dislikes: Napping. Bananas.
JOSEPHINE GRACE - 9 MONTHS
Oh my sweet Josie Grace. Josie is a true "mama's girl!" She has to know where I am at all times (takes after her daddy!) She's cautious around new people, but once she decides she likes you, she's your friend for life. I love her dimples and bright blue eyes. Josie is very content to just sit on the floor and play with toys (as long as there's an adult in the room). She isn't especially busy or active but she is very talkative and social.
Weight: 21 lbs 4oz
Height: 28in
Milestones: Sitting. 3 teeth ( 2 bottom front and top front left). Josie has mastered the art of self-feeding! She has yet to show signs of wanting to crawl, but that's kind of Josie's way. She takes her time doing things, but gets them right on the first try.
Likes: People! Like I said, she's cautious at first, but is extremely social and chatty once she warms up to you. Josie loves playing with her stuffed puppy that lights up and plays music (mom isn't so much a fan, but it keeps her happy) She's also a paci girl! It's so cute when she puts it in herself it's almost always upside down :) Self-feeding!!
Dislikes: Being alone (even for 10 sec) Bedtime.
(We had to get a picture of them in their "cabbage patch doll" hats from grandma) :)
Life has been very busy lately. Not only do we have our normal busy of raising twins, but we also have to be out of our house in 2 weeks so we're in the process of both packing up our current house and searching for a new one!
Here's a very quick update :)
ABIGAIL HOPE - 9 MONTHS
My precious, beautiful Abigator (nicknamed by her "cousin") Abby is such a joy! She is such a happy baby and so full of life! She's quick to offer a smile and is very laid back. I love how she wrinkles her nose when she smiles big and she has this look like she's always up to something. She never stops moving! Her legs and arms are always going (takes after her daddy!) While she likes people, she is also very content to play by herself.
Weight: 18lbs 6oz
Height: 27in
Milestones: She just started crawling 2 days ago!! She is SO proud of herself! Sitting :) 2 teeth (bottom front) sleeping through the night!! yay!!
Likes: Jumping, Jumping, Jumping, and more Jumping! This girl never stops moving and loves her jumper-oo Bath time - Abby is a fish out of water! She splashes and splashes! I love listening to her laugh in the tub. Loves self-feeding! She gets so excited when she gets to eat finger foods. She also now has a "blankie" that she has to have to sleep.
Dislikes: Napping. Bananas.
JOSEPHINE GRACE - 9 MONTHS
Oh my sweet Josie Grace. Josie is a true "mama's girl!" She has to know where I am at all times (takes after her daddy!) She's cautious around new people, but once she decides she likes you, she's your friend for life. I love her dimples and bright blue eyes. Josie is very content to just sit on the floor and play with toys (as long as there's an adult in the room). She isn't especially busy or active but she is very talkative and social.
Height: 28in
Milestones: Sitting. 3 teeth ( 2 bottom front and top front left). Josie has mastered the art of self-feeding! She has yet to show signs of wanting to crawl, but that's kind of Josie's way. She takes her time doing things, but gets them right on the first try.
Likes: People! Like I said, she's cautious at first, but is extremely social and chatty once she warms up to you. Josie loves playing with her stuffed puppy that lights up and plays music (mom isn't so much a fan, but it keeps her happy) She's also a paci girl! It's so cute when she puts it in herself it's almost always upside down :) Self-feeding!!
Dislikes: Being alone (even for 10 sec) Bedtime.
Monday, October 7, 2013
4 Month Update!
Where has the time gone!!?? I'm so sorry I haven't updated more often, life has just been so busy! (As I'm sure you can imagine) :)
The girls are going to be 18 weeks old tomorrow! 4.5 months!?!?! Are you kidding me!?!? So much has changed since my last update; except that they're still perfect :)
Weight: 11lbs 14oz
Length: 23.25in
Eating: 3-5oz every 3 hours. All formula
Sleeping: 3-4 naps per day. 10 hours at night.
Milestones: Smiling socially, giggling, tummy time, rolling over!! (the video below was the second time she rolled over :) Reaching for and grasping toys and her bottle. Sleeps in her crib at night and her swing for naps. Falls asleep all on her own for both!
Likes/Dislikes: Still 100% Daddy's girl. Loves to suck her thumb... still occasionally takes her paci, but definitely prefers her thumb. Loves books and being read to. Constantly trying to roll around; still likes to watch TV :) Loves to talk and babble. Does not like bed time, but otherwise is extremely happy.
Weight: 14lbs 6oz
Length: 23.5in
Eating: 4-6oz every 3 hours
Sleeping: 3-4 naps 10 hours at night
Milestones: Babbling constantly! Has had a true "belly laugh" a few times. Grasping and picking up toys. Josie is incredibly social! Even the doctor said she's socially like a 6 month old :)
Likes/Dislikes: Loves to look at people's faces. When we read to her, she turns around and watches us rather than looking at the book. Just started sucking her thumb three days ago; still takes paci, but will only take the ones we got from the hospital (which are way too small for her) so she's using her thumb to self-soothe instead. Still likes to snuggle at bedtime, but prefers to put herself to sleep (which is bitter sweet for mommy and daddy)
Twin Talk
The girls are going to be 18 weeks old tomorrow! 4.5 months!?!?! Are you kidding me!?!? So much has changed since my last update; except that they're still perfect :)
- They've had their first and second round of vaccines
- We've started sleep training!
- Both girls have started teething
- I am by myself 95% of the time during the day (Ahhh, so scary at first!)
- The girls go EVERYWHERE with me and I love it! They're amazing! We go to the mall or grocery store and they just hang out babbling, looking around, sleeping, or smiling.
- Both girls are sleeping through the night 90% of the time!
- The girls were dedication at church last week
- They noticed each other for the first time last week and started talking to each other. Now every time they see each other they start talking, laughing, and smiling. (Video of this below)
- They are truly the most content babies I have ever seen :) Honestly, they only cry if they need something; otherwise they just hang out and talk and smile.
ABIGAIL HOPE: 4 Months Old
Length: 23.25in
Eating: 3-5oz every 3 hours. All formula
Sleeping: 3-4 naps per day. 10 hours at night.
Milestones: Smiling socially, giggling, tummy time, rolling over!! (the video below was the second time she rolled over :) Reaching for and grasping toys and her bottle. Sleeps in her crib at night and her swing for naps. Falls asleep all on her own for both!
Likes/Dislikes: Still 100% Daddy's girl. Loves to suck her thumb... still occasionally takes her paci, but definitely prefers her thumb. Loves books and being read to. Constantly trying to roll around; still likes to watch TV :) Loves to talk and babble. Does not like bed time, but otherwise is extremely happy.
Josephine Grace: 4 Months Old
Weight: 14lbs 6oz
Length: 23.5in
Eating: 4-6oz every 3 hours
Sleeping: 3-4 naps 10 hours at night
Milestones: Babbling constantly! Has had a true "belly laugh" a few times. Grasping and picking up toys. Josie is incredibly social! Even the doctor said she's socially like a 6 month old :)
Likes/Dislikes: Loves to look at people's faces. When we read to her, she turns around and watches us rather than looking at the book. Just started sucking her thumb three days ago; still takes paci, but will only take the ones we got from the hospital (which are way too small for her) so she's using her thumb to self-soothe instead. Still likes to snuggle at bedtime, but prefers to put herself to sleep (which is bitter sweet for mommy and daddy)
Saturday, June 29, 2013
1 Month
My babies are 1 month old already! Where has the time gone?
I love that they're starting to smile more and more; I love that they're begining to respond when they hear my voice; I love that they're sleeping in a little longer stretches; and I love that they're more alert and will just sit and stare at us. I also love how well they are both doing with eating! They still have to be prompted to take a breath while eating when they're really hungry, but overall, they are both doing extremely well!
While I'm happy they're growing; I'm sad at how quickly they're getting big and how quickly they're changing. I realize they're still smaller than the average newborn, but to us they look huge!!
I'm also sad that we still have to keep them in seclusion. I would love to be able to take them out and show them off; but I can't. I'd love to have people over to come hold them and ooo and ahhh over them; but I can't. I'm sure many people think we're just being the classic "over protective first time parent" but that's not it at all.
When we brought Abigail home from the NICU, the neonatologist sat us down to do the discharge and said, "they can't eat, shop, or pray, so there's no reason to take them anywhere. The only place they should be going, other than your house, is to their doctor. But, do not take them in the waiting room. Waiting rooms are for sick people; call them from your car to let them know you're there and stay in your car until it's their turn to be seen. You can take them outside as much as you want. I'm not worried about them being outside, I'm worried about them being around people. People have germs, so you NEED to keep them away from people. Bare minimum is to keep them 'under quarantine' until they are AT LEAST full term (which is still more than a week away) .... any one under the age of 16 needs to wait even longer."
So, there you have it. We've just been trying to follow the instructions we were given. When we go to the doctor, we have to sit in the car; when we go for walks, they always have to have their car seats covered with a blanket so people don't get to close or try to touch them. We have to wash & sanatize our hands constantly! The few people we do have coming to help us have to "scrub in" every time they walk through the door.
We appreciate and feel so blessed that so many of you want to meet them and I promise, when they're ready and we're ready, we'll let you know. They still have quite a bit of maturing to do, and I still have emotional and physical healing to do. That's just our reality. We'll do our best to keep you updated on their progress and provide you with pictures though!!! :)
Without further ado... Here's their 1 month update!
Abigail Hope 1 Month Old
Weight: 6lb 8 oz
Length: 18.25 in
Eating: 2oz every 2-2.5 hours. Eating half breastmilk, half formula
Milestones: Starting to have more and more alert time. She just sits and watches us :) She's begnning to focus on our faces and respond to our voices. Abby loves to look at things that have lights; such as the TV. It sounds terrible, but when she's awake she loves staring at the TV because of all light.
Likes/Dislikes: Abby is a very smiley and laid back baby. She absolutely loves to be held. Abby sleeps wonderfully in both her bouncy seat and her swing. She loves having her feet tickled... it's so funny to watch how she immediately relaxes and starts smiling. She doesn't seem to have many dislikes at this point... I can't really come up with anything... she's very content pretty much all of the time unless she's overtired or over hungry.
Josephine Grace 1 Month Old
Weight: 6lb 14oz
Length: 18.75 in
Eating: 2oz every 2-2.5 hours. Eating half breastmilk, half formula.
Milestones: Josie usually has at least one "awake time" during the day where, after a feeding, she'll just sit wide eyed and looking around. She starts to look around and move her head when she hears mine or Bob's voice :) She also loves to look at things that are contrasting light and dark colors.
Likes/Dislikes: Josie LOVES to sit in the swing! Its also her favorite place to poop :) We've had to wach that cover on more than one occassion when she has a blowout. She also loves to be held; she's incredibly snuggly and will curl up into a tiny ball when you hold her against your chest. She hates to be uncomfortable! Whether gas, hunger, or a dirty diaper, she'll let you know that she doesn't like it! Fortunately as soon as she's comfortable again, she's extremely content.
I can't believe how grown up they are! They're still little, but to us, they look huge!!! Here are some more pictures for your viewing pleasure :)
No, I don't not just let my kids sit and scream... I had about 30 seconds left in my pumping session when they all of the sudden started doing this.
Life as a mom of twins :)
Abby supporting Uncle Mike's band.
Daddy and Abby snuggling.
Josie's favorite place to sleep, other than her swing, is on someone's chest.
(Sorry, went back and looked at this post and saw some of the pictures are upside-down or sideways, and I can't seem to fix it)
I love that they're starting to smile more and more; I love that they're begining to respond when they hear my voice; I love that they're sleeping in a little longer stretches; and I love that they're more alert and will just sit and stare at us. I also love how well they are both doing with eating! They still have to be prompted to take a breath while eating when they're really hungry, but overall, they are both doing extremely well!
While I'm happy they're growing; I'm sad at how quickly they're getting big and how quickly they're changing. I realize they're still smaller than the average newborn, but to us they look huge!!
I'm also sad that we still have to keep them in seclusion. I would love to be able to take them out and show them off; but I can't. I'd love to have people over to come hold them and ooo and ahhh over them; but I can't. I'm sure many people think we're just being the classic "over protective first time parent" but that's not it at all.
When we brought Abigail home from the NICU, the neonatologist sat us down to do the discharge and said, "they can't eat, shop, or pray, so there's no reason to take them anywhere. The only place they should be going, other than your house, is to their doctor. But, do not take them in the waiting room. Waiting rooms are for sick people; call them from your car to let them know you're there and stay in your car until it's their turn to be seen. You can take them outside as much as you want. I'm not worried about them being outside, I'm worried about them being around people. People have germs, so you NEED to keep them away from people. Bare minimum is to keep them 'under quarantine' until they are AT LEAST full term (which is still more than a week away) .... any one under the age of 16 needs to wait even longer."
So, there you have it. We've just been trying to follow the instructions we were given. When we go to the doctor, we have to sit in the car; when we go for walks, they always have to have their car seats covered with a blanket so people don't get to close or try to touch them. We have to wash & sanatize our hands constantly! The few people we do have coming to help us have to "scrub in" every time they walk through the door.
We appreciate and feel so blessed that so many of you want to meet them and I promise, when they're ready and we're ready, we'll let you know. They still have quite a bit of maturing to do, and I still have emotional and physical healing to do. That's just our reality. We'll do our best to keep you updated on their progress and provide you with pictures though!!! :)
Without further ado... Here's their 1 month update!
Abigail Hope 1 Month Old
Length: 18.25 in
Eating: 2oz every 2-2.5 hours. Eating half breastmilk, half formula
Milestones: Starting to have more and more alert time. She just sits and watches us :) She's begnning to focus on our faces and respond to our voices. Abby loves to look at things that have lights; such as the TV. It sounds terrible, but when she's awake she loves staring at the TV because of all light.
Likes/Dislikes: Abby is a very smiley and laid back baby. She absolutely loves to be held. Abby sleeps wonderfully in both her bouncy seat and her swing. She loves having her feet tickled... it's so funny to watch how she immediately relaxes and starts smiling. She doesn't seem to have many dislikes at this point... I can't really come up with anything... she's very content pretty much all of the time unless she's overtired or over hungry.
Josephine Grace 1 Month Old
Length: 18.75 in
Eating: 2oz every 2-2.5 hours. Eating half breastmilk, half formula.
Milestones: Josie usually has at least one "awake time" during the day where, after a feeding, she'll just sit wide eyed and looking around. She starts to look around and move her head when she hears mine or Bob's voice :) She also loves to look at things that are contrasting light and dark colors.
Likes/Dislikes: Josie LOVES to sit in the swing! Its also her favorite place to poop :) We've had to wach that cover on more than one occassion when she has a blowout. She also loves to be held; she's incredibly snuggly and will curl up into a tiny ball when you hold her against your chest. She hates to be uncomfortable! Whether gas, hunger, or a dirty diaper, she'll let you know that she doesn't like it! Fortunately as soon as she's comfortable again, she's extremely content.
I can't believe how grown up they are! They're still little, but to us, they look huge!!! Here are some more pictures for your viewing pleasure :)
No, I don't not just let my kids sit and scream... I had about 30 seconds left in my pumping session when they all of the sudden started doing this.
Life as a mom of twins :)
Abby supporting Uncle Mike's band.
Daddy and Abby snuggling.
Josie's favorite place to sleep, other than her swing, is on someone's chest.
We also did they're "newborn/1 month" photo shoot... Here's a teaser until we get the actual pictures.
I'd say we have some pretty perfect baby girls :)
Monday, June 24, 2013
Pictures of Our Angels :)
Getting ready for our first walk.
Baby girls are 3 weeks old already!!
Can't believe how alert they are! Daily nap with mommy
Happy Babies :)
First time meeting Uncle Austin.
When Josie is finished eating and you try to give her the bottle again, she purses her lips like this... Bob calls it her "perry the platapus face"
No matter how upset Abby is (which isn't often) if you tickle her legs and feet she immediately calms down :)
Abby likes to sleep with her mouth wide open
Happy Abigail
Angry Abigail
Sweet Josie-Pie
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
They're Here!
Man, it's been too long since I've updated! The last month has been absolutely crazy though! I know many of you are my facebook friends, so you already know what's been going on, but I thought I'd update those of you that don't know.
It all started on Tuesday, May 21st. I had a routine NST at my Perinatologist office in the morning; and everything was normal. Both girls were doing excellent, and, apart from my continued swelling, everything looked great for me too.
I'd had a bit of a cold for a couple weeks and my throat had started to bother me so I went in to my OB's office for a strep throat screen just to be on the safe side. Well, the strep test was negative, but my BP was 158/96! Of course they immediately had me lay down on my left side and had my doctor come in to see me. She rechecked it and it was still that high, so she wanted me to go to the L&D unit of the ER for observation for a few hours. She also ordered a 24 hour urine test.
Well... I left the hospital 10 days later and 25lbs lighter.
My blood pressure stayed elevated in the ER and my OB had me admitted for "24 hour observation and to collect the 24 hour urine." For the sake of not making this post insanely long, I'll leave out all the extensive details, and try to keep things brief.
I was admitted to OB Special Care and for an entire week my blood pressure would sky rocket and the doctors would say I'd probably deliver that night or the next day, and then my blood pressure would drop back to normal and they'd say I could leave in the morning. On top of the issues with my blood pressure, I was having serious GI issues! My first night there I suddenly started having vomiting and diarrhea that lasted about 18 hours, stopped for 24 hours, and started up again for another 18 hours. This went on for probably a good 4 days.
Fortunately, the girls were not being negatively affected by any of my issues. I had NST's twice daily and an ultrasound while in the hospital and everything looked perfect. Also, since I was admited at 33w5d, my OB ordered that I get steriod injections, just in case I did deliver early.
By Monday, I had had it! I was fed up with not sleeping, with being sick, and with just being in a constant state of limbo. My blood pressure had been completely normal for a few hours, then all of the sudden jumped again and wouldn't come back down. That night I started having mild, but regular contractions, and the nurses told me to be ready to deliver in the morning.
Tuesday morning when I saw my OB, Perinatologist, and my daily slu of residents, they decided that it was no longer safe for me to be pregnant and I was scheduled for a c-section for 1:30 that afternoon. (34 weeks and 5 days pregnant). I called Bob and told him to get his butt to the hospital because the babies were coming.
Because I was pre-eclamptic, I had to be on a magnesium drip prior to, during, and after my c-section... not fun! It makes you feel sick to your stomach and causes terrible hot flashes! The spinal wasn't nearly as bad as I anticipated, but I did get a little sick from it. I think I was in the OR for a grand total of 40 minutes from beginning to end.
In the OR were Bob and myself, my OB, 3 L&D nurses, the anesthesiologist, the anesthesiology nurse, 3 NICU nurses per baby and a Neonatologist. The happiest moments of my life were when each baby was delivered and they immediately started screaming!! I was terrified that they would need breathing assistance.
Baby A:
Abigail Hope "Abby"
5/28/13 @ 1:42pm
4lbs 12 oz
17 in
Baby B:
Josephine Grace "Josie"
5/28/13 @ 1:43pm
5 lbs 0 oz
17.5in
Even though they were both doing well, they were taken to the NICU for evaluation; Bob was able to go with them though. After surgery, I was taken to recover for an hour... still not having seen my babies except from across the OR. :(
On the way back to my room they wheeled my bed to the NICU so I could hold the girls for a few minutes before being taken back upstairs. Perfect moment :)
Unfortunately, it was more than 24 hours before I was able to see my babies again. Even thinking about it now makes me get teary eyed. As a result of the magnesium and the catheter, I was having serious issues with passing out and with bladder control. I was kept in the hospital for 3 days after the c-section, but the girls still needed NICU care. They had to master the "suck, swallow, breathe" reflex.
Abigail - 2 days old
Josephine - 2 days old
The girls had specific things they needed to achieve to come home. 1) Breathe without assistance (which they didn't have any issues with) 2) Maintain body temperature - which they both did within a few days 3) Eat on their own. They also needed to maintain blood sugar and have normal bilirubin levels. Our girls' biggest issue was the eating. The day I was discharged was one of the hardest days of my life. I had to leave my babies at the hospital for an indefinite amount of time. Bob and I were able to go to the hospital every day to visit them, but every night I left in tears.
Daddy and his girls
Josephine (left) & Abigail (right)
It was incredibly frustrating that they'd do really well for 3, 4, or 5 feedings and then just be too tired to take any more by bottle. To come home they needed to "nipple" all their feedings for 48 hours; after the first 24 hours, they could have their feeding tubes removed.
Abby's tube was removed 6/613 Josie's was removed 6/9/13
The next hardest thing we ever had to do was take Abby home while Josie stayed in the hospital for a few more days. It was emotionally draining trying to divide our time between our daughters with them in different places. But thankfully, it was only 3 additional days. After almost 2 weeks in the NICU,
Abigail came home Friday, June 7th.
I know a lot of friends and family have already seen these pictures, so I'll do another post with some new pictures too. But, I figured this post was already too long as it is.
It all started on Tuesday, May 21st. I had a routine NST at my Perinatologist office in the morning; and everything was normal. Both girls were doing excellent, and, apart from my continued swelling, everything looked great for me too.
I'd had a bit of a cold for a couple weeks and my throat had started to bother me so I went in to my OB's office for a strep throat screen just to be on the safe side. Well, the strep test was negative, but my BP was 158/96! Of course they immediately had me lay down on my left side and had my doctor come in to see me. She rechecked it and it was still that high, so she wanted me to go to the L&D unit of the ER for observation for a few hours. She also ordered a 24 hour urine test.
Well... I left the hospital 10 days later and 25lbs lighter.
My blood pressure stayed elevated in the ER and my OB had me admitted for "24 hour observation and to collect the 24 hour urine." For the sake of not making this post insanely long, I'll leave out all the extensive details, and try to keep things brief.
I was admitted to OB Special Care and for an entire week my blood pressure would sky rocket and the doctors would say I'd probably deliver that night or the next day, and then my blood pressure would drop back to normal and they'd say I could leave in the morning. On top of the issues with my blood pressure, I was having serious GI issues! My first night there I suddenly started having vomiting and diarrhea that lasted about 18 hours, stopped for 24 hours, and started up again for another 18 hours. This went on for probably a good 4 days.
Fortunately, the girls were not being negatively affected by any of my issues. I had NST's twice daily and an ultrasound while in the hospital and everything looked perfect. Also, since I was admited at 33w5d, my OB ordered that I get steriod injections, just in case I did deliver early.
By Monday, I had had it! I was fed up with not sleeping, with being sick, and with just being in a constant state of limbo. My blood pressure had been completely normal for a few hours, then all of the sudden jumped again and wouldn't come back down. That night I started having mild, but regular contractions, and the nurses told me to be ready to deliver in the morning.
Tuesday morning when I saw my OB, Perinatologist, and my daily slu of residents, they decided that it was no longer safe for me to be pregnant and I was scheduled for a c-section for 1:30 that afternoon. (34 weeks and 5 days pregnant). I called Bob and told him to get his butt to the hospital because the babies were coming.
Because I was pre-eclamptic, I had to be on a magnesium drip prior to, during, and after my c-section... not fun! It makes you feel sick to your stomach and causes terrible hot flashes! The spinal wasn't nearly as bad as I anticipated, but I did get a little sick from it. I think I was in the OR for a grand total of 40 minutes from beginning to end.
In the OR were Bob and myself, my OB, 3 L&D nurses, the anesthesiologist, the anesthesiology nurse, 3 NICU nurses per baby and a Neonatologist. The happiest moments of my life were when each baby was delivered and they immediately started screaming!! I was terrified that they would need breathing assistance.
Baby A:
Abigail Hope "Abby"
5/28/13 @ 1:42pm
4lbs 12 oz
17 in
Baby B: Josephine Grace "Josie"
5/28/13 @ 1:43pm
5 lbs 0 oz
17.5in
Even though they were both doing well, they were taken to the NICU for evaluation; Bob was able to go with them though. After surgery, I was taken to recover for an hour... still not having seen my babies except from across the OR. :(
On the way back to my room they wheeled my bed to the NICU so I could hold the girls for a few minutes before being taken back upstairs. Perfect moment :)
Unfortunately, it was more than 24 hours before I was able to see my babies again. Even thinking about it now makes me get teary eyed. As a result of the magnesium and the catheter, I was having serious issues with passing out and with bladder control. I was kept in the hospital for 3 days after the c-section, but the girls still needed NICU care. They had to master the "suck, swallow, breathe" reflex.
Abigail - 2 days old
Josephine - 2 days old
The girls had specific things they needed to achieve to come home. 1) Breathe without assistance (which they didn't have any issues with) 2) Maintain body temperature - which they both did within a few days 3) Eat on their own. They also needed to maintain blood sugar and have normal bilirubin levels. Our girls' biggest issue was the eating. The day I was discharged was one of the hardest days of my life. I had to leave my babies at the hospital for an indefinite amount of time. Bob and I were able to go to the hospital every day to visit them, but every night I left in tears.
The NICU strongly encourages "kangaroo care" or "skin-to-skin" It was awesome for me and Bob too.
It was incredibly frustrating that they'd do really well for 3, 4, or 5 feedings and then just be too tired to take any more by bottle. To come home they needed to "nipple" all their feedings for 48 hours; after the first 24 hours, they could have their feeding tubes removed.
Abby's tube was removed 6/613 Josie's was removed 6/9/13
The next hardest thing we ever had to do was take Abby home while Josie stayed in the hospital for a few more days. It was emotionally draining trying to divide our time between our daughters with them in different places. But thankfully, it was only 3 additional days. After almost 2 weeks in the NICU,
Abigail came home Friday, June 7th.
And Josie came home Monday, June 10
This is their first day home together :)
I know a lot of friends and family have already seen these pictures, so I'll do another post with some new pictures too. But, I figured this post was already too long as it is.
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