NICU Day 1- Day 3

 Friday June 3, 2011

We woke up after a short nights sleep to go spend time with our babies. We were told on their birth night that they would only be observed for 24 hours and then they would get to go to my room. They were breathing room air, eating, and do EXCELLENT! Within the first 3 hours of visiting them this morning, Lynlee had a desaturation that went very low. She turned a very dusky color, and scared me to death. That was the first problem that either of them encountered, however it was enough that they were admitted into the NICU for a stay. During the day both did well feeding. The only problem was that Lynlee had a few desats. Later in the day, Brock started to have a few problems eating, but still just under observation.

Weights: Brock 4#15 oz
                  Lynlee 4#13 oz

 

Saturday June 4, 2011

Babies did well today with temp control and eating.  Lynlee is still having episodes of desaturation, but remaining stable.  The Dr has reassured us that we have two very healthy babies that are "just acting their age."   Both babies were very tired after the 10 o'clock feeding, and we left the NICU that evening unsure of how things might be through the night.

Weights: Brock 4#15.6oz

                  Lynlee 4#11oz 

Sunday June 5, 2011

I woke up to call the NICU around 2:15 this morning to check on the babies.  Our nurse informed me that both were extrememly tired and only ate about 1/3 of their feedings, so she had to place feeding tubes in both.  She also reported that Lynlee was not only having desaturations, but that she had also had a two Brady (dips in heartrate) episodes.  I was more than a mess.  I woke Jesse up and had him wheel me to the NICU.  The nurse didn't even attempt to wake them for the 4 o'clock feeding...she let them rest as she fed them through their tubes.  Brock woke up for his 7 o'clock feeding, but Lynlee slept through it again.  I feel like we take one step forward and three steps back.  God has been so good, and I KNOW he will continue to strengthen my babies.  I prayed with both of them prior to their 10 o'clock morning feeding, and they did excellent...  As a matter of fact, Brock only needed the tube once during the day.  Lynlee was feeding all by bottle the rest of the day.  Today was bittersweet, because I was released and had to leave the hospital empty handed.  However, this time time I knew my babies were still there and that they were in the best hands. 

Weights:  Brock 4#15oz

                  Lynlee 4#9oz

~Delivery Day~

June 2, 2011

Dr finally came into the triage room and explained that with my pain and the high fetal heart rates, he was concerned about a possible placental abruption or deterioration.  He explained the he thought delivery was the safest for both me and the babies at this point.  We called our family and waited patiently until my morning pancakes had digested.  We arrived at the hospital around 10, and they nurses started to prep me for surgery around 3. 

Jesse and I were both very nervous about the babies and the possible problems that we might face with them being born early.  I was wheeled back to the operating room at 3:30.  The spinal was administered, but from the very start, I felt like it wasn't working like it should.  It took 24 minutes for the spinal to take effect, and I was still very hesitant about feeling more than I felt with Cayden's delivery.  The anesthesiologist was certain it had taken effect and surgery was started.  I could feel A LOT of pressure and pulling.  I could also feel my fingers moving around inside me ( TO MUCH FEELING FOR ME.)  I started to panic just a little, but I kept telling myself that I was going to deal with it, because seeing my babies was much more important to me. 

Brock Adam was born first at 4:13pm weighing in at 5 # 20z and 18 1/4in.  He started crying right away.  Lynlee Grace was born at 4:14 weighing 4# 14oz and 18 3/4 in.   She also cried right away.  I was able to see them both...and I don't remember much after that.  I started to really feel more of the surgery, so the anesthesiologist put me out with some really good nerve medicine, and I woke up in recovery shortly after the surgery was over.

 Lynlee Grace

Brock Adam



Both babies were taken to NICU for observation.  I was able to go right over and see them, and they were absolutely precious.  The NICU observation turned into a stay...so I will start a NICU Journal to document their progress. 

Our Twin Pregnancy: Month 9

f~Week 33~

Well I started off the week have 4-5 contractions/hr.  I called the Dr and they advised me to rest.  The next day the contractions picked up and were a bit more frequent and intense (not painful...just very noticeable.)  Contractions scare me, and it really sends my mind back to labor with Braxton.  I called the Dr's office and he was out of town.  The on-call Dr said she would feel better if I went into the hospital for some monitoring.  I was contracting every 5-8 minutes.  They checked me, and I was 60% effaced and about 1 cm dialated.  I got a shot of Terb that got the contractions stopped.  The contractions resumed about 8 hours later, but they have not been as consistent.  My weekly appointment on Tuesday went well.  We had another US, and the babies are looking great.  US predicted that each baby weighs 4lbs 2oz.  They are both measuring right on target.  Dr. checked me,  and I am still dialated the same.  He said he wants to see me get to 35 weeks, and then we will talk about delivering (I will be holding him to that!)  I have gained 37lbs (watching me get off the couch is a sight!)  Glad that both babies are doing well.

~Week 34~

This week started with a terrible cold.  I spent the entire week inside on the couch!  The mystery pain was back in full force all week as well.  Sunday and Monday were really great feeling days (despite the nasal congestion.)  We had our Dr's appointment this week and everything was really good.  I lost 1/2lb, good blood pressure, and no swelling!!  Brock and Lynee both had strong heartbeats.  The appointment went so well that our hopes of meeting them next week may be out of sight.  I don't think we can convince Dr to deliver quite yet.  The fears and memories of Braxton's birth have started to creep in, and I have been praying against them.  We got a lot done this week in preparation for the babies (I should say Jesse got a lot done!!!)  I feel so guilty watching him work, but I was unable to do anything this week...  Here is part of the "to-do" list...I marked out what he did this week!!!

~Shampoo our bedroom carpets.

~Move furniture out of Cayden's new room into our room.

~Clean living room carpets.

~Clean couch

~Get out newborn boy clothes that were Cayden's..

~Get Cayden's new room cleaned out.

~Hang border in newly remodeled bathroom.

~Weed-eat and clean Braxton's Place.

~Last minute shopping for a few girl things.

My mom and I went shopping for pj's for me and new baby books for the twins.  I was so thankful that we found just what we needed in one store....I was nervous about having to walk the mall!  Mom has helped me A LOT in the past few weeks with cleaning, watching Cayden, and preparing for the babies.  As this week comes to a close, I feel pretty good. However, if you would have talked to me early in the week...well, that is a different story!!  Week 35 here we come!

~Week 35~

Well we started the week with an unexpected trip to the Dr.  I was having some blood pressure issues.  I think my blood pressure monitor at home may be a bit off...bc my BP wasn't as high when I got to the office.  Dr sent me to hospital anyway to have a non-stress test and BP monitoring.  They sent me home to be on bedrest until my next appointment on Tuesday.  I am having a difficult time not "looking into" any little thing that seems different from my end of pregnancy feelings with the boys.  I feel much different....very uncomfortable and sore.  I feel like someone has broken every finger and toe on my body!  I dont' remember being sore with the boys.  It is official...I can't reach my own toes, can't bend over, etc.  Had our official 35 week ultrasound, and I have gained 5lbs in 4 days!!  My feet are super swollen and the pain in my side is pretty much there all the time.  I asked Dr today if we could deliver next week, but no real answer...so we shall see.  Moving on to Week 36!

~ Extremely swollen feet!~

~ Week 36~  (Note:  When I start writing about the week...it is the beginning of that particular week....so week 36 journal is started at 35 weeks 1 day.)

Today I woke up in lots of pain (abdominal and back) and very uncomfortable swollen legs and feet.  I had my husband call the Dr's office and they told him to bring me to the labor and delivery at the hospital.  They got me attached to monitors to see how the babies were doing.  Immediately I noticed that their heartrates were falling between 180 and 210.  They have ALWAYS been between 120 and 150.  The nurse called the Dr to report what was going on.  Lab came in and took bloodwork and the nurse started IV.  We still hadn't heard from Dr about what is plan was, but it was looking like a delivery was in my future.  The pregnancy journey will end here at 35 weeks and 1 day.  

~quick mid-month update~

We had our 33 week US and appointment today.  Both babies are doing very well.  Mommy is hanging in there!  I was sent to the hospital late last week to have contractions stopped.  I am currently 60% effaced and 1cm dialated.  Dr. told me today that he just wants me to see 35 weeks.  If I am doing ok then, he might push me a little further, but he would be happy to get to 35 weeks and deliver.  I am a mixed ball of emotions about it all.  Prayers for 2.5 more weeks of "baking" are greatly appreciated.  We are so thankful that they babies are doing well.  God is GREAT!!! 

Brock Adam

Brock Adam (looks just like Caydens 32 wk US pic!)

Lynlee Grace (blowing kisses)

Lynlee Grace

~Our Twin Pregnancy: Month 8~

I have been horrible about keeping track of dates and such this month.  I haven't felt the best, and it seems that time is getting away from me.  We finished our kitchen remodel, and the bathroom is almost finished.  We haven't even started on baby prepping yet. 

At our 29 week appointment I was measuring 34 weeks.  Dr said his goal was to see us hit the 32 week mark.   I started seeing a PT to help with the muscular spasms and pain at 29 weeks as well.  I felt really good for about 5 days, but then the pain came back in full force.  Luckily it is worse at night, so I am able to get some things accomplished during the day.   I had some days of dizziness and nausesness around 30 weeks. 

 It wasn't hard to spot this Easter Egg on Easter!!

At our 31 week appt I was measuring 39 weeks!!!  Yes, I feel like a full term momma!  I have officially gained 30lbs. Both babies had good strong heartbeats on the US.  Brock and Lynlee were both practicing their breathing at this appointment as well!!! 

I can't believe how I can feel excellent one day and the next I am a complete mess.  I am so thankful for the "good"days.  The bad days are rough, but I am still extremely thankful and blessed to be carrying these babies.  I wouldn't trade the pain for anything (not even early delivery.)  I want Brock and Lynlee to be HEALTHY.  I don't want to see them hooked to tubes and wires....the thought just really scares me.  We made it to 32 weeks (our Dr's goal!)  I can't believe that we will meet them in 5 weeks!!! 

Pregnancy symptoms:  Sleepless/ uncomfortable nights, swollen feet at night, sore muscles/joints in morning,  heartburn, crazy left abdominal and back pain.
Cravings: Famous Amos Cookies (I eat A LOT of them!!!)  Chick-Fil-A milkshakes.

~Life as a Mommy~

There isn't a more rewarding job in the entire world.  I had a lot of dreams and expectations about being a mom, but Cayden has far exceeded them all.  He makes everyday joyful!  I also know that having Braxton has made me "enjoy" motherhood even more.  There are so many things that may seem little to others, but they mean so much to me.  With Mother's Day approaching I find myself with mixed emotions.  I want to be able to say that life couldn't be better, but I would be lying.  Life would be complete with Braxton here.   We will attempt to go to church this year...the past few years have been rough. To add to those years, last year we spent in the ER!!!  Praying that this year will be full of excitement and not disappoint. 

What do you do for Mother's Day?  What do you get your mom?  Shutterfly has some great Mother's Day gifts that can be personalized just for your mother.  The photo flip notebooks are great to keep in purses. 

I have also seen great deals on their Mother's Day cards.  A personalized photo card always means so much.   I try to make photo cards for family members as often as I can. 

Last year for Father's Day, I made a daddy photo brag book.  This year, Shutterfly has some cute Mommy Photobooks!!!  I would love my own bragbook!!! 

I encourage you to check out the great deals and quality at http://www.shutterfly.com/ .  If you are a fellow blogger, you can blog about shutterfly and enjoy 50 FREE 5 x 7 photocards (visit http://www.shutterflycards.com/2011/03/spring-announcements-with-shutterfly/33/ for more details.)   

Wishing you all a wonderful Mother's Day.  Please say a prayer for those woman who still long to be called mom. 

~painter for hire~

~Cayden just "helping" daddy paint!~