October 25, 2008
Quick update
Max sleeping peacefully
Izzy meets her little sister Kate
Still Chad here: Karen’s hands are still too swollen to type. Everyone is doing just fine. Karen is still being pumped full of antibiotics for the listeria. One of our nurses, who has been here 30 years, said it’s the first case of listeria she’s ever seen. Our NICU nurse, who has been here 22 years, said the same. Even Dr. Lombardi thinks its very strange. There are only 2500 cases of listeria a year…and 500 of those cases end in death. Don’t be alarmed; Karen is getting much better. It did NOT pass along to Max and Kate so no worries there. If it had gone undetected much longer though it’s very possible that Izzy and I would have been left alone. Thank you God for protecting our family! (ps. No sooner did I post this than the Infectious Disease Dr. walked in. He nows says they aren’t 100% it’s Listeria. He said it looks like it, but they can’t say for sure so they are sending her lab stuff off to the “state” ie CDC. They are going to do some testing on Karen’s heart this weekend to make sure it’s not infected. He said when she goes home she’ll have a pikk line with 2-6 weeks of IV antiobiotics. Karen is taking the news in stride. Max and Kate are fine.)
Both babies are doing exactly what 31 week gestatational age babies should be doing. We’re going to have our hands full with Max. He fusses almost non-stop. He has a squeeky little fuss – it’s almost funny. Kate is very relaxed – too relaxed sometimes. She having some apnea problems. When she gets too relaxed and falls into too deep of a sleep she “forgets” to breathe. In most cases she remembers herself and wakes herself up. Some time the nurse wakes her up though; that’s very annoying to Kate. I’d rather hear her crying though than have her not breathing. The NICU drs. say they are both doing great. The apnea is a very normal thing for preemies.
I’ve decided that nurses are angels. Karen’s antipartem nurses have all become her friends. They’ve taken such good care of her. The NICU nurses, drs, and therapists are incredible. That’s the most stressful environment I’ve ever been in. Don’t misunderstand, it’s a very state of the art and “peaceful” place, but there is underlying stress everywhere. Beeps, buzzers, and alarms are going off nonstop. All of them mean that a baby needs to be checked on. Each nurse has only 2 babies to watch, so Max and Kate are monitored non stop. We’re very blessed to have a couple of the larger babies in the NICU right now. Imagine that – 4lbs being large.
Thank you for your continued prayers. We still need them.
October 23, 2008
Max and Kate born October 22!
first picture of them together, moments after delivery. This pic was taken right outside the operating room doors just prior to the high speed trip down the hall to the NICU.
Chad: Hi ya’ll, this post won’t be as eloquent as perhaps it should it be, but you’ll have to forgive me…I’m a little whipped. Max and Kate were born in that order at 3:27 and 3:28 respectively today. Max weighed 4.1 pounds and Kate weighed 3.11 and 3/4 pounds. We were thrilled with how big they are. Both are resting in the NICU now under the constant supervision of the staff nurses and doctors. We’re very impressed with the treatment they are receiving. Both are breathing on their own as best as can be expected of 31 week old babies. Kate is doing a little better than Max. That was to be expected as well due the “wimpy white boy” syndrome we kept hearing about. White males tend to struggle a little more early on. No cause for alarm though…both are right where they should be.
Karen is a machine. She did great! So many of the nurses were beside themselves with excitement for their favorite patient. Karen is recovering well. In fact, they’ve already transferred her back to her home here in 3206.
What an experience today was! During delivery I counted 16 people in the room performing different tasks. Everyone took part in the miracle of Max and Kate’s birth.
More when we’re not so exhaused. For all you facebook people…there are some pics on Karen’s facebook page. I’ll post some pics on this site when I’m able.
October 22, 2008
Today is the Day
Chad: We learned this morning that they will take the babies this afternoon at 3:00pm. They look great. Karen is feeling a little better as well, but the infectious disease doctors are concerned about Karen’s “levels”. She has an infection somewhere and they can’t find it. Please say prayers for us this afternoon.
The babies are 31 weeks now. They weighed 3lbs each two weeks ago, so we’re hoping they are closer to 4lbs now. We’ll meet them in a few hours.
Big decision
Chad again: Karen had another tough day. She feels like she has the flu, but thus far all of her tests have come back negative. Her amnio results are all negative as well. One thing is certain, she has been miserable and no one is exactly sure whats going on. There appears to be an infection somewhere in her body, but doctors from several departments haven’t been able to find it. Karen and I made the decision early this evening to request that the Magnesium drip be removed. She has been on the Mag for the entire 8 weeks. It’s purpose is to curtail or control contractions. Mag can cause lots of nasty side effects which to this point Karen has seemed immune to. Her dosage was upped to the maximum about a week ago when her cervix dropped down to a 5. Since then she hasn’t felt well at all. She’s off the Mag, off the Procardia (controls blood pressure), and off a couple of antibiotics. We’re taking a chance here, but everyone feels that Max and Kate will be fine even if they come in the next few days. Everyone also agrees that Karen has done all she can do and has been very strong. Now, we’re just waiting to see what happens. Karen is feeling a little better already. Contractions could start in the next couple of days…or be several weeks away. We just don’t know, because she hasn’t been without the mag in 8 solid weeks. Say a prayer for all of us tonight. Karen is confident that it was time to let God decide when Max and Kate will arrive.
More later.
October 19, 2008
Tough few days
Hi Ya’ll … Chad here. The fact that I’m writing again is a pretty good indicator that Karen is having a tough time again. She’s been pretty sick for a few days. Yesterday she started feeling really bad…body aches, etc. They are doing a number tests to make sure everything is okay. They suspect she might just have an infection of some sort. They did an amniosyntesis this morning. Funny, made me think of the guy who spoke in devotional last Wednesday and thought he and his wife were so Godly for refusing the amnio test. Shortly after he said that I left devotional because I didn’t need to hear HIS story…got one of my own. My wife was brave enough to take the amnio test without flinching. We trust in God, but we also trust in modern medicine and doctors who lecture at Harvard. Keep Karen in your prayers. Max and Kate look great still so we’re thrilled about that. The ultrasound tech this morning reminded us for the hundredth time that “we’re going to have our hands full with these two.” Since the beginning everyone has commented on how Max and Kate are by far the most active babies they’ve ever seen. Karen’s going to be okay as well. As a testament to how much of a blessing she is to everyone – several of the nurses cried yesterday after seeing Karen not feeling well. They are so used to her smiling face. She’s been here 8 weeks and has blessed all of these women who take care of her. They take very good care of her.
More as we learn.
October 17, 2008
OK – so I havent written in a few days and a few of you have called or emailed with your concerns (thanks for keeping up with us by the way). As of now, there is no change, which is a good thing! I have been a little under the weather this week – probably due to the increase in the meds and all these fluids going through my body. A little extra swelling, blood pressure not cooperating, and just being plain tired – how you get tired when you lay in bed all day is surprising to me, too! I did have all kinds of fun lab tests done today, and everything came back great. Things could be much worse, and I am just grateful that we keep pushing along. In fact, I think I have everyone around here a little confused. All the nurses and doctors thought these babies would be here by now, yet here we are. I should have started dilating weeks ago, but nothing. We have overcome all the odds and statistics.
Chad did take a brief tour of the NICU on Sunday, and to my relief, he came back very relieved. The babies that are close in size to what Max and Kate are measuring right now are all doing great, and “just looked like little babies” according to Chad. We are both starting to get very excited about seeing these little guys and starting the crazy life that we know is coming very soon. It feels great to know that we are past the point of worrying, and just taking it day by day. Of course, we still would like to make it at least 2 more weeks (32 weeks) and ideally would rather have them come at 34-36 weeks, so that any time (hopefully none) in the NICU will be short.
I am scheduled for another ultrasound on Tuesday, but may have one tomorrow just since I have been feeling a little off kilter. The babies still look great on the monitors, though, and they are just as happy as can be. The doctors seem very excited that they have not been affected at all my the meds. I have a feeling these two may give Izzy a run for her money – they are resilient little things as well. I am so proud of all of my family, especially Chad, who has taken on life as a single dad with a brand new job and a wife in the hospital, and still has a smile on his face every time he walks through this door. I am so lucky and grateful for him!
We’ll keep you updated!
October 10, 2008
Living Day by Day
my salvation comes from him.
October 7, 2008
Ultrasound Update 10/7
Just had my weekly ultrasound. My cervix is back down to a 9, but still no dilation – so good news. The ultrasound tech also measured the babies again, and Max is approximately 2 lbs. 15 oz., and Kate (AKA “Piglet”) is 3 lbs. 4oz. They are both measuring above the 50th percetile for gestational age (avg. for 29 weeks is about 2.5 lbs.), and Kate is in the top 65% for weight. We are so excited that they are getting so big and being so active. Unfortunately, I don’t think my belly is so appreciative. I have had some issues with my skin cracking and bleeding because it is growing so fast, but the doctor is trying some pharmaceutical creme mix that seems to be helping. If that is all I have to put up with to get these babies here safe, then that is no big deal! Again, thanks for your continued prayers and support – I know we wouldn’t be here without it!
September 30, 2008
Third Trimester!!! and an Ultrasound Update
We have officially made it to our third trimester, 28 weeks. I am so excited, and blessed!!! We really weren’t sure if we would get this far a few weeks ago. I also had an ultrasound this morning, and again shocked the doctors and nurses – my cervix has gone back up to a 16! Alot better than that 6 we had 5 weeks ago. There is still no dilation, and Max’s head is putting quite a bit of pressure on it – and it is still just getting better. Proof positive that prayer works.
I got more pics today, I’ve just got to find someone that can scan them in (hint, hint, mom) since I am not accessible to a scanner and sweet hubby has already broken the computer at home – what in the world would he do without me!!!
September 26, 2008
Better Together
At least for most of the questions in my heart ,
Like why are we here? And where do we go?
And how come it’s so hard?
It’s not always easy,
And sometimes life can be deceiving,
I’ll tell you one thing, its always better when we’re together.”
[Verse 1:]
There’s no combination of words
I could put on the back of a postcard,
No song that I could sing
But I can try for your heart,
Our dreams, and they are made out of real things,
Like a shoebox of photographs,
With sepiatone loving,
Love is the answer
At least for most of the questions in my heart ,
Like why are we here? And where do we go?
And how come it’s so hard?
It’s not always easy,
And sometimes life can be deceiving,
I’ll tell you one thing, its always better when we’re together
MMM, it’s always better when we’re together
Yeah, we’ll look at the stars when we’re together
Well, it’s always better when we’re together
Yeah, it’s always better when we’re together
And all of these moments
Just might find their way into my dreams tonight
But I know that they’ll be gone,
When the morning light sings
And brings new things,
But tomorrow night you see
That they’ll be gone too,
Too many things I have to do,
But if all of these dreams might find their way
Into my day to day scene
I’ll be under the impression,
I was somewhere in-between
With only two,
Just me and you
Not so many things we got to do,
Or places we got to be
We’ll sit beneath the mango tree now
MMM, We’re somewhere in-between together
Well, it’s always better when we’re together
Yeah, it’s always better when we’re together
I believe in memories
They look so, so pretty when I sleep
Hey now, and when, and when I wake up,
You look so pretty sleeping next to me
But there is not enough time,
And there is no, no song I could sing
And there is no combination of words I could say
But I will still tell you one thing,
We’re better together
Crazy Day Part 2
The fun continues! About 1am my IV started beeping, I had an occlusion where the line had gotten bent. No biggy, but the nurse did take my blood pressure because I was feeling a little loopy. It was obviously a little low, so for the next 3 hours, I had my blood pressure cuff go off every 15 minutes and a manual check by the nurse every hour. Didn’t get much sleep – but my blood pressure finally started to cooperate. Was a little sleepy today, but that was fine.
During both my 2pm and 8pm monitoring sessions, the little ones would not cooperate. The first nurse got so mad that “baby B” (Kate) wouldn’t stop moving, that she tore the monitors off and said if the doctors wanted to see an hour long monitor strip, they would have to come hold her on themselves!
About 4:00pm, I finally had the IV Therapy team come in and put in my PICC line. The whole process was really amazing – It took almost an hour for them to get all the items set up (They use an ultrasound to guide the line into a vein in your arm, then into a major artery near your heart), but only about 5 minutes to get it in. I was honestly a little scared that it would be uncomfortable, but the only stick I even felt was the lidocaine (did I spell that right?) numbing the injection site. In fact, when they were done, I asked when they would be done threading the line. Had no clue that it WAS done!
A few hours later, I noticed a leak on the floor. Seems the fluid line (luckily not the magnesium line) had come loose, and was all over the floor. The nurses got it fixed pretty fast, but I had to have new lines and bags so there wouldn’t be any chance of infection. Again, I cannot wait to tell these little munchkins what they put me through – I may leave out the fact that I didn’t hardly feel that PICC line thing, and that I get chocolate ice cream or cokes delivered to me bedside at the click of a button, and that I am getting to meet Titans football players …………. There are just some things they don’t have to know 
September 25, 2008
Crazy Day
For the most part, my days here are pretty uneventful. Today was not. I have to be hooked up to the contraction monitor and monitors for the babies heart rate 4 times a day for an hour, and my first one is at 6:00am. Well, this morning the little boogers wouldn’t cooperate (Kate will go crazy and kick Max and knock him off the monitors), and I ended up on the monitors for over 2 hours with nurses having to come and readjust them constantly. This afternoon my hand started hurting pretty badly, and started bleeding around my IV. The nurse took it out, and couldn’t find a good vein to put a new one in. While we were waiting on Anaesthesiology to get here to find a good vein, the vein my IV had been in started spurting blood! It didn’t hurt, and for some reason, didn’t even alarm me, but the nurse was a little frazzled. So, now I am waiting for Anaesthesiology once again to get a PICC line put in. I am glad they won’t be poking me anymore – after 7 IV’s!!! I can’t wait to use all of this to remind these kids how much they owe me!!! It’s like I’ve said, though, I don’t care if they hang me upside down by shackles as long as these babies are healthy and happy. As active as they are, I don’t think that will be a problem.
September 23, 2008
Ultrasound Update 9/23
Just had my ultrasound and talked to Dr. Fortunato. My cervix is exactly the same as last week, which is good news. As long as we can keep it there, we can make it another week. Our first big goal was to make it to week 28, and they seem to think that will not be a problem, and that our next big goal is 32 weeks. Since I had the steroid shots, they should be absolutely fine if they were to come then. Of course, they would have to be here for a while for growth reasons, etc., but should be fine. My goal is still to get them big enough to not have to even go to the NICU. Isabella did it – we were expecting a preemie with her, and she came out 8 lbs. 12 oz.
Chad and I both feel much better knowing that they are growing well, that I am being monitored constantly, and that everything is staying stable. Thanks for your prayers – we can never tell you how much we appreciate them.
Not much new with me and the twins, am having another ultrasound in the morning, but I did want to say congrats to our close friends Michael and Deb (Michael is Chad’s oldest and closest friend from elementary school). They welcomed their new son, 6 weeks before schedule, but he is doing great!
I also wanted to thank a few people for everything they have done for us over the past month – especially Pamela and the Ford family for making Izzy one of their own. All of the people who have kept Chad and Izzy fed while I am not there to cook (I can hear Chad laughing now). Our family members who have spent alot of money on gas getting up here to see me and to drive Izzy back and forth to gymnastics. Everyone from the church who has come by, called, and sent loads of cards that help me stay motivated in faith that God is continuing to keep His hands on these babies and on me. Chad and I are truly grateful for the outpouring of support from everyone!
Tomorrow is Chad’s birthday, and I hope that this ultrasound will be wonderful news to make it a special day for him. Happy birthday baby! I love you, Izzy loves you, and Max and Kate love you, too.
September 16, 2008
Ultrasound Update
I had my latest ultrasound this morning, and my cervix did drop back down to a 9, but is still holding strong with no dilation. The ultrasound tech measured the babies to get an estimate on the babies weight, and they both are 1 oz. shy of 2 lbs, so they are growing well, and are measuring great for their gestatioanal age(I am 26 weeks today).
Thanks for your continued prayers and support. I’ll keep you updated.
September 12, 2008
Prayers are working!
Hey – it’s karen! It’s been a long couple of weeks, but I am now able to sit up enough and not too swollen to type – so things are getting much better. I had another ultrasound today, and my cervix has doubled in length (from a 6 when I came in, to a 15 today), and the dilation is still closed (it was 1.5 when I got here). I still can’t believe I am talking about my cervix, and that Chad is so open to talking about it !
Thank you all for your prayers for me and Max and Kate – they really are working – it is very rare and unusual to have such a lengthening. It usually only gets smaller. My doctor was very, very pleased today, and it really set my mind at ease. For now, I will stay on the magnesium IV since it seems to be working, and I am still on strict bedrest, but I don’t have a contraction monitor anymore – I am just monitored every 6-8 hours, I have bathroom priveleges now (maybe that is more than you want to know) and I get to have a shower every other day – all of 5 minutes! But the most important thing is that the babies are great – They put them on the doppler monitor every 8 hours, so I get to see and hear their little hearts beating, and the nurses all joke with me that they are going to be strong willed and feisty, since they move so much while they are boing monitored (Kate fights it – she tries to hide every time).
Alot of you have said that you could never do this, etc., but trust me – when it comes to safety of your children – it really isn’t hard. In fact, I think it is harder on Chad than me. And Isabella is such a resilient little thing – she thinks that this is what every pregnat woman goes through. She tells everyone that mommy is taking care of her babies!
I will be having another ultrasound on Monday to get accurate measurements of the babies sizes – and Tuesday I will be 26 weeks, which is considered a huge milestone around here – especially since I have had the steroid shots. Today, though, it seems as if everything is going great, and these babies won’t be here for a while. I’ll keep you updated!
More good news
Karen had another ultrasound today and things seem to be improving. Her cervix measured a 6 and she was dilated when she was admitted a couple of weeks ago. It has now improved to a 13 and there is no dilation. The magnesium IV and complete rest seem to be working!
It also turns out that her first blood results were incorrect regarding Diabetes. She does NOT have gestational diabetes at this point.
She’s also finally wearing her own gowns/tank tops. No more prison cell gray hospital gowns.
September 10, 2008
On her feet
Karen now being aloud to get out of bed to go to the restroom. She called me about an hour ago really excited because they let her take a shower! Freedom!!!!! sort of.
September 9, 2008
Gestational Diabetes
Karen’s test results came back positive today for Gestational Diabetes. We knew this was coming since she was already insulin resistant due to her lifelong battle with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). They’ll do another more accurate test tomorrow. All this means probably is that her diet will be modified.
The next ultrasound is scheduled for Friday. I’m back at work this week. Izzy is doing great so far with the all the change. Thanks to everyone who has helped out.
On another note, Karen isn’t getting much rest because the phone keeps ringing. She definately appreciates the calls, but I told her I would try to limit them for her. Not sure if these times are best for her or not, but I’ll throw some out there that I think will work. Try to call only between:
11a-1p
5-7p
September 5, 2008
Ultrasound update
Karen had another ultrasound today. It showed slight improvement; her cervix has moved from a 6 to a 9. Again, a 40 is normal and she landed on bed rest with a 22, so 9 is far from “good”, but it is a small improvement nonetheless. There’s still a small level of “funneling” that’s of concern. The bed rest seems to be working – slowly – but working.
September 4, 2008
Baptist – Room 3206
We’re all settled in the Predators Suite now – room 3206. We have MORE than enough room for visitors now with lots of seating. The phone number is 284-3206.
Another upgrade is that we have a DVD player now instead of just the VHS…so, in case anyone wants to send or bring DVDs that’d be great Anyone have complete seasons of “The Office”?
Moving day…again
We’re excited about this one though. We’re moving down the hall later this afternoon to the Predators Suite! It’s much larger, decorated with Preds stuff, and has a view of the Nashville skyline instead of the parking garage. Hooray! One more tidbit about the new room; a Nashville celebrity gave birth not too long ago in our new room. Any guesses on who? I’ll update the room number in a bit.
September 3, 2008
Decisions to make
Dr. Fortunato just visited and spent some time once again discussing options with us. We have a couple: put in a cerclege (in simple terms a “stitch”) or do nothing but continue very strict bed rest. It’s not an easy decision since he says the medical community is not in complete agreement as how best to treat twin pregnancies in this case. If we were pregnant with one baby they’d almost certainly do the “stitch”. With two babies though the research isn’t as absolute. He said some women with multiples actually fair better without the stitch. With the stitch there are a couple of risk: infection and it could cause contractions. On the up side it could force the babies to stay put. Right now Karen’s body seems stable just doing the strict bed rest. We’ve both expressed to the doctor that we don’t want to go home, because we feel safer here. He said thats the plan then … to remain here under their care. We decided to think over the decision tonight and decide tomorrow after more ultrasounds and blood work. They did start steroids today. Those will help Max and Kate’s lungs develop faster. Tomorrow they start daily ultrasounds. Please continue to pray for us. We feel with all certainty that these babies were sent to us by God and a series of events beyond our understanding has allowed us to keep them safe to this point.
More later.
September 2, 2008
Baptist Hospital Rm. 3201
Our tour of Nashville hospitals continues! The number is 284-3201.
“In the past five days I’ve been in 2 ambulances and 3 hospitals.” – karen
Dr. Forunato let us know this afternoon that Karen’s cervix is measuring a 6 – normal is a 40. She was originally put on bed rest with a 22.
Baptist is great so far. The room is HUGE. The nurses are all great and seem to be making fast friends with Karen. I don’t think they see many women come in with a smile on their face – like Karen. I’m a little jealous; they put these awesome leg massager things on Karen’s legs to keep the circulation moving.
More as we learn it.
transferring to Baptist
We knew this was coming: Karen is being transferred to Baptist this afternoon due to insurance issues. Dr. Fortunato thinks Karen is stable enough to make the trip across the street (in an ambulance of course). Thank you Blue Cross Blue Shield.
I’ll update the blog with new contact info (room number, phone number, etc) later.
another partial update
The nurse from Maternal Fetal group just left. She did the ultrasound, but we still need to see the doctor. The nurse did tell us that the dilation has closed, but the shortening of the cervix is about the same. Bottom line: we’re getting comfy at Centennial. Karen will likely be here for the next few months. We’ll know more after talking to the doctor; not sure if that will happen today or not. Dr. Lombardi is out today so we’re not sure if Fortunato will visit us.
This is a positive update. At least things haven’t gotten worse. I’m actually kind of glad they think Karen will remain here. She was nervous about going home. She’s in the best place possible. There is a small chance that we might transfer to Baptist due to insurance issues, but that remains to be determined. If the doctors determines this to be an “emergency” and that Karen is too unstable to transfer then BCBS will pay…otherwise, we’ll be moving. More later.
Chad
Update (sort of)
Chad again: Nothing new to report really. Karen had a good long weekend here at Centennial. She’s handling staying in the bed great. Imagine not moving for 5 days and facing not moving for 3-4 more months. Several of the nurses have told her that she’s their favorite patient because she’s the only person on the entire floor that consistantly has a smile on her face and a good attitude. Typical Karen…they all love her. Izzy has become a superstar around here too. She loves talking to the nurses about being a princess and coloring. I dropped Izzy off with Pamela Ford (our neighbor) this morning. She’ll have a blast there! Thanks Pamela, Randy, and family. Not sure what the rest of the week holds for us yet.
One thing is for sure; we feel alot more relaxed today than we did on Friday when Karen was loaded into an ambulance and sped North on 65 while I did my best to keep up.
The doctors are going to do some testing today: more ultrasounds,etc. That should tell us alot. Keep us in your prayers and I’ll update the blog after the tests today.
August 30, 2008
Centennial Women’s Center Rm. 6208
Hi Gang, this is Chad. Karen was admitted to Williamson Medical Center last night and then promptly transferred to the high risk floor at Centennial Women’s Center last night. It was a scary time, but we got a good report from the high risk dr. this morning. He says that despite the way things look there is very little chance, almost zero, that the babies are coming anytime soon. They need to continue to monitor Karen for now though. We could be there a few more days, weeks, or ever months. We were very encouraged by the news he gave us though.
The Room number is 6208. I believe the phone number is 342-6208.
Keep Karen, me, Izzy, and especially Max and Kate in your prayers.
August 27, 2008
Stats
I told myself that I wouldn’t research all the infant viability rates, etc. this time around like I did with Izzy, but as a writer and researcher by nature, I just had to. Not that I am worried – in fact, it is because of the opposite – to reassure myself and everyone else that we will all be alright – Here I am at almost 24 weeks, and my cervix hasn’t moved in 4 weeks!. My doctor is not concerned, as she say’s just “overly cautious”, but it does make me want to know what to do to keep these babies in here as long as possible, and to know realistically what happens. I became a huge advocate of March of Dimes while I was pregnant with Izzy, and have found myself there again – such a wonderful organization. I have also become very intrigued with the Fetal Fibronectin test (this is the test I will have done starting next week that gives you a 99% chance of not going into labor within 2-3 weeks if you get a negative result). Wish they had had that with Izzy, but oh well. All 3 of these babies (including Izzy) are my miracle babies – who know, maybe these two will be born 8lbs. 12 oz. / 22 1/2 inches long like Iz – shocked us all after expecting a preemie.
So here are the stats (these are based on singletons – twins actually fare better):
28 weeks – 90% survival rate, but possibility of health problems
32 weeks – 95% survival rate, with a good prognosis
At the rate I am going, I will make it well past either of these! If anything like Izzy, I’ll have to be induced.
More than 50% of twins are born preterm (before 37 weeks); the average is 35 weeks (I’ll be 35 weeks on Nov. 16th – the day after my dad’s b’day!), but research has found that twins develop significantly faster before 30 weeks than singletons! Almost all twins born after 35 weeks are born with no problems and spend very little if any time in the NICU. It is still best to make it to 37 weeks, though, so that is my big goal (November 30th).
5.5lbs. is the goal (this is the avg. weight at 35 weeks of a twin) – not much chance of any problems at this weight.
Both babies are well over a pound right now, and the docs think there is no chance of going into labor in the next few weeks. Yeah, my cervix is short, but it is not dilating at all (just like Izzy).
However, I can only imagine what other moms that aren’t as lucky as me go through, and my heart goes out to all of them. If the little bit of info I know can help someone else, help them stay put on bed rest, help them educate themselves, help give them a little encouragement – it is all worth it.
Check these out:
August 25, 2008
Meet Max and Kate
Here are some newer pics. I’m going on week three of bed rest right now, but everything looked pretty good on Friday, so I get to sit up a little bit more (which means I can get back to blogging!). Izzy is in Florida with my family – we were supposed to go, but Chad was a little concerned about me making it that far. Anyway – I am 23 weeks today according to the latest baby measurements, and they both looked great on Friday. Max never stops moving and I don’t think he ever sleeps, unless he just moves in his sleep. Kate so far seems to be just a gentle little thing – she is always moving on the ultrasound, but not flailing like Max. I don’t feel her as much. It is really neat to be able to feel them both move so much and to get to see them on ultrasound once a week. I guess that’s the positive thing about all these doctor’s appointments!
MAX
KATE
