They're Here!!!!!!!

On January 3rd, the boys decided to arrive. They did not give much warning and seemed quite anxious to be with us. My water broke just before midnight and not long after contractions started. By the time we arrived at the hospital, I was already dilated to 9 cm and in A LOT of pain. I begged for an epidural, which they tried numerous times to give me, but the anesthesiologist just could not get it in the correct spot. Finally, I realized Caleb wanted OUT. He was born at 2:44 am (less than 3 hrs after my water had broken). I got to rest for a few minutes, then they attempted the epidural again, due in part to not knowing if Luke was going to cooperate and get into position, in which case I would have needed c-section. After numerous more failed attempts (i felt like a pin cushion) the contractions started again, as did the feeling that Luke was ready to be born. Finally, he got the epidural in and told me it would take about 15 minutes to work. I knew I didn't have that long. As soon as I laid down, Luke's water broke and a minute or two later he came FLYING out (3:24 AM). (The epidural did help with the pain AFTER they were born :)

Caleb weighed 5 lbs 15 oz and is 19 1/2 inches long. Luke weighed 5 lbs 10 oz. and is 19 1/4 inches long. Big babies for being born at 35 weeks.

Right away, the doctors began giving Luke extra attention. It was obvious he was having difficulties with his breathing. Caleb, however, seemed to be doing fine and we were able to hold him for a while.

Luke was whisked away to NICU and we have not been able to hold him yet. His breathing is very labored and his lungs are quite premature. He does not respond well to sound, light or touch, so our visits with him are very brief. They have him on a nose canule (sp?) as well as in an oxygen bubble. Currently, they are also giving him IV fluids. He has also shown some cardiac issues which I don't completely understand. It seems that along with a murmur, there are some vessels that should be closed but are open, due to his prematurity. There are also some places where there is bidirectional flow and he has pulmonary hypertension. This information all came after an echocardiogram and they said they will do another in 2-3 days. They did say his heart looks better that they had originally thought and that most if not all of these issues should correct themselves as he grows and matures.

As I said before, Caleb was allowed to stay with us for a while. We were able to hold him for a bit, until the nurse noticed he was struggling a bit to breathe. They took him to the regular nursery to be monitored. After a couple of hours, they decided he would do better in the NICU as well. HIs breathing issues are much milder than Luke's. He also has an IV and a nasal canule, but is receiving less oxygen than Luke. I was finally able to hold him again around 1 this morning, which was nice.

The doctors say the soonest either baby will come home is in about a week, but either could be here up until there due date, which is in 5 weeks. It is very difficult to not be able to hold and feed them right now, but we are crying out to the Lord in our time of need.

Please pray that the boys would gain strength and maturity in their lungs quickly and that Luke's cardiac issues would clear up. Please also pray that we would be able to touch and bond with Luke soon, as it is not possible to do so yet. Lastly, please pray that we would be open to learning what God would want to do in us and through us during this time. We want to be a light to the NICU staff and other parents and we want to hear from the Lord.

I will update as they give us more information. Thank you for your prayers.

Downward march

Another ultrasound today and an answer to prayer:  the boys are BOTH head down!!!!!!  They are also growing big.  Approx.  4lbs 15 oz and 5 lbs 4 oz.  WOW!!!!! Sure explains the pain and discomfort.  I've reached the point now where they wouldn't try to stop labor if it started.  Kinda scary and exciting  :) 

Happy 2nd Birthday Zac!!!!!!!

Two years ago today we were blessed with our sweet Zachary David.  I can't believe how quickly the time has gone.  He has learned so much (good and bad ;) from his big brother and sister.  He loves cars, trucks, trains, balls and tools.  (A real man's man.)  His daddy and I love his sweet little laugh and the way he says "love you too" and "bless you" (whether you sneeze or cough).  Donny pointed out to me today that Zac is very in tune to my needs.  If i sigh or moan in pain he says "What's wrong?".  Today I was experiencing some morning sickness and Zac heard me (from another level in the house) and brought me a container and said "Here, spit." (We call it spitting up, not throwing up.)  I know, gross, but so sweet and thoughtful.

Anyway, we are thankful to God for our sweet little boy and look forward to seeing him grow and  mature into a little man of God.

A TJ Funny

So, the last part of TJ's memory verse this week talks about overlooking an ofFENSE.  We were reading through the verse tonight and and he said "Mommy, tell me when we get to the part about the gate, cuz I know that part."  I laughed till I cried.

Almost 30 weeks!

Well, I'll be 30 weeks on Saturday and we had another ultrasound today.  The boys are doing great, weighing in at approximately 3lbs 11 oz.  and 3 lbs 9 oz.  Unfortunately, neither of them are head down.  Baby A is breech and Baby B is transverse, with his feet over by Baby A's head.  Soooo, please pray that they would both turn.  The chances of this decrease with each passing week, but we can still pray cuz God can do it!  I can't believe I am already carrying around over 7lbs of baby  :)

They're growing

Well, we had another ultrasound this week.  the boys are both growing nicely.  One weighs 1 lb 12 oz. and the other is 1 lb 10 oz.  The Dr.  says everything looks great and we are doing great.   We're all getting really excited and looking forward to meeting these little guys.

Almost forgot.  During the ultrasound, one of the boys kicked the other in the head.  Oh dear.  Fighting already ;)

It's been a while...

I can't believe how long it has been since I've posted anything.  Lots of things have changed...

We are now living in our new house.  God provided a home larger enough for our growing family and it is right around the corner from our church/TJ's school, which is such a blessing.

TJ is doing well in Kindergarten.  (Although, his homework makes me thankful that I'm not teaching him to read.  I am so NOT a good primary teacher.)  He loves school and I think one of the coolest things is hearing him recite the Bible verses they learn.

Elaina has adjusted to the idea that 2 more boys will be joining our clan.  I think she's actually excited about being Mommy's helper.  She just started taking dance classes and LOVES them.

Zac is talking up a storm.  It seems like he adds new words/phrases every day.  Some of our favorites are "No way"  and "How are you?".

Life is definitely busy.  I'm trying not to overdo it because I get tired and sore very easily.

We have another sonogram next Wednesday and I'm looking forward to seeing these little guys again.