So many of the things that brand new parents get to do when their first child/children are born we did not get to do. Some people have commented that we were "robbed" of things, or we were "cheated" out of things. I suppose that is one way to look at things and it is certainly a reasonable way to see things. But, for me I would prefer not to look at things that way.
I fully believe that my boys were born so early for a reason. Whether it be because something was about to go seriously wrong in the womb, or for some other purpose, God brought us our children early. So, if my boys being here is God's work, it is hard to associate words like "robbed" or "cheated" with the situation.
Danielle and I have simply decided that every moment our boys are here, and every moment we get to spend with them is a blessing that we will cherish. The experiences of the birth process, and getting to hold them, or the joy of spending those first few moments loving our boys in our arms, feeding them, and caring for them, pales in comparison to the lifetime of love and laughter yet to come at home.
So, we aren't cheated or robbed. We are blessed. Danielle was quick to point out that if God leads you to it, God will lead you through it. And proving that good things come to those who wait, Danielle got to hold Jared for the first time tonight. His nurse Mary Lou was changing his bedding and asked if Danielle wanted to hold him for the brief moment it would take to accomplish her task.
It struck me as funny that she asked. Who would say no? Anyway, Jared's tiny body, still hooked to his machines was wrapped up and placed in Danielle's arms. My heart raced and felt the joy that only a Daddy could feel seeing his child being cradled in Momma's arms for the first time. Momma cried. Daddy cried too, but still managed to get a picture of the moment, I'll never forget. I'm sure my day is coming soon, but I'm not worried about me. It is a mother's right to hold her child for the first time, and I am so happy that Danielle finally got to cradle her baby.
So many times in life we take for granted the things that mean so much. If you have a baby or child at home hug them and kiss them. Tell them you love them. Be grateful that you can.
As for the boys, they are doing fine today. Jared did not come off the CPAP, but maybe tomorrow. He did get a blood transfusion which helped him greatly. If he comes off CPAP tomorrow they may try to start feeding him. His spells have subdued, and the PDA still doesn't seem to be affecting him too much, if at all. Maybe tomorrow we can confer with the doctor and get some more information. Remember, in the NICU, no news is good news.
Anthony is still cruising on his nasal cannula, but he's still having his apnic episodes. Tomorrow the doctors will check his blood gases to see how he's holding up. The nurses suspect he may need a blood transfusion. As for his feeds, they were discontinued today until 11 p.m. tonight. At the 2 a.m. feeding last night some residual stomach juices were present, with a high concentration of bile.
This is normal and expected. I looked at the bright side and thought to myself, "If there's bile in there at least we know his liver is working."
Anthony has also reached a whopping 2 lbs. So after losing weight, gaining weight, losing weight, and gaining weight, after a couple of days of feeds he has surpassed his birth weight of 1 lbs. 15 oz. What a fatty!
Again, today was good, but alas tomorrow is a new day. I know they will continue to fight, because they are strong. The nurses are there to guide their way, so are Momma and Daddy, and most importantly, so is God.
Fight On, Little Fighters!- Love Daddy
Welcome to Our Blog! Our Story Starts Below...
Welcome to our blog! We set this up as an information hub about the progress of our little twin boys who were born on January 5, 2010. We along with our little boys first thank you so much for your love and support, and hope that this blog will give you an opportunity to follow their progress as they grow in the NICU at St. Jude Hospital in Fullerton.
Our little boys had a harrowing journey to get here. They were born at 25 weeks and 6 days, which is needless to say, very early. Jared William, was born at 10:49 a.m. feet first, and on the bathroom floor of the delivery room. Anthony Michael was born at 11:30 via C-section after he decided that he wanted to come out hands first.
Our story started on Monday, January 4 after a doctor's appointment with Dr. Gray. Danielle had been feeling generally, "crappy" the day before and reported what sounded like some contractions. The doctor decided to send us across the street to the hospital just to make sure everything was okay. After a couple of hours in labor and delivery the staff confirmed a few contractions, but very far apart. Her cervix was not dilated and the babies were fine.
The doctor sent us home and told us to keep track of the contractions, and so long as they weren't less than 7 minutes apart there was no need for concern. The next morning Danielle started feeling contractions again, but this time they were about five minutes apart. She called the doctor who said to wait another hour and see if they went away.
I was just getting ready to walk out the door to work when Danielle had a contraction that just about doubled her over. Deciding something wasn't right, I called the doctor and said we were coming to the hospital.
On our way to the hospital Danielle was having severe pains in her lower back every three minutes. When we arrived at the hospital Danielle was hooked up to the machines which registered no contractions at all. The doctors and nurses did not think her pains were contractions but constipation. After several attempts to alleviate that Danielle went into the bathroom still having severe lower back pain.
After a minute, I heard a scream, and Danielle was screaming that her babies were coming out. The nurses came rushing, as did the doctor, but Jared was too impatient to wait. He was born on the bathroom floor. After Danielle was moved to the bed, Anthony wasn't so cooperative and an emergency C-section was performed.
The NICU unit was quick to respond and help the teenie little babies breathe and fight for life. Jared was 2lbs. 1oz. and was 13 and 1/2 inches long. Anthony was 1lb. 15oz. and was 13 inches long.
The whole thing was totally unexpected, and frankly more traumatic than happy. But we are blessed with two gorgeous little miracle babies!
Our boys came home to us on March 26, 2010, after spending 81 days or about 12 weeks in the NICU at St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton. As you may note from our previous posts below, the journey was not without its bumps in the road.
There were highs, and there were lows. We and the boys braved two laser eye surgeries, and countless other obstacles and scares. But, we never lost confidence in the medical team in the NICU, and always kept our faith that God would lead us through this time.
Our steadfastness paid off, because now the boys are happy and healthy at home! This of course brings with it a totally new set of challenges that we are exicted and eager to experience. The task of caring for twin newborns is a daunting one, but a welcome one.
So, just because the boys are now home, don't think the blogging will stop. It may not be as consistent as before, but we will do our best to keep you all updated on their progress, and give you a window into our lives raising twin boys.
Enjoy!
Our little boys had a harrowing journey to get here. They were born at 25 weeks and 6 days, which is needless to say, very early. Jared William, was born at 10:49 a.m. feet first, and on the bathroom floor of the delivery room. Anthony Michael was born at 11:30 via C-section after he decided that he wanted to come out hands first.
Our story started on Monday, January 4 after a doctor's appointment with Dr. Gray. Danielle had been feeling generally, "crappy" the day before and reported what sounded like some contractions. The doctor decided to send us across the street to the hospital just to make sure everything was okay. After a couple of hours in labor and delivery the staff confirmed a few contractions, but very far apart. Her cervix was not dilated and the babies were fine.
The doctor sent us home and told us to keep track of the contractions, and so long as they weren't less than 7 minutes apart there was no need for concern. The next morning Danielle started feeling contractions again, but this time they were about five minutes apart. She called the doctor who said to wait another hour and see if they went away.
I was just getting ready to walk out the door to work when Danielle had a contraction that just about doubled her over. Deciding something wasn't right, I called the doctor and said we were coming to the hospital.
On our way to the hospital Danielle was having severe pains in her lower back every three minutes. When we arrived at the hospital Danielle was hooked up to the machines which registered no contractions at all. The doctors and nurses did not think her pains were contractions but constipation. After several attempts to alleviate that Danielle went into the bathroom still having severe lower back pain.
After a minute, I heard a scream, and Danielle was screaming that her babies were coming out. The nurses came rushing, as did the doctor, but Jared was too impatient to wait. He was born on the bathroom floor. After Danielle was moved to the bed, Anthony wasn't so cooperative and an emergency C-section was performed.
The NICU unit was quick to respond and help the teenie little babies breathe and fight for life. Jared was 2lbs. 1oz. and was 13 and 1/2 inches long. Anthony was 1lb. 15oz. and was 13 inches long.
The whole thing was totally unexpected, and frankly more traumatic than happy. But we are blessed with two gorgeous little miracle babies!
Our boys came home to us on March 26, 2010, after spending 81 days or about 12 weeks in the NICU at St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton. As you may note from our previous posts below, the journey was not without its bumps in the road.
There were highs, and there were lows. We and the boys braved two laser eye surgeries, and countless other obstacles and scares. But, we never lost confidence in the medical team in the NICU, and always kept our faith that God would lead us through this time.
Our steadfastness paid off, because now the boys are happy and healthy at home! This of course brings with it a totally new set of challenges that we are exicted and eager to experience. The task of caring for twin newborns is a daunting one, but a welcome one.
So, just because the boys are now home, don't think the blogging will stop. It may not be as consistent as before, but we will do our best to keep you all updated on their progress, and give you a window into our lives raising twin boys.
Enjoy!
Jason, What a writer you are! Must say I cried too. What a wonderful time for both you and Danielle. Love you four, Grandma Cora
ReplyDeleteHi guys, I have been praying for the boys since the day they were born. I think of you guys and pray for you daily. I am so thankful for the blog you created. It is great to get updates on the boys but it is also such a blessing to be able to read about the work the Lord is doing in you (all of you) and through you. Your perspective is amazing. God will bless you for making the choice to see the the good in this situation that you are in. The boys coming early may have been a surprise to all of us but it was not a surprise to the Lord. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." It is evident that the Lord is already working in this situation to bring about good for His glory. These boys have a purpose for their lives and there is also a purpose for your (you and Danielle) lives as well. You are both doing a great job of living out your purpose , which is ultimately to glorify God. Praise be to God!
ReplyDeleteI will continue to pray and I have many friends praying as well.
Nicolle Tafoya
Thank you Jason for the lovely blog! Holding your baby for the 1st time is like no other experience, your blog brought tears to my eyes and makes me want to hug my little ones a little tighter. Both you and Danielle are great parents. I cannot imagine being as strong as the two of you have. Take care.
ReplyDeleteYour neighbor,
Amy