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!

Friday, January 8, 2010

Growing with each breath




We just had another emotional but amazing visit with our boys in the NICU. Dr. Hicks says to stay strong as they are both doing well.

Jared is still off of the ventilator and on the CPAP oxygen machine and doing well. He has a backup rate which helps him to breathe in case he forgets. His blood transfusion went well yesterday and his blood gas tests are still coming back well. He is perfectly comfortable sleeping in his little bed with his legs up (just like his Daddy.) On Jared's first day in this world, as if it weren't eventful enough, he had a slight "episode" in which he had to have CPR. After this, there was a small amount of bleeding found on his brain via ultrasound. Clinically, there has not been any signs of this bleeding getting any worse or continuing. They will be performing another ultrasound probably tomorrow to check up on it. Dr. Patel indicated that this blood may likely dissipate on its own because it was such a small amount.

The nurses thought that they might feed Anthony today, but it seems like it may be delayed another day or so. Anthony is still progressing. Often times they keep a small pack on him to keep him from moving because he is such a little wiggle worm. Moving is ok, but they would rather him save his energy for growing and developing. He does cry often - this makes the pulmonary therapists very excited because it helps to develop his lungs even more. He has even used a tiny pacifier already. It is so cute to see him using it and sucking away.

The first few days are usually focused on pulmonary issues then the next hurdle seems to be cardiac related. We spoke to Dr. Hicks today regarding an issue that both boys have with their hearts. Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a common issue with preemie infants. There is a small duct in their heart that connect the two arteries. It usually closes within the first few days of life on the outside but this is often delayed in premature babies. They can usually treat this with a certain medication, which is what they hope to do with Anthony possibly within the next few days. Jared's ductus is smaller and they are hoping it may close on its own, if not, medication would also be used. Dr. Hicks is waiting on reports from the cardiologist before taking any action.

The day that they were born my uncle Danny brought us some USC reusable decals for their incubators. We put them on last night. As many people know, Daddy is a big USC fan, but I always tell them "Fight On! Little Fighters!!" It is so comforting to see them respond to our touch and voices each time we visit them. Each time I post on this blog, I will close with that for them.

Fight On Little Fighters - Love Mama

3 comments:

  1. It sounds like they are both little fighters! Glad they are doing well and hope you guys are too!

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  2. Danielle you are already such an amazing Mother. I am so proud of you (Jason too)! Love, Grandma Karri

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  3. Danielle and Jason the babies and the two of you have been in our prayers since we heard of the babies arrival. God's Blessings, Elizabeth and Whitney

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