Had our appointment today and things were not better. Jack had grown and is again right on track. Luke did not grow much at all--only gained about 3 ounces. Dr. C did the doppler flow studies and Luke's blood flow was still decreased and now is having some reverse flow from the placenta. Basically when he is trying to send blood back through the umbilical cord to the placenta, some of it is coming back. Dr. C is very concerned and told us our options today. He is a little confused as to why Luke is having so many problems since he is convinced that they are identical twins. Our options were: deliver or do an amniocentesis today and check them next week. We do not want to deliver this early so we chose the amnio. The point of the amnio is to check for any possible genetic or chromosomal problems. Since Dr. C thinks they are identical twins--it would be almost impossible for one to have something and the other one to be fine. So we did the amnio to find out if Luke has something (and therefore would not be identical).
Now our choices from here get even harder:
1. If nothing comes back and Luke is perfectly healthy--we will deliver early.
2. If something minor comes back on Luke--we decide whether it would be better to deliver or to try to wait it out a little longer.
3. If something major comes back on Luke--like something that would be life threatening and/or non-compatible with life outside of the womb--we discuss whether we go ahead and take them early and risk Jack OR we leave them alone and give Jack the best chance and just hope that Luke could make it too. The ultimate goal in this case would be for Jack's survival and Luke
probably not make it.
We chose to do the amnio--it gives the babies a week longer to develop and might give us a few more options. We will go see Dr. C again on Wed. They went ahead and gave me the first of 2 steroid shots to help develop the babies lungs. That will help them if we deliver early. I go back tomorrow to Dr. W and get my second shot.
I want to thank everyone who has been praying for us and ask for continued prayers. I know God has a plan for us--even if I don't understand it. Ken and I are both a wreck and scared for our boys' lives. The decisions we are going to have to make are heartbreaking and so hard. We are trying to lean on God and trust in His plan--even though it is really hard right now. Please keep praying for us and our twin boys. We need all that we can get. God can do miracles and we are asking for one now!!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Birthing Classes
Last month Rachel signed us up for birthing classes and tomorrow is the big day. I really don't have any expectations and am just glad that we can cram it all into one day and be done with it. I'm sure I'll enjoy some of it - just don't know what to expect or what we will actually do.
I just spent a few minutes on Google Analytics checking the recent stats for the blog. I usually check every few months or so, but I was blown away with what I saw! We do not have many regular visitors, but since we've had more baby news recently, September has been the busiest month so far for the blog. Since September 1, we have had over 130 visitors from 10 states, Australia, Portugal, and one other unknown international visitor! Thank you SO MUCH for continuing to keep Luke and Jack in your thoughts and prayers. It really means a lot to have so many people praying for us.
If we do not update sooner, we will definitely let you know what we find out when we see the specialist again on Thursday (Sept. 17th - Happy Birthday Cailey!).
I just spent a few minutes on Google Analytics checking the recent stats for the blog. I usually check every few months or so, but I was blown away with what I saw! We do not have many regular visitors, but since we've had more baby news recently, September has been the busiest month so far for the blog. Since September 1, we have had over 130 visitors from 10 states, Australia, Portugal, and one other unknown international visitor! Thank you SO MUCH for continuing to keep Luke and Jack in your thoughts and prayers. It really means a lot to have so many people praying for us.
If we do not update sooner, we will definitely let you know what we find out when we see the specialist again on Thursday (Sept. 17th - Happy Birthday Cailey!).
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Ready for next week
Not much too update this week. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers! Last Thursday was a tough day, but we really are doing well right now. All of the e-mails, Facebook messages, texts and phone calls have really helped. We know God has great plans for Luke and Jack. It took us a long time to get pregnant and God showed up in a big way to make it happen - we trust that He will keep us all safe and healthy. We are just ready to get back to the doctor next Thursday to see how the boys are doing!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Prayer request for the boys
I had an appointment with the perinatologist (baby specialist) today and things did not go as well as planned. 4 weeks ago was the first time we saw him and that was because Baby B (Luke) was measuring 2 and half weeks smaller that Baby A (Jack). Everything looked good at that time and Dr. C wanted to see me again in 4 weeks.
Today was our appointment. Luke is still small but is still only 2 and a half weeks behind. Jack is growing good and measuring right on date. The problem came when the doctor did blood flow studies of their umbilical cords. Jack was good and did not have any problems. Luke on the other hand is having decreased blood flow. Dr. C looked at everything and does not think it is a heart problem with Luke--but a placenta problem. He is worried because the first time they did Luke's heart rate it was really low but as soon as he remeasured it-it was okay. I have to go see Dr. C again in 2 weeks to check on the babies. He told us that Luke is at risk due to the low blood flow and that is why he is small. There is a possibility that he could not make it--if we don't watch them closely.
The problem comes because there is nothing that they can do to fix the problem and the only solution could be delivering them early. Ken and I are both terrified and very worried. We would appreciate any and every prayer that you could send our way. Please pass this on to anyone that could join in on the prayers!!
Today was our appointment. Luke is still small but is still only 2 and a half weeks behind. Jack is growing good and measuring right on date. The problem came when the doctor did blood flow studies of their umbilical cords. Jack was good and did not have any problems. Luke on the other hand is having decreased blood flow. Dr. C looked at everything and does not think it is a heart problem with Luke--but a placenta problem. He is worried because the first time they did Luke's heart rate it was really low but as soon as he remeasured it-it was okay. I have to go see Dr. C again in 2 weeks to check on the babies. He told us that Luke is at risk due to the low blood flow and that is why he is small. There is a possibility that he could not make it--if we don't watch them closely.
The problem comes because there is nothing that they can do to fix the problem and the only solution could be delivering them early. Ken and I are both terrified and very worried. We would appreciate any and every prayer that you could send our way. Please pass this on to anyone that could join in on the prayers!!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Getting Ready For The Boys
It's been a busy summer trying to get organized, clean, rearrange most rooms of the house, and figure out how we want things to be when Luke and Jack arrive in November or December. We also had trips to South Carolina and NJ/NYC for weddings.
Two weeks ago we went to a big consignment sale and bought a lot of baby clothes for the boys. Last weekend we picked up the cribs and put them together.
Two weeks ago we went to a big consignment sale and bought a lot of baby clothes for the boys. Last weekend we picked up the cribs and put them together.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
New baby items
I have been watching Craigslist for a number of items--especially baby items. Friday I saw a listing for 2 infant car seats. We went and looked at them and bought them!! The owner has twin boys who spent a month or two in NICU because she delivered at 31 weeks. It was then RSV season and she kept them home. RSV can be a very serious respiratory infection for children--even more dangerous for preemies. So the car seats had only been used for a couple months and look brand new. She gave us 2 head supporters for free--they match the green in the seat. So we got 2 car seats for about the price of one. Here is two pictures. They have wet spots on them because it was raining.
When we are at Walmart today, we were wondering by the baby section and they had some cute baby clothes. They actually had preemie clothes so we got two outfits. Hopefully we won't need them but chances are, even if the boys are full term, they will still be small. Also while we were at Walmart, the fire alarm kept going off every 5-10 minutes for a couple seconds. The babies weren't moving much but I got startled several times. Soon the boys were wiggling around lots. This past week I have started feeling them a whole lot more--especially at night. Ken is ready to be feeling them too!
Another real quick story: When we were at the specialist office and he was doing the ultrasound, the babies were moving around a whole lot. Dr. C was down low looking at the babies and then moved the ultrasound wand up my belly. As soon as he moved the wand from my lower belly, one of the babies kicked that spot--HARD! I am sure if Ken's hand had been there, he would have felt it! The twins did not like being squashed during the ultrasound.
When we are at Walmart today, we were wondering by the baby section and they had some cute baby clothes. They actually had preemie clothes so we got two outfits. Hopefully we won't need them but chances are, even if the boys are full term, they will still be small. Also while we were at Walmart, the fire alarm kept going off every 5-10 minutes for a couple seconds. The babies weren't moving much but I got startled several times. Soon the boys were wiggling around lots. This past week I have started feeling them a whole lot more--especially at night. Ken is ready to be feeling them too!
Another real quick story: When we were at the specialist office and he was doing the ultrasound, the babies were moving around a whole lot. Dr. C was down low looking at the babies and then moved the ultrasound wand up my belly. As soon as he moved the wand from my lower belly, one of the babies kicked that spot--HARD! I am sure if Ken's hand had been there, he would have felt it! The twins did not like being squashed during the ultrasound.
21 weeks and identical twin boys!
Hello,
Last week we had our 20 week ultrasound with Dr. Wyatt. Everyone knows that Ken and I really wanted girls---REALLY BAD! We were excited about finding out what the babies were so we could start planning the room, picking out names, and registering for baby stuff. My mom, dad, Ken and Robyn were all there for the ultrasound. Baby A was at first a girl. The baby never got into a great position. Everything looked good on Baby A. No defects were seen and it measured right to date. Baby B looked good too and was wide open to show his little boy parts! We were excited but that made me nervous because we still didn't know what baby A really was. Baby B was measuring 2 1/2 weeks behind Baby A--length and weight. They looked at Baby A again and said that it was a boy too. I was disappointed and in denial that Baby A was a boy. Dr. Wyatt wanted to send me to a specialist to look at the twins since there was such a big size difference. I saw him yesterday. He looked at both babies, did their measurements (2 times for each) , and told us that the twins were identical boys! He said that yes, there was a size difference but they were both fine and that he did not think it was twin to twin transfusion syndrome. The boys were both active, had no defects, fluid in both of their bladder (apparently a really good thing), and good strong healthy hearts. He wants me to come back in 4 weeks to check the growth and also at that time he will do some doppler blood flow studies from the placenta and umbilical cords.
So after the doctors appointment with the specialist, Ken and I went to lunch at Chi's--chinese restaurant-- and then went to Babies R Us and registered for baby things. We didn't get much on the registry because we tired out but we will add more later. We setup our registry at Target too.
This is the screen with their weights and measurments on it. If any of there are too small, just click on it and they will get better.
This is Baby A. Face is on the right with hands on either side of his face.
Baby B's boy parts and the picture on the right is the umbilical cord blood flow.
This is the only shot of Baby A's boy parts. It is hard to see. I have a better picture from the specialist but it is on paper. I will have to get Ken to scan them and put them on the site!
Last week we had our 20 week ultrasound with Dr. Wyatt. Everyone knows that Ken and I really wanted girls---REALLY BAD! We were excited about finding out what the babies were so we could start planning the room, picking out names, and registering for baby stuff. My mom, dad, Ken and Robyn were all there for the ultrasound. Baby A was at first a girl. The baby never got into a great position. Everything looked good on Baby A. No defects were seen and it measured right to date. Baby B looked good too and was wide open to show his little boy parts! We were excited but that made me nervous because we still didn't know what baby A really was. Baby B was measuring 2 1/2 weeks behind Baby A--length and weight. They looked at Baby A again and said that it was a boy too. I was disappointed and in denial that Baby A was a boy. Dr. Wyatt wanted to send me to a specialist to look at the twins since there was such a big size difference. I saw him yesterday. He looked at both babies, did their measurements (2 times for each) , and told us that the twins were identical boys! He said that yes, there was a size difference but they were both fine and that he did not think it was twin to twin transfusion syndrome. The boys were both active, had no defects, fluid in both of their bladder (apparently a really good thing), and good strong healthy hearts. He wants me to come back in 4 weeks to check the growth and also at that time he will do some doppler blood flow studies from the placenta and umbilical cords.
So after the doctors appointment with the specialist, Ken and I went to lunch at Chi's--chinese restaurant-- and then went to Babies R Us and registered for baby things. We didn't get much on the registry because we tired out but we will add more later. We setup our registry at Target too.
This is the screen with their weights and measurments on it. If any of there are too small, just click on it and they will get better.
This is Baby A. Face is on the right with hands on either side of his face.
Baby B's boy parts and the picture on the right is the umbilical cord blood flow.
This is the only shot of Baby A's boy parts. It is hard to see. I have a better picture from the specialist but it is on paper. I will have to get Ken to scan them and put them on the site!
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