Family and friends

Godparents

Alex's godparents are Jill and Jodi, and Aiden's godparents are Kaci and Kevin.

Grandparents

Hospital

Notice how the boys always find a way to put their heads together. It is the cutest thing!

Pictures

The pictures on Thibodaux Regional's web site are now posted. Go to the link below and you will see Alex and Aiden's name for July 23 as well as baby which is both of them.

Go to
http://www.thibodaux.com/#
Then web nursery. Search all of July and you will find them.

Plenty more pictures to come soon. Babies are keeping me busy!

Alex and Aiden are here!!

Alex and Aiden have finally made it here and they are very healthy!!!!
I started with regular contractions Saturday night, but I decided I would try to wait until Sunday morning so we did not have to wake up Wesley and send him somewhere. It also gave me some time to get a little more rest. I was still not too sure this would be IT. So I called the hosital Sunday morning and they said to come in. I was 4cm and almost completely effaced -- active labor. Since there was a major brain surgery ongoing down stairs, I would have to wait a few hours for the c-section. I was given Brethine again to stop or hold off labor as long as possible so the anesthesiologist to be available. I was put in the operating room at 12:30 and Alex was born at 12:58, Aiden at 12:59. I think it was truely within 30 seconds though. I could not believe how quick they came.

Alex weighed 5 pounds 0 oz. His APGAR score was 8 (7-10 is normal) at birth and 10 after 5 minutes. Length 17 1/2 in. HE barely cried but was breathing well.

Aiden weighed 5# 6 oz. APGAR scale of 8 at birth and 10 after 5 minutes!! Length 18 1/2 inches.

The pediatrician said they were doing wonderful. Alex did have a little trouble afterwards with body temperature and had to be put in a warmer for a couple of hours, but never had that problem again. Both struggled with feeding at first, but slowly picked up. We were not sure if they could come home with us because of the feedings, but the Tuesday night began meeting minimum requirements, so we were all discharged Wed!!

They have been doing even better with feedings since we came home. They are still a bit below normal but above the minimum requirements. They also have not lost more that 10% of their body weight which shows that they are eating enough for now. They will work their way up in the next couple of weeks.

First night home went great. They slept 4 hours between each feeding and so did I. We will be going to the doctor tomorrow for a check up.

Wesley has been wonderful with the boys and wants to help with everything. He ran past me to kiss them yesterday. And did not want to leave this morning to go to the sitters.

I will have pictures up soon -- between naps.

34 weeks

I went in for my 34 week ultrasound, and SURPRISE, they wanted me to go back to the hospital for observations. Of course I was contracting more since I had been riding in a vehicle and sitting and standing for so long, so I was given more medicine both by mouth and through IV. This slowed everything down again. I could not feel most of the contractions and as I met with my high risk doctor again today (they travel to Thibodaux once a week), he said he thinks it is no more than before. Dr Diebold had me stay in until I met with Dr. Newman (high risk) today and then she would feel confident in him making the decision to go home. When Dr Bloss, who was on call in Thibodaux, came in, he said they would not send someone 3cm and 75% effaced home. Well Newman thought it was safe, so Bloss went ahead (with hesitation) and sent me home after lunch.

Now the fun stuff: Alex weighed 4lb 8 oz and Aiden weighed 4 lb 11 oz. Dr Newman said these were great weights for twins. I really thought it would be both over 5 lb from what I have read (such as twins born at this stage being 6lb) , but Dr Newman said that their weights will slow down quite a bit because they have so little room to grow in there. He was not at all concerned. I will be taken off all medicine on Sunday, so more news should come early next week! The picture is of a baby at 34 week, not one of the boys.

One Week Home

Wes has settled back into the "norm" very quickly. It has been so nice to be home and spend a little time with him before we come home with the boys. He has enjoyed helping in any way possible. Folding face towels is one of his specialties that we showed him before we went into the hospital. He is an expert at making sure they are perfect. He continues to love playing cards. Here he is playing battle with Nanny. He always seems to win. And finally, pancakes are his favorite this week. He asks for them the moment he wakes and for almost every meal. Thank goodness for the frozen ones.

33 Weeks

Yesterday made 33 weeks. I had a doctor's appointment today with Dr. Diebold in Thibodaux. I am now 3 cm dilated! And an section is now scheduled to Aug 14 at 7am. She laughed when she said this because we are very confident I will not go that long. Since I know I need a section, she just needs to schedule one at 38 weeks. Dr Diebold gave us the details of what to expect at the section and when I should be sure to call her. If I can make it to Monday she is pretty sure that Thibodaux Regional will be fine with the babies, but it all depends on how well they are doing. I have another appointment Monday with her and Wed with Maternal Fetal Medicine at the hospital (my high risk drs from Baton Rouge). For now, I am just enjoying being home and trying to continue with lots of rest.

We're Home

We were finally discharged from Woman's Hospital this morning. The doctors opted not to do the fetal fibronectin (fFN) test because it would not change their method of treatment. They believe that I am far enough along and the babies are healthy enough if I deliver now. Granted they would still have some time in NICU, but they would be healthy. They believe that I have been stable enough the past month that I should go at least another week which would mean I could almost definately be in Thibodaux. I have a doctor's appointment with Dr. Diebold, my regular OB this week and another with them next Wed. They will measure the babies then, and if the babies weights start to slow down, which often happens at this point with twins, I may be put back in for a section. At this point a section is 99% definate because both babies are in a bad position and the first is already moving down, breeched. If I do not go in the hospital then, I will be taken off all medicine to stop contractions and usually by 7 days will hae gone into labor. So I guess it is very close now!

32 week ultrasound

I hope everyone had a great 4th. Wesley came spend a few hours with us as everyone ate lunch at Nana's. They brought us some wonderful BBQ when we got Wes. It was wonderful to have something home cooked. I don't understand how people can eat out so much. It is slightly less than a month and I could go without eating out for a long time now.

Everything has been quiet here, which is wonderful news. We are still scheduled for the fFN test on Monday and then possibly home bound.

The ultrasound today was just to check the babies for stress and wellbeing, not measurements. They both did wonderful. Alex is still breeched and Aiden transverse. I never get tired of seeing them on the ultrasound, although I can't wait to see them in person.

I will try my best to have a quiet weekend so we can head home Monday. I know a couple weeks home will go by much faster and easier than in here.

32 weeks

We made it to 32 weeks, only 8 more to go until my due date, Aug 28. Of course we are only hoping for 3 more weeks. The babies are doing wonderful and constantly moving. I had 2 comments only this morning about not having much more room to stretch. It seems as if Alex is still breeched and Aiden is still definately transverse over the top of my belly. I can feel his backbone sometimes and arm and leg bones other times when he flips over. It is definately an awesome experience. I never felt this much with Wesley. OF course, like I said, these babies are already bigger together than he was. Hopefully by the end of the week they will be 4 lb, but we do not measure this week -- only every other week.

Wes is enjoying his summer. He is swimming in his pool (We bought it the day before I came in the hospital so I have not seen him play in it yet.) He is so proud that he is wetting his hair. He thinks it is funny. He has also been visiting a lot the past few days with the extended holiday. He has definately won over the nurses. He is getting a popcycle every time he comes now.

Ultrasound and room update

To begin, I guess nothing can be too quiet around here. Last night my room sprung a little leak, so I had to be moved. My new room is 208 for those of you who have been visiting.

Now the fun stuff. We had another ultrasound today, and the babies are definately growing. Alex now weighs about 3lb 7 oz, and Aiden is about 3 lb 15 oz. Each is give or take about 10 oz. This means I have more baby now than I did with Wesley. No wonder I am having all these contractions. Alex is still breeched and Aiden is transverse, so if I go into labor soon, it will still definately be c-section, which I am definately okay with. Hopefully we will have a quiet holiday weekend!

Keeping Everyone on Their Toes

Well we can't let things go too quiet for too long here. Yesterday afternoon, contractions started stronger and more often. After being put on the monitors, the doctor decided to give me a shot of Brethene and another followed 30 minutes later. The contractions slowed down big time. I am back to only a few an hour which is very normal. After speaking with another doctor this morning, he did not seem at all concerned. Everything since has been very quiet today. I guess the little boys just needed a little more attention. Luckily Becky and Jeremy came in at the right time to help pass the night and keep my mind off the monitors and other craziness.

31 week update

Wow, have we gone far . I have exactly 2 months left until my due date, which of coarse I will not go to.

The fFN test yeaterday came back negative which means a very low chance of delivery in the next 2 weeks! Unfortunately I had a little bleeding when he did the test and throught the day yesterday. This is of no big concern. It probably just means I was dialating a little more. The doctors are not extremely alarmed by this. But that means not going home. They think I would be fine at home, but they know the moment my dr sees that I was bleeding and that I am contracting more, she will want me to go to Thibodaux Regional, and Thibodaux will want to send me here, so I just as well stay here.

So the plan is to stay put through the holiday. I will take another fFN test on the Monday after the 4th. IF negative they will be confident that I could go home because I should not deliver until I am 35 weeks, and Thibodaux can handle that!

Our Anniversary in the hospital

Ultrasound Today

We had an ultrasound this morning, and it went great! Each baby scored an 8 out of 8. They measure things such as amniotic fluid, see if babies are trying to breathe with their lungs (although they will still receive their oxygen from the amniotic fluid), heart beating well through all 4 chambers, etc. The ultrasound tech said these were the best behaved babies all week. Hopefully they will continue and wait at least a couple more weeks before wanting to meet us. The doctor was watching everything from another part of the hospital and came on video to speak with us. It is amazing how they use technology here.

We were also told that we will take another fFN test Monday to see the chances of me delivering in the next 2 weeks. The last one I took was negative but it will be nearly 2 weeks by the time I take this one. I will really not be surprised if it comes back positive this time, but we will keep hoping for negative.

More pictures of Wesley

Having fun in the sun

Here are some pictures of Wes playing outside the day before I came back to the hospital. He has to have his sunglasses on everytime he goes outside, although many times he puts them on top his head like his Nanny.

Wesley's new tricks

Wes loves spelling his name now, but instead of saying W he says double E S. When we try to say "double you" (W) he says no "double me"! It is just too adorable.

The nurses have fallen in love with him. The nurse today has not been here since I came to the med-OB unit. She told me that all the nurses told her about the cute cotton top that came last night and asked if he would be coming again tonight. I told her I was trying to arrange it!

He also loves to pretend sleeping like PawPaw. He closes his eyes and starts trying to snore. Instead of sucking in air like you would when you snore, he pushes it out. It sounds like he has a hair ball in this throat.

He is getting very accustom to seeing me in the hospital, but told me I had to get my shoes on last night and come home with him. He also asked for me last night. It feels good to know that he does miss me, but again I wish I could be home with him. He will definately have a change coming when I come home but with 2 other little ones.

Seeing him is truely the highlight of the day!

More news

At Woman's Hospital I see a team of 4 high risk doctors, so everyday is a new one except for weekends. One doctor stays the same all weekend. I was also told by one of the nurses that before any decision is made about any case, all 4 doctors have to agree.

The reason I say this is because Dr. Newman is on call today. I saw him at 7 this morning. He has no plans for me to go home until after I turn 35 weeks. This would be a safe time to deliver in Thibodaux. When I came to Baton Rouge Friday, this is what I was expecting, but after hearing that I would be home, my hopes were up. I understand the reason for staying here -- the ping pong between Thibodaux and Baton Rouge hospitals is crazy and more dangerous than just staying here. But, I miss being able to see and play with Wes every afternoon. Mom has been bringing him almost every other day and every day on weekends, but the thoughts of being away from him so long is hard.

Away from the sappy stuff, I am still feeling good. 2-3 contractions an hour at the most. I go some hours without any. No talk this morning about next ultrasound or fFn test. I had an ultrasound Friday, so I would guess that this Friday would be the earliest.

30 week update

To begin, things have been pretty quiet here. We saw Dr. Studman this morning. I will probably be in here until the end of the week. They want to make sure everything is pretty quiet so I won't be doing this in another week. I will also be taking a couple more tests to endure everything is the same. The babies are looking great. The nurses monitor them every 4 hours now. I am not sure they sleep. Every time the nurses come in, they try to kick the monitors off. It is really funny to see.

We also saw the neonatologist yesterday. He gave us a good idea of what to expect if the babies were born now and if the babies were born in a few weeks. He explained the tubes that they use and how the babies would look when we first saw them. We also found out that we have no visiting hours, and I could be with them for 24 hours if I wish. I will also be able to call their nurses at any time to get an update if I am not there. If they were born now, they would be in for about 6 weeks. I was really relieved to speak with the doctor and get an idea of what to expect. The only way that the babies will be born and stay in Thibodaux is if I can go to 35 weeks (end of July) and have no complications.

Hopefully everything keeps going on the path that it is now.

Out of L & D

Today we were able to move out of labor and delivery to the high risk - OB - Med unit. I should see a doctor tomorrow to maybe get a few more details. As of now we are still thinking we will deliver in the next 3-4 weeks. If we can make it this far, it would be great!

Still having some contractions but nothing like Friday. Increased medicines, but no longer on IV. Hopefully things will be quiet for a while now!

29 Week Update

Because of all the wires connected to Tammy, I am updating the blog for her.

On Wednesday we went to the high risk doctor in Thibodaux again. Unfortunately things were still progressing towards labor. He decided to do the FFN test again to see the chances of Tammy going into labor within the next two weeks. Because of the ultrasound the test could not be done until the following day. After she talked to Dr. Diebold, they decided to admit her back into the hospital in Thibodaux for observation. Things were pretty quiet for the first day and night, but then the contractions started to come every three to five minutes. On Friday morning, as I was on my way to work, the decision was made to transport her to Woman's Hospital, AGAIN.

The ride here was pretty rough which made contractions a little worse. Since they would not stop or slow down, she was put back on the Magnesium drip. This medicine makes her hotter then she already is being pregnant; therefore, she froze the rest of us with the thermostat set at 55 degrees.

After a few ups and downs, things seem to be pretty calm right now. She is 2 cm dialated and about 75 percent effaced. We are still waiting for the results of her FFN test that she took on Thursday. This will give us a better idea of where we stand. For now we are still in the Labor and Delivery but hoping to move to the High Risk unit within the next couple of days.

Daniel

Great Weekend

We had a very nice weekend with visits from friends and family. I am so excited to now be at 29 weeks. I went into the hospital at 26 weeks, and our first goal is to go to at least 32 weeks. We are half way there !!! Then our next goal is 35 weeks -- this is the longest the doctor thinks I can make it, but even here we are a third of the way there! This makes me feel a lot more comfortable. I am feeling good and getting lots of rest. I still have contractions, but I am keeping my hopes up that they are not making me dialate any further. We will see on Wed or Thurs since I have an appointment both days.

Life on Bed Rest!

Click on picture to enlarge.

28 week appointment

Yesterday I met with the high risk doctor again. I am going to see the team of Maternal Fetal Doctors once a week now. My cervix is still shortening, but I was still allowed to come back home staying on bed rest. This sounds good to me. I rather be on bed rest here than in the hospital. I will definately try to be very careful following these instructions.

My Birthday

Sunday was my birthday. It was hard not being able to get out the house, but everyone tried to make it good for me anyway. It turned out to be nice. Everyone went to MawMaw's for lunch, then came here after for cake. Heidi, Wes, and Mary Kathryn posed for a quick picture. Wes is getting good practice with babies.

That night Mom and Dad put steaks on the pit. That was also a great treat.

It has now been one week since I have been home. I am doing better with having to just lay down all day. Wesley is adjusting well also. I am sure we will definately have some good and some bad days. After all we are hoping for about 2 more months of this.

We will be working a little more on the nursey this week and weekend. I have some shelves and pictures to go up.

Tomorrow I meet with the high risk doctors (MFM) from Baton Rouge again. I am hoping for a good report.

27 week appointmnent

We went to the doctor today and got a little nervous. She is still seeing quite a bit of irritability and some contractions. Out of what the machine saw I only felt one though. So I was on the Nonstress test for about an hour, then she called my high risk doctor in Baton Rouge. Since I am still not dialating any more that the original, I am allowed to stay at home but definately on bed rest. She really thinks that best case I can make it to 34-35 weeks, but she warned that anything could happen. I will be seeing a doctor at least once a week right now but we may have to up that if I start feeling any more. So I guess pretty good news today. It definately could be a lot worse.

Finally Home

We are finally home. I am going to be on strict bed rest for quite a while now. I am only allowed to get up for restroom, to go to the fridge as needed, and such. Definately no house chores he told me. And I can't leave the house except for doctor's appointments. My mom has taken over the cooking for me, with the help of my grandma and other family members who have and will be cooking meals for us. Daniel is doing the house work. Wesley is coping well with others doing for him. It is very hard to sit still though while everyone is doing for me. It is not bad when no one is here, but when I have others cleaning my kitchen or cooking, I really want to do some too. Daniel has tight restraints on me though. He is making sure I am not getting up for anything.

Hospital Stay

Woman's Hospital was really great ( for a hospital that is). The nurses and doctors made us feel as comfortable as possible. They were great with answering questions. Even the nursees were trained for high risk patients so they really knew a lot about the medicines I was on and the best way to take care of myself.

Here are a few pictures of us in the antepartum unit. This unit is for patients strictly on bed rest. It was sort of a mini hotel room. As you can tell Wesley loved my bed. He snuck in it when I went to the restroom -- the only time I am allowed out of bed.

Good News

We are so lucky to continue getting good news. I am scheduled for another ultrasound and FFN test. This along with the doctor's exam will help him determine my present status. If he is satisfied that the medicine is working well then I may be home this week!

I could have done this without totally losing my mind if it were not for family and friends. Even just the visitors have helped to take my mind off the stress and keep me more calm. Everyone is offering to help which means so much to me.

I should hopefully give another update later today or tomorrow.

Wow what a week

I cannot express the gratitude I have for my friends and family and their support this week. I know I have millions out their praying for us. The word has spread so quickly. So here is the run down . . . I will try to keep it somewhat short.

Wednesday I had a doctor's appointment scheduled -- no big deal. I was scheduled for an ultrasound, but also had one scheduled with the high risk doctor the following week, so no need for 2 of them. So quick check up and out right? Wrong. Daniel did not even come because we did not think there would be anything to this. Well the doctor decided to go on and do an ultrasound. If everything was okay, we would cancel the one the next week. Both babies were doing fine, but baby B still had a lot of fluid. More and more questions started coming out and I began realizing some of this pain and discomfort I was having may have been contractions. After running a few test to confirm some contrations she sent me straight to the hospital.

The first night was pretty calm with the exception that the sleeping medicine kept me wired all night. I was contrating so I was put on IV and magnesium sulphate to help them stop. I felt great the next day, some contractions but nothing to time. I had lots of "irritability" which are small contrations. I can feel them but not a whole lot and really only if I am laying quietly.

That night I was joking that maybe I could even get a little shower the next day. Well we had a rough night. I started contracting again. This time every 2-3 minutes. Now this whole time I was not dialating thank goodness. So I was put on more magnesium sulphate which made me even more hot than the original dose. Everyone else was freezing in the room. This did not stop them. So I was given Breathene shots. I was on some strong meds and I was very irritate, shaking, and uncomfortable, then started the vomiting. I was miserable, but the contractions were only slowing not stopping. So more Breathene and more sickness to follow. Daniel was so good that night. And the nurses and Thib regional were awesome. The contractions finally started to calm down. I was still on the same meds with the shots every 4 hours. I definately was not myself but the babies were doing good and I was stable.

My doctor was pretty upset with their lab because results from the FFN test had not come back yet -- FROM WED. She told me of my chances of moving to Baton Rouge Women's. I was fine with that. They spoke with the high risk doctors in Baton Rouge and within minutes I was on an ambulance. Even Nora did not keep up with the amulance throught the red lights and all -- just joking Nora -- she went a different way.

After arriving in Baton Rouge I was actually taken off some of the meds, some contractions and irritability was still occurring, but I was in a safe place for them to stop them quickly if they started becoming regular again. I was also given bathroom priviledges. This was actually exciting -- funny how this could be exciting. I was still very weak, though.

The night went so well. I felt so much better. Now we just needed to wait for the ultrasound Saturday morning. The last I was told when leaving Thib was that they were sending my to Baton Rouge and expecting me to stay there until I deliver -- hopefully not before 32 weeks (8 weeks early). Then when I got to Baton Rouge he even was talking about if I had to deliver in the next few days. I can say this easily now because we just had an ultrasound and are out of the critical part. Babies are still doing fine. I am still waiting on a few test results and complete bedrest with bathroom priviledges, but I am not off the IV and moved to an oral medication. I am also moving (hopefully) to a less critical area of the hospital. This should happen around 9 or so tonight (6 hours after I got off the IV). There is even a small glimmer of hope that I can have bed rest at home in the future, but one step at a time. I have so many questions for the doctor now. I mean I was so taken aback the ultrasound and results being so positive I could not think straight. I am not jumping th gun, but home would be nice. For now I am only hoping for another priviledge -- shower!!!!! This no rinse shampoo that they use of bed ridden patients has to go. If all goes well tonight, I will be given that priviledge tomorrow, then very slowly given a few more -- to the point where I would be at home. Home bed rest is not the same as hospital and of course these doctors are not stupid enough to think that, especailly when they know I havea 2 year old at home.

I cannot explain the roller coaster ride I have been on. I went from the first day only going in for observations to possible early delivery to looking like a very early delivery to a little more relaxation. I know this post was extremely long but so many of you have been sending your prayers and I know you wanted to know a few details. If you can imagine I left out more than I put in. But hopefully now we are safe and can calm down some.

Again thanks for your prayers, but please don't stop them. We still have a long way to go. 38 weeks is best, but at 36 weeks the babies will be okay. I am not making 27 weeks until Monday. Of course my body doesn ot know that. It thinks I am 40 weeks by the size of my uterus, thus the contrations. I cannot imagine what I would measure in a few weeks -- my body will think I am 50-60 weeks pregnant.

Baby Shopping

Saturday Mom, Nanny, and I went baby shopping. Everyone keeps telling me I better get ready now because I may not be able to go shopping much longer.

Mom and Dad were great and bought lots of things that we need for that babies. We do have a lot of things from Wesley but we still had so much to get. Mom also picked out lots of cute baby outfits to start off with. As you can see we did get doubles of everything. Daniel loves the idea that we will be able to dressthem alike. We also washed the clothes I had left from Wesley, but much of it was given away after Katrina. We knew people that needed certain sizes.

Daniel's parents gave us the double stroller. That will be a huge help!!!

After we got home, Daniel and Dad put together the 2nd baby bed. Of course, Wesley had to help; then he wanted to play in the baby bed. Now we have all the essentials in place; we just need to decorate and organize.

Latest Appointment

I saw the high risk doctor with the maternal/ fetal department at the hospital today. Everything looks great. Each baby weighs 1 pound 4 ounces. They are still horizontal (one on top the other). The only thing he would worry about was that I have too much amniotic fluid. It is not dangerously high, but he is near 100% sure I have gestational diabetes. I am going take the first of 2 test next week for that.

I have been feeling much better, so I am not too worried about having to be on bed rest before school ends. At lease that is my hope. I do have ultrasound pictures so I will post those soon. It does look like I will be seing at least one doctor every 2 weeks if not more often now. I will meet with this doctor a minimum of 1 time a month, but that may increase based on the diabetes condition. I don't mind that at all. This doctor was really great. He had a wealth of knowledge and was quite a character.

Not much news

I was supposed to see the doctor for a quick check yesterday, but she unfortunately had to leave for an emergancy c-section. I won't complain a bit though. I know that may be me soon enough.

I saw the practitioner instead since I am going to the high risk doctor today for an ultrasound. Nothing to really report. She only checked heart beats. Baby A was 157 and Baby B was 146 beats a minute.

23 weeks now

I know I have not been keen on posting pictures of me. I really hate looking at pictures of myself, but I know many of you do not see me often and have been asking if I am showing much yet, so here is a picture for you. Of course, I could not take one by myself, so you get to see Wesley also. He had to wear his favorite color today -- yellow. He wants it everyday, so we try to find something yellow in an outfit, or in this instance, and undershirt that is yellow!

So . . . 23 weeks along means I am over half way. The doctor thinks I will probably deliver around 36-37 weeks which is usual for twins. Hopefully I at least have 13 weeks left (for the sake of the babies, not me -- I do not much enjoy pregnancy).

Also, Kelci had her dance recital Sunday, so we were able to watch her in all her glory. She did a wonderful job. Kelci won 4th place out of the whole dance studio for ad sells, so she received a very big trophy and was part of the court presentation. She is in the middle in the pink dress. I am so proud of you Kelci.