Just a quick update to give you the weights and measurements from the growth scans today. Both babies gained very well. Baby A weighed in at 3 pounds 4 ounces and measured at 30 weeks and 1 day. Baby B weighted in at 3 pounds and 6 ounces and measured at 30 weeks and 4 days. Todays Baby A had a gain of 13 ounces in the past two weeks and Baby B had a gain of 12 ounces. We will do growth measurements in two weeks again which will only be a week before the scheduled delivery!
After hours of discussion, Mike and I are getting closer to naming the girls. However, in order to do that we have abandoned all previous plans for naming the twins and have started from scratch. Thanks to those who responded to our poll earlier in the fall we appreciate your input.
I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend! December is just around the corner now!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Day 36 - Inpatient Stay
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope that everyone had a wonderful day and found many things to be thankful for. The weather was nice here and that made my day out and about very enjoyable.
Well, today marks 29 weeks and it is more remarkable everyday that we have made it this far with little complications. The girls were doing very well today and gave the ultrasound tech a very hard time. The ultrasound today (that was supposed to be 30 minutes) took an hour and a half. Baby B would not stop moving and then she got the hiccups making the dopplers even harder to get. Needless to say it took a long time!
The past couple of days have been pretty uneventful. I have had a couple of contractions but, they are making no progress. Which in this case is a good thing!
Last Friday we started the Bio/physical assessments on the babies. The babies are scored on a scale of 1 - 8. They have to practice breathing for 30 seconds and make three different types of movements. On the first assessment baby A did not practice breathing so she scored a 6 out of 8. But, everyday since then they both have scored an 8 out of 8. Movement is no problem. The practice breathing does take some time to watch for. The girls seem to be very healthy.
Tomorrow we will be getting a growth measurement done on the girls. We are hoping for over 3 pounds each! I will update soon with the results. Thank you for all of the thoughts, prayers, and help along the way. I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Well, today marks 29 weeks and it is more remarkable everyday that we have made it this far with little complications. The girls were doing very well today and gave the ultrasound tech a very hard time. The ultrasound today (that was supposed to be 30 minutes) took an hour and a half. Baby B would not stop moving and then she got the hiccups making the dopplers even harder to get. Needless to say it took a long time!
The past couple of days have been pretty uneventful. I have had a couple of contractions but, they are making no progress. Which in this case is a good thing!
Last Friday we started the Bio/physical assessments on the babies. The babies are scored on a scale of 1 - 8. They have to practice breathing for 30 seconds and make three different types of movements. On the first assessment baby A did not practice breathing so she scored a 6 out of 8. But, everyday since then they both have scored an 8 out of 8. Movement is no problem. The practice breathing does take some time to watch for. The girls seem to be very healthy.
Tomorrow we will be getting a growth measurement done on the girls. We are hoping for over 3 pounds each! I will update soon with the results. Thank you for all of the thoughts, prayers, and help along the way. I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Day 33 - Inpatient Stay
Today has been another Monday. Right away this morning we had a scare with one of the babies' heartrates being too low. So, I was taken to ultrasound and everything looked OK. Which was a huge relief for me! Yesterday baby A had an elevated doppler in her cord and that was still true today. It was actually a little higher today which is not good but, as long as the flow in the cord is not absent we are still OK. Hopefully things will look better tomorrow.
Also, we have finally set a date and time for delivery!!! (as long as nothing comes up) We are planning on December 17th which is exactly 32 weeks gestation. That is 24 days away! Hopefully they will pass quickly. I will update again at 29 weeks until then no news is good news! Have a good day!
Also, we have finally set a date and time for delivery!!! (as long as nothing comes up) We are planning on December 17th which is exactly 32 weeks gestation. That is 24 days away! Hopefully they will pass quickly. I will update again at 29 weeks until then no news is good news! Have a good day!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Day 29 - Inpatient Stay
WE MADE IT!!! 28 weeks was a big milestone for me to look forward too. Not only does this mean that my hospital stay is half over but, it is also a turning point in the development of my babies. Should the girls have to be delivered, the chances of having a life altering disability or not living decrease significantly.
We have four weeks to go and hopefully they will fly by as fast as the last four have. This week has not been as uneventful as the past couple of weeks but, none the less we are all doing well. The babies are doing great and there has been no elevation in the dopplers on their cords for 5 days. They still continue to move alot and give some of the nurses and ultrasounds techs a hard time. But, at this point I think this is just par for the course with these girls. I just really hope that this is not a sign of things to come when we get home!!!
The contractions have subsided and are under control. After having a cervical length measurement and talking with my doctor, he does not see why I would have to continue the medications to stop the contractions especially since I have such awful side effects. So, we are going to discontinue the use of the drug today!!! Hopefully the contractions do not return.
Mike and I really look forward to the end of this journey when we can hold these little miracles in our arms and know that they are OK and safe.
Mike and the kids seem to be doing well and I know that they are counting down the days just like I am. When Sydney asks how many days I have left in the hospital, I tell her then she proceeds to count them one by one. As the numbers decrease it is not quite as much practice counting as it used to be but, we will take it! Taiton is doing well and every week they come to see me, I think he learns about 10 more words. He is quite a little chatter box now.
Once again I want to thank everyone for all of your generosity, thoughts, and prayers. Have a wonderful weekend! I will update again if we have new news or if anything changes. 4 weeks to go!!! We're getting there!!
We have four weeks to go and hopefully they will fly by as fast as the last four have. This week has not been as uneventful as the past couple of weeks but, none the less we are all doing well. The babies are doing great and there has been no elevation in the dopplers on their cords for 5 days. They still continue to move alot and give some of the nurses and ultrasounds techs a hard time. But, at this point I think this is just par for the course with these girls. I just really hope that this is not a sign of things to come when we get home!!!
The contractions have subsided and are under control. After having a cervical length measurement and talking with my doctor, he does not see why I would have to continue the medications to stop the contractions especially since I have such awful side effects. So, we are going to discontinue the use of the drug today!!! Hopefully the contractions do not return.
Mike and I really look forward to the end of this journey when we can hold these little miracles in our arms and know that they are OK and safe.
Mike and the kids seem to be doing well and I know that they are counting down the days just like I am. When Sydney asks how many days I have left in the hospital, I tell her then she proceeds to count them one by one. As the numbers decrease it is not quite as much practice counting as it used to be but, we will take it! Taiton is doing well and every week they come to see me, I think he learns about 10 more words. He is quite a little chatter box now.
Once again I want to thank everyone for all of your generosity, thoughts, and prayers. Have a wonderful weekend! I will update again if we have new news or if anything changes. 4 weeks to go!!! We're getting there!!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Day 27 - Inpatient Stay - Contractions Con't
Well, the shot I was given last night did not stop the contractions. They returned with in 2 1/2 hours. So, I was put on a drug that is taken orally and is something that I could remain on until the babies arrive.
I started the drug with 4 doses in an hour and from then on I take the med every six hours. This drug gave me even more side effects. I have massive headaches and I am a little sick to my stomach. Pretty much just feel awful all around.
After talking to the doctor this morning and describing the contractions and side effects he said that we could probably try the med at half strength. I got the med at half strength this afternoon and the side effects have not been as bad. Hopefully this will still hold off the contractions so that I don't have to go back to a full dose. Today has been quiet and no contractions have been present yet. So, hopefully it will stay that way for about 4 more weeks! Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. I will update sooner if there is any news otherwise, I will update at 28 weeks on Thursday. Have a good evening!
I started the drug with 4 doses in an hour and from then on I take the med every six hours. This drug gave me even more side effects. I have massive headaches and I am a little sick to my stomach. Pretty much just feel awful all around.
After talking to the doctor this morning and describing the contractions and side effects he said that we could probably try the med at half strength. I got the med at half strength this afternoon and the side effects have not been as bad. Hopefully this will still hold off the contractions so that I don't have to go back to a full dose. Today has been quiet and no contractions have been present yet. So, hopefully it will stay that way for about 4 more weeks! Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. I will update sooner if there is any news otherwise, I will update at 28 weeks on Thursday. Have a good evening!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Day 26 - Inpatient Stay - Contractions
Well, I guess the girls thought they would make a little bit of an effort to arrive on their father's birthday, but they were stopped in their tracks. (At least so far they are, I guess technically they have about 6 more hours to go.)
During the AM monitoring, I had a couple of contractions and one of them was much stronger than any contractions I have had previously. After talking to the doctor, I was comforted by the that fact that he was not concerned. Because the contractions were not close enough together and the babies heart rates did not go down after each contraction he said to just let the nurses know if anything changes.
My day went on with a couple of contractions here and there. I knew I was having them but, they weren't painful just uncomfortable.
During monitoring this afternoon the contractions were coming every 4 to 6 minutes for 1 1/2 hours. So, they had me lay on my side and continue monitoring the contractions for an additional hour. They didn't stop just slowed a little. At that point I was given a drug to help the uterus relax but of course it had some side effects. The medication would make my hands shake and my heart race for 15 to 20 minutes. The medication took effect and has currently slowed the contractions. Hopefully, it will work for quite sometime!!!!
If the girls just wanted to arrive on their mom or dad's birthday, they could wait until mine. It is a little closer to the delivery date!! Just thought I would update on today's happenings. Hope everyone had a good weekend and enjoy the week! I will update if anything else comes up!
During the AM monitoring, I had a couple of contractions and one of them was much stronger than any contractions I have had previously. After talking to the doctor, I was comforted by the that fact that he was not concerned. Because the contractions were not close enough together and the babies heart rates did not go down after each contraction he said to just let the nurses know if anything changes.
My day went on with a couple of contractions here and there. I knew I was having them but, they weren't painful just uncomfortable.
During monitoring this afternoon the contractions were coming every 4 to 6 minutes for 1 1/2 hours. So, they had me lay on my side and continue monitoring the contractions for an additional hour. They didn't stop just slowed a little. At that point I was given a drug to help the uterus relax but of course it had some side effects. The medication would make my hands shake and my heart race for 15 to 20 minutes. The medication took effect and has currently slowed the contractions. Hopefully, it will work for quite sometime!!!!
If the girls just wanted to arrive on their mom or dad's birthday, they could wait until mine. It is a little closer to the delivery date!! Just thought I would update on today's happenings. Hope everyone had a good weekend and enjoy the week! I will update if anything else comes up!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Growth Scan Results from 27 weeks 1 day
The girls are still growing like crazy which is great! Here are the stats from the ultrasound this morning:
Baby A: 2 pounds 10 ounces which measures her at 28 weeks 1 day gestation with a heart rate of 144
Baby B: 2 pounds 7 ounces which measures her at 27 weeks 4 days gesatation with a heart rate of 142
The doctors are happy with their weights and growth. They are with in the percentage rates that they need to be in so that is wonderful. Baby A gained 10 ounces and Baby B gained 9 ounces in the past two weeks. At this rate the babies should be around 4 pounds at the 32 week delivery date!! I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend and a great week. I will update at 28 weeks (November 19th) unless we have news prior to that. Thanks for all of the thoughts and prayers!
Baby A: 2 pounds 10 ounces which measures her at 28 weeks 1 day gestation with a heart rate of 144
Baby B: 2 pounds 7 ounces which measures her at 27 weeks 4 days gesatation with a heart rate of 142
The doctors are happy with their weights and growth. They are with in the percentage rates that they need to be in so that is wonderful. Baby A gained 10 ounces and Baby B gained 9 ounces in the past two weeks. At this rate the babies should be around 4 pounds at the 32 week delivery date!! I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend and a great week. I will update at 28 weeks (November 19th) unless we have news prior to that. Thanks for all of the thoughts and prayers!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Day 22 - Inpatient Stay - 27 weeks
Hello! Well, we made it another week with no complications and no new developments which is great! The babies look better now than they did a week ago actually. The dopplers on their cords are not elevated at all and the "knot" seems to be more like loops rather than an actual know. Their movement is still good and they are in a different position every day. The monitoring is good some days and not so good on others. Last night it took two and a half hours to get a 15 minute strip of both babies together. The nurse says that she can tell they are growing because their heart rates are very reactive to the amount of movement they do. Which is a sign of a developing nervous system. I am quickly realizing that this a great learning experience for me!
On Tuesday I under went the gestational diabetes testing which I passed with flying colors. Even though I had no problems with my other pregnancies, I was told that of course with carrying multiples there is a greater chance of developing it. But, we are in the clear.
Thank you to those who have stopped by and visited. It really makes the time go faster and it is great to talk and get my mind off of things happening at the hospital. So far I am able to leave the hospital for a couple of hours occasionally to get some exercise, go out to eat, and of course go shopping (my favorite part)!!! Mike's sisters took me out yesterday and I just had to buy a couple of sleepers for the girls! I have them hanging in my room as a reminder of why I am committed to do this!
Upcoming events for us are:
Friday, November 13: Growth measurements (I will post weights when I get them, hopefully they will be around 2 1/2 pounds each!)
Thursday, November 19: 28 weeks and start doing Bio/physical profiles on the babies. This is a measurement of movement and breathing exercises. During the ultrasound, they watch the babies to see them practice the breathing motion and make certain numbers and types of movements with their limbs and body. I am not worried about the movements at all since they move all of the time! And one of the babies is already make the breathing movements occasionally but we have not caught the other practicing yet. However, this is not something they expect a baby to be able to do until 28 weeks gestation.
It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only two weeks away! We have much to be thankful for this year. Thanks again to all of those that are keeping us in their thoughts and prayers. Also for all the generosity in cards, food, phone calls and visits. I will post weights when I get them! Have a wonderful weekend and a great week!
On Tuesday I under went the gestational diabetes testing which I passed with flying colors. Even though I had no problems with my other pregnancies, I was told that of course with carrying multiples there is a greater chance of developing it. But, we are in the clear.
Thank you to those who have stopped by and visited. It really makes the time go faster and it is great to talk and get my mind off of things happening at the hospital. So far I am able to leave the hospital for a couple of hours occasionally to get some exercise, go out to eat, and of course go shopping (my favorite part)!!! Mike's sisters took me out yesterday and I just had to buy a couple of sleepers for the girls! I have them hanging in my room as a reminder of why I am committed to do this!
Upcoming events for us are:
Friday, November 13: Growth measurements (I will post weights when I get them, hopefully they will be around 2 1/2 pounds each!)
Thursday, November 19: 28 weeks and start doing Bio/physical profiles on the babies. This is a measurement of movement and breathing exercises. During the ultrasound, they watch the babies to see them practice the breathing motion and make certain numbers and types of movements with their limbs and body. I am not worried about the movements at all since they move all of the time! And one of the babies is already make the breathing movements occasionally but we have not caught the other practicing yet. However, this is not something they expect a baby to be able to do until 28 weeks gestation.
It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only two weeks away! We have much to be thankful for this year. Thanks again to all of those that are keeping us in their thoughts and prayers. Also for all the generosity in cards, food, phone calls and visits. I will post weights when I get them! Have a wonderful weekend and a great week!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Day 15 - Inpatient Stay - 26 weeks
26 weeks is here and we are very thankful and feel very blessed that the girls are doing well. The past two weeks have gone by pretty quickly! This week has been very uneventful which is GOOD news. The babies must have unwound their cords a little bit because all of the doppler readings right now look really good. They still move constantly and give the nurses a hard time during monitoring. They are getting better though! The heart rates during the ultrasound this morning were 132 and 138.
It is kind of funny because we can get an idea of their personality already. Seeing them everyday is really fun and also is a chance to watch them grow and change. Thank you again to everyone for the food, thoughts, prayers, visits and phone calls. It is all very much appreciated! I will update again in one week (27 weeks) unless I have news to share before that. We are praying for another uneventful week and as everyone keeps saying - No news is good news! I will post a couple of news pictures too! Have a good weekend and a wonderful week.
Here is my mailing address while in the hospital for those that have been looking for it:
Sanford USD Medical Center
Kelly Boersma
Room # 3423
1305 W 18th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
It is kind of funny because we can get an idea of their personality already. Seeing them everyday is really fun and also is a chance to watch them grow and change. Thank you again to everyone for the food, thoughts, prayers, visits and phone calls. It is all very much appreciated! I will update again in one week (27 weeks) unless I have news to share before that. We are praying for another uneventful week and as everyone keeps saying - No news is good news! I will post a couple of news pictures too! Have a good weekend and a wonderful week.
Here is my mailing address while in the hospital for those that have been looking for it:
Sanford USD Medical Center
Kelly Boersma
Room # 3423
1305 W 18th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
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