7 weeks old and counting

Well since my last post things have calmed down considerably. I had great intenstions on using the blog to keep everyone updated on Ellie's NICU progress. But with recoverying from the c-section and running back and forth from Grand Forks and home which is about an hour and 15 min one way I was too exhausted to do anything more than had to be done.

I am pleased to say that Ellie is home. She came home Dec.6. She spent 20 days in the NICU and 2 days in a transitional room with Eli and I to see how she did in a more normal setting. During her stay she need a blood platelet transfusion, bili lights for jaundice, an isolete, and lots of dextrouse. We have trouble with her feedings to some degree. She is still not like a normal full term baby when it comes to eating. She does take about 2 ounces every 3 hours with 2 longer stretches during the night. She only wakes up once. But she is slow to eat and does not have a strong suck. Because she still tires easily and does not suck very hard she is not nursing but gets breastmilk in the bottle. This makes me a little sad as I would like both Eli and Ellie to nurse but at least she is getting the good stuff until such time as she gets stronger and decides she likes to eat like her brother. Eli was a trooper through it all as were the other three kids. It is good to be getting back into a more normal routine. Both babies will be weighed and measured tomorrow. I believe Eli will be close to 8 pounds and Ellie over 7 pounds

The Twins Are Here

I went in for a doctor's appt on Monday, November 16th in the morning. After an ultrasound to see how the babies were doing I saw the doctor. I was having a few contractions here and there but nothing major. My doctor check my cervix, looked at me and said, "Well, I can feel a foot and you are about 4 cm dilated." So off to the hospital I went for a c-section. Which because it was not scheduled was classified as an emergency c-section. I left the clinic at 11:45am and was in the OR around 1:30pm to get prepped to deliver. I was 36 weeks 2 days or 36 weeks 6 days depending on what time frame you wanted to go by.


Eli David and Ellie Lynne were born November 16th at 2:05pm and 2:06pm by c-section. Eli was 5 lbs 1.7 ounces, 17.5 inches long, with a 12.75 inch head. Ellie was 4 lbs 3.2 ounces, 16.5 inches long, with a 11.75 inch head. Both looked healthy and had a good set of lungs each.

At about 9pm that evening they took the babies back for assessment and they discovered Ellie had a blood sugar level of 17. Which is very serious. She ended up in a isolette with IVs in her hand to give her dexstrouse (sugar water solution)to raise her glucose levels. At the same time they were worried about an infection as I was running a low grade temp. Things calmed down for the night and both babies were able to stay in Thief River Falls.

Tuesday evening Ellie got worse as her IV started to fail. Altru Hospital in Grand Forks was notified and came to transfer Ellie to the NICU in Grand Forks. By Wednesday morning around 7am I was called and notified that the transport went well and Ellie was settled into the NICU and was stable but serious.

34 weeks 2 days

So this post is long over due!

I am currently still pregnant with the twins. But have been on bedrest for nearly 2 months and strict bedrest for a month. At the beginning of October I had a 6 day hospital stay for preterm labor (PTL). It was a bit scarey but everything turned out fine and I have been able to stay at home since being released. I have been uped to twice a week doctor visits to monitor me and watch if there has been any progress. So far nothing to report. I have two more weeks of bedrest left and then once I hit the 36 week mark, which, is November 14th I will be able to stop taking the Nefidipine which has been keeping any contractions to a minimum and I will be so happy. That medicine often makes me dizzy and causes hot flashes as well as a few other not fun feelings. I think I can say I am now prepared for what Menopause may bring in another 20 years. As of the last baby measurements that were about 3 weeks ago Baby A was 3 pounds 12 ounces and Baby B was 2 pounds 14 ounces. Which, still holds my belief that A is a boy and B is a girl. The weights are all within normal ranges.

So for right now we just get to wait this out and by God's graces I will be able to keep these babies in until 36 weeks. Continued prayers are always appreciated.

Twin Belly at 27 weeks 4 days

Here is my belly! It grows so much and so fast with two babies inside! I am measuring 36 weeks already. I have been told to be on bedrest. Nothing is in immediate danger of deliverying early just little signs and the doctor wants to keep things on the good side. Babies are growing well at 2 lbs 3 ounces and 1 lb 15 ounces. My clothes are getting small fast now!

 

First days of school

 

Here is Kjerstin on her first day of Kindergarten! She is so excited for school.

 

Here is Kehan on his first day of preschool. He too loves school and is so excited when he comes home.

 

This is a favorite picture of Kjerstin and Kehan walking down to the bus on Kehan's first day of school. The held hands all on their own and waited in the driveway just like big kids!

Where or where did my babies go? I guess it is a good thing the twins are on the way because the other 3 are growing up!

Kjerstin turns 6 years old!

Kjerstin turned 6 years old! I can't believe how the time has flown by! Before we know it she will be 16! Thank you to all who traveled to our home to celebrate over the past couple weeks! It is very much appreciated!

3D picture of each twins' face

Here is a picture of a 3D ultrasound I had done with the twins. I believe I was around 25 weeks. It was so much fun to see these pictures and what their little faces look like. Enjoy!