Saturday, July 18, 2015

I'm their mom...and it's so amazing.

So much to say. SO much to update. For those that don't know...my boys arrived just after midnight on Thursday morning at exactly 33 weeks.

Casey Harrison arrived at 12:14 am on July 16th weighing 3 pounds 12 ounces and 15 3/4 inches long. 

Britton Michael arrived at 12:16 am on July 16th weighing 3 pounds 15 ounces and 17 3/4 inches long. 

On Wednesday evening Kelly and I were completely packed up and ready to leave the hospital when the doctor returned and said he was concerned that her last 2 BP readings were borderline. He no longer felt comfortable with her going home for the night. I unpacked us, got us some dinner, and started to settle in for the evening. Then Kelly had some vision spots. Dr. B had asked me if this happened to text him. I did so and within minutes he was in our room. We talked for a bit, but decided with her high protein levels, the BP rising and now vision changes, the best thing we could do was to deliver the babies. Unfortunately both babies were transverse which mean we had to go in via c-section. We called the husbands and told them to start heading to the hospital. Babies were coming. 

Earlier in the evening the doctor had tried to transfer Kelly to the hospital with the Level 3 NICU, however they wouldn't take her because they had no beds. So Kelly needed to deliver where she was with her OB. That meant NICU teams had to be assembled and sent from the Children's Hospital for each baby. Within a few hours, Kelly was on her Magnesium and all the teams were in place. We were so blessed by the wonderful doctors and staff that Kelly's husband, Trevor and myself were all able to be in the operating room. We saw and HEARD our babies as they entered this world. There are no words for me to describe that moment. 

They came out little, but loud! My little fighters. People say girls fight harder, but I've been told my boys are proving that wrong. I love that. 

Britton (Baby B) was struggling just a hair more than Casey (Baby A) with his breathing. Therefore, he was given the VIP treatment and was flown via helicopter to Children's. Casey was transferred via ambulance. It thrilled me that the NICU teams took the time to take each baby into Kelly's room for her to see before they were transferred. Once I knew Kelly was okay, Trevor and I (and T's brother) headed to the hospital to see our boys. By 4:30 am, both boys were in their little homes for the next little bit and stable. We were given a family room to lay down and rest. At this point, I was running on so much adrenaline there was no way I was going to sleep. I just tried my best to let my body relax for a bit before joining the boys for their first rounds with the doctor. 

We were told they were doing exactly as they should be for 33 weeks. And that is a good thing. Over the past few days, they have flip-flopped just a bit and Britton is actually overachieving on his breathing now. Within the next 24 hours they will begin weaning him completely off oxygen. 

Casey breathes just a little harder and faster, so he's still using a bit more oxygen than his brother. Other than that, he's doing great as well. They just think he needs a little more help for just a bit longer and that's okay. They've began feeds (through tubes, not bottles) and those are going well so far. 

So lots of things have worked out. We were present for the birth. We were able to deliver with our OB. I am beyond grateful for that. We ended up at a Children's Hospital for their care. This is ABSOLUTELY where we should be. I have zero doubt in that. These people here are amazing. Not only that, but we've been given housing for the duration of their stay at the hospital. I literally go up an elevator and walk down the hall to seem my guys anytime I want.

 My only regret is what Kelly has gone through this week. The c-section has not been easy on her and she's still struggling to get her vitals stable. She had to have a couple blood transfusions and it hurts me that she's having to go through all of this for us. She was and is amazing. What she's done...what she's given us...is our whole world. Perfect little boys. Little boys that we are constantly told are some of the loudest of the babies here. 

This whole experience just fills my heart with so much love. Look at what I have now. A family. Trevor and I are so deeply in love with these guys we can barely stand it. I was even able to hold Britton last night and this morning. Trevor was able to hold Casey. Pretty sure it's time to switch! 

I'll try to update again soon. Still so much I want to share about the amazing people and staff that we've been surrounded by this past week. But here are a few pictures for now. 

Visiting Kelly before transport. And Dad's finger.
Only a few hours old

First hold. Best thing ever.

The awesome Dr. Bradford who took such good care of Kelly and our boys.


43 comments:

  1. Oh, my. Congratulations. I know this is a bit earlier than you wanted them to arrive, but I'm so glad they are doing well for their age, and that they are being looked after by some great doctors and nurses. Hopefully Kelly recovers well, and quickly.

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  2. De-lurking to say Congratulations! They are beautiful. FWIW - I had pre-eclampsia and it took about a week or so for my BP to stabilize after the birth of my son. It freaked me out and I was worried that I'd have high BP forever... I had the impression that as soon as I delivered it would go right back down but it took a little time. Praying your sweet boys continue to do well and Kelly recovers quickly.

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  3. Amazing simply beautiful. This is so perfect. I'm thrilled for you guys. Still keeping Kelly in my thoughts. She's a good one. I hope she always knows how special she is.

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  4. Welcome to the world babies! This is incredible.... such a beautiful story you have... kudos to Kelly and the doctors.

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  5. I already knew all of this, yet it still bring so many tears to my eyes. Over joyed for you, sweet friend. You never gave up. There were times I wasn't sure if we'd see this day, and yet it's here...times two! So thankful you've got two little fighters!

    Continued prayers for Kelly. So sad that she's having such a rough week.

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  6. Wow, I am over the moon for you and Trevor! I love the names you chose too.

    I love the photo of you doing kangaroo care. You are glowing!

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  7. Agree with Gypsy Mama that you are beaming during your skin to skin. So happy for you and Trevor and wish continued progress for your twins and a speedy recovery for Kelly!

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  8. The babies are so precious, CONGRATS MOM! I'm so glad everyone is doing well. Thank you Kelly for everything, you did an awesome job!!

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  9. Rarely comment but had to come out of the shadows...So amazing!!!! Congratulations on your beautiful boys:) I hope Kelly recovers quickly and your boys grow stronger every day!!!!

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  10. Tears of happiness for you, MAMA! !!! Wishing Kelly a smooth recovery. She is such an amazing woman.

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  11. Beautiful and perfect. You look gorgeous as do your perfect TWINS <3

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  12. Congratulations! They are two precious, fighting little boys. Praying the continue to thrive and Kelly recovers soon.

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  13. Warmest congratulations. (I cried a lot reading your post, especially when seeing the picture of you holding your son. I'm just SO THRILLED that you are finally a mom)

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  14. As I have said already, congratulations!! I'm so happy you finally have babies to hold and cradle and love :)
    I'm so glad you all were in good hands - it looks like the decision to deliver was made just in time. I'm sorry Kelly is having such a rough time. Sending much love to her, too.

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  15. yayyyy just precious! CONGRATS!!!! This is perfect. I loved hearing the low down! Crazy the length difference in the two!!

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  17. Just tears of joy seeing these pics Suz...wow..wow! What special, miracles...and they are YOURS!! Eeekkk! This is why we go through what we have..this is it. I am so blessed that I can see you and know that it gets better. You are so inspiring...I can't even put it into words. Just know, I am always here for you and cannot wait to meet those precious babies!! Enjoy every single second...you deserve it ALL!! And SO much love to Kel....what an amazing woman...praying she heals quickly and her recovery is swift!! Love to you and Trev!!!!!!! .... xoxo

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  18. Congratulations! They are just lovely and perfect:)

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  19. Beautiful boys. Congrats Mom and Dad! So wonderful to see you holding your son. Best wishes to Kelly as she continues to recover.

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  20. HUGE congratulations!! They're so gorgeous!! xxx

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  21. Congratulations!!! Prayers for those sweet boys and Kelly as well.

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  22. Congratulations on your sweet boys!!!

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  23. Yay, Suzanne! They are so gorgeous, wishing you all only happiness in the years to come. Hoping Kelly recovers well soon too, what an amazing woman. Faye

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  24. Congratulations!! This is such wonderful news and brings tears to my eyes. I hope Kelly recovers quickly - what a woman!

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  25. Many Congratulations!!!!! They are so adorable!!
    I guess they are sooo worth the wait!!! :) Soooo happy for you!

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  26. Beyond precious! Congratulations! I can't even imagine how you are feeling right now. Must be completely overwhelming to feel so much love! Sending prayers for Kelly and lots of love to your gorgeous little family!

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  27. Oh double Congratulations to you!!! It is so amazing that you're finally getting the family you dreamed of - K sure is amazing for all she has done, what a wonderful woman! Enjoy every moment with those precious boys mama!!

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  28. Congratulations! I am so happy that your boys are here and are doing well for 33 weeks. I cried happy tears for you reading this post :)

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  29. Oh my goodness, oh my goodness -- I'm reading your post while at work and tears are filling my eyes. I'm so glad things are working out so well! Sending many thoughts and prayers to your new family and to Kelly for quick healing! Congratulations and welcome to the world little men!

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  30. So so thrilled for your entire family. Welcome to the world Casey and Britton. You have been prayed about for years. It's a better place now.

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  31. Wow! Can't wait for another update and more photos! How is your pregnancy going? What an amazing year for you two!

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  32. And I'm crying. Praying that Kelly is stable and doing better and that both boys are progressing. Your post is so positive though I know you must be scared. You've got this Mama thing down girl. Sending all of you love and prayers.

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  33. Tears of JOY!!! So happy for you and your beautiful family!! xoxo Rebekah

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  34. Ahhh! This is such an emotional post! I'm so glad to see those babies are doing great and Kelly is stable. I can't stand how cute your sons are. I'm so incredibly happy for you!!

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  36. This post brings tears to my eyes! This is so beautiful! I love this and know so many of the feelings you are having :) CONGRATULATIONS MOMMA!

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  37. I'm so excited for all of you! Such a long overdue moment. So much JOY! Congrats!!

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  38. Congratulations Suzanne. This is sooo long overdue! As a CCRM patient now exploring gestational surrogacy, this rings a bell at so many levels. And brings a ton of hope. Wishing you tons of happiness with your boys and with your baby girl joining you soon.

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  39. Aww, yay!!! Congrats mama! I hope the boys and you are doing well and that Kelly's recovery has gone well too. Sending so much love to your little family.

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  40. I'm so very happy for you! Congratulations! I keep looking back to your page, hoping to see an update. Do you have an instagram account that I can follow?

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  41. Hope all is going well, and you are enjoying this early time with your beautiful boys!!! Hope you can spare a moment to update at some point, but I'm sure that's challenging with two so young. Wishing you all the best with your beautiful family!

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