Two Babies

Both babies had several heart rate decelerations last night, so they each had their caffeine level increased to coincide with their recent weight gain.

Both Trey and Bella each ate 24 cc's of breast milk from Mommy at their first nursing session today!

Since Bella has successfully eaten three full meals from Mommy, they are going to let her try a bottle either at her midnight or 3am feeding. Hopefully Trey will be doing the same very soon!

Trey and Bella both did an excellent job at their second nursing session! Trey took 30 cc's of breast milk from Mommy and Bella took 28 cc's of breast milk from Mommy! Neither baby had an episode during this feeding!!!

Daddy held Trey and Bella both at the same time tonight!!!!!!! He was the first person to do so!





Trey weighs 4 pounds 4.3 ounces and Bella weighs 3 pounds 10 ounces!

Nursing and Oxygen

Both Trey and Bella are keeping their temperatures where they should be!
Both babies had a little bit of trouble when nursing today. Trey's heart rate dropped twice and Bella's oxygen saturation dropped twice. Trey still ate 13 cc's of breast milk from Mommy and Bella ate 19 cc's of breast milk from Mommy. We may give them a little break today and not do a second nursing session. We'll see what the doc says!

Trey's amount of breast milk per feeding was increased this afternoon to 38 cc's per feeding!

Bella's amount of breast milk per feeding was increased this afternoon to 34 cc's per feeding!

The doc said the babies were fine to nurse tonight. Trey took 3 cc's of breast milk from Mommy and Bella took 34 cc's of breast milk from Mommy!

Trey weighs 4 pounds 4.3 ounces!

Bella weighs 3 pounds 10.0 ounces!

Sharing a Crib

Trey and Bella are doing very well today! Mommy stopped at the NICU this morning to peak in at the babies. She couldn't stay with them since she woke up with a sore throat and a runny nose today. Mommy dropped of some milk for the babies and said hello to them. They were sleeping, so it wasn't too bad leaving them.

Isabella graduated from her isolette today and joined her "big brother" Gerald in a crib! They were moved into a special double crib for twins! Daddy took some pictures of their first time together outside Mommy's womb!

Trey weighs 4 pounds 3 ounces!

Bella weighs 3 pounds 9 ounces!

Trey moved to a crib!

At their first nursing session today, both babies did great once again! Trey took 20 cc's of breast milk from Mommy, which is more than 1/2 of his needed 34 cc's! Bella took 34 cc's of breast milk from Mommy, which is 4 more cc's than she usually gets in her feeding tube!

In the afternoon when the Doctor checked Trey and Bella, they both had their feeding amount increased! Trey now eats 36 cc's of breast milk per feeding and Bella now eats 32 cc's of breast milk per feeding.

Trey graduated from an isolette to a crib today! He's a "big boy" now!



Bella's temperature in her isolette was turned down to 27 degree's Celsius, which is where it needs to be for her to move into a crib! She will be joining her brother soon!

At their second nursing session today, Trey took 18 cc's of breast milk and Bella took 22 cc's of breast milk!

Nursery

Bella and Trey look great today!

Trey ate 18 cc's of breast milk from Mommy and Bella ate 10 cc's of breast milk from Mommy! Tomorrow Mommy will get to nurse each baby twice!

Both babies had blood work done this morning and it all came back normal! Trey and Bella now have tiny Mickey Mouse Band-Aids on their feet where they were pricked.

Trey now weighs 4 pounds 1.3 ounces!

Bella now weighs 3 pounds 7.3 ounces!

Mommy took new photos of the nursery!

3 weeks old

Gerald and Isabella are three weeks old today!!!

Both babies did well with their nursing again today! Trey took 14 cc's of breast milk from Mommy and Bella took 18 cc's of breast milk from Mommy!

Bella is now getting 30 cc's of breast milk at each feeding.

Both babies had several dips in their heart beats today, but they resolved them on their own.

Trey weighs 3 pounds 15.7 ounces and is 17.5 inches in length!

Bella is 3 pounds 6 ounces and is 16 inches in length!

Aunt Dani and Uncle Bobby

Trey and Bella are doing great today!

Both babies had the amount of breast milk they eat at each feeding increased. Trey is now eating 34 cc's per feeding and Bella is now eating 28 cc's per feeding!

Aunt Danielle held Bella and Trey for the first time today and Bobby held Trey for the first time!

Trey and Bella moved upstairs

Trey and Bella were weaned completely off their feeding pumps last night and are now using only the breast or their feeding tubes free-flowing by gravity.

Trey and Bella both did great with nursing today! Trey took 16 cc's of breast milk from Mommy and Bella took 30 cc's (which is 4 cc's more than her usual feedings!).

Trey and Bella were moved upstairs today, which shows how well they are doing!

Mom Mom and Pop Pop both held Trey and Bella for the first time today!

Nursing going well already!

Both babies did great with their nursing today! Trey took 16 cc's of breast milk from Mommy and Bella took 15 cc's of breast milk from Mommy! That is more than half of each of their feeding!

Trey was feeling warm this morning, so his isolette was turned down 1 full degree! This is definite progress and will help when its time for him to move into a crib. Bella usually takes her cues from her "big brother" so Mommy will not be surprised if hers gets turned down by the time Mommy and Daddy get to the hospital this evening!

Both babies are still having some Brady episodes, where they let their heart rates dip (usually no lower than 80). This is happening since they are so small, but both Trey and Bella always bring their heart rates right back to where they are supposed to be own their own.

Trey was weighed this evening and he is now 3 pounds 11.8 ounces!

Bella was also weighed this evening and she is now 3 pounds 3 ounces!

First Nursing Session

Mommy spent the entire day at the NICU today with Gerald and Isabella while Daddy had to go to work.

The Doctors and Nurses said that it was okay to start putting the babies to breast to see what they would do, so the lactation consultant came to help Mommy, who was very nervous! The nurse had Mommy pump her milk just before our trial so that the babies would not get any milk since this was supposed to be a "non-nutritional feeding". However, when the consultant arrived, both babies were showing signs that they were ready to actually breast feed, so she said that Mommy does not have to pump in advance next time. Even though Mommy pumped today, both babies worked very hard and still got milk out when Mommy thought she was empty! Hopefully tomorrow while Mommy is full, they will get and take much more!

Trey took 10 cc's of breast milk directly from Mommy today! It was his first time and he did great!

Bella took 2 cc's of breast milk directly from Mommy today! It was her first time and we woke up to to try this, so she did great too!

Trey was weighed tonight and he is now 3 pounds 10.4 ounces!

Bella was also weighed tonight and she is now 3 pounds 2.1 ounces!

Upgraded to Imtermediate

Both Trey and Bella had a pretty good day today!

Trey's eye looks much better, so the warm compresses are helping to heal his clogged tear duct.

Bella is now getting two packages of fortifier added to her breast milk, so hopefully this will help her gain weight quicker.

Trey and Bella were both upgraded today to the "intermediate" nursery in the NICU! Good job babies!

Our favorite night nurse, Sue is back on and taking care of the twins tonight! Mommy and Daddy sleep much better when Sue is caring for the babies since she treats them like her own babies!

Day to Day

Both babies are doing well today. Each had one episode during the night, but neither had any spit up from feedings!
Both babies were very awake today while Mommy was holding them!

Trey now weighs 3 pounds 7.3 ounces and is 17 1/2 inches long! His head is 29 centimeters around!

Bella now weighs 3 pounds 1.6 ounces and is 16 inches long! Her head is 28 centimeters around!

Trey's food intake was increased today to 30 cc's or one full ounce!

Bella is now getting one pack of fortifier added to her breast milk, so she will be gaining quickly now.

Trey has a clogged tear duct in his left eye. They are using warm compresses to help it go away.

Graduated to next Level

Gerald and Isabella are 2 weeks old today! They have both been "promoted" to the next level room in the NICU since they are both off breathing machines and IVs!
Trey had a few apnea episodes this morning, so he got some caffeine and it stopped!

Bella got her IV taken out this morning!

Bella joined her "big brother" wearing clothes today!

Today was a big day for the babies! Grandmom and Aunt Kimberly held Gerald and Isabella both for the first time today! Aunt Tracy also got to hold Gerald!

Trey got to wear clothes today!

Trey wore his own clothes today!!! (Mommy took some outfits, pajamas and blankets to the hospital for both babies since Trey is allowed to be dressed now.)

Bella is now up to her maximum feeding of 26 cc's of breast milk per feeding!

Bella had her last dose of her antibiotic tonight. Her night nurse believes that her IV will be taken out sometime during the night.

Both babies got weighed tonight. Trey weighs 3 pounds 5.7 ounces and Bella weighs 3 pounds 1.6 ounces!

Good Day for all!

Mommy called the NICU at 6 a.m. and was told that both babies had a great night.

Trey's feeding pump is making his reflux much less that it was before. He is going to keep using it until he can eat from Mommy instead of a feeding tube.

Isabella feeding was increased several times today. She is now eating 19 cc's per feeding. Since she is eating so well, her IV fluid was turned off today.

Trey's skin temperature is no longer being monitored. Instead, the air temperature inside his incubator is being monitored. This means that he can wear clothes!!!!

Bella's Infection is Gone!!!!

Mommy called the NICU in the morning and heard that both babies are doing well.

Trey is now using a feeding pump to slow the length of time it takes for his milk to get into his belly. This should help with his acid reflux. They want to lessen it as much as possible so that he doesn't associate his throwing up with eating and then stop eating.

Bella's feeding was increased several times today. By midnight she was eating 15 cc's with no residuals!

Trey weighs 3 pounds 4 ounces and Bella weighs 3 pounds!!!

Isabella's infection is GONE!

Feeding going well

Mommy called the NICU when she woke up to pump at 6am. Both babies are doing well and both took all of their feeding throughout the night with no residuals!
Trey is also doing well and somehow managed to flip himself over! He then got stuck and cried for his nurse to help him.

By 3pm, Bella was taking 9 cc's of breast milk per feeding and the plan is to up her amount by 1 cc every other feeding (every 6 hours). Bella also decided that she did not like her nasal canular, and kept taking it out today. She she had no problems breathing with out, the Doctor decided to leave it out! Bella is now breathing with no assistance, just like her "big" brother!

Trey is doing extremely well with his eating and is now getting two packs of fortifier with each feeding, which will help him gain weight quicker since it adds more calories.

Both babies off Vapotherm

The babies both looked good today.

Trey's Vapotherm was removed so he is no longer on any kind of breathing assistance. Trey started getting a fortifier mixed in with his breast milk to help him grow now that his is eating all of his cc's.

Bella is doing very well for all she is going through. Her IV needs to be changed constantly due to her infection and her medications. She may get a pic line later this week. Her blood culture is being taken tonight, so we are hoping to get a negative result, which would be followed by seven days of antibiotics from today.

When Mommy called the NICU at 11:30pm, both babies were doing well. They had just been weighed and both are almost up to their birth weights. Trey is 3 pounds 3.3 ounces and Bella is 2 pounds 12.3 ounces!

Bella kept taking her Vapotherm out, so they decided to leave it out and give her a nasal canular which gives her a little bit of air to help her while she has the infection and antibiotics.

Infection

Bella has an infection. We are not sure of the exact type yet, but it is a skin infection, likely from her IV site, so she is on the correct antibiotics. They will be taking a blood culture tomorrow to see if the antibiotics have gotten rid of it yet.

One of the nurses said that this is really bad, but we are praying and know that our little girl will be fine!

Once she gets a negative culture, they will keep her on her medications for seven full days to make sure all of the bug is gone from her system. The nurse said that Bella could probably stop using her Vapotherm today, but they wanted to leave it in until they are sure the infection is gone so that she can use all of her energy to fight it off.

Trey moved up in the world. His IV was taken out of his arm and his Vapotherm was turned down.

One Week Old

Trey and Bella are one week old today!

Bella might have an infection, possibly from her IV site, so she was put on antibiotics today. The blood culture will be back on Tuesday.

Trey is now eating 20 cc's of breast milk and his IV fluid is scheduled to be turned off today.

Bella is now eating 8 cc's of breast milk!

By midnight when Daddy called the NICU, Trey was up to the maximum feeding for his age - 25 cc's!

Bella's nurse Sue said she is doing much better and she is not worried about her, as Bella has returned to her normal complaining self! Bella likes to whine if she is moved from a comfortable position to a new one!

Mommy got peed on

Trey and Bella are doing well!

We took our very first family photo today!




When Mommy and Daddy left yesterday, Trey was already eating 16 cc's of breast milk and Bella was eating 6 cc's of breast milk! I hope Mommy can keep up!

Trey Christening Mommy for the first time yesterday - he peed on me while I was changing his diaper!

Twins are doing well!

Gerald and Isabella are doing great today!

Both babies had their Vapotherm turned down by half!

Both babies were taken off their Phototherapy lights, as their billiruben levels have decreased!

Both babies are getting one additional cc of breast milk at every other feeding. By midnight, Trey was up to 10 cc's and Bella was up to 4 cc's.

Holding Babies

Mommy held Isabella for the first time today!




Daddy held Gerald and Isabella for the first time today!



Both babies were taken off the C-Pap and are now on Vapotherm with room air only.

Trey's breast milk intake was increased twice today, first to 3 cc's and then to 4 cc's.

Isabella was started on breast milk again today at 1 cc.

Both babies had ultrasounds done on their heads to check for any brain bleeds or other preterm complications. Both babies got perfect results!

Isabella's murmur could not be heard today.

Mommy went home from the hospital today after 69 days! Of course, we stayed with the babies until midnight!

Mommy was asked to start freezing her breast milk at home since there is enough at the hospital right now for the babies.

Mommy held her baby boy!

Mommy held Gerald today for the first time!

Both babies are still using C-Pap, but neither is getting any oxygen.



Isabella has a heart murmur, so the Doctor's checked the ductus of her heart to see if it is still open. It is slightly to moderately open. The Doctors are watching her closely, and expect that this will resolve itself. If not, medication or surgery may be needed.

Gerald is now eating 2 cc's of breast milk at each feeding. Isabella is taking a break from breast milk.

Mommy had an epidural blood patch tonight to get rid of her spinal headache. It worked!!!!

No More Respirators!

Gerald and Isabella were both taken off their respirators today!!!!!
Both babies are now using a C-Pap, which puts pressure and air into their lungs. It can also give them oxygen if needed.

Bella is getting a minimal amount of oxygen; Trey does not need any at this time.

Both babies had high billiruben levels today and were placed under phototherapy lights.

Daddy's changed his first diaper today!

Babies are doing well!

Gerald and Isabella are both doing very well!

Both babies are still on respirators, but neither has needed any oxygen.

Trey's sugar level was high today and he was given insulin. It returned to normal before the insulin had a change to work, so it may have been caused by the IV in his belly button.

Both Trey and Bella have an occasional episode of apnea, where they forget to take a breath, but this is expected at their gestation. Caffeine helps!

Both babies lost a few ounces, which is normal for all babies Mommy is told.

Mommy has a spinal headache, but had chosen not to get an epidural blood patch at this time.

Isabella Christine and Gerald Charles III

Mommy and Daddy welcomed their new babies into the world today! They were born at 30 weeks and 4 days gestation.

Gerald Charles Damico, III came into the world at 1:47 am. He weighed 3 pounds and 4 1/2 ounces. He was 16 inches long. Mommy and Daddy have decided to call him Trey (which is three in Italian since he is the third).

Isabella Christine Damico came into the work at 1:49 am. She weighed 2 pounds and 14 1/2 ounces. She was 14 1/2 inches long. Mommy and Daddy have decided to call her Bella.

Both babies were taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and put on respirators to help them breath.

Neither baby needed oxygen, which is fantastic!

By late afternoon, Trey and Bella both began eating 1 cc of Mommy's breast milk through their feeding tubes.

Pregnancy

I am going to copy and paste all of the info from my Pregnancy website here!


February 28, 2005
First Home Pregnancy test showed a faint positive!

March 1, 2005
Second Home Pregnancy test was positive!



March 2, 2005
The Fertility Specialist called to tell me that our blood test came back positive! Our expected due date is November 9, 2005. My HCG level is 184!


March 2-4, 2005
We shared our wonderful news with very close family members!


March 4, 2005
HCG Level went up to 339!


March 6, 2005
My Mom and Aunt Diane both sent beautiful flowers today as a Congratulations Gift!

March 7, 2005
HCG Level went up to 1003!


March 10, 2005
HCG Level tripled! It is now 3672!


March 14, 2005
HCG Level skyrocketed! It is now 28, 194!


March 18, 2005
We had our first ultrasound today and found out that we are having TWINS! We are both thrilled with the news! We also got to hear both babies heartbeats. Baby A's heartbeat is 116.97 bpm and Baby B's heartbeat is 117.97 bpm!

March 18, 2005
We began sharing our news with other family members and friends!


March 22, 2005
Mommy and both babies made it through emergency surgery and are doing well. Mommy's ovary knotted itself around her fallopian tube. The RE's had to do emergency exploratory surgery to diagnose and repair the problem.


March 25, 2005
Both babies are doing well! Their heartbeats are 141 and 146!

March 27, 2005
We had a really big scare today and Mommy is still bleeding but we made it through and both babies are okay!


March 28, 2005
Dr. Packin dianosed Mommy with a sub-chorionic hematoma, but luckily, it is not attached to either baby's sac which is great news! Baby A's heartbeat is 152 and Baby B's heartbeat is 157.

April 1, 2005
We took a pregnancy photo today!

April 4, 2005
Today was our last visit with Dr. Packin, our RE. Both babies looked great! Each baby had a very strong heartbeat of 176 bpm and each is growing right on schedule at 8 weeks and 5 days gestation! Dr. Packin said that he is not at all concerned about the sub-chorionic hematoma and that it is almost completely reabsorbed into the uterus. Dr. Packin graduated us from the Fertility Program to the regular high risk OB/GYN.


April 4, 2005
Today was also our first visit to Dr. Larry Rosen, OB/GYN. Dr. Rosen was very impressed with the way the pregnancy is progressing and agreed that the sub-chorionic hematoma is no longer an issue. What a relief! Dr. Rosen did say to expect an early delivery and possible bed rest later on in the pregnancy. Our next appointment is scheduled for April 28, 2005!


April 9, 2005
I finally had to give in and buy some maternity clothing since NONE of my pants button anymore! I also did some baby shopping with "Grandmom" and "Aunt Danielle", who both say I am a high maintenance pregnant lady!


April 27, 2005
We went to the emergency room at Virtua Hospital due to complications. The doctor could not find a cause for the bleeding, but is guessing it might be the same sub-chorionic hematoma that I had earlier in the pregnancy. Both babies looked great on the ultrasound and were moving all around! The heartbeats looked great at 154 and 161 bpm. What little troopers these babies are!


April 28, 2005
Dr. Rosen did an ultrasound today and confirmed everything that the ER Doctor told us. He put me on best rest until our next appointment on May 9, 2005. We are hoping the bed rest is only temporary!


May 8, 2005
I think I felt the babies move today for the very first time! I am not certain, but it felt a little like sode bubbles fizzing in my belly! I hope it happens again! What a nice Mother's Day gift! Daddy also gave the Mommy-to-be flowers from the babies!


May 9, 2005
Today's visit to Dr. Rosen went well. The babies both looked great on the ultrasound. They were both in totally different places then they were in at the last visit. I guess they are already learning to swim around in there! Dr. Rosen is keeping Mommy on bed rest until the next visit due to the bleeding. Mommy is catching up on lots of sleep!


May 11, 2005
We are officially 14 weeks pregnant today! Welcome to the second trimester!

May 16, 2005
We visited Dr. Rosen for another ultrasound today! The babies are next to each other again, so I guess they were bored on opposite sites of Mommy! They both looked great and we still cannot tell where the bleeding is coming from at this time. If it has not stopped by the next visit, we will be referred to a specialist for a higher-level two ultrasound. We want to make sure we are not missing anything! For now, the bed rest continues!


May 23, 2005
We had a visit with Dr. Rosen today to check my cervix. All looks okay and both babies looked great on the ultrasound. The Doctor referred us for a level two ultrasound and perinatologist consultation. We have more bloodwork scheduled for next Wednesday - yikes!


May 29, 2005
Grandmom, Mom Mom and Pop Pop ordered new furniture for the twins! They will be getting Sorelle cribs and Mother Hubbard's Cupboard dressers. I can't wait to see it all in the nursery when it arrives! Now....to choose the bedding....


June 1, 2005
I had seven vials of blood taken today. Don't they know a pregnant ladies needs all of her blood? Our appointment with the perinatologist is scheduled for Friday, June 3, 2005. We are hoping to be able to find out the gender(s) of the babies while we are there as we will be 17 weeks and 2 days.

We also took a pregnancy photo today!

June 3, 2005
We had our first visit with the Perinatologist, Dr. Bolognese, at Virtua West Jersey Hospital. The ultrasound technician spent about a half hour measuring the babies! They each weigh six ounces and are growing at the perfect rate! The technician was able to get about 70-80 percent of the babies anatomical measurements. Both babies have perfectly shaped nose measurements indicating that there are no visible signs of birth defects.

They were also finally able to find the source of my bleeding, which is a fluid filled sac inside of my uterus. Dr. Bolognese will be keeping a very close eye on it to make sure it does not irritate my uterus too much and cause me to go into labor. The good news is my cervix is closed up tight!
Both babies were moving around a great deal, so it was very hard to see what genders they are for certain. They ultrasound technician could not be 100% sure, but based on what she saw, we are pretty sure of the babies gender(s)!

The baby on the bottom is Baby A. This baby was moving around so much that we only got a quick glimpse of the babies genital area. It looks like Baby A is a BOY!

The baby on the top is Baby B. This baby had its legs crossed almost the entire time, but we caught a glimpse from underneath. It looks like Baby A is a GIRL!

We will be having another level II ultrasound on June 27, 2005 to finish the remaining 20-30 percent of the anatomy measurements. We should be able to confirm the babies genders at that time. We are thrilled it looks like we are having one boy and one girl. I hope this holds up at the next ultrasound!

June 4, 2005
Dr. Bolognese and Dr. Rosen said that I could go to Babies R Us to register for baby things as long as I went in a wheelchair. Since I was so excited to register and to be out of the house, I didn't mind the wheelchair at all! Grandmom went with me and we had a ton of fun choosing and registering for baby items!


June 6, 2005
Today, I had my visit OB visit with Dr. Zinsky, who is the parnter of Dr. Rosen, and father to two sets of Multiples! He checked my belly measurement and said that I was growing just fine! My total pregnancy weight gain to date has been 8 1/2 pounds.

Dr. Zinsky checked my cervix, which is still closed up tight. He also used the Doppler for the first time! I got to hear both babies' heartbeats for the first time! Baby A's heartbeat was 142 beats per minute and Baby B's heartbeat was 147 beats per minute!

My next appoint is Monday, June 13, 2005.


June 11, 2005
Today, we asked Aunt Kim to be Baby A's Godmother and Aunt Danielle to be Baby B's Godmother! We weren't sure which Aunt to ask for which baby so we let the twins' cousin Evan Patrick chose for us! Both were very excited and the answers were a resounding yes!

Cousin Evan, who is only 16 months old is very excited and asked if he could look inside my belly button to see the babies!


June 13, 2005
Dr. Zinsky got the results of the blood tests. Everything looks fine expect Mommy's blood count, which is low. Dr. Zinsky adjusted my vitamin schedule a bit, and said that it would probably remain low due to this being a twin pregnancy. I was also borderline anemic before getting pregnant. He said it is not a problem for the babies, as they take what they need first, and I get what is left. I might be a bit tired! I guess this explains why I sleep 12-13 hours a day!

My weight is up to 115 1/2 pounds, a gain of 9 1/2 pounds! My uterus is measuring approximating four weeks ahead of my current 18 weeks and 5 days gestation, which is normal for a twin pregnancy. My cervix is completely closed as it should be!

I got to hear both babies' heartbeats on the doppler! Baby A's heartbeat was 141 bpm and Baby B's heartbeat was 148 bpm.

My next appointment is Tuesday, June 21, 2005!


June 19, 2005
Today is Daddy's first Father's Day as a Daddy-to-be! The babies gave Daddy a card and some presents that are really for themselves - a football rattle, a princess rattle, an I love Daddy Bib and a Daddy's Princess Bib!

Daddy also got his first "Father's Day Tie" from his Goddaughter Olivia. Cousin Olivia, who is 2 and a half, says the babies are inside to cook, and asks if the babies can "pease fall out!"

We also aksed Uncle John to be Baby A's Godfather today. Uncle John was very excited and said yes! Now, we just have one more Godfather to ask but we are going to keep that a secret until we ask him!


June 21, 2005
Today, we had an OB appointment with Judy Moskowitz, the office's nurse practictioner, who I really like! It was a great appointment!

My blood pressure was 110 over 58 and I gained 2 1/2 pounds in the 8 days since my last appointment! That brings my total weight gain to 12 pounds. My uterus is still measuring four weeks ahead so even though I will only be 20 weeks tomorrow, I am measuring 24 weeks! Judy checked my cervix, which is still long and completely closed!

Judy loves to check the twins on the ultrasound machine, so she brought that in to take a look at the babies! The ultrasound showed that both babies heartbeats were very strong. I do not know the number of beats per minute since we did not use the doppler. Baby A loves the camera and did a few little poses! Since this was a regular ultrasound, it was a little grainy and difficult to see the genders but it definitely does look like Baby A has a little something between his legs! Baby B is very camera shy! We tried to get some shots of this little one, but she moved every time we tried to snap a shot! The baby had her legs closed again but Judy agrees that she is a girl! Mommy and Daddy are both hoping that the babies give us a good confirmation look next week at our level II ultrasound with the Perinatologist.

Our next two appointments are on Monday, June 27, 2005. We will see Dr. Bolognese in the morning and Dr. Rosen in the afternoon!

June 22, 2005
We are 20 weeks today! I cannot believe how much my belly has grown!


June 25, 2005
Tonight, one of the babies kicked me for the first time! What an amazing feeling! I am not quite sure which baby kicked, but I think it was Baby B since it was pretty high up! Or perhaps it was Baby A trying to kick Baby B!


June 27, 2005
Today, we saw Perinatologist Dr. Librizzi, at the Antenatal Testing Unit (ATU) at Virtua West Jersey Hospital. Our appointment was a scary mix of good and bad news.

We were able to confirm the babies' genders, which was very nice! Baby A is a boy and Baby B is a girl. Baby A weighs approximately 13 ounces and Baby B weighs approximately 14 ounces! Both are exactly where they should be and doing very well!

The bad news is that I am already showing signs of preterm labor at only 20 wekes and 5 days gestation. My cervix is funneling and beginning to dilate at the top portion of my cervix. Luckily, the bottom portion appears to be closed up tight. Dr. Librizzi was very frank in saying that he did not know what the outcome of our pregnancy would be, and that there is a very real possibility that we may lose one or both babies. Mommy refuses to believe that could possibly happen. God helped us get to this point and will see us through.

I will be seen twice a week now, once by the Perinatologists (Maternal Fetal Specialists) at ATU and once by my OB/GYNs Dr. Rosen and Dr. Zinsky. I am now on complete bed rest at home, and must be lying down whenever possible. Sitting up is bad for my cervix. Luckily, I am allowed to get up to use the restroom, and for 15 minutes to eat.

My afternoon visit with Dr. Rosen went way better then the morning visit to ATU. Her confirmed that the external portion of my cervix is still closed via manual exam. My blood pressure was good at 114 over 62. I gained two more pounds this week for a total of 14 pounds. I am now up to 120 pounds!


June 30, 2005
Tonight, I had my first trip to Labor and Delivery - yikes! At 21 weeks and 1 day gestation, I am now having contractions. Dr. Laughingwell was the resident Doctor at the hospital. I am one fingertip dilated and he has gotten the contractions under control. I was given severl bags of IV fluid and Procardia to manage the contractions. I have to be medicated every six hours around the clock.


July 2, 2005
Two days have gone by and I am back in Labor and Delivery at 21 weeks and 3 days gestation. I thought I was having some contractions at home, so Dr. Brandwine, who is on call for Dr. Rosen and Dr. Zinsky, told me to come in. I thought I was having about five contractions and hour (on Procardia no less!) but it turns out, I was having one contraction every three to four minutes. Dr. Boyle, the resident, found that I was still only one fingertip dilated, but I am now 50% effaced. This is not good news. I was given an IV Drip, put on two more medications to stop the contractions (Indocin and Terbuteline Sulfate/Brethene) and admitted to the antenatal unit here at the hospital.

The Indocin, which I take every 12 hours, and the Terbuteline, which I take every 6 hours, seem to be helping the contractions stay under control.

I will be monitored for contractions twice a day for a period of one hour. If I have any more then four contractions in any given hour, then additional intervention will be needed. The babies' heartbeats will also be monitored at least twice a day.

I am to stay in bed, laying down, as much as physically possible with only bathroom privileges (only since there is a bathroom in my room).

I will see ATU a minimum of once a week and Dr. Rosen, Dr. Zinsky or my mid-wife Gwen daily. I will also see a hospital resident at least once a day.


July 4, 2005
Happy Fourth of July! Since I will be here for a long time, I was moved into a private room today.


July 5, 2005
I went to see Dr. Librizzi in ATU today. Even though the contractions are under control, the news is not great. In just a few days, my cervix has gotten considerably worse. I am now one centimeter dilated and the funneling has advanced to the point that my cerival length is less then one centimeter.

Dr. Librizzi welcomed me to my new home here at Virtua West Jersey Hospital. I will mostly likely have to stay here until the twins are born. There is a small chance I might get to go home at 28 or 32 weeks if things go really well. It's pretty boring, but I do feel much safer here where they can monitor the babies closely.


July 7, 2005
I saw Dr. Broth today at ATU. The news was good for a change! Everything is status quo from Tuesday and I am 22 weeks and 1 day. The babies are not viable yet, but we are making progress! Dr. Broth is guessing that we have a 50% chance of making it to 28 weeks.

We took some pregnancy photos today!

My friends at Villanova sent me beautiful flowers today!

July 14, 2005
I saw Dr. Broth today at ATU. It went very well as there has been no change to my cervix since last week! I am still having daily contractions but they are under control.

Dr. Broth gave permission for our puppies Cara and Mia to come to the hospital to see me, so they will be coming on Saturday! Dr. Broth also said that I can sit up in a recling chair occasionally to watch some television. He also gave permission for me to go outside for fresh air, in a wheelchair, two times a week!


July 15, 2005
Since I spend so much time in bed these days, Dr. Rosen ordered me some lovely T.E.D. Anti-embolism stockings (can you sense the sarcasm here?). He also ordered physical therapy, so that should be interesting.

Today was the first time that both babies stayed on the heartbeat monitor for a full hour! (Usually, they only stay for a few minutes since they are so little)


July 16, 2005
Chip brought our puppies Cara and Mia to see me today! It was so nice to see them and I cannot wait until they come back!

Physical Therapy came, but they do not think I need therapy quite "yet" since I am still able to get up to go to the bathroom. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?


July 17, 2005
Dr. Rosen and I had a little disagreement about bathroom privileges today. He wanted me to start using a bed pan, which made no sense to me given my wonderful appointment three days ago. We worked it out after much crying on my part and some interference from some wonderful nurses - I still have bathroom privileges!

I seem to be developing quite a cold. The doctors are ordering me some Flonase, cough syrup and lozenges.


July 20, 2005
Hooray! We made it to 24 weeks! The babies are viable! I have been here about 2 1/2 weeks and have had lots of visitors, which has been very nice. Let's see if I can remember everyone - Daddy, Grandmom, Mom Mom, Pop Pop, Nanny, Aunt Kimberly, Aunt Danielle, Aunt Desiree, Cousin Olivia, Aunt Tracy, Aunt Myong-Hui, Traci and Haley Mae Connor, Joanne Legler, Marci Ramos, Kelly Hodge and her Dad Ken, Cara and Mia (all named from the Babies' perspective). Tons of others have called with good wishes. Thank you so much to everyone! Feel free to call or visit if you are bored!


July 21, 2005
We are 24 weeks 1 day and had our visit to the ATU today. We saw Dr. Bolognese today. This was a very long visit since we were doing growth scans on both babies, a cervical check and a fetal fibronectin test (fFn). Once again, we got some very good news and some very concerning news.

Good news first...both babies look great! Baby A (boy) now weighs approximately 1 pounds and 7 ounces. Baby B (girl) now weighs approximately 1 pounds and 6 ounces. Both are doing wonderfully!

My cervix is also the same as last week. No change two weeks in a row is fantastic!

Dr. Bolognese took me off of the Indocin since the amniotic fluid in both sacs around the babies is a little on the low side, which is a side effect of the medication. In the meantime, if I need another medication due to an increase in contractions, they will try Procardia in combination with Brethene. On Wednesday of next week, the fluid will be checked. If it returns to normal, the Doctors will switch me back to the Indocin if I need additional medication at that time. The next thing in line would be a Magnesium IV drip, which I hear is no fun and makes you feel like you have the flu. Hopefully, I will not need that anytime soon!

The Fetal Fibronectin Test came back this afternoon. If the test is negative, there is a 99% chance that I will not deliver within the next two weeks. If the test is positive, it indicates that I have a very high likelihood of delivering within two weeks. The problem with this test is that it has a high (40%) false positive rate, according to the Doctors at ATU (studies published on the internet show highly varying rates). Not at all unexpected, my test came back POSITIVE, indicating that I will deliver within two weeks. I guess that gives me a 60% chance of delivering the babies in the next two weeks when you take into account the false positive rate. Hopefully, I will be one of the 40% who got a false positive, since many prove to keep the baby(ies) in for many weeks!

Just in case, I was given a steriod shot today to help the babies lungs develop more quickly. I will get the second and last dose tomorrow. I also met with the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Doctors to learn about potential problems of babies born at 24 weeks gestation. She was very nice and very informative. I am trying not to worry too much, but it is nice to know what we are up against. The Doctor also offered me a tour of the NICU, but since I am not feeling well still, I told her I would visit next week instead.


July 22, 2005
I received my second and last injection of the steroids today that will help the babies' lungs. The needle wasn't so bad, as it was much smaller then the one that I had to use for the Progesterone treatments during my IVF.

Today we figured out how to connect my laptop to the internet here at the hospital, so I can feel connected to the outside world once again! Since it is dial-up, I am sure it will be slow, but at least I will be able to browse the internet, talk on IM and update the baby website! I will still be checking email again.

Tonight, Grandmom felt one of the babies kick my tummy from the outside! She was the first person to feel this!


July 24, 2005
Daddy felt the babies kick for the first time today!

No contractions today! This is a first!


July 25, 2005
The babies must like Chinese food (Not that Mommy ate it, but the babies got to smell it!) As soon as Daddy walked into the hospital room with it, both babies started moving around and kicking like crazy!

Daddy also got to take Mommy outside in a wheel chair for the first time! It was very nice to be outside despite the heat and humidity. The fresh air was wonderful! We got to sit outside for about an hour!

I was also weighed for the first time today since being in the hospital. I have gained two pounds for a total of 16 pounds!


July 27, 2005
We made it to 25 weeks!

I saw Dr. Shah at ATU today and got some very bad news. My cervix is fully dilated and 100% effaced. This means that the babies could be born at any hour of any day now. Hopefully, not for a long time! If I get a fever or show any signs of infection, or if my water breaks, the babies will be delivered immediately. Let's pray for as many days as possible!

Since the fluid level for both babies has returned to normal, I was put back on the Indocin with the hopes that it can help my cervix.

For now, I am on complete bed rest in the hospital. No more showers or sitting up :( I am still allowed ot go to the bathroom, as struggling with the bed pan could be moer difficult for my body.


July 28, 2005
Feeling a little pressure over the impending birth, Daddy and I decided to officially give the babies names tonight. Shockingly, at this point it was very easy for Mommy and Daddy to agree on names and nicknames for both babies (which had been a real challenge up to this point!). We are extremely happy with both twins' names and have already begun calling the babies by their names when no one else is around! We will be keeping the names a secret from family and friends until the babies are born. Daddy will have the honor of announcing the names when the babies are born!


July 29, 2005
I saw Dr. Librizzi at ATU today, who is hopefully that I can make it to next week since we made it through the first 48 hours. He strongly believes in the power of positive thinking!


July 30, 2005
My baby shower was today! I was not able to go to the shower due to all of the complications that are going on right now, but our families brought all of the gifts to the hospital for me to open here! Our families and friends are absolutely amazing! The babies received so many gifts, we will be set for quite some time!

Aunt Kimberly brought Cousin Evan to the hospital for the first time today! He was very good and even helped me to open some presents! That is, until he unwrapped a rubber ducky and decided it was much more fun to play with the ducky rather then continuing to open presents. Grandmom and Aunt Danielle sorted the items to make it easier for Mommy when she gets home!

Oh, and I found out today that the twins will be delivered by c-section if at all possible to minimize the stress on their little bodies. This should be interesting!

August 1, 2005
Hooray! We made it to August! Only 100 days to go to my official due date on November 9, 2005!

Dr. Rosen told me today, and Gwen (midwife) told me yesterday, that there is a strong possibility that I might have a dynamic cervix, which is a cervix that opens and closes at will. They both feel there is no way I would still be pregnant if my cervix was truly ten centimeters dilated on Wednesday and remains as such. If that buys more time, we'll take it! At this point, we have no way of knowing since the Doctors agree that examining me at this point will risk breaking my water, which we do not want. So, it could be hours, days or weeks! It's anyones guess!


August 3, 2005
We are 26 weeks pregnant today! Wow! I certainly didn't think we would be here as of last week. Thank you everyone, for the good wishes and prayers!

I visited Dr. Librizi today at ATU. I had an ultrasound done to check the fluid level around the babies. It has decreased a bit, but not enough to risk taking me off of the medicine. I will likely have to go off of it next week though. Since I am still pregnant a full week after being fully dilated and effaced, ATU is supporting the dynamic cervix diagnosis.

Both babies look great on the ultrasound and we are hoping to stay pregnant for at least another week.


August 5, 2005
Daddy, Pop Pop and Aunt Desiree have been working very hard on the babies nursery! It got new molding and a paint job!


August 10, 2005
We are 27 weeks pregnant today!

Chip and I saw Dr. Bolognese at ATU today. The fluid level around the babies is the same as last week, so I do not have to stop taking the Indocin quite yet! He did change my other medication since he feels it is not quite as effective the longer you stay on it. I am now back on Procardia instead of Brethene/Terbuteline Sulfate.

Our baby boy now weighs 2 pounds and 1 ounce! He is growing very well and it in the 46th percentile for his gestation. Our baby girl is growing a little bit slower. She now weighs 1 pound 11 ounces and is in the 23rd percetile for her gestation (she must take after her Mommy!). There is about a 25% discordance between their weights, which is normal for twins.

We have had many visitors since the last listing of visitors! Cousin Evan, Aunt Diane (Di Di), Aunt Debbie, Aunt Lynn, Aunt Jenny (visiting from Germany!), Aunt Veronica, Aunt Mary Ann, Uncle David, Aunt Barbara, Madison, Aunt Karen, Amy Viehweger, Angela Brophy, Carol Mitchell, Kelly Simer, Colleen Black, Liz Clune, and Alexis Rupprect, have all veen to visit us lately! Thank you to everyone who has called, visited or prayed for us!


August 12, 2005
Apparently, Procardia just does not work for me! I began having an increase in contractions today for a total of 7 to 9 an hour! Dr. Rosen was in the hospital so he came in to see me. He took me off of the Procardia and put me back on the Brethene/Terbuteline Sulfate. The contractions stopped as soon as I got the first injection. I now get mediation at 2am, 6am, 8am, 9am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm and 10pm. Who needs sleep?


August 14, 2005
The contractions are back but are under control. I am also feeling lots of pressure "down there" and some minor pain. The Doctors don't want to check me for fear of stirring things up. They would rather wait and this point for my water to break on its own. This is all very scary! Hopefully, my water will not break any time soon!


August 16, 2005
Aunt Danielle took some pregnancy photos of me today at 27 weeks and 6 days gestation!





August 17, 2005
We made it to 28 weeks! This is the babies very first birthday gift to their Mommy - 28 weeks pregnant on my 28th birthday! Now, they can come whenever they want to! The 28 week mark has been our main goal up to this point!

I had an appointment with AtU today and saw Dr. Librizzi. The baby boys fluid level went down from 4.2 to 3.7. The baby girls fluid went up a little bit from 2.5 to 3.1. This means at least one more week of Indocin.

Both babies had a diagnostic test today called a biophysical profile to measure their breathing, movement and development. Both of them scored and 8 out of 8 on the singleton scale (rather then having to use the multiples scale!) which is wonderful! I guess that means the both got an A! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of them!


August 19, 2005
Daddy asked Uncle Bob to be Baby B's Godfather today and he said yes! Now both babies have a Godmother and Godfather!


August 22, 2005
Tonight was a very interesting night. I began feeling a ton of pressure and pain "down there". I felt like one of the babies was litterally kicking me in the butt and trying to get out. I was put on the monitor and having a lot of contractions, but not feeling any of them. Dr. Zinsky decided to check me to make sure there were no hands or feet coming out. Yikes!

After the very painful process of checking me, Dr. Zinsky told me that I was only a little more then one centimeter dialted and 70-80% effaced. That is a far cry from the ten centimeters and 100% effaced that I was a few weeks ago! Dr. Zinsky is now convinced that I have a dynamic cervix, but the babies are safe for now!

Dr. Zinsky did order an IV to be ready in case things got worse during the night since there is a chance that this is the start of true labor and the delivery process. The other possibility is that the baby B has moved into a very funny position and pressing on things that just don't feel very good! Oh, and the Dr. could feel Baby A's head!


August 23, 2005
I am feeling much better today! Still having some pressure and contractions but no pain at all. It looks like last nights episode was just our baby boy letting us know that he and his sister are still in there! I got lucky and did not need the IV during the night.

I go to ATU tomorrow and will keep everyone posted after that.


August 24, 2005
We are officially 29 weeks pregnant today!

I went to ATU and saw Dr. Shah today. The babies look great, but the fluid in their amniotic sacs has decreased. I have to go back for another visit in two days and if things get any worse, I will be taken off the Indocin again . Wish us luck!


August 26, 2005
God is really watching out for these two little ones! I saw Dr. Bolognese today at ATU. The amniotic fluid around both babies has increased to the point that I can stay on the Indocin for a few more days until my appointment on Wednesday.

Our baby boys fluid has increased just a little to 2.61, which is good enough for now. Our baby girls fluid has almost doubled to 4.5! Thank you to everyone who has been praying for these two little miracles!


August 27, 2005
Today is Daddy's 29th birthday! The babies gave their Daddy a wonderful present by staying in a little longer. Let's hope they stay inside until September at least!


August 28, 2005
I feel like the babies are really growin! I am now feeling lots of baby body parts jamming into my ribs! I guess they are running out of room and my belly will go through another growth spurt pretty soon! I can't wait to see how much they weigh on Wednesday!


August 29, 2005
I asked to be weighed today for curiousity sake! I have gained 3 1/4 pounds since I was last weighed on July 25, 2005. That brings my total weight gain to 19 1/4 pounds for the pregnancy so far! The grand total is 125 1/4 pounds!

Baby Supermart is delivering our baby furniture tomorrow!


August 30, 2005
The nursey furniture is all set up! Mommy can't wait until Daddy brings her some photos of the nursey! Thank you Grandmom, Mom Mom and Pop Pop!

August 31, 2005
we made it to 30 weeks! Who would have thought?!?!?!?

I had a visit Dr. Bolognese today at ATU. They measured each babies' fluid level and both were about a 2, which is too low. I was taken off of the Indocin. Let's hope that doesn't bring on true labor.

Both babies were measured today, each having gained about 19 ounces in 21 days! Our baby boy now weighs 3 pounds and 4 ounces (52nd percentile) and our baby girl weighs 2 pounds and 14 ounces (23rd percentile)! Keep up the good work little ones!


September 1, 2005
The contractions increased significantly today, so I guess that Indocin really was doing its job before I had to stop taking it. The Doctors are keeping me on the Brethene/Terbuteline Sulfate and adding Procardia back into the mix to see if that does anything. We'll see! I go back to ATU tomorrow morning at 11am.


September 1, 2005 PM
The contrations increased until they were 5 minutes apart. I am feeling them in my back rather then in my stomach, much to my surprise. (I guess I take after my younger sister Kim). My night nurse was able to slow them douwn enough for me to sleep by giving me two injections of Terbuteline Sulfate in addition to my regular doeses.


September 2, 2005
I visited Dr. Shah today in ATU. The fluid around the babies has increased slightly, but not enough to put me back on the Indocin. He feels the risk of putting me back on Indocin (kidney and heart problems for the babies) is more signigicant then delivering the babies.

If my contractions turn into full blown labor, it will be up to Dr. Rosen and Dr. Zinsky to decide if they want to put me on an IV drip of magnesium sulfate or deliver the babies.

Right now, the contractions are varying significantly. At times, they are 5 minutes apart and at other times (right after my medication), they can be up to 30 minutes apart!

Dr. Shah recommended that the NICU Doctors come to my room to talk with me about complications of 30 weekers since he feels delivery is coming soon! I also still need to go on that tour of the NICU.


September 2, 2005 PM
The contractons have gotten significantly worse as the day is progressing. We were able to slow them down again with Terbuteline injections.


September 3, 2005
The contractions have been steady most of the day and are getting closer together! At 9pm, I was moved back to Labor and Delivery and a Magnesium Sulfate Drip was started.

The absolute worst part of the experience was having a catheter at the same time as the contractions. I will take contractions any day over a catheter!


September 4, 2005
The magnesium drip did not work, and my Doctor came to the hospital for delivery! I was moved into the operating room and prepped for surgery. Unfortunately, the anestheologist could not get the spinal into my back after many tries, so I was put under general anthesia. Daddy was not allowed in the OR and Mommy was very scarred. Check the next post for birth details!