Friday, September 11, 2009

Happy Birthday, Bobby & Maya

I havent had a chance to even read your comments, although I know several were left on the post from 2 days ago. As I was planning to post yesterday (and it was good news), the evening quickly changed, so forgive me for the 2 days in posting and also in backtracking.

Yesterday morning's heart tones was great! Bobby was mostly perfect! He had his moments, but he charted 25/30 minutes in a good zone. We were so thrilled. On top of that, my blood sugars were finally normal! Two big gifts in one day!

And it was a busy day. My MIL came for a visit and to drop off homemade food; then, my girlfriend, M, came with her 11w daughter for some time; and then, my girlfriend, A, came with wedding books in hand to look at wedding and bridal gowns. I was a busy girl! They were all back to back, but it was so nice to see them all and feel "normal" for a bit. I held Lucy and played with her and then had a wonderful time looking over the magazines (making fun of some gowns and falling in love with others). A left around 2:30-2:45, so that I could get my afternoon nap. (Good friends know nap time!)

At around 2:30, I started feeling "not me". I cant really explain it. I'd been having Braxton Hicks over the last few days (which I now think were possibly helping Maya making her little turn around!) but I wasnt feeling those. I just felt off. At 3pm, I started having painless contractions, very similar to the ones I had when I was dehydrated. Checking water pitchers, I noticed I'd only finished one and had barely made a dent in a second. I quickly drank a pitcher and laid on my left side for half an hour, which is what my nurses have told me to do in the event I have the painless contractions. By 3:30, they hadn't subsided and were now uncomfortable. I paged K, my nurse. The CRNP came in and asked what was going on. I explained that I was having contractions that had gone from painless to uncomfy and asked if I could get on the monitor, just because I wasnt sure what the deal was. She found both babies quickly and then put the TOCO on. Nada. Meanwhile, I'm feeling pain that begins in my lower belly, near the sides, and runs into my back. By the time it hits my spine, it feels like someone is crushing me or sawing my back in half. And this pain is just getting worse and worse. K comes in and puts her hands on my belly when I say I am feeling them. Nothing. No hardness. No peaks. And they are super irregular. Some would come for 30s then a 2m delay then a 45s contraction with a 10s delay then... You get the picture. No rhyme or reason. The CRNP decides to do a cervical check and whips out a speculum. This is cut short because I get a contraction in the middle of it. She is only able to confirm that the cerclage is still there and holding. So, she does a digital exam and comes away with 1cm dilated, cervix gone, stitch still holding. The resident, Dr K, is called. Momentarily, she arrives and does a digital; 1.5cm dilated. As Dr B is away at a conference yesterday, she calls Dr M, who is covering his patients until 5pm (she is not the night time coverage). It's now around 4:30. An hour has passed and I am in more pain in those moments than I ever thought possible. On of my sweet nurses, J, rubbed my back through the contractions while K held my hand as we waited for Peter to arrive. Dr M called the head of MFM and consulted; they decided to try an emergency dose of procardia and, half an hour later, a second dose. Dr M called me and explained that if I wasnt in full blown labor, the meds could stop the contractions; but if I was, they would have no impact and delivery was our only option. I cried.

The procardia did nothing and a second dose was given 25 minutes later. Nothing. The contractions were now on top of each other with no time in between. K said that she was feeling mild hardening but nothing that signaled a "normal" contraction (I found out this morning from Dr K that both she and the nurses were very concerned that my contractions were super irregular and that they couldnt feel the palpitations with a hand test). They moved me to Labor and Delivery. The head of MFM recommended a C-section right away, since they wouldnt be able to tell whether or not Bobby was in distress and since labor was, in her opinion, imminent.

It all moved so quickly. Peter finally arrived, the anesthesiologist and on-call delivery doctor came. New nurses from L&D took over from our APU nurses, but K stayed. A voice of reason in a sea of confusion. My resident, Dr K, came and said that Dr M had left her engagement (she was judging her daughter's cheerleading match... I still cant believe she came back to the hospital for me when she wasnt even on call for the night) and was in the parking lot and would meet us in delivery. We signed the necessary forms and Peter was given his scrubs. I was wheeled into a bright room down the hall, where everyone was pulsing with activity.

Dr M arrived and explained the plan. I would have a spinal with an epidural placed for back up (imagine getting a spinal and on top of that having the epi catheter placed in case they needed to give you more meds; if not, no additional drugs, if so, it's all squared away). She would remove my cerclage and if I dilated to 10cm in 60 seconds, they would attempt a vaginal delivery; she wouldnt go natural because she said that she felt we would have to have a c/s and she didnt want the time constraints that having to get me up, in pain, to place the meds would have caused. Assuming I didnt dilate, I would have an emergency Cesarean. The babies would be handed off the NICU and be taken away immediately. My APU nurse, K, held me during the drugs and kept the babies on the monitor until it was time to cut.

I will never understand why women choose to have drugs for a vaginal birth. The second the spinal was placed, I had no feeling whatsoever in my lower body. I didnt feel the speculum or the removal of the cerclage. I was amazed when they told me it was out. In 1 minute, I went from 1.5cm to 4cm. They told me afterwards that, had a I been normal, they would have expected a delivery within the hour. But alas... No normal for me. As soon as the check came back that I wasnt 10cm, the screen went up and Peter was brought in. He held my hand but once the surgery started, he went from sitting to standing. Even though only his eyes were uncovered, you could see the "this is cool" factor as they cut into my belly. (Thank God, I couldnt feel a thing. The whole idea skeeves me out.)

Within minutes, I saw his eyes change. Our son was lifted out of my womb, completely intact in his water bag. The bag was burst, his cord was clamped and cut, and within seconds, his NICU team had him. "We have a baby boy!" Dr M said happily. Less than a minute later, Peter's face lit up again as our little princess was lifted out (after quite the production) feet first. "And now, a little girl!"

So, without further delay, here are our sweet babies!

Bobby was born at 7:20pm. He weighed 2lb 15oz and was 15in long.



Maya was breech (yep, she somehow turned breech since Tuesday's ultrasound) and was born feet first (and with a sour look on her face that said "Put me back in!"). She weighed 2lb 5oz and was 14.25in long.


We were both paying more attention to what was going on with the 2 NICU teams than my surgery so I dont really know what they were doing (putting me back together I assume!). Both babies were breathing and had color. Maya was on her own; Bobby was struggling so they intubated him for taking him upstairs. We saw the babies as they were being wheeled away. Peter left and went with them, and I remained on the table for another half hour as they finished a double stitch on my uterus and stapling my belly closed. Afterwards, I was taken back to my L&D room to recovery from the drugs. The feeling in my toes began to come back in, followed by being able to move my legs.

After another hour had passed, the nurse offered to call NICU and ask them to send Peter down so that I could have an update on the babies. He came and told me that they were both stable and doing well. Both were breathing room air on their own and Bobby's heartrate was normal. He gave me my cell phone so that I could call the grandparents while I waited to be taken up to the NICU on the gurney, and then he went back. I called and gave them the news. They were brief talks because I still felt off from the spinal and the morphine to help with the pain for the c/s. (Which leads me to this: I am currently in pain and discomfort, even with meds. I cannot imagine choosing a c-section electively!)

My babies were on this earth for 2 hours before I was finally allowed to see them. It was so wonderful to watch them for those blessed moments. I couldnt really touch them because the bed couldnt get close to them in their covered isolettes. But just to see them. I watched Bobby have his diaper changed (after #1 and #2!) and saw Maya enjoying her nudity. Bobby cried as the nurse put his clean diaper on him; his preference is obviously naked, LOL.

I was brought back to my APU room which is now designated as a postpartum room, and was given pain meds. About 5 minutes in (if that long), I also threw up. What fun. I dont do well with narcotics; so, then I had to have anti-puking meds to help out my pain meds. Nice... A nurse gave me an icepack, which has been a wonderful thing. I have it on my belly now, actually!

Peter's mom drove up to give us her camera for the pics and she stayed in our room with us, to help take care of me while Peter went back and forth from here to the NICU. I wasnt allowed to leave my room because of the surgery, but he would come, take a nap on me, then get up and go upstairs for a while, and repeat. I think he made 3-4 trips, and Peter's mom went up once at 4am to check in on them.

Today, although I've been in a lot of pain, I've had 3 wheelchair rides to the NICU to be with the babies. We can go and sit with them anytime (except shift changes) but we can only touch them every 3 hours. They are doing "cluster care" to help the babies deal with so much stimuli, which means that they are only disturbed routinely every 3 hours. I have organized my pumping schedule around this so that we can take up the syringes (which will hopefully turn into bottles soon...)

As of now, they are both stable.

Bobby is having an arrhythymia every now and again. He is breathing on his own and has a CPAP for positive pressure at 5. He is able to keep warm, however he is in a warm air isolette (where he can enjoy being in just a diaper!). He keeps his feedings down well. He likes to suck his pacifier (which they tell me means he may be a great breast boy!) He has a strong grip and held my finger for 15 minutes. It was wonderful. Just wonderful. Peter goes up for every 3 hour rotation to touch them and to bring what I've pumped. On his last visit, he said that Bobby used his arms and legs to lift himself up from his little pillow! What a strong little man!

Maya's heartrate is stable and mimics what it was in the womb. She is breathing on her own and has a CPAP for positive pressure at a 6. (She was an 8 because she had a couple of apnea spells over the last 24h, but she is doing better now!). She is able to keep warm, but like Bobby, is in a warm air isolette. She hasnt fed as well as her brother; early on, she had air in her belly, which made her quite unhappy but the nurses helped her get rid of that! Since then, her feedings have been better. She is not a pacifier girl. It was attempted twice while we were there and she showed zero interest. When I was with her this last time, she opened her eyes and watched me as I said her name and held her little hand. She wrapped those beautiful fingers around my thumb and I sat there until she fell asleep.

The doctors say that they are doing outstanding. Everyone is surprised when we tell them that they were born at 27w5d (just 27.5 hours short of our 28w goal...) They are plump, pink, and having few issues at this point. They are simply beautiful. I know I am biased but they are. Most likely, I will be discharged on Monday. We are trying to figure out a schedule since I cant drive for several weeks. But, it looks like I will come over in the late morning and stay until Peter comes from work in the evenings. I can pump here and be with them (even if I cant always touch them).

We changed diapers today and helped with feedings- those were such gifts! I cant lie to you and say that I am not overwhelmed. My babies are over a day old. In my mind, I still cant believe they arent inside of me. I touch my now soft uterus and wonder what happened. We dont know why labor started. My water didnt break. My cerclage was fine. Was it an infection? They sent the placentas for testing. Was it simply that they were ready? I just dont know...

We know that life in the NICU is an uphill battle. That there are good days and really bad ones. We are afraid of what the bad ones might entail, but thrilled for the prospect of good days and thriving twins.

For those of us who know us in real life; please dont be offended if we dont call or answer your calls. When we are in the NICU, there is a no phones policy. Schedule wise, we are there every 3 hours. We stay for at least an hour at a time. Into that plays breastpumping which is about 1/2 hour. Plus eating and sleeping. We will get your messages and return them. Email is best, although bear with us if we are delayed in emailing. Right now, our priorities are Bobby and Maya, which each other coming in next.

I will do my best to blog when I log in for email. It may not be every day right now while we are in the hospital. The naming of the posts will change too. There will be (NICU day X) in the posts from now own. We will count today as the first full day, so tomorrow would be (NICU day 2) and so on...

Dr B called today but my nurse was helping me finish pumping and stand up for the bathroom, so we missed his call. I'm sure I will talk to him this weekend. There is so much more to say, but for right now, I need to go. I will leave you on a high note. Dr B called Dr M and asked why she was in doing the c-section (he was surprised since it was her night off). Her response: "It's Carol. I couldnt just let her do this alone, especially with people she didnt know." I was really touched by that.

87 comments:

Karen said...

OMG!! Congratulations! And they are the sweetest babies EVER! You will all remain in prayers and I just KNOW that it is the beginning of something great for you and Peter! Welcome to the World Bobby and Maya!! There have been a lot of people wanting to meet you and we are glad you are here!

Anonymous said...

GOD BLESS!!! We will pray for a quick recovery for all of you!!Fantastic news the babes are doing so well...your strenght through all of this has been amazing and inspirational!! Babes are beautiful! Sonya G.

twinboysmom said...

Congratulations! I had twins at 31 weeks and it was tough at times but you'll get through it. you will be recovered and your strength will be back (from the bedrest) by the time they come home. Each day will get exponentially better after the C-sec. By day 4 you'll feel great. Also, I know I drove before the 3 week period. you won't be able to stay away and as long as you're not in pain or on narcotics you can usually drive. Congrats again on making it this far!

Kate said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ALL!!!
Oh Michele, they are simply totally gorgeously beautiful!
I am so glad you are ok, and that they are doing so wonderfully-- I am so glad to have something to be happy about today, so hopeful all will simply be well for all of you. Thank you for my happy tears. You'll stay in my prayers and heart every minute-

xoxxo
such big love,
Kate

MrsG182 said...

I am so unbelievable happy for you! I started following your blog when you first found out you were pregnant with Bobby and Maya and I have been anxiously awaiting their safe arrival. I am so happy this day has come for you. You are an amazing person and mother and I wish you and your beautiful babies nothing but good health and happiness.

Kandi Ann said...

I believe you said it best when you said they were just ready. They are DARLING! You did great. Now they will too. Congrats to you all. Beautiful family of four. xoxo, Kandi Ann

Alex said...

Oh wow!! I was so confused when I read your post title!!

Congratulations on the safe arrival of your babies :) I am sending healthy/positive vibes and prayers(hey, both can't hurt!!) your direction. Take care of the babies and yourself.

Michelle said...

OMG OMG OMG!! Congratulations! I've been waiting for your blog all day for 2 days now, thank goodness everyone's well. Bobby and Maya are simply breath taking. They look so big!! Keep up the pumping! That stuff is gold. Please continue to keep us informed, we'll be patient and anticipate many more beautiful days to come. Too bad no showers for you missy, but look what beautiful gifts you've got instead!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations and happy birthday to those 2 sweet babies! They are adorable. I hope that they continue to thrive in NICU and give you and Peter a chance to catch your breath. I also hope that you heal quickly as well so that you can focus on the business of loving those babies.

My heart dropped briefly when I read the opening to the "My babies were on this earth for 2 hours..." paragraph. I had to cheat and read the ending quickly.

Cupcake said...

I'm so glad that everyone is all right. Praise God! I've been stalking your blog for the last two days. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, I'm praying for you all. Happy birthday Bobby & Maya - stay strong little ones. So many people are pulling for you!

Anna J said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anna J said...

Oh my God, Michele! Praise the Lord! I was thinking about you so much, slightly concerned because you hadn't posted. But now we know why and will lift you all up!! I am so happy and hopeful for you. God bless and keep you in the coming days. With LOVE! Anna in CA

Tina said...

Happy, happy birthday sweet ones! I am so shocked to read your post today! Bobby & Maya are just beautiful! Congratulations, I will praying for you all. xx

Jimmie's Auntie Amber said...

I am praying so hard for your sweeties. I was surprised to log on and see you had them. But that is exactly how it happened when Rachael had Jimmie. Not much warning, no obvious reason and really fast. You did so AMAZING to keep them in as long as you did. They are beautiful!

Baby Smiling In Back Seat said...

Oh my goodness Michele, what a surprise! Congratulations to you and Peter, and Happy Birthday Bobby and Maya!

They are so beautiful and plump -- I wouldn't have guessed at their size since they're proportioned like full-term babies. I am so thrilled that they are doing so well and hope that they will continue to surprise everyone with their strength.

I'll be thinking of all of you and waiting with baited breath for the next update and photos.

Paula said...

Your babies are beautiful, Michele! Happy birthday Bobby and Maya.

Carrie said...

OH MY GOSH!!!! Many, many blessings and congratulations to you and your family! Happy birthday Bobby and Maya- we've been dreaming of you!

What a whirlwind. I am so very happy the babies are doing so well. BREATHING on their own- this is remarkable. SO SO happy!

Keep up the pumping, Mama- you are going to have to tell me how you are balancing all of this when it is our turn soon.

Well, you almost made it to 28 but it looks like you've got yourself some beautiful ALMOST 28 weekers- and they are perfect!

Much love,
Carrie

B said...

Wow! Tears.

What a beautiful family. Those kiddos look so great and pink. They are terrific little ones. An amazing congratulations to you and Peter and your team and the biggest hugs and welcome from this side of the world to little Bobby and Maya.

You're all going to be OK.

Please grow big and strong precious little things. EAT EAT EAT EAT!

Wow. I bet you can't believe it!

Rest, express and stroke your beauties - and don't forget to eat plenty yourself. THey need it!

Sending you a ginourmous hug. I can't tell you how happy I am for you. Hugs to Peter too - even though he doesn't know me!

Sending prayers.

love Barb

Reba said...

Happy birthday, twins!! :) They're absolutely beautiful, Michele. What a gift every moment with them must be. There is no feeling like your little one(s) squeezing your hand after you've experienced losses. Seeing them alive--it's just amazing, isn't it! I am just thrilled that you and Peter have now experienced the wonder of this too. I am so glad both Bobby and Maya are doing well and hope they continue to do so. Much love to all of you and I know all of their big brothers and sisters are watching out for them.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Michele!! Sending prayers for their continued good health...beautiful babies. :)

stacy G said...

I've been reading your story for a while on cafemom, emailed you once personally, know you from Devout Catholics and have been moved to pray the rosary for you, and I have to say I have never been so excited to hear such wonderful birth newsoyI will keep praying for you and your babies, all of them, and hope you are all home together soon!

Texicanic Mom said...

Im so happy for you!!! I will continue to pray for your beautiful babies...they look so wonderful, and healthy!!! Im sure you are beaming.

Stace said...

Oh my goodness!!!! I;m praying for those babies of yours, but they do sound to be doing SO well!!! (CPAP already? Room air? That stuff is incredible!!!!!!) You have a long road ahead of you, but it's SO rewarding!!!

Now I have to go back and read your entry again because I was so excited that I speed-read it and probably missed something!

Angelwingsbaby said...

Congrats! I am so happy for all of you.I am glad that they are both doing well.They are just adorable!
((hugs))

Anonymous said...

Darling girl I am howling up a storm here in Australia. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! I am so, so happy for you. I wondered why you hadn't posted but these adorable babies are why! Take all the pain relief you can and heal. And enjoy this precious time. I nearly had heart failure when I read "My babies were on earth for two whole hours..." I'm so glad all is well.
xxxxx

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to your beautiful babies! They look terrific and I am glad to hear that they are already doing so well. You and your family will be in my thoughts in the days and weeks to come, and I look forward to reading about Bobby and Maya getting bigger and stronger.

Stace said...

Just thought I'd add something! When our babies were born I started keeping a notebook of information. It's not a journal persay, but I date each page with the day and date as well as the Day number. (Ex. Colby's on Day 55 now). I also put in the corner the names of all his nurses for the day. Then on the page I put information like when we visited, how long, who else visited that day, what meds he's on, procedures and tests, oxygen levels, nurse's comments, daily weight, etc. It's basically a log of his NICU stay, but it's really neat to look back 55 days later and see how far he has progressed.

Now I can look back and find out exactly when he started on his caffeine or when he broke the 3lb mark or who visited him on a certain day. It's kind of a neat momento and covers all the milestones baby books dont. (The day he had no more IVs or the day the vent came out or the day we first heard him cry, etc.)

Just a thought for you and your beautiful babies!!!

Stacie said...

Congratulations and Happy Birthday to all of you! They are absolutely beautiful so big, too! (my twins were born at 28w3d and were both 2 lbs 15 oz)

The NICU experience is not a fun one, but I believe you will make it through with many, many more good days than bad. You've got some fighters there, just like their mommy.

Many hugs to you all!

Busted Tube said...

Congratulations on your beautiful babies!
I wish you many, many wonderful days ahead and healthy days and months and years for Bobby and Maya!

Anonymous said...

I have been following your blog anonymously. I have prayed for your family and will continue to do so. Stay strong...your babies are beautiful. God is good.

Anonymous said...

I have been following your blog for quite some time. Congratulations to you and your husband. Your babies are beautiful. God is so good and he will give you all the strength you need for this new journey as a family.

k@lakly said...

They are beautiful! I will keep all my positive thoughts for you and for the twins for a quick recovery and for all of you to be home, safe and sound, just as soon as possible!
Congratulations!!
xxoo

Never forgetting Gregory said...

Congratulations! This is incredible. Those babies are absolutely beautiful, and I'm so happy to hear they are doing well. NICU life is so tough, I will be thinking about you. We will wait patiently for updates!

Michelle said...

OMG CONGRATULATIONS!! I had tears in my eyes reading this. I am so happy and excited for you...THEY ARE HERE!! Granted, a little earlier then you wanted but they are here and doing well. They are fighters so I know they will continue to do well. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you!!!

Juliet said...

Happy birthday to Bobby and Maya, they are absolutely beautiful Michele. They look BIG for their gestational age, and so pink. They are real sweeties. Big, big congratulations to you and Peter. They are gorgeous.

I've been thinking about you and your babies often, and will keep you and your family in my thoughts and my heart. Having a baby in the NICU is such a rollercoaster ride, and the best advice that a nurse gave me was to just try to live in the moment, and take things one moment at a time. I'm hoping so hard that Maya and Bobby keep doing so well (they already are doing amazing, by the way!!), and that they are ready to come home before you know it.

By the way, my OB told me there was no reason I couldn't drive at my 2 week checkup after my c-section. He said that with manual (shift stick) cars they didn't like you hitting the clutch all the time, but it was fine with an automatic.

momto558 said...

Another sleepless night(3am)..just looked,I had a feeling since you haven't posted since wed.Our miracle..Donnie turned 11 on their birthday...this made my day.They are perfect.Only a mom & dad who spent years of infertility can know the joy you are both feeling.Congratulations MOMMY!!!
Hugs,Michele

Krystal said...

You have beautiful little babies! Man they are plump and pink!!!

Good news!

Great Job Mama!!!

Catherine W said...

Oh my gosh! I had to read and reread the subject of your post. Then I screeched and frightened Jessica and had my husband run in to see what was going on! I was so glad to see a post from you this morning.

Oh many, many, many congratulations to you and to Peter. Bobby and Maya look so good, they are simply beautiful, it is amazing to think that they are only 28 weekers. They are doing brilliantly with their breathing too. Will be thinking of you all.

That is exactly what I ended up doing in the NICU, coming over in the morning and staying until my husband finished work. There will be good days and bad days but hopefully the good will outweigh the bad and the days will fly by until they come home to you.

Best of luck with the pumping and so many, many, many congratulations. My cheeks are hurting from smiling. xo

Simbelmyne said...

Happy Birthday!!!!!
I'm glad that what's up is good stuff. (worried when you were gone for a couple days.)

Hoping that all will be well for all of the future days!

Jen said...

congrats and happy birthday to your sweet babies! I will continue to pray for their health and for your recovery!

Anonymous said...

I am so glad they made it to the world safely. NICU is tough, but they are in great hands. The best advice I got as a breast feeding mom while on the NICU was to get a hands free pumping bra--it is priceless! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I've been following your story since I read one of your posts on Cafe mom. God Bless you and your family! I'm glad you are all doing well. Enjoy those beautiful babies!

Sprogblogger said...

Oh my goodness! Congratulations - I, too, had to skip to the end when I read the "my babies had been on earth 2 hours" part. So very happy for you all - yes, hard times may lie ahead, but they look so pink and rosy and chubby - and it sure sounds like they're fighters! You and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers, but today more than ever.

Anonymous said...

I cried when I read this. When I realized you were actually having the babies, made it to almost 28 weeks, and they were healthy I just couldn't help it. And when I saw the pictures I realized they were really here. Congratulations on your 2 beautiful sweet babies. The prayer card you sent me will remain in my purse because I just do not want to forget all you have been thru. I will keep praying for them to have a healthy start. Hugs and love to you and the babies.
Anne

Carrie and MJ said...

Congratulations on two healthy and stable babies. While I know your NICU ride will be a rollercoaster, it will all be worth it when you get to bring your two beautiful babies home!

Unknown said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOBBY AND MAYA!!!
I was so worried like I am sure alot of people were, I look foward to your daily updates. I will pray that everything continues to go well in the NICU and that soon you will be a happy healthy family of four in your own home!!!!!

Michelle said...

Ccngrats to you and your husband! I will keep you and your wonderful babies in my thoughts.

Sophie said...

That is amazing Michelle! welcome to your sweet babies, Bobby and Maya.

Yes it will be a rollercoaster ride in the Nicu, but good things happen there all the time and I have such a good feeling for you that everything will be okay.

C-sections do hurt like hell but the trick is to move as much as you can. Move your legs when you lie in bed and try walking, it will help with the pain. The difference between my first and second c-section was massively huge following this advice.

I am so happy for you and I hope to see more pics of your darlings over the next few days.

much love and congrats to you both
xx

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS!!!! I am so happy for you! Sending prayers and lots of love to all of you!!!

Megan

Anonymous said...

welcome to the world, bobby and maya. from a bbc bedrest grad ... all the best wishes in the world for your family. love, E and his parents

Amanda said...

CONGRATULATIONS!

I'm so glad to hear that Bobby and Maya are doing so well, despite their early birth. I know you all have a long road ahead of you, but with Alexander, Nicholas, and Sophia watching over their brother and sister (and of course God and the good doctors and nurses), I have faith that they will be fine.

You're all still in my thoughts and prayers!

Queenie. . . said...

They look GREAT! I know there will be ups and downs in the NICU, but I'm wishing you mostly ups, and fast-growing babies.

You did a great job of keeping them in for as long as you could, and you should be very proud of yourself. Take care of yourself, too, mama! May these days fly by, and may you have big, healthy babies home with you before you know it.

A. said...

What gorgeous babies.

I read this with baited breath! I wish to you and Peter that Bobby and Maya thrive beautifully in the NICU.

I'll keep you in my thoughts.

Tina Pearce said...

I have been following your blog for a while now, but have never commented. Congrats on those beautiful babies! I am almost 28 weeks with our 2nd baby, (we lost our first one last year at 13 weeks) I am amazed by your strentgh and trust in the Lord. I will be praying for those little miracles of yours, they are so amazing! :)

Muriel said...

Congratulations! Bobby and Maya are gorgeous!May your babies grow well and healthy while in the NICU. Know that you are in my prayers. You did a great job keeping them safe until they were ready!

Mother Knows Best Reviews said...

What an amazing blessing - two babies who are healthy and a mama who is recovering. May God bless and keep you all safe - I hope you get to spend as much time as possible with them as they grow bigger and more robust.

Heather said...

Congrats - they are precious!!! I'm so glad they are stable...

Anonymous said...

Happy Day!!
Love, PJ

Kate said...

CONGRATULATIONS BABIES AND MOMMY AND DADDY! Wow wow wow. I wasn't expecting that. I just put a card in the mail for you last week. I am so glad to read they are breathing on their own and seem to be doing well. They are both absolutely gorgeous Michele. Congratulations to both of you so so much.

bankshot said...

Oh my goodness! CONGRATULATIONS all the way around...!!! They look so healthy and pink... and it sounds like they are really doing quite well!! I bet you are just overwhelmed by all the activity and events...but now, no more worries about the pregnancy...you made it within hours of 28 wks... what a great job!! So Proud of you!

I will continue to keep you and your family in prayer as your prenacny journey ends and a new saga begins!! God bless you all!! and CONGRATS once again!!

~Michelle

Josh & Jessica said...

Oh my goodness. I have been thinking about you for 2 days now and just haven't been able to get to the computer. I just knew something was up because you hadn't posted in a few. I am crying my eyes out right now out of sheer happiness that your babies are beautiful and looking so healthy. I will be praying everyday for you that they continue to grow and you get to take them home as soon as they are able. It has been great to countdown with you. You are an inspiration.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

What a wonderful surprise. I am so excited, they are beautiful. I am in shock, I never expected this today. You did it.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD SWEET BOBBY & MAYA. YOU ARE TWO BEAUTIFUL BABIES AND YOU HAVE WONDERFUL PARENTS.

Lynda said...

Oh how simply beautiful!!! Your babies are just perfect!! Welcome to the world Bobby and Maya and congrats Mommy! :)

Anonymous said...

I've been checking your blog everyday for so long. I'm so happy to hear that they are here and are doing so well!!! Congrats to all of you and know you all will still be in our prayers!
Heather from the Dec Board on Babycenter
aka Blueberry007

Leah said...

Thinking of you! I had no idea you were in labor, and here I was emailing you about winning my raffle. You are in my constant thoughts and prayers, as are those babies of yours.

Thinking of you Michele!

Donna said...

Michele - I am in tears right now! CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am so incredibly happy that both Bobby and Maya are doing so well. They are amazing and so are you!!!! I can't wait to see more pictures.

Mackenzie's Mommy said...

Congrats!! They are sooo cute :)

Anonymous said...

Delurking to say Congratulations! They are beautiful and they look so healthy. :)

I wish you and your family a healthy NICU stay.

Hope's Mama said...

Welcome Bobby & Maya. Congratulations to you both. You did it, Michele.

Anonymous said...

I wondered if your silence for two days meant the babies were here. :) I am so glad everything worked out okay - I know you would've liked to carry them longer, but really you did a great job and they're going to be fine. I'm so happy for you. I know life is crazy now with the NICU and all, but please keep your fans updated on the little ones' progress!

Unknown said...

Congratulations and welcome Bobby and Maya!

Sending love.

xxx

gwinne said...

Congratulations! I was a preemie myself (33 weeks)...I hope they do as well as I did and come home as soon as they can. You're all in my thoughts.

A n T said...

Congratulations Michele. Happy Birthday Bobby and Mya. Great job Mommy on keeping the little ones baking and getting them to a good healthy weight. I can't wait to read all the great news as they continue to grow and get stronger! Looks like you may get to make it to your baby shower after all huh! Praise God for your two healthy strong babies!

Molly said...

Welcome to sweet Maya & Bobby. I'm so glad to see they arrived and are doing well. You guys deserve the greatest happiness. They are gorgeous!!

Anonymous said...

Oh My GOSH!!! I am so excited for you guys. And relieved that everything is doing well at this point. What a rush I am sure.

Congratulations and Happy Birthday!!!

www.infertilityinstability.blogspot.com

"Jay" said...

Congratulations on your beautiful babies! I am so thrilled that they are doing so well. I hope you heal quickly from that c-section!

quadmom said...

This post brought tears to my eyes! I am so, so happy for you. I can't imagine what a joy it must be to feel little Maya grip your finger or see Bobby suck on his pacifier with so much strength. What a good weight for both of them, too! They look so healthy in the pictures you posted. And so beautiful. Happy birthday, Bobby and Maya. Welcome to the world.

Michele, you have been such a good mom to them during your whole pregnancy, and your dedication to your family post-delivery wows me, too. In so much pain post-labor you were already wheeled to the NICU! You are one strong mom!

So happy for all of you. *hug*

CCCCCCC said...

Michele, I am so happy for you, I have been reading your blog and praying for your sweet babies daily. I am completely moved by your story and words can't describe how happy I am that Bobby and Maya are here and safe with you now. Congratulations Momma!

Barefoot said...

Congratulations on your two beautiful babes!! I'm sending lots of prayers for a speedy recovery for you, and of course for continued smooth sailing for Bobby and Maya.

Cara said...

Michele...oh my my! I guess things did go quickly!!!

So very happy for you and Bobby and Maya and you and peter!!!

Tanika said...

Welcome Sweet Bobby & Maya!!!! Congratulations~

Annalien said...

Congratulations on the arrival of Bobby and Maya. I know it is not ideal and that you would have liked to keep them in a bit longer, but I pray that they will continue to do well in NICU. They really look quite plump! May they continue to go from strength to strength. God bless!

LEah said...

Praise God! I was wondering why you hadn't posted for a couple days. I will continue praying for your family.

N said...

Belated, perhaps, but the wishes are no less warm. Congratulations, and welcome. I'm so, so glad the babies are doing so well, and hope that there is a quick recovery for all.

Inanna said...

What beautiful babies! Congrats! :))

Sara Joy said...

Congratulations! In prayer for all of you...and trusting God for the best. :)
SJ

one-hit_wonder said...

Sorry, I completely missed your brilliant news! Congratulations! :)