nilestwins - Stories Page 27

Feb 28, 06 ~ Our new daily routine... Diaper change, eat, burp, cuddle, sleep, cry. Repeat every 3 hours. Try to squeeze in meals, sleep and laundry.

Our little Sydney requires a little more patience and technique with feedings, so Mike is the designated Sydney feeder. Unfortunately, the pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel makes it difficult for me to perform the bottle tricks to get Syd to eat enough. Hopefully, both of our issues will be resolved soon.

Samantha eats fast so she sometimes has gas and reflux. So while she is easier to feed, she requires a little more attention later.

Mike is an amazing Dad! He is wonderful with the girls. He's also a pretty fantastic husband too... Since I'm not a nap-taker, he lets me sleep through one feeding at night and he cares for both girls on his own.

After feedings, we take turns with the cuddles so we both get time with each baby. Sometimes I snuggle with both of them on the twin boppy pillow. It's amazing to hold both of them and compare their little faces and features. And yes, I can definetly tell them apart!

We are slowly introducing Bailey & Jasper to the babies. Bailey is desperate to give them slobbery doggy kisses. Jasper is interested but keeps his distance.

At 9:30 am, the Pediatrican called and released the babies. 3 hours later, our entire family was home!

A couple tricks for tracking twins: I gave Samantha her first pedicure: one pink toenail. The girls each have a "signature" color for their bottles and charts. Sam has Pink and Syd has Purple.

Around 3pm, we had our first diaper change and feeding. Samantha quickly sucked down her entire bottle. Sydney is a little smaller and requires more patience and burping. She polished off her bottle too. Way to go girls!

We are so happy to have them home! We'll be uploading LOTS of pictures over the next few days.

Sunday, Feb 12 ~ Together with our doctors, we decided to induce early at 35 weeks because of my high blood pressure and the risk of Twin to Twin Transfusion syndrome. After a few hours of delays, we checked into the hospital. Around 10pm, the Cervidal was inserted and we got some sleep.

Monday, Feb 13 ~

8-10am ~ The Cervidal was removed and Pitocin was started. My Doctor broke Samantha?s water and inserted 2 probes (1 for Sam and 1 for contractions. Sydney was monitored externally). My contractions started to intensify in frequency and strength. These events were uncomfortable and painful, but not as horrific as I?d imagined. The anesthesiologist administered the epidural. Later on, the contractions intensified again and the Dr gave me a boost of pain meds. Epidurals are fantastic! I could still feel the contractions and move my legs, but the pain was less severe.

2pm ~ My cervix was complete and I was ready to push. They moved us into the Operating Room (standard procedure for twins). Because first time moms often push for awhile, they had me begin pushing at each contraction. The only problem was they underestimated me! I was determined to push these babies out quickly and safely. I pushed so hard and so fast they actually had to stop me so the pediatricians could arrive in time.

Samantha Kate was born at 2:52pm at 5lbs. 3 oz and 18 inches. Sydney Grace was born at 3:03pm at 4lbs. 10 oz and 17.5 inches!

I briefly held Syd and Mike held Sam. Then Mike followed the girls to the Special Care Nursery. Samantha was dark red and Sydney was very pale. We had a case of acute Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. During delivery, much of Syd?s blood was transferred across the shared placenta into Sam.

Monday night, it was decided (after some debate and frustration) that the babies had to be transferred to Stanford?s Level 3 NICU for intensive care. I briefly got to see Syd and hold Sam. Mike followed the ambulance and spent the night with the girls.

Both girls had IV lines into their belly buttons. Samantha had blood taken away and saline added. Sydney had blood added. Mike did a fantastic job being Dad and advocate for our precious girls.

Meanwhile, I was extremely weak, dizzy and confined to bed. I lost a tremendous amount of blood during delivery. My hematocrit was only 17, which I?ve learned is dangerously low.

Tuesday, Feb 14 ~ I needed blood transfusions. I am still slowly recovering from this and taking massive doses of iron. I?m trying to regain my strength for when the babies come home. Fortunately, my Interstitial Cystitis has been okay. Many of my pregnancy symptoms are quickly disappearing (high blood pressure, acid reflux, restless leg syndrome, swelling, etc).

Mike spent his day going between the hospitals to care for all of us. On Tuesday night, I was given an early release. We drove to Stanford and I was finally able hold my babies. Sadly, we couldn?t stay long since I was on strict bedrest.

Wednesday, Feb 15 ~ The girls were transferred back to our local hospital?s Special Care Nursery. This is great news because it's closer to home and a much calmer environment for all 4 of us.

Sam had jaundice and received light therapy to help her liver process the over abundance of blood. Syd needed more fluids and glucose before she could start formula. Both babies were monitored very closely (blood, fluids, temps, etc).

The special care nursery has advantages. The nurses are fantastic! The girls are on a schedule ? feeding every 3 hours. We are learning many tips and techniques for feeding, burping, diapering, bathing, etc.

Friday, Feb 17 ~ The girls were reunited! It?s called co-bedding (sharing a crib). Twins love this closeness and studies prove it helps them to thrive.

Both girls are having some feeding and gaining weight issues - which is very common for preemies of their age. We are hopeful that we?ll bring them home in a few days.

Feb 26 ~ It's been a long and emotional day. We thought Samantha would be coming home today. However it looks like it'll be a little longer. It's frustrating because we want them home, but we have to wait until they are ready. We certainly wouldn't want to bring them home, have a problem and have to take them back.

Feb 24 ~ Samantha & Sydney are doing great. They are taking almost all of their feeds by bottle. They've both gained weight. Sam is 5lb3oz and Syd is 4lb10oz - back up to their birth weight! (It's common for babies to lose weight the first week or so. It's a big accomplishment to reach this goal).

Feb 23 ~ I just returned from the noon and 3pm feeds. Sam & Syd took both feeds from me completely by bottle. I was so happy (and so very tired and distracted), while pulling out of my parking spot, I bumped into another car. Oops! Thank goodness the owner was so nice and understanding. Of course, the hormones had me crying like a baby.

I'm trying to recover from the pregnancy, carpal tunnel, delivery and blood loss. I'm seeing an acupuncturist, hand specialist, physical therapist and massage therapist. I'm exhausted! We are considering hiring a night nurse/nanny to help out the first few weeks/months.

Feb 21 ~ The girls are gaining weight and improving on their feedings. The doctors and nurses have reassured us the girls will come home soon. It's possible Samantha may come home first.

The next few days will be challenging. Mike is temporarily returning to work this week to save his vacation days for when the girls come home.

Another fun observation about the girls... Their behavior in my belly is similar to what we are noticing now. Sam is a kicker (especially during diaper changes) and has hiccups often. Syd is calmer, just like she was in the womb.

Feb 20 ~ In celebration of being 1 week old, we want to share with you some fun stuff about the girls. With identical twins, it's important to celebrate their similarities and differences.

Samantha & Sydney have the same cries. It's a cute little squawky noise... Well, it's cute now. In a few weeks at 3am, maybe not so cute. ;-)

Both girls have similar smiles, coos and expressions. Many of them like their Dad.

Sam is a little bigger and more "sunburned" in color because of the extra blood from the TTTS. Syd is a little smaller and "paler" (like her mom). This will even out over time.

And for all of you wondering how we'll tell them apart... Samantha has a small birthmark on her right elbow. We aren't sure if it's permanent, but we hope so!

Feb 19 ~ Last night, Sydney had some difficulty finishing her bottles, so the nurses are helping her with that little tube. It doesn't hurt her and is very common for preemies to need a little assistance feeding and gaining. Samantha is eating well and gaining weight.

Today, Dad gave Samantha a bath. Mom dressed up the girls in their new outfits. Samantha has a ladybug hat and Sydney has a caterpillar hat. Sydney will get her bath tonight.

Feb 18 ~ It's been a long and stressful day. The girls had a minor setback - that is very common and normal with preemies of their gestation. They are slowing down with eating and struggling to gain weight. For now, they need a little extra help with their feedings so it's best to keep them there with 24 hour care.

We aren't sure when we'll get to bring them home. Each day we discuss their progress with the pediatrician and nurses. Right now it's most important that they eat and grow under the watchful care of the wonderful staff at Sequoia (and us). We are hopeful they'll be coming home soon!

Feb 18 ~ The Photo Plan ~ We are taking lots of photos with our digital camera. The plan is to upload the best ones to www.snapfish.com. We'll have an account and you will be welcome to order prints and have them mailed directly to you!

Feb. 18 ~ The nurse told us we have the option to have a one night sleep over at the hospital with the girls in our hospital room. This way, we can give it a try at the hospital and ask questions and ask for help if we need it through the night. We will probably do this to help transition them (and us) to life at home. We aren't sure yet which night we may do this.

Feb 17 ~ We spent lunch with Syd and Sam (diapering, feeding, burping and cuddling). We came home for the afternoon to prepare some things (and try to rest).

The plan is to return the hospital tonight to co-bed the girls. Many experts believe twins thrive better when snuggled in the same crib. We can hardly wait to reunite the girls and finally get some pictures of them together!

Feb 15 - Wed night ~ Syd and Sam are doing so well they've been transferred back to the Special Care Nursery at Sequoia! This is great news because it's closer to home and a much calmer environment for all 4 of us.

Both girls are improving and taking their bottles. Samantha is a bit jaundice so she's under special lighting to help her liver. Sydney is a bit smaller, but eating like a pro. They will continue to monitor them closely for a few more days before they can come home.

I had some complications during delivery, so it's back to bed for me. Mike is heading back to the hospital to check on the girls. Please keep checking the website for daily updates and pictures. It's the best way for us to keep all of you updated during this stressful and busy time.

Feb. 13, 06 ~ Samantha Kate Niles was born at 2:52pm at 5lbs. 3 oz. Sydney Grace Niles was born at 3:03pm at 4lbs. 10 oz. at Sequoia Hospital. On the advice of neonatologists, Sam & Syd were transferred to Stanford at approximately 11pm to correct some problems identified in their blood. The procedures on Samantha and Sydney fixed the problems and they are staying at Stanford for a few days for monitoring. All indications are that they are recovering well and they are expected to come home in a few days. It sounds scary that they are still in the hospital, but it is best that they be monitored 24 hours a day to make sure that no further problems come up. Things are looking great and they will be home soon!

Many more details about the birth story and the health issue of the girls and their mom coming soon!

Feb 8, 06 ~ 34w1d ~ BIG news! We had an OB appt this morning and my blood pressure is climbing. Afterwards we were sent to the hospital for more blood work and another NST. Test results were good and continued bedrest is advised.

The OB, Peri and Pediatrician are in agreement... It's time to get these babies out safely. The shared placenta and high blood pressure are both concerns. We are scheduled to check-in to the hospital on Sunday night to be induced! Hopefully on Monday (or Tuesday) we'll be holding Syd & Sam in our arms.

It's possible they may need to spend some time in the NICU (intensive care nursery). We'll keep you posted asap.