I had them at home and we transported because the first twin did not start breathing immediately.
The first twin (William Josiah 4 lbs 10oz 18.5 inches long) was born not breathing, so we called 911. While giving William CPR I got the urge to push again. All I could think was please God don't let this be the placenta because he still needs to be attached. I pushed and the 2nd twin (MIcah Joe 7lbs 1oz 19 inches long) was born crying. The paramedics arrived shortly and cut the cord and began working on William. He was transported in the first ambulance, and Micah was transported on my chest in a second ambulance because he was grunting (but still a bright pink).
William was on a respirator over night the first night, graduated to a nasal candulum, and is now breathing on his own. He's had a few episodes of apnea. He is now gaining weight and holding his own heat. He is in a crib in the NICU still, and is getting tube feedings of only mommys milk because he has no gag reflux. But the good news is he's swallowing his spit, so there's hope. He had and EEG today (Monday), and a CT Scan. The CT scan was normal except for a small Subdural Hemorrhage, we don't have the results of the EEG yet (takes about 24 hrs.) The subdural hemorrhage is outside the brain, and not causing any trouble. If there is no seizure activity on the EEG then we can remove him from the Phenobarbital that he is on to prevent seizures and rest the brain. They really expect for him to be more active and make progress towards the sucking/gag reflux or they will be talking about G-Tube insertion. So please be praying that coming off the Phenobarbital will allow him to make the progress they are looking for and that we don't have to consider a G-Tube.
Micah was on a CPAP overnight, and has been breathing room air on his own since that morning. He was treated for a collapse lung. Micah is nursing well. He was treated for Jaundice and could possibly go home in the morning.
Williams condition is likely due to IUGR because his portion of the placenta was very small. The doctor thinks they are identical twins, but it will take genetic testing to confirm, which would require too much blood at this point.
Mother of a "Special" Child
When I was young, I'd often say,
I'd like to be a mom someday
While playing with my baby doll,
I thought that job's not hard at all
I'd have a baby, maybe two,
a girl in pink...a boy in blue
Well I grew up and sure enough,
I'm now a mom and gosh it's tough
The baby that was sent to me,
was born with disabilities
At first I'm frightened through and through,
there's much to learn to care for you
This wasn't in my plans at all,
when I was young and played with dolls
Your mind and body were so weak,
you might not ever walk or speak
So much special care required,
I'm often scared and often tired
As months and years go slowly by,
I smile a lot but sometimes cry
To watch you grow and not complain,
though you endure your share of pain
Oh, how I'd hold you and I'd pray,
that you'd be healed and whole someday
But I knew that was not to be,
not physically or mentally
And so I taught you best I could,
your progress wasn't very good
But then one day I realized,
as I gazed into your loving eyes
That I had learned so much from you,
determination...courage too
A love so unconditional,
it floods my soul and always will
I'm proud to say I gave you birth,
for you're an angel here on earth.
God Choose a mother for a "Special" child
Most women becaome mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressure and a couple by habit.
This year nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen?
Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.
"Armstrong, Beth; son. Patron saint...give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."
"Forrest, Marjotie; daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia."
"Rutledge, Carrie; twins. Patron saint, Matthew."
Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child."
The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's so happy."
"Exactly," smiles God, "Could I give a handicapped child to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."
"But she has patience?" asked the angel.
"I don't want her to have to much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it."
"I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world. She has to make her live in her world and that's not going to be easy."
"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you." God smiles, "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect - she has just enough selfishness." The angel gasps - "selfishness? is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word'. She will never consider a 'step' ordinary. When her child says 'Momma' for the first time, she will be present at a miracle, and will know it!"
"I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice....and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing My work as surely as if she is here by My side".
And what about her Patron saint? asked the angel, his pen poised in mid-air.
God smiles, "A mirror will suffice."
6 comments:
At what point did you realize it was a head and not a placenta? Cause personally, I don't think I would bother catching a placenta. Did you freak out or were you like, wow, another one?
I was sitting on the floor, and did not bother to catch, he just squirted out, as I lifted my leg and pushed.
Lydia- You and ALL your boys are in my prayers! You have a beautiful family!!!
Gwen L.
Lydia The Boys are wonderful Truely God's miricle Please take care of yourself! Rob Congradulations !!!
Wow they look so much bigger than I thought they would from the descriptions on HAND! I am praying for you and your babes!
Contratulations Lydia! What an incredible story. Praying for you and your family.
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