This is what we've been waiting for....

May 6, 2010:

On May 3rd, around 2330, I awoke not only to my roommate on the phone (surprise) but my bag of water had completely broken! The bed was completely saturated and it seemed to continue--yikes. Immediately, I called in the nurse and informed her that I was starting to feel pretty crampy, sore, and of the above. Well, this crampy and soreness progressed into regular contractions that became more painful. One of the residents was called in to do an ultrasound and assess the situation. Both babes were ok-good heartrates and so forth, but I was dilated at 1 cm! There were orders written to be transferred to Labor and Delivery immediately. I asked if I should call my husband and the answer was "yes."

Kris arrived at the hospital at 0130 and I was miserable! Those contractions were SO painful!!! I was offered pain medications, but had declined as I wanted to see how far I could get. What was wrong with me? Needless to say, that didn't last very long! I was given my first round of IV/SQ Newmorphine?? (that's what it sounded like) and it sort of took the edge off. We were both encouraged to rest--maybe Kris got a wink or two in, but I think it was pretty impossible for me! Time seemed to pass (ever so slowly) and these contractions were intense, growing in duration. The nurse had told me they were lasting a minute to a minute and a half and varied between 30 seconds to 3-5 minutes apart. I was given a second round of this newmorphine. Yeah-it didn't touch my pain. The window for effectiveness was 2 hours and it was a long 2 hours! I was on my side in the fetal position, crying, moaning, definitely writhing in pain. Kris tried to help but I think at that point I was nearing my wit's end. There was a change of shift with staff, physicians, etc and it was determined that I should be "checked" again. Well, that 1 cm of dilation had changed to 4 cm! There was an immediate flurry of activity and the new physician felt it would be too risky to proceed with an epidural for a vaginal delivery. A C- section was explained to me, anesthesia came in and consent was signed. By 0800, I was being whisked away to the OR with Kris at my side. This had been about an 8 hour journey and now it was definite---the babes would be born today and I would soon have no pain. Anything, anything to take the pain away!! One of the residents helped to hold me while the spinal was performed and many a tears were shed. Pretty soon everything was numb and I was relaxed. There was no more pain! Now my challenge was NOT to fall asleep. I was scrubbed, the sterile drape was placed, and I got to hold Kris' hand, talk with him, and stare with excitement, anxiety, and all of the anticipation of what's to come!

Baby A-Ryan Kristofer was born at 0858 at 2# 12 oz. Baby B-Nathan John was born at 0859 at 2# 6 oz. Kris was allowed to stand up then sit down (directed by anesthesia) when each was pulled from the abdomen. Don't want the guy to pass out! He then was allowed to take pictures and see the various NICU and Peds teams with each of the babies. I requested that he stay with me until everything was stitched and done. We both looked at each other in disbelief and I cried hearing the first few cries out of those tiny baby's mouths. I was given a quick look at the babes, one of the nurses bringing them over before heading up to the NICU.

It was a long day after with a flood of feelings, fatigue, and this immediate transformation that took place with Kris and I both experiencing the joys of parenthood. It was the most beautiful experience I could share with him and we feel very blessed. It was also very special to have my mother there soon after to see me in recovery and meet her new grandsons. Very very important to me.

Ryan and Nathan will have a long haul ahead of them in the NICU. As they were born at 29 weeks, 4 days, they will need to stay in the NICU until 34-35 weeks (or as long as the doctors feel it is appropriate). I will be hospitalized another 2-3 days recovering from the c- section.

Most current update: Ryan is on cpap at room air and doing very well. Nathan is struggling to get his breathing perfected as he is on the ventilator and smaller of the two. Hour to hour, day to day, things will be monitored and Kris and I both pray for their health. We are so appreciative of all of the prayers, thoughts, flowers, gifts--so so so grateful for the wonderful people in our lives. I will continue to update this blog as much as possible.