the boys are now well into their second month, and are growing like weeds! everyday they grow into and out of things. i have to recycle their clothing baskets weekly now. when we went to our 2month doctor appointment, the boys got their first batch of immunizations. both guys measured 22.5" long! Graham weighed in at 9lb14oz and August was 9lb10.8oz. HOWEVER, a week later at the health department, Graham weighed 10lb14oz, and August was 10lb12oz... so somewhere in the ballpark of 10lbs, depending on whose scale you trust more!
we are supplementing their feedings with some formula these days. we're even adding a little rice cereal to some of them in an effort to fill them up. they are CONSTANT eaters! which is good. they're growing.
Monday, October 25, 2010
NEW BLOGSITE
for more up to the minute stuff, family updates, photos and videos, please visit our blog site on shutterfly:
http://sergentpartyoffive.shutterfly.com/
http://sergentpartyoffive.shutterfly.com/
Monday, August 30, 2010
Quick Update
We had our first doctor visit with Doctor Christina Collins this morning. Both boys got a once over and are doing well.
Graham: 6#1oz and 19.5" long
August: 5#15oz and 21.5" long
We are going to try feeding ever TWO hours (pumping) during the day 1.5-2 oz and every THREE hours at night to curb their appetite without overfilling their tiny bellies. I also have to go to a strictly bland diet and slowly introduce foods to try and figure out what foods might be upsetting their digestive systems.
So, basically, a great report for the boys, and a tiring and difficult mandate for mom. Thank goodness for daddy....
Graham: 6#1oz and 19.5" long
August: 5#15oz and 21.5" long
We are going to try feeding ever TWO hours (pumping) during the day 1.5-2 oz and every THREE hours at night to curb their appetite without overfilling their tiny bellies. I also have to go to a strictly bland diet and slowly introduce foods to try and figure out what foods might be upsetting their digestive systems.
So, basically, a great report for the boys, and a tiring and difficult mandate for mom. Thank goodness for daddy....
Friday, August 20, 2010
Almost.
We are hoping to get discharged today! I got the opportunity to hold BOTH my boys at the same time for the FIRST time this morning!! :) They have been wired to their crib or warming beds the entire time we've been here, but this morning the nurse let me unplug them so that I could attempt to tandem feed them. What an experience! ha... we're going to need some practice, but if there is one thing I'm certain of, it is that we will have PLENTY of practice nursing.
We've thought it all along, but now know without a doubt, Graham is Matt Sergent made over!! Oh my... uncanny resemblance. Nana sent us some of Matt's baby pictures this morning, and my jaw dropped. Still not sure where August's features come from, but his features are not as filled out as Graham's yet.
The car seats are mounted back in the truck, mommy and daddy are checked out of the hotel, our bags are packed, and we're just in a holding pattern. About to have some 11 o'clock smack down (they are lip smackers when they nurse or bottle feed), and hope to hear from the doctor soon.
We've thought it all along, but now know without a doubt, Graham is Matt Sergent made over!! Oh my... uncanny resemblance. Nana sent us some of Matt's baby pictures this morning, and my jaw dropped. Still not sure where August's features come from, but his features are not as filled out as Graham's yet.
The car seats are mounted back in the truck, mommy and daddy are checked out of the hotel, our bags are packed, and we're just in a holding pattern. About to have some 11 o'clock smack down (they are lip smackers when they nurse or bottle feed), and hope to hear from the doctor soon.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
chugging along
So far, so good. Graham has not had an episode of apnea since 7pm Aug 15! (thank goodness!!) The boys have been able to maintain their body temperatures on their own for a couple of days now. Co-bedding has been the most wonderful thing for them. They've gained weight, slept more soundly, and been overall happier babies since they've been snuggled in together.
Doc says we can most likely go home Friday! Boys are getting their hearing tests, circumcisions, car seat test, pictures taken and footprints made today and tomorrow. So long as Graham does not have any apnea, we are most likely homeward bound day after tomorrow!
This experience has proven very educational. The NICU here in Tupelo is a great learning hospital. We have taken an infant CPR class, have a newborn care class later today, have met with two different lactation specialists, and the doctors and nurses have really taken time to show us how and why things are done. We have learned so many good tips on caring for these little guys. The doctors and nurses here really try to build relationships with you. They are sending us home feeling far more confident in caring for these guys than we were when we got here.
Love and prayers.
Doc says we can most likely go home Friday! Boys are getting their hearing tests, circumcisions, car seat test, pictures taken and footprints made today and tomorrow. So long as Graham does not have any apnea, we are most likely homeward bound day after tomorrow!
This experience has proven very educational. The NICU here in Tupelo is a great learning hospital. We have taken an infant CPR class, have a newborn care class later today, have met with two different lactation specialists, and the doctors and nurses have really taken time to show us how and why things are done. We have learned so many good tips on caring for these little guys. The doctors and nurses here really try to build relationships with you. They are sending us home feeling far more confident in caring for these guys than we were when we got here.
Love and prayers.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
ups and downs of preemie world
We received good news yesterday morning that the boys not only were going to move into a step down room here in the NICU, but were also going to be placed in a single crib together! We were so excited to have the opportunity to put the boys back together again!
Our first obstacle was going to be monitoring them to see if they were able to maintain a constant body temperature on their own. Sounds simple, but for a tiny thin body can be a real challenge. Graham seemed to do okay at first while August consistently dropped a couple of points on the thermometer each hour. Graham eventually started loosing heat also. We had them in fitted body suits covered in cozy footed pjs, sandwiched between heated blankets and wrapped in a crocheted blanket each and still they lost heat. Some of this probably happened between changing diapers (cannon poops and tt spouts requiring clothing changes), but overall they simply struggled with it. I even nursed them each skin-to-skin wrapped up with them in warm blankets to bring them up to my temp, but by the time they were back in their crib an hour later their temps would have dropped some.
Another obstacle that has come up for Graham is a common breathing issue many preemie babies face; called apnea. Basically, he will forget to breathe for 20 seconds or more. When this happens, the monitors will go off and the nurse stimulates him and he remembers to breathe. The doctor tells us that apnea is 100% of the time outgrown and very common; for us not to worry too much. Graham simply has to mature some in order for the issue to stop. We were told that Graham MUST go for at least 5-7 days without any signs of apnea before we can be discharged. Last night he had one spell early in the evening. So we wait and pray and watch.
To work on the temperature situation, our doctor has decided to keep them in their crib together, but has placed them under a warmer. We tried warming them just for awhile to get them up to temperature and see if they just needed a fresh opportunity, but that attempt did not work. The doctor decided that he was more interested in them keeping their calories and adding weight rather than using them up trying to keep their temperatures steady. He says they'll get the temp thing down with a little more maturity. And the boys seem to love being in the crib together un-swaddled and undressed. They are so adorable! They curled their arms around each other and appeared the most content that we've seen.
Ups and downs. That's the rule of each day here in the NICU. When we were moved to another room, we lost the privilage of having a "suite" to ourselves. We are now sharing the same amount of space with another baby on the other side of our room. That means we are down one "chair bed," but what is sleep anyhow? (ding, ding, bong, whaaaa, huh?) We're keeping positive, learning as much as we can from the amazing staff here, and praying for our boys to be mature and strong enough to come home soon.
xoxo
Our first obstacle was going to be monitoring them to see if they were able to maintain a constant body temperature on their own. Sounds simple, but for a tiny thin body can be a real challenge. Graham seemed to do okay at first while August consistently dropped a couple of points on the thermometer each hour. Graham eventually started loosing heat also. We had them in fitted body suits covered in cozy footed pjs, sandwiched between heated blankets and wrapped in a crocheted blanket each and still they lost heat. Some of this probably happened between changing diapers (cannon poops and tt spouts requiring clothing changes), but overall they simply struggled with it. I even nursed them each skin-to-skin wrapped up with them in warm blankets to bring them up to my temp, but by the time they were back in their crib an hour later their temps would have dropped some.
Another obstacle that has come up for Graham is a common breathing issue many preemie babies face; called apnea. Basically, he will forget to breathe for 20 seconds or more. When this happens, the monitors will go off and the nurse stimulates him and he remembers to breathe. The doctor tells us that apnea is 100% of the time outgrown and very common; for us not to worry too much. Graham simply has to mature some in order for the issue to stop. We were told that Graham MUST go for at least 5-7 days without any signs of apnea before we can be discharged. Last night he had one spell early in the evening. So we wait and pray and watch.
To work on the temperature situation, our doctor has decided to keep them in their crib together, but has placed them under a warmer. We tried warming them just for awhile to get them up to temperature and see if they just needed a fresh opportunity, but that attempt did not work. The doctor decided that he was more interested in them keeping their calories and adding weight rather than using them up trying to keep their temperatures steady. He says they'll get the temp thing down with a little more maturity. And the boys seem to love being in the crib together un-swaddled and undressed. They are so adorable! They curled their arms around each other and appeared the most content that we've seen.
Ups and downs. That's the rule of each day here in the NICU. When we were moved to another room, we lost the privilage of having a "suite" to ourselves. We are now sharing the same amount of space with another baby on the other side of our room. That means we are down one "chair bed," but what is sleep anyhow? (ding, ding, bong, whaaaa, huh?) We're keeping positive, learning as much as we can from the amazing staff here, and praying for our boys to be mature and strong enough to come home soon.
xoxo
Friday, August 13, 2010
Catching you up on some behind the scenes...
Our water broke at 6:20 a.m. Monday morning August 9th. I stood up out of bed and there was absolutely no mistaking what was happening. Matt, Madison and I went about getting things together and getting us out the door (Madison to school, and us to West Point). We got to the hospital and were admitted by 7:20 a.m. Doctor Magnussen told us to get ready, that we would deliver that morning.
By 11:24 a.m., Graham Carson Sergent was pulled into the world weighing 5lbs 9oz and 19 inches long. A minute later at 11:25 a.m., August Matthew Sergent was pulled into the world weighing 5lbs 4oz and 18 inches long.
Both boys scored 9s at birth (which is wonderful) and seemed to be doing very well with exception of Graham requiring an oxygen hood to help keep his oxygen level where it needed to be. Doctor Watson, the Pediatrician, wanted to observe him overnight and see where we stood the next morning. He told us there was the possibility that he needed to continue the treatment, which would hinder our ability to get him nutrition and thus require us to send him to the NICU in Tupelo. Doc Watson also wanted to send August if this happened so that both boys could continue to be observed together. This is what happened.
The next morning, while waiting for the word from Doc Watson, Matt helped me make my way up and out of the bed and down the hall to the nursery viewing window to take a peak at our babies. Standing was really tough after surgery, but I had serious motivation to say the least. I had the opportunity to bond with August the day before and even try to nurse him, but I had not done more than kiss Graham's newborn cheek on his way out of the delivery room. Knowing that Matt was so attentive and by both boy's side as much as possible made this much easier. Soon after, we made the call to have both boys transferred to the NICU in Tupelo via baby ambulance as soon as they could arrange for transport. The team from Tupelo were there within an hour or so, and brought both boys to see me before they left. This was the first time I actually got to touch and look at my baby Graham. I was tearing apart inside, but the nurses with him were so incredible and helped us to feel very confident in what was happening.
Matt followed the boys and my mom came to my side. He'll have to give you the day's events once they got to Tupelo that day... As for me, I wept mostly. The separation anxiety was overwhelming. Determination, loving family and friends, and the most amazing husband combined to help keep me focused. I was told by Doc Mag that I should stay in West Point and gain a bit of strength. I also had to pass gas in order to leave the hospital. Nothing has EVER weighed so much on a fart! I was really sore and really swollen. To keep the swelling and pain down I had to take pain meds and lay down with my feet up. To pass the gas, I had to walk. Each were counter productive to one another, but the gas won because I wanted OUT of there asap. So that's what I did. I walked. I paced the floor. I rocked on all fours.. you name it... all with painful tears and frustration.
FINALLY, the next morning I got discharged and mom and I took off for Tupelo! I could hardly stand the drive. When we got here, Matt met us and brought us straight up to the boys and my heart melted to the floor. I still weep when I think about that moment. Just being reunited with my guys was overwhelming. Only one missing was Madison. There were plugs and cords and lights and bells, but all I saw was perfection.
So, that's how we started. So much has happened since then, I might have to do another 'behind the scenes' update, but we've just been so absorbed in what's going on up here that blogging is just not even a consideration. This break is rare.
::::::::HERE IS THE SKINNY ON WHAT IS GOING ON TODAY AS OF NOW::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Graham is now weighing about 5lbs 4oz and has been through the most back and forth monitoring of care. He is not on oxygen, and actually hasn't been since he got here. He's holding good oxygen levels on his own (awesome!). He is no longer on an IV for antibiotics because his blood cultures came back good. He had some fluid in his lungs and they were concerned about an infection, but he was clear. They removed his feeding tube because he finally had taken well to feeding, but last night had to have it put back in because he wasn't getting enough nourishment in on his own in a timely enough manner. They only use it for back up when he doesn't take the bottle or breast well enough. He has also been placed under a photo therapy light today. He's basically got a bright light shining on him and wears these gauze style shades that wrap around his head. He gets to come out from under the light and take off the shades when eating (thankfully). He still needs some motivation to finish his bottle in a timely manner, but some of that has to do with bowel movements and such. He did not take well to the breast at first, but this afternoon he latched on like a champion!
August has truly not had any real issues so far. He is only weighing around 4lbs 10.2 oz, but is holding steady and seems really relaxed and happy. He has NO problem eating. Bottle or breast, he's not picky.
We have been told that the boys will likely both be ready to move to a step down room soon. The pediatrician told us he is expecting days not weeks here for them. Every feeding, every diaper change, every moment is something a little different than before, but all is progress in the right direction, so we are thankful.
As for mom and dad.... we are holding steady. Matt is the beacon of light that keeps us all motivated and going. He has been so amazing and attentive. I am pretty sure I heard him say he was going to tell Doc Magnussen to unstitch me and put me back together so we could get started on having some more....... GASP.... ha!
Thank you all so much for your continued prayers and good thoughts. We are grateful for every one of them. More than you know. I'm drained, so I hope that most of this makes some sense.
Oh, a word on visitors... not happening. While we would love to see you, you just cannot come up. Mom, Dad, Sister, Grandparents. That is it. We hope to be home soon and look forward to showing off our little men to each of you! They are SO DIFFERENT!! OMG. They are NOTHING alike as of right now. Perfectly different little individuals. So neat!
LOVE YOU ALL.
karen
By 11:24 a.m., Graham Carson Sergent was pulled into the world weighing 5lbs 9oz and 19 inches long. A minute later at 11:25 a.m., August Matthew Sergent was pulled into the world weighing 5lbs 4oz and 18 inches long.
Both boys scored 9s at birth (which is wonderful) and seemed to be doing very well with exception of Graham requiring an oxygen hood to help keep his oxygen level where it needed to be. Doctor Watson, the Pediatrician, wanted to observe him overnight and see where we stood the next morning. He told us there was the possibility that he needed to continue the treatment, which would hinder our ability to get him nutrition and thus require us to send him to the NICU in Tupelo. Doc Watson also wanted to send August if this happened so that both boys could continue to be observed together. This is what happened.
The next morning, while waiting for the word from Doc Watson, Matt helped me make my way up and out of the bed and down the hall to the nursery viewing window to take a peak at our babies. Standing was really tough after surgery, but I had serious motivation to say the least. I had the opportunity to bond with August the day before and even try to nurse him, but I had not done more than kiss Graham's newborn cheek on his way out of the delivery room. Knowing that Matt was so attentive and by both boy's side as much as possible made this much easier. Soon after, we made the call to have both boys transferred to the NICU in Tupelo via baby ambulance as soon as they could arrange for transport. The team from Tupelo were there within an hour or so, and brought both boys to see me before they left. This was the first time I actually got to touch and look at my baby Graham. I was tearing apart inside, but the nurses with him were so incredible and helped us to feel very confident in what was happening.
Matt followed the boys and my mom came to my side. He'll have to give you the day's events once they got to Tupelo that day... As for me, I wept mostly. The separation anxiety was overwhelming. Determination, loving family and friends, and the most amazing husband combined to help keep me focused. I was told by Doc Mag that I should stay in West Point and gain a bit of strength. I also had to pass gas in order to leave the hospital. Nothing has EVER weighed so much on a fart! I was really sore and really swollen. To keep the swelling and pain down I had to take pain meds and lay down with my feet up. To pass the gas, I had to walk. Each were counter productive to one another, but the gas won because I wanted OUT of there asap. So that's what I did. I walked. I paced the floor. I rocked on all fours.. you name it... all with painful tears and frustration.
FINALLY, the next morning I got discharged and mom and I took off for Tupelo! I could hardly stand the drive. When we got here, Matt met us and brought us straight up to the boys and my heart melted to the floor. I still weep when I think about that moment. Just being reunited with my guys was overwhelming. Only one missing was Madison. There were plugs and cords and lights and bells, but all I saw was perfection.
So, that's how we started. So much has happened since then, I might have to do another 'behind the scenes' update, but we've just been so absorbed in what's going on up here that blogging is just not even a consideration. This break is rare.
::::::::HERE IS THE SKINNY ON WHAT IS GOING ON TODAY AS OF NOW::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Graham is now weighing about 5lbs 4oz and has been through the most back and forth monitoring of care. He is not on oxygen, and actually hasn't been since he got here. He's holding good oxygen levels on his own (awesome!). He is no longer on an IV for antibiotics because his blood cultures came back good. He had some fluid in his lungs and they were concerned about an infection, but he was clear. They removed his feeding tube because he finally had taken well to feeding, but last night had to have it put back in because he wasn't getting enough nourishment in on his own in a timely enough manner. They only use it for back up when he doesn't take the bottle or breast well enough. He has also been placed under a photo therapy light today. He's basically got a bright light shining on him and wears these gauze style shades that wrap around his head. He gets to come out from under the light and take off the shades when eating (thankfully). He still needs some motivation to finish his bottle in a timely manner, but some of that has to do with bowel movements and such. He did not take well to the breast at first, but this afternoon he latched on like a champion!
August has truly not had any real issues so far. He is only weighing around 4lbs 10.2 oz, but is holding steady and seems really relaxed and happy. He has NO problem eating. Bottle or breast, he's not picky.
We have been told that the boys will likely both be ready to move to a step down room soon. The pediatrician told us he is expecting days not weeks here for them. Every feeding, every diaper change, every moment is something a little different than before, but all is progress in the right direction, so we are thankful.
As for mom and dad.... we are holding steady. Matt is the beacon of light that keeps us all motivated and going. He has been so amazing and attentive. I am pretty sure I heard him say he was going to tell Doc Magnussen to unstitch me and put me back together so we could get started on having some more....... GASP.... ha!
Thank you all so much for your continued prayers and good thoughts. We are grateful for every one of them. More than you know. I'm drained, so I hope that most of this makes some sense.
Oh, a word on visitors... not happening. While we would love to see you, you just cannot come up. Mom, Dad, Sister, Grandparents. That is it. We hope to be home soon and look forward to showing off our little men to each of you! They are SO DIFFERENT!! OMG. They are NOTHING alike as of right now. Perfectly different little individuals. So neat!
LOVE YOU ALL.
karen
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
They're HERE!
We will give more details and updates tomorrow on our journey thus far... but, as for tonight...our family (with exception of big sister) is finally reunited after a looonng day and a half. Mom and dad are holding up well, with MUCH THANKS to Grandpa Sergent and MiMi. Both Graham and August are adjusting well and making impressive progress. They each lost a little weight but are seemingly getting into the groove of eating now. We are able to stay by their sides 24-7. The NICU here is amazing. They are in the same room and share a nurse who is always standing guard. They each got to try nursing from the breast today, and both latched on really well. We'll get to do that once during the day and once at night until the doctor feels comfortable they are getting as much nourishment as they need. They are having breast milk from the bottle at their other feedings. We're on a schedule and feel really good about the care we are receiving.
More to come... thank you for all of your prayers and thoughts.
More to come... thank you for all of your prayers and thoughts.
 |
| August Matthew Sergent |
 |
| August |
 |
| Graham Carson Sergent |
 |
| Graham |
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
33 weeks 3 days
We went to see the doc today. Despite feeling terrible, being stressed out, and painfully tired, she said I was doing great! Go figure. Last week I felt fine and she said I might end up in the hospital. My blood pressure was still higher than my normal, but well within a healthy range. I lost a few pounds rather than gaining any more fluid. There were still trace amounts of protein in my sample, but overall she said I was doing great. The boys' heart beats were good. My contractions apparently are to be expected, despite how strong and frequent they have been. All is great news... but I just feel whipped. Oh, and I now measure 42 weeks!
We go back next week (Wed) for another u/s. She believes we will end up scheduling the delivery before I actually go into labor, and she's hoping for the end of August. I think I gasped a loud breath of air when she said something about possibly August 27th... as in... Please, say it isn't so... I can't possibly.... Still, her optimism is a good sign, and I want the best for the babies. I'm just feeling whipped. As we left her office today, I promised to keep my chin up and try to not whine about my discomfort and growing lack of patience. She just nodded at me as we walked out the door and said she'd see me next week with an all-assuring smile.
We go back next week (Wed) for another u/s. She believes we will end up scheduling the delivery before I actually go into labor, and she's hoping for the end of August. I think I gasped a loud breath of air when she said something about possibly August 27th... as in... Please, say it isn't so... I can't possibly.... Still, her optimism is a good sign, and I want the best for the babies. I'm just feeling whipped. As we left her office today, I promised to keep my chin up and try to not whine about my discomfort and growing lack of patience. She just nodded at me as we walked out the door and said she'd see me next week with an all-assuring smile.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
32 weeks 3 days
I got a less than awesome report from Doc Mag today. My blood pressure was even higher than last week (151 over 82 or close to that). When I laid on my side for a bit, the pressure lowered to like 126/80 (mine normally has been 111/60). There were traces of protein in my urine, and I have gained another 5lbs of fluid in the week since I last saw her. She said I was showing signs of preeclampsia. She did not feel compelled to put me in the hospital, but told me I may end up there. She wants to see me again next week, and for now I am to rest. If I have any upper abdominal pain or changes in vision or other symptom that concerns me, to call her.
So, that's where we are. I've also been experiencing a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions. I told her about them, and she said she was not really concerned about contractions... that "they would continue to happen."
COME ON 34 WEEKS.... we need to make it at least there. SO CLOSE!
So, that's where we are. I've also been experiencing a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions. I told her about them, and she said she was not really concerned about contractions... that "they would continue to happen."
COME ON 34 WEEKS.... we need to make it at least there. SO CLOSE!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
We had another doctor appointment today. Since last visit, I've gained six pounds and am measuring 39 weeks, plus my blood pressure was up. We will have a follow up visit in one week to monitor this, but otherwise our appointment went good. Our current goal is to make it to 34 weeks at least (we reach 34 weeks on August 8). If I go into labor before that, we will have to go to Tupelo to deliver. If it is an emergent (unscheduled) delivery, we would deliver in West Point, but the boys would have to be sent to Tupelo's NICU. So, pray for another 2.5 weeks at least!
We had another u/s and the boys both looked strong and healthy. August weighed in at 4 lbs 6 oz, and Graham weighed in at 4 lbs 10 oz. They looked closely at their hearts – both looked good. They are really cramped up in there these days. This time, August was still stretched out along my left side, only his head is down now instead of his feet. Graham is still balled up on my right side, but is head up now.
31 weeks 4 days | 3D Ultrasound images
August – look at those big kissable lips and potential widow's peak!
Graham – His hands are up by his face, and he is really scrunched up in there.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
29 weeks 3 days.
-TWO WEEKS AGO-
We had an u/s two weeks ago (at 27 weeks) and were able to get a video of the session. Everything looked good. I was released from mandatory resting. Both boys had strong heartbeats (154/143)and were wiggling around a bunch. Neither of them would look at the u/s wand this time for us to get a good look at their faces.
"you've got a couple a chunks!!" -doc mag
Our boys are weighing in at +/- 3lbs each! One boy was stretched out in a standing position while the other baby was curled up to one side, head down. The way they were positioned could have made their abdominal measurements off a bit. One measured 2.14lbs, the other 3.4lbs!! Their other measurements were near exact, and they are likely each around 3lbs. That's big for singleton babies at this age, let alone twin babies! This is GREAT news.
-TODAY-
I measured 38 weeks today! I'm big, round, swollen, tired, sore... and growing seemingly healthy baby boys. Both boys had really strong active heartbeats today. We talked about some questions Matt and I had about the c-section and scheduling. She said, "I could say, let's get to 37 weeks and go ahead and schedule the delivery, but you may not make it that far. we just never really know." She gave the impression that reaching 37 weeks was a possibility, but you could sense her doubt in us making it quite that far.
We have another appointment for an u/s in West Point in two weeks.
We had an u/s two weeks ago (at 27 weeks) and were able to get a video of the session. Everything looked good. I was released from mandatory resting. Both boys had strong heartbeats (154/143)and were wiggling around a bunch. Neither of them would look at the u/s wand this time for us to get a good look at their faces.
"you've got a couple a chunks!!" -doc mag
Our boys are weighing in at +/- 3lbs each! One boy was stretched out in a standing position while the other baby was curled up to one side, head down. The way they were positioned could have made their abdominal measurements off a bit. One measured 2.14lbs, the other 3.4lbs!! Their other measurements were near exact, and they are likely each around 3lbs. That's big for singleton babies at this age, let alone twin babies! This is GREAT news.
-TODAY-
I measured 38 weeks today! I'm big, round, swollen, tired, sore... and growing seemingly healthy baby boys. Both boys had really strong active heartbeats today. We talked about some questions Matt and I had about the c-section and scheduling. She said, "I could say, let's get to 37 weeks and go ahead and schedule the delivery, but you may not make it that far. we just never really know." She gave the impression that reaching 37 weeks was a possibility, but you could sense her doubt in us making it quite that far.
We have another appointment for an u/s in West Point in two weeks.
Monday, June 7, 2010
3 More Weeks of REST
We saw Dr. Magnussen today and she said, "Three more weeks of rest." We are now at 25 weeks 2 days, and she said babies born at this point do usually survive, but not without a lot of complications and/or help. She said babies born at 28+ weeks do a lot better, and so that was our goal right now. She told us that there is really nothing we can do to prevent prematurity other than rest, and she had no evidence that even rest works, but at least we know we are doing all that we can do. She also told us a little more about our last u/s where they said my cervix was dilated 1cm internally... basically my cervix is "nice and thick" still, but the fluid sack inside my womb is dipping down slightly into the canal from all of the pressure of the weight of the babies and the fluid I'm carrying. (I also asked HER if the kicking that the lower baby is doing to that area could have caused this and she flat out said, NO.) Theoretically, she says, this could cause me to begin to dilate and have contractions leading to preterm delivery. She followed by saying her gut is that we will be just fine, that we will not go into preterm labor from this, but that erring on the side of caution is wise. After which she reinforced that confidence with the fact that if she did feel real concern at this point she would have me admitted for hospital bed rest, but she didn't feel that was necessary. She also said every new day is a blessing and a victory. The closer we get to term the better, and that after 32 weeks I could go skydiving even if I wanted to (not literally).
Wednesday, July 23 (two weeks from this Wednesday), we will go to West Point for an u/s to check on things. We will have our tech from the hospital there to do the u/s and have the chance to video our little guys inside my womb. Hopefully I can post the video here. Then we will meet with Dr. Magnussen about the results.
Off to rest I go....
Wednesday, July 23 (two weeks from this Wednesday), we will go to West Point for an u/s to check on things. We will have our tech from the hospital there to do the u/s and have the chance to video our little guys inside my womb. Hopefully I can post the video here. Then we will meet with Dr. Magnussen about the results.
Off to rest I go....
Friday, May 28, 2010
6 months tomorrow and placed on bed rest
i spent a few relaxing days with my best girl friends at the beach and ended up coming home with a nasty bug that may have been a blessing in disguise. matt and i went to see doc mag yesterday morning after i was up sick to my stomach all night. she admitted me to the hospital in west point for fluids and observation due to dehydration. i actually felt human again this morning, which was great. she also scheduled an ultrasound this morning to check on the babies, assuring us she felt all would be fine.
the ultrasound showed two healthy energetic babies weighing in at 1.9 lbs and 1.6 lbs, about a week ahead of schedule. the u/s also confirmed they are in fact both boys. this time instead of head to head, they were laying head to feet. one baby kept putting his foot in the other one's face.
everything with the babies looked good, it was my cervix that created an issue. my cervix is dilated 1cm internally. an external examination showed no sign of dilation, which is good. however, without this unplanned u/s we wouldn't have known about the internal dilation, so i guess we are fortunate.
doc mag told us that the greatest risk to twin births is prematurity and that she nor we could really do anything about premature labor other than rest at this point. so, i had a choice: go home and rest or be admitted to the hospital for them to make sure i rested. i can get up for the bathroom and a shower or a cup of coffee but that's it until our next doctors appointment which is june 7th. i'm terrified. both of being stuck to the bed and of the potential for premature birth.
the nurse said that babies are not considered viable before 26 weeks. we are 24 weeks, though they're fortunately measuring 25 weeks. she also said that babies born between 26-31 weeks would have to go to jackson. babies 31-34 weeks go to tupelo, and beyond that can be delivered and kept in west point. i'm praying for 12 more weeks in the womb. that's three whole months!! the nurse did say there was a chance that the cervix could close back up and my bed rest sentence relieved a bit. one of the boys kicks me square in the cervix a lot, and she said that could actually be what has thinned that area. hopefully now that he's growing larger, he'll shift upwards and stop poking in that spot. he has already moved up some. this was the first time we could get a look at him. every other time he was so low in my pelvis that we couldn't see or hear him very well.
prayers requested! 12 weeks please. no less than 10. love you all. here are a couple more pictures from this morning's u/s:
this one is of a leg/foot extended
this one is a profile picture with the other baby's foot positioned directly above this one's nose
the ultrasound showed two healthy energetic babies weighing in at 1.9 lbs and 1.6 lbs, about a week ahead of schedule. the u/s also confirmed they are in fact both boys. this time instead of head to head, they were laying head to feet. one baby kept putting his foot in the other one's face.
everything with the babies looked good, it was my cervix that created an issue. my cervix is dilated 1cm internally. an external examination showed no sign of dilation, which is good. however, without this unplanned u/s we wouldn't have known about the internal dilation, so i guess we are fortunate.
doc mag told us that the greatest risk to twin births is prematurity and that she nor we could really do anything about premature labor other than rest at this point. so, i had a choice: go home and rest or be admitted to the hospital for them to make sure i rested. i can get up for the bathroom and a shower or a cup of coffee but that's it until our next doctors appointment which is june 7th. i'm terrified. both of being stuck to the bed and of the potential for premature birth.
the nurse said that babies are not considered viable before 26 weeks. we are 24 weeks, though they're fortunately measuring 25 weeks. she also said that babies born between 26-31 weeks would have to go to jackson. babies 31-34 weeks go to tupelo, and beyond that can be delivered and kept in west point. i'm praying for 12 more weeks in the womb. that's three whole months!! the nurse did say there was a chance that the cervix could close back up and my bed rest sentence relieved a bit. one of the boys kicks me square in the cervix a lot, and she said that could actually be what has thinned that area. hopefully now that he's growing larger, he'll shift upwards and stop poking in that spot. he has already moved up some. this was the first time we could get a look at him. every other time he was so low in my pelvis that we couldn't see or hear him very well.
prayers requested! 12 weeks please. no less than 10. love you all. here are a couple more pictures from this morning's u/s:
this one is of a leg/foot extended
this one is a profile picture with the other baby's foot positioned directly above this one's nose
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
22 weeks 3 days
We went to the doctor again today. Initially, Doc Magnussen was proud, "ONLY TWO POUNDS this time! that's good." Then she measured me and made a "whoa" face.... i measured 30 weeks. To me that made sense seeing as I measured 28 weeks 2 weeks ago... but apparently that was cause for a "whoa" face. Awesome.
My goals now are to continue to stroll the three miles at the Riverwalk at least every other day as I can, continue to rest between activities, and to learn to eat a higher fiber diet. 25-30 grams is what is recommended/day. The diet change conversation has actually caused me to fuss and cry and become very angry (poor Matt). Yes, really. There are so many things that you try to do for yourself and your growing babies while you're pregnant with twins (or just pregnant in general), and feeling like you've been doing it wrong all this time can be defeating. Or worse, feeling like the food choices you've made for the last 22 weeks are something to be scolded for.... ANYHOW, I've made a chart and am slowly beginning to feel empowered rather than defeated by 'one more thing I must do now.'
I somehow forgot to get permission from her for my beach trip this weekend, but I'm going dagnabbit. I need some RnR with my girlfriends. I've lost the ability to think/react based solely on logic or reason and am completely emotionally driven these days, so Matt could use the reinforcement they will bring me.
Nap time....
My goals now are to continue to stroll the three miles at the Riverwalk at least every other day as I can, continue to rest between activities, and to learn to eat a higher fiber diet. 25-30 grams is what is recommended/day. The diet change conversation has actually caused me to fuss and cry and become very angry (poor Matt). Yes, really. There are so many things that you try to do for yourself and your growing babies while you're pregnant with twins (or just pregnant in general), and feeling like you've been doing it wrong all this time can be defeating. Or worse, feeling like the food choices you've made for the last 22 weeks are something to be scolded for.... ANYHOW, I've made a chart and am slowly beginning to feel empowered rather than defeated by 'one more thing I must do now.'
I somehow forgot to get permission from her for my beach trip this weekend, but I'm going dagnabbit. I need some RnR with my girlfriends. I've lost the ability to think/react based solely on logic or reason and am completely emotionally driven these days, so Matt could use the reinforcement they will bring me.
Nap time....
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
big Phat... (madi and ivey know this tune)
Our doctor's appointment on the 3rd went well. Two rhythmic heartbeats. A rounding belly for me. I measured in at 28 weeks... mind you, I was only 20 weeks 2 days at the time of the visit. Doc Magnussen was not concerned and told us my measurement was perfectly ok at this stage of our twin pregnancy. ((my lord)). She told us it was time for me to hang up working and pick up napping and eating more iron rich foods. So, this is my last week at school.
We have movement! I can feel them moving around progressively more and more as the days go by. I love feeling them wiggling about. Sometimes the tightness is overwhelming, and sometimes "baby b" (or perhaps both of them?) pushes on my cervix which does not feel especially wonderful. Still, overall, feeling the movement is comforting and makes me so happy. I'm ready for Matt and Madison to be able to see or feel them too.
Nursery time! I'm going to take pictures along the way. First: cribs and curtains...
We have movement! I can feel them moving around progressively more and more as the days go by. I love feeling them wiggling about. Sometimes the tightness is overwhelming, and sometimes "baby b" (or perhaps both of them?) pushes on my cervix which does not feel especially wonderful. Still, overall, feeling the movement is comforting and makes me so happy. I'm ready for Matt and Madison to be able to see or feel them too.
Nursery time! I'm going to take pictures along the way. First: cribs and curtains...
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thoughts for today
We go back to see Dr. Magnussen on Monday. All I can say is that I feel as tired, round, and sore as a singleton mom at 8 months, and as ill as I did the first trimester, but different. Now it's sudden OH rather than lingering ohhhh...
School's out in a couple of weeks and I'll be able to try and begin conjuring up work from home and begin work on the nursery. Aiming for a s i m p l e, happy space. Possibly mini cribs? We'll see...
Think we've narrowed the name choices down to two sets...
Carson Graham / August Wriley Sergent (Carson / August)
(or)
Lucas Graham / Carson Wriley Sergent (Luke / Carson)
...Matt likes Carson/August. I like them both equally. Trying them both on for size.
School's out in a couple of weeks and I'll be able to try and begin conjuring up work from home and begin work on the nursery. Aiming for a s i m p l e, happy space. Possibly mini cribs? We'll see...
Think we've narrowed the name choices down to two sets...
Carson Graham / August Wriley Sergent (Carson / August)
(or)
Lucas Graham / Carson Wriley Sergent (Luke / Carson)
...Matt likes Carson/August. I like them both equally. Trying them both on for size.
Monday, April 19, 2010
U/S#2!!!
Today, we had our second ultrasound to make sure we were growing healthy babies and find out their sexes. We're having BOYS!!
(So you know, in our case, "Baby A" is the baby sitting highest up and "Baby B" is sitting lower) Baby A was in the spotlight first. Dr. Magnussen was able to view him very well from head to abdomen to genitalia – which he was VERY PROUD to be showing off for us. Baby B, however, is sitting so very low that good imagery of him was more challenging. She was able to get decent measurements of him, and sneak a peak at his genitals. Although, she warns that even though he appears to be a boy, due to the position and angle we were looking at him, there is a slim chance of him not being a boy... though she feels confident that he is in fact a boy.
They each had a heart rate of 141, measured about the same, and weighed in at 10 oz each. They were both really active and so fun to watch. We got a good show, but not really any clear images to share. Below is "Baby B." You can see his profile from the chin down; arms folded, knees toward the chest, feet crossed. Both boys are sitting transverse (meaning, horizontal) and side by side one another. They looked like they were playing with each other in there.
We go back again in two weeks. Today, we are 18 weeks 2 days into the pregnancy, and are so far doing well. She did tell me that I have to rest and take it easy because the biggest concern is premature labor. I told her I had been feeling excessively tired sometimes, some simple chores causing my heart to pound... her response, in true Doc Mag fashion: don't do that.
Tomorrow, Madison turns 15 years old! I'm actually thinking she likes knowing she still holds the throne as the only daughter; based off of her excitement over the news that we were having two boys. We are all very happy. Let the naming begin...
(So you know, in our case, "Baby A" is the baby sitting highest up and "Baby B" is sitting lower) Baby A was in the spotlight first. Dr. Magnussen was able to view him very well from head to abdomen to genitalia – which he was VERY PROUD to be showing off for us. Baby B, however, is sitting so very low that good imagery of him was more challenging. She was able to get decent measurements of him, and sneak a peak at his genitals. Although, she warns that even though he appears to be a boy, due to the position and angle we were looking at him, there is a slim chance of him not being a boy... though she feels confident that he is in fact a boy.
They each had a heart rate of 141, measured about the same, and weighed in at 10 oz each. They were both really active and so fun to watch. We got a good show, but not really any clear images to share. Below is "Baby B." You can see his profile from the chin down; arms folded, knees toward the chest, feet crossed. Both boys are sitting transverse (meaning, horizontal) and side by side one another. They looked like they were playing with each other in there.
Tomorrow, Madison turns 15 years old! I'm actually thinking she likes knowing she still holds the throne as the only daughter; based off of her excitement over the news that we were having two boys. We are all very happy. Let the naming begin...
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
and then there were five
We went to see Dr. Magnussen on Friday, February 12 and she confirmed that we were 8 weeks pregnant! When we went back on Monday, March 15... she wasn't convinced.
"You seem big for 13 weeks..."
Heart monitor wasn't reading anything...
"Let's do an ultrasound."
"Yep, that's what I thought."
**WHAT?! something wrong?**
"Nope. Here's your baby." *thump thump thump x 161* (SIGH of JOY)
"...aaannd, here's your OTHER baby." *thump thump thump x 155* (GASP)
say wha?
TWINS. oh. my. goodness.
There were tears and laughter as we continued looking at our twin babies. One had the hiccups, the other very calm. We believe there are two placentas, so that would make them fraternal twins rather than identical. And they both seem very healthy and fairly equal in size and heart rates. Our due date is September 18, 2010.
Meet the Sergent Twins:
"These things do happen." -Dr. Magnussen
"You seem big for 13 weeks..."
Heart monitor wasn't reading anything...
"Let's do an ultrasound."
"Yep, that's what I thought."
**WHAT?! something wrong?**
"Nope. Here's your baby." *thump thump thump x 161* (SIGH of JOY)
"...aaannd, here's your OTHER baby." *thump thump thump x 155* (GASP)
say wha?
TWINS. oh. my. goodness.
There were tears and laughter as we continued looking at our twin babies. One had the hiccups, the other very calm. We believe there are two placentas, so that would make them fraternal twins rather than identical. And they both seem very healthy and fairly equal in size and heart rates. Our due date is September 18, 2010.
Meet the Sergent Twins:
"These things do happen." -Dr. Magnussen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)