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
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