My beloved dad [God rest his soul] used to tell us as to the arrival of the first child in a marriage, "The first one can come at any time; all the rest take 9 months."
He used this to explain the phenomena of 8 pound preemies.
15 years ago
Showing posts with label Prematurity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prematurity. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Celebrate Life
Mrs. Jackie Parkes, Catholic Mom of 10 blogger, posted this pretty amazing video of the intra-uterine stages of life. Just as a point of reference, my girls were born at week 26, weighing around 2 pounds each, about 13 inches long. It wasn't a full term by any means, but it was sufficient.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Six Times the Joy
Here's some good news: the Masche sextuplets [audio/video at link] were delivered into the world yesterday. Mom made it to week 30 of gestation and all the children were delivered weighing over 2 pounds. As of the next day, they were breathing room air. As a mother of multiples who arrived at week 26 and were intibated for days/weeks, I am exceedingly happy to hear this great news. Week 30 and, no doubt, on steroids for lung development, is a great starting line. They may have some vision problems to be concerned with [the optic nerve is fully developed at 32 weeks gestation], but that is so manageable.
Welcome to the world little boys and girls! Congratulations to Mom and Dad Masche.
Welcome to the world little boys and girls! Congratulations to Mom and Dad Masche.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
A Detour
Because of this post over at Althouse, I was all ready to blog tonight about a remembrance of my time in the U.S. Army Airborne School and to share a YouTube about bad exits [turn the music off because it's awful and foul]. But before I wrote it, I received an email from a church friend who is doing the March of Dimes Walk Across America and dedicating her family's walk to my girls. I discovered this YouTube, about a preemie named "Ezekiel" and thought it was worth a watch. Just as information, both my girls were also 26 weekers. Mary Jo weighed 1 pound 15 ounces at birth. Annie was the big girl at 2 pounds 3 ounces.
If you'd like to make a donation to my friend's walk-a-thon, please email me and I'll send you her link.
If you'd like to make a donation to my friend's walk-a-thon, please email me and I'll send you her link.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
NICU Journal August 31, 2003: A Labor of Love
Happy 2nd birthday, Annie and Mary Jo! Two years and healthy is nothing shy of miraculous, given your early entry into the world. I couldn't imagine our lives without you. Two years ago, you upset my apple cart by being born at 26 weeks gestation. We've been feasting on applesauce ever since. I didn't have a blog when you were born. Before my memories completely fade, I plan to do a NICU Journal Update when the dates coincide. Some of the notes I made are now lost in cyberspace, so I'll piece it together from what I have.
On July 17, 2003, we found out at the 20 week ultrasound that there were twins. Here's what I wrote to some friends:
On August 31, 2003, a Sunday, we spent the day like a normal Sunday. Dave and I took Zeke to Mass. We met Dave's family at the local Cracker Barrel to commemorate his sister, Terri's birthday [August 22nd]. It's a busy restaurant and we were made to wait about an hour. It was hazy, hot and humid and I had been fighting dehydration for the past couple days. I just couldn't get comfortable at all. After an uncomfortable couple hours, we made it home and it was nap time. I couldn't nap. Instead, I walked around the house crying. I tried to phone a few girlfriends, but no one was answering. The whole pregnancy had been up and down--many extra visits to the OB for spotting and such--and out of frustration I said, "Isn't there anyone for me?" I heard interiorly the voice of Jesus say, "No one but me." I settled down, began to say a Rosary, laid down on my left side and continued to drink a quart of water.
As I was laying down, and moments after reaching quasi-comfort, I felt a sharp pop in my abdomen that made me sit up with a start. I knew something was not right. It was 5 p.m. To allay my fears, I called the OB's on-call nurse. Dave was waking from his nap by now and trying to get oriented. I was pacing and talking with the nurse. I was starting to feel occasional pains [I thought they were only Braxton-Hicks because I didn't even have them with Zeke]. Didn't know it, but she was timing them. She was so calm. She said to come on into the hospital because Dr. M. was on call and he could see me there, it being a Sunday and all. I asked if I should pack a bag and she fluffed it off, saying "No. If you need something later, some one can get it for you, just head on in and let Dr. M. see you."
Getting to the hospital is about a 5 minute drive. But we had a sleeping 15 month old and no one to come care for him except Dave's sister in Greensboro, which was at least 30 minutes away. Dave called Terri to get her here. Meantime, I was pacing and groaning and my sense of urgency was growing by the minute. Dave decided to call his Daddy from 5 minutes away and get him here to watch Zeke until Terri arrived. [Stupid! There's a cardiac nurse next door!!] Dave was trying to explain what was happening to his hard-of-hearing Dad and I was just pacing and looking out the front door, praying. Dad finally arrived and we were off. In the truck ride to the hospital, I felt the urge to push. Now I knew this sensation. During Zeke's pushing stage, I asked to "hold back" on one so I could fully experience what that felt like. This is what it felt like. Dave and I were doing this big kabuki dance--keeping a grimacey smile plastered on our faces, hoping that the fear in our eyes wasn't showing to the other. Dave dropped me off at the hospital door and went to park the truck [I guess my phony calm was working]. I tried to wait for him and then I motioned that I was going up. I waddled to the elevator and got up to the 4th floor. Those in the elevator asked if I was O.K. "Just in labor with twins, " I cheerfully replied.
I was completely in panic inside, but so calm on the outside that no one seemed to "get" what I was about. The intake nurse at the desk was asking admitting questions and I finally put my head down on her desk and said, "Ma'am....I'm 28 weeks pregnant with twins and I WANT TO PUUUUSH." Dave was there and they quickly ushered me into the room and a nurse helped me into a hospital gown and Dave continued to answer intake questions [which I would overhear and bark answers back at as well]. I said to the nurse I WANT TO PUUUUSH. Could you PLEEEEZE check me? When the mechanic finally looked under the hood, they knew there was no stopping this train. 10-and-100 and wanting to push is the very final stages of labor. I kept asking "Where is my doctor?" Several scrub-clad residents slid into my room. I looked at them all..all females....none of them my doctor. They told me I could deliver the babies right then. I said "We were planning a C in November. Let's just have a C."
A C-section it is! I.V. in! Transfer to the gurney! Glance over as Dave is fumbling to don the scrubs. Counting tiles and doorways as they whiz past me en route to the O.R. Finger the rosary, holy water and St. Gerard's hanky which were the only things I brought with me besides my purse. Tell the RN running alongside that "Here's my holy water. You tell Dr. M. that he is to BAPTIZE these babies if he must. Got that? Tell him." Found out that the chief resident would cut me. Who is that? Dr. Ernest. Let me see him. Said something smart like, "You do look earnest." Cried out--"where's my husband?" Answer back: he can't be in here until you're under. Mask over my face. Saying the 'Hail Mary' aloud. "Why am I not going under?" "It's oxygen, ma-am"....then....just like in the movies....the scene goes to black like two heavy eyelids closing. Sara Anne, I'm told, was born at 6:31. Mary Jo was born at 6:33.
Groggy. Apologetic. Too dry to cry. Sorry, baby. So sorry. I'm so sorry I didn't go the distance. Dave's voice "It's O.K. baby. The girls are in the NICU and they're stable."
More apologies.... Must. Get. To. NICU.
On July 17, 2003, we found out at the 20 week ultrasound that there were twins. Here's what I wrote to some friends:
Hello! Just wanted to share the good news of today's ultrasound. You might want to sit down for this as what I have to share might "shock and awe" you. Everything appears to be progressing normally for both babies. Until today, we had no clue that there were two! One of them is a girl and Baby B was being a little modest...we'll be sure to keep you informed. All parts appear to be the right size, location and functioning normally. Praise God! The sonogramist was quite apologetic. She did the 7 week ultrasound and failed to see the second baby. She assured us that if it were her first week, she would surely be fired. She said this has NEVER happened to her before. Of course, God's plan is better than we could imagine and I personally believe that God knew I needed to warm up to a second baby in 19 months before I could see the blessing of a third! David, as ever, was calm and collected. I highly recommend marrying a good man. Dave is such a good daddy to Zeke that it would be a shame to not have a large family. I think it will take a good while for this news to truly sink in.... If you would, please keep our rapidly-growing family in your prayers as we will for you. Love- Ruth Anne :)
On August 31, 2003, a Sunday, we spent the day like a normal Sunday. Dave and I took Zeke to Mass. We met Dave's family at the local Cracker Barrel to commemorate his sister, Terri's birthday [August 22nd]. It's a busy restaurant and we were made to wait about an hour. It was hazy, hot and humid and I had been fighting dehydration for the past couple days. I just couldn't get comfortable at all. After an uncomfortable couple hours, we made it home and it was nap time. I couldn't nap. Instead, I walked around the house crying. I tried to phone a few girlfriends, but no one was answering. The whole pregnancy had been up and down--many extra visits to the OB for spotting and such--and out of frustration I said, "Isn't there anyone for me?" I heard interiorly the voice of Jesus say, "No one but me." I settled down, began to say a Rosary, laid down on my left side and continued to drink a quart of water.
As I was laying down, and moments after reaching quasi-comfort, I felt a sharp pop in my abdomen that made me sit up with a start. I knew something was not right. It was 5 p.m. To allay my fears, I called the OB's on-call nurse. Dave was waking from his nap by now and trying to get oriented. I was pacing and talking with the nurse. I was starting to feel occasional pains [I thought they were only Braxton-Hicks because I didn't even have them with Zeke]. Didn't know it, but she was timing them. She was so calm. She said to come on into the hospital because Dr. M. was on call and he could see me there, it being a Sunday and all. I asked if I should pack a bag and she fluffed it off, saying "No. If you need something later, some one can get it for you, just head on in and let Dr. M. see you."
Getting to the hospital is about a 5 minute drive. But we had a sleeping 15 month old and no one to come care for him except Dave's sister in Greensboro, which was at least 30 minutes away. Dave called Terri to get her here. Meantime, I was pacing and groaning and my sense of urgency was growing by the minute. Dave decided to call his Daddy from 5 minutes away and get him here to watch Zeke until Terri arrived. [Stupid! There's a cardiac nurse next door!!] Dave was trying to explain what was happening to his hard-of-hearing Dad and I was just pacing and looking out the front door, praying. Dad finally arrived and we were off. In the truck ride to the hospital, I felt the urge to push. Now I knew this sensation. During Zeke's pushing stage, I asked to "hold back" on one so I could fully experience what that felt like. This is what it felt like. Dave and I were doing this big kabuki dance--keeping a grimacey smile plastered on our faces, hoping that the fear in our eyes wasn't showing to the other. Dave dropped me off at the hospital door and went to park the truck [I guess my phony calm was working]. I tried to wait for him and then I motioned that I was going up. I waddled to the elevator and got up to the 4th floor. Those in the elevator asked if I was O.K. "Just in labor with twins, " I cheerfully replied.
I was completely in panic inside, but so calm on the outside that no one seemed to "get" what I was about. The intake nurse at the desk was asking admitting questions and I finally put my head down on her desk and said, "Ma'am....I'm 28 weeks pregnant with twins and I WANT TO PUUUUSH." Dave was there and they quickly ushered me into the room and a nurse helped me into a hospital gown and Dave continued to answer intake questions [which I would overhear and bark answers back at as well]. I said to the nurse I WANT TO PUUUUSH. Could you PLEEEEZE check me? When the mechanic finally looked under the hood, they knew there was no stopping this train. 10-and-100 and wanting to push is the very final stages of labor. I kept asking "Where is my doctor?" Several scrub-clad residents slid into my room. I looked at them all..all females....none of them my doctor. They told me I could deliver the babies right then. I said "We were planning a C in November. Let's just have a C."
A C-section it is! I.V. in! Transfer to the gurney! Glance over as Dave is fumbling to don the scrubs. Counting tiles and doorways as they whiz past me en route to the O.R. Finger the rosary, holy water and St. Gerard's hanky which were the only things I brought with me besides my purse. Tell the RN running alongside that "Here's my holy water. You tell Dr. M. that he is to BAPTIZE these babies if he must. Got that? Tell him." Found out that the chief resident would cut me. Who is that? Dr. Ernest. Let me see him. Said something smart like, "You do look earnest." Cried out--"where's my husband?" Answer back: he can't be in here until you're under. Mask over my face. Saying the 'Hail Mary' aloud. "Why am I not going under?" "It's oxygen, ma-am"....then....just like in the movies....the scene goes to black like two heavy eyelids closing. Sara Anne, I'm told, was born at 6:31. Mary Jo was born at 6:33.
Groggy. Apologetic. Too dry to cry. Sorry, baby. So sorry. I'm so sorry I didn't go the distance. Dave's voice "It's O.K. baby. The girls are in the NICU and they're stable."
More apologies.... Must. Get. To. NICU.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Hugh & Will
There are two folks who inspired me to start my own blog. The first is Hugh Hewitt, also known as "The BlogFather". He's the man who launched a thousand blogs. I haven't yet read his book Blog, but I've read enough reviews that I feel like I have. I listen to him almost every day on the radio. He's been working on me for months. I've become a blogreader.
Two days ago, I read about Will. He had lived and died by the time I met him. He spent his entire life in a NICU [Neonatal Intensive Care Unit] in Iowa and his life, journey, and death was lovingly blogged by his parents. My husband, David and I have spent our share of time in the NICU. In August 2003, our twin daughters, Annie and Mary Jo arrived at 26 weeks gestation, weighing a whopping 2lbs 3 ounces and 1 pound 15 ounces, respectively, and spent their first 12 weeks in NICUs at Forsyth Hospital and Brenner Children's hospital. They survive today as the miracle girls that they are because of God's grace, the Sacrament of Baptism and all the prayers they received from folks around the world. At that time, I hadn't heard of a "blog". But I lovingly pleaded for prayers from the prayer warriors in email journals that went out regularly. I was driving home telling David about this wondrous little blog for Will Kenyon. He told me that I had sort of done it for the girls via the email. Well, this is 2005, and now is the time for all good moms to blog to the aid of their families.
UPDATE: Cleaned up the links.
Two days ago, I read about Will. He had lived and died by the time I met him. He spent his entire life in a NICU [Neonatal Intensive Care Unit] in Iowa and his life, journey, and death was lovingly blogged by his parents. My husband, David and I have spent our share of time in the NICU. In August 2003, our twin daughters, Annie and Mary Jo arrived at 26 weeks gestation, weighing a whopping 2lbs 3 ounces and 1 pound 15 ounces, respectively, and spent their first 12 weeks in NICUs at Forsyth Hospital and Brenner Children's hospital. They survive today as the miracle girls that they are because of God's grace, the Sacrament of Baptism and all the prayers they received from folks around the world. At that time, I hadn't heard of a "blog". But I lovingly pleaded for prayers from the prayer warriors in email journals that went out regularly. I was driving home telling David about this wondrous little blog for Will Kenyon. He told me that I had sort of done it for the girls via the email. Well, this is 2005, and now is the time for all good moms to blog to the aid of their families.
UPDATE: Cleaned up the links.
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