Once I got over the shock, I admit, I was excited about having twins. However, I suddenly felt like an alien. My body was growing into a shape that did not resemble my old self. I developed carpal tunnel syndrome, I was sick all day every day. I was starving all the time but nothing seemed to stay in my stomach. THEN I passed a few kidney stones. Of all times to get kidney stones! Apparently they had sat dormant in my kidneys for some time and all of these changes taking place, disrupted them. I never got enough sleep. Sean wasn't two years old yet. He still wanted his mommy's full attention.
To top things off "Baby A" wasn't growing as quickly as "Baby B" and I had to go to the Med for ultrasounds every month. I had developed Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. This sometimes happens with Mono Zygotic twins (also known as identical twins). One baby takes all of the nutrients and the other baby is deprived. I was told that if the situation got worse, I would have to go to Nashville for a special procedure. They would poke small holes in the placenta wall separating the twins. Thank God I never had to deal with that. However, I did worry. A lot! What if I lost"Baby A"? I was terrified of having twins, but I was even more terrified of losing one.
My family and I survived all those months. It wasn't easy but having a good husband, and supportive mother and sisters, helped. The last ultrasound showed that "Baby A" had actually lost a little weight. Not much....maybe a 1/2 ounce, but enough to be concerned. This was it. They sent me home and told me to pack my bag. These babies were coming today. I was scheduled for an emergency C-section at 34 weeks.
We rallied the troops and headed to the hospital. I was scared. My pregnancy and birth with Sean were textbook. I didn't have a single problem. Now, I was going to be cut open and 2 babies would be taken out of me. What if they didn't survive out here? How was I going to take care of two premature babies? I was putting all of my faith in God and the doctors. I told myself that everything would be fine. About 5:00pm they rolled me into the delivery room. I had my epidural and was feeling no pain. In fact, I was so worn out and sleep deprived that I snored through the entire procedure. Unfortunately, our video camera battery had died so Mark was unable to record it for me. They took "Baby A" out first. We named him Nicholas. The nurse showed him to me. He was so small but he was beautiful. It turns out that "Baby B" was not only taking the food, he was taking all the room. Nick was breech with his feet up by his ears. Literally pushed in the "corner" of my womb. So when the nurse tried to measure him, his feet had to be held down because he was used to being folded at the waist! "Baby B" came out exactly one minute later. We named him Benjamin. Big Baby Ben. He wasn't much bigger but looked it by contrast to his brother.
I could see them but they had to go straight to the NICU so I was unable to hold them. Ironically, Nick, the smaller one, the one we all worried about was doing remarkably well. His organs had fully developed. As if he was not born 6 weeks early. The pediatrician said his only explanation was that nature knew what was going on and took over. I agree. Nature and God. Ben was healthy. He had to be put on oxygen, but not for long. All in all, they were healthy babies. VERY healthy compared to some of the other babies in the NICU. When I was finally allowed to be wheeled down there to see them, I was so happy. When I saw them, I cried. I couldn't believe that the two little babies who had wreaked so much havoc on my body and emotions were finally here.
Now what do I do?
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