November 10th, 2003

The following is an excerpt from a journal entry on the day my twins, Max and Zoey, were born.

You've arrived! After my last entry, there was a flurry of activity. Around 8:30, we put the monitors on and I was having more contractions. Around 10 am, I got a shot of Breathine (to slow the contractions), went back on magnesium sulfate and got a catheter. No more bathroom privileges for me. The combination of the two meds slowed my contractions somewhat, but I was still having them...and they were becoming more and more painful. My OB came by just after your daddy left, and as I was talking with her I had a very painful contraction.

She decided to increase the magnesium and went out of the room to write up the order. My nurse was helping another patient, so another nurse came in to adjust my I.V. around 1 pm. Mommy had a gush of bleeding while the nurse was in the room, and this was followed by several more gushes. The doctor was nearby so we called her back into the room. The flurry of activity was impressive. Dr. L did an exam, which a bled through, and announced that the two of you were being delivered TODAY!

The nurses got me ready for an emergency c-section, called your daddy and we were moved to the OR......

Zoey, you came out first, at 2:30 pm, weighing 1 lb 11 oz (765 g) and measuring 12.5". You were next, Max, at 2:31 pm weighing 1 lb 9.5 oz (725 g) and measuring 11.5". WOW !!! Each of you had an entourage of doctors and nurses waiting to take care of you. Mommy was still sedated, so I didn't see you right as you were born; but daddy did. And he filled me in on the details, later. You two were wisked off to the NICU.

Mommy cried a lot for you today...and for me, too. I was very scared, but I knew I was in good hands.

Daddy brought me pictures of you about an hour ago. Oh my precious, precious babies. You need to fight! We have many challenges ahead of us! Right now, the two of you are on a machine to help you breathe, and you are receiving your nutrition through a tube. You also have I.V.s on your little hands, just in case. Mommy hasn't been able to visit you yet, but daddy has, and he describes how little you are and tears fill my eyes. Please be strong!! Please fight!! I will come see you tomorrow and though I won't be able to hold you for some time, I will be able to touch you! Will you recognize that its Mommy touching you?

Please fight, little babies! Please fight to get stronger and grow! Daddy and I love you...and we need you! You've come so far, and we are so proud of you. We want to be able to take you home and have you be a part of our lives with joy and happiness. We want to be your parents -- your Mommy and Daddy! Every hour you live is another hour closer to being able to hold you in my arms. I love you!!!

Happy Birthday Zoey! Happy Birthday Max!