7.8.09

My July 7th OB appointment did turn out to be my last appointment before the twins were born. She let me know that if I was still contracting that evening to come on in since she was on call that night. I continued to have contractions all afternoon, but we waiting until 8pm to head to the hospital. DiDi was in the process of moving into her new place here and they needed as much help from Daddy as possible. As soon as the truck was unloaded, off we went.

My contractions appeared on the monitors, but weren't getting closer together, even though they were getting more painful. They let me eat dinner and then it was waiting time. Daddy and I didn't sleep too well, even though we knew we needed all the sleep we could get. At 9am, my doctor arrived and broke my water. She didn't start pitocin because she had a feeling that once my water was broken, hard labor would start on its own. She was right. They let me get in the jacuzzi, but I didn't last long. I had two very strong contractions in the tub and knew I needed to get out or they'd have to carry me.

It wasn't long before I was begging for the epidural. My doctor required it if I was to attempt a vaginal birth with the twins. Up until that point, I never wanted one in my life. I had a natural childbirth with Adia and thought, pain wise, that this would feel the same. I couldn't have been more wrong. I don't know if it was because this labor started at 5-6cm while with Adia I was only 3cm or if it's just twin labor that's tougher, but it hurt worse than anything and the contractions were right on top of each other. It took everything I had to wait for the anesthesiologist to finally arrive and then I had to hold still through several more contractions. No one had told me that epidurals take 15-20 minutes to work though. That was horrible. When it did start to work, I started shaking all over and felt frozen. I just couldn't get warm enough. Not long after the epidural kicked in, it was time deliver. The nurse checked and I was already an 8 so they prepared everything to whisk me off to an OR.

By the time we got hooked up in the OR with all the monitors and IVs and all the doctors and nurses were in place, I was 9+cm. Within 10 minutes, Mira was born. I had a horrible time pushing her out and the cord was wrapped around her neck. She needed oxygen and had breathing problems for the first few hours, but she never left our side. Leia was born 3 minutes later and was a much easier delivery since she was smaller and breech. I only had to push her head out since the doctor grabbed her feet and pulled. I was very thankful that the epidural hadn't worn off yet, but it did before I was sewn up.

From water breaking to delivery of Leia was only 3 hours and 30 minutes. My doctor knew I was going to go fast and I had a feeling I would too. Adia's labor and delivery was only 6 hours and twins are generally even faster.

Daddy brought both girls back in the room after the NICU teams had looked them over. They weren't screaming, like Adia was when she was born, but Leia was looking all over the place.


It wasn't long before we were back in our original room. The girls were weighed and measured and given their first baths. Leia was 5lbs 11oz and 18 3/4 inches and Mira was 6lbs 3oz and 18 1/4 inches. Adia helped give Mira her first bath. She was so happy to see her sisters for the first time. There were lots of hugs and kisses.







We only had to stay in the hospital for 2 days, which is great for twins. They both lost 1/2 a pound, but are quickly regaining that and then some. Both girls are excellent eaters, Leia more so than Mira.






It was nice to finally be home. Adia couldn't get enough of her babies and wants to know where they are at all times. She likes to help change diapers, make and wash bottles and hold her sisters' hands when they're crying.




We gave the girls their first sponge bath at home. I can't wait until they can have real baths. Their umbilical stumps have already fallen off. Adia's took forever.




Mira


Leia
Both girls sleep fairly well too, but mostly want to be held all the time. Daddy, Adia and I are pretty exhausted though. Adia has been going to bed super late and waking up really early. Usually Mira wakes her up with her morning scream session when she wants food. I'm still trying to get in as much Adia and Mommy time as I can. We normally get snuggle time before bed. We'll read books or watch a movie together in bed. We also went to the store, just the two of us.






Today we attempted to get pictures of all three girls together. It didn't go so well. Mira was asleep, Leia kept trying to roll away (yes, she can roll!) and Adia only wanted to play with lady bugs. It was a small disaster.










Despite Adia's occasional meltdowns, I think she's adjusting pretty well. She still gets to have one on one time and we've been able to still go to the mall, swimming and even out to eat. Swimming was interesting since I had both babies and Adia wanted to know why I wasn't in my swimming suit. I let her know that I would be watching her this time, but it wouldn't be long before we were all swimming again. She was ok with my answer and then went down the water slide a million times with Papa and Daddy.