Family of Four

Hi, Everyone!

I'm writing with the amazing news of two new family members. Breanna Claire was born at 3:56 yesterday afternoon, weighing in at 4 lbs., 10 oz. Just three minutes later, Lillian Rose arrived weighing 2 lbs., 14 oz.

We all are doing ok, though we'll be here in the hospital for a while. Please keep us in your prayers.

It turns out that little Breanna and Lillian were sharing a condition that sometimes happens with twins, called Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Both were sharing the same blood and food supply, and with this condition, one usually takes more than the other. In this case, because of her positioning, Breanna was getting more than what she needed and Lillian was having to fight for her share. That's why there's such a big size difference between the two.

Breanna came out screaming like crazy - hollering even before she was all the way out of me. She looks much bigger than we expected. She was bright red and full of blood - too much blood. She had a transfusion this morning and the doctors are slowly thinning her blood out to get her to a better level. Because she's a month premature, her lungs are struggling a bit, so she's been placed on a ventilator. She was really working hard to breathe once she came out - even into the evening. Now, she's relaxed and not having to work so much. But, she still has a long road ahead in the ICU. Besides the breathing and blood stuff, she's doing great. She's beautiful, with lots of hair and pretty, sparkly eyes.

Lillian is just a little peanut. Teeny! But doing wonderfully well! She's a drama queen right from the start. Before the docs had her out, all they could see were her feet poking against the sac. When they touched her feet, she wiggled her toes at them, giving a thrill to all the operating crew. She came out small and anemic, but otherwise just great! She had a blood transfusion right off the bat and that's all it took. As my mom says, she's a scrapper. And really, she is doing so well! She ate her first teaspoon of food today and was looking for more already - yay! When I talk, her eyes fly open and she looks for me. There's nothing more wonderful than that!

Both girls are in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and will likely be here for the duration of the month.

As for me, I'm doing pretty well. I was diagnosed with preemclampsia on Monday night, which was one of the factors that pushed us to deliver when we did. It can be quite harmful to both the babies and the mother, and really quick. So, the decision was easy for us to make. My blood pressure is still high, and we started medicating for that today. Hopefully, we'll get it regulated soon. If we can get that under control, I'll be discharged on Saturday. Other than the high BP, I feel terrific - this is way easier than back surgery.

Emotionally, this has been quite a ride. I am quite certain that my DW is the greatest husband in the world, and am so blessed to be sharing this experience with him. He's a natural dad already and is sweeter than sweet.

While it's been heartbreaking to see those itty bitty daughters of ours and not be able to hold them, it's also been SO heartwarming to see what little miracles they are. We have been blessed so richly. We continue to pray in thanks to the Lord for bringing Breanna and Lillian into our lives, and for good strength and health for our babies. We ask you to please continue to pray for all of us, as well.

Friends and family are most certainly welcome, so please feel free to stay in touch. We're at MeritCare in downtown Fargo, and have been most pleased with our visit here. The staff is top notch and I know we couldn't be in better hands.

With love,
Our new family of four