September of 2003 we had quite a surprise.....I was pregnant, and my baby girl hadn't even had her first birthday. Once we got over the intial shock of expecting again, we found out a month later by ultrasound something was different with this pregnancy. My doctor was concerned by the ultrasound. He could see one baby but saw another "spot" and wanted me to go to the hospital immediately for a more in-depth look. (There was concern because I had an ectopic pregnancy 2yrs previous) Once at the hospital we were very nervous. We had experienced the pain of losing a baby at 2 months and the joy of delivering two healthy girls (Hannah 4 & Caliegh 10mos) full term. It broke my heart to think of losing another child. During the ultrasound, the tech could tell I was extremely nervous and talked to me during this time. After what seemed an eternity she said "Honey, that other 'spot' is another baby!" Boy, were we surprised! Twins ran in the family, but we never thought we'd be contenders for carrying twins. Adding to our joy, 2 months later we found out by ultrasound that the twins were boys! We were so excited our family of six would be complete with two girls and two boys. Another few months went by, and that's when the complications arose...

I was put in the hospital at 29 weeks with preterm labor. Eventually I had advanced to pre-eclampsia and H.E.L.L.P. syndrome. After trying to stall labor as long as they could safely, my doctors decided it was definitely time to deliver at 30 weeks. I was transferred to another hospital in our area that was capable of taking care of myself and both babies. We were briefed on what kinds of things we could expect with having premature babies. That seems all a blur to me with the effects of the medications and the heat of the moment. Isaac Christopher was going to make sure he made a big entrance into the world. I was in a regular labor and delivery room waiting until my labor had progressed enough to move to the operating room, in case any other problems arose. I had called the doctor's and nurse's attention to feelings that I thought the babies were coming. Sure enough, they pulled back the blanket just in time to see Isaac make his grand entrance. That room was immediately filled with nurses and caregivers swooping him off....the next thing I know, I am in full speed heading to the OR. Approximately 20 minutes later, Joshua Michael entered the world.

This was the beginning of our roller coaster. In six days we had become pretty familiar with the NICU setting, respirator, CPAP machine , IV's and NG tubes. Isaac was faring pretty well breathing on his own his was the smallest weighing at 3.3lbs. Joshua was having problems with breathing on his own and graduated from the respirator at 3 days old to cpap, and at six days he was breathing on his own. We had a great visit with both of them and were able to hold them both. We had been told that having premature babies was a roller coaster. There are ups and downs. We went home to our daughters that night feeling a little less anxious and feeling more comfortable about our journey with preemies. The next morning I received a devasting call from the doctor caring for the twins. Joshua had taken a turn for the worse and was being rushed to Children's Hospital about five minutes away. We were advised to go to the hospital where Isaac was staying to visit with him and talk to the doctor and nurses about Joshua's condition, then head over to Children's. Once we arrived at Children's, we were ushered back to see our son. Again he was hooked to a respirator and things did not look good...they had taken X-rays and were concerned about a serious infection in his belly. The surgeon came down to evaluate, and our worst fear had been realized. Our baby boy, one week old to the day, was heading to his first of three major procedures. After the surgery the surgeon came to talk to us. Joshua had made it through surgery and was stable, but they did have to remove 95% of his large intestine and his appendix due to a serious infection known as NEC. He had an ostomy bag, and they were hopeful that a future surgery would allow them to"reconnect" a little stub of large intestine.

A week after Joshua's surgery, with help from the doctors, Isaac was able to join his brother at Children's. We were advised that many of the things we were experiencing with both boys were results of prematurity. Issac had developed a small brain bleed. Joshua had developed a blood clot near his central line IVand needed monitoring of his breathing and heart due to prematurity. Isaac spent 58 days in the NICU. He developed ROP and was still learning how to drink his bottle when he was released. The very same day Isaac came home, Joshua underwent his third and final surgery to "reconnect." After a rough week Joshua was finally home with us. Both boys have been back for follow-ups. Isaac outgrew the ROP without the need for any surgeries. Joshua is doing great as well. He does have issues with a sensitive diaper area, but other than that, both babies are doing great. This was our first experience with prematurity, and I thought sharing our story might be inspiration to others. We will be celebrating their first birthday tommorrow and we know that without all of the people who played a part in their care, answered prayers, and places like Children's Hospital and the March of Dimes, our outcome may have been very different. We are very grateful for our miracles and we will be taking part in the local March of Dimes walk in our area this May!