A Quick Update -- My Twins Arrived Early

[IdaBriggs]

On Saturday, February 24, 2007, my twins came into the world at 32 weeks, 3 days gestation.

Brianna Marie (3 pounds, 15.5 ounces) arrived at 5:43 p.m.

and her brother

Cameron Allen (4 pounds, 3 ounces) arrived (feet first!) at 5:45 p.m.

I was diagnosed with "severe pre-eclempsia" and freaked everyone out by delaying the recommended C-Section for one day. I wasn't convinced I was sick, because I felt FINE -- but my kidneys were shutting down, and I surrendered to reality after increasing everyone else's blood pressure!

My babies are still in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit, but they are doing well -- both are out of their incubators as of last Saturday, on room air, and have only their "gavage" feeding tubes in use. My son is "nippling" (taking a bottle) every other feeding; his sister is being a bit lazier about her feedings, but is gaining weight.

They are beautiful, and I adore them.

Their father is blowing my mind on a regular basis with how wonderful he is being. I think he is more exhausted than I am (because he is working like crazy AND trying to spend every available moment visiting with the children in the NICU).

Things are challenging at the moment because I'm not allowed to drive yet, but we are getting a lot of support from family and friends; hopefully it will still continue once the babies come home, and everyone helps with changing diapers!

:) :)

[bluethruandthru]

1. Congratulations!

What wonderful news! Please post pictures soon.

[knowbody0]

2. how absolutely wonderful

congratulations, many happy years ahead, and kudos to your husband!

[tk2kewl]

3. Very cool!

:toast:

[seemunkee]

4. Congratulations

Hope the babies continue to improve and that you are well.

[hedgehog]

5. Blessings on you all

and be sure to get lots of sleep!You'll be needing it!

[Gormy Cuss]

6. Congratulations on your two new family members.

:toast:

[crim son]

7. Wow, congratulations!

My sister had twin girls about the same weight, and just about as early, four months ago. They were tiny and doll-like at birth; they are now chubby and robust and very sweet-natured. No doubt you can expect the same. I'm happy for you!

[myrna minx]

8. Congratulations to you for the birth of your beautiful babies. n/t

[SeattleGirl]

9. Congratulations, Ida! And welcome, Brianna and Cameron!

I am so happy for you! :grouphug:

[eyepaddle]

10. Yay, congratulations,

it sounds like an ordeal that turned out for the (wonderful) best!

:party:

[ronnykmarshall]

11. Fantastic!

Are you gonna post pics?

[u4ic]

12. Congratulations to you and your husband!

:toast:

[Maine-ah]

13. oh, that's awsome! congrats!

Aren't new Dad's funny? My hubbie was so freaked out about being a Daddy, and as soon as he saw her, it was love at first sight...made me cry, still does. Congratulations to you and your new family!!:grouphug: :toast: :party:

[borlis]

14. Congratulations to you and your husband!

It's so nice to hear something good for a change. Best of luck to you! :hi:

[Bunny]

15. Congratulations! I'm glad you and the young 'uns had a safe delivery.

I bet you cannot wait to get them home! :woohoo:

[Karenina]

16. CONGRATULATIONS, IDA!!!

MUCH LOVE to you and your family! :loveya:

[greatauntoftriplets]

17. Congratulations!!

I hope that they get out of the NICU very quickly.

[greatauntoftriplets]

18. Congratulations!!

I hope that they get out of the NICU very quickly.

[Midlodemocrat]

19. How wonderful!!! Two more liberals!

And, when will we see some pics of the beautiful new babies?

[Shine]

20. Blessings to your whole family, Ida.

:toast: Congratulations and I hope you can get some sleep! :D

[Ms_Dem_Meanor]

21. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

:) :)

[Beausoir]

22. From a mom of twins...CONGRATS. Rest up while you can.

Lot of hugs to your two little bundles of joy.

[Dervill Crow]

23. Congratulations!

My supervisor's a new grandma of twins, and she describes them as "yummy." I'm happy for you!

[Connonym]

24. Congratulations. I hope they come home soon!

You realize we'll expect pictures?

[lildreamer316]

25. Oh I'm so relieved.

And so very very happy for you!!! Congrats!!
BABIES!!!
I am sorry you had such a trying time; but I trust you are making a full recovery.
Give those lovely precious ones love for me.

[theNotoriousP.I.G.]

26. congratulations!

:party:

[ms liberty]

27. Congratulations, IdaBriggs!

I am so happy for you - I know from previous posts how much you've wanted this and how much you've gone thru to get to this day.

That said - enjoy your last days at home without babies, because you've got 18 years of no real privacy and no personal 'downtime' coming! It will be worth it, but there will be times that you'll think longingly of the pre-baby days!

Sending warm and happy thoughts and vibes to you and Mr. IdaBriggs!

edited to add: Great names!

[Burma Jones]

28. Congrats....I have twin half brothers that were born in much the same way

a little earlier and weighed less. They're 24 now......

I wish you all the best and hope that you get to take your babies home soon....

[bigwillq]

29. How wonderful! Congrats!

I am a twin! I have a sister. We were born at 31 weeks.
I was 2 pounds, 10 ounces and my sis was 3.5.
I stayed in the hospital for about a month and a half. My sis went home after two weeks.

This is so great! I am so happy for you and your husband.

All the best to you and your babies. They are going to be just fine.

:hug: :hi:

[ceile]

30. Congrats!

Glad momma and babies are doing well!!

[NC_Nurse]

31. That's wonderful!

Congratulations! :toast:

They were born on my husband's birthday, so I know they'll be super cool! :)

[LSK]

32. Congrates!!!

Good luck to you and get some sleep while you can.

:)

[City Lights]

33. Congratulations, Ida and family!

Glad to hear you're all doing well. Hope your help continues once the little darlings come home. You'll need it. ;-) :hug:

[redwitch]

34. Congratulations on your babies!

Twins! They will make up the weight and the rest very quickly. I wish you lots of rest and lots of help and lots and lots of joy!

[Alleycat]

35. I'm so happy for you and your family!

Everyone is healthy and happy.

[merh]

36. Congratulations to you Ida & to DaddyIda.

Welcome to the world to Brianna Marie and Cameron Allen - I was a feet first baby, I believe I saw what I was getting into and tried to retreat to the safety of mom's womb :P

And Brianna is a member of the Marie Club (girls with the middle name Marie, a club my niece and I started). :silly:

I'm so glad they are doing well and that you are doing well. pre-eclempsia is some serious stuff.

Blessings on you and yours, Ida. :hug:

:grouphug:

[AwakeAtLast]

37. Wonderful news!

Congrats to you and the whole family!!!

:bounce: :woohoo: :bounce: :woohoo: :bounce:

[fudge stripe cookays]

38. Yikes, pre-eclampsia!

Ida I'm so glad you're OK and that the babies are doing fine. Congratulations on your new tax deductions!

You must post pix for us when you can!

:D

[Beaverhausen]

39. BABIES!!!

SO glad everything is working out. Lots of love to the babies to keep growing healthy and strong, and lots of love to their mom and dad!

[dropkickpa]

40. Yay two babies!!

And they sound like they're doing fantastic! Congrats!!

They'll be home before you know it driving ya'll loopy in the very best possible way!

:grouphug: It's a group hug so that all the babies will fit!!

[Darth_Kitten]

41. I'm so happy for you!!!

Congrats!!!!! :bounce:

[mzteris]

42. oh wow!

Congratulations! Nothing like getting Mommy off to a good start on her nervous breakdown, eh?

Babies are so great - but they ARE SO EXHAUSTING.

Take everyone up on their offer of help and always nap when you have a chance.