D-Day
I was scheduled for an induction at 8 am December 11, 2008. My doctor was suprised that I made it to 37 weeks, because typically twins will come before 37 weeks, but he didn't want me to go much longer past 37 weeks for fear that the twins may get too big and crush eachother's umbilical cords. I was thankful to have the scheduled induction as I had been having contractions every 8-10 mins for a few days, some were so intense they were waking me from my slumber - not painful, just strong enough to take my breath away.
The night before we spent at home relaxing and enjoying our last night as a family of three. We had a calm dinner (as I couldn't eat anything past midnight) and watched some TV before going to bed. I didn't sleep well due to contractions, and couldn't go back to sleep after 4:30 am because of nerves. We got up at 7 am to get to the hospital by 8 am. We had to drop our 6 year old off at a family member's house so he could get to school @ 9 am, and then we were off to the hospital. It was 7:45 am and my cell phone was ringing - I thought it was a friend of mine calling excited, but it was the hospital - Labor and Delivery. They were calling to tell us not to come in yet because they were too busy for us. They said they'd call us when they were ready for us. Bummer. I was soooo ready to get the show on the road!
Three hours went by and still no news. I tried to take a nap, but the contractions kept that from happening. Brian was putting together some of the last few things we still needed to build - a bouncy seat and the stroller for when they are older. He was really just trying to pass the time - I think he was anxious and not used to having a day off. We finally called the hospital around 12:30 pm and they said I could come in! YAY!
We arrrived at the hospital around 1 pm, got checked in and settled in our tiny labor room. My doctor and I had discussed our plan for induction as I wanted as natural as possible - and he broke my water (Lily's only) at 3:45 pm. I labored for 4 hours or so, and then they started the pitocin because I didn't want to be in labor for days! With a few mishaps and intense moments, Lily was born @ 0323 hrs (not by cesarean) and Stephen was born @ 0327 hrs (also not by cesarean) on December 12, 2008. Stephen was delivered breech - he kept flipping back and forth in utero, and was literally pulled out by the doctor. He had his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, and had a few other issues when he was born, but both were healthy and screaming in the delivery room. I was exhausted from the birth as my anesthesia had completely worn off by the time I was delivering them - I felt everything, and am so thankful that I am not going to have to go through that again! I was able to escape the preclampsya that I had with Joe with these babies, and felt great a few hours after they were born.
It was honestly surreal that I had just had TWO babies. I heard them both crying in the delivery room, and just kept looking at my husband thinking, "holy crap! We just had TWO babies! Really?" I still was in disbelief a bit that I really was having TWO babies. They had two distinct cries, and from the momet they were born, I knew Stephen was going to be more clingy than Lily, as he would only stop screaming if he heard or felt someone touching him. Lily was and is still very laid back and just goes with the flow. Stephen is a little more tempermental, but still overall a very laid back and calm baby. They both have bright blue eyes and are very inquisitive, love to look at contrasting things when they are awake.
We are extremely blessed to have such beautiful, healthy babies who are content and growing perfectly. I am breastfeeding exclusively, and it is so gratifying that they are doing so well. I hope to continue to nurse them both until they are atleast a year old and possibly a little longer, we will see.
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