A belated birth story

I wanted to take a few minutes to write down the girls' birth story so I don't forget all the precious details!

After all the hubbub of the Thanksgiving week surgery, possible IUGR and tons of doctors' appointments, Christmas, and feeling very huge and pregnant, the New Year's holiday approached without much excitement. We were glad for that - things seemed to settle down and things felt normal. I wasn't on close watch for labor or growth anymore and was off bedrest, Surfer was back to work after a long stretch of vacation, and we were able to enjoy chumming around together before the babies' arrival.

On Wednesday the 31st, I drove myself to the MFM office for my final growth ultrasound. I felt great, driving (especially after not being able to for a month plus) was a blast, and so I went by myself. I didn't really like the tech that did the scan that day; she was abrupt and didn't trust that I knew my babies - which one was which, etc. She may have just had a bad day, or she may have not wanted me to worry about what she saw.

My usual MFM specialist wasn't there that day, so the on-call doc came in to see me. "What plans do you have for your delivery?" she asked. "Well, we don't really have any yet," I replied. "How about I give you one: today. You need to have those babies today." I was shocked! Was she kidding? Today? I had no bags packed, nothing ready for the hospital, I didn't even do the dishes or make the bed that morning! She wasn't kidding. They found that Aubrey was "shrinkwrapped" in her amniotic sac, and needed to be delivered. So, across to Labor and Delivery I went!

After checking myself in (no, I'm not in labor; yes, I'm having twins; no, I don't know what type of delivery this will be - where is my doctor?), calling Surfer at work to tell him the news (how would you like two tax deductions for 2008 - oh, and can somebody bring you over to the hospital?), and calling my folks to have them come to the hospital (mom, I'm not kidding - we're having these babies today!) I was led to OB triage.

My doctor met me there, and we discussed the deliver options. He was willing to let me decide whether I wanted to attempt a vaginal birth or to go straight to C-section. He was so kind and understanding, and explained both options in great detail. When Jake brought Surfer over from Seattle, Surfer and I talked it over and decided that because 1) we didn't know how well Aubrey would tolerate labor, 2) Claire had turned to breech, and 3) Claire was a full pound larger than Aubrey and may necessitate a C-section anyway - we would go straight for the c-section. We told Doc our decision, and then we waited.

In the meantime, the nurses attempted to put my IV in. Six tries and several nasty bruises-to-be later, I was hooked up; the babies were hooked up to heart monitors, and our folks were led in to sit with us. We were just so full of emotions - surprise, excitement, nervousness, anticipation, and disbelief! Surfer was so cute; he was in his suit and tie from work. A brand new tie, by the way - good luck, I think. We all chatted, took pictures and prayed.

At 1:40, the nurse from the OR came in and told us that our surgery would take place at 1:45 - 5 minutes!!! A mere two hours from being told we were going to deliver today! We hugged our folks, and I walked to the OR with the nurse. They took Surfer to another room to put on a snazzy paper jumpsuit and wait while they got me up on the table.

The OR was super bright, very cold but thanks to the wonderful docs and nurses had an atmosphere of warmth and excitement! More quickly than I could have imagined, I was up on the table, Surfer was led in, the spinal was administered, and I was numb! The sheet was put up between us and the docs (thank goodness!) and by about 2:00 pm the operation began.

It was the most strange, surreal experience. Flat on my back, Surfer beside me holding my hand, doctors and nurses talking, bustling about. Feeling the pushing, pulling, movement of the surgery but sensing no pain. Knowing they were cutting me open but trying not to think about it. All I could do was to look into Surfer's eyes - I knew that the Lord was with us in that room... we felt complete peace. All of the sudden, the window in the sheet was opened.

"Here comes baby A!" doc said with a huge grin. 2:07pm - I heard a beautiful little squeal, then a strong cry - and I looked up to see little Aubrey: arms and legs flailing, so tiny, so perfect! She was wide awake, covered with vernix, and more amazingly beautiful than anything I can describe! They brought her briefly to me around the sheet so I could kiss her and see her up close, and then whisked her to the warmer and began to clean her off. Tears began to flow down my cheeks as the realization of what was happening hit me like a ton of bricks!

A moment later, doc started laughing and told me that Claire was pooping on her way out of the womb! What a way to greet the world! I don't think I'll put that little fact in her baby book. 2:08pm - Another cry - different in pitch and tone than Aubrey's, and there before me was Claire. She looked just like me as a baby! Bigger than her sister, and yet just as achingly beautiful! Also flailing, and wet with vernix and blood. I was able to touch her skin, and kiss her head before they took her to the warmer.

Surfer went to the girls' side while the docs stitched me back up. They were so tiny! "4 lbs 2 ounces, 18 inches!" called one nurse. "5 lbs even - and also 18 inches!" called another. Our little sweethearts wailed for a minute or so, but then they both quieted down while they were being cleaned off.

I glanced up, and through my watery eyes I saw Surfer walking to me with both girls bundled tightly in blankets and caps, being cradled in his arms! Such a handsome, proud daddy! We were no longer a couple - we were a family now! A pose or two for our first family photos, and then Surfer carried little Aubrey up to the NICU while the nurse helped me hold Claire.

The rest of the day went by in a beautiful blur - introducing Claire to her grandparents and uncles, and yet sadly missing Aubrey because she had to be in the NICU. Tears, smiles, awe, love. The rest of the day is memorable, but a few moments stand out more than others. The precious moments directly after the birth, when all was quiet - Claire and I were alone in my hospital room and I just marvelled at my tiny little baby - MY tiny little girl! Her smell, her hands and feet, her coos. Time stood still. The moment when my mom and Claire and I were alone in my room, and I told her that Claire's middle name is Susan, and I handed Claire to her. Those tears in my mom's eyes I will never forget. Having Surfer tell his mom that Aubrey's middle name is Louise and seeing the look on her face. Watching my dad hold his little granddaughter with so much love. Introducing Claire to Sam and Joey. And finally, after so many hours apart, getting to go up to the NICU to see Aubrey. After my begging, my nurse allowed me to stand up - and once I proved to her that I could walk they let Surfer and I go upstairs to the NICU. Little tiny Aubrey was in a room all alone, a soft light glowed and perfectly lit her tiny face. We held her and just stared at her. The nurses brought us sparkling cider to toast the New Year, and then the strike of midnight. Bittersweet, not having the girls together with us, but still sacred - celebrating the new year and what is to come with our little girl!

They were here, they were perfect, they were ours! A more incredible day I couldn't imagine; and trying to put it into a few words just doesn't do it justice. We had been kissed by Heaven, and we had our own two angels to keep and to love. Praise the Lord for His amazing goodness to us, and for His unfailing love!