Twin Update: Midweek of Week 2

Hello everyone! Well, it has been 17 days since the twins were born and Jennifer and I are getting adjusted to life with twins. It has certainly been challenging both for us and the girls. I'll give just a brief couple update items:

• To everyone who has called or Emailed or Facebook'd that we have not gotten back to: We really appreciate your phone calls and have listened to every message. We wish we could get back to everyone but at this time it's just not happening due to the schedule with the twins. So, please know we appreciate and love everyone of you who has called, written, etc.
• The twins have had a rough start in a couple different ways. Long story short, they have had a hard time feeding. We've been through multiple formula's including soy. We're currently on a formula by Similac called Alimentum. It's a hypo-allergenic formula which is supposed to be the easiest to digest. Both girls are both on Zantac for acid reflux. They both, interestingly enough, can't stand the taste.
• While at the pediatricians on Tuesday, the doctor fed both girls to observe. After she fed Rachel, she vomited all over the doctor. After Abigail had been sitting in her car set for half an hour, she vomited as well. They sent us to Hope Children's Hospital where both girls had ultrasounds of their stomachs. Apparently there is the possibility of a muscle in the stomach that doesn't form correctly. Both girls were negative so that's great. However, finding the cause of their discomfort has proven to be a challenge. I believe we now have a handle on it. The Zantac with the hypo-allergenic formula appears to be doing the trick.
• We believe we can now begin to get the girls on a schedule that will be doable for Jennifer while I am at work (going back tomorrow). We would greatly appreciate your continued prayers both for the girls and for us.

Again, we'd like to thank everyone for being so understanding and helpful. It's great to have the family and friends that we have. We are a truly blessed family.

P.S. Pictures will be posted soon.

The Twins Have Arrived!

After 38 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy, I am happy to announce that Jennifer gave birth to two healthy little girls this afternoon. Rachel Ann was born at 12:12pm and Abigail Jean was born at 12:13pm. They both were amazingly each 7 pounds and 20 inches long. They are not identical but fraternal but apparently wanted to come out weighing the same. Jennifer did great and is recovering wonderfully. We arrived at the hospital a little after 7:30am. The C-Section was scheduled between 9:30 and 11:00 but other cases came up so we ended up in there at 12ish. It was amazing to see the system the hospitals have in place. There were 15 people in the Operating Room: 5 for the surgery aspect and then 5 for each baby. After post-op, Jennifer was wheeled to her room and the babies came up shortly. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. The adventure begins today. :)


This is Rachel Ann


This is Abigail Jean

Going to the Hospital

Today we are going to the hospital. I am 38 weeks and 6 days and have gained 57 pounds. These little girls do not want to come out on their own, so they are going to be taken out. :) I'm sure they are going to scream.

Andy will post pictures sometime within the next couple of days. Happy Birthday Girls!!!

Andy and I love all of you!

7:30 a.m.

I just got off the telephone with Advocate Christ Hospital. The hospital would like us to be there at 7:30 a.m. to start all the preparation procedures. The scheduler estimated that the surgery itself would happen between 10 and 11 in the morning.

Tomorrow before we leave, I will post one last belly picture and give you the total amount that I have gained during the pregnancy.

Thank you everyone for all your prayers. I believe they have truly made a difference and God has heard you. :)