Today's update is being typed by Rob, so I will do my best to transcribe what Jen is dictating without too many typos :) My lovely wife is laying flat on her back at a slight incline due to today's developments, and cannot be moving around much, so here goes:
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Well, it looks like today might be the day, but we are still hoping and praying for more time. I am now on my third doctor (grrrrr...), since Doctor K is still on vacation and won't be back until Friday, and his back-up is now on vacation too. Not sure about the new doctor yet. He came in this morning and decided to do an internal exam, even though I told him that Doctor K was not doing them, and I told him that I did not want one; but he said that he would be "very careful" not to break my bag of waters. He said that the bag is extremely low in my birth canal, and his best guess is that I am anywhere from 6 cm dialated to fully dialated, and if that part of the sac breaks, she (Baby A) could just "fall out". He then announce that he thinks today is the day, and that I will probably deliver by tonight.
They immediately sent me to L&D, and I am now only allowed to have clear liquids. My contractions did pick up last night, and weren't too terrible, but as of this morning they are about four to nine minutes apart - but very small. They have already given me all the medicine they can to stop the contractions, so there isn't much else they can do on that front except to wait to deliver.
Baby A is breach, but the plan is to deliver vaginally, because that is the only way that we could possibly keep Baby B in longer. Once Baby A delivers, I will have a 24 hour waiting period where they will monitor me and hope that my cervix starts to close and I will stop having contractions. During this time, they will continue to give me antibiotics and continue my meds to stop contractions. After 24 hours, they will reasses the situation, and decide if they can put in an emergency cerclage and keep Baby B in longer. I will be at an even higher risk of infection at this time, since they will be leaving Baby A's placenta and cord inside.
The likelihood of all this happening they way we hoped for (keeping Baby B in) is less than 2%, as she may deliver immediately after Baby A. We are also praying that Baby A (and Baby B) are big enough to intubate, since in order for the NICU staff to rescusitate and/or keep them alive, they have to be big enough in size.
We have also chosen names for our two little girls: Baby A is now Alexis Cailen (Alexis means helper or defender and Cailen means pure or girl) and Baby B is now Ashlen Selah (Ashlen is a combination of Ashley - tree field and Lynn - from the lake, and Selah is a Hebrew name for a break in music or "to pause").
64 comments:
I'm saying a prayer for you all! The names you have chosen are beautiful!!! I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and checking back to hear good news that you are all healthy and doing well!
Jenell,
I am praying that today is not the day, but if it is, Alexis is big enough to go to NICU, and Ashlen stays inside. My heart aches for you, but I know also that you are a very strong Mother.
-Edna
Jenell, and Rob...
My thoughts continue to be with you throughout the day. I understand about Incompetent Cervix. Your girls are farther along than my little one, so I have much hope for you. The names are absolutely beautiful.
Below is a link to an IC message board that has lots of info, but also lots of success stories and miracle babies. Check it out if you want, when the time is right. I have found it helpful.
http://ic.hobh.org/forums/
my best wishes to you,
Cee - BBC
oh, Jenell! My prayer is now threefold:
for you and Rob to have strength and peace, whatever happens.
for God's heavenly protection for both girls and for you.
for the doctors and staff to have vision and clarity and knowledge.
Janelle and Rob,
I got this link from BCC and I am so sorry to hear you are having such a hard time! Just take it easy and try not to stress... I know those words are easier said than done, though. Know that DH and I are praying for you and your family!
I am hoping and praying more than ever!
- Sarah
I am praying for you all. Your situation hits really close to home for me, I am 22 weeks with twin girls too. Your strength absolutely amazes me, I hope I can learn from your families strenght during this trying time for your family. Once again, I will pray for you and wish you and the girls the best. God bless.
heard about your dilema on BBC, and wanted to drop you a line and let you know I'll be praying for you and the outcome...
Jenell & Rob,
My thoughts are with you both. I pray that your little girls are fighters and will continue to hope for one more day everyday.
-Shelly (BBC)
I came to your blog from BBC. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Keep faith that today is not the day. You and Rob have a strength in your unity that will guide you and I wish you all the best for today, through the night and for the minutes, hours, days, months and years that will follow.
Sending positive thoughts your way for a good outcome and I hope find peace amid the turmoil. Be strong.
Caroline
Jenell & Rob,
My heart goes out to all 4 of you. I am hoping that today is not the day and am keeping all of you in my thoughts at all times. You've both been through so much but seem to be so strong.
-Amber
I love the names! I am praying that your babies are big and that they stay in a little longer! Keeping your family in my thoughts-
Leslie-BBC
God's love, and our love, surrounds you and your babies today. May you really feel that. May you find peace. May there be a miracle.
Jenell - my coworker today showed me a picture of a baby born at 20 weeks, who is now a healthy, thriving two year-old. I took this as a sign for your babies...
Please continue to be strong. You have come so far, and only God knows the outcome. Know that your BBC sisters are sending you all of our strength as well. Don't stop praying and believing. We are here for you.
Oh my dear friends.
I have you in my heart and prayers. I prayed with Melissa this morning and we all care about you two so much. God is BIG and WISE. May He wrap His arms around those twins today. May He give grace and mercy. Praying and Praying... Melinda in kauai.
Jen, I am praying for you, DH and those 2 baby girls. It is in Gods hands now. Be strong and be at peace.
Praying for Alexis and Ashlen and that today is in fact, not the day. You have been constant on my mind...
Checking in from BBC. You are all 4 in my prayers constantly today.
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."
Colossians 3:15-17
Jenell and Rob,
Our family continues to pray for your family and is hoping for the best possible outcome. We will pray that baby Alexis, if she does have to come today, will be big enough and strong enough to be intubated and can grow in the NICU for awhile and that baby Ashlen will be content to stay up inside of you for another many weeks. Sending much love, support, prayers, and good thoughts your way.
-Nicole (nbebaby2)
Checking in from BBC. You are all 4 in my prayers constantly today.
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."
Colossians 3:15-17
I am hoping and praying that everything goes well for you!!!!!
(Jen) from BBC (jen408)
I love you and Rob and my sweet little nieces. All of you are in the hands of our loving and sovereign Lord. You have so many crying out on your behalf. Be strong, J!
I am praying so hard for you. I am praying that even if they come early they will save them! God can do miracles and I am praying so hard that he does one for you!!
Many many prayers!
The names are beautiful! I was just staring at the title of your blog and realized how perfectly fitting it is. Those girls ARE miracles and, I strongly believe, will continue to be. Read Ps.139, it is beautiful and I pray will bring you comfort today. Our loving and powerful Father holds you and and those little ones and may nothing come to you today that is not from His hand. Stay strong. You have a heck of a lot of support and people pulling for you, it's wonderful to see. We love you so so much.
Missy
Jenell - the names you and Rob have chosen are beautiful. My family and I are sending you lots of prayers.
Marissa (BBC)
What beautiful names for beautiful wee ones.
Praying that you will feel God's love and care tonight.
The names are simply gorgeous. I'm praying for all of you today and always.
We all are thinking about you and sending good thoughts your way.
Love you sooo much and praying for you guys. And I love, love, love the names for the girls!
You have people praying for you, you don't even know! Hopefully all of our prayers are strong enough. The Pelletier's send their love and prayers.
Jenell & Rob - hoping and praying with all my heart those girls hang in there a while longer. If that's not possible, praying that Alexis is big enough if she is born and that Ashlen can stay in longer. I too know Incompetent Cervix. You're farther along then my dd and that makes all the difference with IC. All of us BBC gals are praying non-stop for your little girls. Sending you, Rob, & the girls hugs and many, many prayers. They have a very special guardian angel watching over them.
Jenell-
I'm praying & hoping for you. Its so hard to understand why we must endure these things. Last night my church had a 24hr prayer vigil where everyone took an hour to pray for a family in need. Your family needs us to pray tonight!
-Brandee- from BBC
Jenell & Rob,
I'm also praying with all my heart that both babies hold on for a while longer. A 2% chance means that there is still a chance and still hope. Please know you have a ton of positive thoughts coming from the East coast and at bbc we're all here to support you, no matter what happens. Rob, thank you for updating us. We're all checking on you both constantly. (((HUGS))) and love to both of you and to Ashlen and Alexis.
-Allison
Oh Jenell...I am continuing to pray for you, Alexis, and Ashlen. God is good and He is mighty and He can work miracles! I pray this over you right now.
Rachel (from bbc)
There are lots of people keeping your family in their thoughts tonight - including me. You are so strong through these tough times.
Jenell,
Sending many prayers to you, Rob, Alexis and Ashlen - what beautiful names. I have been checking in all day and I pray that the Dr. is wrong and today is not the day. But I can sense that you have God's grace with you and I have been praying so hard for those miracle babies to hold on.
I want to let you know that I just said a prayer for you and your little girls! These little ones are fighters! My heart goes out to you and your family! God Bless...
I am praying for both Alexis and Ashlen to be safe and stay put for as long as possible. Asking God to give you and Robb His peace during this time. I won't stop praying for you.
Laurie in Ca.
We are lifting you all up in prayer here at Calvary Chapel Paradise!
God Bless you!
Jenell,
My DH and I are praying for you all. Please be strong. I don't even know you in person but I wish I could be there to give you a hug and hold your hand, and be there by your side. I wish I could take your fear away, I remember so clear what is was like for me in your situation. I have cried many tears for you and your family. Please god let these babies stay in there and grow stonger. I think of you all day at work.
Still hoping for a miracle for you and babies. Praying they are able to go to NICU.
Shari
I will keep you and your babies in my thoughts and prayers. Good luck with everything and God Bless you and the babies
I have been following your blog since I joined the March 2009 BBC board..... I have been thinking about you and your family. I am praying that everything works out. I hope that knowing all of us are praying for you and thinking about you will help you have the strength through this time. Erika
Jenell - what beautiful names you and Rob have picked out for your little ones. I continue to send you hope and good vibes for more time. Stay strong and know that we are all here for you whenever you need us.
Peace and love -
Liz
I know what you're going through. I believe in miracles and I'm sending prayers up for all of you.
Meredith (Change Agent from Babycenter)
My family and I are thinking of you. Stay positive. My aunt had twin daughters at 22 weeks as well. They were small (and still are) and in the hospital for quite a while but now they are lovely (and healthy) 9 year old girls now. I will pray that your daughters turn out the same way.
(Oh, and I agree with kami that the names you have chosen are beautiful.)
Praying for you and your precious girls. Teresa BBC-March 09 board
Jenell,
I'm praying for you and your girls. What beautiful names you have chosen. I know the Lord will make this miracle happen. Stay strong!
Lisa H.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers! Stay strong for your babies!
Jenell and Rob,
This is Fooliet from BBC. I just wanted you to know that I am praying for you and your little girls. I hope everything works out the way it needs to. A word of hope, a friend of my mother just delivered at 23 weeks and the baby is stable! It is possible! Im sorry youre going through this! Much love and support.
Rob and Jen,
I'm sorry I have not written sooner, but it looks like you're getting plenty of mail! I go to a Bible study up here in Paradise and Fred Abken and Tami Vega are in it...I think you know them Rob. When I was asking for prayer last night, Fred was so sad, but as Tami prayed for you she asked the Lord to be with the girls in your womb, Jen, like He was in the furnace with Shadrak, Meshak, and Abendigo...I love that picture...I am praying for you and the girls constantly...the Lord richly bless you all...
PS Kim and my fantasy team is playing you next week, and we're going to let you win!!! haha
Alexis and Ashlen are so lucky to have you and Rob. I pray today was not the day for their arrival. Keeping you all so deeply in our hearts and minds. We love you all.
Jerry and Amy
I will be praying for you and the babies. I can't begin to imagine what you're going through but I believe in the power of prayer and I know that God does wonderful things. God bless
*Christine*
rob and jen our prayers are sent with a miracle in mind. May the Lord comfort you and keep those two sweet babies where they need to be for a while longer. You are an amazing Mom Jen rest in the Lord. love you
I am praying for you and your little ones!! God can do anything!!!
Aunt Jen and Uncle Rob, we are praying for you and hoping that god will stop this labor and wait until Ashlyn and Alexis are ready to come out on their own. we love you guys so much and whatever happens please know that we love you. jen you are such a strong person, like i said in my comment yeterday, you are such an inspiration to keep my head held high and to never give up. we love you.
Brooke and Courtney
Sending prayers and good thoughts- Best to you guys. -Anna
Jenell you're in my closest and deepest prayers..... I know how hard this is for you right now, just try to remain optimistic, and lets pray that DR # 3 didn't aggrivate anything, I was so annoyed at him when you said he checked you!! I pray that Alexis and Ashlen both remain in right now, but if the Lord has to deliver, I pray that the Lord deliver's them to you safely and alive in HIS name I pray this!!
Amen!!
jenny and rob-
You have chosen two beautiful names! I'm hoping and praying that tonight is not the night and that this week is not the week.
Best wishes and I LOVE the girls names, they are the 2 I voted for!
from Leah (NSW Australia)
Heavenly Father,
You love these babies even more than Jenell & Rob---you have plans for their lil' lives. We know you are are able to do all things, and we ask for you to strengthen these baby girls. Show yourself to be the miracle working God we believe that you are--bring yourself the glory due your name through this situation.
Amen
Thank you for keeping us all updated. Our prayers continue for you all. Bailey says to say Ruff - she loves you and missed you.
The names you have chosen and beautiful and perfect.
Hello. I am a member of the baby board. I read your update and found myself in prayer as I read. I will continue to pray for your twins and your family.
Sending love and positive thoughts,
Karey
Hey you guys, I'm here checking in everyday at the edge of my seat. Lots of hugs and prayers to the 4 of you. Our peace lily is blooming, so we're thinking about you. Even though I almost let it die, it came back to life and gave us a flower! Hope remains. And so does your love for one another, apparently. Rob, that was a beautiful letter. God bless you guys and carry you through this together!
Love,
Alicia
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