Absolutely, the TOUGHEST Month of my Life….
January 5, 2007 a bittersweet day that I will never, no never, forget. It was a day of celebration because we had made it to the vital goal of 28 weeks. A day that we had counted down week by week every Friday…. 10 more weeks until 28, 3 more weeks ’til 28, 2 more days ’til 28!!!…..You see at 28 weeks, a singleton baby has a 90% survival rate. It’s a huge milestone especially for quads (average gestation is 29.5 weeks) – and although we knew we wanted to make it much farther it was a reality of “Wow, we just may bring babies home”.
Because we conquered this milestone, we chose to move-in to St. Vincent Women’s Hospital for the duration of the pregnancy so that Brooks and Clark (our monoamniotic trouble makers) could be monitored and delivered if their lives were determined to suddenly be in grave danger. It gave us such peace of mind to know that the NICU was on alert for our boys’ arrival. As Brad calls it, “The day the whale checked into the aquarium”. Check it out…I think he’s got a point!!!
I was standing in front of my calendar that Brad made me to count down each day. I “X”ed out each day as it ended (usually right at midnight as my monitoring session ended). If you came for a visit you probably signed your name on the date you visited. We look forward to sharing it with the boys someday.
Leaving the comforts of home was so tough. I took for granted so many things…my own bed, my bathtub, sleeping next to my husband, home meals, sunlight, not being connected to monitors 4-5 hours a day, etc. I really can’t explain how painful and uncomfortable it is to have 4 babies cramped inside of you and your body fighting so hard to breathe and function. It’s the equivalent of the 100 yard dash only it continues over and over. Many people ask me how in the world I survived 32 weeks of a quad pregnancy and my answer is “only by the grace of God”.
1/10 of my year was spent at my address at Township Line Rd – (and did you know that my husband spent every single night either on the floor, on a leaky air mattress, or on a pull-out chair – What a CHAMP!) and we are so grateful for everyday that we were able to cross off the calendar.
I’m thinking THIS January is bound to be more enjoyable!
ha! boy, can i relate! here’s to a brighter January in 2008! love you guys!
Hope your January ’08 is fabulous! What a great story you will have to share with your boys! There is no doubt that God was with you 100% of the way!
I love all the ways you’ve documented this amazing journey! What wonderful momentos to share with your boys some day. They are lucky to have you both as parents! To a great 2008!
A mere twin mom here but I had a complicated pregnancy with extended hospital bed rest and can empathize a bit. I know it was it worth it but boy was it hard! Congrats on making it and enjoy all the wonderful moments in Jan 2008 a little bit more because of that sacrifice.
Jen,
Just taking a minute to catch up on all your recent posts. Love the photos you are doing of the boys! You are so good! I have zip input on the whole go professional/do it yourself dilemma, but I will be excited to see pics regardless!
Also loved the post on Christmas traditions. Thanks for being a beacon calling others to marvel at Christ! With the traffic you are getting, that is NO SMALL thing! Bless your heart and your efforts!
Love ya, girl.
~Gret
Thanks for leaving a comment on Baylee’s blog. I view your blog daily and don’t know how you do it! Baylee has just begun teething and it is one of the hardest things I have ever been through! SLEEPLESS nights and fussiness 24/7…and you are dealing with it 4 times over! You are my hero! HA
Your blog is so awesome, and your babies are adorable!! What a blessing times 4. 🙂 I’ll be adding you to the CWO blogroll shortly. Thanks for the note.
Oh my! I love it all, your blog, your story, your babies! I think TLC has a new family “Jen and Brad makes 6”.
Loved the Christmas morning on the bed pics!!
Here’s to a wonderful January!!!! I was only at Township Line Road for 3 weeks and I was miserable…I can only imagine how hard that month was with another baby inside of you and the scare of monoamniotic twins. You are an inspiration and such an example to me! Be sure to treat yourself sometime during this month…YOU DESERVE IT!!!
Hi Murray Crew! I just spent a really long time getting to know you guys through your blog. Jen, thanks for keeping up with our journey. It’s good to know another quad mama – especially one with some experience! The boys are so handsome (I’m sure you’re fully aware) and the pics are priceless. Love your attitude and outlook on life. It helps remind me that it can be done. We hope to have all of our babies home soon so we can start our crazy life together!
Monica Graf
http://www.billyandmonica.blogspot.com
Wow – what a great reflection on a difficult time! And double-wow that your husband spent 4 weeks sleeping as a hospital guest!! You’ve got a great guy…but I’m sure you know that. 🙂 Happy January ’08. May it be free of any hospital nights!