Day 1: October 5 (26 weeks gestation)

On October 5, 2010, our twin sons were born unexpectedly at 26 weeks gestation.  The timeline below outlines the course of events of that day.  Both babies are in the NICU (neo-natal intensive care unit) at Sisters Hospital where they will remain for the next couple of months as they grow and mature.

5:30am - Call to the doctor because of cramps.  Doc advises trip to hospital.

6:15am - Admitted to Sisters Hospital.  Cramps were contractions 5 mins apart.  Christie was in pre-term labor.

6:30am - IV fluids administered - Magnesium Sulfate to slow down contractions, Saline, and Penicillin (in case of infection).  3 monitors placed on Christie's stomach - 1 for each baby's hearbeat and 1 to monitor contractions.  Betamethasone shot given in the thigh to speed up the babies' lung developmet.  Betamethasone is a steroid.

7:00am - 9:45pm - Contractions controlled down to 15 mins apart.

9:45pm - Contractions suddenly become very intense and are 1 min apart.
10:25pm - Aiden Michael is born naturally.  Weighing 1 lb. 11 oz.

10:34pm - Jackson Thomas is born by cesarian section.  Weighing 1 lb. 10 oz.



Aiden's isolette space in the NICU starting to look like his own!

Mom's first time touching Aiden.

  

 

Aiden under the "billy" lights to remove jaundice.

 

 

Jackson's sign has Thomas the Tank Engine!

Jackson hanging out with his IVs and under the billylights.

Day 1 Summary:

Both Aiden and Jackson have IVs.  Jackson has one in his hand, and for Aiden, they are using the umbillical vein to administer the fluids.  The IV line is there for a couple reasons - a) to draw blood at regular intervals to check their blood gases; b) to administer antibiotics.  They also have two tubes going into their mouths.  One going into their lungs for the ventilator, and the other into their stomach for when they can begin feeds.  They are receiving lipids which are essentially fats, and are necessary for proper brain development.  They are also receiving 'hyperale' which are vitamins and minerals.  They will continue to receive these until they are able to begin feeds.