One year ago today... my surrotwins are born! (the birth story) April 15, 2009

Well here's a good opportunity to hear the birth story of the surrotwins. I will warn you that this will be a long post and it will be as detailed as I can get.    :)  It's kind of like a mini soap opera.

It actually started happening about 2-3 weeks before today. (last year I mean) I thought maybe my water had broke but I wasn't 100% sure. So I did some research and couldn't confirm it and it wasn't a lot, just the slightest bit. No worries, I was seeing the Dr on a fairly regular basis at that point. (30-31 weeks) I loved my ob/gyn and we already had decided that a c-section would be best. I was told that if I were to go into labor before 34 weeks, I would be sent to a different Dr. at a different hospital, since my hospital did not have a NICU unit. I did not want that to happen.

At 32 weeks I was showering at night for some reason. Well I guess I had probably had one of THOSE days... I may have been showing some other possible signs of labor and wanted to be nice and clean in case I did end up going to the hospital. (I'm doing some research, and I had been having some major back pain as well) I also had been in the hospital a week or two before being checked. I don't remember why though. I must have been having contractions, because they gave me a shot or 2 and 1 was to help the babies lungs in case they were born early.

John was settling into bed, it was probably 10:00 at night. I got in the shower and I KNOW my water broke that time... it still wasn't a lot, but a decent trickle. I had never experienced that before. Sure, I'd peed my pants before when I was pregnant, but never had my water break in the slightest. This was not pee. This was not pressure on the bladder. I rinsed off, got out and told John, yeah I think we need to go to the hospital now.

I was checked in and hooked up to the lovely monitors.  They told me I was contracting, I had no idea. I hadn't felt any contractions, and trust me I know what they feel like! I was dilated to a 3 1/2. I think it was April 8, 2009. I was VERY uncomfortable, but had been for the past few weeks of the pregnancy. I got no sleep while I was in the hospital. I was given too many shots during the week I was in the hospital to keep track of, so as you read this, please know that YES, they were doing everything they could to stop the labor.

Here I am the day we checked in... lovely phone pic: 

Here are some updates I posted to my surrogacy friends online:

At this point I had already been in the hospital for a few days. I had spent Easter in there during that time.

I had 2 great contact buddies that were also updating for me... Some of this is in response to something someone else had said. I can really only publish my side. (too hard contacting everyone and getting permission)

April 11, 2009

"Thanks again Sarah. I was not feeling well this morning and slept in.


I just got done with my shower and got my laptop out. What would I do without my laptop and hospital internet?

My IP's are being great. I feel closer to them than ever.  I just hope they don't miss anything.

If I have a c-section, wouldn't that be fairly quick? They could get here in an hour and a half but that doesn't include the time to get the ticket and get to the airport, and who knows if they can get the next available flight? Plus... if it's late at night, I don't think they could get a flight until early the next morning?

Sure, it sucks being here, but I know it's best for these babies. Plus I knew there was a good chance of being on bedrest towards the end. Better to be in the hospital, being constantly monitored. "

Me and "my" baby: 




April 12, 2009:

"I'm having some deep cervical pains and am being monitored for abit. They may end up checking me in awhile.


My Dr. will reassess me tomorrow. I'm thinking I very well could be in here until the babies come. He may let me home on strict bedrest, but only if things calm down... and I don't think they've calmed down enough. I keep contracting inbetween the pills and shots stopping them for a bit.

My MIL and mom have both offered to take care of me though if need be. I'd definitely choose my mom over MIL. Nothing like your own mom taking care of you.

In fact she hung out with me today for a bit and braided my hair and played games with me. Last night I talked her into painting my fingernails and toes."

Later that day..
"I am definitely taking it one day at a time and grateful for each extra day these babies have stayed put.


I will not be surprised if I don't get to leave until after they are born. I am prepared for that.

Can't wait for Dr. to check me in the morning so I know what's going on and what to expect for the next few days at least.

I had a nice Easter. DH spent the night with me. (before he was busy with work and the kids) So that was nice. We played games and it felt like the old days when we were dating.

Then my dad and step mom stopped by. My sister and her family even came. ( I don't see them as much as I'd like to) "



April 13, 2009 8:50 AM

"Here's the latest:


Still having some minor contractions here and there, also having some pelvic pain/pressure, babies pushing down, etc. Lot's of low back pain and more bloody mucous here and there. Oh also I've been having some sharp shooting pains in my cervix."


Posted 13 April 2009 - 01:31 PM


"My bag of waters is bulging so I'm stuck here another 24 hours. He could hardly get to my cervix to check me, but he thinks I'm still at 3 1/2.

If everything looks good tomorrow he will let me go home on strict bedrest. My mom is going to take the week off of work to take care of me.

I keep feeling like my water is just going to break any minute and I've never felt that way before. (been feeling like that the past few days)

I'm thinking now would be a good time for IP's to get some travel plans together. "

"Posted 13 April 2009 - 03:39 PM




I wouldn't feel comfortable going to my house for bedrest because I live 45 minutes from the hospital.

I'd be going "home" to my mom's who lives 5 minutes from the hospital. My Dr. would only feel comfortable letting me go if I can do strict bedrest like I am in the hospital, with someone waiting on me hand and foot. With my mom, I can do that. She'd take good care of me and I'd be able to rest. "



Posted 13 April 2009 - 05:24 PM



"Ok here's the latest:

I am stuck here. Probably till babies are born. Dr. came back in after thinking all day if there was anything that would make him nervous about sending me home. He realized that it would make a huge difference if Baby A was head down or feet down. So he got out the ultrasound machine. He wasn't sure if it was Baby A or B, but there was a foot and the cord down low.

That was exactly his fear. He wouldn't want me to go home, have my water break and have a foot or cord be hanging out. So he's sentenced me to stay. He's hoping that they can make me last till 35 weeks, but would be happy if I could at least make it to 34.

I don't care if I'm here and bored. I just trust my Dr. If he was going to let me go home I didn't see the need to fight his judgement.

Actually at least I have internet here, I wouldn't at my moms. "


Posted 13 April 2009 - 06:38 PM


"I was just brought the cutest pink teddy bear and chocolates with a sweet little card from my IM"

Posted 14 April 2009 - 08:24 AM


"I'm so bummed, my dvd drive isn't working.

I tried watching a movie on netflix but the internet connection kept slowing down and I could only watch about 5-10 minutes at a time and that got old.

I asked if they had dvd players in the hospital but they don't. Some rooms have VCR's. What the heck is that? J/K. But my room doesn't have one and my tv is from the 70's I swear.

Watching tv in a hospital makes me tired. I haven't been watching much. "



Posted 14 April 2009 - 09:06 AM
"You're right. My dad brought me his Nintendo DS and it has tons of brain puzzles. I've been doing Sudoku on that. DH got me into Sudoku a few months ago, but it was more of a team effort thing. It's been fun to do on my own.

I do have a book I got for Christmas that I haven't read yet. DH was supposed to bring it to me after work today. We'll see if he remembers.

I wonder when my Dr. is going to come see me today?? "


Posted 14 April 2009 - 06:02 PM



"In tears with back pain, hip pain and contractions. Also nauseated. They gave me an extra pill to stop the contractions. They will chek my cervix if they don't stop in 30 minutes"

Posted 14 April 2009 - 06:24 PM


"You're so sweet.

I'm trying to keep busy on the internet so I'm not focused on it. But I feel like an emotional wreck. I can't stop crying.

It probably doesn't help that no one is here with me right now. My dh just got off work but was all muddy from working in the rain so he's getting cleaned up at his mom's house. "


Posted 14 April 2009 - 11:21 PM


"Thanks for updating Sarah. Too much was going on for me to get on the laptop.

I was given extra pills and 2 terb shots to start the contractions. They slowed down but have continued. Not as intesne now, just uncomfortable..

I got shaky and a bit lightheaded with the terb. Then I got a nasty headache.

I asked dro som Ambien and Tylenol and tried to get some sleep. That lasted about 3 hours tossing and turning.

I'm noticing more and more bloody mucous. I'm sure it's from all the cervical checks.

What's weird is these contractions got really intense (more than they've been the whole time I've been here) and were about 4 minutes apart lasting about 2 hours. I can't believe they didn't dilate me more. "



Posted 15 April 2009 - 12:22 AM


"I agree about being more dilated in the AM.

Yes I got the shots for the lungs about 2 weeks ago. "


Posted 15 April 2009 - 02:57 AM


"I can't sleep, the babies are pushing down so hard it hurts and it's uncomrtable to get into any position."

Posted 15 April 2009 - 07:04 AM

Posted through my friend for me:
"I just heard from Jill, she is running a fever and may have an infection She is having contractions, she is still in lots of pain and nauseated. She is waiting on the doctor. "


Posted 15 April 2009 - 09:09 AM


"Some of the pain has gone away. Right now having more contractions and being monitored.

The Dr. will do some test and keep an eye on me. He wants to determine if this is something I caught or an infection in the uterus.

If it's in the uterus, we'll be having babies today.

They also are checking for a bladder/urinary tract infection.

I am soooooooooo tired. I was so uncomfortable last night and this morning and haven't been able to get comfortable enough to sleep. DH took the day off and is hanging out with me. "

Posted 15 April 2009 - 12:13 PM

(another update from my friend on my behalf)
"Just got the message:

Contractions are 2 minutes apart and they can't stop them. Doctor is on his way and they will transport her to the other hospital. "


Here I am in tons of pain and ready to have some babies: 

I think my mom and my son had just stopped by to visit me in the other hopsital when they found out I was going to be transferred... so they were there along with my husband as my support!      :)

Posted 15 April 2009 - 08:50 PM

Again from my friend..

"So here are the details (upon Jill's request) Baby A was born at about 4:01pm weighing 4lbs 1oz 17.75 inches long and Baby B was born at 4:05pm weighing 5lbs 7oz and 19 inches long.

Her IM is flying in at 10pm to meet her beautiful babies


Lots of QRV's for you Jill, you did a wonderful job! "


Here they are:

Posted 17 April 2009 - 12:29 AM


"Thank you everyone! Once again Sarah you are awesome! I hope you have a good text plan. And the flowers you sent are absolutely beautiful. I haven't had the treat yet, but look forward to it.

I am thrilled that everything went so well. The c-section was good, baby b did not want to come out. I think it would have been a very complicated vaginal birth with him being breech and even bigger than they guestimated. Also the dr. said that my membranes had ruptured and that the placentas looked pretty nasty in there. DH said dr. took out some extra fat while he was in there.

I had to be transferred to another hospital when we realized that I was contracting and it couldn't be stopped and then the risk of infection and I was close to 5 centimeters. We went by ambulance and the babies were born about 2 hours after we got here. My contractions at that point were so painful and right on top of each other.

The babies have done so well. They have great color, are breathing on their own, even bottle feeding a little bit. I am amazed with these sweet little things.

I've gotten so much closer to my IP's the last few weeks as we have all been through so much recently. I couldn't have imagined things turning out so well at 33 weeks. I had a pretty good feeling, but it's been better than I thought.

Actually I'm the one that keeps getting fevers and has to be on oxygen. After all I've been through the last few weeks... well the past 8 months really, a c-section has been a bit hard on me. But they say I'm doing well getting up and moving around. To me I feel like a little old lady when I walk.

I'll be in the hospital till Sunday.

Anyway, a happy ending overall. I appreciate all the support and love I have from my awesome extended surro family here.

I will probably post pics tomorrow."





Posted 17 April 2009 - 09:26 PM


"I did a lot of walking yesterday and feel like that's why I'm hurting today.

I can't wait to drop weight. Right now I look about 6 months preggo with a singleton.

Thank you Mandy. Although I wasn't quite ready for it, I'm relieved as well."


Posted 21 April 2009 - 04:20 PM


"Overall the days are getting better. It's still hard for me to initially get up and down. And my toilet isn't a comfortable height.

I still have to stay on top of the pain pills or I regret it. I really hate being knocked out and a bit loopy 80% of the day.

I started pumping which I am so excited about. No one to donate to yet. I will just freeze it for now. I'm hoping IM will let me bring some to the boys next time we visit which should be later this week.

Now that I've let the hospital though, I hope the nurses wouldn't have a problem with it.


Gonna get the family a Wii for going through this with me. Plus I am hoping it will help me get fit and get this belly gone!

Some days I just think "wow this is really over".

I was sooooooo emotional for a few days. The day I got out of the hospital was the worst. But I'm doing ok now.

Already considering my next journey, although I won't start looking for probably 6 months to a year.

I definitely need some healing time and some ME time. I've been through a lot this surrogacy and so has my family.

But it was all so worth it! "

By the way, my ob/gyn was not able to get to the other hospital in time to deliver the babies. The new dr. there tried to push me into a vaginal delivery which I did not feel good about.

I also wanted to add, that I enjoyed the time spent with IP's and babies while they were here in Utah. The babies were here for 7 weeks I believe and I pumped and brought milk to the hospital for them for about 4 of those weeks.

It has been a joy for me to revisit those memories and I hope you have all enjoyed it as well.

Happy Birthday Boys!

Tagging Along with One Cluttered Brain (pic game)

Thanks for giving me something to blog about.... OneClutteredBrain!

Here is the assignment:

Go to your 1st picture folder and post your 10th picture and tell about it. How easy is that?

Good thing I'm on my laptop that has pictures, not my new laptop that does not.   :)

Ah, well, my 1st folder only has 3 pictures in it... so I guess I'll move on to my 2nd folder...
10th picture....







Wait for it.... *Evil Grin*

Ok that's too freaking funny, because I've posted this pic before. Do I really need to explain it? I mean it's kind of self explanatory right? Big ole belly, face mask... patient gown.. patient hat thingy. Either I'm having a huge tumor removed or I'm pregnant and gonna have a baby or 2.

Well I was having 2 babies. Yep...2. This was last year, it was my 3rd surrogacy and I was having a c-section at 33 weeks.  The day? April 15, 2009.  What great timing for this pic, the twins are almost a year!

Aw....  


And just to show you what was in the first folder.... here's the 3rd picture...

This was a week before the twins were born. I was in another hospital in pre-term labor. That's my sweet little boo boo (Jessica)

. Look at that big old bump of a belly!    :)



So who wants to play?   Well I'm going to *tag* the following:


Brittany @ Unexpected Surprises

joannareynolds @ City Girl Gone Country

tandvjung @ Adorkable2143's Blog

 

And anyone else who wants to play along.   

4 eyes...

After 6 weeks of daily headaches it was determined that I needed glasses. Once it was mentioned it became so obvious to me. I picked up my glasses today and I love them! I can't wait for the headaches to clear up and of course to see clearly without eye strain. The vision in my right eye was about 10 times worse than my left. I felt like a dork not realizing it sooner. Oh well. So I have astigmatism and I am farsighted. My 10 year old daughter has worn glasses since she was 2. She was so excited that her mom was going to get glasses and be like her. My eyes are still adjusting but I am noticing an improvement. Yay!

"New" vehicle

I never thought we'd be getting a "new" vehicle this year. It's just one of those things that presented itself. It seems that there were a few people around us getting into new vehicles recently. The thought was nice, but we can't afford NEW.  We certainly couldn't afford another payment. However, we were stuck in a truck that we were still making payments on and it was getting more miles on it, and it was costing us a good amount in repairs/maintenance. Did I mention we were still paying on it? Did I mention we owed more than it was worth? We needed to get out of it. I decided to do some research. I can be a good little researcher, and do well when I've done my research.   :)

I had looked up all of our vehicle's values awhile back. (1997 Aerostar with 165,000 miles, 1995 Explorer with 199,600 miles and 2001 Sport Trac with 131,000 miles) I didn't have much to work with, not to mention the whole upside down on the Sport Trac thing. But I had to do something. We searched and test drove and haggled.

We went to one place and found this lovely red F-150. We got in to test drive it. I glanced around and noticed a red stain on the ceiling. "Oh look, blood splatter", I joked to my husband. It had a lovely lemony smell and we noticed an air freshener, we also noticed a rock chip in the windshield. If we were to get it, they'd have to fix those things. We decided maybe we'd test it overnight. We had done that before. We agreed that we'd come pick it up the next day. However, that night I couldn't sleep and for some reason I thought... what if that really was blood splatter? What if the rock chip was a bullet hole? Or some sort of "trauma" hole? What if the air freshener was covering up some awful smell??? Well really I was joking around.. but what if?

My husband called me the next day from work and said he just didn't feel good about that truck.. I told him my thoughts. We laughed. Later we went to check out a lot I had been to before. It had 2 F150's I was interested in. They were both the supercrew cab which I had been having a hard time finding.  They were in our price range, etc.  Well we went home that night with a LOVELY gray/silver 2004 F150 with 90,000 miles on it. I am loving that truck!!! It's our "family vehicle" but it can do everything John wants it to do as well. We were able to get what we owed for the Sport Trac and a fair amount for my Explorer. We even decided to keep the van. Our payment is just a little more than what we were paying, but we have a newer vehicle with less miles. We also have one less vehicle to maintain, register, etc. every year.  I am happy! I will post pics soon. I don't know why we haven't taken pictures of it yet. I'd do it now, but hubby has it at work, cuz I'm nice to share...
oh and because he's the one that makes the money.

There's always a reason

My life wouldn't be my life without little situations that have meaning. Sometimes I think of a situation and think, wow what a waste of time that was. Other times I find out there was a reason for that situation. Sometimes I find out years later, sometimes right away.

We're all connected, there's guidance from above, and I'm all kinds of emotional just thinking about it.

Yesterday, for a second I had a moment that I thought was a waste of my time.

I will share my story from an e-mail I just sent my dad....

First off, we've been looking to upgrade our vehicles. The cars are getting older with more and more miles on them, so we've been looking around. I've been wanting an F150 ever since we got one as a rental awhile back. So yesterday I was at Ken Garff Ford in American Fork.





It ended up being an interesting situation. I didn't really see anything in our price range or more like in our price range that we wanted, but this lady was determined for me to come in and see if they could do anything for us. Well they couldn't. Unless I wanted to accept $500 for the Explorer and van. (each) And if I wanted a Fusion. Actually I don't even know if that was 100% in our price range.





While this guy was running around checking on things, this lady sat and chatted with me and Jeremy. She was asking him if he was going to be in the Navy like his dad. He told her that he used to want to be in the Army, but now he's thinking it would be fun to work with Grandpa Don at the Book Bindery. After a few minutes, she said she used to work at a Bindery for 20 years. She asked the name of the Bindery (Utah Book Binding Company) and said it sounded familiar. (it is now Family Heritage Publishers) Well she had worked at Hiller Book Binding Company which sounded familiar to me. I guess her uncle started that company. I told her that my grandpa might have worked with her uncle. I told her she should ask him if he knew Glenn Hancock. She said, he had died but her aunt would know.





So this morning I looked in the book about Grandma and Grandpa, and sure enough it was Hiller Bookbinding Company. How crazy is that? Well it got me thinking that we need to go and visit Grandma and Grandpa soon. Would you want to go with us on Sunday? We have a gift for Kathie for her birthday, so either way we'd like to get together if you're not busy.





I'm taking the kids to the downtown library today, so e-mail or call and let me know.


Love,


Jill


Life is too short, we don't see my grandparents often enough. Maybe once every 2 years. This lady came into my life at this point and time for a reason. I'm not sure what it is beyond the fact that I need to visit my grandparents!  I'm so grateful that my grandparents made a book about their lives. It helps me to know and understand who I am. Just flipping through the pages and seeing my grandparents and great grandparents has made me cry for the last 20 minutes. I can't explain it, but I'm overcome with emotions.