One Month Old

We started the first month separated. Grayson spent 11 days in the Deaconess NICU where he was cared for by amazing nurses and doctors. Tim was by his side everyday and helped with the feedings, taking his temperature and changing his diaper! Kate and I stayed home with Grandma but visited Grayson in the hospital on Friday, February 14^th. It will be my favorite Valentine’s Day for a long time. It was the first time I held my little boy!

Kate, Grandma and I headed to Spokane on Monday, February 17^th to bring Grayson (and Daddy) home. We didn’t get home until evening but we were finally a family of 4!

The rest of the month is a blur.  I’ve discovered I can survive on little sleep and I’m very thankful for my Mom and Mother-in-Law who have each stayed 2 weeks to help with Kate and Grayson. I wouldn’t have survived without them!

Both Kate and Grayson have been growing like weeds! At their 1 Month check up Kate weighed 7lbs 14.5oz, and Grayson 7lbs 4.1oz. Kate had to have an ultrasound of her hips done because she sat breech the entire pregnancy. Thankfully the ultrasound showed everything was normal and the hips are developing just fine J  I have been blessed with very good babies (so far at least). Neither cry unless they want something.

This month it seems the twins have learned nothing but I know that isn’t true. We do tummy time (even though both hate it), are working on day and night and staying awake during feedings. Kate has a very hard time waking up so feedings can be difficult. Both love the swing and hate the bouncer. Since they came home from the hospital we have been trying to get them to sleep in the crib together. It isn’t working very well. So we decided to try having them sleep in sleepers (similar to a Rock n Play). Time will tell if it works. Both are starting to smile but not on command quite yet.

Here are some pictures from the last month.

 Holding Grayson for the 1st time

 Grayson in the Deaconess NICU

 Going home as a family of 4!

 In the car heading home

 1st night home together

 Grammie holding her babies

 Uncle Wade with Grayson & Kate

 Great Gram meeting Kate

Great Gram meeting Grayson

 Kate

 Grayson

Grayson & Kate

35 weeks 3 days

The goal was to make it to 36 weeks but we fell a few days short! 

At about 1:30am on Thursday, February 6^th, while sleeping in bed, I felt a gush and immediately thought my water broke. Well, my water broke but so did Kate’s placenta J I suffered a placental abruption (I didn’t know this until after delivery). I was pretty sure what was happening wasn’t normal but I didn’t know how serious it really was until after delivery. I woke Tim up and we headed to the hospital, leaving a huge mess in the bathroom (thanks to my mom and aunt for cleaning it up). I assumed because I wasn’t at 36 weeks I’d be transferred to Spokane to deliver.  However, there wasn’t time to transfer me so I was able to deliver in Moses Lake.

The nurses immediately hooked up heart monitors on the babies and both were doing great! I was beginning to have some contractions but nothing major. I was planning on having a C-section because at the last ultrasound both Kate and Grayson were showing breech. They began prepping me for surgery and wheeled me into the operating room. The Respiratory Specialist informed me that because of the preterm labor there was a strong possibility that both babies could be transferred to Spokane shortly after delivery and that I might not get to really see or hold them. I prayed that wouldn’t be the case.

From that point on it seemed to go quickly. Tim joined me in the operating room and Mom was waiting outside the door. I was awake and could feel tugs and pulls but nothing hurt. Tim and I were prepared to not hear the babies cry because we were only at 35 weeks. However at 3:07am we heard a strong cry from Kate and at 3:09am a strong cry from Grayson. Both babies were rushed from the room with Tim on their heels so they could be evaluated. It took about 30-45 minutes to finish the surgery and then I was wheeled to the recovery room for 1 hour.

This was my first surgery so I found it kind of interesting. Before surgery began everyone in the room introduced themselves (I don’t remember any names) and towards the end of surgery I could hear the nurses counting the instruments and sponges. I had seen this process done on TV many times (love Grey’s Anatomy) but didn’t realize it really happened!

After recovery I was moved to my room. The epidural made me terribly sick and I couldn’t quit throwing up/dry heaving. I was being given Zofran via an IV but it wasn’t working. The nurse finally gave me a shot of a high powered anti nausea medication and that did the trick instantly. The epidural also made me itch all over for about 24 hours (I had been warned this might happen).

Tim was keeping me updated about the babies. Kate was breathing great but wasn’t keeping her temperature up enough to leave the nursery. She had swallowed quite a bit of blood during delivery so was put on a 5 day antibiotic to keep an infection away. Grayson was struggling with breathing on his own and also wasn’t keeping his temperature up. He was also put on antibiotics to keep infections away.

At about 11:00am the nurses brought Kate into my room so I could meet my little girl. She was with me about 10 minutes then taken back to the nursery. She needed to keep her temperature up on her own for 3 hours before she could stay with me. She did it! By mid afternoon Kate was hanging out with me in my room. Grayson wasn’t doing well enough to leave the nursery and there was a strong possibility he would need to be transferred to Spokane for more support.

By evening I was being strongly encouraged to get out of bed and take a short walk. I did it under protest but I really wanted to see my baby boy. So I took the short walk to the nursery and saw Grayson for the first time. I wasn’t able to hold him and didn’t stay very long because I was hurting and tired.

Since Grayson couldn’t leave the nursery the nurses allowed Kate to stay in the nursery with him over night so they could sleep together and I could get a decent nights sleep. Tim went home to sleep so he would be well rested IF Grayson needed to go to Spokane.

Friday morning at 4am the nurse from the nursery came in and told me Grayson had struggled during the night. He was stable but wasn’t improving and she was sure the pediatrician would send him to Spokane.

The pediatrician came in about 9am and confirmed what we were afraid of…MedStar would fly Grayson to the NICU at Deaconess. He had developed a pneumothorax (a collection of air in the pleural space that separates the lung from the chest wall which interferes with normal breathing). The doctor felt he could be better treated at a larger facility. Tim went home and packed a bag to follow in the car. Mom came down and stayed with Kate and I in the hospital until we were discharged on Sunday, February 9th. 

Even though the delivery didn't go as we had hoped we are so thankful to the Lord for his protection. It could have gone much worse. I'm thankful it didn't.

 Grayson holding Daddy's finger

Grayson

 Kate

 Kate

 Meeting Kate for the 1st time

Kate and Grayson in the nursery under the warming light together

33 weeks

I am way overdue for an update. It has been 6 weeks since the last post and the last 6 weeks life has been crazy.

The pregnancy has be going great! I can't believe I am already at 33 weeks! However, I can't wait for this pregnancy to be over!!! I am ready to have mobility back :) The babies are growing like weeds, at the ultrasound on Jan. 7th each baby was approx. 4 lbs. I have another ultrasound this Tuesday, Jan. 28th and can't wait to see how much they have grown. Both babies are moving around like crazy and letting me know they are running out of room. I had the dreaded glucose test on Jan. 7th and passed!!!! The Dr. had prepped me for not passing because of carrying multiples. I'm so thankful I passed :)

We are all hoping the babies stay put until at least 36 weeks which is February 13th. I cannot deliver in Moses Lake unless I'm 36 weeks and that is our hope. If labor happens before 36 weeks I will be delivering in Spokane. I don't know how long after Feb. 13th my Dr. will let me go. That will depend on how the babies are doing. It is hard to believe that we will most likely meet Grayson and Kate in the next 3-4 weeks :)

Yesterday, Jan. 25th we had maternity pictures taken which was really fun and I can't wait to see how they turned out.

 Baby bump at 33 weeks!

On Jan. 5th the church I grew up in put on an amazing baby shower for me, Grayson and Kate. We were blessed beyond words! Katie Walsh was the main organizer of the shower and she is due with her second baby boy a few weeks after me. 

 Here are our baby bumps "kissing"

After the baby shower it was time to really work on the nursery and get it set up. So Tim and I spent a couple of days working on getting stuff washed, folded and put away in the nursery. Here it is...

On Jan. 16th my school family put on a baby shower for us and again we were blessed! Here are a couple pictures.

Just about a month ago on Dec. 28th my best friend, Lisa Truemper became Mrs. Scott. It was a beautiful wedding and I was honored to be part of it.

 Lisa and I at the reception

Tim and I at the reception.

Now for the hardest part of the last 6 weeks. In Oct. 2012 my Dad was diagnosed with mesothelomia lung cancer. He had been receiving chemo since Nov. 2012 and had been doing great. On Dec. 30th we found out that the cancer had completely taken over and there was nothing more that could be done. It was the news my family knew was coming one day but we all hoped it would be years down the road. On January 9th my Dad passed away and is living with our Lord and Savior in Heaven today. Over the last few weeks there have been tough moments but also moments of joy and laughter. I miss my Dad terribly but know he is in a better place and is healthy and whole. He has left a great legacy and will live on in all of us. 

 Dad walking me down the isle

He will forever be a Yankee fan.

27 weeks

6 years ago I married my best friend! Happy Anniversary Honey :) This coming year we go from a family of 2 to 4! I won't have a quiet house to blog next year :)

December 15, 2007

Today is officially the last day of the 2nd trimester :) Tomorrow begins 28 weeks and the last 3rd of the pregnancy. It is hard to believe that we're hoping these babies stay put for another 9-10 weeks. The time is going so fast.

I had an ultrasound Dec. 3rd to check on the growth of the babies. My mom came along to see her grand babies. They put on quite a show for Grandma! In fact, neither baby stopped moving the entire hour. I'm afraid the 4 oreos I'd eaten shortly before the ultrasound might of had something to do with it :). Both babies are growing strong and growing at the same rate which is wonderful. Both weighed approx. 2lbs. Neither baby would cooperate for a profile picture but the tech got a couple of fun pictures. The tech was amazed at the length of baby girls extremities. I think she takes after her dad!  Baby boy doesn't have quite as long extremities but looks more stocky. We can't wait to meet them!

Baby Girl gave us a wave and yes, those fingers look long :)

Baby Boy showed us his feet!

For most of the pregnancy I've felt great! I'm still feeling great just starting to feel pregnant. I think the baby bump is growing by the day and my back and hips are screaming about it. I'm still sleeping pretty good at night just wake up many times for a bathroom run or just to turn over. I'm learning the new limits my body can handle (which isn't easy). 

I'm loving feeling both babies move around. At times it feels and looks like my belly is going to explode! Tim has felt them move a couple of times. It never fails, when he comes to feel and watch both babies stop moving :) 

 26 weeks

27 weeks...I think it grew from last week :)

The nursery is slowly coming together. Over Thanksgiving Mom and Dad came down and helped paint. The furniture arrived last Saturday. So we've gotten that together and put in the room. I have a few items to hang on the walls but that will wait until Christmas Break.

 Changing Table

 Dresser

 Crib (the box has the 2nd crib, we'll put it up later)

The rocking chair.

Looking forward to Christmas Break (in a week) and getting excited to celebrate the marriage of my best friend, Lisa Truemper to Michael Scott on Dec. 28th. Bridesmaid dress fitting tomorrow night....wish me luck!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

23 Weeks

It does not seem possible that it has been 23 weeks since this pregnancy started! I'm excited the end is getting closer and closer. I can't wait to meet these babies! The reality that there are 2 humans growing in my body has become more and more real in the last few weeks. I have started to feel kicks and/or hits from both babies. It is an amazing feeling. Just the last few days I've noticed I can see my belly move when some of the kicks/hits happen! It's going to be crazy when these babies are bigger!

22 week baby bump!

It has been a busy couple of weeks. On Nov. 6th we had another ultrasound and were blessed to have baby A cooperate so we could see the gender!

We are so excited to be having a baby BOY and GIRL!!!!! I have had a feeling from the beginning that it was a boy and girl but didn't want to get my hopes up. We have had names picked out since October but didn't want to share them until we knew for sure. We can't wait to meet Grayson James and Kate Laura in early March.

The ultrasound continues to show 2 healthy babies. Both babies are measuring on target and each weighed 1.3 pounds. I can't thank the Lord enough for these 2 amazing blessings.

On Thursday, Nov. 7th Tim and I along with my parents headed to Oklahoma City to visit my brother Vaughn and wife Val along with their little boy Landon. Landon was born the end of July and I wanted to visit in August so bad but the morning sickness was too bad to even think about flying. In fact thinking about it made me feel worse! I couldn't wait to snuggle my nephew! 

While in Oklahoma Tim, Dad and Vaughn drove to Dallas, Texas to visit the George W. Bush Library and Museum and Dealey Plaza where Kennedy was shot. They had a great time. 

Tim sitting behind in the replica of the Oval Office the day Bush left the White House. 

I had two requests while in Oklahoma one was to go to the horse races. I have always wanted to see them in person. So, Saturday night we went to Remington Park to watch the races! I wasn't very good at choosing winners :) In fact, both times the horses I chose came in dead last :) Realized I was better at just watching.

Tim and I at Remington Park

The second request was to drive around the area of Moore, Oklahoma that was devastated by the tornado in May. Even though its been 6 months there is still so much damage. I was incredible to be driving down a street and see one side of the street that is normal but the other side of the street is treeless, new houses are being built and in some places you just see driveways. I'm very thankful where I live we don't have to worry about tornadoes.

It was also fun to connect with a friend from childhood. Bryn and her family moved to Oklahoma earlier this year. It was nice to connect and meet her son Luke. 

Bryn and I

Luke and I

She also brought a baby gift which included 2 blankets she made!

As Thanksgiving approaches I can't help but think of all the blessings the Lord has given us this past year. A cute healthy nephew Landon, 2 healthy babies growing inside me and amazing doctors who are helping keep my dad healthy and strong through his fight with cancer. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We're having...

At least 1 boy...baby B was very cooperative at letting us peak but baby A wouldn't spread the legs :). We're so excited to know the gender of at least 1 of the babies. We'll have another ultrasound in 4 weeks so baby A has another chance to show the goods :).

It was the anatomy scan today so the ultrasound lasted about 1 1/2 hours. I was getting tired of laying by the end of it but when there are 2 babies everything has to be done twice. It was an amazing experience to see both the babies and watch them move around. 4 weeks ago I couldn't make out they were even babies but today it was very evident. In fact at one point baby A was kicking Baby B right in the nose. It was truly amazing to watch. The whole time I was laying their all I could think was Thank You Lord for Your creations.

Both babies weigh 9 oz. and are right on size for 18 weeks. Everything looks healthy and beautiful.

Baby A (head on the right). He/She is stretching and arching his/her back at this point.

 Baby Boy (head on the left). He is laying perfect for the camera :)

It is now becoming more evident everyday that I'm pregnant. I have had to have the talk with many of my students about not touching my belly. "You can look but you can't touch!" I had a 4th grader last week tell me, "Mrs. Krober, your belly is getting bigger and bigger every day!" All I could do was agree. 

18 Weeks

Because of the multiples I will most likely not make it to 40 weeks. In fact my goal is 37 weeks so I've hit the half way point in this pregnancy. It is incredible to think I'm half way to meeting my babies. The babies I've been praying for for many years. Thank You Lord!!!!!

16 Weeks

It is hard to believe I'm in my 16th week of being pregnant. I'm so thankful to the Lord for this amazing blessing and experience. I have wanted to count the weeks of my pregnancy for so many years and it is actually happening. My growing middle is a constant reminder.

I can't say I'm sad to see the 1st trimester finished...it wasn't fun. The last week has been a turning point. I feel less nauseous and more "normal" everyday. I'm now enjoying the stretching and pulling of my abdomen :) However I do find that easier to handle than the constant nausea.

Just the last few days I'm beginning to think I'm feeling some movement. I'm still not sure what I'm suppose to feel but I have some weird, unique feelings every once in a while in my upper and lower abdomen which I'm now thinking are the babies moving.

We had an ultrasound at 14 weeks. Everything looks good. Both babies were measuring on track and squirming around. We didn't get very good pictures because both wouldn't stop moving. Baby B was more active than Baby A. The tech also tried to see the sex but couldn't see anything conclusive. I didn't want to hear "it could be a...." so I only wanted to know if the tech could really tell. We go back for another ultrasound at 18 weeks and hoping this time we'll see the sex and get some good pictures IF the babies cooperate.

Here is a picture of me and my "slight" bump (I still just feel fat) at 14 weeks....

At school I told the staff on our first day back but I didn't want to tell the students quite yet. I wasn't ready for all the questions that could be asked. However I did tell them I had a secret written on my trading card (each staff member has a trading card that the students can earn) and the first student to get my trading card would know my secret. It didn't take long for a 5th grade student to get my card. It was fun to watch his reaction. However, he didn't want others to know so he kept it quiet.

A 2nd grade girl got my trading card a couple weeks ago and it was the talk of the entire school that afternoon. She announced it to anyone on the playground that would listen. However she was adding that they were twin girls. When I asked her about this she said "I know they are both girls, you will see". So I will have many confused students if the results are different.

There is another student at school that every day says "you still don't look pregnant"....all I can say is "thanks". It has been fun to watch each students reaction to the news.

We received our first baby present from my amazing hair stylist Leslie. Leslie has cut my hair for as long as I can remember...these quilts are beautiful.

The picture doesn't do justice. For those of you wondering....I don't know what the nursery decor will be yet, waiting until I know the gender.

That's all for now!