Sunday, June 28, 2009

Introducing... Our Anniversary Presents

Baby A- Charles (Charlie) Ferdinand, 1 lb, 13 oz.









Baby B- Annaleigh Lucy, 1 lb, 8 oz.












Baby C- Lily Kevynn, 1 lb, 8 oz.










Born on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 9:00 pm, 9:00 pm, and 9:02 pm at St. Peters University Hospital at 25 weeks, 5 days.

Around 5:00 pm, Brooke started having pains that we later learned were contractions. After a couple of uncomfortable hours, she asked to be put on the contraction monitor, which showed nothing at first. But when the pain continued, a doctor came in and almost immediately discovered that Brooke was fully dilated and there was no option other than to deliver the babies immediately.

From then on, it was a whirlwind. As soon as the doctor said, “we have to take them now,” there was a gathering of nurses in the room, and within minutes Brooke was being rushed through the hospital like a scene from a movie. I frantically called our parents and they got in their cars and headed up. By the time I was able to change into scrubs and Brooke was being given the epidural, the babies were ready.

It felt instant to me but like hours to Brooke. We left the room around 8:15 pm, and at 9:00 pm the doctor said “baby A is out. It’s a boy.” Charlie was immediately put under the heat lamp and surrounded by three doctors. That was almost immediately followed by “Baby B is out. It’s a girl.” And Annaleigh announced her presence to the world by surprising everyone with some loud crying (we had been told they were too small to cry, so that was an awesome surprise). And then, just two minutes later, Lily was the last to arrive.

I followed them down to the NICU (with my just arrived mother-in-law in frantic tow) while they stitched up Brooke. Charlie and Lily both need to be on respirators, but Annaleigh’s cries seem to have been an early indication that her lungs are a bit stronger, so she’s just receiving some extra oxygen so far. All the babies have fluids being pumped into them and all are under heat lamps, but all are bigger than expected and so far holding their own.

After an hour or so of recovery, Brooke got to go down to the NICU to meet our beautiful babies. First was Lily, stretching out her arms and legs as Brooke gently touched her foot and hands. Then Charlie, whom we were unable to touch because he’s wrapped up like a sushi roll in his blankets. Finally Annaleigh, who grabbed Brooke’s finger in her tiny hand and I swear she smiled too. It was the most wonderful thing I’ve ever seen in my life.

I made five trips to the NICU and every time there were at least two nurses/doctors tending to each baby, so we couldn’t possibly ask for better care. We are extremely grateful to all the doctors and nurses (15 of them in the delivery room that I counted) who took such good care of Brooke and the babies (and me too) during this whole crazy night. We are more grateful than we can say.



Thank you to everyone for all the well wishes and prayers—please keep them coming, as I’m sure the days and weeks ahead will not be easy. We will update again soon.

59 comments:

Never forgetting Gregory said...

Congratulations! I'm so glad they are bigger and stronger than expected. I will continue to think about your beautiful family!

- Waiting4baby08 SAIF

ErinsFoodFiles said...

WOW! Congratulations and Happy Anniversary! I'll continue to pray for your happy little family!

D. said...

Congratulations mom and dad! What beautiful names you picked and it's terrific news that Annaleigh is just on oxygen. My girls were born at 27 weeks and they were about the same size as your sweet babies. They're 9 months now and absolutely perfect. Stay strong and positive - you have lots of people praying for your family!

Amber said...

Congrats on the babies. I will keep all of you in our prayers.

Kelly said...

I am praying for you guys! Congratulations on those 3 beautiful babies!

Woolley said...

I am so happy for you guys!! Congratulations!!! =D And the names are beautiful by the way! All five of you are in my thoughts and prayers. :)

BMK said...

Congratulations! What a wonderful anniversary presents They are just beautiful. Will be sending lots of prayers for you guys and the babies that they continue to thrive.

veggiechick120 said...

congrats! what an amazing anniversary present. tons of vibes for your beautiful little ones.

Marcie said...

Wow, I was shocked to log on and see this. I am so happy for your family that these babies are doing well and you are doing well. It's amazing. Congragulations, they are beautiful-what a dream!

Linds said...

Congratulations Mom and Dad! I am so happy to hear that the babies are doing well and that they are being so well cared for. I will continue to keep your whole family in my thoughts and prayers.

White Toast with Butter said...

Lot of prayers coming your way.

Anonymous said...

God bless you my little ones. We're still doing Toys R Us - so get strong. xoxoxoxoxo Auntie :)

Lani said...

Congrats!!!! What beautfiul names for beautiful babies!

Amy L. said...

Congratulations on those beautiful, beautiful babies! Continued prayers coming your way for everyone.

Null said...

Congratulations! We've been rooting for all of you, and praying for a safe arrival. Keep growing babies!

Sarah - The Home Cook said...

Congratulations! I'm so relieved to hear they're bigger and stronger then expected, your little fighters. Hang in there, babies! So many people are thinking and praying for you.

HUGS to you and Brooke!

Amanda said...

Congrats, Brooke and Joe. We're thinking and praying for your family.

Stephanie said...

Congratulations! What a miracle! I will continue to pray and think of your beautiful babies until they are happily home with you!

MrsSchoon said...

Congratulations! You have so many people thinking of you and praying for those babies. Good luck!

shawnandlarissa said...

Sounds like some fighters you've got there. I am sending all of my prayers your way.
~smilelari~

Jenn said...

congratulations on your 3 beautiful babies. I'm hoping they keep growing and getting stronger and healthier. You are all in my thoughts.

KJ said...

Congratulations! You're babies are beautiful! You all are in my thoughts. Looking forward to your updates!

J said...

Congrats Broke and Joe!!! They are beautiful! I'm crying with your birth story. I will keep the prayers coming - I do believe in the power of prayer.

True Companions Plus One? said...

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary! I'm so happy they are bigger they expected and little Annaleigh is only on O2!

I'll continue to think of all of you - I love those names!

Karen At Home Blog said...

Congratulations, I am so happy to hear the babies are doing so well! I have been thinking of you all night and praying for your family. I will continue to send prayers and positive thoughts your way!!!!

Melissa said...

Congrats Brooke and Joe on your three little miracles. I'll continue to keep all of you in my thoughts :)

Michelle said...

Congratulations!! They're big for 25.5 weekers! They're stong and beautiful!
Shelley-bean (TTTC)

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and your little family. You have a an amazing story and I wish you and your babies all the best.

Stay strong little ones~we are praying for you.

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you guys...I cannot wait to meet those little guys!!! =) Congrats Mom & Dad...welcome to the wonderful world of multiple parenting!
Daniela & Gerry

JDG2007 said...

Congratulations on your beautiful family.

Emily said...

Beautiful babies with beautiful names! Congratulations. Continued prayers for you and the babies. Happy Anniversary :)
emmyloustu - SAIF

nora said...

huge congrats to you guys!!!!! im still praying for you both and the amazing 3! :)

We have Angel Wings said...

Congrats!!! Welcome to the world little ones.

Thinking of all of you.

Tarahville - T-TTC

Julie said...

congratulations! and a happy anniversary, too. i will be praying for all of you, especially your three miracles. sending you tons of love.

#1SAHM said...

Congrats and happy anniversary!
(your anniversary post was really sweet by the way : ) I think I've heard that the first 24 hours (or so) are the most critical for these preemies so I'll be praying extra hard for your babies (who are all adorable by the way) and I wish Brooke a good recovery. What a whirlwind for you guys! I wish nothing but the best for all of you.

Cathy said...

congratulations to your family! I'm so glad that everything turned out so well!

Colleen said...

Congratulations and like everyone else, I am praying for all of you, especially those three little fighters who came out of their wonderful mommy.

Jenn said...

Congratulations to you! The names are beautiful, and I am so glad the babies are as big as they are. I will continue to pray for you and your new family, congrats on being parents! And Joe...your anniversary post the day before was so sweet, congratulations on another anniversary!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary!

Stephanie said...

Congratulations on your three beautiful miracles! I will continue to pray for them, that they continue to be strong and fight just like their mama! :) Keeping all FIVE of you close in thought and prayer!

Kristi said...

Congratulations!

Your story sounds EXACTLY like mine! I clicked on your blog link from TC, and started reading this most recent post and it brought back a lot of memories! Even down to the "pains" that were actually contractions and I didn't know it. I also was fully dilated when they finally checked me! Mine were born at 26w 2d.
I've been through the nicu journey, please feel free to email me if you ever want to talk!
I wish you an uneventful nicu stay! Ours lasted anywhere from 74 days to 15 weeks.
Hugs!
Kristi

Unknown said...

Wow...what a great anniversary gift...though I'm sure you would have been glad to keep them in a little longer. What awesome news about Annaleigh. I hope that Brooke heals quickly and is able to give attention to those babies and make the nutrition that they need. I'll be praying for y'all, Charlie, Annaleigh, Lily, and all those doctors and nurses. Keep us updated.

Anonymous said...

Welcome to the world babies! I will most definitely keep you in my thoughts and prayers, best wishes with everything!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on three beautiful babies. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Stacie said...

Congratulations on the birth of your babies! They are beautiful! :-) You all will be in our prayers for a steady and quick journey home for all of you!

(mom to 28 weeker twins who spent 14 and 15 weeks in the NICU)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I will be praying for you and your beautiful family.

Tamarakp (the nest)

Unknown said...

Congratulations! May they be healthy and strong! Here's hoping they'll get out of the NICU and come home with you guys quickly.

Unknown said...

From one St. Peter's 4G mommy to another - CONGRATULATIONS! Welcome to the world little fighters - the nicu nurses and doctors will help you become big and st rong so you can go home. See you at the nicu reunion next year!

Patte said...

Brooke and Joe,
I am sure you never thought your anniversary would bring such wonderful gifts! And I never realized that Joe's creative writing talents could be surpassed by his ability to tell a very heartwarming story - one that had me nearly sobbing.
God Bless your three beautiful children; I will keep them in my prayers each day. You are both 3x blessed.
Love, Patte

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!

Lloyd Family said...

Your babies are beautiful. Congratulations.

Melissa said...

Congratulations on your three little precious miracles! I wish you all the best!

Amanda said...

Visiting from Multiples and More! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Brenda Souza said...

Hi Brooke and Joe,
Congratulations on your beautiful babies from Uncle Angelo, Aunt Carmela, and Brenda. The fact that they were born on your anniversary is a wonderful omen! We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Stephanie said...

Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful babies!!

Jill and Mike said...

Congrats x 3!!!

nicole said...

congrats!

Anonymous said...

Hello there! I found out about your little miracles through a family member and have been peeking in on you and your family!! I can certainly relate to your situation. Both my kids were premature...I had my son at 28 weeks, and my daughter at 29 weeks 6 days!!! Hang in there..it will get easier! They are beautiful!!

Jen said...

Congratulations on your three little miracles. Sending tons of prayers to all of you.