Thank you for all the kind words, I am going to respond back as soon as I can. Things have been quite crazy here. But I want all of you to know how much I appreciate you in my life. All of your comments have made me smile. They were much needed. 🙂
Being Discharged Without Our Twins
I have been meaning to write all day, but it has not been easy. We were discharged today and the girls are still there. To say the least it was a difficult day and I don’t see it getting any easier until they are coming home with us. I don’t know how I am supposed to function with a part of me missing. I know they are where the should be, but honestly that doesn’t really make it any easier to not be with our two girls every moment. I want all six of us to be together all the time.
Of course, as we were saying good-bye I was crying and the nurse and my hubby were amazing. Our wonderful nurse said remember this you are leaving two healthy girls here. They only need to be under the warmer and learn how to take all the feedings from breast or bottle. Both girls are on a feeding tube right now, but have been taking the breast and the bottle well. So we are hoping they won’t need feeding tubes for long.
I will say the only thing that made this situation any better was being with our two old girls at home. We haven’t been home with them since Tuesday evening. We left for the hospital at 4 in the morning (still working on my birth story), so they woke up without us. My parents were here and they love them, but no one can replace Mommy and Daddy. They were so happy to see us today when we got home this evening and I was equally as excited.
I know everything will be okay in the end, but this is one of the most difficult things we have ever had to go through.
We have decided to name our girls:
McKenzie Madison
and
McKayla Grace
I will explain what made us choose these names sometime soon. I am going to do a lot of blogging from the hospital between feedings. So I will have some time to fill you on all the details of these past few days. It has been quite the whirlwind.
More pictures to come!!!
I know it’s hard, but stay strong! They are getting the care they need so that when they come home they can STAY home and not have any set backs. Your girls sound so similar to how my twins did when they were born. They were only on feeding tubes for two days, basically to make sure they got what they needed when they started to bottle feed. They only needed to gain some weight and be able to keep their own body temperature up before they were sent home. They were in the NICU for one week and then the step down nursery for another week. They were sent home to us after exactly two weeks in the hospital. I know it is hard, but hang in there. You will soon have them home and will be able to snuggle with them whenever you want! Their names are so pretty 🙂 Can’t wait to see more pics!
I am really trying to stay strong, but sometimes breaking down is all I can do. Exhaustion makes the whole experience even more difficult.
I hope our girls are home within two weeks like your twins. Yet, I still can’t imagine doing this for another week. I just want them home. 🙂
You are being so strong…And you’re right, that’s where they need to be!! They are just beautiful little girls!!!
I don’t feel like I am being strong, but I am trying to be for everyone else. 🙂 Thank you. They are our real life dolls!!
Beautiful names. Beautiful girls. I can’t imagine what it must feel like to be without them. hang in there lady! much love to you and your family. xo
Thank you. Choosing names was very difficult for us. But now that we choose them I can’t imagine them with any other names. 🙂
Renee, congratulations on your two beautiful girls! I am 23 weeks pregnant with twin girls and have been following your journey for almost all of my pregnancy. You are so strong and have been through so much; I am sure it’s so hard to leave the girls at the hospital. Just trust that they’re in excellent hands. Good luck with your new family of 6!! I can’t wait to follow as the journey goes on.
Thank you. It really is awful leaving the girls there day in and day out. But I know it is not for much longer. I try to keep telling myself that.
I can’t believe we are a family a 6. It is nuts, but also the best feeling in the world. This is going to be a wild ride!!
I am so excited for you. You will be meeting your babies in no time. 🙂
Hang in there lady! I know how hard it is, trust me. You never imagine going home from the hospital without your baby. They will be home in no time! Big hugs to you!
I am trying, but as you know, it is one of the most difficult things to have to go through. Being home without our babies is miserable. I miss them every moment. Thank you. 🙂
Aaah!! I was wondering how things were going with you so I popped over. I can’t believe your girls are here!!! They are beautiful and you picked gorgeous names. I am so glad your little ones are healthy – such a blessing. It won’t be long before both of them are at home with you. Enlist a lot of help for the next few weeks so you can be with your girls!
Thank you!! Now that we choose their names they are perfect for them. 🙂
It is wonderful knowing we have healthy girls and everyday I think God for that. I can’t wait to bring them home!!
Hang in there Renee! I’m sure that is beyond difficult but you are so strong and it sounds like you have an amazing support team around you. Not to mention your two wonderful girls you have at home 🙂 Before you know it your twins will be home healthy and happy!
Thank you. Yes, we have wonderful support, but it is definitely starting to wear on everyone. I am beyond ready to have them here, but I know they are where they should be. 🙂
I am so glad to hear that you were able to hold off for so long and that your girls are doing so well! We had the exact same due date and I have been following your updates. My twins unexpectedly came at 25 weeks and it has been the hardest journey after losing our sweet girl. Wishing you a speedy NICU stay. It’s not easy, but I’m sure they will be out of there very soon.
Congrats on two more beautiful girls! Praying your precious girls have a speedy stay in the NICU, sounds like they are striving and are just as strong as their momma!!! Your faith and strength are inspiring!!!! Blessings to your beautiful family!!!
Thank you. They are fiery just like their Mama. 🙂
I am touched that I can be an inspiration. Thank you so much!!
Have loved following your journey and am so glad to read about how great the girls are doing. Hoping you are headed home soon and that you are hanging in there! Eating things like that chocolate cupcake can’t hurt. 😉
Also, was wondering which twin books you read that you found most helpful.
Thank you. It has been so much fun sharing my journey with you. I can’t wait to see where we go from here. Figuring out my new normal. 🙂
There really weren’t any twin books that I loved, but I liked the book When Your Expecting Twins, Triplets, and Multiples by Dr. Luke. I thought it was informative, but some of her opinions were extreme.
Congratulations Renee and Steve……love your sharing of your journey with Mikayla and McKenzie….Isabella and Sophia. Know that you are thought of a remembered with prayer. Love to you. Sister Helen,csj
Thank you!! We truly appreciate all your prayers. 🙂
How long did your girls have to stay in the NICU? Any advice for parents of multiples in that aspect? We are currently 21 weeks with one boy and one girl. I am so nervous about the possibility of them coming early and not being with them. I delivered our daughter a week late so I am hoping that I can hold them in but I know realistically there isn’t too much I can do, so I am trying to prepare myself mentally for NICU and preterm labor.
Mckayla our little one was there for 19 days and McKenzie our bigger one was there for 12 days. They only need to be able to regulate their body temp and learn to eat.
It is scary not knowing what is going to happen. We had so many issues throughout our pregnancy but I never once thought my water was going to break. It never broke with my first two; they always had to break it at the hospital. Twin pregnancy is a completely different thing, but it sounds like you have a strong cervix. You can do it!! Try to think positively; I know it is hard but you will go crazy thinking about everything that could go wrong.
Yes, be prepared for the NICU. I never wanted to face the facts. But it is a good thing to be prepared for it and honestly the nurses are fabulous. We had a wonderful experience. Please keep me updated!! My thoughts and prayers are with you for a wonderful rest of your pregnancy.