Hi! I’m was ashamed to realize that it’s been nearly a month since my last post. This past month has flown by so quickly it feels more like just a few days since I wrote about our trip to the Smokies. Our visit out there was so short that we decided to book another cabin for four days. We left this past Sunday and on Monday evening received a call from Ashley, telling us that she was having contractions that were two minutes apart. She is currently only 30 weeks along in her pregnancy, so her doctors have been doing all they can to stop her contractions and let the little guys bake a bit longer. Needless to say, we packed up and came home early.
As of now, her contractions have not quite stopped, but they have become much weaker and irregular. The doctors are saying she may be able to come home in a few days but I have a feeling she won’t be leaving until they have delivered. That could happen tomorrow or three weeks from now. If it happens soon, the twins will have to be in the NICU for at least 3-4 weeks before she can bring them home. Ashley is doing well but cranky as all get out since she can’t move around much.
I’ll be back and forth between home and the hospital until mom and babies are home for good. I’ll still be making beads and running my business too but my email replies could be a bit slower than usual. I’m going to try and steal a couple of torch hours this morning before I head to the hospital this afternoon. Hopefully I will have a bead or two to list tomorrow.
Thank you all for checking in!
October 8, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Lydia, I have been checking in every day or two and I was beginning to wonder if something was wrong. I thought maybe the babies had got here and you were preoccupied with them. I couldn’t remember exactly when they were due but I thought it was getting close. I’ll be praying that everything goes well and maybe Ashley can hang on to them long enough that they won’t have to stay in NCIU. God is still a miracle working God!
October 9, 2009 at 8:27 am
Thank you Shirley for the thoughts and prayers. Ashley was doing much better when we saw her yesterday. The babies are doing well also, their heart rates are consistently staying in the 140 to 150 range. A couple of weeks ago, when she began to have contractions, her OB doc put her on steroids to help develop the babies’ lungs. If they do indeed get here early, their chance of survival is 97%. Of course it will be an ordeal for Ashley, Zack and the little “Zacklies”, but they have a lot of supportive family members and friends. We will all do whatever we can to help.
Thanks again, Shirley and I hope your breathing in plenty of this beautiful October air. . .
October 9, 2009 at 8:31 am
Beloved Lydia & Ashley,
We have a dear friend who delivered both of her sons at 6 months and 2 or 3 days. Preemies can do fine with the help and technology available these days, though it can be a long haul as they develop to full term outside the womb.
The hospital pushed her to abort each time, but she refused. Both boys are in their late teens now and are doing great.
I just wanted to share this with you for encouragement. Our love and prayers are with you all!
October 9, 2009 at 9:13 am
Lydia– Each day hopefully brings the little guys closer to a safe delivery. Greg and I are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and wish the very best. Joan
October 9, 2009 at 9:37 am
I’m glad Ashley and the babies are doing better. We’ll be praying for you all.
October 9, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Thank you Nora, Joan and Teena for the encouragement, warm thoughts and prayers. They mean the world to our family. I am going to print this page tomorrow and take it to her so she can see how blessed we are to have you all on our side.
October 9, 2009 at 7:34 pm
I feel for Ashley, stuck in a hospital room, but tell her to appreciate the peace and quiet, because for sure she won’t get any after those kids come.
My hugs and prayers to you all.
October 12, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Geez, ain’t that the truth!! lol
Thank you for the thoughts, prayers and hugs, Betsy.
You all were a lot of help. . .Ash is doing much better now. She was released over the weekend, but is on strict bedrest. Hopefully she will be able to hold those little fellows in for at least a couple more weeks.
October 13, 2009 at 4:41 pm
I’m so happy to hear Ashley & the babies are feeling better & able to go home. Send them my love. I know granny is on pins & needles.
October 25, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Nora, thank you! By the way, I hope you had a wonderful birthday!!