Patrick and Cecilia are here!

kelrauh

I wanted to post an update with our birth story. 
Most of you know our journey has not been easy but I am excited to say our baby boy and girl were born at 33 weeks and 1 day Monday, April 10th. Cecilia Patricia was born 4lbs 5oz and 17 inches long at 12:25 and Patrick Manford was 5lbs 7oz, 19 inches long at 12:26. 

I had been having contractions since I went into labor at 27 weeks but they werent consistent and would stop after 3 hours. Sunday I was very very uncomfortable and started having contractions Sunday night , but I wasn't going in unless I knew they were coming. They stayed fairly consitent through the night but I didn't feel like I was in labor. At 6:00am I was having strong contractions every 2.5 minute that lasted for 1.5 minutes. I knew it was time. I got DH up and he got ready while I cleaned (last minute nesting). We got to the hospital at 7, I was dialated to a 3 and 100% effaced they gave me fluids that didnt help so I was admitted. I talked to the dr. At 9:00am who gave me the choice of c-section vs. Natural. I opted for c-section because everything with this pregnancy was unexpected and I felt like natural was too unexpected with twins. 

The c-section was quite uneventful. DH got to cut the cords, which was a surprise to me. They both came out screaming but Patrick screamed too early and inhaled some fluid. They had to suction had to suction his lungs but he stabilized. Both babies have respiratory distress and are on C-paps, IV fluid and getting feeds through feeding tubes. None of these things are abnormal for babies at their gestation. 

I am sore and have been having some swelling. Recovery is rough but they are so worth it!!! I am going home tomorrow.

Cecilia Patricia 

Patrick Manford 

cato99

Beautiful, healthy babies!! My HUGEST congratulations!!

hibiscus118

Congratulations!!! 

Kp214

Beautiful! Glad the c-section was uneventful.  

teebric

Oh. Bless! They are just so delightful! Congratulations @kelrauh this is what we're here for isn't it! So glad that although there are a couple of complications it's nothing out of the ordinary for their GA. Wishing you all the swiftest recovery! May they grow strong quickly! 

Colleen0516

So happy for you @kelrauh! You have been so strong throughout this entire process. Your little ones are adorable and I wish you so much love and happiness with them!! 

ARB425

@kelrauh Congratulations! They are adorable! Sending positive healing thoughts and prayers to you and the babies! 

janejane-2

Congratulations!!!! So happy to hear that all went well. Please keep us posted. You're a champion.  

byrneme

Congratulations @kelrauh, I was just thinking about you the other day. They are precious and I'm so happy for you and your family!

nellin-2

Congratulations! I hope you will all be safely at home very soon xxx 

tvh1982

Yay more babies! Congratulations!!

kdanjou

Congrats again and hope you are all able to go home soon!

wifeinraleigh28

Congratulations @kelrauh! Thank you for sharing your birth story with us and the photos of the precious duo! I'm so happy for you and them for making it this far after a long journey!

JWatt5

Congratulations!!! Great news - you've got a strong family of fighters!

caseyw8784

Congratulations! They're both beautiful and I hope they get to join you at home quickly!!

peregrinefalconx

They are amazing! I'm sure they are tiny but they don't even look it. Congrats!!

byrneme

Hey @kelrauh, was just thinking about you. How is everything going?

kelrauh

We are doing great!!! I'm snuggling my little man right now. They are both still in the nicu but we are gaining weight, off cpaps, wearing clothes and figuring out the whole eating thing.  Once we get the eating thing figured out we will come home. So in the next couple of weeks. 

kelrauh

kelrauh

I thought I would post an update on Patrick and Cecilia. Both are home and doing great! Cecilia came home on Friday and Patrick came home Sunday. They both are gaining weight and eating like pigs! We arent getting much sleep but we are so in love. I have to head back to work next week to keep my insurance as i work in an office with 4 employees we do not have cobra. I have been off since january, it doesn't seem fair to go back with only having the babies home for a week. Part of me is mad but it was more important to keep them inside as long as possible on bed rest than to take a maternity leave. 

wifeinraleigh28

They are absolute dolls! How precious! I'm so happy for you guys that everyone is home now safe and sound. That really sucks about having to go back to work already, I'm so sorry. I know you don't have a choice though. Stay strong, mama!

kdanjou

I'm sorry you have to go back to work.  Your babies are beautiful!  So glad to hear they are home.

2legbaby

@kelrauh I am so glad Patrick and Cecilia are home, but my heart breaks for you having to go back to work already.... you did amazing keeping those sweet babies inside you for so long,  but it still seems so unfair. So wish the U.S. had maternity leave like the rest of the civilized world!  Hugs!

byrneme

Congratulations, @kelrauh , you have come SO FAR! I'm so happy for you and your family. And so mad at our stupid laws. I'll be thinking of you - I have no idea how hard this must be. 

ultratomato

@kelrauh what cuties glad their home. Mine didn't have to be in the nicu but i could not imagine how that was. Mine are just over 4 months. I work full time and they go to daycare for three days and two days my parents. Only advice I can give you take any help anyone is willing to give. It's hard with two and sometimes you need a break so take them too. It does get easier around 3.5 months. If you have questions please ask me I don't mind. It's always great to get support from other twin moms