"Perfect"

That the word our pediatrician used to describe Maggie & William..."perfect." That's always nice for a parent to hear! They did great at the appointment today. Both have lost a little weight, as expected, but their doc was pleased with their weight/measurements. We go back in a week for a weight check.

Last night was pretty good. William was a little restless around 4am, but nothing that a cuddle with Mommy couldn't cure! Jackson was woken up by a big thunderstorm around 6am, thankfully the rest of us were awake already for a morning feeding.

Jackson is still very excited (but calm) every time he sees the babies. He loves to hold them and is learning to tell them apart. He also likes to sing lullabies to them...I asked him what song he wanted to sing tonight and he sang "I love you, love you, love you." These are the words to a song that my mom sang to me and that I've sung to him for the last 2 1/2 years. It's neat that he has picked up on the words and melody.

The house is quiet...I'm off to bed before the next feeding...

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Today is my dad's birthday...Happy Birthday, Dad!! Hope you have a wonderful day. We love you very much!!

The twins are ONE week old today!! This time last week I was being prepped for surgery. It's hard to believe that it's only been 7 days...it feels like Maggie and William have been part of our family forever! We're all healthy, happy and enjoying getting adjusted to our new life as a family of FIVE!

We're ALL Home!!

Brandon and I picked up our newest bundles of joy from the hospital yesterday afternoon! It was a very relaxed ride home...I remember bringing Jackson home from the hospital and being so nervous. It's nice to feel confident in our ability to take care of the babies instead of anxious like we were with Jackson.

We came home to a quiet house. Tonya, Trey and the kids have been here this weekend, but they were all out (with Jackson) getting lunch when we got home. It was nice to walk in and have a few minutes to get settled (somewhat!) before everyone got back. I was feeding Maggie when the crew walked in...Jackson was so excited to meet his little brother and sister for the first time! We are very proud of him...he went over to each baby and softly talked to them, gently touched them, etc. He excitedly showed them off to Dad and Janine when they walked in. It is very endearing to see him adjust so well to all that's happened in the last several months, and instead of being jealous of Maggie & William he was just thrilled to show them off. Jackson is a very special child and I am constantly proud of him and want to show him off just like he showed the twins off.

We had lots of other family visitors yesterday...Peppy drove up from Auburn to see the babies and drop off food. Brian, Jen and Morgan came over to get a chance to hold/see the babies again. Lastly, Mimi flew in from a Lifeway conference to spend the next week with us. I am really glad to have lots of help as we adjust. As I said, Mimi is here this week, Peppy will be here next week and we're very blessed to have family in town that will also help us as needed.

We had a GREAT first night!! The babies ate and slept all night on a 3-4 hour schedule. Other than some occasional baby noises, we didn't hear from them until mealtimes. Jackson came into our room at about 4:15 this morning...we went ahead and let him stay and sleep in our bed since the twins were also in our room. So, we had two babies in the pack n' play, one dog on the floor, two adults in the bed, plus one snuggly 2 1/2+ year old. Jackson woke up this morning as I was feeding the babies and couldn't wait to hold them again. Like I said, it was a great first night and I hope we have many others like it.

This is Jackson's last week at Marianne's (babysitter) house. She was a huge help to us while I was in the hospital and I know that we will sometimes miss Jackson going over there. She loves him so much and has been a constant during these last several months. Jackson starts his M/W/F morning preschool next week and will be home with me the other days. I'm excited to have more time with him now that we're finished with the hospital and a little anxious at juggling 3 children. I know all will be fine and that we'll just figure it out as we go.

Maggie and William have their first appointment tomorrow morning at the pediatrician. We love our pediatric group and are excited to take them to their first appointment!

Guess that's it for now...it's almost feeding time :)

Making Great Progress!!

The babies are doing very well! Last night they were down to just vitamins through their IV's...this morning their IV's were removed!! Because they are doing so well with the feedings, they are now on an ad lib schedule. This means that they will eat on demand instead of having to stay to a strict "every 3 hours" schedule. I got to dress them in regular clothes (the NICU has tons of clothes for the babies to wear) and they are not having to stay under the heat lamps anymore. All of this is really good progress! They have to prove now that they can regulate their body temperatures and could be home tomorrow or Sunday!

I am feeling pretty great also. I haven't taken anything besides Ibuprofen for pain since yesterday morning...the nurses are very surprised. I went down to the NICU for every feeding yesterday from 8am-8pm, at which point I was exhausted. I was able to pump throughout the night so the babies still got breastmilk. I am being discharged today. I don't have to leave until 11:59 pm, so I'll probably stay through their 8pm feeding then plan to be up hear early in the morning.

We have some cute pictures to share with you all but I can't find the camera cord to load them on the computer. Check back this afternoon for new pics. I'm going to catch a quick nap before heading back downstairs.

They've Stolen Our Hearts!

I wasn't sure how I would feel having two more babies. During the pregnancy I went through periods of excitement and sadness. The sadness was purely linked to Jackson no longer being an only child and having to get used to not just one new baby, but two at once. Well, I can say without a doubt that I love Maggie & William with all my heart! They have done so well since birth...I am very proud of them and feel so protective of them. They are the sweetest (biased opinion) and most quiet babies (fact!) in the NICU. It was hard for me to not get to see them right after they were born. I was taken from recovery to the NICU, but was only able to see them for a few minutes. That first night I had a hard time feeling like they were my babies...I just felt disconnected from them since I wasn't able to hold/take care of them.

The c-section went really well. I was so scared and nervous that I ended I crying through most of it. I'm sure the surgery team was glad to see me leave the OR! It was a bit surreal to have surgery while awake, but not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. It was really fast...seems like I was in and out of the OR in 30 minutes. I'm feeling really well so far. The first day was a little rough, but yesterday and today have been really good. I am religiously taking the pain meds so that I can stay in front of the pain instead of trying to catch up when I'm hurting. This is a much easier recovery (so far) than I had with Jackson...what a relief!

Many of you have asked about Maggie's hair...yes, she's a blond! What a shocker! I could never have imagined a blond child coming from Brandon and I. William looks just like Jackson did and Mimi says that Maggie looks like Brandon did as a baby. They are so very sweet and I love getting to see, hold and feed them. When we go to the NICU for a feeding we take their temps and change their diapers before starting the feeding. It's hard to believe that so much poop can come out of these little babies :) I took last night off from feeding to get a good nights sleep and was so excited to wake up this morning knowing that I would see them shortly. The NICU has been a really great experience for us so far. I know that it will be hard to leave them here at the hospital, but it is very comforting to know that they are in good hands. I am definitely looking forward to them being home with us and having our family finally complete. They nurse that I spoke with this morning doesn't think it will be long before they are able to be home. They have to be weaned off of one last IV (contains vitamins) and will need to be able to regulate their temps...once those goals are accomplished they'll be home with us. I'm hopeful that it will be sometime this weekend, but also realize that it could be sometime next week before they are home.

Jackson hasn't been able to see the babies yet. I can't wait to introduce them all and am anxious to see how Jackson will react. I think he will be very curious and excited. We've shown him a couple pictures and told him that they are no longer in Mommy's belly, but not getting to actually see them makes the situation a little hard for him to understand.

I love the fact that I am now the mother of three and wouldn't want it any other way. I know that we will have some rough moments over the next several months/years, but I really look forward to all of it! When I look at the babies in the nursery that don't have a sibling sharing their bed I feel a little sorry for them. Maggie and William snuggle and are such a comfort to each other. I am proud to have three gorgeous kids and know that Brandon and I are so blessed. Thank you all, again, for your prayers and well wishes. It's been a long, hard road and we couldn't have gotten through it as well without everyone's love and support.

PS...
I was feeding William the other night and singing lullaby's to him. I started singing Amazing Grace...after getting to the second verse I heard a man singing along with me. He continued to sing with me through a 3rd verse also. I didn't realize that others would be able to hear me singing to the babies and thought it was funny to sing a duet with the stranger sitting across the room.

We'll download and post more pictures this afternoon.

Wahoo! The babies are here!!!!

So, at 5:40pm and 5:41pm we had two babies born into the Norris/Lemmings family.

First to arrive was Mr. William Ross Norris - 5lbs. 12oz.
Second to visit was Ms. Margaret (Maggie) Grace Norris - 4lbs. 15oz.

Today is the Day

Due to William's positioning we are having a c-section between 4 and 4:30 this afternoon. Please pray!

OUCH!

No, the pain I feel is not contractions. I feel like my hips are being pulled apart and my belly is so heavy! I walked for a little over an hour and came back to my room to take a short rest before starting again. Here is my belly shot at 35 weeks...

We're off to walk some more!

1st Update

Before I start my walking, the doc came in to check me and said that I am a good 3-4 cm dilated. She hadn't checked me yet this pregnancy so the difference in 3 cm vs 3-4 cm could just be two doctors interpretations. The babies looked good in the ultrasound. William is measuring between 5 lbs 12 oz and 6 lbs 9 oz...she measured him twice and came up with those drastically different weights. Maggie is measuring 5 lbs 9 oz. The measurements could be off by up to a pound. Also, the US tech said that William is transverse presenting, which means his head is at my cervix but his body is sideways. Maggie started off head down during the US and flipped to breech in the middle of it. I'm off to start walking.

Let the Laps Begin!

In anticipation of an exciting day today, I had a hard time falling asleep/staying asleep last night! I am up and showered with makeup on(!) eating my breakfast right now. This is the last real meal that I'll be allowed to eat today in case wandering the halls DOES put me into labor. I'm sure I'll be starving before too long :)

I am waiting for the ultrasound tech to get here so we can get the show on the road! As long as William is still head down we'll get to move forward with walking. If he's changed positions back to transverse, then I'm not exactly sure what is going to happen. So, please keep your fingers crossed, but more importantly, please keep lifting us up in prayer. Brandon had to go to a meeting this morning so he won't get here until about 10:30. Just as a recap...if I don't go into labor I'll be discharged today or tomorrow. If I DO go into labor OR if there are any "changes", we'll have our babies! I have no clue which way things will go, but will update later today with any news.

Please also pray that I'll have strength to walk around...I've been down for so long that I'm not sure how much I'll be able to do.

WAHOO!!!!!

I just got very exciting news from one of my doctors! We have a new game-plan!

Both babies continue to do really well and during an ultrasound this morning (both scored 8/8) we found out that both are in the head down position. Here's the new plan...
On Monday I will do my usual morning routine of breakfast then an ultrasound. We will check the babies growth again, but the doctors are not concerned about their sizes. After the ultrasound I will spend the rest of the day walking around the hospital. If I go into labor from the walking then the c-section will be performed that day and we'll have babies! If I don't go into labor, the doctor will check my cervix on Tuesday morning...if there has been any change they'll deliver the babies. If there has not been any change, I will be discharged to my home, sweet home. I asked whether they are concerned about William changing positions and they said that he's more likely to change while I'm on bedrest...if I'm up and about then gravity will help him stay in the head down position. I'm not sure yet whether I'll be sent home on any restrictions, but know that since I've been in bed so long I won't have a ton of energy. Part of me would love to be sent home so I can spend time with Jackson and Brandon before the babies get here (plus it would give them more time to put on weight). On the other hand, I can't wait to meet Maggie & William. I know that God has already determined their birthday...it's comforting to trust in that fact!

Brandon will take Monday and Tuesday off just in case we end up delivering. Exciting stuff is right around the corner! Thank you all for your prayers...please keep them coming! I'm still very nervous about the c-section, but trust that God will keep me and the babies safe (and Brandon from passing out! j/k).

Thank you all for the kind words of support and encouragement...yesterday was a very bad day for me, but I'm happy to say that I moved on and am back to feeling semi-upbeat about the situation. I am very blessed to have so many family and friends that love me, Brandon and Jackson...thank you so much!

One of the worst parts about yesterday was not understanding why I needed to stay for another two weeks when the risk factors had resolved. It just didn't make sense to me. I asked my doctor about it this morning. He seemed surprised and said that the risk factors aren't "gone". Yes, Maggie has gained weight and that did resolve one of the problems. With William changing to a head down position, he not only got himself into the position that the docs were wanting, but he also proved that he can still flip around at will. So, I'm being kept in the hospital due to being dilated 3cm and because of William flipping around so easily. They want to monitor his cycle of flipping over the next two weeks to determine whether I can come home before they are born. If I were to go home and William turned transverse we would have a potentially fatal situation on our hands if my water were to break and his cord slipped down. I don't think I'd ever be able to forgive myself if that were to happen especially knowing that staying in the hospital lowers that risk significantly (because they could get me into the OR fast enough and perform an emergency c-section to get William out). At 36 weeks, if he stays head down I will be released because he will be big enough that more flipping will probably not happen.

I asked if they could just deliver the babies on August 27th (also, my Dad and Granddaddy's birthday) when I turn 36 weeks instead of sending me home. The doctors had talked about it, but really want to give the babies the best chance of not going to the NICU, so the earliest they will schedule my c-section is 37 weeks (Sept. 3rd). So potentially, I'll spend the next two weeks here, one week at home (Mimi might come stay that week so I'm not alone...and Jackson could be home, too!) then go in for my scheduled c-section on September 3rd (sorry Dad, they may not make it to the first AU game!). This all could change anytime if I were to go into labor on my own.

I'm more settled about the plan, though I still 150% hate being away from Jackson and Brandon. I know that they are doing okay and are being taken care of, but my goodness I wish I were there!!! This week I've been able to ride in a wheelchair 30 minutes a day. I can't leave the floor that I'm on, so the highlight has been going to the nursery and seeing all the babies. They are so cute! I can't wait to have my two babies here!

Countdown, What Countdown??

The countdown has officially stopped. My doc came in this morning and told me that since William has flipped to heads down and Maggie has gained weight, the major issues they were concerned about have been resolved. Here's the kicker...there isn't a reason to speed delivery up at this point so they want to keep me in the hospital until 36 weeks (August 27), then send me home and let me go into labor on my own. I didn't even try to hide my tears from the doctor. Having to spend another two weeks in the hospital sounds like pure torture, especially given the fact that I was told we'd have the babies this week or next. I am very upset. I want the twins to be healthy, but at the same time the thought of staying in the hospital another two weeks is almost more than I can handle. It means that I won't be able to go to Jackson's parent/teacher meeting and I won't be able to take him to school on his first day. I am so sad and frustrated. For my sanity, please do not tell me that two more weeks is not that long or I'm being negative, yada, yada, yada...this is not easy by any stretch of the imagination.

34 Weeks!!

This is probably the biggest milestone of them all. There is research that shows babies born at 34-37 weeks, without other health problems, are just as likely to lead a normal life as those that are born full term. It is a relief to know that Maggie and William have the odds stacked in their favor!

We had another BioPhysical Profile and growth ultrasound this morning. Miss Maggie gained 13 oz in the last week! She is estimated to weigh 4 lbs 15 oz, so almost 5 lbs!! I'm very excited about her weight gain and am glad that she hit a growth spurt. William gained 4 oz for a total of 5 lbs 6 oz...he's holding strong! The discordance in their weights made a drastic change for the better in the last week. I'm anxious to see how much they actually weight when they are born. I'm now carrying over 10 lbs of baby...Jackson was 7.2, so that's 3 extra lbs of baby than I carried with him.

William has changed to a vertex (head down) position and Maggie is transverse. Because William is now head down there is no need to deliver them asap. The positive side of that is that they will have some more time to gain weight before being born, the negative side (for me) is that it means that I'll be in the hospital for the foreseeable future. The doctors will not discharge me since William can flip transverse again anytime...if he did and my water were to break at home we'd be facing an emergency situation. I am content sitting here for a little while longer so the can get stronger/fatter...my discontent comes from wanting so badly to be at home with Brandon and Jackson.

Jackson had a GREAT weekend in AU with Peppy and Kim. He ran and jumped in my bed last night and gave me the biggest bear hug, saying "mommy" in his special way that translates to "I love you, You are so important to me." He told me that he missed me, then we went through the list of everything he did at Peppy's house. I've seen some pictures from the weekend and can't wait to see more.

Brandon spent Friday night at the hospital with me. He's so exhausted that he fell asleep at 9:00, but it was comforting to look across the room and see him lying there. He is a source of strength and encouragement to me, I am so blessed.

On Saturday we went for a tour of the NICU (which means I got to leave my room in a wheelchair!). Brandon took the long route so I could be out of my room as long as possible. I have mixed emotions about the NICU. All babies that are born before 35 weeks are required to go to the NICU even if it's just to be monitored for a short while. After 35 weeks the babies will be evaluated in the delivery room, but will only go to the NICU if needed. Our hospital has a top-rated NICU and I feel very comfortable with the care that Maggie and William will get if they have to spend time there. They have beds big enough for the babies to share (unless one is too sick). It makes me feel good to know that as long as they are doing well they will be able to be physically close to each other. I am hoping/praying, of course, that they will both do so well that they won't need any NICU time.

I am starting to have more "irritability" in my uterus...it is like having mini-contractions. They were uncomfortable enough on Saturday night that the nurse put me on the monitors and saw that I was also having some real contractions. The doctor had the nurse give me a shot of terbutaline to stop the contractions which worked for about an hour. By 3am they had slowed down enough for me to be taken off the monitors and I was able go to sleep. My uterus continues to show some irritability and I have several contractions a day, but nothing that would bring on labor. So, it looks like I'll be pregnant until next week if William stays head down or until my body decides 10+ lbs of baby is it's limit! We shall see!

The Countdown Has Begun!

Well, I've now been in the hospital for 12 days...seems unreal. Last night I saw my doctor and he let me know that the doctors had discussed my case and plan to take the babies next week. I'll be 34 weeks. The reason for going ahead and delivering is that William has changed positions from vertex (head down) to transverse (laying across my belly). This puts him at risk because there is a chance of a cord prolapse if my water breaks. So, the plan is to have the c-section at the beginning to middle of next week. I should know the actual date on Monday. If William has flipped back to a head down position, then delivery may be put off for a little while longer. Please start saying prayers for me that the c-section and recovery goes well...I am very nervous about the c-section. Please pray for the babies that they would continue to put on weight before they make their debut. My OB estimates that they will spend 0-7 days in the NICU, but you never really know until the baby is born.

Peppy drove up yesterday to pick up Jackson for a long weekend in Auburn. He's having a great time! They went to Target yesterday and Jackson picked out a backpack with a soccer ball on the front...it has a sleeping bag attached along with a water bottle, flashlight and whistle...I know he was thrilled about the treat! They also picked a backpack out for Morgan...she'll be there Saturday/Sunday. I know the cousins will get a kick out of wearing their backpacks together. Jackson even slept in the sleeping bag last night, which is a first for him! This morning Jackson and Peppy went to the AU Fire Station and they let Jackson climb into all 4 firetrucks and wear a helmet. Jackson was a little shocked when they got an emergency call...he was able to watch the firemen get ready, run to the trucks and speed out of there with sirens and lights on. I know that was so cool to him! Mom also took him to the AU football museum. She said that Jackson jumped up and down, so excited about "a game, a game!!" Brandon will definitely have to take Jackson to a game this season. The rest of the plan today was to eat lunch, nap, then go to the AU golf course with Kim to play golf! When Mom called today I heard Jackson say, "I'm having fun!" It's so nice to know that he enjoys all his grandparents so much...we're so blessed to have good ones!

Brandon is spending the night at the hospital tonight...I'm glad to have the company! We're taking a tour of the NICU tomorrow which I'm looking forward to. Thanks again for all the prayers, calls and emails. We'll keep you updated!

33 Weeks!

It's been a busy day so far...
I've had a BPP (Biophysical Profile) along with a growth ultrasound, the babies have been monitored, the doctor came to see me and I had a consultation with the lactation consultant. All of this has made the morning go by quickly, which is SOOO nice! I'll probably take a nap this afternoon and call it a productive day :)

I'll start with the babies...they are both looking great and showed good growth over the last 2 weeks. William's weight is estimated at 5 lbs 2 oz (gain of 1 lb) and Maggie is estimated at 4 lbs 2 oz (gain of just under a lb), so they are exactly a pound apart. William is measuring just over 36 weeks and Maggie is measuring just under 33 weeks. Seems to me that I'm going to have a big boy and a petite girl! The discordance in their sizes has increased a little, but no one seems too concerned. William decided that being head-down wasn't fun anymore and has moved into a transverse position (laying across my belly). Because of him being transverse and Maggie being breech I have to have a mandatory c-section. A c-section was the plan all along, but it makes me feel better that I don't have to make the "choice"...God made it for us! Both babies got an 8/8 on their BPP.

I'm am hanging in there and definitely have good/bad days. I am missing Brandon and Jackson so much and would do just about anything to be home with them (anyone want to kidnap me??). I have lost weight since being in the hospital...I have no idea how that could happen since all I do is eat and lie in bed. As long as the babies are gaining, that's the most important thing! And, it just means that there will be a little less weight for me to lose after the babies. I asked the doctor this morning if I could have wheelchair privileges and was turned down. He mentioned that because of the way William is lying I could be more than 3 cm dilated so I guess he wants pressure to stay off of my cervix. What a bummer though! My nurse was who suggested I ask for the wheelchair since things have been going so well.

I had a consultation with a NICU doctor yesterday. He was pretty optimistic about how they'd do even if they were born right now. He said that if they are born at 33 weeks, they will probably be in the NICU 2-3 weeks and their biggest issues would probably be feeding and regulating their body temps. He was glad to hear that I've had 2 rounds of steroids for their lungs and didn't seem to think that would be much of an issue. He also said that the vast majority of babies born at 33 weeks went on to have totally normal, healthy lives. It's comforting for me to know that they have a good shot at being very healthy and their likelihood of facing developmental delays (due to being preemie) is not much more than full-term babies. I'm still planning to cook these babies as long as possible, but it's nice to hear such positive stuff from the Neonatologist. A nurse told me last night that I'm to the point where the babies will be fine, but now they are focused on keeping them inside long enough so they can come home with me instead of staying in the NICU. As much as I am tired of being pregnant (and adamantly do NOT want to do this again), I want Maggie and William to have the best shot at a healthy life...which means sticking this pregnancy out as long as possible. Please say a prayer for me that the time will pass quickly...I know that their birthday is already chosen by God and I just have to be patient. Besides, it's can't be more than 3-4 weeks, right :)

I'll post more later...

An Aunt for the 4th Time!

I've been waiting to share our exciting family news...Brian and Jen are expecting Baby #2 in March 2008! We're very excited to be welcoming another precious child into the family!

Congratulations, Brian, Jen and Morgan!!

Norris Family Celebration

The "surprise" party has been moved to the Azalea Room at Gwinnett Medical Center tomorrow (Sat.) at noon. Please see the link below and call Brian/Jen with questions...
http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?event=EVKYRSAOPVKZCGICDEFV&li=iq&src=email

For directions:
http://www.gwinnetthealth.org/subpages/Gwinnett_Medical_Center.asp

I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone!

Here for the Duration...

My doctor came in last night at 11:30 to tell me that he and the Maternal Fetal Specialist had spoken at length and all the docs feel that I need to stay in the hospital until I reach 34 weeks (August 13th). Their reason is because of my being very dilated/effaced for a 32 week pregnancy - they are concerned that if I'm sent home and go into labor something could happen to the babies. That sounds like a good enough reason to me to stay put for the next couple weeks...though I am disappointed to not go home. I'm definitely not able to sleep well in the hospital due to being uncomfortable and the seemingly constant traffic through my room...why do the nurses have to bother you at night?!?! Makes no sense to me :)

Other than a few minor contractions last night, things were uneventful (unless you want to count the umpteen trips to the bathroom). Seems like all I have to do it look at a glass of water and I have to go!! Nene brought Jackson up to see me last night. He came into my room saying "game, game"...he remembered that last time I was here the "game" was to push the buttons on my hospital bed to make it go up/down. Unfortunately, he also called the nurse station a couple times but they were very understanding, thank goodness. One of the nice things about this unit is that the staff is used to long-term patients and are set up to accommodate children visiting. Jackson went to the nursery several times to look at the babies...he told me they were big so I'll be interested to hear what he thinks when he sees Maggie and William for the first time :)

Thank you all again for the emails and calls...they really help the time go by more quickly. In a few days I may not think that any of the time is going by very quick :) Thanks for the prayers and please keep them coming!