Introducing Ellie and Tyson!!!

On Saturday, April 19, 2008 we welcomed our twins, Ellie and Tyson.

Ellie Gene Peterson

3 lbs 12 1/2 oz

16 in

9:21 am

Tyson Benjamin Peterson

3 lbs 14 1/2 oz

17 1/2 in

9:22 am

After being admitted into the hospital on Tuesday (the 15th) for incisional pain, and several Ultrasounds, MRI's and other tests, I was told that I would be staying in the hospital until the babies were delivered. It was very high risk that we could have ruptured the incision or worse. I needed to watch my pain level and a whole other lists of problems. Saturday morning (32 weeks 2 days) I woke to severe pain and spotting, upon contacting Dr. Young it was decided to do a C-section within the hour. I only had time to call Ben at home with the girls and then my sister to watch the girls while I had the surgery. Ben made it to the hospital in time to dress in scrubs and join me in the OR. About 30 minutes later Ellie was delivered with a loud and robust cry. One minute after Tyson followed and quickly proved he could cry louder. They didn't stop crying until they were moved to NICU. Hearing them cry made it very real how small and early they were. It didn't hit me until that point that I had been holding my breath to see if they could even breathe on their own when they were born.

Later that day they were moved from CPAP (oxygen forced down through their noses) to being put on a respirator. The respirator was removed the following morning (Sunday) and they have been off all oxygen assistance since then. Ellie and Tyson were moved into Isolettes on Monday and will stay there until they learn to maintain their body temperature (Tyson is almost there) and they have umbilical IV's. These should be removed around Sunday or Monday. At that point they will probably be able to be put in a crib together and then we can hold them anytime.

Ben and I got to hold the babies for the first time on Monday. We can only hold them 1-2 times a day, at feeding time and only for about 30 minutes. Until they get the umbilical lines out. They have been eating breastmilk from a tube down their noses and have only had 2 1/2 to 3 CC's at each feeding until today. It is increased each day from here on. They have been on the Bilirubin Lights since yesterday and are improving.

I did get to hold Tyson this morning and Ben held Ellie (we try to rotate each time). I had the hardest time leaving them there at the hospital, but I know this is where they need to be and this is the best place for them at this time. I also wanted to say that I have no doubt of the power of the Lord and the power of blessings and the power of Faith. I do not think they would be where they were right now if it was for Him. That is what is holding me together right now.

I am doing just fine. I am a little sore and trying to get around (who knew stairs could hurt this bad). I just wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers at this time. I will try to update this page every couple of days to keep everyone up to date. But Thank You Everyone!! We feel your love and thoughts at this time.