I got to Mt. Sinai Hospital and was "prepared" for the delivery of my sick babies. IV's, monitors, you name it!
A massive allergic reaction to the "induction cream" sent me into hyper contracting, and the worst pain I have ever felt in my life. Jacob's heart stopped beating. The staff did not have a protocol for removing the cream, since allergic reactions are so rare. They ended up using what looked like a giant turkey baster filled with the solution from my IV bag to "squirt" the cream out. Jacob's heart started beating again. Phew!
4 hours later I was ready to give birth, but none of the hospital staff were ready for me, or the boys. I had pregressed through labor so quickly! They hadn't anticipated that. So at 9 cm - I was ready for Jacob. The Dr's were telling me NOT to push. Yah right! They wanted me to have an epidural.....I did NOT want an epi. But, they pretty much forced me to , saying that if there was an emergency and they couldnt' get Cameron out quick enough, they'd have to do a C section and I needed to be ready. So, between me pushing and crying and back labor and counting backwards to distract me from the pain (thanks Mom!) the anesthetiologist's failed 2nd attempt to get the needle in my back made me want to punch him in the throat.
Jacob's head was out.
The staff wheeled me on my bed, rushing down the hallway as if there was a fire on their tails...all the while Jacob is half out of me with noone there to catch him. The moment we made it into the operating room Jacob was laying on the bed. They took him away, hooked him up to monitors, IV's, heart monitors.....
He was 4 pounds 2 ounces
I was quickly rolled onto my side, and the epidural was put in. Did you know that once an epidural has been started, it takes 15 minutes for the effects? Well, it's true! (it was true in my case anyways!)
Now, Cameron's turn. I don't wanna get tooooooooooo graffic here, but in all honesty, it was a graffic scene! haha. 2 Dr's (well, one was an intern) took turns going up to their elbows in me to get Cameron out. He was tucked under my ribs and wouldn't descend. "I can only feel one foot" one of them said.
I wanted to die. Jacob was fighting for life needing heart surgery and Cameron was going to die with only one foot. I know it sounds funny, but that was what was going through my head. So, the Dr's continued taking turns going up to find Cameron's other foot, so they could grab both and pull him out feet first. It felt like cats were in my guts trying to claw their way out. The pain was disgusting.
Finally, they found Cameron's other foot and pulled him out. 14 minutes after Jacob.
The epidural kicked in.
Cameron was still wrapped in his amnio bag. Appparently that is good luck. He lay on his back in the Dr's palm - head, arms and legs daggling like a lifeless puppet. I reached down to touch him only to get a scolding. "DONT' TOUCH HIM!" I was screamed at by the hospital staff.
Then, we all held our breaths. Seemed like forever.
And waited.
Finally, Cameron took in a little breath and let out a little squeak. !!!!!! Then, he cried! hoorraaay!!!!
They whisked him away and ventilated him, anticipating that he would not be able to breath on his own. They got the tube down his nose and into his lungs but never ended up hooking him up to the ventilator. He was a fighter, and breathed on his own.
Jacob was taken to Sick Kids hospital where he had heart surgery at 3 pounds light, and 3 days old. Cameron remained at Mt. Sinai to gain weight and prove that he is gonna live.
Jacob came home at 4 pounds, and 3 weeks old. It was tough when they disconnected him from his heart monitors. I had relied on them for 3 weeks for assurance that his heart was ok.
Cameron came home earlier than expected. He was 4 weeks old, and 4 pounds. He was so little, he fit in the hood of his preemie snowsuit.
Time went on, both babies saw different specialists, to make sure they were both growing properly and that Jacob's heart was ok. At 4 months old, Jacob needed another heart surgery. It was successful.
My boys were truly fantastic babies. Slept through the night since they were home from the hospital, hardly ever cried. They were awesome! I loved being the mother of twins! What a blessing!
Now, how they've managed to stay alive for the past 14 years is the true miracle!!!
Cameron hid in the fridge once, in a game of hide and seek. They both took turns riding the garage door (it was an automatic door). Cameron electricuted himself by sticking screwdrivers in electrical outlets. Jacob tried to catch a fly and caught the edge of a chair instead.....needing stitches in his forehead. Then, a while later fell of Erica's bed and landed a few more stitches in the back of his head. At 7 years old and while riding his bike (standing on the crossbars AFTER I told him not to) Cameron wiped out and the handle bar break handle impailed his stomach 4 inches deep. Stitches again.
I can't even remember all the "fails" they've had, which is why I'm shocked they are still alive today! LOL
I love my boys. I love them more than they know. And even though they decided to live with their dad all those years ago, not a single day goes by where I don't think of them. They are still my babies - even at 14 years old!
Jacob is such a fantastic artist. He has natural talent and a great imagination. He has a soft heart and needs a lot of love. He is a great helper (as long as you give him a "point" or two!! LOL) He is awesome to talk to, and a good listener.
Cameron is very sensitive...in a good way. He will pick up on someone else feeling sad, and he will be there for them. He is an instigator. Likes to pick fights...in a joking way. Loves to pester and joke around. He is a mini Jim Carrey....super hilarious! He makes me laugh so hard that I cry!
Happy Birthday boys!!! I love you! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Aww Jenn.... I can't imagine how tough that day was for you. Happy Birth Day to you too...YOU deserve a big cake that will put you into a diabetic coma. xoxo
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