Friends and Family:
We wanted to let you know that our 29 week appointment went very well! The boys got measured today and we were pleasantly surprised to find that all four of our babies have cleared two pounds. We are so excited about this. The only issue that presented itself that we would ask that you bath in prayer has to do with our two identical boys, C and D. (Yes, they do have names, be we aren't telling....) Dr. Sumners assures us that it is not a problem to be alarmed about, but it is one that he wants to keep an eye on.
Babies C and D are smaller in general, but this is to be expected because they share a placenta which often does not allow quite as much nutrient to reach them. What is not expected is the fact that their abdominal measurement was a little smaller than expected for their size. Dr. Sumners says that when their tummy's measurement is small, it can sometimes be an indicator that their growth is beginning to be restricted.
So What Now?
First, Dr. Sumners ordered that Jen get a round of steroids to bolster the boys lung development. This will prepare them for arrival in case the problem persists and Dr. Sumners decides to schedule a c-section next week. Next, he ordered a test known as a biophysical profile. This test is done with an ultrasound machine and simply watches for things such as movement, amniotic fluid levels, and breathing movements. The best possible score for this test is an 8, and each of our four boys scored 8 out of 8! Praise God, what a relief! This gave us the confidence that we should easily be able to wait the recommended 48 hours after steroids so that their lungs get that extra boost. Monday we should have another biophysical profile to help Dr. Sumners determine their continued well being.
Size?
Baby A: 2lbs. - 6oz. (Small forward)
Baby B: 3lbs. - 4oz. (Power forward)
Baby C: 2lbs. - 2oz. (Guard)
Baby D: 2lbs. - 2oz. (Point Guard)
(I think we need to adopt a fifth child whose parents were very tall. Neither Jen, nor I are probably going to produce a Center.)
Please continue to pray for the health and lives of our little baby boys. Also, pray that God would give our doctors wisdom as they seek to do the right thing for our babies. We are still praying for 32 weeks in spite of this new development. But, if the boys are born in the next week or two, please pray that they would thrive after birth.
We are almost their friends, thank you so much for all the encouaragement and support through this blog, phone calls, and cards. We will never be able to repay you for the kindness you have displayed. We still plan to post a list of anticipated needs soon so that you can begin telling us what you might be willing to do. Please never feel obligated as we realize everyone has their own responsiblities, but we will post the needs in case any of you would like to help us further when the babies finally get to come home to us.
We had one anonomous post this week asking us to give them a list of things we need. Whoever you are, could you please specify which kind of needs you were inquiring about? We would be happy to tell you, but were not sure what kind of needs you were referring to. (current hospital needs, material needs, helping hands, baby stuff??)
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10 comments:
If you need to borrow a Center, my little Jackson will do the job for you as his Daddy and my Dad are both 6'6", so I'm sure he and your 4 boys would make a great team. :)
Glad everything is still doing so well. Thanks for updating us!!
~Jennifer
I am praying for you precious boys and your Mommy and Daddy. Our McKenzie Team will look forward to meeting you'll one day :) Trusting in God's faithfulnees and prefect timing.
God's love,
Jonell
Brad,
Thank you so much for your detailed updates. I am the prayer captain for our SS class and I update your prayer requests every week. I'll keep praying, along with our class.
Brittany
Hey Brad and Jen and baby and baby and baby and baby :)
Wow congratulations to all of you for doing a great job at 29 weeks!!!! God is hearing and answering everyone of our prayers. I cringed at the word biophysical. Too many memories of those and one final one landed me in the hospital for one week of monitoring and I remember how crazy I felt just being there for that short time so we are really praying for you to endure and please tell people what you need to stay sane. Like a laptop and some dvd's or a little scrap book party or pamper Jen party. I wish I could be there. And take lots of pictures of that belly. We have one with all the monitors etc. and it looks chaotic for just 3 of us so I can not imagine what you will look like when monitoring 5 of you. We love you so much and in case you did not hear we got the package from your group. i smell so great. So thank you again. And I am glad some of the clothes worked out for you. More of the stuff will work after you deliver unfortunately and fortunately. Unfortunate that you will still have some tummy and fortunate you will have a whole new ward robe to wear!!! We love you guys and are praying every night for "lots of babies"- quote from Hadassah and Annah
julie
Hello friends. I am so thrilled to read your post from yesterday! I was amazed at the 3 pounder! Wow! I would love to be of assistance to you and your family in any way. Please let me know how I can help you either now in the hospital or once you return home. I live a few blocks over so I can be there in a flash! I have a 10 month old, so I know from recent experience how much work one baby can be! I'd be able to come over for feedings after work or bring you anything from your house that you may need (if that's an option). I do not know what your needs are at this time, so you just let me know! I'm here if I'm needed! I've had lots of experience in feeding, diapering, and re-diapering (with no sleep). I'd love to help you out! :) Your faith is a continued inspiration and blessing to me and my family! You are on our prayer list at Calvary Baptist Church in Plainfield.
Mandy Hines
raehof@yahoo.com
Praying daily for those sweet boys of yours (and for you!).
brad and jen ---Thanks for the update. Glad every thing is still going good. God surely has the uper hand in all this. I do pray and think about you both every day.
Love you Aunt Peggy
Brad and Jen,
Thank you for the up-dates. We are so VERY happy for all of you, it seems that we are down to day to day progress now,and that is good. God has blessed you richly and we continue to Pray for all of you.
God Bless and Keep You
Mariann Martin
I continue to pray for you. I think about you guys everyday, and please count me in to help with whatever. i live right by the hospital (86th and michigan) and come by with needs or wants whenever. send me a message on myspace and i'll be there!
Lindsay Coffing
So glad to hear everything continues to go well! God Bless you all! I'm willing to help with anything you need including organizing help! Just let me know! You continue to be in my prayers! Praise God for what He is doing through you! What a wonderful witness you are to so many!
Cindy Hamilton
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