Michelle Travers here. Thought I would write to tell you that today is a red-letter day: today, my twin babies, Benjamin Griffon and Lucas Daniel, finally come home from the hospital!!
My sons were born three months too early after I developed eclampsia. They were born weighing 1 pound, 10 ounces (Lucas) and 1 pound, 2 ounces (Benjamin). They were both extremely sick: doctors didn't think they'd survive; they had so many issues to be dealt with -- jaundice, breathing, regulation of temperature, "brain bleeds", etc. It was a scary and terrifying time!
Just when we thought the twins would be rallying, one (or both) would develop a life-threatening crisis; both nearly died dozens of times. I spent my days (and nights) at the hospital, terrified to leave their side.
My husband, Jack, would play "househusband" with our daughter, Jacie Lynee', while I spent time at the hospital, visiting and worrying about Benjamin and Lucas. Every day, Jack would call, inquiring of the latest news regarding the babies; and poor Jacie would ask, "Mommy -- when you coming home? When are the babies coming? I miss you!" It would just about tear my heart in two.
It was like this until the last month. Finally, Benjamin and Lucas were well enough to be taken off the ventilators and other lifesaving tubes that delivered medications and/or nutrients (liquid food or drink) to their tiny bodies; they were soon breathing room air (with assistance from supplimental oxygen)! They were finally staying a healthy pink color instead of greying up or turning an alarming shade of blue or purple! And they were soon learning how to drink or take baby food on their own without choking!
Perhaps, best of all, neither child showed any sign of having any brain damage! On the other hand, Lucas did show some signs of being deaf; but I could handle that over a child having brain damage: his possible deafness was something I could deal with. I could get the child hearing aids or learn sign language, so I could communicate with him.
Today, Dr. Prishnu announced that Lucas and Benjamin were both doing so well, they'd be released from the hospital! TODAY!!! So that means having to gather their stuff (not to mention, them!), load everything up into the van, and then make the fifteen-mile drive to our home, only to be greeted by an eager little three-year-old girl just dying to meet (and see) her little brothers for the first time, and one overanxious husband wanting to snuggle or hold his baby boys in his arms!
Dr. Prishnu is very pleased as to how far Benjamin and Lucas have progressed since their earlier-than-anticipated births: at first, they had, at best, a ten percent chance of surviving; if they did survive (which they did), there was a good chance of brain damage or lasting disability in one or both of the babies. Well, they survived, and one is left with only hearing issues, with no brain damage whatsoever! A miracle? Perhaps, but whatever happened, it sure worked in a big way!
I have to get ready to take the boys home; I am currently waiting for my mother to come help me get everything into the van and get me (and the twins) back home, where we belong. Home. Such a wonderful word! Home never sounded so good!!
I will write in here as things warrent. You haven't heard the last from me; there will be more stories regarding my twins, Benjamin and Lucas, down the road! Take care and I'll talk to you soon!
~With regards, Michelle Elizabeth Chantel Travers, Chula Vista, California. :)
*to be continued.*
