My sister Olivia, on the other hand, had been having contractions since around 3am and wasn't even sure what kind of pain she was experiencing. Because I know that the past few days have been a blur to her and the next few months will continue to be, I'm documenting the start of her story.
Olivia was one day shy of being 26 weeks pregnant with twin boys. She was experiencing pain that would make her double over about every 10 minutes. Being the researcher that she is, she googled the difference between "Braxton Hicks" and real labor. Even though she quickly realized she was experiencing true contractions, she didn't think she was in labor in the sense that she'd deliver that day. She got ready and went to school to set up substitute plans since she knew she needed to go to the doctor while her husband TJ went to his 6am Bible study. He had no clue what they were in for as well. Upon making copies, she saw a co-worker who had a daughter that experienced pre-term labor. She said that the doctors gave her a shot, stopped her contractions, and all was well. Olivia assumed the same could be done for her. After Bible study, TJ called the doctor and he advised them to go to the hospital. Olivia stopped for gas, got a Gatorade, and proceeded on while TJ met her there. So far, despite the pain, things were relatively calm. Then the bottom dropped out.
She checked in and the doctor on call examined her. She was already 3 1/2 cm dilated. They gave her magnesium sulfate to stop her contractions but they only slowed them down. Once he realized the severity of the situation, the doctor on call said, "you'll deliver within a day or two." *Note* This is NOT an example of one who has good bedside manner. Olivia, obviously was thrown into an emotional tumbler and TJ was probably just as scared as she was. Their regular obstetrician met them within a few minutes to explain what was going on, in a nicer way, and prepare them for what was to come in the next few hours. Since he's also a close friend and Young Life member, he prayed with them before the ambulance took them to a larger hospital that has a NICU, just in case she had to deliver that day.
Thankfully, they let TJ ride in the ambulance with her. It was probably the longest 30-45 minute ride of both their lives. She continued to experience contractions along the way and by the time they arrived at the hospital, she had dilated another centimeter. Within a few hours, the doctors had decided that the best thing for all involved was a c-section. I remember getting the text from TJ, telling me what was going on and my heart absolutely sank. "No Lord, it's too soon!" I remember praying. But HIS timing is perfect, and HE had other plans that day.
According to TJ and Olivia, there were probably 30 different people in the operating room when things began. One group of people was a team for Baby A, the same for Baby B, then there were regular doctors to care for Olivia. Within a matter of minutes, both babies were out, Olivia was able to give them a quick kiss, and they were whisked away to begin the long process to help nurse them to good health. Baby B had to have a few chest compressions and had a little harder time getting going, but it didn't take long.
While all this was going on, Mark, Marcus, and I were driving there. I was 35 1/2 weeks pregnant myself but all I could think about was my sister and two nephews. When we finally got there, she was out of recovery, resting in a room, and the rest of our family was in the waiting room. A LOT went on after that and will continue to go on, but that is the story of how the Beroth Boys entered this world.
Today, Thursday, May 16th, they are considered to be, "stable." They each weighed 1 pound and 12 ounces and were around 13 inches long. The exact measurement weren't at the forefront of everyone's mind, so I don't know for sure. Since TJ and Olivia weren't expecting the babies this soon, they don't yet have names picked out, but will be "required" to have them picked out by tomorrow, when Olivia will be discharged.
Both babies are in the NICU, on ventilators, and have feeding tubes. They have an extremely long road ahead of them but the great thing is this: We know the Creator of the universe, the Creator of these boys, and we know HE is in control of it all. I was amazed at how calm both TJ and Olivia were each time I saw them, and they said it over and over, "it is just the presence of Jesus." Jesus. What a precious name to cling to. He has given them the peace that truly does pass all understanding. They should be flipping out worried right now, but instead they, and we cling to the HOPE found in HIM that THROUGH HIM, all things are possible.
Please join me in praying for TJ, Olivia, Baby A, and Baby B. Despite them having names yet, the Lord knows these boys and how their little lives will turn out. Pray for the development of their brains and no bleeding inside their heads, for their eyes to open in a few weeks and for them to have great vision, and for their bowels to form and develop the way they should've if they were still in Olivia's womb. Please also pray for TJ and Olivia as they begin the emotional and physical journey of commuting back and forth to the hospital to see and care for the babies and for the providence of how to take care of everything on a fiscal level. There are many decisions they'll need to make over the next few months, so pray that God will give them great wisdom and discernment in all they do.
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| Baby B - Day 1 |
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| Baby A - Day 1 |
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| Baby B - Day 2 |
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| Baby A - Day 2 |
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| TJ (aka-Daddy), Baby A, and Uncle Mark |
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