NICU and You - Update #4

After a slightly avoided/delayed appointment with the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) we managed to get our schedules to align. More mine than Jo's ;-) What an absolutely amazing place. We got to do the whole scrub up to your elbows like they do on tv thing before we went in, thats pretty much where the goofy grin that I normally carry around left my face. The scene was out of a Sci-Fi movie, more machines hooked up to lines and ultimately little ones that a person could take in at first glance. Quickly my shock transformed to awe. These machines and uber attentive nurses/doctors were on full alert keeping these vulnerable brand new beings alive and growing. As I wheeled Jo around almost bumping into computers and various other equipment because my full attention was not on driving; Jo would say that not much is different than when I am behind the wheel of the car. Our nurse/guide was very positive yet realistic. It was neat to see the quiet confidence that the staff walked around with, knowing that they are very good at what they do and they work at a top notch facility. I guess this is as good a place as any to mention how my attitude has shifted a little and my appreciation for socialized medicine was really galvanized. I don't mind in the slightest paying a little more tax to support the miracles that are going on at that place. Unfortunately taxes don't cover everything, so what better charity to give to? I have heard some really great stories this week of parents who have asked kids and families coming to birthday parties and in lieu of gifts everyone has donated to the Children's hospital. The child whose birthday it happens to be is given one slightly more significant gift rather than a ton of $10-$30 gifts.

As the days roll on, we have our ups and downs. This is to be expected, you just hope and pray that when you are in a valley you have the strength to keep looking up at the peak in order to stride on. Obviously me working both on the house and at the gym my mind can often stay distracted from the situation. What I pray for most is Joanna and her ability to know that the cause is worthy and for a peace that supersedes all doubt. Driving back and forth is the easy part, my respect for her fortitude in laying there is reaching epic proportions. That may sound like a bit of hyperbole, but in all honesty its probably even an understatement!

Please pray for Joanna's continued abilty to fight infection, today she has had to go back on a one week cycle of antibiotics, as a small infection has revealed itself on some tests. They aren't great for her digestive system and produce other less than desirable reactions thoughout, although if effective the ultimate goal of keeping babies inside longer term can be achieved.

I feel as if I am on the Grouse Grind for the very first time and having no idea what to expect, my place now would not quite be at the 1/4 mark and definitely suckin' wind, wondering why I am here. Obviously the metaphor breaks down a bit here but the point is the goal is worthy; seeing that view, breathing that air, holding those girls and walking through my front door.

Ryan

Base of support - Update #3

I really feel like a pyramid these days. The cheerleading kind more
specifically. Joanna and I being held up by a fantastic group of
family and friends. We have no weak links. Tons of people filling
places, devoting time, cooking meals, lending things, supporting in
any way they know how; and most importantly prayer. At times like
these it's difficult to appreciate everyone. I want to, don't get me
wrong; although it's somewhat overwhelming at times. So thank you all
and please continue because it's working, jo is still there and the
babies are still inside!

Feeling those girls kick my hand I can't help but think to myself that
the miracle pregnancy and kids gives us a different prospective on
life. One that has made me realize life is very much NOT about me. I
would not be who I am without that base of support, my family would
not feel the support we do without everyone around us. I ate a meal
tonight that was prepared by someone I have never met. I wasn't at a
restaurant... I didn't pay for it.... It was just given without any
strings. So just when I think that all compassionate acts deserve a
tax receipt; something like this reminds me how the pyramid of my
family is being held up.

Joanna is doing well, adjusting to the ups and down of having her
water broken and the life of hospital bedrest. She finally knows where
she is in the hospital after a brief trip down to ultrasound
yestrday. Baby 'A's fluid is as expected; still low. Not of huge
concern to the docs though. We had a date night tonight with some good
friends, a movie, popcorn, ice-cream, carnation meal replacement, and
ice water. Today was the first day that I was truly excited to be
back at work. Let me clarify, I would be with Jo 24/7 if possible but
as I posted before, and as is the case for most of us, work is
necessary to earn a living. I happen to love what I do and today
reminded me of that.

One last thing. I think today we named the girls. Pretty cool.....
It's a secret so don't ask. ;-) I want to meet them, but not yet.

25 Weeks - Update #2

Well here we are at 25 weeks and counting. I would have never thought this was going to be part of our story. Living in separate cities, wishing things were different but knowing that this is the best situation for my girls. Joanna is a strong women. I think that deserves repeating, my wife Joanna is a strong women. I don't know how she does it quite frankly, well that's not quite true, I do know, she has an amazing support group of friends and family and an even more amazing faith.

The doctors tell us that every morning we wake up and those babies are still inside, we have increased their chance of survival 2-4%. That is amazing. So is the fact that the steroid shot that Joanna received the night we were admitted to LMH has only been widely used for the last 10 years. Its primary goal is to develop the babies lungs to a point that they can be useful outside the womb. If the babies stay in long enough, Jo will be getting another shot if they think the babies are coming soon.

I am pretty sure that this week has been what I call an adjustment week. As many of you know I am a huge dog lover and this has also been a tough thing for me as our dog is living at some friends of ours, due to the fact that I have erratic hours and I am traveling all the time. I really appreciate you guys (Terri/James, Ashlynn(sp?) and Christian).

House renovations are coming along, we set out to redo the 3 upstairs bedrooms with paint, flooring, baseboards, new bathrooms (en suite and main), as well as new flooring in the front entrance and rental suite. Gosh, what was I thinking...... anyways my Dad has moved back from Alberta and has been a God send. The baby room is 90% complete save for a painted closet and a few pieces of furniture to be delivered (cribs/shelf unit). Flooring will be completed in the rooms by Saturday and then we are looking square into the eyes of a bathroom reno.....

Joanna continues to occupy her time with, books, movies, magazines, email, craigslist, phone calls and of course visits. Thank you all who are emailing to schedule in visits, it really helps to keep the visit load at a chewable pace. Again the contact info is thegirls@coastalfitness.ca, Deb will get back to you with a day and time that will work best.

Continue to pray that 'baby A' produces enough amneonic fluid and that no infections pop up at all.

In Health,

Ryan

P.S. Thanks to all who have given your time to cook meals and deliver them, this little selfless act is very much apprecited. I wish I could give tax deductible receipts...... Cheers!

Back to Work - Update #1

Our journey has brought many challenges and it seems we have reached our toughest yet. On Thursday August 13th Joanna's water broke @ 23 weeks pregnant with twin little girls inside. We spent the next 6 days @ Langley Memorial Hospital trying to take it easy and avoid labour at all costs. Hospital bedrest is is a little on the boring side as you can imagine, with many family visits and friends around filling in time, the longest six days of our lives zipped by. With many prayers we were able to secure a room at Womens Hospital for Joanna and we moved here that following Wednesday via ambulance. Being in Vancouver has posed a few logistical challenges, but nothing I can't tackle. The nurses here are super great and I feel confident leaving Joanna here at anytime. The docs see cases like ours all the time and as a result expect things that would otherwise be scary for us.

There are two girls, one of whose water has broken. The other remains intact. There have not been any contractions to this point. Were are very hopeful that Baby 'A's amniotic fluid continues to replenish at a rate faster than it is leaking. The main thing that we are praying for is that there is no infection, that is the number one thing to jeopardize the babies and Joanna's health at this point.

So at this point many are wondering how long can this go on? Great, I'm glad you asked. They have seem women with broken waters lay in bed for weeks and even months only to give birth to healthy babies close to term, this is our prayer.

I went back to work today, which was a little weird know my wife was laying in a hospital bed an hour away. That being said we need to have a house to bring my girls home too, and the bills don't pay themselves.

We already have felt the prayer and love from many friends in the form of meals, flowers, and not to be overlooked is time. Joanna's loves visitors and we have a close friend who is handling a visitation schedule for us. Email: thegirls@coastalfitness.ca for her contact info.

Updates to come!!