Tuesday 28 August 2012

Happy Birthday!


Estelle (Stella) Marie and Alice Rose were born August 22nd 2012!!!  I was 34weeks and 4days along, and Stella weighed in at 5lb 6.5oz and Alice was 4lb 9.5oz!  What a whirlwind it's been!

My OB returned from vacation and had his first in office day on the 22nd.  On the 21st I was in having an NST and my blood pressure was unstable.  It was high at first but then went down later on.  I'd never had high bp in my life so I guess it's kind of a big deal.  They ran blood tests and all came back normal, so I was sent home.  I'd developed a lot of swelling, my feet, legs, and a "pouch" of water retention in my lower abdomen.  When I had my appointment with my OB my bp was again a bit high.  Given that there had been some worries about the dopplar readings from my ultrasounds, the variable bp issues, and that they thought there was a kilo difference in size between the girls, he felt it was time for them to join us.  He called to try to book my c-section for Friday, but they were completely booked...however they did have an opening for THAT DAY between 1:00-1:30pm.  It was 10am.

Needless to say I called Chris at work and he came to the hospital immediately...our friends came to pick up our older kids and the process started.  Anyone who has watched "Baby Story" on TLC knows how the rest of the process went..pre-op, spinal block, surgery, and of course the moments when each little one was pulled out of me, so amazing!  Both girls cried when they were born but they did require some breathing assistance..common for 34ish week gestation babies.

The next couple of days were stress filled.  Stella was born first and she appeared a bit blue at birth.  Upon initial examination the Pediatrician believed she had a heart murmur.  The next day she was sent to MacMaster hospital in Hamilton where she could be seen by cardiologists and specialists to see what exactly was going on with her heart.  Having our babies at separate hospitals was heart breaking and not knowing what was happening to our little girl that we didn't even know was petrifying!

After two days of tests, we finally heard from the cardiologist at Mac and got her diagnosis.  Stella has a congenital heart defect called "Ebstein's Anomoly".  Essentially a valve in her heart is misplaced, causing one of her heart chambers to be enlarged, and the same valve is also "leaky" which is what caused her to appear a bit blue at birth.  Thankfully hers is a very minor form of the defect and according to the cardiologist she should be able to live a long, healthy life without requiring treatment.  She will be followed closely as she grows to ensure everything is fine.  There is a chance that if she becomes an athlete that she could have problems, in which case treatment could be an option, possibly surgery.  I intend to speak to many cardiologists and get as many opinions and viewpoints as I can, just to see if perhaps a minor surgery when she's young might be preferred over waiting til she's an adult...but we have time to figure it all out.  The good news is she will be OK!

Alice has stayed at our local hospital and has been doing fairly well.  Unfortunately yesterday I heard from her Pediatrician that she has contracted an infection.  The blood cultures came back today and it's a form of blood infection, but thankfully she seems to be responding to antibiotic treatment.  It's a bit of a set back as this means she'll need to stay on IV's for at least 7-10 days to get the antibiotics, and her formula feeds have been slowed until she's kicked it.  Stella, however, has been off of IV's completely for a few days AND is on full formula feeds..AND has started taking a bottle as well!  I'm so proud of my little girls, they're fighting so hard and I just can not wait to bring them home.  Stella is finally returning to our local hospital from MacMaster TODAY, and we're so happy.  The girls are 6 days old now and I've only been able to hold Stella twice...she's definitely due for tons of cuddles!!

Thanks everyone for reading my blog, I look forward to continuing to update you all on our little girls progress!
Estelle (Stella) Marie

Alice Rose
                                                 

7 comments:

Tracy said...

What a journey! You guys have been through the ringer these past six days! What great news that Stella is back on her way to being with the whole family in one place.

My thoughts are with little Alice as she fights. She's strong,I am sure she will be okay.

I loved visiting Alice, can't wait to do the same with Stella. And hold them both!!!

Congrats again guys and see you soon.

Sarah said...

Thanks Tracy, I'm sure Stella and Alice will love seeing you too :)

helen said...

I just love reading your updates in your blog. Im so happy Stella is back with you and her sister. Kudos to you for being such a strong person. I cant imagine going through all that you have been through. Chris, Evelyn and Nolan must be so proud of you!! Heres praying for a quick recovery for you all so you can start raising your little girls in your home. Big hugs and kisses to you all.....oh and by the way, you and Chris make cute babies ;-)

Elana Kahn said...

Congrats on the new little ones!!!!

Gariane said...

I am very thankful they arrived safely!!! one day at a time=) they are adorable and i feel for you with all the stress that come from having preemies, you are in my thoughts and prayers!

Gariane

Sarah said...

Thank you so much Helen, Elana and Gariane!
It turns out Alice's infection was due to staph that she contracted at the hospital (grr.). I know it happens but it sucks. Anyway, she's still on iv antibiotics but they're working great and she's back to taking feeds...even by bottle! Stella is doing wonderfully as well!

Samantha said...

Congratulations! They are beautiful. Spitting images of their older siblings. :)