Warning: Do not get your hopes up this is not going to be an extremely informative, exciting or purposeful blog. It's more to let you know we have been busy and are not dying.
Now that you have been warned, here goes nothing! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and is enjoying this New Years Eve! It has been a whirlwind for us, but we have enjoyed every moment. We were very blessed to be able to go to Deville the weekend before Christmas to celebrate with my dad's family. It is always a great time. I come from a very large family and we genuinely love each other. This year we had 37 people in attendance and of that number 12 were kids. So needless to say our kids will have lots of cousins and playmates next year, if anyone can pry them from their great aunts hands! It was a great time with good food (still wishing I had some shrimp mold) and family. The best part of the night was the fireworks. The older boys, Chris, Brent and Shane were in charge of lighting the larger fireworks. However they seemed to have a pattern. Step 1: Light the Firework, Step 2: Run and finally Step 3: Giggle like school girls!
I also got to see our niece and nephew in Deville. These two are not by blood, but might as well be and trust me they know they could get away with murder! Big break this year, Adysen actually likes Uncle Chris. It has only taken 5 years, ha ha! Adysen was able to feel Adley kick and she said "Aunt Erin, she kicked me!" On Sunday, my mom and I were able to visit with her brother's family. Remember the incredible aunt and uncle that bought us our crib. We still can not thank them enough! The best surprise was two of my cousins and my cousin's son were there. So excited to see them, but I missed you Rachel!
On Christmas Eve, we traveled to Minden and spent the day with my mom's family. It is always a blast to hang out with my boys, Mimi and Nana. Christmas Eve was different for Chris and I this year we made some grown up decisions (blah!) and bought ourselves a camera. So on Christmas Eve we did not do stockings or open gifts. I think I am just a little Scroogey this year, it did not feel like Christmas or how I like to pretend Christmas is going to be each year. I am so excited for next year though and I think Christmas will become for me what it used to be. Let me clarify I am not talking about presents, I am talking about the magic of Christmas. A little kids excitement is infectious and I can not wait to watch our kids enjoy the season and learn about the true meaning of Christmas!!!
Christmas day started off with my mom's Christmas brunch. Oh how I love thee! It just makes me happy. Then presents, then everyone settles in while Christmas lunch is prepared. Thankfully we have pushed it to the afternoon, but even then you are still full to a point. Then we went to Ringgold to have the Owens' family Christmas. I love this Christmas as well because I love Chris's family they are a blast and we play white elephant. With that family you never know what you are going to get. Which for us is a great way to re-gift or get rid of random stuff. Jonathan, you are welcome for your box of duck decoys and Lauren, I hope the Icee machine has made your day.
I saw both doctor's last week. I am still coughing and have started on breathing treatments so needless to say my blood pressure was high. So my day after Christmas surprise was a 24 hour urinalysis and a blood draw! At least I was not put in the hospital. I was told to increase breathing treatment to every 4 hours and start taking Tussinex again! I was also told I had a week to get my cough and BP under control or I would definitely be in the hospital after the first. Sadly this also means I am saying goodbye to work for awhile. I am probably struggling with this the most. I love my job, my co-workers and all the kids and families, I get the pleasure of working with. They make leaving hard but I am completely confident in Rebeccah and Jennie. These two are literally answered prayer and make leaving a tad bit easier.
Chris and I are exciting people this NYE. We are watching LSU and have started cleaning house and packing for me to go to the hospital. However, I must say if I go into the hospital this week at least I had several days home with the hubs!
Prayer Request:
1. My blood pressure decreases and my cough goes away. I would like to do bed rest at home for a little while.
2. The Wiley's: This sweet family needs your prayers! I think they exhibit an amazing faith in God especially in the dire circumstances they are facing. We know that God is mighty and has healed Dustin once. Now we just need another miracle. Please pray for healing Dustin, strength and peace for Chantel and pray for their girls to be surrounded with comfort, peace and time with their dad.
3.Pray for Jax, Grey, Adley and Dex to stay put and grow! I am still hanging in there, but I need them to make it to 34 weeks. I hit 24 weeks on Friday and so we are one milestone down.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers! I will try and update after I see both doctors this week. I hope everyone has a great New Year! Chris and I are very excited to see what all this year brings! We are looking forward to meeting our quads!!!!!
P.S. Dana, I am sure my grammar is sub par today, but it is hard to write and yell at the TV when watching LSU! HA HA!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Showers, Sonograms and Kicks, OH MY!
Okay, so I know I have not updated the blog in awhile. I am very lazy these days and feel very pregnant. Just how pregnant is very pregnant? Well I am already measuring at 37 weeks for a singleton pregnancy and I am only 22 weeks pregnant. So what does that mean? Simply stated I waddle everywhere I walk. I am also sick again with a sinus infection and my cough that started before Thanksgiving is still hanging in there. However I am still not on bed rest so I am thankful for that. So what has been going on in the lives of the supertwins and their awesome parents, well as the title says showers, sonograms and kicks, OH MY!
I had two wonderful showers this past weekend. Our amazing Sunday School class threw an amazing shower on Saturday. The ladies did an amazing job and we got lots of goodies from our registry. Chris was excited we got both of our diaper pails, it's the little things that get him. It was a Christmas themed shower and if you truly know me you know how happy this made me! I love Christmas and snowmen, so I was extremely excited to see a snowman diaper cake.
The second shower was on Sunday and it was a Dr. Seuss themed shower. This shower was again amazing. Three of my sorority sisters (thank you Lesli, Soni and Kristi threw the shower, one drove in from Oklahoma and I am extremely grateful because I got to visit with her. I also got to have two of my best friends (who are identical twins), their mom (who I love like a mother) and my nephew Brayden (one of the twin's son) there for my shower. I thought it was awesome that they bought our twin stroller as well as other goodies. My amazing sister and brother-in-law as well as my in-laws bought all three of our car seats as well as Jax's stroller. My amazing coworkers searched long and hard to find us three nap nannies. Yes, before the comments start rolling in, I know they are being recalled. However, out of everyone I know that has one they have had none of the problems they are being recalled for. For instance do not put a child that is too big in the nap nanny and then throw a fit when they turn it over. Sorry personal opinion, but I wanted my nap nannies! We were also blessed by diapers and goodies to help take care of our little ones. I can not thank everyone enough!
Okay so on to sonograms! I get one every week and two every other week. The good news is that I have a rock star cervix and it is holding at 4.2. The bad news is at this point it does matter how well I am doing I get to start my hospital stay after New Year's. The doctors want to start giving the quads steroids to help their lung production and I need to be closely monitored for that. However it is nice that I was able to avoid bed rest for this long. My blood pressure was up at the last visit so I have until the 26th to get it down or I have to start bed rest a week early. I chalk up the rise in BP to coughing and being uncomfortable. The best news that I got this past Monday was that I am cleared to travel to Deville this weekend to celebrate the Franks Christmas. My doctor made me promise Alexandria had a NICU and a helicopter. I am super excited to see my family and enjoy the pig roast. We are also going to meet a perspective pediatrician on Friday. So now pictures and updates on the kids!
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| So this is Jaxon who has decided that he wanted to be face down today and not cooperate. I love my kids have a mind of their own. Jaxon weighs 13 oz and is smaller than his sisters but he is growing and they are not concerned. |
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| Jax opening his mouth and giving us a nice profile picture. He was very active at this sonogram and this was one of the only pictures we could get when he was not moving. |
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| Here is a picture of Grey stretching with her mouth open. This is a monumental picture because I never get pictures of Grey. She is my child and refuses to cooperate until she is good and ready. She is the second largest and weighs 1 pound 2 ounces. |
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| This was my first picture of Grey's face! |
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| I made this one even larger so you could see how compact the quads are. This shot shows both Jax and Grey with their heads down! |
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| So here is Adley! She is our biggest baby weighing 1 pound 3 oz. She is also giving Jax a run for his money on being the most active child. |
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| Adley's profile! |
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| Okay so this is hard to make out but let me try to explain. Adley's head is on the right of the picture and the leg beside it is Grey! I told you they are compact. |
So that is sonograms of all the kids. We had a special moment tonight! I have noticed Adley likes to pretend my stomach is the local discotheque especially after I eat. I had my hand on my stomach and felt her kick. I have been feeling the kids kick, but Chris has never felt them. I know how much he really wanted to experience this so we tried again tonight. Adley obliged us and kicked hard enough that he could tell! So needless to say we have one very excited daddy at our house tonight!
Okay so this blog is extremely long so let me finish with some prayer requests:
1. Our good friends the Lee's had a scare and thought their oldest child was having seizures. It is actually a movement disorder and so they will be exploring this diagnosis further with MRI's and another neurologist. Please keep them in your prayers and they wait for answers.
2. I would also like everyone to remember the Wiley's in your prayers. Dustin's cancer has returned and he will begin the long road of treatment again. Dustin and Chantel have two very sweet little girls at home. Please pray for God's will and healing for this family.
3. My friend Colleen asked me to pray for her nephew who was born way too early and is still in the NICU with a large set of complications.
4. Katie who graduated after me in OT school gave birth over 6 weeks ago to Zachary who was born at 24 weeks. Please keep this family in your prayers and pray for Zbaby to continue to gain strength and for his parents as the manage the NICU emotional roller coaster.
5. Please pray for my blood pressure to stay under control and for me to kick this sinus infection/upper respiratory infection.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers! Everyone have a Merry Christmas! Here is our version of a Christmas card (Chris is in his Halloween costume from when he went as Will Ferrell in the cowbell skit.)
Friday, November 30, 2012
Insomnia Blog
Okay so to blog I have to be in the mood or just bored. Everyone is in luck, because tonight I am both. Chris is working a part time so he will not be home until 2 a.m. So for anyone that knows me, I tend to be a night owl and suffer from insomnia unless the warden my loving husband is home to prompt me to go to bed at 11. 11 is Chris and my agreed upon time to go to sleep and complete the nightly ritual. Chris learned soon after we were married that I like to stay awake, but want (will annoy) someone to entertain me. So we devised a specific routine. Step 1 put on a television show or movie that I know by heart. The kind where you hear the words and can picture the scene in your head. Step 2 rub my legs. I know women you are jealous and men you are groaning, but for 5 minutes I am forced to relax and turn my mind off. Which brings us to Step 3 roll over and pass out. Left to my own devices sleep takes approximately 2 hours with no help and not until somewhere after midnight with the three step plan I will be fast asleep 2 minutes after we roll over. Apparently my children take after their mom, because as I am typing this Jax and Adley are apparently cutting flips. Yes I can tell who is moving because they have distinct positions. Jax is bottom right, Grey bottom left, Adley top and center and Dex is top right in the ribs.
Well since no one decided to read this blog to get my three step cure to insomnia I guess I should write an update on me and the quadlings. So last week was Thanksgiving and I was very thankful to have a week off from the OB and the Perinatologist. It really is the little things in life that make me happy. Unfortunately that meant I had the privlidge of seeing both doctors this week. So let's start in order. Monday my amazing mommy drove in to take me to the perinatologist. I can not tell you how much I appreciate that she was willing to do that. So we got to see all 4 babies on the ultrasound. Jaxon of course was showing off and giving us amazing profile pictures (I have 3 new pictures of him.) Grey and Adley were not cooperating, but we were able to get weights and measurements finally. Dexter is still the same, but by God and only by God he is not causing any complications. They are concerned that he will stop filtering amniotic fluid and it will become excessive. However he is hanging in there and doing what he needs to be doing and his fluid is within normal limits. Sometimes I forget I am so used to seeing them on ultrasounds that I forget how amazing it is to see each of them. Mom has not seen an ultrasound since I was 10 weeks today I turned 20 weeks. I think it was good for her to see three healthy grandchildren as well as Dex and have the doctor explain what she was looking at. It is a sobering reality, but it is also cathartic in a way. The perinatologist is still impressed my cervix is holding at 4.3 and has said there is no bed rest in my immediate future. However, I now get to see them every week for the duration of my pregnancy until I go into the hospital. YAY!! On Thursday I saw Dr. Labarre, my OB, and for the second time this week had the privilege of having both types of ultrasounds. Oh yes, you did not misunderstand me, I get the special ultrasound every time. Ladies feel sympathy for me and men ask your wife if you do not know what I am talking about. I love the ultrasound tech at Dr. Labarre's office her name is Erin (how could I not like her) and she takes time and talks with me about each baby. However she asked me if I drank caffeine that morning because not just Jax, but everyone was flipping and moving non stop, even Dex. Which makes for getting measurements extremely difficult. I told her I had a root beer and she said well you definitely sugared them up. Now for the exciting news (probably only to me) I still am on a two week basis with the OB and because the perinatologist is doing the special ultrasound every time I no longer have to get one at the OB! We were also able to hear all four babies heartbeats on the Doppler, which can be almost impossible for multiples. We have never had a Doppler done before and it was neat to hear each heartbeat. Surprisingly they were all four very different and very distinct. I don't know who was more excited me or Dr. Labarre.
Okay update on Chris and I. I have been battling a sinus infection that went to my chest. This leads to coughing which leads torecreating the exorcist vomiting. The doctor finally prescribed Tussinex to help control the cough at night. So hopefully soon I will have relief from that. Sunday night I made my first trip to the ER as a pregnant lady. That's was an exciting few hours and I had my first catheter experience. Turns out I had an asymptomatic bladder infection and was prescribed meds and sent home to realize Monday morning it was a full blown bladder infection. So after two long days I can say I finally stated feeling better. Greatest part of going to the ER is watching Christopher panic trying to get there as fast as possible. I feel like if I was in real labor he would have had lights and sirens going on his police car. He makes me laugh!!!
Praises: Chris closed on our house in Bossier today! That makes me happy, happy, happy!!!! Now we need to get Chris's truck fixed and sold so we can be debt free and start saving to pay for having the quads!
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! My house is now officially converted to Christmas, thanks to my amazing mommy! Poor Christopher, he tells me it looks like snowmen threw up all over our house. I however love it and think I may see another corner to put a new snowman in. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I can't wait to have the kids to share it with. Thanks for reading our blog and keeping us in your prayers. The prayers are definitely felt and we are blessed beyond imagination.
*DISCLAIMER* I wrote this blog while on prescription cough syrup, please excuse any grammatical errors or TMI statements.
Well since no one decided to read this blog to get my three step cure to insomnia I guess I should write an update on me and the quadlings. So last week was Thanksgiving and I was very thankful to have a week off from the OB and the Perinatologist. It really is the little things in life that make me happy. Unfortunately that meant I had the privlidge of seeing both doctors this week. So let's start in order. Monday my amazing mommy drove in to take me to the perinatologist. I can not tell you how much I appreciate that she was willing to do that. So we got to see all 4 babies on the ultrasound. Jaxon of course was showing off and giving us amazing profile pictures (I have 3 new pictures of him.) Grey and Adley were not cooperating, but we were able to get weights and measurements finally. Dexter is still the same, but by God and only by God he is not causing any complications. They are concerned that he will stop filtering amniotic fluid and it will become excessive. However he is hanging in there and doing what he needs to be doing and his fluid is within normal limits. Sometimes I forget I am so used to seeing them on ultrasounds that I forget how amazing it is to see each of them. Mom has not seen an ultrasound since I was 10 weeks today I turned 20 weeks. I think it was good for her to see three healthy grandchildren as well as Dex and have the doctor explain what she was looking at. It is a sobering reality, but it is also cathartic in a way. The perinatologist is still impressed my cervix is holding at 4.3 and has said there is no bed rest in my immediate future. However, I now get to see them every week for the duration of my pregnancy until I go into the hospital. YAY!! On Thursday I saw Dr. Labarre, my OB, and for the second time this week had the privilege of having both types of ultrasounds. Oh yes, you did not misunderstand me, I get the special ultrasound every time. Ladies feel sympathy for me and men ask your wife if you do not know what I am talking about. I love the ultrasound tech at Dr. Labarre's office her name is Erin (how could I not like her) and she takes time and talks with me about each baby. However she asked me if I drank caffeine that morning because not just Jax, but everyone was flipping and moving non stop, even Dex. Which makes for getting measurements extremely difficult. I told her I had a root beer and she said well you definitely sugared them up. Now for the exciting news (probably only to me) I still am on a two week basis with the OB and because the perinatologist is doing the special ultrasound every time I no longer have to get one at the OB! We were also able to hear all four babies heartbeats on the Doppler, which can be almost impossible for multiples. We have never had a Doppler done before and it was neat to hear each heartbeat. Surprisingly they were all four very different and very distinct. I don't know who was more excited me or Dr. Labarre.
Okay update on Chris and I. I have been battling a sinus infection that went to my chest. This leads to coughing which leads to
Praises: Chris closed on our house in Bossier today! That makes me happy, happy, happy!!!! Now we need to get Chris's truck fixed and sold so we can be debt free and start saving to pay for having the quads!
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! My house is now officially converted to Christmas, thanks to my amazing mommy! Poor Christopher, he tells me it looks like snowmen threw up all over our house. I however love it and think I may see another corner to put a new snowman in. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I can't wait to have the kids to share it with. Thanks for reading our blog and keeping us in your prayers. The prayers are definitely felt and we are blessed beyond imagination.
*DISCLAIMER* I wrote this blog while on prescription cough syrup, please excuse any grammatical errors or TMI statements.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Big Announcements and Updates
Since all the last blogs have been so heavy I have decided tonight to take a different route and post an approximately 73% positive blog. So let's start with updates and decisions Chris and I have made. Chris and I are doing well! We were able to go to Deville this past weekend and visit family. I think my daddy was shocked at how big I have gotten since he has seen me last. I am 17 weeks and measured at 27 weeks all baby still have not gained any weight but thankful I have not lost anymore. We had a great and fast weekend, however Ari may still be recovering from the trip to Gram's and Grump's house. Speaking of Ari, I recently bought a pregnancy pillow (best purchase ever in my opinion) and she has now claimed it as her new dog bed. Who knew I would have to fight my dog child and Chris to use my pillow.
Okay I digress, I went to the perinatologist on Monday and he told me I was doing amazing and so were babies A, B and C. Baby D still has catastrophic injuries. Yes, that is hard to say and hard to write, but our God is mighty and omnipotent. Baby D is not growing well even though there is a strong heartbeat. That is good news, because it allows Babies A, B and C more space to grow. The other thing that is amazing is that my cervix (sorry TMI) is holding at a 4.5 (anything below a 2.5 is immediate bed rest and hospitalization.)
Chris and I decided against selective reduction because there was too many risks to babies A, B and C if we went ahead with the procedure. My husband reminded me how much of a man of God he is by making this decision for us with such amazing strength and faith in our heavenly father that it lifted a massive emotional weight off of my shoulders. Chris said he could not have comfort in a decision that could potentially kill one of our healthy children, because in essence we were playing God. He said that if God allowed something happened to A, B or C due to complications he could accept that only if it was at God's hand and timing. So we have elected to pray for God's perfect will and accept what ever that entails. Our perinatologists are both religious men and are supporting our decision 100%. If Baby D does make it to delivery they have assured Chris and I that we will get to love and support our child until the Lord takes the baby home. That is music to these parents' ears. Okay time for fun stuff. I was finally able to load pictures of the kids. Prepare yourself there is a lot!!!!
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| This is Baby A and C (it is sometimes hard to keep them straight). I was 11 weeks at this picture and probably the last time we will ever see 2 babies in any ultrasound picture! |
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| This is from the same ultrasound pictures at 11 weeks! |
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| Baby D at 11 weeks. You can tell how small compared to the other three. |
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| Profile Pic of Baby B (technically Baby A now due to positioning) |
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| Now to introduce you to our children! This is Baby C and It's a GIRL!!! Her name is Adley Grace. Adley means God is Just and Grace is Chris's grandmother's middle name! |
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| Baby B is also a GIRL! Meet Grey Alexandra. I fell in love with the name Grey after I saw the movie Catch and Release. It is about a girl who's fiance dies and then through the pain and the loss she discovers who she is. My mom's real name |
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| Baby D to the best of our knowledge is a BOY! His name is Dexter "Dex" Charles. I love the name Dexter from the book Something Borrowed. My SIL asked if we were naming him after the tv show which prompted Chris to now refer to Dex as his little "lady killer." Yep that's what I married. Charles is Chris's dad's name and Chris's middle name. |
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| Now on to Baby A who is definitely a BOY and I must say makes his father proud of how proud he is to show his manhood! His name will be Jaxon "Jax" Douglas. Jaxon is a very special name to me. He is named after the first child I ever evaluated as an OT by myself. Jaxon taught me more about how to be a good therapist and to love a child unconditionally then he will ever know. His parents have taught me with enough love and sheer willpower your child can do and accomplish anything. Douglas is my dad's name. |
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| Jaxon is our most photogenic baby. He will always give a profile picture. Jax is also my most active baby. The ultrasound tech typically makes comments how active he is. Last time she said "He has somewhere to go." Jax is definitely Chris's |
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| More of Jaxon, I told you he was photogenic. He also as you can see from the next picture is very proud he is a boy! |
That is all for tonight! We have a few prayer requests:
1. Our closing of our house has been pushed back again. Please pray that it will close before the end of the month.
2. One of my dearest friends who is also pregnant had some tests come back abnormally. Please pray that God's perfect will be done and these wonderful parents will have comfort in this time of crisis and uncertainty.
3. Pray for my continued health as well as the health of Jax, Grey, Adley and Dex.
4. Pray that I can avoid hospital bed rest until after Christmas. I want to go to Deville the weekend before Christmas for the annual Franks Christmas Party!!
Thank you so much for all of your continued prayers. They are continually felt and are working!
Please feel free to give our blog link to anyone it is owenssupertwins.blogspot.com and anyone can follow the blog by clicking on the link on the right side of the page to follow by email. This will instantly update you if I post a blog.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
It Is Well With My Soul, But I Am NOT ALRIGHT
"It is well with my soul, but I am not alright," is a quote by Kasey Ewing in her book God Enough. That is where I am at this point in my life. Let me share a previous post that I wrote but never published:
There was an interesting question asked in Sunday School today. How safe do you feel in the arms of God? For most people it is easy to say, "Oh yeah, I trust God, I feel safe." This time in my life has been interesting with all the uncertainties that come along with having quadruplets. Everything from financial, housing, job and becoming parents to four have crossed our mind. We laugh in our house because I have to be honest, I am at peace and Chris is like a duck on the water, calm on top but his feet are going 90 miles a hour. This is a complete and total reversal for us. I am notoriously pessimistic and honestly I like that about myself. I will devise every possible bad scenario in my head and then no matter what happens I have already thought about and can work my way through it. Chris is somewhere between Polly Positive and Whatever Happens Happens! That is probably why we are such a great team. Which brings me back to my original statement how safe do I feel in the arms of God? For one of the first times that I can remember I can say 100%. Sure I still have my fears and anxiety about losing one of our babies, but I know God has a plan and a reason.
Apparently God read my unpublished posts because that is exactly what has been called into question this week. How safe do I feel in the arms of God? Right now scared out of my mind, emotional but still remembering our God is a mighty and powerful God. Last Thursday, Chris and I went to our OB and after a lengthy scan we found out what two of our four babies were going to be. Don't get your hopes up we are not ready to tell just yet! Baby D (known in a previous blog as baby C) was still small but approximately 1 week behind in growth. We left feeling positive. All 4 babies had strong healthy heartbeats and were growing. Our doctor wanted to see what the Perinatologist said about baby D before raising our hope too much. The Perinatologist has more detailed sonograms that can check for everything from the 4 chambers of the heart to umbilical blood flow.
Yesterday we saw the Perinatologist and it was an eventful emotional roller coaster for Chris and I. Let me explain a normal weekly visit when you have 4 babies, sonograms are every week and they are lengthy sometimes up to an hour and a half. During our sonogram yesterday the technician made several comments about Baby D. Frequently asking "Did you know there was problems with the Baby D's head?" She finished and stated that the doctor would come in and speak to us. Dr. Briery was great at looking a babies A, B and C first and helping us determine that baby C is a . . . (Aunt Julie are you dying that I know three baby sexes and you don't.) All three babies look excellent and weigh 4 ounces each. This was the emotional roller coaster high point of the experience. Now the low, Baby D on the other hand has some major structural issues that are catastrophic. Baby D appears to have acrania (absence of a skull) which is a fatal congenital abnormality as well as an omphalocele or gastroschisis (both are potentially fatal.) This was a lot to take in and we still are processing this news. Our options at this point are selective reduction (stop Baby D's beating heart), miscarriage or wait and see. Complications if we do not have a miscarriage and Baby D survives then there is a chance the baby could stop drinking amniotic fluid and cause an imbalance that causes preterm labor for the rest of the children. If we do selective reduction then a) We have to deal with in our minds killing our child for the good of the other 3 b) Risk possibly losing one of the perfectly healthy babies to complications.
Thank you for all of your prayers. It is much easier for me to write a blog or a text message than for me to talk to you personally. It is how I remain in control and keep my emotions from exploding like word vomit . This solution may not be the best for most people, but it is how I deal. My mom is at my house this week and she understands me so well she did not even hug me yesterday. She knows what I can take and what I can't and a loving hug was not one of them (honestly I am not much of a hugger anyway, only my parents, Chris and kids will I hug anytime.) In fact one year I gave a co-worker a hug for her birthday as a present, she said it was the best present she had received that day.
Once again I want to thank everyone for their prayers. They are felt even in this hard and uncertain time. I titled this blog with my new mantra "It is well with my soul, but I am not alright."
Please follow our blog by email and feel free to give anyone the address to our blog!
There was an interesting question asked in Sunday School today. How safe do you feel in the arms of God? For most people it is easy to say, "Oh yeah, I trust God, I feel safe." This time in my life has been interesting with all the uncertainties that come along with having quadruplets. Everything from financial, housing, job and becoming parents to four have crossed our mind. We laugh in our house because I have to be honest, I am at peace and Chris is like a duck on the water, calm on top but his feet are going 90 miles a hour. This is a complete and total reversal for us. I am notoriously pessimistic and honestly I like that about myself. I will devise every possible bad scenario in my head and then no matter what happens I have already thought about and can work my way through it. Chris is somewhere between Polly Positive and Whatever Happens Happens! That is probably why we are such a great team. Which brings me back to my original statement how safe do I feel in the arms of God? For one of the first times that I can remember I can say 100%. Sure I still have my fears and anxiety about losing one of our babies, but I know God has a plan and a reason.
Apparently God read my unpublished posts because that is exactly what has been called into question this week. How safe do I feel in the arms of God? Right now scared out of my mind, emotional but still remembering our God is a mighty and powerful God. Last Thursday, Chris and I went to our OB and after a lengthy scan we found out what two of our four babies were going to be. Don't get your hopes up we are not ready to tell just yet! Baby D (known in a previous blog as baby C) was still small but approximately 1 week behind in growth. We left feeling positive. All 4 babies had strong healthy heartbeats and were growing. Our doctor wanted to see what the Perinatologist said about baby D before raising our hope too much. The Perinatologist has more detailed sonograms that can check for everything from the 4 chambers of the heart to umbilical blood flow.
Yesterday we saw the Perinatologist and it was an eventful emotional roller coaster for Chris and I. Let me explain a normal weekly visit when you have 4 babies, sonograms are every week and they are lengthy sometimes up to an hour and a half. During our sonogram yesterday the technician made several comments about Baby D. Frequently asking "Did you know there was problems with the Baby D's head?" She finished and stated that the doctor would come in and speak to us. Dr. Briery was great at looking a babies A, B and C first and helping us determine that baby C is a . . . (Aunt Julie are you dying that I know three baby sexes and you don't.) All three babies look excellent and weigh 4 ounces each. This was the emotional roller coaster high point of the experience. Now the low, Baby D on the other hand has some major structural issues that are catastrophic. Baby D appears to have acrania (absence of a skull) which is a fatal congenital abnormality as well as an omphalocele or gastroschisis (both are potentially fatal.) This was a lot to take in and we still are processing this news. Our options at this point are selective reduction (stop Baby D's beating heart), miscarriage or wait and see. Complications if we do not have a miscarriage and Baby D survives then there is a chance the baby could stop drinking amniotic fluid and cause an imbalance that causes preterm labor for the rest of the children. If we do selective reduction then a) We have to deal with in our minds killing our child for the good of the other 3 b) Risk possibly losing one of the perfectly healthy babies to complications.
Thank you for all of your prayers. It is much easier for me to write a blog or a text message than for me to talk to you personally. It is how I remain in control and keep my emotions from exploding like word vomit . This solution may not be the best for most people, but it is how I deal. My mom is at my house this week and she understands me so well she did not even hug me yesterday. She knows what I can take and what I can't and a loving hug was not one of them (honestly I am not much of a hugger anyway, only my parents, Chris and kids will I hug anytime.) In fact one year I gave a co-worker a hug for her birthday as a present, she said it was the best present she had received that day.
Once again I want to thank everyone for their prayers. They are felt even in this hard and uncertain time. I titled this blog with my new mantra "It is well with my soul, but I am not alright."
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Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Calling All Prayer Warriors!
When Stephen was diagnosed with cancer, I fell apart. I went to see a counselor over some depression and sleeping issues. The counselor told me to write down my thoughts as a release to calm my mind. I have continued this practice over the past 7 years. The letters are for no one but it is a way sometimes I feel I can talk to God and after they are finished I delete them. Today my heart is heavy and my mind is racing, hence the midweek blog and a letter I am not deleting.
This morning Chris and I went to see the perinatologist for our first meeting. He is a very nice guy and we felt comfortable with him. However the visit had some unsettling news. All of our babies still have strong heartbeats and most are growing appropriately. However the baby they labeled C which could have been D in previous ultrasounds is not growing well. Baby C is running 2 - 3 weeks smaller than the other three. There is significant cause for concern. The doctor told us it is now a waiting game. This is where our prayer warriors are being called into the game. We need baby C to grow and catch up the the rest of the pack. We are ultimately praying for God's will to be done in this situation and trying not to be anxious. That is proving difficult to say the least. As I am writing, I am crying knowing God will provide. It may not be the outcome I want, but he always has a plan and a purpose.
I was driving home and was listening to the Message on Sirius (Chris says it makes me a nicer person,) when I heard several songs that reminded me of how great of a God we serve. One was the song The Hurt & the Healer by MercyMe. These are the lyrics that struck me today:
This morning Chris and I went to see the perinatologist for our first meeting. He is a very nice guy and we felt comfortable with him. However the visit had some unsettling news. All of our babies still have strong heartbeats and most are growing appropriately. However the baby they labeled C which could have been D in previous ultrasounds is not growing well. Baby C is running 2 - 3 weeks smaller than the other three. There is significant cause for concern. The doctor told us it is now a waiting game. This is where our prayer warriors are being called into the game. We need baby C to grow and catch up the the rest of the pack. We are ultimately praying for God's will to be done in this situation and trying not to be anxious. That is proving difficult to say the least. As I am writing, I am crying knowing God will provide. It may not be the outcome I want, but he always has a plan and a purpose.
I was driving home and was listening to the Message on Sirius (Chris says it makes me a nicer person,) when I heard several songs that reminded me of how great of a God we serve. One was the song The Hurt & the Healer by MercyMe. These are the lyrics that struck me today:
It's the moment when humanity
Is overcome by majesty
When grace is ushered in for good
And all the scars are understood
When mercy takes its rightful place
And all these questions fade away
When out of the weakness we must bow
And hear You say "It's over now"
I'm alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I've fallen into your arms open wide
When The hurt and the healer collide
Jesus come and break my fear
Awake my heart and take my tears
Find Your glory even here
When the hurt and the healer collide
Is overcome by majesty
When grace is ushered in for good
And all the scars are understood
When mercy takes its rightful place
And all these questions fade away
When out of the weakness we must bow
And hear You say "It's over now"
I'm alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I've fallen into your arms open wide
When The hurt and the healer collide
Jesus come and break my fear
Awake my heart and take my tears
Find Your glory even here
When the hurt and the healer collide
Sorry this blog was heavy, but I want to be honest about our journey and our struggles. On a positive note today was the first day Chris got to see all 4 babies and hear their heartbeats. He did a touchdown maneuver each time he heard one. Then Baby B (Mercy Danger) waved (okay really it was spontaneous arm movement) but Chris was super excited. I will close this blog today with a scripture that has comforted me throughout this pregnancy.
"Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My fleash and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my potion forever."
Thank you for your faithfulness in praying!
Love,
Erin
Sunday, October 7, 2012
But God
Oh my, I am so overwhelmed by the response we got from our last blog. It is amazing. We are so excited to share our journey with everyone. Thank you so much for all of your prayers, support and encouraging words.
So I titled today's blog off of a Sunday School lesson my mom taught years ago on the book of Esther. I personally love the book of Esther, because never once is God's name mentioned and yet you can see his hand move in each situation. Problems occur, BUT GOD intervenes. That is the story of our lives over the past few weeks. We have been blessed by several amazing people and God has moved in some mighty ways.
After I announced to our friend Kristy that we were having the quad squad she bought us several outfits and because I love shoes, a pair of cute girl shoes. My aunt Julie immediately went shopping for the babies (I think she may have been driving to the store when our conversation ended.) Then I walked into Sunday school today and Suzi hands me two packages of diapers to start our collection. I am amazed at the generosity of others, but God continues to bless. This week I was exhausted after work and a neighbor stopped me for a chat. He told me that he was interested in buying Chris' truck for cash. The amount was enough to pay off our credit card. All I can say is, but God. Then our house has been on the market since August. It has been a large financial constraint on Chris and I, but once again God intervened. We have a contract, inspection is set for tomorrow and if all goes well we will close on the 31st. Then to add more a random stranger that my aunt Debbie knew donated us two cribs and mattresses. To top off our week we received a gift so amazing I should probably dedicate a whole blog to it. My amazing friend Konni knew of a family that had triplets last year. After contacting her friends Roy and Gia, they offered more than advice, they offered a mountain of stuff ranging from bottles to car seats. This was an amazing gift for us and we are beyond ecstatic and amazed at God's power. I can not thank them enough!!
Chris and I have had a great weekend we looked at vehicles and much to my despair I have decided on a van. It is the most practical option, but I will greatly miss my SUVs. Chris has conceded to let me have a sunroof so I can still feel sporty. I will be going to meet the perinatologist on Wednesday and Thursday I will see my OB. So hopefully next post will have pictures.
Prayer Requests:
My parents are in Chicago. Please pray for safety while they are there and their flight home.
Our house passes inspection and closing happens quickly.
Chris's truck runs and we will sell it.
My health and my superheroes health.
That the superheroes are growing on target.
Once again I want to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers!!
So I titled today's blog off of a Sunday School lesson my mom taught years ago on the book of Esther. I personally love the book of Esther, because never once is God's name mentioned and yet you can see his hand move in each situation. Problems occur, BUT GOD intervenes. That is the story of our lives over the past few weeks. We have been blessed by several amazing people and God has moved in some mighty ways.
After I announced to our friend Kristy that we were having the quad squad she bought us several outfits and because I love shoes, a pair of cute girl shoes. My aunt Julie immediately went shopping for the babies (I think she may have been driving to the store when our conversation ended.) Then I walked into Sunday school today and Suzi hands me two packages of diapers to start our collection. I am amazed at the generosity of others, but God continues to bless. This week I was exhausted after work and a neighbor stopped me for a chat. He told me that he was interested in buying Chris' truck for cash. The amount was enough to pay off our credit card. All I can say is, but God. Then our house has been on the market since August. It has been a large financial constraint on Chris and I, but once again God intervened. We have a contract, inspection is set for tomorrow and if all goes well we will close on the 31st. Then to add more a random stranger that my aunt Debbie knew donated us two cribs and mattresses. To top off our week we received a gift so amazing I should probably dedicate a whole blog to it. My amazing friend Konni knew of a family that had triplets last year. After contacting her friends Roy and Gia, they offered more than advice, they offered a mountain of stuff ranging from bottles to car seats. This was an amazing gift for us and we are beyond ecstatic and amazed at God's power. I can not thank them enough!!
Chris and I have had a great weekend we looked at vehicles and much to my despair I have decided on a van. It is the most practical option, but I will greatly miss my SUVs. Chris has conceded to let me have a sunroof so I can still feel sporty. I will be going to meet the perinatologist on Wednesday and Thursday I will see my OB. So hopefully next post will have pictures.
Prayer Requests:
My parents are in Chicago. Please pray for safety while they are there and their flight home.
Our house passes inspection and closing happens quickly.
Chris's truck runs and we will sell it.
My health and my superheroes health.
That the superheroes are growing on target.
Once again I want to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers!!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
The Owens' are Blogging
So it's official, I am a blogger. Some people may be wondering why now and why the title of our blog is superheroes or supertwins? Well let me start with why I am blogging. Chris and I have a long interesting story to tell. However that would entail a novel not a blog so I will give an abbreviated version (prepare yourself it is still lengthy.)
My name is Erin, I am 29 years old and I currently live in Bossier City, LA with my husband Chris. I am a pediatric occupational therapist who specializes in Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder. My husband is a crime scene investigator for the Bossier City Police Department. Chris and I met in 2002 at LSU-Shreveport. We became friends but were each dating other people so dating wasn't ever truly considered. In 2005, we had graduated and I returned to the jewlery store where Chris worked to pick up a ring for my fiance. We discussed that my fiance was terminally ill from cancer and that he and his fiance had broken up after a long relationship. My fiance died two days later, but Chris and I kept in touch. Through the next two years as I was healing a broken heart and he was enjoying being single, we would occasionally go on a date. The dates were always amazing but we would have one date and then not speak for two months. Fast forward to July 2007, Chris and I began to hang out multiple times, then all the time and finally we became inseparable. We were married on March 20, 2010 and I can honestly say I married the man God picked for me. I mean who else would have Rick Rolled me during our wedding.
We decided to start trying in March 2011 and immediately got sent to a reproductive endocrinologist. I was diagnosed with a benign microadenoma (tiny tumor) on my pituitary gland. I was put on drugs for that and we started clomid in August. I went up to 200 mg to no avail, then we added a trigger shot and an IUI. That worked for us and we were so excited to find we were pregnant in January 2012. Unfortunately that was not God's plan and we lost that baby on March 2, 2012. Then my body stopped responding to Clomid and we decided to speed up the process by moving to injectables. Our first cycle of injectables did not work, so we decided to give it one more try and pray our credit cards did not max out before the next 2,700 dollar cycle. We were blessed by God and the money never ran out. Some complications arose and I developed OHSS (Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome) my RE decided to reduce my trigger shot by a third and proceed with the IUI instead of cancelling my cycle.
At three weeks we knew I had ovulated. Then at four weeks in a record of thirty seconds (should have been my first clue) we saw this:
Chris didn't want to get his hopes up until we had a positive from the RE. This is where the story gets interesting when the nurse called to give me my HCG it was off the charts. She said there was a possibility of multiples. Chris and I decided to keep the pregnancy a secret and hope for the best. I was scheduled for an ultrasound on Monday, August 20th. Well did we ever get a surprise we are pregnant with not 1, not 2, not 3 but 4 babies.
We immediately called my mom when leaving the doctor's office. What did the quadlings future grandmother have to say about having grandkids, "Seriously! Seriously!" My dad was no better, "Really, Oh Wow! Really?"
So that answers the first question why am I blogging. It's a way to keep everyone updated and share in our amazing journey. The next question why did I title the blog like this, well the first time I heard the word Supertwins (meaning triplets or higher) all I could think of was superhero theme music. It may have also been that day I treated spiderman (cutest three year old ever) in the clinic. I think our supertwins will have to be superheroes when the time comes for them to be born and fight to be as healthy as possible.
I am currently 11 weeks pregnant and rocking out maternity clothes! Thank you for beginning this journey with us. We are excited and terrified but know that God is in control. So here's to our superhero supertwins who for all intent and purposes are named:
Baby A: Night Hawk
Baby B: Mercy Danger
Baby C: Asher Thrasher
Baby D: Captain Friday
Well until we find out what we are having. Sorry about the long blog post but we have had a lot going on!
My name is Erin, I am 29 years old and I currently live in Bossier City, LA with my husband Chris. I am a pediatric occupational therapist who specializes in Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder. My husband is a crime scene investigator for the Bossier City Police Department. Chris and I met in 2002 at LSU-Shreveport. We became friends but were each dating other people so dating wasn't ever truly considered. In 2005, we had graduated and I returned to the jewlery store where Chris worked to pick up a ring for my fiance. We discussed that my fiance was terminally ill from cancer and that he and his fiance had broken up after a long relationship. My fiance died two days later, but Chris and I kept in touch. Through the next two years as I was healing a broken heart and he was enjoying being single, we would occasionally go on a date. The dates were always amazing but we would have one date and then not speak for two months. Fast forward to July 2007, Chris and I began to hang out multiple times, then all the time and finally we became inseparable. We were married on March 20, 2010 and I can honestly say I married the man God picked for me. I mean who else would have Rick Rolled me during our wedding.
We decided to start trying in March 2011 and immediately got sent to a reproductive endocrinologist. I was diagnosed with a benign microadenoma (tiny tumor) on my pituitary gland. I was put on drugs for that and we started clomid in August. I went up to 200 mg to no avail, then we added a trigger shot and an IUI. That worked for us and we were so excited to find we were pregnant in January 2012. Unfortunately that was not God's plan and we lost that baby on March 2, 2012. Then my body stopped responding to Clomid and we decided to speed up the process by moving to injectables. Our first cycle of injectables did not work, so we decided to give it one more try and pray our credit cards did not max out before the next 2,700 dollar cycle. We were blessed by God and the money never ran out. Some complications arose and I developed OHSS (Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome) my RE decided to reduce my trigger shot by a third and proceed with the IUI instead of cancelling my cycle.
At three weeks we knew I had ovulated. Then at four weeks in a record of thirty seconds (should have been my first clue) we saw this:
Chris didn't want to get his hopes up until we had a positive from the RE. This is where the story gets interesting when the nurse called to give me my HCG it was off the charts. She said there was a possibility of multiples. Chris and I decided to keep the pregnancy a secret and hope for the best. I was scheduled for an ultrasound on Monday, August 20th. Well did we ever get a surprise we are pregnant with not 1, not 2, not 3 but 4 babies.
So that answers the first question why am I blogging. It's a way to keep everyone updated and share in our amazing journey. The next question why did I title the blog like this, well the first time I heard the word Supertwins (meaning triplets or higher) all I could think of was superhero theme music. It may have also been that day I treated spiderman (cutest three year old ever) in the clinic. I think our supertwins will have to be superheroes when the time comes for them to be born and fight to be as healthy as possible.
I am currently 11 weeks pregnant and rocking out maternity clothes! Thank you for beginning this journey with us. We are excited and terrified but know that God is in control. So here's to our superhero supertwins who for all intent and purposes are named:
Baby A: Night Hawk
Baby B: Mercy Danger
Baby C: Asher Thrasher
Baby D: Captain Friday
Well until we find out what we are having. Sorry about the long blog post but we have had a lot going on!
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