Lexi had to write about taking care of younger kids. It was perfect timing since she has new twin cousins. She has spent the last 10 days thinking, worrying and praying for them. My brother, Chris, and his wife, Julia, had twins on May 7th. Here is the full story:
Last Tuesday (May 7th), my youngest brother sent me a text that the doctor was
sending Julia to the hospital. I called my mom to see if that meant the
twins were going to be born. She told me that Julia had toxemia and would be
having an emergency c-section. The good news was that she had made it to full
term with them. We were all excited to hear how big they were. The boy,
Elijah, was 6 lbs 5 oz and 19.75" long. The girl, Priscilla, was 5 lbs 9 oz and
19" long. We were all very excited.
Elijah (left) - Priscilla
(right)
Sadly, the next day my mom called to tell me that Elijah had a blocked intestine
and had to be life-flighted to a hospital in a bigger town. The hospital where
they were at couldn't get it cleared and realized he might need surgery. Plus,
he was having trouble breathing. As my mom was asking my brother questions, she
learned that the babies were rushed out right after being born and that Julia hadn't even seen Elijah yet. Chris was going to go with Elijah to the new
hospital. Priscilla and Julia would stay in that hospital. Julia's mom would stay there. My mom decided that she
needed to be at the new hospital with him. She booked a flight and headed out that
day.
Things got a little better for Elijah the next day. The new
hospital was able to get the intestine unblocked without surgery. He was also
breathing 99 to 100% on his own. However, Elijah wasn't very active and was not
interested in eating. Later that day, my brother was able to get him to drink a
teaspoon for one of his feedings. He had to rely on a tube that went through
his nose and down into his belly to get the rest.
Two days later (11th), my brother's wife and his daughter were released from
their hospital. A room was set up for them at the Ronald McDonald house. He
drove over to get them (1.5 hours away) while my mom stayed with Elijah. They
were thrilled to be all together. Even though they had a room across the
street, they were all able to stay in the hospital room with Elijah. The nurses
were very nice about helping with Priscilla too. They weighed her every day and
checked up on how much she was eating.
Julia & Chris with babies
Yesterday, Elijah was released and they were able to go home. Now, the real fun
begins.
Priscilla
