27 Hours Later...and We Have Boys!!!

When Crystal showed few signs of progressing this morning, the doctor decided to break Hayden's water (baby A) to help encourage mother nature along. That occurred at roughly 7:30 A.M.

At around 10:00 A.M., Crystal was dilated 3 cm. At 11:01 A.M., she was dilated to 7 cm. At 11:05 A.M., she was fully dilated to 10 cm. Our doctor's practice at that point is to let things "rest and descend." That process took about 60 minutes. After that, Crystal's anesthesiologist topped off her epidural and we were prepped for the operating room. Of course I had to make some ridiculous jokes about my outfit first.

During this entire time, Crystal kept battling nausea, vomiting, and all the other delights that come with this joyful process. One difference in our case, perhaps, is that Crystal was given a 24 hr Magnesium Sulfate drip to help control her blood pressure. In addition to increasing the nausea and vomiting, side effects include hot flashes, muscle fatigue, and more. My guess is they use this type of stuff in war prisons.

The operating room was a happening place. Among those included on the guest list were a respiratory specialist, a midwife (for moral support and training), our doctor, and about four nurses. I held one of Crystal's legs during the delivery, probably because they needed an extra set of hands.

From my vantage point, everything went like clockwork. Dr. Judd is a magician. I watched in awe when he used the forceps to turn Hayden into the correct position and then smoothly guide him out of...the darkness and into the light. First the little head, then the shoulders, then a cute little bum, and finally his feet.

Next came Zachary. Just before breaking Zachary's sack, the doctor yelled "head for the hills," apparently because that part tends to be messy. After a little adjusting, Dr. Judd reached in there and pulled Zachary out, butt first.

We weren't sure if we would hear the babies scream when they came out because of their prematurity, but scream they did. And there is nothing on this earth more beautiful. Crystal and I kissed and wept. The proudest moments of our lives occurred at 12:51 (Hayden) and 12:53 (Zachary).

The babies were not given immediately to Crystal because they needed some "attention." After 10 minutes or so, the babies were bundled and placed in Crystal's arms. Even small they are a handful. The next few months are going to be fun. I better grow a new arm or two.

Crystal's visit was short lived. They quickly whisked the boys away to the nursery for some more treatments. I wheeled the boys into the nursery while Crystal remained behind in the operating room. Oddly enough, neither of the boys have any respiratory issues. They did, however, have extremely low blood sugar levels. A few bottles and IVs later, they are doing just fine. Our two little gentlemen are nestled in a special corner of the nursery. I love watching all of the people walk by and say things like "Oh how cute!"

Unfortunately, the Magnesium Sulfate is leveling Crystal. She passed out in the bathroom (but no harm done thanks to great nurses) and has yet to see the babies, almost six hours later. Rough deal.

The next post will include stats and pictures about each of the babies. For those of you following events, give me 10 minutes and I'll have that post up and ready.