Wednesday, September 3, 2008

The girls had other plans...

Avery Fern 2lbs. 3 oz.
Matilda (Tilly) Jane 2lbs. 7 oz.

First of all, many thanks to all those who have shown your love and concern for us during this time. We have so appreciated all of the thoughts and prayers that have come our way.

Alright, here goes...

On Friday night we went to the Stutz family reunion at Grandma and Grandpa's farm here in Provo. It was very fun-- and at the end of the night we had a mock drive-in and against the old red barn. When the movie ended at about 11, Jordan and I went home while everyone else stayed at the farm to camp out.  When we got home I went to the bathroom (and sorry if this is gross) but there was a little bit of a "gush" as I sat there. Hmmm...

So I called a nurse and asked if I should go to the hospital or not. She said that I should wait and see if cramps follow. Anyway, sure enough....the cramps soon began. At about 4:30 in the morning I started timing them at about 8 minutes a part and decided that we should go in. So we were put in a delivery room and they hooked me up to a bunch of monitors to watch heartbeats etc. They started me on some medication to try and stop the contractions... and told us that I would most likely stay on bed rest for the remaining three months of my pregnancy--Nooooo! Anyway, obviously our main concern was the babies and their well-being, so we prepared ourselves mentally for what was to come as best as we possibly could.

At about 4:30 Saturday afternoon, the medicine stopped working and my contractions were getting really intense, really fast. I told the nurse and she said that she didn't feel like she should check the dilation because it might induce labor. At this point pretty much all of the amniotic fluid had leaked out, which wasn't helping with the intensity of the contractions. After about an hour of contractions I told the nurse "I feel like I need to push--" she asked me to hold on as long as I could.

At about 6pm there was a shift change and I told the new nurse the scoop. She checked the dilation right on the spot and said--"Yikes! You're at a 10, we've gotta get you in for a c-section right away!" At that point we already new that Avery was breech on top of Matilda so a c-section would be our only option if they were to come that day. So, they pretty much just whisked us down to the operating room and 30 minutes later they were here! They were pretty beaten up... especially Matilda since she was head down on my cervix, with no fluid to cushion her, with Avery sitting on top of her. But we were so relieved to have them here and to know that they were okay.

The nurses rushed them to the NICU and after they had finished all the procedures, they wheeled me up there so that I could see them. They were so beautiful! They looked absolutely perfect... just really tiny. Avery was 2lbs. 3 oz. and Matilda weighed in at 2lbs. 7 oz. -- both about 14 inches long.
Both started out on ventilators but the day after delivery Avery was taken off, and Matilda the day after that, which was great! They had brain scans yesterday, and everything checked out to be okay. Right now our prime concern is a little bit of a heart valve problem that they are both having. They started them on some medication to fix it yesterday, but if it doesn't work they might have to operate-- which we are hoping can be avoided.

The projected date for their release from the hospital is their original due date, so there are going to be lots of visits back and forth within the next few months. The nurses in the NICU have been great and we feel so blessed to have such wonderful, qualified care for our girls.

Again, we are so grateful for the outpouring of love we have felt from our dear friends and family. Please continue to keep Avery and Matilda in your prayers and we will do our best to keep everyone up to date on their progress.

17 comments:

Sherwoods said...

Jordan,

Wow, what a wild ride! Kids will do that to you. I hope it is okay I am on your blog. I saw the pictures on facebook and had to check it out. I hope that all continues to go well for you guys and your girls. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Good luck!

Amanda (Larsen) Sherwood

M. Fisk said...

What beautiful names for such beautiful girls! Even though there's a lot going on in the pictures they still look like lovely little dolls. Congratulations!! You Stutzes are amazing! We're so happy for you and so glad that although things didn't go as planned they still went so well. We'll keep you and Avery and Matilda in our prayers.

Nate + Carlee said...

Maci! It's true they ARE so beautiful! Isn't it amazing that even though they are so early they still come equipped to survive, and can still manage to be so stinkin' cute?! I know everyone says this, but really if you need ANYTHING please, please call me. I would be more than happy to help in any way. I am so glad that you are all doing so well, and we will keep you in our prayers!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh Maci they are BEAUTIFUL!! And I LOVE that you used Fern as a middle name... I have wanted to do that but I guess you beat me to it. ;) Seriously, both names, so cute. We are praying for you guys and we love you!

Emily said...

They are absolute angels, so perfect and precious! You are in our prayers constantly! We love you and can't wait for the day when your girls can come over and play!

Lindsey said...

I just love them so much! Thank you for the whole story (gory details and all). I keep trying to repeat it but I miss stuff. I needed a hard copy:) Blow them each a kiss for Aunt Lindsey.

The Nead's said...

Wow Maci! I am thinking of you. That is all too fresh in my mind...the NICU trips back and forth. I hope all is well and the little girls will be your miracle babies. Good luck with everything and always remember it will get better:)

One Girl and Three Crazy Boys! said...

I got the news from Leah the other day, and I just couldn't believe it. I have been so worried, but I am so glad to see them up on your blog already, and to hear how well they are doing. They are so beautiful and look very healthy considering their small size. Please keep us updated, and I know we aren't close by but if there is anything you need please let us know. You all are in our prayers. We love you guys -The Henries

Darla said...

Congrats to you both! Kind of scary, and unplanned...right? Good luck. Keep us posted with lots of pics and info. We love you guys!

Naomi said...

Wow! Crazy story! I am glad to hear that you are doing good and that the girls are doing well especially with being so early! I would love to come visit but you make that call. I can only imagine how busy you will be. Congrats and we will keep you in our prayers!

Emlyn said...

Thanks for posting the story and pictures. You and Jordan are amazing. Jeremy and I can't wait to meet them and see you... in just a few hours! We'll call when we're in Orem/Provo.

Tawni said...

Wow! Congratulations! I'm so glad everything turned out ok. Good luck with the next few months!

Emlyn said...

According to babynames.com, Matilda means "Battle strength" and Avery means "Elf ruler". There are your random facts for the day!

kelsey said...

CONGRATS! That is so crazy, but so exciting that they are doing well!! Keep us posted!
Love,
Kels

ps: i love love LOVE their names!

Megan Miley and Chris said...

Awe! Cute babies! My heart dropped when I heard that you had them so early. It will all work out, all 4 of you are in our prayers. Thank goodness for technology. Congrats!

James said...

Well I guess this answers my facebook Q! Congratulations on the arrival of your darling girls...how do you and your hubby feel now they are here?

Chrissie Brown said...

Little Avery and Matilda have been on my mind all week. Thanks for the post and pictures, they are precious and beautiful! They're already so blessed to have patient, loving, faithful parents. If anyone can get through this, you and Jordan can!!! We love you! Tell the girls to keep up the good work!