Birth of the Boys: Update from Jonny

Update on 4/4/13 from Jonny

Here’s an update on Katrina, Timothy, and Connor.  The boys were born on 4/3/13, at 10:53 and 10:54 AM.  Katrina’s water had broken the morning prior, and we had been at the hospital for about 24 hours.  As with all twin pregnancies, Katrina had to deliver in the operating room (OR), but wanted to try a vaginal delivery.  After about an hour and a half in the OR, the doctor advised that we switch to a C-section, and about 20 minutes later the boys were born.

Timothy was born at 6 lb 3oz, 18 and ¾ inches long.  He was doing very well at time of birth, and has been able to go to the full term nursery.  He is having some issues with his blood sugar and feedings, but overall has been doing well.

Connor was born at 6 lb 2oz, 19 inches long.  He was having some issues with his breathing, and was taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  In the NICU, they attempted using supplemental oxygen to assist his breathing; when that wasn’t enough they put him on a ventilator.  The NICU doctors were uncertain of why he was having so much difficulty breathing, as he and his brother’s lungs are similarly developed.  They ran a bevy of tests, including x-rays, ECGs, and a brain ultrasound (thinking that he might have had some brain-stem issues that were keeping him from breathing well).  The x-ray and brain ultrasound looked OK.  At this point they are still unsure, but think that the problem breathing might be due to Connor’s heart damage from the Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome.  They also placed him on nitrous oxide to help dilate the blood vessels in his lungs.  This will help reduce the work his heart has to do.  They are trying to keep him somewhat sedated through medication as well, so that he can relax and help his heart heal.

Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.  For Katrina as she recovers from major surgery and exhaustion from labor, and tries to keep up with feedings for Timothy and going to a different part of the hospital to see Connor.  For Timothy’s blood sugar and weight to do well.  And for Connor’s heart to heal and for his breathing to stabilize, as well as giving the doctors wisdom to know what is going on.  And for myself trying to keep up with everything.

Thanks from our family! (Connor on L, Timothy on R)