July 2007: We thought we were ready for a kid. Then we found out there was going to be two.
UPDATE 11/3/07:
I realized we should mention that the twins are here (albeit 16 weeks early). To read about their birth at 24 weeks and 2 days click here. So this website is no longer a journey of our pregnancy, it has moved on to Derby and Loen’s journey through the NICU. I will be happy when I can update this page to say “our life at home”.
UPDATE 03/25/08:
Loen and Derby came home in February. Loen spent a total of 110 and Derby 116 days in the NICU. The doctors continue to be amazed at their progress. We are gaining weight and moving on. There are still obstacles and many doctors appointments to go but we have come a long way. One specialist felt you wouldn’t be able to pick them out of crowd in a couple of years as being micropreemies. Tadd and I feel so blessed to have them at home. The truly are our little wonder twins.
UPDATE 04/29/2010:
I know most people come to the about page to get the quick gist of the site. In a nutshell we started this blog because we were pregnant with our first child. I wanted to capture and share all that was happening with our family. Ohhh then we find out were having twins, our life just expanded. The pregnancy was a breeze. No nausea no complications I was enjoying it. At 22 weeks I dilated and Loen’s bag ruptured. We were advised to terminate the pregnancy as the odds were against us. We opted for drugs, bed rest and prayers that everything would turn out. 24 weeks and 2 days the twins were born, beginning the dreaded NICU roller coaster. I have said before I didn’t feel it was that bad. We had highs and lows but we got through. I know Tadd had a harder time with the months in the NICU, perhaps as an RN I dealt with things better because I understood a lot of the medical jargon. They came into this world at a pound and a half each, my mother said they made her think of a bag of coffee. They were vented for 9 weeks, Loen dealt with pneumonia and had laser surgery for ROP. Derby had a collapsed lung and a perforated bowel from NEC. He had a ileostomy while his intestines healed. We were released from the NICU sans monitors which was a surprise because I thought we would have to bring something home.
The twins have been amazingly resilient since coming home. We have not been hospitalized once. Derby did come down with pneumonia at a year but other than that we have merely dealt with colds and ear infections. Derby had eye surgery twice for lazy eye. Loen wears glasses for near sightedness. Our biggest hurdle of having had micro preemies would be Derby’s diagnosis of cerebral palsy resulting in left hemiparesis (left sided weakness). He sees therapists four times a week but in spite of all that they are LOUD, wild and hilarious, although a bit on the small side.
This is their story, for better or worse.
9 responses so far ↓
1 E. Cooper // Aug 20, 2007 at 11:46 am
Un-real…. Buckle up, it’s going to be amazing…
2 Grandma Lavon // Aug 20, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Your website is a delight! I’m still holding out for one to be a girl. I loved what your mom said, Hava, that “only Hava could handle twins.”
3 Brandy Regan // Aug 20, 2007 at 3:53 pm
The two tadpoles made me laugh. Glad we can keep up on the joys of pregnancy and I can live through your food cravings!
4 Brent, Michelle and Grant // Aug 21, 2007 at 2:36 am
Hi guys! The website is FABULOUS—though we both think it should be called, “the Taddpoles” with two D’s…..but if you did that , I think maybe Hava’s name should be in the title too…like “Hava and the Taddpoles”……well, maybe that sounds too much like a band name….thanks for making the website….it gives me something to read as I’m pumping in the middle of the night….yes, I am pumping now and it’s 2:36am…
We are so happy for both of you and can’t wait until the play dates start.
Love, Michelle, Brent, and Grant
5 Tessa // Sep 21, 2007 at 8:35 pm
You guys are so cute! I love the names you have picked for the little ones.
6 Dave Connors // Oct 31, 2007 at 7:27 am
Tad,
WOW you babies are beautiful, I hope all is well. Rob told me about your web page so I thought I should check it out. Just thought I would drop you a note and let you know you and your family are in my wifes and my prayers. Take care
Dave
7 Julie // Nov 7, 2007 at 12:59 pm
I feel like I should introduce myself. My mother-in-law, Lori Buxton, (I guess you met at a party several months ago. Maybe through the family you “nannyed” for?) had sent me a link to you blog. I’ve been reading on and off since and I must say I have been captivated by it! I wanted to let you know that I’m praying for you and your new little ones. They are the absolutely precious! Stay strong and know that God is with you all.
8 Rhonda Cook // Nov 12, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Dear Tadd and Hava,
I think of you often and say prayers for your tiny little ones. They have been thru so much… Seems like words are hard to find – hold on to each other for stength and may God bless.
Love, Rhonda
9 Christie Cooney // Dec 21, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Hava & Tadd,
I recently heard about your babies, and Andy referred me to your site. I look forward to reading more and following their progress.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your tiny ones!
Christie
Leave a Comment