Name: Ann Marie Tennison
Where do you currently live (city/state)? McKinney, TX
How far along were you when you found out you were expecting twins? 6 weeks
Any issues during your pregnancy? Home bed rest at 34 weeks and then hospital bed rest at 35 weeks. I was placed on bed rest for high blood pressure. AND hello...swollen feet! I was one of the lucky ones whose feet and lower legs swelled. Ugh. IT GOES AWAY! :) They monitored me for Preeclampsia, but the results were always negative.
Memorable/funny moment when you were pregnant: There were so many moments through my pregnancy that caused me to fall into a full-on belly laugh (literally...hehe)!
Yes- I was that pregnant lady who put on her fair share of skinny jeans during this pregnancy. In most cases, Michael had to help me. But, there was one night when I had to get ready on my own. Let me just say- it was a sight to see. I ended up with one leg in one side of the jeans laying on our bed in laughter so hard that tears were running down my face. While I laid there on the bed, I thought to myself, "Well, I made it this far, I might as well keep going!" If I could only read (our pups) Hondo and Sophie's minds as they sat and watched! But, in the end, I assure you...the jeans made it on! :)
Looking back, what is one thing you would tell your pregnant self? Always treasure the feeling of your littles' movements. Try and remember that even in the hard times, it is such a blessing to grow two tiny lives.
How many weeks/days were you when your twins were born? 36 weeks
Baby A's Information: Layton Aaron
October 10, 2012
7:54 am
4lbs 12oz
18 in
Baby B's Information: Hadley McKee
October 10, 2012
7:55am
4lbs 15oz
19.25 in
Are your twins identical? Nope :)
Did you have a c-section or natural delivery?
C-Section- What an exciting time for Michael and me! We had many emotions going through us the night before and the morning of our little ones arrival. We both surprisingly slept a little that night, which surprised us both. We woke up, took showers, and waited for our doctor's directions. I was hooked up to an IV and feeling as if I was pumped full of gallons of liquids. As the first doctor walked into the room at 7:00 am my nerves started. My parents, along with Michael's, came in for hugs, kisses, and pictures before they wheeled me into the operating room. Michael stayed back while they put in the epidural and once that was in he came into the room and stayed at my side. The nerves had settled in and I continuously prayed for our sweet girls that were about to join our family. I knew that there were many steps in a cesarean section and this made me nervous. I made a "to do" list in my head and as each portion was completed I was able to check it off! This helped the time pass. Michael held my hand and the sweet nurse and anesthesiologist talked me through the process.
Any NICU time? If yes, for what reason and how long? No!
Did you have any complications after delivery? You're likely to lose more blood with a C-section than with a vaginal birth. Transfusions are rarely needed. Yet, I was one of the "rarely needed!" It was a simple task, they hooked me up to an IV of blood and DONE! But, it did cause me a great deal of anxiety. Let's be honest...the thought of adding someone else's blood to my body just scared me.
How long did you (the parents) stay in the hospital? 5 days
Did your twins stay with you or in the hospital nursery at night? With us at night
What are three things you are so glad you had (or wish you would have had) at the hospital?
3 things I was GLAD to have:
1. Camera
2. Comfy PJ's for C-section healing
3. Makeup (lots of pictures- bronzer and mascara are my best friend!)
Describe one of your favorite moments while you were at the hospital:
Seeing the expressions on my family's faces when introducing H&L was by far the most wonderful moment! The day of our scheduled C-section we designated "Family Day." It was nice to allow my family to have ALL the snuggles they wanted when the twins were born! The sharing started the next day as friends and family swarmed in! We used this wording: Family and friends: We are planning on having a "family day" on Wednesday when our little ones arrive. We welcome all of our friends to come visit on Thursday and Friday. The Tennison Family of four will be at Baylor McKinney Hospital until Saturday morning. We can't wait for you all to meet Hadley and Layton Tennison! You are all welcome to visit at our home as well.
If you had one piece of advice you could give an expecting mom of twins, what would it be? My pregnancy was rather smooth, yet bumps will come and go as you travel on your pregnancy journey. I learned to praise God despite our circumstances. While you may be newly pregnant or about to deliver... remember that no matter what circumstances you are going through, God gives you grace. He hopes that with this grace you can learn from your situation. Therefore, praise Him. Where there is praise, God's presence can be felt. CONGRATULATIONS! You are about to ride the best roller coaster of your life!!
Ann Marie's Personal Blog: Michael and Me
Oh and it was such a joyful time. Ann Marie and Michael transitioned so well into parenthood. I think Michael was so determined to help every single moment when they got home that he became physically sick from exhaustion. I stayed a week and they never woke me at night. From day one of parenthood they took the riegns and have never let go! What a wonderful ride. I teared up a bit going back in time with this story. Thanks for posting. Lala (Miss Hadley and MIss Layton's maternal Grand-mother) .
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