Twin Birth Story: Alyssa

Name: Alyssa

Where do you currently live? Geneva, IL

How far along were you when you found out you were expecting twins? 8 Weeks!

Any issues during your pregnancy? I didn't have any issues WITH my pregnancy. I did however fall down the last 4 stairs in my house going to put my shoes on for my baby shower. Which very unfortunately ended in me breaking my ankle in two places and dislocating it, missing my baby shower, and causing A LOT of discomfort for the last month of my pregnancy. I had to have surgery 5 days after the girls were born and in total was unable to walk for 5 months. It was a tough one, but it is certainly memorable and already in the baby books!

Memorable/funny moment when you were pregnant: The funniest moment when I was pregnant was when we found out we were having twins! The doctor hadn't even begun the ultrasound yet and said "It looks like there are two!" Clearly he was joking because he had nothing leading him to think that whatsoever. Immediately after the ultrasound started he said it again, so we laughed, and he was like, "no, there really are two heartbeats!". We spent about 5 minutes trying to figure out if he was serious or not. I was laughing so hard because I was so in shock that there really were two! My husband who was also in total and complete shock, just kept asking if he was serious. It was by far the most funny, terrifying, and amazing appointment ever!

Looking back, what is one thing you would tell your pregnant self? TAKE PICTURES OF THAT BUMP!!!!! I have very very very few pictures of me while I was pregnant. I so wish I would have taken bump pictures!

How many weeks/days were you when your twins were born? 34 weeks

Baby A's Information: Penelope Austin (Her middle name is in honor of her Uncle that passed away)
December 5, 2012 6:29pm
5lbs 6oz
18 Inches

Baby B's Information: Violet Ann (Her middle name is in honor of her Grandma and Great Grandma)
December 5, 2012 7:11pm
4lbs 13oz
17.5 Inches

Are your twins identical? Yes :)

Did you have a c-section or natural delivery? I naturally delivered both girls! It was a fairly easy delivery, outside of the bulky cast that was in the way, and Violet being face up, taking longer for her to be delivered.

Any NICU time?  If yes, for what reason and how long? We spent 26 days in the NICU. They were there mostly for feeding issues, and some apnea issues. All in all they were healthy, breathing on their own. We just needed to be able to finish bottles and gain weight to be released.

Did you have any complications after delivery? I didn't have any complications after delivery that were pregnancy or birth related. Just the surgery on my ankle.

How long did you stay in the hospital? Three days

Did your twins stay with you or the hospital nursery at night? They were in the NICU

What are three things you are so glad you had (or wish you would have had) at the hospital? I honestly cannot remember. I really only remember my time spent in the NICU, where you really couldn't have items.

Describe one of your favorite moments while you were at the hospital: My favorite moments while we were in the hospital are hearing the girls first cries, and being able to hold them. Initially they told me I wouldn't be able to hold them when they were born, but I was able to, and it was amazing. My other favorite moment was being released from the NICU and being able to come home. It was a long 26 days and we couldn't have been more ready!

If you had one piece of advice you could give an expecting mom of twins, what would it be? It really isn't as hard as people think it is. You learn, you adapt, you thrive as a family. It is truly an amazing journey, regardless of how challenging it may be at times. Tomorrow is always a new day, a fresh start. The days may be long, but they are so unbelievably rewarding. Having twins is truly a gift!