My Birth Story

Hi all! Well, I'm happy to report that the boys arrived safely! As you can imagine, I've been busy tending to the twins, which doesn't leave too much time for myself at the moment. But when I can catch a couple of minutes in between their snoozes, I'm trying to fit in the things that were part of my pre-mommy routine - like blogging.

I wanted to share the twins' birth story with you today as I just can't get over the fact that I carried around two children in my belly... and that they're finally here.

But it's amazing how your life can change in an instant.

For me, that day was April 20, 2015. 
My husband and I arrived at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. knowing that in a few hours, the life we shared for the last 5 years was going to change. I thought to myself, "I'm going to the hospital, and leaving with two little humans." Just amazing.

After checking in, the nurses hooked me up to monitors to hear the heartbeats of my two sons. I watched the numbers go up and down as my own heart rapidly. It was part nerves, part excitement, part fear... But in the best way. Nonetheless, I was completely scared to be wheeled into the operating room. My scheduled c-section was set for 7:30 a.m. Knowing that after carrying them to 38 weeks (which is considered full-term for twins) I was going to meet them made me nervous. I'd no longer have the bump I looked down at everyday. But, I had dreamed of what they'd look like. Would they cry when they were born? Would they be born with hair? I thought about the past months and wondered if I did as much as I could in order to bring two healthy boys into the world. Luckily, all my tests and ultrasounds were on target so at this point, I'd done all I could. 

Finally, I was wheeled into the operating room, and my husband was asked to change into scrubs. I had a planned c-section, and leading up to it, I'd done my research in anticipation to what to expect. A childbirth class also helped prep me, so I wasn't in the dark either. I guess you could say I was "prepared". 

Experiencing something like a c-section is probably the scariest thing I've endured. Knowing you are being operated on while awake, even though you can see what's going on, is without a doubt terrifying. I shook uncontrollably on the table as the room was very cold. First, they placed a shower cap on my head - bangs exposed. Then, oxygen at my nose. I received a spinal block, which is slightly different than an epidural in the sense that the needle wouldn't be inserted in my bag and left there - I'd receive the dosage and the needle would be removed. I'll admit it was comforting knowing I wouldn't have to lie down with a needle in my spine. I can't say I was overly scared about this part b/c honestly, there's a lot of hype around epidurals and how terrible they are. But, it really wasn't that bad. The anesthesiologist is so quick about it, and they do it all day long... The biggest trip is to feel your legs go warm and absolutely numb.

After the spinal, I laid down on the table, and the curtain was drawn over my chest. Mike joined me back in the OR and sat right at my head. I was still shaking due to the cold of the room, and the nerves, but he did an amazing job of keeping me focused as as calm as possible. He really has been my rock in so many ways - picking up the slack for me and making our home ready for the babies' arrival. No words could really do justice for all that he's done for me...

After the medication set in, the doctor started the procedure. I had read that you will feel "slight tugging and pressure". I can't say it was slight... Sorry. It's not the doctor's fault, it just comes with the procedure. But, with all the movement going on, I can say that I was getting a little freaked out. While I didn't feel a thing, the thought of what was happening was probably causing my nervous to jump off the charts. 

After a couple of minutes, the doctor said, "Okay, Jen, here comes Baby A."

At 8:27, Landon Phillip Jeffery was born at 5. lb, 11 oz. - crying! 

Immediately after at 8:28 a.m., Nathan Samuel Jeffery was born, weighing 5 lb. 12 oz. Following suit, he made his appearance just like his brother - crying and screaming. Best sound ever.

I started to cry and just couldn't believe that my sons were now finally here to be part of our world. I didn't get to see them immediately as the nurses rushed in and whisked them off to be cleaned and checked. After some time, a nurse brought the boys to me and I remember just looking at their faces in awe. Instant love. Unbelievable. 

Now, as I'm home, my recovery has been good with moments of some pain. It can be difficult to take care of the boys at times when I'm having pain, which can be frustrating because I want to be able to be at my best for them. Luckily, my family and husband have been a tremendous help and have been very patient with me. 

Becoming a mother has been scary, rewarding, amazing, a learning experience and beautiful. I had waited for so long to finally experience this moment and everything that I've endured, it was worth it. I now get the privilege of being their mother. I cherish every minute with them and love that each day, there lies an adventure with them - big or small. 

In the meantime, I've been busy as you can imagine, so blogging will have to wait for the moments when I can get to it. But I'll be checking in I hope weekly.

I'd like to thank everyone for the love and support on Instagram! If you'd like to see more photos of the boys, you'll find them on my House Of Jeffers account!