Time for a story. First, the babies are holding their own - still in the NICU, but doing better every day. The elder of the two (by fifteen minutes) was smaller (by 10 oz.) and anemic because at birth, something called twin-to-twin transfusion occurred. Some of his blood spurted from him to his brother via the umbilical cord. His brother, as a result, had blood that was too much and too thick. So the (younger, bigger) one needed to have some blood drained and replaced by saline solution while the other is receiving iron and calcium supplements. The younger (by fifteen minutes) baby is doing quite well, and has even started to breast feed. The older is developing a bit more slowly, and they are feeding him breast milk wih a bottle in order to keep careful track of how much he takes in without spitting it up. So far, so good, but of course we have been concerned about “Baby A” catching up with his brother. Also waiting on some test results.

So now the story. I have long been a believer in the universe - God - All That Is (your choice) giving us signs and answers if we pay attention. As many of you know, I drive back and forth an hour each way to work on the Massachusetts Turnpike. I have been doing this for nine years, now. I have never seen any hawks. Some flocks of birds from time to time, but never any hawks.

On my way home yesterday, I had the babies on my mind - especially the smaller little munchkin, whose test results we are presently waiting for. As I was driving along, I had his sweet little face in mind when suddenly, seemingly coming out of nowhere, a hawk flew right across the highway - low, barely skimming the tops of the cars it seemed - right in front of me. And right behind him came another hawk, whose wings fluttered and he faltered a little, and then, amazingly, he straightened himself out and caught right up with the other hawk and off they flew, looking strong and regal as only hawks can look.

And suddenly I knew that our “elder” twin is going to be fine - that his wings may flutter a bit, and he may have faltered, but he WILL catch up with his brother, and we will have two strong young hawks to raise.

I went up to the hospital with my daughter again last night (she and her husband spend the day up there while their 8-year-old is in school, and then Dad does 4 - 8 and Mom does 8 - 12 with the boys.) Now that I’m back at work, I’ve just been doing Mom’s night shift with her. Not that they have to be up there all that time, you understand: it’s just that they feel the boys need to be held and cuddled by them as much as possible, and I, of course, agree. The ICU nurses, nurse practitioners, doctors and all just seem to love them (and the boys) and make them feel very welcome, and considering that it’s a far from optimum situation, it’s been made manageable by some very caring and highly skilled professionals.

Now don’t ask me about my eating, because it STILL isn’t very good, although I’ve tried to keep the calories down and fiber up. I’m doing okay as far as the fiber is concerned, but I KNOW my calorie count is too high, and I doubt that I’ll weigh myself today. (Cowardly, that’s me!)

I’m off for my Saturday morning trip to the grocery store (ugh) and then, perhaps outdoors a bit today before I go up to see the boys later on. It’s predicted to be reaching 60 degrees around here, but rain tomorrow, so I’d like to catch some sunshine and breathe in a little fresh air while I can.  

Oh! Folks have been asking for pictures of the boys, and I DO have to report this: On Wednesday night, I took my DH’s super-dooper top-of-the-line digital camera with me to the hospital (promising to guard it with my LIFE) and took about 8 “perfect” shots of the boys. They certainly LOOKED perfect in that little window you can look into before you snap, anyway <shrug>. Got home all excited, downloaded them onto my desktop, and they all look like impressionistic paintings! In other words, BLURRY and useless. DH says he’ll get me “one of those throwaway Kodaks” that you just aim and snap - no delicate adjustments required. Bah, humbug! Anyway, I’ll try to post some as soon as I can.

Have a great weekend, one and all.

Hugs,

Z