THIRTY TWO!

32 weeks gestation as of today!! This marks our ultimate gestation goal after we had the laser procedure (28 weeks was the first critical goal, but 32+ was our real hope)! Big milestone needless to say. Most literature and research shows great outcomes for babies who hang in there for at least 32 weeks. The twins may need some time in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) if they come before 36 weeks or so, but that is somewhat expected with these two. Also, if you recall, the average delivery date after the TTTS laser surgery is 10 weeks, and that is when Jennifer's water broke (exactly 10 weeks after the procedure), so we thought the babies were on the way then (7/19). From our perspective, we have essentially bought 2.5 weeks so far since the water broke, which is great since the babies grow so much each day "in."

Jennifer has pretty much been contraction free since late July 20, but has had some minor contractions today (Tuesday). The contractions are not very strong and are not regular. What does this mean? Not sure, the babies could come in a day or two, or in a week or two or more. She is less concerned than I am about these minor contractions, which is pretty much par for the course. "Contractions are normal and will happen from time to time" per mommy (and the Dr's and nurses concur).

Jennifer and the babies are still impressing all of the Dr's and nurses. Baby heart rates and mommy vitals are perfect, and are checked every few hours. Jennifer is a bit uncomfortable due to her belly expansion and the related displacement and scrunching of her core organs and back. Jennifer thinks they are kicking through her skin at times (think "Alien"). It reminds me of that movie when I see her skin pulsating with the baby pokes, but in a good way of course (thinking healthy, active babies). We are now worrying about the delivery (when? C section?, etc), the challenge of feeding twins, sleeping (or lack thereof), ...all the normal baby stuff. That is kinda nice I must admit after what we have all been through.

Thanks for the continued support, visits, calls, emails, prayers and postive thoughts from family and friends. We need all of it to continue.
We will keep you posted, and no news is good news (when something "major" happens, I plan to update our blog very quickly).
Until next time,
Steve

ps: We were expecting an ultrasound yesterday, but found out the next one is not scheduled until Aug 11. Also, I am 0-2 verses Jennifer in scrabble (getting close I must say), and 0-1 in rummy. Feel free to challenge her during visits.