Unfortunately, they also continued to achieve statistical deviations in that they experienced the relatively rare twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. What does that mean? Well, in my simple explanation...they shared a placenta, but had two amniotic sacs. Because they shared a placenta, they also shared a blood supply and depending on how things develop, one baby can end up getting too much blood supply and the other not enough. Little Sadie had not enough blood as it turns out and little Isabella had too much. In what can only be described as a miracle and great science put together, Kate and Paul had an ultrasound at a critical time in the twins gestation. The doctors saw some developmental differences between them and delivered the girls early at just shy of 28 weeks gestation. For the uninformed...a typical gestation is considered full term at 40 weeks. So, we're talking about babies born months early! In fact, they were born on April 14 and their due date is still over a month away on July 9th.
Sadie was 1lb 9 oz and Isabella was 2 lbs 3 oz. So what is that? Something like 5 sticks of butter? TINY.
I was overjoyed this weekend to pay them all a visit. They are just over 7 weeks old now, and growing well. Sadie is up to 3 lbs 11 oz and Isabella is up to 4 lbs 9 oz. Tremendous strides have been made in their breathing, eating, and body temperature regulation...all important milestones for preemies. Not to mention, their personality developments have also progressed! They are definitely two different little girls...sassy and spunky.
Kate and Paul are handling all these huge life changes with an unbelievable positivity. I'm amazed by their newly found NICU lingo and skills. Kate sounds like a NICU nurse and as the photo proves below...Paul is trying to actually accomplish what women everywhere have been asking for...male lactation.
beautiful picture! it just melts my heart...our "mira"Cole was 2.5 pounds (born at 29 weeks) and spent many months in the NICU! through many ups and downs, he made it through and is now a spunky 7 year old! hang in there sadie and isabella-God Bless!!
(04.20.09)Oh my heart goes out to Kate and Paul and the girls. It is a long road, as I know all too well. You captured such a beautiful moment.
(04.21.09)Katie,
I love you...your pics are amazing! I did Kate's hair and makeup for her fab wedding to Paul. While perusing your blog, I saw these beautiful photos. I am hoping the girls are home now and doing well. Please let kate and paul know that I am wishing them and their new family all the best. Love, Melanie
Great looking family and great pictures. Love them
(04.16.09)
Good grief, are you kidding me with those eyes? She could have anyone in her grip just by flashing those baby blues. So stinkin' cute!
(04.11.09)That first one is angelic!
(04.11.09)AMAZING!!! Oh man she doesn't even look real -- she's SO precious and those pictures are GORGEOUS!
(04.11.09)OMG- I cannot wait to meet her myself!! You guys did so good! : ) These pictures are beautiful. Kaira, you're so lucky to have a friend with such talent.
(04.16.09)Kate is absolutely adorable!
(05.05.09)What a cutie! What a beauty! Is that red hair I'm seeing? Katherine Jane with RED hair? She's gonna be England's next Queen!!!
(05.07.09)Katie is absolutely beautiful, and so dainty. You and the Lord did a great job! So glad that you have a precious daughter to take care of. And, you have great grandparents to help out, and they are SO proud!
Blessings to you and your family, Kaira & John!
The Lord bless you always!
Love, Della and Jim Wuertz :)
And finally...one of my favorite images from the afternoon...I'd exhausted my supply of whistles, fake farts, and cow noises trying to get Reed to look up from the dirt he was handling. Kate nuzzled into him in the hopes of distracting him. While it didn't distract him, it sure made for great photos. I love it when something doesn't turn out like you expected.
Beautiful pictures as always! Thanks for such a fun and easy photo shoot.
(04.07.09)Love these pics SO MUCH and -- as it turns out -- I also love lip balm so I ordered one.
Great advertisement, Katie :D
(04.09.09)that last one is SOOOOOOO awesome. so are the rest, but i really love the last one. :)
(04.09.09)
Katie, you are an amazing person! We are so glad that we could share this experience with you. Friends is an understatement, you've become family.
(06.02.09)Amazing pictures. Thank you so much for caring and sharing your talents. We're blessed to have you as part of the support family for these precious little girls.
Judy Monaco
(06.02.09)Watching this made me cry remembering Phoebe being in the NICU at Sierra Vista almost a year ago and how difficult it was for me and how quickly the year has passed. What beautiful pictures, Katie!
(06.02.09)Katie,
(06.03.09)What beautiful little girls. So many people forget about photographing their babies during their NICU stay (so many other things to think about!). I'll always cherish the photographs my friends and family took of my son in the NICU. Thanks for sharing! Jess