Thursday, April 2, 2009

My Due Date

Today is my official due date.  Its all sort of funny now, considering the boys have been here for 6 weeks and 2 days.  We knew they would be early, but we had no idea when they would come.

The official due date is cause for celebration because I now have both boys home!!  It is truly a blessing.  We are all adjusting to the new schedules and all three of my boys are doing really well.

It has been a long, hard, emotional journey, but we are all finally all together.  I have a few more posts that I will probably make as they relate to my pregnancy, their birth, and the NICU.  As for now, I'm just happy as can be.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

One at home, one in the NICU

It really is a blessing to have twin A home.  We are all transitioning well.  His older brother is thrilled to have him here.  The difficulty, having twin B still in the NICU.  It is no longer the emotional toll, but it is also starting to take a physical toll on me.  Before when they were both together I could spend all afternoon at the NICU.  Because I do have a 3 year old at home, spending all day never worked.  Now I'm lucky if I get to be there for one feeding.  Don't get me wrong.  I am THRILLED to have A home, but maintaing the balance is not easy.  Hopefully we are in for only more week.  Twin B is on the finally week of medication treatment for his infection.  He will have a test midweek to ensure that everything looks good. Assuming that comes back good we will be able to take him home next weekend.  Keep those finger crossed for us.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Twin A is Home

YAY!

We are so excited to share that Twin A came home today.  I didn't know whether to cry out of joy to be taking him home or cry out of saddness to leave one in the hospital, but we are very happy to have one of them home.  It is definitely bittersweet.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

1 Month Old

It's hard to believe the twins were born just one month ago.  I honestly thought they would be home by now.  The good news is that both are continuing to do well and should be home in the next 1 1/2 weeks.  I'm trying hard not to get my hopes up, but I am so looking forward to having both of them home.  It is looking more and more like Twin A will come home before B.  While it is not ideal, because they cannot cobed in the NICU I will take one home if he is ready before the other.  

It is amazing to think back to how much progress they have made over the month, while at the same time each and every day by itself is so hard to stomach being away from them.  

Today however, we celebrate that we have two beautiful and healthy baby boys.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Breastfeeding in the NICU

It is so amazing.  One of my major concerns about having preemies was their ability to breastfeed.  Amazingly, it is the one thing they had no problems with.  *knock on wood*

14 hours after birth I started pumping with a hospital grade breast pump.  I got very little at first, but I wanted to condition my body to be prepared to feed 2 newborns.  I pumped every 2 hours consistentantly  It was a pretty easy schedule to keep up in the hospital, but once I got home and was traveling back and forth it became more difficult. I occasionally pumped there, but also used the opportunity to stretch my pumping session when necessary to 3 hours.  

The day I was discharge, 5 days after birth, my milk came in.  I continued with the every 2 hours, with the occasional 3 hour stretch.  I was startled to pump 12 oz in one sitting, so I started measuring to figure out how much I pumped in a 24 hour period.  23 days after birth I pumped around 55 -60 oz a day.  That's ALOT!.  I was very concerned about the amount because I read that you needed to pump 24 - 32 ounces for a singleton.  I thought there is no way I can do that.  I was thrilled to learn I was doing that x2!  

So, since my babies have been able to feed they have received my breastmilk, whether in a bottle or by breast.  

Now, for the latching onto the breast.  I was actually very concerned about the boys receiving a bottle or pacifier.  Everything I read said those are big no-nos if you want to have a successful breastfeeding relationship.  The NICU was not willing to let them feed solely on the breast.  I was initially very upset and then I realized I would do what it takes to get them out of the NICU and would work on feeding at the breast once they got home.  

Little did I know how few problems we would encounter.  As for the actual "latch on" I wish I had suggestions.  I used what I learned as a previous breastfeeding momma and doula training to position and offer the breast properly.  That was really key for the boys.  

Then I wanted to make it as easy as possible.  I initially pumped through a let down and then offered the breast.  After the appeared to get the hang of that I would do a little hand expression because they would initially get frustrated that they were working so hard and not getting anything so the expression allowed a little instant gratification.  Now, occasionally they get frustrated when I don't but they latch on perfectly.

I did have one problem that could have been a major one.  I had a clogged duct that quickly turned into mastitis.  I had a fever, the chills, the whole nine yards.  It came on suddenly.  I took a hot shower and massaged the affected breast.  I continued to pump, drink water, rest, and put warm compresses on the breast.  After 10 hours my fever went down dramatically so I decided to not go to the doctor and continue to rest, by 20 hours I was back to normal.  The problem was I tried to stretch my pumping out to 4 hours.  Not such a good idea.  I immediately returned back to the 2-3 hour routine.  

There is lots of great info on the web about exclusively pumping.  Here is a link to the site I found most helpful  http://www.ameda.com/breastpumping/moms/.  I'll also post additional links on the side of the blog that I use regularly.

Finally, I am so proud of my freezer full of milk that I had to share.  Thank goodness we don't freeze a lot of food.


Thursday, March 12, 2009

37 Week Update

It's nice to have the internet back up and running and my computer working.  I feel connected again!

The twins are both doing well in the NICU.  Today they are 37 weeks in gestational age, 23 days old.  One is completely off oxygen and breathing on his own and the other has limited assistance.  It is a long way from 3 weeks ago.  Of course it doesn't feel like that on a daily basis, but when I have a chance to step back the boys have really come along way.

Twin B developed an infection and is on day 6 of a 21 day medication regiment.  SIGH!  He is eating beautifully, gaining weight perfectly, but has to remain in the hospital because of the infection.  He is fine, but it just sucks that this is the reason why he remains in the NICU.

Twin A is eating really well as well.  He took a bit longer to get with the program, but will no be shown up by his brother.  Once he is weaned off his oxygen and can breathe well on his own for 24 hours he can come home.  It could be any day, but it is all up to him.

So we continue to wait...

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

I hate the NICU

We've had Internet difficulties over the past week or so, so I haven't been able to update as much as I would like.  The boys continue to do well.  One of the boys developed a yeast infection in his umbilical line and has been on antibiotics and anti-fungal medication.  He has been recovering fine, but this means that he will be in the hospital under treatment for at least 2.5 more weeks.  

Both boys are tolerating their feedings well and we introduced the breast to one yesterday.  It was an amazing experience.  It took him a bit to figure out what was expected, but once he did he latched on and sucked well.

I'm just tired of the NICU.  I really want my babies home with me.  I know it's completely irrational.  I know that they are in the best place for them right now, but nothing is harder than leaving them every day.  It hurts and my heart aches every time.  The staff is amazing and handles my occasional teary mutterings well.  I know they are both taken care of, but it just stinks.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

The Roller Coaster Ride of the NICU

It has been an up and down ride the last few days in the NICU. Twin A has gone from a ventilator to an oscillator. He was not doing so well on the ventialor. It is a different breathing assistance apparatus. It is kind of scary at first because it makes the baby vibrate. It is a sight to get used to. They have to be sedated and can't be touched as often. Ok, I said it was scary at first, I still get a chill when I first walk in.

While the oscillator is a little off putting, A has responded very well to it. In the last 24 hours the doctors and nurses have been very impressed with how well he is doing and have already started adjusting the settings to wean him off.

B is also doing good. He is still on the ventilator, but is now breathing what is considered "room air." The settings on the ventialor are comparable to what we breathe normally. Today they will give him a tiny bit of breastmilk through his tubes to see how he digests. This was a very exciting development and you can imagine how happy I was to hear this. It is only a tiny bit, but it is a start.

It is already after 3:30 and I have managed to only cry twice, which is far different from the constant sobbing I was doing before. I know part of it is just hormones, but leaving them in the NICU is still the most difficult thing I have ever done. Remind me of this when I hand them keys to go driving alone for the first time.

We are working on a good system to spend time with the boys at the hospital, our oldest son, and still make sure I am resting and eating so I can keep producing breastmilk. It so far has been a carefully crafted balance, but my husband is incredibly supportive and helpful in making sure we strike the right balance.



Saturday, February 21, 2009

Cords

As we know, most, if not all, momo twins have some knots and twists in their cords. It is these knots that is the cause for great concern. If the knots tighten too much or their cords get compressed it could be fatal.

Here are pictures of our little ones cords. Their was one very distinguishable knot and a twist beneath it. Later I was able to touch and examine the knot. It was very tight. I'm not sure how blood and nutrients traveled through it, but it did. It is truly a miracle that my babies not only survived, but thrived with their cords like this.


Friday, February 20, 2009

The Next Journey - NICU Stay

We have turned the page and started our next journey this time into the NICU. After 47 days in the hosptial, I am being discharged tomorrow and will have to leave my tiny, sweet babies here. It is the moment I have dreaded. Is a rare occasion that I can walk into the NICU without shedding a tear. I have gotten past completely crying when I walk in the door. It is incredibly hard to see your little ones fighting to mature and grow, with lines and tubes coming out of them. You feel so helpless. I know they will be ok. I know in my head that this is the best place for them, but it doesn't make it any easier. I want to hold them. I want to hug them and I can't. Not for now at least.

The NICU is one big roller coaster ride. For every two steps forward you move, you then take two steps back. I try to keep this in mind as I gather information about how they are doing.

Both boys currently need assistance breathing. Shortly after they were born the needed only brief assistance, but after this "honeymood" period was over, the have needed additional assistance. The amount of assistance has flunctated as their lungs continue to mature and they learn to breathe a bit more on their own. As of an hour ago they were both breathing mostly on their own.

Today they had their hearts examined as a result of the work their lungs are doing. They didn't think anything was wrong, but mostly examined them as a precautionary measure. Both of their hearts look strong and healthy for their gestational age. The cardiologist didn't have any concerns.

We are not sure how long this road will be, but we will continue to keep you updated.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Birth Day

The twins birthday started with contractions. I wasn't really feeling them, but I was feeling something different. This is the 2nd time I was having consistent contractions. The first time was earlier in the week and we were able to stop them. This time the contractions were spaced closer together. The doctor thought to check my cervix and see if the contractions were "productive." As it turns out, it was. I was 4cm dilated and completely effaced! Mind you these were contractions I wasn't feeling, but I was officially in labor.

Being that far along required immediate intervention to slow/stop the contractions so that I did not go into full fledged active labor. The potential for cord compression and complications increased if I went into active labor.

The nurses and doctor's began to prepare for the c-section. Remember all that anxiety I had about having a c-section? It was GONE...completely gone. Things went very smoothly. My favorite nurses were there in attendance and things weren't emergent, but were relaxed and steadily flowing.

The twins were born within the same minute (7:30pm), 20 seconds apart. They weighed the exact same grams, translating into 4 1/2 lbs and were 1 inch apart at 18 & 19 inches.

Being born at 33 weeks they are in the NICU. They are doing well, but it is definitely a roller coaster. I'm recovering, but it is hard. I've never had major surgery so this is a whole new experience for me and of course not being able to have them with me is very hard.

All and all, things could not have gone better. My body had enough and I went into labor. If I were not in the hospital I would have never known and things could have gotten much more complicated. Having had my contractions monitored we were able to do things in a controlled manor on my boy's and my body's time table, not an arbitrary date. There were no deccels, no babies in distress, but instead a very smooth process.

My nurses and the doctor's were phenomenal and I am so happy to have my babies here.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

The Twins Are Here!!!!!!!

Born at 33.5 weeks my miracle momo twins are here. They weighed the exact same at 4 lbs, 8 ounces each and were an inch different in length at 18 & 19 weeks. The birth went wonderfully. They are needing assistance breathing so are in the NICU. I'll post their birth story later.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Has it Really Been 5 weeks?

As of today I've been in the hospital for 5 weeks.  Kind of amazing considering I never in a million years thought I would ever spend anytime inpatient in the hospital.  I've only recently started missing "things" from home.  Of course I miss being with my family, but I've started to miss my bed, my really comfy couch, and well, my home.  Not to long to go now. 

I had a growth scan yesterday and the babies are estimated to be 3.9  and 4.25. Awesome, just awesome. 

5 weeks down, 3.5 more to go - hopefully.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

A View "In the Womb"

Here is a clip from National Geographic's In the Womb Series on multiples.  This small clip of the 90 minute video shows interaction between multiple babies in the womb.  Beginning at 3:23 they give you an idea of what momo twins are like in the womb.  You can see them actually touching and grabbing each other. Our first experience with this was in our 1st ultrasound.  It looked like our boys were cuddled up next to each other.  If the video does not show below, please click here.

I don't have control

Reality from Monday's nights close call to delivery finally set in last night.  I was sad and close to tears coming to grips with the reality that I don't have control.  I know that seems like a no-brainer.  I haven't had any control with this pregnancy, why would I think that I did.  I'm not sure.  I'm doing everything I can to be healthy, to grow the babies, to ensure the safest course for their arrival, and while that matters it does not give me control.  THEY will decide when to come.  I want to make it to 36 weeks, but that is just a want.  I realize that.  I've always realized that, but the reality was something that was a little farther from my reach.  I'm doing what is best for them by being in the hospital and being monitored 24/7, but they will make the decision on when to come.  I'm grateful for every day that I am able to remain pregnant and they are able to continue to thrive in the womb.  

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Excitement!

Well yesterday was my first real excitement during my 4 week hospital stay.  Yes, today I am at day 29 and still counting.  

The babies showed a dramatic, almost instantous shift in their heart rate baselines.  While a shift is normal, shows signs of maturity, and is overall a good thing, the sudden shift was a shock and a little scarey for me.  We've see the babies heart rate in the 150s as a rule and all of sudden yesterday it dropped to 110s.  

This drop occured one other time before, but quickly came back up.  Today it continued to dramatically flunctate for the remainder of the afternoon.  My doctor was not alarmed because the rates were still in a normal range.  I knew in my head everything was ok (if not the nurses would be running in), but such a dramatic shift was not what I was used to seeing.

As the evening went on, the rates continued in this new pattern and after seeing my doc I was reassured that it was definitely a switch in baseline and great varibility, showing a sign that the babies contiuned to be healthy and mature a good rate.

Several hours later, a shift in my nursing staff and a drop to the high 90s was cause for new alarm.  I initally was not concerned because it was in the range that my OB had just seen.  The night shift nurses however were concerned and one of the other doctors in the practice was called in (my doc had been up for 24 hours and wanted to come in only if there was going be a delivery).  I asked for my nurse to be blunt about what she thought might happen and she said an impending delivery.  AHHHHHH!!!!  Ok, take a breath.

Needless to say, the next 45 minutes was excitement....from me putting on an oxygen mask, to the IV being prepped, to having to change from my regular clothes to a hospital gown - just in case.  I was prepared for the idea that this could happen and soon, the babies shifted again and brought their heart rates up.  My doc did come in because of course she couldn't sleep not knowing what was going on.

For now, the monitoring belts lay firmly affixed to my belly and the babies baseline remains lower, but the excitement has passed.  My wish for a non-eventful stay has been interrupted, but events are great preparation.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Thankful

As the days and weeks have gone by I've worried about my babies surviving, delivering by c-section, having premature twins, and a NICU stay.  While these are all very valid concerns, I'm realizing more and more how lucky I am.  I can say this now being just over 31 weeks.  I had the time to thoroughly process all of these fears, to weigh the pros and cons, and to come to grips with the possible outcomes.  How lucky is that?  I mean many women don't get the chance to think about these things.  They are just thrown into these situations and while they have the same fears, only get to process them later under much more difficult circumstances.  

My journey is by now means over and I'm still aiming for a 36 week delivery, but I feel prepared to handle what comes my way.  I'm not saying it will be easy or that I won't shed tears if things don't go as I would like, but I've had the time to think about and process all of the possibilities.

I've always thought I was carrying March babies (baby, when I thought there was just one).  I've long been at peace with that fact and never flinched about it changing.  I will continue to hold onto this and hope for a little more than 4.5 weeks of happy babies remaining in the womb.

*knock on wood*

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Met My New Specialist

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting the head perinatologist in the practice that is now taking care of me.  He has a great reputation and is very familiar with monamniotic twins.  He was apart of an 8 year study advocating for intensive hospital monitoring

I had to switch peri's because the one I was originally seeing did not have privileges at the hospital close to my home.  I loved my former peri.  He and I were on the same page and had a similar outlook about pregnancy.  Not only was he a fabulous physician, but he was also compassionate, thoughtful and engaging.

The peri did a full ultrasound screen on me and the twins are weighing 3.3 lbs and 3.5 lbs.  So excited!  Grow babies! Grow!  The peri was very impressed with their growth and how the monitoring as been going.  He made a comment about some singletons tracings (heart rates over an extended period of time) do not even looking that good.

But it was clear it the realm of doctors that are taking care of me that his role is the "enforcer".  My OB who is wonderful knows my wishes listens and as long as things continue to look good has expressed support for them.  The other peri in the practice expressed a desire to proceed with caution, but was also supportive of my desires.  The head peri was much more stringent.  He believes there is a way things should go and that's that.  He wants me to come off Sulindac, have an amnio and to deliver at 34/35 weeks.  Now don't get me wrong, he listened to what I had to say and even comprised on a few things, but overall he wants things the way he wants them.

I should explain that my desire for this pregnancy is outside of the norm of how monoamniotic pregnancies typically go.  Typically, patients are admitted into the hospital at 24 weeks for monitoring and deliver between 32-34 weeks.  Admission into the hospital is about viability; what do you consider viability.  While some doctors will require their patients to be admitted at 24 weeks, this decision is a very personal choice for the mother and the family.  Survival rate, quality of life, all of these things are very difficult matters to discuss and should be by no means made by the health care provider.  We haven't even gotten into the nuts and bolts of how often to monitor or how difficult it is to keep 24 week old babies on the monitor.  These are all things my husband and I considered before my admission into the hospital which we decided to do at 27.5 weeks.  I did begin home monitoring at 24 weeks and was comfortable with that level of "intervention."

Once admitted to the hospital families have to be prepared to deliver.  So assuming everything is going great, the next question is when to deliver.  As I stated, most momo twins are delivered between 32-34 weeks.  The studies show this is the safest time to deliver.  However, there is a gap in the studies.  There is a not a study that addresses continuous monitoring and a later delivery.  Since, I am on 24/7 monitoring and any signs of the babies distress can immediately be detected I see no reason to not let the babies stay inside longer.  Honestly, ideally I would wait until I actually go into labor, but I also realize that babies gain a lot of weight in the last month which could very easily cause cord compression.  Due to this, I am willing to deliver at 36 weeks.  Again, I understand this is not the norm, but I do not feel as though I am comprising myself or the twins because I am on continuous monitoring.  As I told the doctor, if they look as good as they do now, I will be hard pressed to deliver any earlier than 36 weeks.  

The peri is most comfortable with deliver no later than 34 weeks and may be willing to push it to 35 if everything is going great.  I left the conversation there because we are still 4-6 weeks off from any of this conversation mattering and anything could happen between now and then.

I do not believe the twins need to be routinely delivered by c-section, that moms routinely need to be put on bedrest, or that they need to be routinely delivered at a certain week.  I DO understand that twin pregnancies are considered high risk and therefore must closely be followed and their care adjusted to how mom and the babies are developing, but all things being equal....let nature take its course.

With all this said, I am taking each step day-by-day.  My wants do not matter to the little ones growing inside of me.  They have their own desires and needs and they may decide to come much sooner than I would like, but I will do what is best for them.  I will also continue to listen to my perinatologist, my OB, and the neonatologist.  I will not blindly follow their directions, but I will ask questions when I don't understand and encourage discussion when I disagree. This is my body and these babies are mine and my husbands.  Sometimes doctors need to be reminded that you are apart of making healthcare decisions.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Officially in my 30s - I am 30 weeks!

It's official, today I hit 30 weeks.  90% of babies born at this gestational age survive!  This is a HUGE milestone.  I am definitely doing the happy dance.  Every day, every week is better, but to reach 30 is awesome!  

The twins are doing great.  Their heart rates have been consistent, showing no signs of distress and great variability.  I've been in the hospital now 2.5 weeks and am hoping for 6 more!  I've actually been throwing around delivery dates, but I'll keep those to myself for now.  I'm just going to live in the moment and enjoy my 30 weeks!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Passing Time

On one hand my days to have some flow and on the other hand they don't.  Yesterday I woke up ridiculously early excited about the inauguration.  I had a steady flow of visitors which was really nice, but by last night I was exhausted.  Wouldn't you know, the one night I'm completely exhausted the babies stayed on the monitors perfectly, not a problem even when I got up to go to the bathroom.  I got to sleep peacefully without interruption.  My nurse actually came in this morning to say bye because she hadn't seen me all night.  

My daily walk is throughout labor & delivery and the postpartum area.  I try to stop in and wave to the NICU staff and occasionally I see babies in the regular nursery.  That is really the highlight of trip.  


Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Bored

It's almost noon and I've already done the two things I set out to do today.  Now, for the first time, I'm bored.  Thank goodness its almost lunch time.  

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Start of a New Week

I am pleased to say I am in a much better mood than I was yesterday.  I got a full night's sleep and the nurse only needed to come in once to adjust the monitors.  I think it is a matter of style on how each nurse handles "continuous" monitoring.

I met my new perinatalogist today and was very pleased.  He did a full scan ultrasound and we talked about some of my desires including delivery at 36 weeks.  He was so pleased with how great the twins are doing, how their cords looked, and how they have been behaving for the monitors that he agreed that if everything continues down this path that 36 weeks is doable.  Of course things CAN change in an instant, but so far so good and we can only take it one day at a time.

I also learned that the twins weigh almost 3 lbs each! 

The Last 24 Hours

The last 24 hours have been a little strained.  It started Friday evening when my nurse woke me almost every hour to find the babies.  While this can be quite common, I had not had this experience yet.  My previous nights consisted of me getting up and going to the bathroom multiple times in the evening and occasionally needing assistance getting the babies back on and staying on the monitors.  The nurses came in twice maybe three times in the night.  

Because the babies move often it is possible that they will come off the monitors and then come back on within a matter of seconds to a few minutes.  As long as they have shown good and consistent heartbeats prior to coming off the monitor this is not a problem.  Friday night it was a problem!  The nurse assigned to me used every possible moment to come and adjust them.  SIGH!  I didn't get any sleep.

If I don't get sleep for a good reason then I am a little more tolerant, but when I look up and she is walking into the room AND the babies are already back on the monitor before she touches them I am not happy.  So I woke up on Saturday very tired and frustrated.  

Going into the day tired I decided to take a nap after lunch.  Unfortunately, that didn't happen because physical therapy and my OB stopped by.  By the time my visitors were gone I was too awake to nap.

To add to it, my son got sick the night before so I was a little worried about him.  We think it was food related, but still not fun.  He and my husband didn't come to see me last night because he wasn't feeling at 100% yet.  I was a little sad, but knew that I needed my sleep so it was probably for the best.

Today I woke up with only 1 interruption!! I got a full night's sleep. YAY!   I get to catch up on my Sunday morning politics and root for the Steelers this afternoon.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

The Small Things

The staff at the hospital has just been phenominial.  I'm the only long term patient right now so everyone pops in to say hi figuring they will be assigned to me at some point.

I got a fridge in my room.  YAY!!  I can keep all sorts of goodies in there so that's very cool.  Also the family came by to visit today.  No nap for the preschooler 2 days in a row make it difficult for a visit, so tonight was the first night since I've been here that they've been able to come visit.  I was also able to talk to the nutritionist who was able to make some arrangements for me to receive supplements to my meals.  I have been very diligent about keeping up my caloric and protein intake and was not sure how much the hospital would be able to help me meet the same goals.  The nutritionist added snacks and made a few other suggestions to the meal plan.  Very excited.

I've said it before, but I think all the mental prep I did to prior to being admitted has been really helpful.  Mind you, its only Day 2, but I'm feeling pretty good about my stay.  I want the twins to stay in as long as possible and every day I am here is 1 more day.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Setting a Schedule

Because I want to try to stay busy and make the best use of my time I'm pretty set on setting a schedule.  I know it's silly of me, but I feel like it will bring order to the day/week.

Here's what I've got so far - 
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday  - ultrasounds
Shower after breakfast
Work after lunch including job hunting for friends and non-profit work
Catch up on podcasts during work time
Evening with the family

That's it for now.  

Monday, January 5, 2009

Inpatient at the Hospital

Today is my first official day in the hospital.  It doesn't feel real yet.  Kind of surreal actually.  So I'm 27 1/2 weeks and am hoping to deliver at 36 weeks.  That means a little over 2 months in the hospital.  

The twins are doing great.  While we have our moments, they are pretty much staying on the monitors great.  I had a good 4 hour stretch this afternoon in which they were on the entire time. 

I'm feeling ok right now.  I've had time to prepare and my brief stay a few weeks ago was a bit of a reality check.  Got my Netflix, got my library books, and I've got some work to do.  Going to think about a routine and try to get fully settled in.