The twins are here! Planned for a c-section on December 30th, I went into my last NST appointment (37 weeks exactly) a dirty mess. I had plans to leave the hospital to go home, pack, shower, blow dry, curl the hair and get pretty to meet my boys the next day... they had different plans. August had a few descends in his heart rate and the braxton hicks contractions I have been having for the past few weeks suddenly became regular and stronger. The nurses decided to not let me leave, despite having hairy armpits and greasy hair.

Jason was called and we had about two hours to switch gears and prepare to meet these two:
Elias Jude, born at 6:24pm 12/29/11 5lbs, 14oz, 18" long and August Paul, 6:23pm 5lbs, 6oz, 18.5" long

I had mentioned having a "natural cesarean" and how that was a goal of mine to get the hospital on board... well, with the help of two awesome nurses that have become friends and an accommodating doctor and OR team, I was able to get that. I'll share the birth story later. I was able to hold a vernix covered August immediately and he even latched to my breast. Elias had some breathing issues, which I am now learning were pretty scary. He was sent to the NICU in a different city as our local hospital does not have one. I am grateful that I was able to do some skin to skin with him, even with all of his oxygen and wires before he left.

By a lot of answered prayers, we weren't separated from him too long. Jason stayed with him the whole time and was able to reunite the brothers, just after 36 hours. August, who is a sweet little guy, but very noisy and wiggly, settled down so quickly at just the touch of his brother.

August (left) Elias (right)

We are in amazement over the miracles we have before us. Thank you, God, for your plan for our family. We are so complete.

Thank you all for your prayers, especially those who prayed so hard for Elias in those critical hours. We are so grateful!