They're Here!

Quite unexpectedly...baby Audrey made her introduction to the world today, while Baby Olivia was able to spend a little time with her Mommy and Daddy.

Now that the news is out there...let me back up a bit.

On Tuesday evening, Jennifer began experiencing minor contractions. While diagnosed as Braxton Hicks, the contractions continued. As the night progressed, Jennifer and Kevin became very concerned when she also began bleeding.

Nina came to the house to watch Dawson and Lane while Jennifer and Kevin rushed to Aultman Hospital. Once there, Jennifer was given medication to both spur the development on baby Audrey's lungs and also slow Jennifer's contractions. Braxton Hicks they were not...she had dilated 3 centimeters. The bleeding was coming from little Olivia's placenta and was not a threat to Audrey at all.

Jennifer, however, was not allowed to leave the hospital until all bleeding had stopped. That, unfortunatley, never happened. She spent three long days in the hospital, but she never had the opportunity to be lonely. Aunt Tara and Uncle Lee visited often, as did Kevin, with Dawson and Lane who missed their Mommy very much. In fact, Dawson called her once to tell her that she needed to come home that day, not any later.

Nina and Papa visted too, as did Lindsey and Lola and Paige. On Wednesday evening, great-grandpa "Pop" Smith also visted with Lisa to make sure that Jennifer's spirits were up. Aunt Sandy and Uncle Gaylord also came to visit.

Back in Holmesville, Nina, the constant planner, pounced at the opportunity to do work. In one day, the Troyer's spare room was transferred to a nursery. All of baby Audrey's clothes were washed and prepared. Dawson couldn't understand any of this, however, because Aunt Keka (me) was supposed to come home and sleep in that bed next weekend. When Nina offered his bed for me, he quickly said "No. She's too big!!" So I guess I lost my place to sleep! :)

On Friday morning, the Jacobs and Smith families disappeared. As most of you know, when a big race comes happens, Holmesville becomes a ghost town. So, Jennifer said good-bye to Mom and Dad, the Haudenshilds, the Mays and the Hall's as they all departed for Eldora.

On Friday, Jennifer and I talked often. She was worried that the bleeding hadn't stopped. The doctors assured her that Audrey was fine. But she was also concerned in getting home to her little boys and giving Kevin some relief. She got updates from Eldora (Dad finished 10th) and spent the night watching television as Dawson and Lane went for a night out with Uncle Kim and Aunt Amber.

The next morning, while still asleep in Chicago, I woke up to my cell phone ringing. Jennifer, very calmly, explained to me that her contractions had returned. In fact, they had been going on since 5:45 am. She had been alone the whole time, but had called Kevin to come to the hospital. The phone call was almost humorous. It was like someone calling you to tell you you had an overdue library book. Very docile, calm and quiet.

Within two hours, the babies were here! Jennifer did have an epidural this time. (Both Dawson and Lane were born naturally.) Audrey was born first. And, amazingly, she let out a cry. Her lungs had, apparently, developed. Jennifer was able to hold her shortly before the nurses took her to the NIC Unit.

Baby Olivia was born next. The nurses wrapped her up and gave Jennifer and Kevin some time with their angel. Jennifer had been both afraid of and anticipating her arrival. Fearing sadness, but craving the need to comfort her little one that had died way too soon.

When she gained some of her strength, and I'm telling you...it was quick. She called me 30 minutes after labor and you would have thought she was laying by the pool. Very happy. Her spirits are up. And she was waiting on a wheelchair to take her to Audrey. The happiness in her voice was back...gone for too long from the heartbreak that this pregnancy has bestowed on her.

Baby Audrey is amazing. Quite appropriate since Audrey means "strength". At only 2 lbs. 14 oz., and 13 inches long, she has only needed nasal oxygen. We have received several pictures of this little beauty. I wish I could post them on here, but they are all on my cell phone. There is one of her gripping Jenn's finger, and I'm telling you her whole hand is the size of Jenn's fingernail. Aunt Tara and Aunt Lisa report that she has long, skinny legs and Jennifer's little ski-slope nose. :) She is responding to sound and light well. The doctors have nothing but positive comments on her health. She truly is a fighter.

Baby Olivia, meaning "peace" gave great peace to her mother and father today. I don't want to say too much, because the details are up to Jennifer and Kevin to share. But, I believe the opportunity to meet their baby, comfort her and say good-bye was good for them.

This day has brought them both sorrow and joy, but both Mommy and Daddy are doing well. They wanted you all to know how grateful they are for your concern and prayers throughout this tough, seemingly long, but actually very short pregnancy.

Pictures will be posted soon. Please continue to keep Audrey in your prayers as she is so tiny in this big world.

--Aunt Keka (I love my boys...but YAY!!! I finally have a niece!)