Sunday, July 6, 2008

We know the meaning of shock and awe

On June 3, 2008, Ted and I were elated to learn that I was 4 weeks pregnant. We spent the next couple of weeks making plans and smiling nonstop. When we went for my first ultrasound, at the 6-week mark, we were just praying to see a heartbeat. So imagine our utter surprise when we saw this:

Ted was speechless, and I just had to laugh. Even our doctor was stunned. Quadruplets!! Never in a million years did we imagine having more than two children total. In an instant, our entire life as we had planned it went out the window.
The doctor told us that it's not unusual for a multiple pregnancy to self-reduce this early in the game, so he warned us not to spread the news until we came back the next week for another ultrasound. When that day finally arrived, it was clear that they were all still there and growing (which is why they no longer fit into a single shot):


With this news, my doctor immediately referred me to a maternal-fetal specialist. We had our first visit with the new doctor a couple of days ago, and the ultrasound showed that the babies are all measuring approximately 1.5 to 2 centimeters. The ultrasonographer verified that none of them are identical, and she even named them for us: A, B, C, and D. Here is what they looked like at 8 weeks:



We are thrilled and feel so blessed to be having quads, but we are also terrified and very nervous! Not only do we have to worry about how we are going to afford to raise four kids, but we must also do everything in our power to keep these babies from coming too early. Quadruplet pregnancies are very risky, and preterm labor is the norm. Although my due date is February 9, the doctor says that these babies will almost certainly come before the end of the year (and spend several weeks in the NICU). He says that for them to have any real chance outside the womb, the first major milestone is 28 weeks (November 17). Ideally, however, they'll stay put until at least the 30-week mark (any time in December would be swell; the later, the better). To maximize my chances of carrying them that long, I will be going on bedrest around 20 weeks (September 22), at which time I should measure as large as a full-term singleton pregnancy!

As you can imagine, our minds are constantly racing with thoughts of everything that needs to get done before I go on bedrest, and then what needs to get done before the babies arrive, and then what needs to get done when they come home. Please pray for us as we make this big adjustment and figure out how to make it all work, pray for me as my body goes through changes that it was not really built for, and pray for our babies as they develop so that they may arrive healthy and strong. We plan to update this blog as often as possible to keep everyone posted on the status of the quads, so check back frequently for the latest news. I'm sure there won't be a dull moment!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Suzy,

Congratulations! Quadruplets - I am speechless! You will be in my family's thoughts and prayers. Especially after all 4 are born! :) You can study by watching Jon and Kate plus 8!

Alex.

The Middletons said...

Ted and Suzy-

Andrew and I are so excited for you both!! Please let us know if you need ANYTHING! We will be checking your blog frequently:o)

Staci

Amanda said...

This is just amazing Suzy! God works in mysterious ways. I can't believe we are going to have children probably in the same month of December! We are going to be able to share so much especially since we will be in Indiana soon I hope. We find out what we're having this afternoon and I will post it on here today if the baby cooperates. So exciting. I will be praying that you will have a safe and healthy pregnancy. Don't sweat the small stuff. God will be taking care of you. So happy for you both!

Anonymous said...

"In an instant, our entire life as we had planned it went out the window. "

This made me laugh, because it is SO true! It will be both more difficult and more wonderful than you can possibly imagine. I'll be sending all the positive vibes I can possibly muster your way for the next 6 months!

Anonymous said...

I'll be praying with you and can't wait to watch the progress! If and when an official help chart is figured out, I'd be happy to take a shift! Oh my, what an amazing journey this is going to be for you and Ted!!

hugs,
jenessa

Anonymous said...

I love the due date clock! Just wanted to let you know that not only are you in my prayers, but my dreams as well. I had a dream last night where all of the sudden I realized that I had had quads and was going to call and let you know how much easier everything was than I thought it would be. I hope I get to see you in a few weeks

Liz

Anonymous said...

I love how the babies are floating around in a snow-globe type of enclosure in the due date clock, hee!

Your ultrasounds are so exciting!! I can't wait until you're further along and get to see more details.

Anonymous said...

Ted & Suzy -- I echo what someone earlier said - we couldn't believe the news & just laughed in joy for you!! We're excited for you both & since we're not in Indy anymore, we're thankful you started this blog! We'll be anxiously keeping up with every word! We're extremely happy for you guys & know that they best thing we can do for you right now is PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!! So I'm doing it right now & will continue throughout these next months - phillipians 4:4-13: Paul learned what it was to be content whether in need or in PLENTY (!) & realized that with God's strength, he could do anything! We're praying that for you! love - ryan, janelle, tobias & teyya

Anonymous said...

We are praying for you!!! Can't wait to help with things once you know what you will want help with! What wonderful gifts from God!!!
Becky & Chris

Anonymous said...

Congrats! Congrats again!
My list of things to save, send and make for you grows longer every day... I'm very excited for you both! Like others have said I'll visit often and let us know if there is anything we can do for you:)
JJ

sheila said...

Congratulations :)

~sheila
[eric's wife]

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