How Life Has Changed!!

WOW, this is the most exciting update to post! The babies are HERE!!!!!

Jones Raymond & London Ann

were born Friday, April 17th at 1:28 pm and 1:29 pm.

Jones Raymond Laughlin

London Ann Laughlin

The babies' birth was definitely unexpected as I had JUST met with the doctor hours before and we were discussing my excellent condition and how I would be discharged from the antepartum unit one week later. London and Jones had plans of their own!

I started having contractions Friday morning again. Fortunately, the nurse was ready with "the shot" and then I was monitored to make sure it worked. 20 minutes later the nurse returned to say "You failed!" hehe She then administered a second shot and said we would see if it worked this time around. Unfortunately, the contractions continued and the medication was no longer effective. She called the doctor and she was instructed to check for dilation. The previous week I had made it up to 4 cm, but we were hoping I was still there. When she checked I was now at 8 cm! Yikes! The 2 nurses looked at each other and then at me and I just knew we were about to go have these babies RIGHT then.

Headed to the O.R.

After that, everything became a whirlwind. I was rushed down to the Operating Room where the IVs, blood work, and epidural were done. (my least favorite part) David was getting in his scrubs at this time so they didn't allow him to be with me for the epidural and I was very scared. Once David came into the O.R., the surgery began shortly thereafter. The whole experience was very surreal. The doctors warned me that there was a good chance we would not hear the babies cry, but as I was laying there I heard the sweetest sound I had EVER heard in my life....my babies CRYING! They sounded like sweet little puppies as David says. It was awesome. I was able to see both babies for about 3 seconds (and give a kiss) before they were whisked away to the NICU.

This is the second I heard my babies crying and you can see me beginning to cry. Even though I look awful and very scared, it really was the best experience ever.

After the surgery, I stayed in recovery for 1 hour and then got to go to the NICU and see the babies again. I held both of their hands and they gripped on to my finger. I was pretty drugged, but I will never forget that experience. Both babies did have in breathing tubes at this point and that was very scary looking, but I knew they were receiving the best care possible.

Dad, Connie, Jenn, and Sally anxiously awaiting the twin's arrival!

The babies are 6 days old today, and I cannot begin to tell you the amazing progress they have already made!!! WOO HOO!! Both babies are off of all breathing assistance and are breathing normal air just like you and me! Both babies had their IVs removed (which I HATED them having cause the IVs were moved everyday and my babies were getting bruised up!). They do both have in their feeding tubes (which are tiny and are either in their nose or mouth) so they can get Mama's milk. The next step is for the babies to mature a bit and be able to suck, swallow, and breathe!

David & I are absolutely on Cloud 9. Life can't get any better than this! We often talk about how blessed we feel to have the life we have. We love each other more than anything, have an amazing supportive family, good jobs and friends, a church we love, and NOW these 2 PERFECT babies. God is so good and we continue to give Him all the praise for these blessings.


We thank all of YOU for your prayers you offered up for London, Jones, David, & I.