Dylan and Derek  C. ~ Super Hero Alias: Determinators

Age: 2 months and 3 weeks
Weight at Birth: 4.1  and 4.14
Weeks Gestation: 34 weeks
Time in the NICU: 33 days

Diagnosis, complications, surgeries?
Laryngomalacia

Why should your children be recognized as “Preemies of the Year”?

The determined twins tried coming to this world at 31 weeks. Then again a day later. I was admitted on bedrest in Austin to wait till 34 weeks. The day before I turned 34 weeks the Doctor said I could go home to San Marcos to wait out the pregnancy.  Well The Determineators had other plans. They weren’t leaving Austin without a fight. So at 3:00am I began contracting every 5 mins. At 5:30am I decided to call a nurse. Once again I’m back to the labor and delivery to discover I’m in full blown labor. Once my Doctor arrived he said, “What happened, I thought you were going home today?” I said, “The twins had other plans.” Within an hour, Dylan 4.1 and Derek 4.14 were here. They were sent right away to be with all the fellow NICU babies. From day one these boys were super determined to do what they want. And so they did by taking the bottle right away. They had great sucks and loved donor milk. The nurses said they are doing such a great job and making tremendous progress. They had to be on the lowest amount of oxygen for the A’s and B’s. I knew right there these babies were fighters. One day they were removed from donor milk, and that’s when the determinators tried to show who’s boss. They stopped wanting the bottle and that’s when tube feedings were introduced. After a couple of days they started spitting up and having reflux. They were switched to the spit up formula and once again the Determinators started taking the bottle full force. Days go by and once the twins were off caffeine, the count down to no more Bradys was here.  Here we go again. The Determinators wanted to show who’s boss. Derek was scheduled a few days earlier to take the sleep study and was on the verge of going home without his brother. Well, he had other plans.  He wasn’t leaving without Dylan.  Derek went off and had a mild Brady. So now the twins were on the same countdown schedule to take the test. With such  sadness that I couldn’t have one home, I was also filled with laughter that they didn’t want to leave each other.  So five more days we go and they failed their test. Once again we waited for five more days. Then I received the call that I waited so patiently for. The twins both passed the sleep study. With great joy and excitement, 33 days in the NICU finally came to an end.  Our adventure as a family began.  Watch out world cause the DETERMINATORS are here to conquer all odds with superior force.

Using three or more typical characteristics of a Super Hero, please describe your children.

Strong because they have gained 12lbs in 2 months.
Determined because they have reached every milestone as a term baby.
Willful because they are willing to beat all odds.