From the moment you find out your pregnant with "super twins" the negative remarks begin. As if it isn't scary enough to be carrying 3,4, 5 or more babies, the odds of a healthy and happy outcome are stacked against you. It's our doctors and loved ones jobs' to keep us grounded and aware of what "can" happen.
Our pregnancy was VERY difficult. From the moment we found out we were pregnant with quads until the delivery at 31weeks and 5 days along, I didn't get out of bed accept to shower(for the most part). I loved these babies before they were even born and just wanted to bring them into the world as safely as possible. I know I'm not alone in that feeling... I've seen it over and over again with my online quad mommy friends. Before our children are even born we want what is best for them and we are willing to do WHATEVER it takes. We want them to be healthy, happy, and "normal." However, when you have higher order multiples the outcomes aren't always good, no matter how hard you try. At the end of the day it's in God's hands.
The things I have thought about every day as they have grown and changed...
1. Will they live?
2. Will they breath on their own?
3. Will they gain weight/thrive?
4. Will they smile?
5. Will they laugh?
6. Will they hold there heads up?
7. Will they sit up?
8. Will they crawl?
9. Will they stand?
10. Will they walk?
and now......
11. Will they talk?
Each new milestone has been a celebration for us. Each new step has been a miracle... as each child has beat the odds. We have been so lucky thus far and our kids have done great keeping pace with other full term children the same age.
From the time they came home we have been lucky to have "early intervention" services. We have been so fortunate to work with the best Child Developmentalist, PT, and Alta Case worker around. Thank you Stacy, Jenny, and Bonnie for all you do for us.
Our pregnancy was VERY difficult. From the moment we found out we were pregnant with quads until the delivery at 31weeks and 5 days along, I didn't get out of bed accept to shower(for the most part). I loved these babies before they were even born and just wanted to bring them into the world as safely as possible. I know I'm not alone in that feeling... I've seen it over and over again with my online quad mommy friends. Before our children are even born we want what is best for them and we are willing to do WHATEVER it takes. We want them to be healthy, happy, and "normal." However, when you have higher order multiples the outcomes aren't always good, no matter how hard you try. At the end of the day it's in God's hands.
The things I have thought about every day as they have grown and changed...
1. Will they live?
2. Will they breath on their own?
3. Will they gain weight/thrive?
4. Will they smile?
5. Will they laugh?
6. Will they hold there heads up?
7. Will they sit up?
8. Will they crawl?
9. Will they stand?
10. Will they walk?
and now......
11. Will they talk?
Each new milestone has been a celebration for us. Each new step has been a miracle... as each child has beat the odds. We have been so lucky thus far and our kids have done great keeping pace with other full term children the same age.
From the time they came home we have been lucky to have "early intervention" services. We have been so fortunate to work with the best Child Developmentalist, PT, and Alta Case worker around. Thank you Stacy, Jenny, and Bonnie for all you do for us.
Over the last couple of months we have watched the kids grow and change EVERYDAY. Last week they hit the 20 month mark and I decided it was time to start Speech Therapy. As multiples they communicate and stimulate each other EVERY SECOND OF EVERYDAY. However, aside from about 6-7 words and lots of animal sounds, Libby and Russ haven't really started talking yet. It's very interesting because Molly and Ally seem to do that for them. Their receptive language (understanding language/following directions) falls in range with an 18-24 month old. However, the expressive language (verbalizing) for Russ and Libby is more along the lines of a 15month old. I can ask them to follow two step instructions and they do.. but when it comes to verbalizing.. they struggle.
Anyway, last week we met our Speech Therapist for the first time, Nancy. She was wonderful with the kids and I can't wait to learn all I can from her. It will be great to know the tools to use to help the kids everyday. She will also be working with Molly and Ally.. although they don't seem to need as much assistance. Molly has started putting two words together and I expect Ally to start talking to me in full sentences any day now. Her favorite past time is reading out loud to the other kids in her own precious little jibber-jabber.
We are thrilled that Nancy has come into our lives and can't wait to see all the progress the kids will make with her guidance. Our kids have beat all the odds, and I know this is just one more road bump for them to race over!
XOXO
Gen :)
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15 comments:
My son didn't say much, maybe 5-10 words when he was over 2. He went to speech therapy for a month and his vocab took off. We had to stop going for insurance purposes, or lack ther of, but I highly recommend it to anyone. Like you said early intervention is the key. Congrats for being on top of your whole group! It nice to see parents that are looking out for the best for their kids and aren't scared of what the outcome may be.
Hi Gen and family! Speech Therapy will be so great for the quads. My daughter Calleigh has been going since she was 6 months old and while she is still not verbal (she will be two in March) her therapist has helped me to learn some very easy signs to use with her (she will also be using assistive devices to communicate). My point here...they will love it and so will you! Good luck and have a great time!
Cassie Morrow
You don't even realize the extent of the favor you are doing your children. Speech issues can plague a child long into life--keep them from stepping up to leadership roles in the classroom and beyond.
I'm sure they will come out with flying colors as always - you have very special kids. My best to you all and lots of love, hugs and kisses to the quads.
We have had speech issues with our youngest and he's a singleton! They are amazing and you are amazing (okay, Connor, too!) You always speak about how lucky you and Connor are, but those babies are so lucky to have you as parents. Your hard work will pay off! And congrats to you for dealing with each issue head on!!!
Cameron has alta too. They are great. He is taking physical and occupational therapy, but it was decided that speech therapy wasn't necassary. They will do it, all in good time.
Oh btw just wanted to say thanx so so much for your words of support and encouragement :)
Hi Gen,
I am so happy to see your litlle ones growing up so wonderfully. I have been keeping tabs on your little ones since i was pregnant with my twin boys. My boys are still too young to talk but they are about to hit the mark of crawling. They too go to occu therapy and are making their milestones everymonth. "A MUMS HAPPY MOMENT!" Just Thought I would write a comment. Send your family a big hello. Tell Katie, I miss talking to her!
Love ya, your cuz Jovana
wow...that is incredible! i can so relate to the first of this post!..please know that you guys give US hope and encouragement, everyday!... it is almost like a "how to raise quads" step-by-step manual! (every time i read your blog, i think of something i have never thought of before...i truly live from hour to hour!)haha...LOVE IT. so glad that the speech therapy is going great! bubba and the girls are just turning into the most beautiful little "people"! sheesh, they are gettin big!!! LOVE FROM TEXAS!!
suz
Hi Gen,
I'm totally relating to your post. We also have services through ALTA and my girls have been receiving Speech Therapy for about 2 months now. I have seen big improvements really quickly and I know your kiddos will do great!
Glad to know I'm not the only quad mom w/ a list of endless "questions" and worries. They truly are little miracles though & talking is just one more small step for them I'm sure! Goooo babies!!!
-Charity Donovan
Gen
If there is one thing I can encourage you with is all kids are different. I have 3 girls the oldest did private st not saying more than a few words at 2 and did great with it. My middle child talked better than I do at the age of 18 mo. and our baby a few mo. younger than your babies is saying almost nothing (in english- babble only) We will re-eval at 2. Your kids are very bright and I am sure you will all love this therapy.
Blessings and way to go for giving them the best!
Just the other day I was going back to your pregnancy and delivery diary and realized how I've forgottent that you all had struggled and fought so hard to be in the position of where you are. The quads have developed and excelled in so many levels (please....Noelle is over 3 and she's still not fully potty trailed...) that sometimes in the back of my mind I just "assume" they'll be perfect little angels forever (and possibly have diapers off earlier than Noelle....argh!) However, I can feel for you, even if it's just a little bit. Noelle started talking early and then somehow it seems like someone had pressed the paused button on them and up until a few months ago, she can only do 2 word phrase still and I was going to get her to a speech therapy. Granted she wasn't a preemie so most people tell me that she'll come around, don't worry and I hated that because it's a really bad feeling to sit on my bottom and wait for something to happen where I have no control over. I think you're taking a very important step for the babies and you have my prayers in this as well.
I'd love to hear about your speech therapy for the kids. My son is almost 2 1/2 and his doctors are not worried about his speech whatsoever, so his first speech appointment isn't until April. He can only say about 5-10 words, like "mom", "dad", "ball", "yes"... very basic. It is frustrating, especially now that it effects him socially at this point. Good luck!
You have had a wonderful time. I have been following for just over a year now and am amazed at how well they are all doing. I just have to look at my 2 yr old and imagine 4 of him and then I get the paper bag really quick to breath into!
You wil probably find they sail through with Nancy and won't need her for very long, soon they will be at school and you will wonder where the time has gone.
You are both doing an awesome job and I am very proud of you.
You have fabulous kids.
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