a trip to fargo

Tuesday, only six days after the babies were born, the town of Minot announced mandatory evacuations again due to the water level of the river.  This time, however, the water was expected to reach record highs and flooding was inevitable.  While we were still not in a mandatory evacuation zone we prepared to leave our home.  With the help of friends, Mom and Matt moved what we could up to the main level of our home over the next few days.  Between trips to see the babies we watched the predicted elevation charts to make the most educated assessment of our situation.  On Thursday, the town announced a water level four feet higher than previously expected and we chose to leave our home.  Roads were being closed between our house and the hospital and the water was already on the streets a block from our home.

While there was more that could have been done in the house, I felt a calmness come over me and I knew it was time to leave.  We packed up the last few items, gathered the dogs, and piled into the cars.  We were blocks away from the house when Matt pulled over to the side of the road.  We waited but he didn't start driving again.  I went to check on him and heard the tail end of a conversation: "Thank you Dr. Carver, we will call you back shortly."  My heart dropped; why had the babies doctor called, what was wrong?!?  Standing in the middle of the street Matt informed me the babies were being evacuated out of the NICU in Minot due to the impending flood that night and we needed to decide if we wanted them to go to Fargo or Grand Forks.  I couldn't stop the tears...I was scared, worried, and just wanted to see the babies.  Matt and Mom remained strong, came up with a plan, and we choose to send the babies to Fargo.

An hour later, after taking all the back roads, we arrived at the hospital.  Babies were being transported, parents looked concerned, nurses were running around, and Bryce and Zoey rested peacefully.  It helped me to see them but there were still so many concerns.  The transport team was about an hour away but we still didn't know if I would be able to fly with Bryce and Zoey.  We quickly got some dinner and Matt left to start the drive to Fargo while Mom stayed with me.  Nervously, we waited.

The transport team arrived with traveling incubators that looked intimidating.  There were oxygen tanks, cords, and bags of supplies everywhere.  Our peaceful little corner was quickly transformed.  Even with all the commotion I was able to relax a little as I watched the transport team, every move was precise and planned; I knew our babies were in good hands.  The nurses were very kind, informed me that I was able to join them on the flight, and even let me help move Bryce since I hadn't held him yet.

From the hospital, we took ambulances to the airport.  Each baby had their own ambulance with two nurses per baby (one of which was also a respiratory therapist).  As the babies and I left for the airport, Mom left to make the drive to Fargo.  Driving to the airport was erie...the main road through town was closed  Emergency vehicles and construction trucks were the only cars allowed on the road.  Our town was already very different than I was used to.

At the airport we boarded the smallest plane I have ever been in.  The door was just wide enough for the isolettes and it was only a little longer than the two isolettes and cockpit.  There were only seven seats in the entire plane (including the pilot spot).

We arrived in Fargo about an hour later and took another ambulance ride to Sanford hospital.  The babies and I were greeted by another team of nurses, the nurse practitioner, and the doctor.  The staff was amazing!  They transferred the babies to new isolettes, filled me in on what was going on, gave me a tour of the facility, and even did a quick procedure to put in a PIC line.  Matt arrived in Fargo shortly after we did.  He was also able to see the hospital and meet the staff that night.  Mom arrived in Fargo very early Friday morning and we all finally got a few much needed hours of sleep before we needed to be back at the hospital.

Both Bryce and Zoey did amazing with the transport and adjusting to the new hospital.  We were extremely blessed to have a wonderful transport team and staffs on both ends.
.katherine.

babies arrive

On tuesday, 14 June, I began to have contractions again.  When the nurse saw them on the monitor she called Dr. Bozeman.  They were similar to the ones I had on Saturday but Dr. Bozeman wasn't worried.  My water hadn't broke and it was normal to get contractions at 27 weeks with multiples.  We didn't think much of it but I didn't sleep well. 

The next morning the contractions woke me up...they were more intense and closer together.  Dr. Bozeman came in around eight and didn't have any immediate concerns.  When I told him about the contractions he told us that we wouldn't do anything until I was at least 5cm dilated or my water broke.  He planned to do an exam but didn't think there would be any changes.  As soon as he checked we could see the expression on his face change...he looked at us and said we were having babies.  We asked how long it would be and he said as soon as he made some phone calls but as soon as possible!  Matt quickly called Mom (who was at the house getting ready) and told her to get to the hospital.  There was another whirlwind...I got a new IV, furniture was moving, the anesthesiologist came in, I signed more forms, and I got more meds.  Mom got to the hospital right before I was taken down to the operating room.  By 9:30 I was in the room getting the epidural.  Matt and Mom were not allowed in the room...they waited in the hall to get news.  They were told that if the babies were doing well they would be allowed in to see them, if not someone would come out as soon as they could to fill them in.

Everything in the operating room seemed to happen so slowly...I just wanted to know that the babies were ok!  The anesthesiologist was amazing and talked to me during the entire procedure to inform me of what was going on and what to expect.  When they took the babies out it was the most intense pressure I have ever felt, like an elephant was sitting on my chest and a vacuum was pulling out my stomach, but it stopped suddenly when the babies were born.  Zoey was born first at 9:53 and Bryce followed shortly at 9:55.  I didn't get to see either of them because they were rushed to the other room but Bryce did let out a little cry.  It was one of the greatest things I have ever heard!  I was in the room another twenty minutes but I knew the babies were ok when I saw Matt and Mom smiling at me through the window...they were in with the babies!

Matt was able to touch both babies and cut their cords to the proper length.  They both weighed in at only 2lb, 6oz.

Bryce Alexander:

Zoey Rose:

As I went downstairs to recovery I passed Matt and Mom in the hallway and was informed that both babies were doing well.  Over the next few hours I was monitored and tried to get a little rest.  Six hours after they were born I was able to go see the babies for the first time!  Matt and I were blessed with two beautiful little fighters.

.katherine.

pre-term labor

On Saturday, 11 June, I woke up to Matt's alarm clock.  I hadn't slept well but thought nothing of the cramping or uncomfortable tightness that had been going on most of the night.  I would be 27 weeks the next day and just figured it was braxton hicks.  However, things quickly changed when I notice I was bleeding.  Instead of Matt going to class as planned we were on our way to the hospital and less than an hour after waking up I was in a hospital bed and being hooked up to monitors.  Both babies had great heartbeats but I was having contractions...real ones, not braxton hicks!  The doctor was called in and a whirlwind of a day began.  We were informed that I was 3cm dilated and 50-70% effaced, Zoey's amniotic sac was bulging from my cervix, and we should expect to have babies in the next 48 hours!  Over the next few hours everything was done to prepare for the birth of the babies and stop the contractions.  I had ultrasounds, exams, steroid shots for the babies lungs, meds to stop the contractions, talked to my doctor, talked to the neonatologist, and filled out all the paperwork and birth forms.  I was not able to eat in case we had to deliver or sit up too high/get out of bed to prevent my water breaking.  At some point during the day we called our parents and even got the news to Mom in Chile!  By that evening things were looking better...the contractions were less intense but we were still prepared for surgery.

On Sunday, things looked great.  I got the second steroid shot and just needed to hold out until monday around 11 for it to have the full effect for the babies lungs.  The contractions had stopped so I was moved to out of the birthing room into a regular room and was allowed to eat!  Mom left Chile to make the two day trip to Minot and we just waited to see what would happen.

Monday morning came around and we were thrilled that the steroids were able to be in my system for 48 hours.  I had no additional signs of labor and was allowed to shower and use the restroom but no additional walking or moving.  I continued to be monitored every four hours but continued to not have contractions.  The doctors told me to plan on staying at the hospital until 32 weeks or the babies were born.  Mom finally made it to Minot that evening and Matt was able to relax a little more.  We all began settling in expecting to be there for several weeks. 
.katherine.

high waters

The day our parents left Minot, 31 May, the town announced manditory evacuations due to the water level of the river.  We had a record 82 inches of snow last winter so the ground was saturated and the dams north of us had to let out water so they didn't break!  We thankfully were not in the evacuation zone but many of our friends were.  We took our parents to the airport, set up beds in the house, and welcomed our friends, the Ehns, into our home.  Over the next few days we watched the river levels and waited.  The town worked to build up dikes and sandbagged with the help of 900 National Guard personel.  The day before the river crested, Abbey and I went out to take photographs of the river while Matt and Eric helped with the sandbagging efforts.

The water crested at 1555.1 ft above sea level on June 3rd (if I remember correctly) and we were able to contain the water!  Everyone was allowed back in their homes two weeks after the evacuation with the understanding that they may be required to leave again.
.katherine.

captain promotion weekend

The weekend of May 28th we had both sets of parents in town to celebrate Matt's promotion!  On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday we hung out, played cards, worked on the house, prepared for the party, and played with the babies.  The parents were all able to feel the kids move and hear their heartbeats...it was wonderful to be able to share that experience with them.

On May 30th Matt was promoted to Captain in the Air Force.  The ceremony was done by Col Walker, the group commander and Matt was one of six promoted at the ceremony.  Jannel and Nicole did a wonderful job at putting everything together and making sure things ran smoothly.  Syd, Matt's dad, did the swearing in oath; Mom and Dad removed Matt's old rank; Janet, Matt's mom, and me put on Matt's new rank.  It was a beautiful ceremony and privilege to be a part of it. 

 Once we got home, Matt opened his gifts.  He got some very nice things!

Then it was time to celebrate!  Mom's gift to Matt was the party...and what a great one!  There was tons of food and kegs in the kitchen...everyone had a wonderful time. 

It was a great weekend and a wonderful ceremony!  Congratulations Matt!
.katherine.