A Husband's Perspective

What better time to make my first post on our blog! I've been threatening now for weeks, but here it is. Rebeca is in the hospital on bed rest and by the time you read this will be 33 weeks pregnant. I can't begin to tell you how brave, how determined, and how grateful she has been through it all.

Most of you know our story, but to think back a couple years and trace everything that has happened to this point...it has been quite a journey. And with every end there is a new beginning. The pregnancy will end and being parents of twins will begin. Of course, Rebeca will be a natural. I don't know anyone who is more suited, prepared, and excited to be a great mother.

As for me, I have a lot to learn but expect to pick it up quickly. When we tell people that we're having twin boys, we get this kind of sympathetic, "you're really in for it" kinda look. Having absolutely zero experience with babies, I really won't know the difference, will I? I used to say that it would be "fun" to have twins, not having any idea what I was talking about. Soon I'll get my wish!

Back to the hospital now...I just want to say how great all the nurses have treated Rebeca and I. I've always had great respect for teachers, and now I have great respect for nurses as well. Not just for their care, but for their emotional support, their smiles, their anecdotes and stories. They really make as nice of an environment as possible, and it truly makes a difference for Rebeca's comfort.

While we're on the subject of how great people have been, I want to thank our parents, Teresa, Allison, Darlene, and the Lorimers. They all helped in various ways while Rebeca was here at home on bed rest for three months and in general with keeping us sane. So many people have been so generous, including some of Rebeca's students who saved up their allowances to pitch in on some gifts!

So at this point, we get through each day, we hope that the contractions aren't too bad, and we hope that people want to hire me to take their picture. I am spending the days at home working and with the animals, and the evenings at the hospital. If you want to visit Rebeca, she loves the company! You can imagine the challenges of living without HDTV and Tivo/DVR...although she does have her computer and Facebook!

Rebeca has been doing so well, taking a myriad of medications and shots, eating most of the hospital food that is given her, being monitored with three contraptions over her big belly most of the day and night, tolerating an IV, and in general being pleasant when she is so uncomfortable. I don't know how she does it, but she has already exceeded our doctor's expectations.

We don't know how long she'll be there and when she'll deliver, but we do know that she has the best care available, and we cherish every day that Nicolas and Blake get to keep growing inside her lopsided belly. Thanks to everyone for your love, support, and prayers! Soon you'll get to see more twin baby pictures than you ever wanted to...but I won't be able to help it.

Love,
Jeff