Did you say steroids?

With each subsequent visit to Clifton the reality of two babies becomes greater. For those of you keeping score at home, here are the details: 30 weeks, 5 days and Baby A is 3 pounds 5 ounces (a gain of 10 ounces in two weeks), Spud is 1 pound 11 ounces (a gain of 7 ounces in two weeks). Dr. Garber was pleased with the growth and the blood flow which is consistent in both. Alison (ultrasound lady) noted that Spud now has a small bit of fluid in the belly, but Garber was not concerned. As long as the growth is good and the blood flow does not worsen, he is willing to keep going. As Jeanine was having her blood pressure checked in the hallway outside the exam room Dr. Garber was telling another patient that he would be inducing her today. Jeanine and I both looked at each other recognizing that could be us any one of these visits. In the words of the great Shaggy, "Zoiks!" The other highlight of today's visit was the shot of steroids Jeanine received - the first of two; the second we have to go back for tomorrow. I double checked the doctor's name - yep, Andrew Garber, not Victor Conte - who said he does this for all multiples since it helps their lung development. The nurse said that the shot typically also causes a sleepless night for mom. We'll see how that goes. And I'll be keeping a close eye on Jeanine's church softball statistics.

I've posted some pictures of the babies' room which is nearing completion. Jeanine and a young lady from church are working on some wall hanging stuff to add variety and eventually we'll add a second crib, but they say the two will be able to be in the same one for the first few months.

Here are this week's prayer items: 1) Lung development for the babies - since they could come any time (later rather than sooner, we hope) they need development of those organs. 2) Elimination of fluid and increase of size and blood flow for the babies. 3) The big one - that they'll stay in long enough so that when they do come, they can come home without a NICU stay required. 4) Great prayer of thanksgiving for medical insurance. Thanks for all your prayers!

Don't forget to enter your guess in the baby pool. There are three categories: gender, total birth weight, and date of birth. I'm still trying to determine a scoring system but after last week's post it's clear that the prize will be two things: 1) a Starbucks gift card and 2) babysitting - yes, we get something out of this deal, too.