Olivia & Elizabeth Cummins

My husband and I tried for 8 yrs to have a baby. We went
through many procedures and surgeries and then went on to do IVF. Since I was pretty young at the time, I thought it would work on the first try. When the first one didn't work and I had a early M/C on the second try, I started to go into a depression. All we've ever wanted was a child to love. I had a 6m wait before I could do another one so it thought I would think positive, eat right and hope for the best. When my third try worked, I just couldn't believe it. I was going to be a mom and when I found out there was 2 in there, I was even happier but scared at the same time. How would I care for 2 babies!?!

My pregnancy went well besides a few bad bleeds in the beginning.  At about 20wks, my BP started to go up but I just thought it was from the white coat syndrome but when it stayed that way, I was referred to a high risk Dr. right away. On my first appt they kept me in the hospital because again my BP was high. They asked if I had headaches, blurred vision, seeing spots and so on and I was like NO, I feel fine. After about 3 days I went home but was on bedrest. No getting up for nothing but the bathroom or a quick shower.

I monitored my BP and protein in my urine (for preeclampsia) and then went back to the hospital for the shots to mature the girls lungs because the Dr. didn't think I was going to make it to much longer. Our goal was 28wks but I was admitted in on a Sat at 24 wks and had my girls that following Mon because of severe preeclampsia and HELLP.

Olivia weighed 1.8lbs, 13in long and Elizabeth was 15ozs and 10.5in long. They we're given a 40% and a 10% chance of making it. Elizabeth was considered a 22 weeker because of her size. She had stopped growing. My husband said when he saw them come out, he couldn't believe how small they we're. It was like seeing a baby bird in the nest.

After 6 days, I got to see them for the first time. My preeclampsia and HELLP became worse so I had to stay in bed. I almost lost my life as well. My husband didn't know what to do. Be with me or the girls. As he was wheeling me down the hall to see them, I felt as if I was in a dream. It didn't seem real. As I went through the big doors that had "NICU" over them, I realized this was going to be our home for a long time.

After a LONG 4 month stay, they both came home to us and have been here ever since. The road was long and hard and they made it through. They both wear glasses and Olivia does have hearing aids and is delayed in areas but she's doing better than anyone ever thought she would do. At 20 months they can doing everything but walk right now but we're working on that! They are happy, healthy and make our lives filled with joy.

Stacy Cummins, Mother