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At this point I tried really increasing my protein intake, hydrating more and put myself on a modified bed rest-- no more chasing after Rylan. I was in full on INCUBATE mode. The next week we went to see Dr Harper. She did another ultrasound and doppler. The blood flow had actually improved! We were all surprised and relieved! Baby A is the kicker.. I know she is a fighter!

They both stayed along their growth curve too. I was now 24 weeks and we needed to figure out when I would be going inpatient. This is not an easy decision and Cary and I needed to work it out

Cary's Commentary:

The best thing that happened is that we called Bonnie...Bonnie served as our Doula with Rylan, and is an amazing woman. She was instrumental in supporting Sara with Rylan, and ensuring a natural, vaginal birth. She ran interference with the doctors, helped us labor at home for many hours, told us how to prepare, and was generally a superhero! She even took pictures.

So, in the height of our fragile emotional states, Bonnie came over and helped. She reminded us that WE are in control of the situation, and WE have direct input into our babies health. She gave us the B.R.A.I.N. acronym......

Benefits-What are the potential benefits of this procedure?

Risks-What are the risks of this procedure?

Alternatives-What other options are there?

Intutition-What is your gut telling you? How does mama feel about it?

Nothing-What if we do nothing?

After explaining everything, Bonnie agreed we were in deep. We are potentially facing life changing decisions, and its heavy. However, my main takeaway was that WE can still control the outcome, and WE still have some power here. It's hard not to feel helpless in this situation, but we are not. What can we control?? One thing is FOOD......

With one smaller twin, we decided Sara needs to eat, and eat, and eat, and then eat some more. We need to give that girl every possible nutrient and calorie she can have to grow and grow and grow. So, hundreds of dollars of Whole Foods trips, Sara is eating...and gaining weight. This is good!

What else can we control? Our attitudes. After several months of being pretty overwhelmed, I decided it was time to get a grip, and make the best of it. We are going to make it through this, and the payoff is going to be healthy girls. We went to church 3 weeks in a row.....Then got the good news that blood flow had improved...yay!