They are here!!!

 

Tanzen K Fisher, baby A

Vaginal delivery

born 10/5/08 at 5:30 am

5 lbs. 1 oz.

Makett J Fisher, baby B

C-section

born 10/5/08 at 5:47 am

5lbs. 1 oz.

Tanzen's name is a mixture of Brandon and the Dhali Llama'a name, Tenzin. The meaning if upholder of teachings or protector of Dharma (Dharma means up holder of righteousness, justice, law, virtuous ways, duties, and living in accordance with the divine will).

Makett's name, unlike Tanzen's name, his has great significance but less meaning. The meaning comes from a Dinca (Sudanese) word for Yellow Cow. The Significance represent a greater whole and bond we have formed with the Lost Boys of Sudan, boys/men that have changed our lives and filled them with love.  These boys at a young age, between 5-10, left the nest of their families and walked hundreds of miles in hope of a better life, they learned to support one another, to give to one another, and to continue in life despite what was happening around them which was war, death, hunger/starvation, hatred. Hundreds of their friends and families died around them. These boys eventually became refugees in a camp where corruption and hunger was a daily trial.  Despite everything these boys smile, love, and touch the lives of everyone they come across. 

I. Am. Still. Pregnant!

Doctor's appointment today, and my anti-hospital intervention self shamefully begged to be induced!  

My mom flies into Philly in an hour and has to leave in 2 weeks because my little brother leaves on his mission.  Since she can't move in with me for six months like I'd like, I feel an urgency to use every second of her time here with her and the babies at my house, teaching me how to take care of these two little guys.   That's the biggest reason why I want to have these babies in the next fourteen minutes...although the thought of being able to walk and breathe is mighty tantalizing too!  

Anyhow, my doctor said he'd admit me if I was dilated to a five, and, sadly enough, I'm only at a four, although I'm still fully effaced.  He stripped my membranes, so now it's all up to the little monkeys.  I'm torn--I know its best for them to stay in as long as possible...however...we're basically at 37 weeks here, and that's considered term for twins.  I keep reminding myself it will all happen just the way it's supposed to, right?

Sigh.  No worries, I'll keep ya'all posted, even if it's just to announce my place in The Guinness Book of World Records as the only woman to never deliver her babies!

Ode to Dalyn

I thank Dalyn for the following blog entry, as I snagged the entry word for word from his website, which is worth checking out. Dalyn is a brilliant artist(picture to the right is his) and has had unique experiences in life which has shaped his personality, as we all move to the beat of a different drum, it is nice to try to hear a rhythm other than our own now and again.  The entry was from an activity we had at Dalyn's house, he said:

 "Wednesday night we had a church activity at my house. We played a Jeopardy game centered  on our church's standards.  The category was "Sabbath Day Observance"

The answer was, when looking for a job you should tell your potential employer _______.

The answer is that we don't work on Sunday.  In an effort to win a twelve year old boy quickly blurted out, "Your criminal record!!!"   As people laughed not only he, but his teammates, looked around wondering what was funny.  This kid has never commited a crime in his life.  

You can't tell me this kid has the same opportunities I had at his age."

Weighing in!

At today's ultrasound the boys weighed:

Makett:  5 lbs, 15 oz

Tanzen:  5 lbs, 11 oz

I think that's big enough to be born, right?

35 1/2 weeks pregnant...and going on forever!!

Somewhat to my chagrin, I'm still pregnant! I realize I'm supposed to be appreciating this time before the babies come, however, I find that hard to do while lugging the belly and fluid-bloated limbs around. I have no idea what I'll do with them once they come, but I'm ready to find out!

For those who've asked, here's the update:

-At my 34 week appointment I was 100% effaced, and the doctor could feel Tanzen's head

(such a crazy thought)! I was elated when he told me to make my appointment for the following week, but that he would probably see me in the hospital before then.

-Now, at 35 1/2 weeks...I'm still pregnant. I keep reminding myself that it's a good thing, especially since I don't want the boys to have to be in NICU. 37 weeks is considered term for twins and the goal was to make it to 35, which I've done, so bring it on!!

-At 38 weeks (Oct 9th) they'll induce me, although we're hoping the boys will make their debut unassisted!

-While Tanzen is in a perfect head down position, Makett is still breech. The docs, of course, are encouraging c-section, but I'm really hoping for a vaginal birth. The plan is to deliver Tanzen, then have them try to turn Makett head down--it's not uncommon for the 2nd twin to flip once he has extra room, so it's possible! Now, this does leave the possibility that they would still have to do a c-section for Makett, so I may experience both types of births...but I think it's a gamble I'm willing to make. I am finally giving in to doing an epidurral because if they have to do an emergency ceserean they'll be able to without completely putting me under. I've pretty much come to terms that my natural Bradley birth will have to take place at a birthing center with the next baby (which is one more reason why I don't want a c-section).

Somewhere in the last week my lung capacity greatly diminished and it's hard to sit down since my huge belly rests on my legs and smashes the poor little guys. I'm grateful that I've been able to stay relatively active, even if my hands and feet look like loaves of bread. The water retention in my face is especially lovely. Anyway, I'm hoping they come this week, I think it's time!

Taegen & Khylo

My wonderful friend Heather has been my superhero lately! As many of you know, I've been slightly stressed about getting my house (and basement) organized. Fine, I've been extremely obsessed about getting it all done...and I've been driving Brandon crazy with my manic desire to reorganize every cupboard and drawer in our house, especially since my abilities to follow through with the tasks are diminishing. Anyway, amazing Heather has been over almost daily in the mornings to help me with my project of the day. For someone who must weigh about 77 pounds, Heather is incredibly strong, and I've been giving her a work out!

Khylo loves playing with her cute son Taegen...Taegen will play fetch with Khylo, chase him, and even shares his pretzels!












Thanks Heather!!!!

Radiate Joy

I started a blog for my cancer patients. The purpose of the website is to help patients find support when they are out of our clinic; to give them a resource full of information, stories, books, support, interactive links, community outreach programs, and encouragement. The blog will contain weekly updates in the form of book reviews, encouraging thoughts/stories, and monthly overviews/lessons on radiation oncology. I love working with cancer patients and am so grateful for all that I can learn from them, I hope to give back as much as I can. So far I've received two wonderful stories from friends that I'll be adding to my blog, I would appreciate your emailing me if you have anything you'd like to contribute, radiatejoy@gmail.com. You can check it out the blog at http://radiatejoy.blogspot.com/