Our Journey with Conjoined Twins
Abby & Erin
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Romans 8:28
How to start a blog when there is so much.....
I have always wanted children, and those around me know that full well. I have always been the one asking to hold the new baby, or volunteering in the nursery at church, babysitting all of our family friends children, and now being a nanny. The want to be a mother has always been inside me since as long as I remember. So when Riley and I got married just a few short month ago, we knew it wouldn't be long before we decided to try. On Janurary 11th we found out that we were expecting! It was one of the most exciting and scary moments of my life. I knew I wanted to be a mom but the thought of it actually happening scared me a little to say the least. But as the weeks leading up to our first appointment went by I became more and more excited and less and less scared. Even the thoughts of delivery didn't scare me because of how excited I was to meet my little bundle of joy. After a few hiccups with insurance (still uninsured at the moment and working on a few options) we finally had our first appointment this past Friday, March 11th. We were very excited to get a chance to see our baby for the first time. I had been thinking about it for the past month. And the day was finally there. We went through all the normal routine, questions, weight, height, blah blah and then finally time for the ultrasound. Riley and I were joking with the Dr. talking about how my mom had twins (sidenote: for those who don't know me, I have identical twin sisters who are now almost in their 20s) and how I was hoping I wasn't having twins. Just because I saw how large my mom got, and how two babies can definitly be trying at times. Then as soon as he turned on the machine, BOOM, there were two of them. Two full blown babies staring at me. To say that was a surprise was an understatement, I mean I knew it was possible, it is possible for anyone, but for my mom to have twins, and then for myself to be pregnant with twins, it blew my mind. As the ultrasound went on I realized that they seemed to be really close especially near their heads. Now mind you I say as the ultrasound went on, but it in all reality only lasted maybe 3 minutes. I mentioned to the dr. about how they seemed very close and that is when my world was turned completley upside down. Something that went from 100% joy turned into almost 100% terror. He said very abruptly that he thought they might be conjoined. He then gave me about 3 seconds of each heart beat, and then we were done. He seemed to be just as scared as I was which made matters worse. (sidenote: for any Dr.s who are possibly reading this, be honest with your patient if you have never seen something before instead of leaving them feeling like you tried to get out of the room as fast as possible) He mentioned that we needed to see a specialist ASAP since i was now all of a sudden considered extremely high risk. Mind you 15 minutes ago I was considered low risk. And that this specialist would have to tell me if they thought my babies will even survive. And that was all I knew, my babies might be conjoined, and they might not even be able to survive. That ride home from the Dr.s office was one of the most difficult rides I have ever taken. My husband had been at the appointment with me but had his own car, and he had been just as shocked as I was and just as bewildered and not knowing what to think. I was angry, scared, sad, excited about the news of twins, worried, and so many other emotions. That picture you have in your head of a beautiful little baby being handed to you felt like it had been ripped from me, and it hurt so much. I had so many questions and literally no one to ask. I have never known anyone to go through anything like this. Almost everyone I know has had healthy happy babies. Even looking at my ultrasound pictures was hard. We made an appointment to see a specialist on Monday March 14th. But the span between friday and monday seemed like an eternity. Most of it was a blurr. Between making phone calls to family and friends to start praying for our sweet babies, and answering lots of questions, and making arrangement with work the idea of having conjoined twins became more and more normal to me. And the shock started to wear off. We are so grateful to the people who told us they would pray for our family and support us and all our decisions. That was so humbling to hear about. You don't realize how many people care about you until you need them. They begin to come out of the woodwork and bring such a comfort. There was a verse that I clung to during this weekend, it was Isaiah 43:2 and it says when you go through the deep waters I will be with you. There were times even though I know my husband is always in my corner along with my family and friends, that I felt alone, like I was drowning. That I felt like It was just me dealing with the weight of the world. And that verse made me remember, that the God that was with me when I had issues in my teens, was still with me now. And he has a plan for all of this. He knows my babies better than I ever will. He knows the outcome of this and has it already orchastrated. There are no ones hands I would rather put this situation into than his. And that brings me so much comfort. Today was a day I know I will remember for the rest of my life. We went and saw the specialist, and found out that our babies are in fact conjoined. They are conjoined at the back of the head which poses some very intense risks. I was relieved to hear it was the back of their heads and not their faces (we could see their little noses on the sonogram). But the fact that it is the back of their heads means there could be brain issues. If they are not developing completely seperate brains things are not going to be easy. Not that it is easy in the first place, but you can't split a brain in half. So if that is the case we will have some tough realities to swallow. We won't fully know about this factor until between 18-20 weeks when the brains are much more developed. We go back for an appointment in 5 weeks which will put me at 16 weeks. And once we get to the 18-20 week range I will most likely be traveling to Philidelpia to get a fetal MRI done so we can see exactly what we are working with. We also will be faced with the reality that being conjoined may not be their only issue. Since they developed abnormally there may be other issues but we are praying against that in Jesus' Name! But watching the two of them on the sonogram, you would never think they had a problem. They were kicking and punching and dancing away with not a care in the world, and that made me feel better that they seem to be happy and healthy except for their being conjoined. This is all so new for me, not just the "conjoined" twins thing, but the whole being pregnant thing. I have never been pregnant before so I don't even know what to expect in a normal pregnancy let alone a high risk, highly abnormal one. So please pray, not only for me, but for my wonderful husband who I would not be able to get through this without. He has been such a rock for me. I know beyond that shadow of a doubt that he is here for me and loves me and these babies more than anything in this world. And we each deal with things in our own way and I know he is feeling many emotions just as well as I am. I know he is not only worried about the babies but about myself as well. And that is a lot to have on your plate. So as I close out this post I want to leave you all with the verse that has been with me all this weekend: Ezekiel 43:1-3a But now, this is what the Lord says-- he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; Prayer Requests: -Happy Healthy Babies -A Healthy uncomplicated pregnancy that brings these babies as close to full term as possible -Both of our families as they are also dealing with the uncertainty -Both for Riley and I, for strength and wisdom as we walk through this journey together -For the right Dr.s to be found that will be best suited for our babies issues Thank you all so much for supporting Riley and I in this. We are so grateful! And thank you for reading this and wanting to follow our journey. We are scared but excited to see what God's plan is in all of this because we know it is a big one!!!!!
14 Comments
3/15/2016 09:30:16 am
Dear Heather & Riley,
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Lisa Cameron
3/15/2016 03:11:08 pm
Sweet Heather and Riley, thank you for sharing your journey with all of us so we can uphold you in faith and prayer. You already are showing such wisdom by being specific in your prayer request, unity in prayer is essential! Your journey obviously is not an easy one, you have already thrown the enemy an enormous blow by your response being total dependence on God and His great love, grace and mercy. Know the enemies devise, don't give him an inch, stay united, kindhearted to one another, understanding of one another's emotions and needs...as you so well know as you focus on one another and God what the enemy meant for evil your loving heavenly father will bless and use for good. I know these word's are easily written, and I can not even begin to know what you are facing, but I hear the faith in the words you have written and pray God's great peace surrounds you and keeps you in perfect peace. Love you
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Rachel Pyle
3/15/2016 09:14:59 pm
Is this an updated blog? I saved your other one, so if this is a new/permanent one, let me know own so I can save this one instead. Love you!!!!
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Anonymous
3/15/2016 09:23:10 pm
Yes it is updated. I wasn't sure how to use the site I had started with so I switched to this and tried to make it known but it has kinda spread like wildfire and I couldn't quite catch up :/
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You're so strong to go through this. Your unwavering faith is really encouraging. I am wishing the best for you and your family. If there is anything I can do for you, as some stranger on the internet, or anything you need, I would be happy to help in any way I can.
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Susan Ferguson
3/16/2016 09:17:50 am
I will be praying for these precious babies and for you and your husband. God is able and will comfort you with His peace, pour out His love and strengthen you with His courage in all your days to come.
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Chris
3/16/2016 11:25:19 am
I read your blog and it touched my heart. I was unable to have children, so I feel all, not only perfect, babies are a gift. God makes no mistakes. Praying for all four of you.
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Linda W
3/16/2016 12:43:51 pm
Heather and Riley, praying for you and your precious babies. Yes, your journey will be uncertain, but God is faithful and will be with you and your babies every step of the way. Isaiah 41:13 - "For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear I will help you." May you feel God's peace and know without a doubt he's there… holding you right hands!
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Linda Bruins
3/16/2016 03:14:21 pm
Hi Heather, I am your Dad's cousin. Your grandma told my mom yesterday and then my Mom told me of your precious babies. My husband and I have been in prayer for you, your husband , and your babies ever since. We will continue to keep you all in prayer. Thinking of this verse for you at this time. "Under His wings you will find refuge." Psalm 91:4.Whenever you feel overwhelmed, you have a wonderful place to be. Linda and John Bruins
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Linda Bruins
3/16/2016 03:48:49 pm
PS. Heather, we are not outside of Philly but we are on your way up so if you need a place to stay you are welcome to stay with us. We would love to have you and any family members.. We're about 2 1/2 hours from Philly in MD. It would cut your trip shorter if you wanted to stay overnight. Love, Linda Bruins
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Roberta Fair
3/16/2016 04:48:12 pm
Dear Heather and Riley,
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Cora
3/16/2016 08:40:36 pm
You are both so beautiful. I don't know you other than what I read on your blog, as your story has gone viral. Your love for your children regardless of the situation and your decision to accept a God as your strength is such an amazing example of His unfailing love.
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Isabella Lucas
11/10/2022 05:20:10 am
My ex-husband and I had always managed to stay friendly after our divorce in February 2017. But I always wanted to get back together with him, All it took was a visit to this spell casters website last December, because my dream was to start a new year with my husband, and live happily with him.. This spell caster requested a specific love spell for me and my husband, and I accepted it. And this powerful spell caster began to work his magic. And 48 hours after this spell caster worked for me, my husband called me back for us to be together again, and he was remorseful for all his wrong deeds. My spell is working because guess what: My “husband” is back and we are making preparations on how to go to court and withdraw our divorce papers ASAP. This is nothing short of a miracle. Thank you Dr Emu for your powerful spells. Words are not enough.
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AuthorMy name is Heather Delaney. I married the love of my life Riley on 10/02/15 and we now have two beautiful girls Abby & Erin, who are conjoined twins, that were born 07/24/16. We are trusting that God is going to work all this out for his good! Archives
March 2021
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