SHARE Atlanta

"Sharing" Our Stories/Thoughts - Along this Path

Nikecia's Subsequent Pregnancy Diary
Begun October 2006.....

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Jordan and Joshua, were born on May 31, 2004

Vincent and Nikecia joined SHARE Atlanta (SA) soon after their twins, Jordan and Joshua, were born at 21 weeks on May 31, 2004 and lived for an hour. Nikecia lovingly made them a beautiful scrapebook that contains letters, cards, pictures and thoughts written by her. She has shared this with us in our group. She also shared the sweet blankets that her twins were wrapped in at the hospital. These gave her and Vincent a way to "parent" their children. This was another encouragement for us to do the 4Bs ~ Blankets of Love "Outreach for Healing" program.

Being an active part of SHARE Atlanta

Below is a picture of Nikecia being a part of our memorial tree "Outreach for Healing" program for the Festival of Trees in 2004. She and Vincent also donated two toy trucks to the Foster Care Shelter during the Christmas season (see the link to the story below). They also raised donations for the 2005 MODs WalkAmerica and had hoped to walk with us (the actual walk was rained out!)

2004 Festival of Tree's Committee (some of them!).

Nikecia is in the front row on the left next to Angie.

She is joined (from left in back) by Suzanne, LaWanda, Marcia, and Erin.

Nikecia's concerns around her due date during the first year...

December 2004 ~ Nikecia and Vincent Ingram give to toy trucks in honor of Jordan and Joshua (May 31, 2004)

Vincent joined Nikecia at our men and women's group and brought to it another level of understanding about the "intensity" of grief and the grief shared by two parents.

Grief and it's intensity and longevity are real..Nikecia and Marcia McGinnis (10/4) Grieving GA

"Thoughts on Men and Women's Group 10/04" by Nikecia GA

Down the Path of Healing...

After being involved in our group for over a year, Nikecia and Vincent, made the choice to begin the journey of a subsequent pregnancy. Nikecia is sharing this journey with us. A journey that, once again, is blessed by twin babies. But, I will let you read their "ongoing" story...I thank Nikecia for this gift to our members.

Nikecia is very clear about what she is sharing here. In our group we have discussed the pre-subsequent pregnancy consultation...with all your possible doctors, and Vincent and Nikecia did this. They changed doctors based on the need to have specialists all along the way. Knowing that you have a *team* of doctors that have seen and know how to respond to emergency/high risk situations is a positive after the death of our baby. They also have studied and asked many, many questions about the various procedures.

Doctor's Onboard: All of their doctors were asked to give a firm basis for what they planned to do, and what they "could" do under various situations. And, they understood that nerves would be tense, but everyone would try to stay as positive "as could be" as they moved through their pregnancy. Calling a doctor at a "tense/scarey" moment should feel "totally" okay. It is better to call, be checked and reassured than to live in fear and uncertainty. The more knowledge and support we have, the less stressful it will be. "Proactive in our care" is *very* important for our parents.

Entry #1 – October 27, 2005

The doctor’s office called today and told us that our blood test was positive…we’re pregnant! The emotions are running high and we can hardly believe it! Then the doubts and fears begin to set in right away. Because of our last pregnancy, we know that there are many special circumstances and considerations, such as a cerclage, bedrest, hospitalization, and the possibility of multiples. In the midst of it all, we are extremely happy because it is a blessing that we have prayed for over a long period of time. The plan right now is just to stay positive and stay in the moment because we know that this is just the beginning!

Entry #2 – November 9, 2005

The weeks have been extremely long, but today was the day of our first ultrasound. The HCG numbers have been high all along and now we know why…twins again! Unbelievable!

The doctor tells us that one twin may vanish, and the only thing we can do is wait out the weeks. We are told that we will need a cerclage in the 1st trimester and we also have to stay on progesterone for a while to help sustain the pregnancy. Very quickly, I realize that there are only a few things I truly have control over in this whole process – taking my medications, eating correctly, staying properly hydrated, taking my vitamins, maintaining a positive attitude, and keeping all of my medical appointments.

There are so many unknowns; however, the best thing to do is take it one day at a time and not think about all of the risks and concerns.

Entry #3 – December 7, 2005

We met with the Perinatologist yesterday for an ultrasound and to discuss the cerclage and plans for this pregnancy. Fortunately, we had already met with him twice for 2 pre- pregnancy consultations and he was also our doctor during our last pregnancy, so we already established a relationship with him. We also had some idea as to what our plan would be, and knowing, trusting, and respecting our doctor certainly added a much needed measure of comfort.

The cerclage is scheduled for next week! That is very soon because I will only be 11 weeks by then. Also, we learned that I need a double cerclage placed (2 stitches)! The whole prospect of surgery is a bit scary because it always carries risks, regardless of the assumed simplicity of the procedure. Again, we are comforted to know that we have one of the best and most respected doctors in the entire Southeast. We also know that the cerclage is our best medical option available for a successful pregnancy.

All in all, the whole thing is scary, but what is life without risks? Here, the benefits, far outweigh the risks! So, next Friday, we go in for the cerclage…until then, we just continue to stay positive.

Click here for Nikecia's story about her cerclage.

Entry #4 – January 11, 2006

14 weeks today and 3 weeks after my cerclage! The surgery was not as scary as I thought and it only took 15 minutes. I stayed on bedrest at home for 1 week following the surgery – until the bleeding stopped. There were no other side effects!

Today was another ultrasound and the babies are doing fine and the stitches are in place. We also found out that we are having a boy and a girl!! What a blessing! My prayers are that my body cooperates and we all stay healthy for at least 20 more weeks! My doctors are all in place and on board with each other. I initially had concerns about the new, unprofessional staff at my OB’s office, but I had a talk with her about my concerns and she assured me that if I needed anything or had any concerns, I should call her directly on her personal cell phone. Again, another very important measure of comfort. Time is moving fast and we are staying positive and praying for only the best.

Entry #5 – February 25, 2006

Well, we have reached 21 weeks! This is an important milestone because I delivered at 21 weeks during my last pregnancy. I have been a bit anxious and full of nerves this week and last week. On Sunday, I thought I felt mild cramping. I have been to the Perinatal office twice in the last week for an ultrasound and reassurance. I learned that my cramping was not cramping, but only round ligament pain, and the monitor failed to show any sign of contractions!

The doctors and nurses all understood and very extremely kind. They told me that it is always best to come in and get checked rather than sit home and worry! I agree completely and as long as I have a brain and transportation, off to Perinatal I’ll go!!

Regardless of what my OB says, I will go straight to Perinatal because they are the specialists with extra years of training and expertise, and they have the most advanced ultrasound equipment!

The babies are growing…they are 1 pound each! My cervix is also long and closed, which means my body and the stitches are working well together! I am so grateful to have made it this far in this pregnancy and my prayers are to continue on for as many weeks as I possibly can!!

Entry #6 – March 22, 2006

We are over 6 months now...with a few more months to go! Here are the latest pics of Alexander & Autumn. Alex would not face front, so we could only get his side profile! Autumn was a bit more cooperative!!

Autumn

Alex