The Doctor has been Met and Other News

Several updates and clarifications and other info in this post so close attention is warranted!

• After meeting with the fetal-maternal medicine specialist, we have a cautiously optimistic outlook (very cautious mind you).
• He re-emphasized that the greatest risk with the ruptured membrane is infection, so they will be closely monitoring for that via blood work and body temperature.
• Looking at the ultrasounds, we know that the little girl weighs in at about 1lb 2oz and the little boy at 1lb 6oz. She's right on schedule for her fetal age and he's well-above average.
• We asked about the amniotic fluid level and he indicated that while it's a concern, she does still have pockets of fluid around her and is continuing to produce fluid. As it was almost 23 weeks when the big rupture occurred, it's likely that lung development had already begun. Had rupture occurred at 20 weeks there would be more reason for concern. Still, lung development is one of the most critical risks in all this and she is at a disadvantage compared to the little boy. Thankfully, we did get two steroid shots.
• At this point, they are just going to let Bekka sit and bake the babies with periodic monitoring. As we reach 24 weeks tomorrow, if labor starts they will not stop it. Labor starts for a reason, be that infection, further membrane rupture or increased bleeding and it could be dangerous to both Bekka and the twins to halt it.

We are currently located in room 4B34 at WakeMed Raleigh Campus. Visitation hours are 11am to 8pm. Note that WakeMed rules prohibit all children under 12 from visiting the Women's Pavilion. Park in deck P5, go to the red awning and walk down the very long hall to elevator A/B. Go the fourth floor and check-in at the desk. There are usually helpful ladies in the kiosk near the entrance that can help you out. It is not unlikely that we will change rooms again, but the security desk keeps track of all that.

We are more than happy to have visitors, but Bekka needs to have her rest so please check in before you decide to pop over. Robin Banker and Amanda Milloway are going to try to set up a care calendar that would allow visit scheduling/meal bringing, but for the time being, you can just drop us an email or phone call.

Also, we both love flowers, but due to space limitations, if you want to send something, please consider donating to the Claire Altman Heine Foundation in memory of Ollie.

Finally, we've had a lot of questions about the babies' names. Bekka and I had been working on a list of names for some time. We had a few favorites but still had not settled. Given the gravity of the situation, we felt it was important that we name these little guys. The boy will be James Isaak Mastin, and following in family tradition, we will use his middle name and call him Isaak. The little girl will be called Penelope Elise Mastin, Penny for short.

Bekka is currently doing well, with no contractions and minimal bleeding this evening. We don't know how long this will last, but each hour is a gift.