Day 1

November 26, 2014

Hours before day 1 officially started, we had an unexpected surprise when Julies water broke in the middle of the Smiths parking lot at 8:30 pm. Not fully sure that was what had happened, I still was sent in to get cereal and milk for the next day. However, when we got home, it was certainly apparent that is what had happened. So I grabbed the suitcase from the hallway closet and began packing what I thought we would use at the hospital. A note for future dads, there are lists online so you have a better idea of what is actually needed when pre-packing. Just remember, not all of the things mom needs are on the list, such as make-up, conditioner, face wash, etc, as learned from multiple trips back home to get these items.

Upon arriving at Carson Tahoe, we were sent upstairs to get checked into the OB department, where Julie was immediately admitted. No contractions yet but they confirmed her water definitely had broken. After about an hour of deliberation the hospital called for a hospital transfer to get Julie into Saint Mary's. Being not quite 34 weeks pregnant, the boys were premature and Carson Tahoe would not have to facilities to provide the care the boys would need.  

Shortly after midnight, and an ambulance ride later, we arrived at Saint Mary's. Despite the medications used to stall labor, Julie began having contractions in the ambulance and upon arrival she was dilated to 3 centimeters (aka: sontimeters, as pronounced by our child birthing class teacher and 15% of Americans). A quick hour and a half later, and after several medications doing nothing to stall labor contractions, Julie was dilated to 6 cm and her doctor decided to do the c section right away. Roughly 2:30 am, I was prepped for the surgery room, wearing studly paper scrubs, and Julie was prepped for a spinal tap.

At 2:59 am, a cry broke the silence of the surgery room and Baby A was born, followed shortly there after, at 3:00 am a second cry signaled Baby B's birth.

Upon birth, both Colton and Hudson were admitted to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). I was swept off with the boys as Julie was taken to the recovery room. Besides being preemies, both needed special attention in different ways. The largest concern was Hudson needed breathing support, for his lungs were not as developed as Colton's. Poor little Hudson was put onto a Bubble C-PAP, with a large head set to hold it onto his little nose, in order to stabilize his breathing.

Baby "A": Colton Graham Roser - 4 lbs 6 oz and 17 inches long

Baby "B": Hudson Brooks Roser - 4 lbs 15 oz and 19 inches long

After being up for over 24 hours, Julie and I finally got to bed early that morning. But the day was far from over. After only a couple hours of sleep, we spent as much time as possible with the boys in the NICU, we officially decided on names for each of them and the nurses started working with Julie on how to breast pump. And that night we were finally able to hold our boys skin to skin. Julie held Colton and I had Hudson.

Today was a definitely a long 24+ hours, but it has been an amazing day. Today I became a dad and my wife a mother.