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Home Ashley Baby Bump grief Her Family His Family Holidays honesty Ledger Patrick Preslee Summer twins Welcoming the Twins: A Birth Story

Welcoming the Twins: A Birth Story

This post follows:

Momma Got a Big Ol’ Bump

July 16th

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The night of the 16th, I was experiencing strong contractions about every 6-7 minutes. Dr. C gave me the option of staying at the hospital to be monitored for the night, or suggested sleeping at my parents who live closer to the hospital than we do. I chose to leave and try to get some sleep. Within my hours I had a fever, was experiencing hot and cold chills and was extremely nauseous. I tried to sleep on the couch, and before long, Pat was there next to me, trying to help cool me down. I eventually dozed off and woke up at 6:00 A.M to extremely hard contractions. The pressure of two babies made it feel like my pelvis was about to shatter. I noticed contractions were consecutively three minutes apart, and by 7:00 A.M. I started bleeding a little. By the time the office opened, contractions were strong and two minutes apart and we headed into the office one last time.

Dr. C was working, and quickly checked me. It was such a relief to learn I was 7 cm dilated, and ready to deliver the twins. Hallelujah! I couldn’t help but smile as the nurses became extremely excited for Pat and I when they heard the news, and wished us well as I waddled out the door.

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The office called the hospital and told them we were on our way. (They had been waiting all week for us) Around 9:30 A.M. we walked into room 3004, where three nurses greeted us and were waiting to get me started on an IV for testing positive with Group B Strep. Though it’s recommended to receive penicillin for four hours prior to delivery, their goal for me was to receive it for at least one hour.

Once the IV was in, they checked me, I was 8 cm dilated, and by this point I was begging for an epidural. I was pleased when the same anesthesiologist I had with Ledger’s birth walked into the room. She rocks at the whole process, and most of all keeps me calm. I was more grateful to receive an epidural this time over my other two deliveries, the contractions were much harder and more painful.

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The nurses struggled finding Baby B’s heartbeat so Dr. C came in and performed an ultrasound and gratefully found both heart beats. My water slightly broke, and they rolled me into the OR for delivery.

Dr. C and Dr. M were there, along with 3 labor and delivery nurses, 2 surgical nurses and the anesthesiologist. Pat stood to my left. They transferred me to a narrow OR bed and was put on oxygen to help the babies.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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Everyone in the room was so upbeat, I had a whole room full of people cheering me on, which definitely makes it easier to push out two kids. I pushed three or four times with every contraction and within 15-20 minutes the room was cheering and Dr. C delivered Baby A.

Cannon Thomas Sullenger

11:39 AM

4 lbs 10 oz

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(Middle name after his Grandpa Sullenger)

He was put on my chest for a brief second, I only saw the back of his head when I realized he hadn’t made a sound and Dr. M picked Cannon up and quickly passed him through a window into the NICU.

Seconds later, I surprisingly felt pressure and asked if I could push again, and with a couple of pushes and just two minutes later, Baby B was born.

 Cruiz Trent Sullenger

11:41 AM

5 lbs 2 oz

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(Middle name after his Grandpa Siddoway)

I was able to get a better look at Cruiz and was shocked with how he looked. Preslee and Ledger look so much alike, that I expected the twins to look just like them, but the twins surprised us with their own different look.

Both boys were immediately taken away into the NICU, and Pat followed. Dr. C stitched me up, (One nice part about having small babies is I hardly tore). Dr. M came and updated me on the boys who were both doing well. Cruiz had swallowed Cannon’s meconium… Dr. M laughed and said Cannon will always have that to hold over his Cruiz’s head, along with being two minutes older. Other than that, the boys were doing quite well for being 35 weeks and 3 days old.

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It wasn’t until later that evening I was able to visit the boys, so my parents brought Ledger in and kept me company.

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Having a twin birth is much different than a singleton, especially when your babies stay in the NICU. It was strange staying in a hospital room without a baby by my side. I was sick before I went in, and didn’t get over it for quite a few days. So I spent two days in the hospital sleeping, rarely eating, (Including my favorite steak and shrimp stork dinner) with very few visitors, and only seeing the babies a handful of times. My nurse Jess took great care of me, and was simply amazing. Definitely one of the best I’ve ever had.

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At 5:00 P.M. Pat wheeled me into the NICU and I was able to see both boys for the first time!

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(First time holding the twins 7/18/13)

I feel so grateful to have been able to work with Season’s Medical throughout my entire pregnancy, and even more grateful for Dr. C and Dr. M. I felt my delivery couldn’t have went any better thanks to Dr. C who delivered the twins, and he was wonderful during that last miserable week of pregnancy.

I remember looking over at Pat during labor and noticed he was crying. I later learned that Dr. M had told Pat they were very aware of what yesterday’s date meant for our family, and were grateful the boys made their debut a day later, so they could have their very own special day to celebrate. That’s something we had never brought up with him, so for him to remember threw Pat a little off guard. Dr. M has been wonderful with all 3 of my pregnancies.

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(Flowers delivered from my Uncle Rodd and Aunt Cindy)

One pink rose to represent Preslee.

Who I’ve felt very close by since delivering her little brothers.

There’s something incredible about two sweet spirits being sent straight from heaven together, watching Ledger interact with siblings for the very first time, and being allowed to feel the one child you’ve buried close by.

I’m officially a Momma of 4, and couldn’t be more blessed.

Welcome to the world sweet boys,

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Your family already adores you.

// Labels: Ashley, Baby Bump, grief, Her Family, His Family, Holidays, honesty, Ledger, Patrick, Preslee, Summer, twins
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63 comments:

  1. VictoriaJuly 29, 2013 at 6:24 AM

    Congratulations!!! They are such handsome little men and I love the names you chose!

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  2. Kip & MelissaJuly 29, 2013 at 6:45 AM

    What a great birth story, way to go delivering twins ;) wow that's truly amazing. They are both so cute and we are praying Cruiz gets to come home soon! Congrats to a cute family of 6 :)

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  3. ZoeyJuly 29, 2013 at 7:40 AM

    How precious!!!

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  4. ReenieJuly 29, 2013 at 8:45 AM

    Congrats again!! Beautiful babies.

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  5. AnonymousJuly 29, 2013 at 8:46 AM

    loved this so much! amazing! congrats!!!

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  6. SarahJuly 29, 2013 at 8:58 AM

    This brought tears to my eyes! I'm so happy for you! Congrats!

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  7. JenniferJuly 29, 2013 at 9:04 AM

    Now watch them start looking so much alike the rest of us won't be able to tell them apart, but for now their noses, mouths and even the shape of their faces are different (last picture).

    Congratulations on your new little additions.

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  8. UnknownJuly 29, 2013 at 9:10 AM

    I've been waiting and checking your blog daily. Congrats!! What a fun time in your life! Cute babies!

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  9. Mrs. Little Gray HouseJuly 29, 2013 at 9:13 AM

    Oh I remember that skinny OR table! I was so afraid my huge belly was going to be off balance and I was going to roll off. Beautiful babies! Congratulations!

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  10. LesaJuly 29, 2013 at 9:13 AM

    Congrats girl! They are gorgeous!!! I have tears just reading your story. Beautiful babies. It makes the heart tender thinking they were just with Preslee such a short time ago. Beautiful job mama!!!!!

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  11. Denise RigbyJuly 29, 2013 at 9:18 AM

    Loved reading this precious birth story this morning. Thank-you for sharing this tender moment. Your children will always treasure how well you document their "family story." Much Love and gifts are coming soon! Denise Rigby

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  12. DeborahJuly 29, 2013 at 9:21 AM

    What an amazing story, great job Ash. Love you lots.

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  13. Denise RigbyJuly 29, 2013 at 9:24 AM

    I loved reading this precious account of the birth of your sweet little twins! Thank-you for sharing, I hope you know how much your children will always appreciate how well you document your "family story." Much love and well wishes to you Ashley! Enjoy! I can't wait to hold these precious little bundles of joy!

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  14. LesaJuly 29, 2013 at 9:39 AM

    What a beautiful story. Congrats girl!!! It is tender reading your story and seeing that just a short time ago these gorgeous souls were with their big sister. You go mama!!! Enjoy those new babies!!! I hope you have Cruiz home soon. ((((hugs))))

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  15. Chelsea NicoleJuly 29, 2013 at 10:05 AM

    Yes, I cried through the whole thing. Seems like pat was an awesome cheerleader through everything! Congrats and I can't wait to meet them one day!

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  16. Chelsea NicoleJuly 29, 2013 at 10:06 AM

    Yes, I cried through the whole thing. Seems like pat was an awesome cheerleader through everything! Congrats and I can't wait to meet them one day!

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  17. lindseyJuly 29, 2013 at 10:11 AM

    love love all of this!! so happy for yall and those sweet babies!! I can't imagine how long you had to wait to see the twins!! Wish we were there so we could see yall!

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  18. the mortensen'sJuly 29, 2013 at 10:18 AM

    yaaaaay!!!

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  19. MeJuly 29, 2013 at 10:30 AM

    Love it! You are such a pro. Having had two babies stay in the Nicu I know how hard it is. Sending love and prayers to your precious family.

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  20. AngieJuly 29, 2013 at 10:31 AM

    Yay! I'm so glad things went so great for you! take care and rest as much as you can.

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  21. AnonymousJuly 29, 2013 at 10:45 AM

    SO happy for you!! Seriously!!

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  22. Kristi RowleyJuly 29, 2013 at 10:57 AM

    Congratulations. Such beautiful babies!

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  23. HoneyJuly 29, 2013 at 11:35 AM

    I absolutely love all of your pictures.
    Thank you for sharing your birth story, too :)
    Beautiful babies for a beautiful family!
    Congratulations!

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  24. HoneyJuly 29, 2013 at 11:36 AM

    I absolutely love all your pictures.
    Thank you for sharing your birth story, too :)
    Beautiful babies for a beautiful family.
    Congratulations!

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  25. Amy McFarlaneJuly 29, 2013 at 11:47 AM

    congratulations! what a beautiful birth story :)

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  26. Amy McFarlaneJuly 29, 2013 at 11:48 AM

    congratulations! what a beautiful birth story :)

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  27. UnknownJuly 29, 2013 at 12:22 PM

    Absolutely miraculous! Enjoy every single moment...even the crabby ones! Press will be there to help you through them.

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  28. Mrs GableJuly 29, 2013 at 12:25 PM

    What a sweet story! They are both such a precious gift from the Lord. God Bless you guys!!!

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  29. rcbe1July 29, 2013 at 12:29 PM

    So glad they got here safely! They are precious:)

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  30. Time For A ChangeJuly 29, 2013 at 2:10 PM

    Thank you for sharing so much of your life, your family with the world. Many including myself have followed your blog since preslee. I love how you keep her close in all that you do. You little men are so handsome and I felt tears come to me when I read all that you posted. Congratulations to you and your sweet little family.

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  31. AlishaJuly 29, 2013 at 2:18 PM

    Can't believe you beat us to four! haha

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  32. AnonymousJuly 29, 2013 at 2:41 PM

    Wow, what a precious story. Congratulations to you, Pat, and your whole family. I hope you're all doing well and adjusting to your new life with three boys! <3

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  33. RosalieJuly 29, 2013 at 3:00 PM

    YEAH!! Welcome sweet boys! Your Mama and Daddy are sooo proud of you and are so excited to have you! Ledger is excited to have you here finally too! He is going to be the best big brother! He has many things to teach you! Grow big and strong!

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  34. LindsayJuly 29, 2013 at 3:06 PM

    They are perfect. :) Congratulations!!!!!

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  35. Julie July 29, 2013 at 4:06 PM

    Congratulations they are so adorable. Are you familiar with Jill Thomas? Her little girl passed last August and she just had a little boy a couple of days ago. She expressed so beautifully on her instagram feed (_jillthomas) how close she feels to her little girl through her baby boy who she knows was just with his sister a couple of days ago. I love following your little family. Good luck with those two cities.

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  36. AmishkaJuly 29, 2013 at 4:24 PM

    So happy for you guys. They are so adorable Congrats again!

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  37. AmishkaJuly 29, 2013 at 4:25 PM

    So glad all is well they are adorable, congrats!!

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  38. Lara H.July 29, 2013 at 4:28 PM

    Congratulations Ashley!! They are adorable!

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  39. ReaderJuly 29, 2013 at 5:40 PM

    They are absolutely adorable! Congrats!!

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  40. Auntie EMJuly 29, 2013 at 6:22 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  41. glendaJuly 29, 2013 at 6:53 PM

    congratulations! Love their names! So uniquely beautiful! You are amazing. Two beautiful healthy boys with so little weight gain.
    So happy for you! So glad everything went well.
    Love the red roses and the pink one to symbolize Preslee. Beautiful!

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  42. TracieJuly 29, 2013 at 9:50 PM

    Precious, darling, completely adorable! Can you believe what you have just done?!?! A mama of four in less than 5 years! Congrats and God bless. And some night(s) when you're exhausted and crying and trying to take care of those babies, don't buck up and suffer through. Call your mama (I'd say call me, but I'm just a blog stalker). Don't ever feel alone. You have the world behind you and supporting you. Many, many happy blessings for you all!

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  43. MarciJuly 29, 2013 at 10:19 PM

    Awe, I've been waiting for this post! Congratulations Momma!!! You rocked it! (Mine were born at 35 weeks, 2 days, so I'm wondering how long yours spent in the NICU? Mine were in for 6 days for Harris and 10 days for Hayes.) So happy for you and the two new, beautiful additions to your family. Also love the pink rose for Preslee...that was so thoughtful.

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  44. Mary LouJuly 29, 2013 at 11:20 PM

    Ashley....
    I have been waiting and waiting--patiently!!--for this story!! Congrats on the birth of sweet Cruiz and Cannon!! They are such handsome little men!! ;)
    --Raelyn

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  45. LiaJuly 29, 2013 at 11:37 PM

    Congratualtions to an amazing family. The babies are so adorable and thank you for sharing your wonderful birth story.

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  46. shydeJuly 30, 2013 at 4:27 AM

    Just awesome.....I have chills after reading.

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  47. shydeJuly 30, 2013 at 4:27 AM

    Just awesome.....I have chills after reading.

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  48. Auntie EMJuly 30, 2013 at 7:40 AM

    They are beautiful boys...oh my...I love have all that hair they have. My son's name is TRENT so I like that as a middle name. The names are really unique and perfect. I love that they are named after grandpa's. I'm very happy for your family...glad your sons have their own special birth day but I think they will always remember their sister and will have a close connection to Preslee because of her angel day being so close to their birthdays. Joy and Happiness to all of you. Ledger must be on cloud nine right about now!!

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  49. ShaeJuly 30, 2013 at 8:23 AM

    Congratulations!!!! They are precious!

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  50. KimJuly 30, 2013 at 8:29 AM

    Congratulations on your beautiful sweet baby boys!

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  51. kmmclainJuly 30, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    I am so happy for you and your family. I've enjoyed reading your blog over the past few years. Your posts have touched me as you share your heartaches, joy and life with all of us. I have no doubt that Preslee was very close to you during delivery, and I believe that all of your sons have a special bond with their big sister.
    You have a beautiful family. I pray that things will go smoothly with your new arrivals and that you are able to get some sleep :)
    All the best,
    Kelly McLain

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  52. TieshaJuly 30, 2013 at 10:14 AM

    Awe, congratulations! I also love their names, they are so precious. I also wanted to say how happy I am that you get some happiness along with the heartache. I wanted to also say that I've been unable to read birth stories, after having a tragedy/miracle one myself. You are helping me move forward, thank you!

    When I was 34 weeks along, and after almost 10 weeks on bed rest, I went to my doctor appt. He said I was too sick and needed to go right to the hospital. I had magnesium sulfate and other meds to keep my blood pressures low enough during delivery. In fact, I think there were a tree of meds. :) I had developed preeclampsia, and it became severe.

    We soon had our miracle baby, she was 4 pounds. She came out breathing on her own. In fact, she only spent 12 hours in the NICU for observation. She was ready to go home before I was. I spent an additional week in the hospital because my blood pressure went very high. In Utah that year, 2 other women passed away, racking in lower blood pressures than I did that day. I was lucky to be alive.

    I was released and told to see an internal medicine doctor. 6 weeks post partum, I had a stroke. I was flown from one hospital to another. I spent months having rehab. done. It was a scary and surreal time for me. I then was told that I needed heart surgery, after 2 of those, I might need more. Also that year, I had 3 woman surgeries. (Including a hysterectomy) This was all before my daughter had turned a year old.

    It's been hard to not feel anxious around pregnancy for me. I kind of allowed it to make me jealous of good stories. I want to move past all of that. That's not been my only trials, my son just had a tumor removed, my dad has terminal cancer and I lost my childhood in a house fire.

    Your journey truly has inspired me, I'm thankful for a good baby story. Thanks for helping me move forward. I wish I could hug you!!!

    Love, Tiesha

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  53. RachelleJuly 30, 2013 at 11:57 AM

    I'm totally crying! What a blessing!

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  54. CourtneyJuly 30, 2013 at 12:32 PM

    You made it! And they are so sweet!!! Congratulations!

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  55. MeganJuly 31, 2013 at 9:52 AM

    Congrats on your beautiful twins...love their names!

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  56. Love Being A NonnyAugust 1, 2013 at 8:02 AM

    What a precious birth story. Praying for you all!

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  57. Emily Heizer PhotographyAugust 1, 2013 at 11:14 AM

    They are super cute! I don't know how I missed this post, darn it! Congrtulations! I'm so glad you got to delivery vaginally and that your labor wasn't too long! YAY!

    How do your pronounce the second baby's name? Is it Crue-eeeze, like with a spanish sound?

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    1. AshleyAugust 1, 2013 at 11:19 AM

      THank you! It's pronounced Cruise. Like cruise control. Believe it or not most of the boys with that name in our area spell it Cruiz, so we went with it. I'm finding a lot of people don't know how to pronounce it through the blog.

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  58. Chelsey HymasAugust 1, 2013 at 3:22 PM

    Congratulations!! They are absolutely precious! Love their names! Enjoy this amazing stage with them. It passes way to quickly.

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  59. JenniAugust 1, 2013 at 9:54 PM

    so so happy for your sweet growing family! Your delivery sounds so much like mine was and I am so happy that your cute boys are doing so well! Such a fun and exhausting time! I honestly can't even remember much of it and thank goodness I blogged alot back then or I wouldn't have any of it documented! You will do wonderful as a mom to 3 boys and enjoy as much as you can....I KNOW it is exhausting beyond belief some days!!!! ;)

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  60. Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan TooAugust 2, 2013 at 12:08 AM

    They are perfect!!!! Congratulations!

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  61. UnknownApril 25, 2014 at 2:06 PM

    How was it delivering baby B breech? I'm in the same boat and could deliver any day now but I feel like my doctor goes back and forth with whether or not he will do baby B breech

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    1. AshleyApril 27, 2014 at 3:40 PM

      Baby B actually flipped just in time, we were lucky! Good luck! Maybe he B will flip too!

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Hi, we're the Sullengers! Life turned upside down for us in 2010 when we lost our daughter in an accidental drowning. Since then, we've documented our highs (life with all five of our kids) and our lows (struggles with grief) but amongst everthing we've experienced, we know as long as we hold on to one another we can get through anything that comes our way. Read More. . .

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