Hope – Bump 2 Bab[y]ies

For those of you who know me…

Published on May 26, 2014 by onesource4wellness4 Comments

For those of you who know me, know I’m a bit nostalgic. I believe this appreciation for the past and joy from recollecting was instilled in me by my dad. I enjoy reminiscing about times that have gone by, sometimes to a fault, in that I miss the present or plan too much for the future. But, nevertheless, I cherish days like today- Memorial Day- for taking a time out to look back.

One year ago today, I was lying in a hotel in Mesa, AZ. I had just been discharged from the local hospital after having a surgery that saved our pregnancy. I did not know what the days ahead would bring, but knew that in a few hours I would have to drop Frank off at the airport and spend the next days alone.

For those of you who know me, being away from home is not my specialty. I have always been a homebody. I am perfectly content hanging out at home. While I appreciate others’ love for travel, I generally have little interest. So, needless to say moving to Arizona was not something I would have chosen to do.

For those of you who know me, know that I strive to walk with God. It truly has been a bumpy road, of straying here and there. But, as I reflect on this Memorial Day, I see how God’s hand was guiding our footsteps during that treacherous time. We had found out on that Monday that we were going to lose our pregnancy and the medical team shared with us that there was nothing we could do about it. The parents of other quintuplets told me differently. When I learned of the surgery that had prolonged other high order multiple pregnancies the answer was easy; I needed that surgery. I recall wrestling with this decision in my mind. I saw two choices: Stay here in WI where I was comfortable and await the impending miscarriage, or hop on a plane to AZ to see the best maternal and fetal medicine specialist in the world. After we decided to choose life, God granted me peace. My fear had passed away, and this new sense of calm and strength arose. I take no credit for this change, but was merely witness to it. 28wk_diagram1

For those of you who know me, know that I have a rich inner life. I may be an ambivert on the Meyers Briggs, but I believe I’m a true introvert. I process life on the inside and share with those I trust. So, why would a true introvert write such a telling message? It is to brag, but not on myself. It is to testify to the guiding grace of God the Father, His humble Son and His Spirit.

I feel like I blinked and a year has flown by. Every day is an opportunity of worship. I look at my children and sometimes forget in the moment where they were 10 short months ago. I see them kicking and rolling and can recall them doing that when they were all crammed in my tummy. I stand in their nursery and just watch as all of their little heads pop up like little prairie dogs from their cribs in the morning. I dreamed of moments like that. Our children are a true joy and a challenge wrapped up into one little package

So, on this day when we are beckoned to remember, I encourage you to first and foremost thank those who have served our country. Remember those who have fallen for it. But, also take a moment to remember and recall the miracles in your life. For you are loved!

The V5 have Arrived

Published on August 4, 2013 by onesource4wellness22 Comments

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is our pleasure to announce that on the 3rd day of August, 2013, between the hours of 1:48 and 1:50pm, five beautiful new baby Vanderwalls came into the world. That’s right, it’s time to introduce you all to the V5!

First, is big brother Theodore Joseph – he was the first one out of the womb at 1:48 pm, weighing 2lb 14oz and measuring 14.5″. Upon being told by the nurse that he was the only boy, and had a life with four sisters to look forward to, he literally began screaming and kicking. It had everyone in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) laughing. I think he’s going to be a performer. I mean look at his picture, he’s already showing off his first public magic trick – making his feet glow.

Second out of the womb at 1:49pm, was 2lb 7oz Isabella Marie, also measuring 14.5″. Sporting a full head of hair at only 29 weeks, like her brother Theo, she was our first precious daughter to take a breath of real air. Already living up to the meaning of her name “Bella,” she is incredibly beautiful. We’ve requested she be kept away from any other boys in the NICU. I already caught one of the other premie boys eyeing her up on the way in 😉

Born at the same time as Bella, 2lb 11oz, 14.6″ Lillian Grace entered the world with her mouth wide open. She let out a cute little scream then was whisked off to the NICU to join her brother and sister. Adorned in her little stitched hat, she’s certainly making a good case to be daddy’s favorite little girl. Unfortunately for her, this daddy is going to have four favorite little girls, not just one. Let’s not tell her just yet, though 😉 She seems to really be enjoying her self-proclaimed title.

One minute later, at 1:50pm, our third little girl, 2lb 5oz, 13″ Kali Mae, joined her siblings. Kali, who you’ll see already has a striking resemblance to her very handsome father, was a kicker and a screamer from the get-go; further establishing the aforementioned resemblance to her father.

And last, but certainly not least, at 1:50pm Elliot Rose completed the V5’s arrival into the world. 2lb 6oz, 14.5″ Ellie was our little fighter, overcoming a couple weeks of very scary distress in the womb. She proved her tenacity once she exited as well. All of our little blessings performed admirably throughout their first day in the NICU, but it was Ellie who received the highest remarks, breathing all on her own with the least assistance from the NICU staff.

I am also happy to announce that after a medically difficult 12 hours, following delivery, Cassie has turned the corner and is back on track for a swift, full recovery. She made it up the NICU today (Aug 4) and FINALLY got to see our babies for the first time!

Thank you for all of your continued prayers, hugs, kisses, and well-wishes. We are humbled and most thankful for everyone’s support. Stay tuned for more updates.

Love you all!!!

Daddy V (and the rest of the V7)

Fuzzy Wuzzy was a Baby

Published on July 13, 2013 by onesource4wellness5 Comments

Thank you for everyone’s prayers for Baby E, Elle Rose, because God is answering every one of them. At today’s appointment we found out that her Doppler readings from her umbilical cord were in the normal range, with only one reading just above normal! She is our little fighter. I also shared with Dr. Elliott that we name little Elliott (Elle) Rose after him and I think I saw tears well up in his eyes. I love the heartfelt compassion of my doctor!

Additionally, at today’s visit we got to see almost everyone’s little face, and most of them have what looks to be a full head of hair! The sonographer asked me if I was having heart burn and nausea and I answered with a resounding yes! She said it is most likely due to the amount of hair on their little heads, because the hair protein can irritate the GI tract. Theo and Elle have the most hair and the rest are little fuzz balls at this point. I’ll let you see for yourself!

Baby C’s Profile

Elle Rose’s Profile

Baby B & D didn’t want to come out to play at the photo shoot, so unfortunately we don’t have any images of those two little ladies. But, from what we saw today everyone remains on track with healthy hearts, brains, organs and blood flow.

My doctor also gave me a warning that this is the point where growth really picks up. Amazingly, all of the babies have shifted to a transverse position with their heads to my left and little feet to the right. Theo still has his little noggin tucked into my pelvis but his feet swing left. So, they are in ideal positions to bulk up…which of course Mama is going to need to find some XXXL shirts pretty soon! Muumuu’s here I come!

Again, thank you to everyone for your prayers! We appreciated every single one of them. We also want to send a special thanks to our friends at Culver’s who threw us a baby shower. Now our little ones can sport their little Culver’s onesies on their way home!

We are simply overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity and support. Please know we could not do this without you!

Sir Clahj

Published on May 30, 2013 by onesource4wellness2 Comments

Sir Clahj, is not a character from Medieval times, but it is rather how you pronounce the surgical procedure, cerclage, which is the “knight in shining armor” who has saved our pregnancy.

It is my understanding that pre-term labor can be caused by a shortening and dilating cervix, as well as, an increase in prostaglandins.

Treatment of pre-term labor varies, but typically includes a cerclage, tocolytic drug therapy and adjunctive bed rest. Some of the drug choices include:

Ibuprofen (motrin),
Indomethacin and
Terbutaline.

I had my emergent cerclage and Friday and the procedure went very well. They keep you awake during the surgery and use a spinal block, which is quite similar to an epidural. Being paralyzed from the ribs down is one of the weirdest sensations I have ever experienced. You see your legs, can touch them, but you sure can’t use them or feel them. The paralysis typically lasts 2-5h, whereas the procedure is just under 30minutes.

Upon admit my cervical length was 1.2-1.4 centimeters long with no dilation. Today at my post-op follow-up, I found out that the miracle-making surgeon has secured it at 3.0-3.1cm with no dilation. The doctor thought immediately following that the length was just over 2cm and was surprised to also hear that it was at 3cm- high fives were in order.

He also monitored my contractions during the post-op visit to assess if the motrin and bed rest were helping. He likes to keep his patients at less than 4 contractions per hour if they are out of the hospital and I was right at 4. This is much improved from the 6 to 8 contractions per hour that I was having over the weekend. The hard part is I can’t feel the contractions, so I’m of little help in monitoring them on my own.

All in all, I think we are back on track after that detour. Thank you to all for your prayers and support- you are a blessing!

2nd Trimester here we come!

Published on April 8, 2013April 8, 2013 by onesource4wellness7 Comments

We are all happy, healthy and going strong at 12 weeks and counting! Today we had our 2nd consultation with our perinatologists and this meeting was much more uplifting than the previous. It was a balanced discussion of impending risks, as well as, strategies to promote a healthy gestation. It appears that there is little medical intervention prior to 20-24 weeks. I, however, recognize that there is a lot I can do to help us all get to that 6 month milestone- the viability period.

My personal mission in the next 2-3 months is three-fold:

1) Gain weight. Researchers have published that women who have gained 75% of their total weight by 24-weeks have longer gestation periods. This means I have 40lbs to gain in the next 3 months, so I’m all stocked up on high calorie, high protein recipes and don’t forget my Up Your Mass Powder. I’ll most likely share my meal plan in the next few weeks for other mom’s of high order multiples.

2) Stay active as safely as possible. All that I have read encourages 30-minutes of aerobic exercise daily. I have been practicing this on “good” days and I have to admit, it definitely is energizing and I even think it helps to combat the nausea a bit. I have also read that hydrotherapy is especially beneficial later on in pregnancy, so I plan on incorporating that as soon as I’m brave enough to buy a maternity bathing suit. I believe the more difficult achievement will be to practice bed rest when it comes time. I have to say I have been better at “taking it easy” than anticipated…I think it helps that I have 5 very important reasons to chill-out.

3) Continue to be a student of my body and our babies. I believe it will be important for me in the later months to be able to monitor and measure contractions, and currently I am not quite sure I know what those feel like. The doctors assure me that I will know them when I feel them. Some literature that I have read said that it is important to keep background contractions at less than 3.5 minutes apart. We’ll see how this all plays out.

Enough about me…on to those babies!

The second part of our visit today was focused on completing the 1st trimester screening which included anatomical assessments, heart rate assessments, nuchal scans, and numerical assignments. Overall, everyone is right on track. They are all just shy of 2.5 inches long, have all 4 limbs and strong heart beats between 150-155bpm. Also, the nuchal scan is an assessment of the thickness of the skin on the back of the baby’s neck. Greater thickness (> 2-3mm) is correlated with an increased incidence of congenital heart defects and Down syndrome. All of our little ones’ nuchal scans were <2 mm! They were also able to number each placenta for good, or so they are hoping. Based on the photo above, number 1 is on the bottom right, number 2 is in the center row on the right, baby 3 is to the left of baby 2, baby 4 is just below baby 3 and to the left of baby 1, and baby five is the cherry on top! All 5 have a distinct location, but have shifted a bit since the last ultrasound to provide themselves more room for growth. The ultrasound technician said that the placement of all of the placentas look great!

Cue “Eye in the Sky” by the Alan Parsons Project (a.k.a. the Chicago Bulls Intro Song)

And now all the way from Madison, Wisconsin, 12-weeks and 2.5 inches long the Vanderwall quintuplets!

When we were introduced to baby 1 at this visit, their little hand was right up to its ear, just like it was chatting on the phone. Our technician said it was probably calling the others to let them know Mom and Dad were watching :O) We deemed this one both our chatterbox and tattletale!

The next stop was to the three arranged in the middle. Starting from right to left: baby 2. It’s difficult to tell from the photo, but this one we think is going to be the tough cookie of the bunch. They had their fists raised just like a boxer and were kicking their legs like crazy. Little did we know, but those little legs were right up against baby 3’s placenta. We think we got to witness an epic battle of footsie!

Moving to the left, the monkey in the middle, baby number 3. This little one couldn’t sit still for a moment. They looked like they were break-dancing with an impressive worm.

On the far left, is baby number 4. Who appeared to be the most mild mannered of the bunch. They were chillaxin’ with their little legs propped up and ankles crossed. They moved a little, but looked quite content watching the others.

Baby number 5 was previously the baby they were most concerned about because they had nestled in near to the opening of the fallopian tube. They also were lagging a bit in growth last time we checked in. But, this time they scooted over a bit and have plenty of room to grow and they are tracking beautifully on growth. They are still the shortest of the bunch, but what they currently lack in length they make up for upstairs. The technician said this one had a beautiful brain! So, we’ve got a shorty with some smarty pants.

And those, folks, are the V-5! The next time we will get to see them is at 20 weeks! That is also when we will be able to assess their genders. So, please keep the prayers and positive thoughts flowing because these kiddo’s and their Mommy and Daddy have their eyes set on 34 weeks!

Woes and Wishes of the First Trimester

Published on March 17, 2013March 22, 2013 by onesource4wellness8 Comments

The first trimester poses something new with each week. The two-week wait presents great anticipation of finding out whether you have been part of the miracle of conception, as well as, the opportunity to strengthen your patience. In week three and four you begin to realize that your body is certainly not your own. As your blood volume begins to increase your heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate all tend to also increase, which left me exhausted and out of breath. It is amazing how nature has a way of slowing down even the busiest of all the bees. Then, come the GI (gastrointestinal or belly) woes. Bloating, indigestion and the beloved “morning” sickness all of which can be attributed to the hormones that are bouncing around like Flubber. My biggest woe has certainly been “morning” sickness, which for me has been 24/7 nausea. I am very grateful that everything has stayed down, because we know every nutrient counts. I’d love to take a moment to share my tried and true tips for nausea.

The Do’s and Do Not’s of Morning Sickness

Do take 60-100mg of extra vitamin B6 everyday.
Do get your hands on ginger chews and ginger tea.
Do have your own stash of seltzer water and salty snacks on your person at all times…in your purse, car, desk, bag and table next to your bed.
Do get fresh air. For me, there was nothing like taking a walk around the block.
Do try a cold cloth on your forehead and back of neck.
Do stay hydrated with ice cold water.
Do purchase Seabands…they rock.

Don’t eat really fatty or smelly foods. The high fat foods take a long time to digest which delay transit time. Smelly foods (spicy foods, fish, etc) can trigger the nausea center in your brain, which usually doesn’t end well.
Don’t become constipated. If you can help to keep that train running you will prevent the intestinal traffic jam that can cause a nasty back-up. Focus on whole grains and fruits and vegetables that you can tolerate.
Don’t eat foods that don’t sound good. Food aversions are odd to me. Foods you love can quickly become foods that you cannot even think twice about. Don’t force it, save them for later because this too shall pass.
Don’t wait until you are hungry to eat. Establish a meal pattern, such as every 2-3 hours. An empty stomach is not your friend.

Alright, thank you for entertaining my list. Hopefully, some of you find it helpful. Onto a few more woes and wishes. During week 8, my nausea began to subside, which was scary for me because up until that point that’s how I knew I was not alone. My greatest fear at this point remains miscarriage. So, I am highly cognoscente of my signs and symptoms. This fear only escalated during week 9, this is a warning that if you’re grossed out by lady talk skip on to the next paragraph. During week 9, I started spotting. It is really frightening to bleed during pregnancy, because I immediately think Aunt Flow has come for a visit and she doesn’t visit pregnant folks. I called my docs and they assured me that as long as it is not accompanied by cramping or back pain and does not increase in flow that everything is alright. I’ve heard a variety of reasons for bleeding during pregnancy, including:

Implantation
Placenta Formation and Attachment
Blood clots created during placenta formation
Bursting of blood vessels
Uterine growth and contractions

My plan is to keep a close eye on things and make a follow-up to ensure that everything is alright, so please be praying for this.

My greatest wish at this point is to make it to 32-34 weeks miscarriage free because I know at that point my babies have the best chance of a handicap free life. I also hope and pray that I can create the ideal environment in my belly for their growth and development.

All of these woes and wishes, hit me pretty hard on the way to work yesterday. Then, I was blessed by a song on the radio; “I need you now, how many times” by Plumb. Amazing song and exactly what I needed to hear. I hope it inspires you, too!

Written by: Cassie Vanderwall

Visit to the High Risk Clinic

Published on March 16, 2013 by onesource4wellness3 Comments

Keep Calm and Choose Life

It has taken me over a week to process our first visit to the perinatal high-risk clinic. Frank and I went into the visit excited and prepared to askour long list of questions about how we can make this pregnancy the most successful it can be. We anticipated a thorough discussion on treatments, tests and procedures as well as detailed instructions for each trimester. Much to our dismay, this is not what occurred.

The visit started off wonderfully. We had our second ultrasound and had the opportunity to see all five of our blessings at appropriate lengths and with strong heartbeats. The ultrasound tech was amazing! She walked us through everything we were looking at for each of the fetuses. It was breath taking!

Frank and I were so encouraged after the ultrasound that we decided to launch our announcement and once again we were overwhelmed by the love and support from everyone! We don’t have words to describe how thankful we are!

We then headed over to the consultation room to meet our maternal and fetal medicine specialist and his fellow. Even within the first few minutes I sensed tension that you could have cut with a knife. The doctor also did not congratulate us, but hopped right into reviewing my medical history and highlighted each condition that put this pregnancy at risk. Then, he decided to transition to the stat list and read the probabilities for each of the chronic and acute disabilities and conditions. I made it halfway through the list and burst into tears. The fellow kindly stopped and was very apologetic. He just kept saying, “Oh no, Oh no… I’m so sorry.” I sensed his compassion at this point, but unfortunately the floodgates had already opened. The specialist quickly took over and the fellow excused himself; I’m fairly certain he went out into the hallway to cry because he came back with tear-stained cheeks.

I knew where this conversation was going. Our perinatologist then walked us through additional studies on the risks of quintuplets and the benefits of multi-fetal reduction. I must admit his approach was much softer than our first doc, but it was clear he was on a mission. He told us that there was a chance that all five of our children could be born with cerebral palsy. This really hit home; would I be able to mother 5 children with several disabilities? My immediate answer was yes, if that’s what I was called to do.

He also shared several studies that highlighted the importance of gestational age and birth weight. There is no doubt that I comprehend the risks we are facing of CP, compromised lung function, IVH, blindness, deafness and the list goes on and on. But, as a mother-to-be I cannot help but be optimistic and fight for these little ones. I have catalogued the research articles that were shared by the docs below, and would love others’ opinions. But, I have also found countless studies that demonstrate that medical technology today provides strategies to prolong gestation and decrease the risk of neurological abnormalities and respiratory complications. If any others have additional research studies that have been pivotal to their care, please do not hesitate to share. My hope now hinges on the fact that I could make it past 32 weeks. For quints, this would resemble a birth at 28 weeks, which continues to pose a risk, but according to the articles the risks tremendously decrease for (Condition, probability):

Cerebral Palsy (10-20%)
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, RDS (65%)
Intraventricular Hemorrhage, IVH (4%)
Sepsis (25%)
Necrotizing Enterocolitis, NEC (25%)
Survival (80%)
Handicap Free (84%)
Intact (80%)

If we can make it to 34 weeks, the probabilities of RDS decreases to 55%, IVH to 2%, Sepsis to 11% and NEC to 15%. So, our Doom and Gloom conversation, part II, finished up on a very sad note. Frank and I drove home in a haze of what if’s, statistics, and desperately sought some good news. Our next visit back to this clinic is not until our 2^nd trimester, or one month. Until then, we continue to take one day at a time doing all that we can to prepare mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually and of course financially to parent five beautiful babies.

Research Articles:

Multiple Gestation associated with infertility therapy: an American Society for reproductive medicine practice committee opinion

Contemporary outcomes with the latest 1000 cases of multifetal pregnancy reduction (MPR)

Estimation of neonatal outcome and perinatal therapy use

Long-term Medical and Social Consequences of Preterm Birth

Long-term family outcomes for children with very low birth weights

Multi-fetal Pregnancy Reduction, Committee on Ethics

Management of High-Order Multiple Gestation

High-Order Multiple Gestations

The Case Against Multi-Fetal Reduction

Determinants of Gestational Weight Gain

Outcomes in Young Adulthood for Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants