◦ February 4th, 1989 was a cloudy, cold, overcast day. It was a Saturday, and I was still pregnant with my twins, but they weren’t actually due until February 8th. I had settled in on that date because it didn’t seem they were coming any sooner; in spite of my running up and down the stairs when no one was at home. My husband left for work around 5:30am that day, and at 6:00am I had the first of my contractions. I was in disbelief. I wasn’t sure it was real labor, so I started timing the contractions. They were all over the place….five minutes, 7 minutes, 12 minutes. Because if this, I wasn’t sure this was true labor. I waited until 9am and called my friend Tracey to ask her opinion. Her best advice was, call your doctor, I’ve never had twins. So I called, they told me to come in. We were living with my in-laws at the time, so I told everyone that I needed a ride to the hospital; then I proceeded to do my hair and make-up (true story). Once I got ready and grabbed my bag, I got into the car with my mother-in-law and father-in-law, and we headed to the hospital. My father- in-law blew through every red light between Florence and Willingboro. My husband, who worked at the hospital at that time, met us at the door. I thought things were going smoothly, until they checked fetal heart rates. Ariana was presenting and ready to go (true to form). Tatiana was breech and not advancing , and her heart rate was decelerating; therefore I would be having a C-section. This proved to be true to form for Tatiana as well, she is determined that the world will wait for her. Nothing went quite as expected. My epidural hadn’t kicked in when they tried the first incision, so I had to be go under general anesthesia. Ari rallied and was born at 12:21 pm; 6lbs 7oz. Tot followed at 12:22pm weighing 5lb 1.5oz. To this day, they were the greatest gift I’ve ever received. They have provided me with some amazing experiences, but nothing has not topped their own birth. Happy 30th birthday babies. I love you so much. And Ari, I miss you so much.

sincerely,

your mom.