What an exciting 24 hours!
As I posted on my Twitter (which is the only place I'm updating regularly), our sons were born at 12:38am and 12:41am today, Thursday May 12. Three minutes apart! It was a vaginal delivery and everything went pretty smoothly, thanks mainly to my rock star of a doctor. I'll have lots to write about the birth later.
In the meantime, here are some pictures!
The first baby born was Linus Michael, formerly known as baby B, who surprised us when he took the lead during the labor and ended up coming out first. (Really, this birth story is pretty eventful.)
Here's Bryan with Linus soon after he was born. Linus weighed 5lb, 7oz.
Ambrose John was slightly bigger than his brother at 5lb, 12 oz. (In case you were wondering... yes, everyone is pretty impressed that 34w2d twins weigh this much.)
Today the babies are in the NICU, doing well. They're breathing on their own and in cribs, keeping their own temperatures up. I'm pumping tiny amounts of colostrum, which they're getting through feeding tubes, and they're also nursing. We've tried two feedings and both babies latched well and nursed for a little while - sleepily, but they did it!
Camilla got to come over this afternoon and see her new brothers. Here she is holding little Linus:
Bryan changed his first twin diaper this evening, one of Ambrose's. He also happily held him:
Here's one of both of us with both our babies (and proof that I'm trying to fight my tendencies toward vanity, ha!):
And a close-up of the babies:
I'm going home tomorrow morning - can't wait to be with my older kids again! - and since we live about four minutes from the hospital, I'm hopeful that the logistics of having two little guys in the NICU should be manageable. We have no idea at this point how long they'll be there; it completely depends on their performance. But I'll keep updating as I can!
The labor was quite an ordeal, but I have to say that updating Twitter through it and getting all the support from various friends in the computer was a wonderful experience. Thank you all so much for being there!
Sooo cute! And Camilla looks so proud at being a big sis again!
Posted by: Anna | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:20 PM
Oh, MY, are they just darling!! ...and are you SURE you just gave birth to twins? You look awesome. I love their names, I love how big they are, I love how they are on room air! Way to go boys!!
Congrats, and welcome to the Twin Club!
Posted by: Marie Green | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:20 PM
I love them both so much, and Camilla's proud, shining little face is slaying me. So happy for you all! And the doctor may have been a rock star, but I have a feeling you get a fair share of the credit yourself, there.
Posted by: Dr. Maureen | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:20 PM
...AND can you believe that they were both inside your body just a short time ago? TWO BABIES? IN THERE TOGETHER? Such a miracle, so mind-blowing to think about!
Posted by: Marie Green | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:21 PM
They look great!Congrats I hope they get to come home soon. Until then get as much rest as you can. From what I hear from the many family memebers with twins, those first few months are a blur.
Posted by: Andrea | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:22 PM
Congrats again and way to go on having a vaginal delivery! I imagine it makes recovery way more easier.
Posted by: Miranda | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:22 PM
oh my goodness, they are precious!! I CAN'T believe both of those babies were in your belly! One of my best friends had twins who were 6 and 7 pounds and it BLEW ME AWAY to see them both laying there knowing they were just in her tummy! So incredible.
You are such a rockstar Arwen!! Many many blessings on your sweet family and congratulations again!!! :D
Posted by: Jimaie | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:22 PM
How wonderful. We are so excited for you! Love to you all.
Posted by: Rachel Balducci | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:24 PM
Oh, Arwen, they are gorgeous. I am so, so thrilled for all of you. What amazing little guys, and what amazing parents! I can't wait to see you on Saturday!
Posted by: Lauren | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:24 PM
Those are some beautiful babies! Congratulations! Very excited to meet the little guys some time soon. We'll keep up the prayers. :)
Posted by: Andrea | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:24 PM
Arwen they are SO BEAUTIFUL! And what wonderful names! I don't even know you in real life and I'm starting to feel teary. Congratulations! What a beautiful family. You are all just radiating joy :)
Posted by: Pippi | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:25 PM
Congratulations again!!! The boys are beautiful! Hoping you are all home together very soon!
Posted by: Hoo | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:28 PM
Everybody looks fantastic. That is so great. Thanks be to God!
Posted by: Kate P | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:29 PM
I am just so overwhelmed with their absolute cuteness. So precious. A miracle!
Praise God!!!! :DDDD
Posted by: -dweej | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:32 PM
Congratulations! I followed the events on Twitter. I thought that was exciting, but seeing them now, I realize that *this* is the exciting part.
Posted by: Slim | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:32 PM
I think I love each picture more than the last...
Posted by: Lindsay | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:32 PM
The #moshertwins vigil was one of my favourite internet moments ever - all of you guys lifted up in prayer. We are so, so happy for you. Is it wrong that I'm dreaming up reasons to visit the SW Ontario/SE Michigan area so we can meet them in person (and T can finally meet Blaise)?
We're just so happy for you. And the prayers continue.
Posted by: Sarah in Ottawa | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:32 PM
Congratulations Arwen and Bryan! They are gorgeous! Happy babymoon.
Posted by: Nissa Gadbois | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:33 PM
Congrats!!! I've been following your blog since you first found out you were pregnant with Camilla. It's amazing to see how the Lord has worked in your lives! I'm so happy for you and your family!
Posted by: Tammy | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:34 PM
Congratulations Mosher family!! Those are two beautiful baby boys. Well done! May the adventure of twins be fun, and crazy and create a heap of new memories. :)
Posted by: Hayley Lawrence | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:39 PM
Arwen, They are both so beautiful! Congratulations again. Praying that they'll get to go home soon.
Posted by: MelanieB | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:40 PM
Congratulations, Moshers! The boys are lovely- such a blessing! God is so good.
Posted by: Margaret | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:40 PM
they are so beautiful and so are you! I am delighted to see them and amazed at how big they are and can't figure out how they fit either! I am giving thanks that they are doing so well and hope you can find some rest in the days to come.
Posted by: Tracy | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:42 PM
The babies look so great - at least in pictures, they don't look like preemies at all! You look great, too, and I'm with Marie, I can't believe they were both inside of you.
P.S. I love Camilla's haircut.
Posted by: Jessica | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:44 PM
What gorgeous babies!!! Congratulations and every blessing to you and your whole family.
Posted by: Terri C | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:45 PM
Beautiful! Congrats to you all!
Posted by: Robyn | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:46 PM
Congratulations, Arwen! I'm a F&F follower and avid reader! I'm pregnant with #2, attempting a VBAC, so I love to read your birth stuff. Prayers for your beautiful family!
Posted by: Kristen | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:52 PM
OMG! Add those amazing boys of yours to the 2 girls born to friend and family yesterday, and May 11 was a big day! Beautiful little boys you have there and I'm quite sure an amazing birth story (in multiple chapters) to come....sometime before Linus and Ambrose are 18 is all I ask :)
Congratulations!
Posted by: ksmaybe | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:52 PM
Handsome boys! And they must look like giants compared to all the other NICU babies. They look fantastic & so do you. :-)
Posted by: Sparki | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:54 PM
Precious!!! So exciting! Double the miracle!
And add me to someone being impressed with their birth weights. You know how cook babies, dear Arwen.
Blessings to the whole Mosher clan!
Posted by: Kate Wicker | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:56 PM
You look beautiful! Congratulations on your gorgeous boys :-)
Posted by: bearing | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 11:00 PM
They are just perfect, Arwen. So big and healthy! Can't wait to meet them! Hope you get some rest tonight. :)
Posted by: Laura | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 11:09 PM
Congratulations!!! The babies are beautiful - and I love their names. Love all the photos - what a lovely family you have.
Posted by: Life of a Doctor's Wife | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 11:11 PM
Congratulations! They are absolutely gorgeous. I followed you and Bryan on twitter yesterday while i was at work (i'm from Australia) and i must say not much work was done! Congrats again to the whole family.
Shelli From OZ
Posted by: Shelli | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 11:11 PM
Wow. Just wow. They look fabulous! Congratulations and job well done!
Posted by: Sarah | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 11:20 PM
Oh ARWEN! They are AMAZING! I am just so happy everything went so well. And to think! Now you're off bedrest!! WOO!
(can I ask one invasive question? I am curious about the biggish looking tubes on Ambrose ... would you be willing to explain that to a nosy person? MEEE? If not, it's totally ok.)
I just can't believe you had those two BIG boys in your tummy and here they are! You're my hero. God is so good.
Posted by: Manda | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 11:24 PM
Praise God!! Congrats Arwen and Bryan! It's great to see God's goodness in seeing you guys through all this, and I pray everything goes smoothly for the two new little guys at the NICU!
Posted by: Ted Way | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 11:27 PM
Congratulations! Can't believe how excited I am for someone I've never met IRL, but I'm just thrilled for you guys and how well everything went overall with the delivery for it being so early. And I LOVE the baby names :) Best wishes!
Posted by: Kim L | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 11:44 PM
Oh, blessings on you all! Thank you for sharing your story with us - I can't even tell you how delighted I was to know what was going on. I called my mom this morning and announced,"Arwen's babies were born!" and she was all, "OH, that's wonderful! Who's Arwen?" Once I got done explaining, she asked me to tell you congratulations.
My husband, on the other hand, knows exactly who you are by now. And we are all delighted for you.
Your boys are lovely, but I think it's the picture with Camilla that really made me tear up. Oh, so beautiful.
Posted by: Kira | Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 11:52 PM
Crazy to think back to all the infertility posts of yore and then to see you here holding TWO babies that came together. God is good. I've secretly wanted twins and my grandma is a twin...but the thought of feeding and sleeping scares me. I know His grace is sufficient for YOU right now because He gave you guys twins...so yay!
Posted by: Alishia | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 12:21 AM
Congratulations on your beautiful babies!!! I've been reading your site for ages, since before Camilla was born, and it's really thrilling (even for a stranger) to see the blessings that have come to you.
Best wishes!
Posted by: KateMc | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 12:25 AM
Oh, Arwen! Look at those beautiful boys of yours! They are gorgeous! I am so happy for you guys - and so proud of you! You really are one super mommy! What a joy it was last night to follow along with Bryan's updates and participate in all of the chatter and excitement. What a special event you shared with all of us. You and your family certainly are loved! Congratulations again - they are beautiful!
Posted by: Annie | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 12:38 AM
They are absolutely beautiful! Congratulations to you all! Makes me look forward to my own twins arrival even more though I still have a while to go.
Posted by: Tania @ Larger Family Life | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 01:34 AM
May God hold all of you in the palm of His hand always! Congratulations!
Posted by: Mark S. | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 01:52 AM
Handsome and big boys! They look fine! Congratulations! You look happy and radiant!
Posted by: mary | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 02:16 AM
You look amazing! The boys are darling! We are all so HAPPY for all of you. God bless you!
Posted by: Danielle | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 06:47 AM
What a wonderful, fun, interesting post! And BABIES AAAAAAAAAAAA SO CUTE!!
Posted by: Swistle | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 06:55 AM
Congratulations on your beautiful family of six!
Posted by: heather | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 07:15 AM
Congratulations! As the mom of 28 weekers, I can assure you that your boys won't be there very long at all! All they need to do is get that suck swallow breathe thing down, and they'll be home in no time!
Posted by: Sarah | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 07:16 AM
.. what can I say that hasn't already been said? Blessed are those who believe in God's goodness! You look stunning, and those boys are utterly perfect. I am sharing your joy!
With love,
sarah in canada
Posted by: sarah | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 07:18 AM
They are beautiful!!! I am so happy for you that you got to have a vaginal delivery and that the boys are doing so well. I have been praying for you and them since you first announced you were pregnant on Faith and Family (before you even knew it was twins). I will continue praying for you all in the days and months to come.
Posted by: Mary | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 07:23 AM
They're gorgeous little guys! And big!
Posted by: cjmr | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 07:49 AM
Congrats! They look so lovely and healthy. Breathing on their own, tolerating open cribs, starting to nurse - I can't imagine they'll stay in NICU long! Will be praying for you as you leave the hospital without your boys and for grace as you recover while caring for ALL your kiddos.
Posted by: andreajennine | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 07:57 AM
Congrats, Arwen! Such great news!! Did you know we have a Linus!? Many blessings upon both your babes and your whole family.
Love,
Catie Haselbarth
Posted by: Catie H | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 08:40 AM
The only thing better than one baby, is two babies! Congratulations on your healthy little guys. Cheers to your doctors for all the guidance they gave you to help them get here so big and healthy! I still smile thinking of Christmas cookies as being a way to help them grow. I hope that you get a good night's rest in your own bed, and that the NICU time won't need to be very long at all.
Posted by: Celeste | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 08:43 AM
They both look big and healthy! So happy for all of you!
Posted by: Lisa | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 08:55 AM
I can't believe how big they are. That's amazing. They're beautiful babies, God bless them! Congratulations. I'll be praying that their time in the NICU is short.
Posted by: Karen | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 09:08 AM
Congratulations and best of luck with everything. Long time reader, sparse commenter. So happy for you!
Posted by: Megan | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 09:08 AM
Congrats! They are beautiful!
Posted by: Kristen @ St Monica's Bridge | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 09:11 AM
What beautiful healthy boys! Is it just me, or do they look quite a bit like their older brother and sister did at birth? And Camilla is such a little lady holding her brother! Can't wait to read about all your adventures with twins. Can you tell them apart yet?! :-)
Posted by: Molly | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Congratulations you guys! They are just darling! Can't wait to hear more about the birth.
Posted by: Elsha | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Congratulations! They are both adorable.
Posted by: HereWeGoAJen | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Congratulations! I will be praying for a quick release from NICU. Thanks for posting updates on twitter. Thanks to Bryan too!
Posted by: RebeccaL | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 12:15 PM
Amazing Arwen, I am so happy to hear of the natural births and latching on :) Way to go Linus and Ambrose! What a blessing-Congratulations.
Posted by: Erin Albers | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 01:19 PM
Hooray two babies! Welcome beautiful boys!
Posted by: Erica | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 01:51 PM
Your boys are so cute, and you look beautiful! What an incredible blessing for your family! I can't wait to see more pictures!
Posted by: Nicole | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 02:21 PM
Praise God! Congratulations on your healthy little men! :) I'll be keeping you in my prayers, esp. in the wee hours of the morning when I'm up with my single newborn. God be with you during this exciting, exhausting and blessed season of life!
Posted by: Betsy | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 02:36 PM
Congratulations! They are beautiful babies. You did a great job, mommy!
Posted by: Katie | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 03:36 PM
Congratulations again! You're an awesome baby maker and namer and deliverer!
Posted by: Home Sweet Sarah | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 04:10 PM
Such lovely boys! Congratulations!
Posted by: tessymo | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 05:15 PM
Congratulations! That is so sweet; glad it all went well!
xxx
Posted by: Antonia | Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 09:13 AM
I've been a long time reader of your blog, but this is my first time commenting. I just wanted to say how healthy your babies look! Wow! That's amazing, and they were born at 34 weeks! I'm so happy for you and your family. Congratulations!
Posted by: Stephanie | Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Congratulations, Arwen and Bryan! They are so beautiful! You did great for them all through the pregnancy, Arwen. I would read your posts and tweets and be so impressed by the way you processed things and moved forward and did what you needed to do for your babies.
I am so happy you have such a good milk supply! That is wonderful.
I just heard a quotation - I think Montessori said every time a baby is born, the whole family is born anew. So your family will be going through some labor pains over the next days and weeks, but all will be well and what a lovely new thing your family of six will be (and is!). I will say a prayer for you all right now. Oh the boys are just perfect!
Posted by: Rosemary | Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 01:54 PM
Huge Congrats to you and your family!
Posted by: Balancing Act | Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 01:59 PM
Beautiful babies! Congratulations! Rest as much as you can now. I have twins and I will guarantee you will need the energy when they come home. God bless your family!
Posted by: Julie Frank | Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 04:02 PM
Deo Gratias! Deo Gratias! Deo Gratias! Congratulations to all of you! The boys look beautiful and you look wonderful, Arwen! Enjoy your babymoon!
Posted by: Kimberlee | Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 07:35 PM
This former NICU mommy (I have a 29 weeker) thinks your boys look really good. Of course they're cute but they're also breathing room air and are a good size.
Posted by: jen | Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 01:23 AM
I'm very happy to see that. I started reading your blog before your first pregnancy. I'm so excited for you. Your babies look lovely - I'm a veteran NICU mommmy too and I think they look very strong and beautiful.
What a lovely family you have. My very best wishes, and may you continue to be blessed and bless others.
Posted by: Lila777 | Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 02:54 AM
Congratulations! They are adorable! I found you via your twittering during birth -- I have almost 3 year old twins and a just turned 5 year old (same age difference as yours, I think? It worked well for us!). So glad everything went so well with the birth! Those are great birth weights! I haven't heard of a baby B sneaking out first, ha! Hope your little guys are home with you very soon!
Posted by: Kristin | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Congratulations! They are such beautiful boys, and you look great. I'm glad that the birth went well and look forward to reading your birth story in the future. You're all in my prayers. I am pretty late in commenting here, but I wanted to write more than a tweet can allow.
Posted by: Amanda | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 02:21 PM
Congrats Arwen and Brian! I know you're in the middle of everything right, now but just wanted to tell you I am thinking of you all and praying for you. With the NICU, healing, fluctuating hormones, yucky nurses and everything else that comes with newborns, it is sure to be a trying time. I hope you're able to get the rest you need right now. One day at a time is my personal mantra after our 3rd baby -- it is the only way I can manage the day at hand! Linus and Ambrose are absolutely beautiful, too. =)
And BRAVO for growing such fantastically "big" babies! Our first was a 35-week singleton and he was 5lbs6ozs! I am very impressed. =)
Posted by: Rebekah | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 11:32 AM