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 Avery and Wren's Blog 

Meet my twin nieces, Avery and Wren. August 1st marked the day these sweet little ladies were born at 25 weeks gestation. My  brother Kevin and his wonderful wife Shannon, were just getting used to the idea that they were expecting twin baby girls, when they learned that these babies were a high risk type of identical twins called Mono-Mono (mono chorionic, mono amniotic with a single amniotic sac). Because the girls shared the same space with no membrane between them -- they had the ability to twist and compress one another's umbilical cords.  Immediately, the Doctors at St. Luke's Hospital in Boise knew this was the case for Kevin and Shannons' girls, resulting in their emergency birth in order to save their lives. Even though everything was a shock, I saw my brother and he explained how he wouldn't have it any other way.  He would accept and love these babies, come what may.  My sister-in-law kept a steady faith, reassuring not only herself, but all of us that things would be OK.  I saw the girls myself, marveling at their tiny bodies, weighing just about a pound and a half each. I saw the tubes and equipment that the girls relied on to breathe and live.  Overwhelmed, I prayed silently.

Now Avery and Wren are almost 4 months old. They have received constant medical care at St. Luke's hospital and both babies have had significant obstales and almost lost their lives more than once. Even though these girls are sweethearts, they are also fighters and have pulled through in remarkable ways. I could tell you all about it, but Kevin's blog would be the only way to get a sense for what they have gone through.

The most recent blessing for my brother's family is that baby Avery has been cleared to finally come home from the hospital.  Luckily, I was able to travel to Boise to see my brother and his wife walk in the door of the home to unite their other 4 children with their sister Avery.  It was a beautiful sight and you would have to be made of stone not to cry.  Avery has medical equipment that she came home with and her care and needs are constant, even though Kevin tells me she almost never cries.  Wren is still in the hospital, and is currently fighting to re-stabalize again. There is an almost constant prayer in our hearts that she will be able to pull through and live, grow, and thrive in her beautiful family.

The reason why I am raising funds for these babies, is to help alleviate some of the financial pressure during the most difficult time in Kevin and Shannon's life. They have witnessed their babies go through multiple surgeries, and procedures. Each stage of Avery and Wren's lives brings the greatest joys, but also new and unchartered territory.
 At the same time they have juggled Kevin's career,  and parenting all 6 of their awesome kids. My older brother Tony lives in Boise as well and has been a huge help and support, but Kevin and Shannon do not have any other family members living close by to them to help with family needs. But we still want to help. I have had friends and family ask how they can contribute or help Kevin and Shannon.  We wanted an easy place to contribute and together we can make a bigger difference for them then just a few of us can. I believe we will see our few dollars grow into something a little more substantial through gofundme. If you contribute to the fund, the money will be used towards medical care, and costs that insurance will not cover, child care, or other needs of the Hendricks family.  The funds will be given directly to Kevin and Shannon. I know Kevin and Shannon are humbled by the offers and outpouring of love and prayers they have recieved. That will make a difference as well. If you need more information or have any further questions, please feel free to message me on Facebook or contact me.  I have included a link to the blog that Kevin and Shannon keep about the babies. Thank you so much!
Avery and Wren's blog