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August 23rd 2016, Stephanie and Levi had their first ultrasound for baby number three and were quite surprised to discover two fluttering heartbeats. On October 20 the babies had their first intensive ultrasound. This is where it was discovered they had TTTS (twin twin transfusion syndrome). Basically, one twin was getting all the nutrition. They had a specialist consultation in Seattle on October 25th which lead to an emergent surgery the following morning. Stephanie was required to spend the night for monitoring to make sure she did not go into labor, and was put on strict bed rest as they returned home. Each week the couple traveled back to Seattle for monitoring. On Friday December 2 at 25 weeks pregnant, Stephanie's water broke. She was flown to Seattle, admitted to Evergreen Hospital and was placed on hospital bed rest in order to prevent delivery as long as possible.
On December 16, 2016 at 27 weeks +4 days, the Parkins family welcomed Soren (Baby A) born 8:51 am at 2lbs 6 oz and Killian (Baby B) born 8:53 am at 2lbs 5 oz via C-Section.
During the following weeks there were many ups and downs. Killian had a more difficult entry but progressed quickly to being stable. Soren had some difficulty initially with his kidney function, but improved more rapidly than expected! It was a delicate dance to balance levels of activity, feeding and oxygen in order to allow the boy to thrive. By early January both boys had hit their birth weight and were able to take their first bath.
On January 11th, Soren's blood-work came back demonstrating significant anemia. He was in need of a blood transfusion, a process which would take 14 hours. This was a very difficult time for him. Soren became almost inconsolable during his transfusion. Around 2 am medical staff decided he needed an x-ray in order to help diagnose what was causing his abdominal distension and distress. This allowed the doctors to diagnose Soren with NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis, an infection that was killing his intestines). He was transferred to Swedish for emergent surgery on the morning on Jan 12th. Following the surgery he was stable, however they knew the road ahead was a long, and they following days would be critical.
On January 13, 2017, Sweet baby Soren went to be with Jesus. He fought so hard and we are so proud of him. He was just so small and the sickness so big.
From Stephanie:
We will miss our little warrior and right now my heart is hurting. The only comfort I have is that I will see him again and that Jesus is holding him in his arms right now. We also have the blessing of Killian. We were beyond blessed with these babies.
Go Fund Me note: Money raised here will be used to help cover medical bills for the family, travel, lodging, a memorial fund for Soren and assist in other finanaical hardships during this time to allow Levi and Stephanie to be able to focus on their family!
On December 16, 2016 at 27 weeks +4 days, the Parkins family welcomed Soren (Baby A) born 8:51 am at 2lbs 6 oz and Killian (Baby B) born 8:53 am at 2lbs 5 oz via C-Section.
During the following weeks there were many ups and downs. Killian had a more difficult entry but progressed quickly to being stable. Soren had some difficulty initially with his kidney function, but improved more rapidly than expected! It was a delicate dance to balance levels of activity, feeding and oxygen in order to allow the boy to thrive. By early January both boys had hit their birth weight and were able to take their first bath.
On January 11th, Soren's blood-work came back demonstrating significant anemia. He was in need of a blood transfusion, a process which would take 14 hours. This was a very difficult time for him. Soren became almost inconsolable during his transfusion. Around 2 am medical staff decided he needed an x-ray in order to help diagnose what was causing his abdominal distension and distress. This allowed the doctors to diagnose Soren with NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis, an infection that was killing his intestines). He was transferred to Swedish for emergent surgery on the morning on Jan 12th. Following the surgery he was stable, however they knew the road ahead was a long, and they following days would be critical.
On January 13, 2017, Sweet baby Soren went to be with Jesus. He fought so hard and we are so proud of him. He was just so small and the sickness so big.
From Stephanie:
We will miss our little warrior and right now my heart is hurting. The only comfort I have is that I will see him again and that Jesus is holding him in his arms right now. We also have the blessing of Killian. We were beyond blessed with these babies.
Go Fund Me note: Money raised here will be used to help cover medical bills for the family, travel, lodging, a memorial fund for Soren and assist in other finanaical hardships during this time to allow Levi and Stephanie to be able to focus on their family!