Dear Chance and Colin,
10 trips around the sun? How can it be? Where has the time gone? Those years went by in the blink of an eye. Back in 2007, Dad and I decided to add a 3rd child to our family in our early 40s. With Riley’s diagnosis of CdLS we wanted him to have a large family. We weren’t spring chickens and wanted him to be surrounded by family. When we found out that we were having twins we were shocked, scared, but grateful. We will never forget that Tuesday afternoon when we found out. I think we were in a fog for several weeks thinking how are we going to do this?
Dad and I will also never forget the night you were born, in fact many people won’t forget the night you were born. I hear we still hold the crown for craziest birth at Emory Johns Creek hospital. It was scary, nerve racking, and quite comical. Why was it comical? Because one of your umbilical cords came out. I slightly remember the part of the birthing class (when Riley was born 6 years prior) about how the umbilical cord ‘could’ come out during labor and delivery. The birthing class instructor said it rarely ever happens to anyone so don’t worry about it. Well, it happened to us right after my water broke at home at 11:50 pm the night of August 17th. You were only 29 weeks and 6 days gestational age. Dad called 911 and I was scared, very scared thinking what the hell happened? The 911 operator stayed on the phone with me until the paramedics arrived coaching me on what to do. That was the longest 6-10 minutes of my life.
![0070[3]](https://franrissland.files.wordpress.com/2018/11/00703.jpg?w=720)
Those paramedics arrived… all 3 of them… and all men. I was picked up from the toilet (I was still sitting there after my water broke) and put back onto our bed where I was then violated … keep reading… violated in a ‘good way’ to keep you both alive. My breathe was taken away but I knew it had to be done.. to keep you both alive. You may be wondering, where was Dad? He was busy calling Papi and the neighbors to get them over to the house STAT to stay with Riley and Reese before we left for the hospital.
About 5 minutes later, 3 more paramedic’s showed up. They did not move me until you both were stable. I was hoisted on a stretcher and carried down the stairs. I literally laughed the entire way down telling them I could walk! But they wouldn’t let me. Ms. Joan (who became Nanny Joan after you were born) was at the bottom of the stairs with a sheer look of horror on her face. I asked to please snap a picture because no one would believe this. She laughed at me, told me I was nuts but didn’t have her phone with her… darn! LOL!
Paramedics took me outside and guess what was out there? 2 police cars, 2 ambulances, and a fire truck. Why? I laughed again. Why do we need this entourage? It was explained to me that if you were delivered in our house (thank god you weren’t) they may have had to take me to a separate hospital and both of you down to CHOA. I got into the ambulance with Dad and off to Emory Johns Creek hospital we went. That ride was comical to say the least. Let’s just say thank goodness I had a strong core with even being pregnant because I literally had to hold myself up to once again… keep you both alive. I am going to leave the rest of that night for you all to read here: The Twins are Here… A Rissland Adventure!
There are many other details of that night but I will let ya’ll read the rest WHEN YOU ARE MUCH OLDER. It was a night Dad and I will never forget. We are so grateful for the ‘entourage’ that was here that night. Your birth is the reason this blog was started 10 years ago. Everyone wanted to know your birth story but we couldn’t spend 10 minutes telling it to each person that asked so Dad suggested I start a blog and I did. So many things went through our minds with you being born so early but here you are… 10 years old! and both healthy, strong and smart!
Happy 10th Birthday Chance and Colin! We love you more than you both know.
Love,
Mom, Dad, Riley, and Reese
