I haven’t done this in so long, but I don’t think I have a choice. This post is going to have to be a 2-parter. I don’t like doing it, but this story can’t adequately be told in just one post. The story is so amazing and because of the unique manner in which it had to be photographed, I felt like I couldn’t condense it any further. And rather than have an enormous post, I think it’s better to separate it into 2 parts. You’ll see what I mean. But first, let me tell give you background on this absolutely amazing birth story. I’ll bet you you’ve never heard anything quite like it.
First, let me tell you how I know Stephanie and Dryw. Stephanie is the twin sister of a friend of mine, Amber. Amber is married to Justin and Justin and J served a mission for our church together years ago. That’s how I know Amber and accordingly, how I know Stephanie as well. But I also know Dryw through association. He’s the brother of Kathryn & Lyndsey and I’ve pretty much been adopted into their family by now.
Amber and Stephanie are twins, but more specifically identical twins. Amber already has 2 children of her own, but Stephanie was born without any eggs. Which is completely crazy seeing as how identical twins are in many respects, identical. They found out when they were young, so Amber has known for a long time that when it was time for Stephanie to start having kids, she would be instrumental in helping her. They originally considered Amber to be her surrogate, but ruled that out early on. So then they were left with the option of in vitro fertilization, which they decided to undergo earlier this year. Because Amber and Stephanie have identical DNA, they were able to use Amber’s eggs. The first round of in vitro was very successful and they soon found out that Stephanie was not only pregnant, but pregnant with twins!
When I heard this story and found out Stephanie was pregnant, I knew I wanted to share it somehow. The story is so different and so unique and so special that it just had to be told. And because I recently added photographing birth stories to my repertoire, I felt like it was the perfect way to share Stephanie and Dryw’s story with all of you. So here it is! Part I of their birth story!
Stephanie’s original due date was January 21st, but after some complications arose in early December, the doctor decided that she would have to deliver early. It’s common for twins to arrive early, but at 7 weeks early, there were many health issues that had to be addressed. One big issue was the twins’ lungs. Because that’s the last thing to develop, the doctor wanted to give them the best shot possible for lung development. I got word on Dec. 6th that Stephanie was admitted to the hospital for high blood pressure. Ironically enough, just before I left for my weekly Tuesday night yoga class! I think I’m noticing a pattern here…all my future birth story moms, be warned! Thankfully, the doctors were able to hold off until Dec. 9th to deliver the twins so that they could administer a series of injections that helped to mature their lungs. Technology is just amazing these days. I know it wasn’t easy for Stephanie to deliver so early or be stuck in the hospital for a few days waiting to deliver without much notice, but she did an incredible job.
The twins had to be delivered via c-section and because this particular hospital didn’t allow it, I wasn’t able to be in the delivery room. However, I was able to arrive at the hospital in time to get a few photos before the c-section took place. I think these kinds of images are equally important as they help to tell the story as a whole. 
When it was time for Stephanie to get prepped for delivery, I got to hang out in the waiting room with my “adopted” family as well as Stephanie’s mom and sisters. Amber (not pictured) was able to drive from Vegas to be there for the twins arrival and it was so fun catching up with her as well.
They not only entertained me with fabulous conversation while we waited, but they brought me coke from Chipotle as well. Best family ever! 
Gavin arrived at 12:18 pm, weighing 3 lbs 4 oz and Maverick arrived one minute later weighing in at 4 lbs 15 oz. After the doctor came out to give us the news that the twins had arrived, the family rushed to the tiny window of the NICU to see if they could catch a quick glimpse of the twins. 
The excitement in the room was palpable. 
And when Dryw came out to fill everyone in on the details, it got even more exciting!
Then the hugs started and so did the tears. 
Amber, Stephanie’s twin sister who helped to make all this possible, was particularly emotional after everything started to sink in. This next series of images is my favorite from the entire day. They never fail to make me tear up. 
Because the twins arrived so early and were so tiny, they had to stay in the NICU for about 2 weeks. The doctors said that only Dryw and Stephanie’s parents were allowed to go in and see them. Dryw and one of the nurses were able to take pictures inside the delivery room, so Dryw shared the pictures with the family. This was their first look at their brand new family members! 
Dryw also took some pictures of the twins in the NICU and shared those as well.
The family members were also able to see the twins via live cameras in the NICU! So they made sure they had each twin on a different monitor. 
Because I wasn’t able to go into the NICU to photograph the twins, we decided it was important to photograph them just after they arrived home from the hospital. And at 2 weeks old, they were still just as tiny! Stayed tuned for those images and the twins’ official debut in part 2, coming soon!
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