The babies made their unexpected arrival last night at 7:30pm (August 4, 2009). Amanda started bleeding around 6pm and her contractions increased. The contractions just got more frequent and stronger. Amanda was in a lot of pain. Dr. Kirshon tried to stop the contractions, but they just wouldn't stop even after giving her more turbutalline and magnesium sulfate. Amanda was dilated to 5 cm. That was not good as she had a cerclage and it was ripping her cervix. Dr. Kirshon had no choice but to do a c-section. He tried all he could. He did give Amanda the steroid shot, but the babies were delivered an hour after it was given so we don't think the shot had a chance to do it's work. Although the babies came much earlier than hoped they are all doing remarkably well for their size. We continue to be amazed by their fighting spirits. We will update as things calm down a bit. Amanda was running a temperature and had an elevated white blood count. She is a trooper we are all impressed by her stamina and strength. We appreciate your prayers in our behalf. We feel them and are blessed to know all of these matters are in God's hands.
Here is the order of each babies birth, their weights and lengths:
Baby A (female): Born at 7:30 pm; 1 lb 1.03 oz; 10 3/4 inches
Baby B (male): Born at 7:30 pm; 1 lb 1.01 oz; 11 inches
Baby C (male): Born at 7:31 pm; 13 oz; 10 1/4 inches
Baby D (female): Born at 7:31 pm; 12.3 oz; 10 inches
Baby E (female): Born at 7:31 pm; 1 lb 1.2 oz; 11 inches
Baby F (female): Born at 7:32 pm; 14 oz; 10 3/4 inches
Congrats, Thomas and Amanda!! we will keep all 8 of you in our thoughts and prayers. we love you all. we can't wait to meet them.
ReplyDeleteWow, talk about nerve racking. We'll be praying for you guys.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! We will keep you in our prayers, and put your name on the temple roll.
ReplyDeleteAmanda & Thomas-I heard from the dietician clan that you had your babies and wanted to wish you guys the best. Amanda-I have put your name and "The Stansel babies" on our Mishaberach list at Congregation Beth Yeshurun where over 2000 families are praying for your speedy recoveries! Keep us posted! Love, Stephanie (& Brad & Samara!)
ReplyDeleteAmanda & Thomas, Congratulations! I will be praying for your little ones and your family. Sherri
ReplyDeleteWe will pray that the babies continue to do well. What an unexpected turn of events. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteThey sure are fighters. We hope and pray that all will continue to go well! We love you guys.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!!! Keeping ya'll in my thoughts and prayers! Can't wait for names, udates and pics!!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! This is terrifying and exciting at the same time. I pray for your peace and happiness, and the health of the babies.
ReplyDeleteAmanda and Thomas, congratulations for the babies! I continue to pray for all of you. All the best! Claudia
ReplyDeletePraying for your sweet family and hoping for your little fighters!
ReplyDeleteI'm the mother of 10, all single births. Much admiration for both of you for wanting these little ones so much. Our Heavenly Father knew who their parents should be, that's pretty obvious. I was adopted as an infant, over 70 years ago, all families are special. Mine are all grown, wonderful people, even those who are struggling. What a wonderful experience awaits you both!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the births of your little ones, Amanda and Thomas. We are so happy for you and amazed by your courage. We will be praying that you and the babies will be safe and at home soon.--Ariel Laughton
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Continuing prayers!
ReplyDeleteWell I'm glad your mom had already made it!
ReplyDeletePraying for healthy babies and cant wait to see pics. Hope you are feeling better.
Congrats! I will be praying for all 8 of you!!
Wow! Congratulations. I hope Amanda is doing well and those teeny ones keep fighting. You'll all be in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteCongrats you guys! Amanda and all the babies are constantly in our prayers. We hope all will go well. Keep us updated and give all your babies lots of Priesthood blessings!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! May the Lord be with all of you. Your journey isn't yet complete until you can take them all to church and not fall a part with the rush of finding all those shoes. Let us know when you need extra arms to hold your little ones.
ReplyDeleteVirginia Rigby
I just came to this site for the first time and was shocked to learn the babies had been born. I will keep you all in my prayers. May the Lord bless you with peace and happiness and healthy babies.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! I have been following your blog around this journey and everything will work out in the end it always does! Can't wait for pics and names!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Can't wait to hear how all of you are doing. Keeping you in our prayers!
ReplyDeleteThe Kirkland Family
We are praying for all of you...Congrats!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! Praying for you and your little ones.
ReplyDeleteYour sweet family is in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Thank you so much for sharing this news in the midst of the flurry of activity that must have been happening! Blessings to all.
ReplyDeleteYou are all in our prayers as your little ones fight to live and grow.
ReplyDeleteMy family and extended family are praying for you and your little ones. Having done fertility treatments to have my daughter (and not getting pregnant again afterwards, I have an idea how these past few months have been for you. Of course I only had one baby though. =)
ReplyDeleteMommy and Daddy (I just had to say that), please give us an update on your little girls and boys as soon as you can. Congratulations!
the Morrison sextuplets also born at 22w6d and after hard days, month, sylas is now a wonderful boy.
ReplyDeleteCall them, they can help you
http://www.littlegreenpastures.com/
I pray for your babies
I live here in Houston and not seeing media coverage. Update us when you can.
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS! I'm a little traumatized for you- but I'm so relieved they're doing as well as can be expected... I'm sure you got them Priesthood Blessings, you may need another one too!? Sending prayers and positive thoughts!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteThe next few months will be the hardest months of your lives. You have to put all your faith in God and accept every ounce of strenghth He offers you.
Sending my thoughts and prayers your way.
The babies are here! The babies are here! i'm so happy for you -- and them. my baby girl had her last baby when she was 41 and she told me that if she didn't give that little spirit a body she feared it might go where it wasn't so loved, wanted and appreciated. at 20 months she is a beauty and a clown. how blessed you are, Thomas and Amanda -- Six perfect little beings! Wish i was there to help you with them!! love, little Eva's gram....
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I've been following your blog and have enjoyed the updates. I heard about you from Deseret News and was especially interested since you live in Houston- we're fellow Texans and LDS :) You can check out our blog- as if you'll have time lol- johnnyandjill.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteWe have 5 children, all single births. You'll have so much fun with 6! Congrats again...we're anxiously awaiting updates. Best wishes!
congrats. i know the lord will bless your whole family!!!
ReplyDeleteI know you must be busy, but please update when you can. I'm a little upset that the birth of your 6-pack has gotten no media coverage at all- do they only cover high order multiple births with a happy ending?
ReplyDeleteI'm especially worried about Amanda. People have been telling her to "keep the babies in" as if she can somehow help it.
I am with Bay Area Mother's of Multiples and a lot of us have been following your blog/story. Living in Houston we have not heard much on the news...Fox 26 said they would give an update at 9pm. Please post when you can! God Bless and know you and your children are in several prayers! Buffy
ReplyDeleteomgoodness, what a surprise. Sending prayers and good wishes to all.
ReplyDeleteI am cousins of your cousins {the Benedicts in Tacoma}. They told me of your amazing story and I wanted to offer my congratulations!! I hope all is well and you will soon be home with your beautiful babies!!!
ReplyDeletePraying for your six little miracles, and for you as parents also.
ReplyDeletexx
I've been following your story for the last few months and have been amazed watching the two of you, and now 8!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the arrival of your 6 little ones! I hope they will be strong and the Lord will watch over them. I hope Amanda is doing well too!
Good luck you guys! We can't believe they're here already! You're in our prayers!
ReplyDeletePraying for your babies and for you as well.
ReplyDelete-Samantha in New York
My thoughts and prayers are with you! You two are so wonderful. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteTom and Amanda,
ReplyDeleteWe wish so much that we could be with you but we know that if we stay on our mission and do our part the Lord will bless you. Our hearts and prayers are with you and Rachel, Haley, Ashley, Kaitland, Dylan, and Braden. Love you
Grandma and Grandpa
Congratulations. I hope the babies fight hard and do not have any NICU setbacks. I'll continue to pray for you all.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for you and your babies!!!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS!!! I can't wait to see them!!!
ReplyDeleteI am from Bay Area Mothers of Multiples also - we are praying for your family.
ReplyDeleteMegan
Will be praying for all of you!!!
ReplyDeleteHi it's Sarah from KAMOM. Out of town on vacation, but heard the news. I know this is a tense time for you both. Amanda I'm praying that your health stabilizes so you can feel good and spend time with your sons & daughters. Congratulations - and I'm anxiously awaiting your next update. Prayers are being sent.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you are in everyone's prayers, and heavy on my own thoughts now. We all have our fingers and toes crossed for each of your little ones and for Amanda's own health.
ReplyDeleteEmily
www.eheizerphotography.blogspot.com
Congrats to y'all! All eight of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending our love your way - let us know if you need anything!
ReplyDeleteAmanda you are amazing! I know what you just went through was probably the hardest thing you've ever done. You will be even stronger because of this. I am so happy you are now a mother and I can't wait to see your little ones. Try and get some good rest while you can. I will pray for a speedy recovery and that your little ones grow every min! LOve you tons!
ReplyDeletePraying for you and for the babies.
ReplyDeleteAnother fellow LDS Texan (and mom to a 30 weeker) praying for your family.
ReplyDeleteWhat miracle babies! I will continue to keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteWow! Thrilled for ya'll! Never in a million years can even begin to understand what an incredible event that must be. Guess I have to imagine all of my four coming the same day then 50% more! Congratulations, Thomas and Amanda!
ReplyDelete- Rick Ericksen, former Friendswood/Baybrook guy
Congratulations. As the very proud mommy of a micro preemie (24 3/7) I know very well how mixed all the feelings are at the time the little ones arrive so very, very early. You all have an amazingly challenging and beautiful road ahead of you. I am sending my love to you mommy and daddy, and especially to those little fighters. I pray they all will be healthy and able to go home when they near 40 weeks gestation. No matter what, you seem to have an amazing support network and that is priceless!
ReplyDeletePraying, praying, praying for you guys. I hope that you are well enough to be able to treasure these days and that they will be well enough to have many, many, many more days to treasure with you. Between the prayers and the doctors, nurses, etc, I know your sweet children are getting the best care possible. You are amazing parents to six amazing little ones!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone seen any news reports? The lack of news concerns me a bit.
ReplyDeleteYou'll be in our prayers. Good luck with those precious babies.
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMatthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."
I thought I posted a comment, but I don't see one on here. I also want to congratulate you! My heart jumped when I saw the title of your post. We lost our tiny son at 18 weeks gestation, so I am happy to hear that your little ones are doing as well as possible. I also found your blog through Deseret News. I am LDS as well. My prayers are with you. Grow Grow Grow tiny babies!!!
ReplyDeleteMichelle from Eagle Mountain, UT
I just stumbled onto your blog. I'm going to add you guys to my prayer rollcall on my blog if thats alright!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the birth of your babies. I know how scary the NICU is. I had quads at 30weeks, but know many who have had their babies at 24weeks. My prayers are with you & all of your family.
ReplyDeleteMisty
MOM to gggg quads
MOST Blogger Coordinator
did you choose any names? babies are in our prayers. here's to hoping they are fighters!
ReplyDeleteI have just found your blog and I have read every post. I will continue to keep your babies in my prayers and the two of you as you live the NICU life. We only had one week of NICU and that alone was tough, so I know you're going need prayers for strenght and stamina.
ReplyDeleteHang in there. Take care of yourself, and most of all CONGRATLUATIONS!!!!! Let me know if you need anything. We are here to help.
ReplyDeleteno real news yet but they must be watching: www.mormontimes.com/people_news/people_church/?id=10087 i guess there isn't more official news from the family so far.
ReplyDeleteI came across your blog from another multiples blog. I hope everything will be ok! I am sure this is a scary time for you. My sister had her baby at 26 weeks in April, Gracie spent 80 days in the hospital but came home a few weeks ago. She is still on a little bit of oxygen. It is so amazing what they can do for a micro preemie in the NICU! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Thomas and Amanda-
ReplyDeleteYou and your beautiful family are in our thoughts and prayers. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help. That's what HT are good for!
Tony & Kellie
news everybody: www.mormontimes.com/people_news/people_church/?id=10087 .. they have updated the story!! it looks like one of the babies has passed away. our prayers are with them.
ReplyDeleteThis is a report I found on them on local TV station news page: http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou090806_mh_stansel-sextuplets-born.b3c83a43.html It doesn't say much more than we already know, except their sizes. All we can do is keep praying that they are doing OK for as small as they are. And keep watching for updates from mom or dad.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! :) I'll keep the family in my prayers. Stay strong!
ReplyDeletePraying that the babies remain strong and get healthy, and that you (Amanda)are doing better now after the delivery.
ReplyDeleteIf the news story above is accurate, please accept my sympathies on the loss of one of the boys...
Best wishes from Canada
Thomas and Amanda,
ReplyDeleteWe will keep you and your babies in our prayers. You will have the strength you need. You are both troopers. Hang in there!
I found your blog about a week ago and just saw that your babies were born. I wish you and your family all the best and I know first hand how God does great miracles in tiny little babies. My nephew, Coy was born at 23wk4days on Dec 3, 2007. He weighed 1lb 4oz and spent 105 days in the NICU. It definetly was a roller coaster of emotions from the day we found out my sister in laws water had broken at just 23wks. He is now a healthy 20 month old boy bursting with energy. My sister in law just delivered their 2nd baby, a girl at 34 weeks after spending 3 months on bedrest. You can read their entire journey at her blog www.prayforcoy.blogspot.com...there are also links to other preemie parent's blogs. I know how hard it was with just one baby in the NICU, I can't even imagine how hard it is to have more than one...but God is mighty to save!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with all 8 of you!!
ReplyDeleteHOORAY! You're in our prayers, and we look forward to meeting them when they come home. :)
ReplyDelete