June 28, 2003:
Mandy (my wife) will be in the Tufts-New England Medical Center until the babies are born. Her blood pressure wouldn't come down and they are concerned about preeclampsia. As of today, she is 31 weeks along and the babies are fine. It is almost guaranteed that they will be premature and have to spend several weeks in Intensive Care. I don't know what the visiting rules are, nor whether she wants visitors at this point. The baby shower we'd had scheduled is delayed until the babies are born and home. Please keep us in your hearts.

Later on June 28, 2003:
Today's update: After a day in bed, being poked like a pin cushion and drugged regularly, the babies seem fine, her blood pressure is still high (though not quite as high as yesterday), and she is still experiencing none of the other symptons of preeclampsia.

The nurse even suggested they may send her home tomorrow (Sunday). Neither of us believes that, but we also don't see any reason why she shouldn't come home. I would go into that more, but, it's 10:25 PM and I need to get to the grocery store. We are fortunate that a friend had planned to stay with us during the UU GA, so I can get chores done while Morgan sleeps.

July 1, 2003:
Mandy is still in the hospital and it now looks like she will definitely be there for the duration, though exactly how long that duration will last is anybody's guess. They did take out her IV today, though, so her wrist is more comfortable. She would appreciate hearing from people.

She's in the Mothers and Infants unit in the North Building of the Floating Hospital. She might be open to visitors starting Wednesday, but call in advance (visiting hours, 2:30 pm to 8 pm).

July 4, 2003:
Mandy's still in the hospital, but feeling much better. It turns out that the only cure for preeclampsia is giving birth, and, since she gave birth to the twins on Thursday morning, July 3, at 11:05 and 11:08, naturally Mandy is better.

Alexander and James are 41 cm, 1502 g, and 40 cm, 1471 g, respectively. That's approx. 16 inches and 3.3 pounds each. James was born extremely red, Alexander was born looking normal (which is to say, a little too pale for a baby). Both are off the respirators in the Neonatal ICU. They will be in the hospital for 5-6 weeks in all likelihood, as they were born 8 and a half weeks premature.