Meet the Cordova Twins

The Cordova Twins:

Jordan (pronounced JOR-den, in Biblical & English derived from (yarad) meaning "descend" or "flow down". It is also the name of the river which flows between the countries of Jordan and Israel where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist).

Jacob (pronounced JAY-kep, in English and Biblical means "holder of the heel" or "supplanter", and (Ya'aqov'el) meaning "may God protect". In the Old Testament, Jacob (later called Israel) was the son of Isaac and Rebecca and the father of the twelve founders of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was born holding his twin brother Esau's heel)

Jacob Jay Cordova & Jordan Rae Cordova

Jacob Jay Cordova & Jordan Rae Cordova
Two Peas in a Pod

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Sunday, January 31, 2010

Family and friends,

Here is the latest development on the twins today; along with some other pictures taken yesterday on Sheri's camera (some of her holding Jacob) and some pics we took today.

Jordan had 3 BM's and 4 wet diapers for the day and is measuring 1 lb 12 0z. All of her medications have been stopped with the exception of caffeine to help her fluids and organs processing normally. Her feedings today only left 1/2 CC residual today, nightly feeding went good as well. Jordan's CPAP mask was changed from a nose plug mask to a facial mask, this was done because her nasal passages were a little irritated. Her CPAP levels are still at 5% and breathing room air percentage air (21%)

Jacob has had 6 BM's and 4 wet diapers for the day (with his BM's, he will be competing with his old man for the toilet before too long). All meds for him have been stopped as well, with the exception of Caffeine like his sister (have to be fair). Like his sister, he is also on 5% CPAP and breathing room air (21%). He is also competing with his sister in weight (currently at 1 lb. 12 oz [I guess he had enough of being two days behind Jordan on development and is working to show her up]). Overall a good day. Sheri wasn't able to get a room for this evening though, so she is at the house tonight and I will take her back up there tomorrow morning.


For those of you getting this email for the first time, I'm sorry I haven't contacted you sooner. But, I have included in the email chain below everything that I could keep straight that has brought us to this point. If I have missed anyone in this email transmittal (as I am sure I have given the current circumstances) please forward the progress to them as well. In the next few days, I am working to create a blog page that you all can access easier; I will send the link to everyone as soon as I have it created. We'll be sending you more info as soon as possible! Stay tuned for more excitement...Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel!



Kind regards,

The Cordova Family (Andy, Sheri, Jacob & Jordan)
cell - 281-300-6212
email - maverick2601@hotmail.com

Friday, January 29, 2010

Jan. 29, 2010

Day - Both kids are doing well. although intermittent problems with feedings, doctors have ordered now 3 cc's of mother's milk every 3 hours. Photo therapy on Jacob was stopped again. Jacob also had a HUGE poop (very exciting for us, shows his little body is making tremendous progress in the internal piping). Blood work results for the problem with forgetting to breathe showed no infection, doctors ruling it to be caused by the prematurity, and will continue to be watched. If frequency increases, other tests will be run. He should grow of it though. Sheri also got to hold Jacob today (another exciting day for her).

Evening - both kids are still off photo therapy. so far, feedings are going well. Jacob now weighs 1 lb. 10 oz, Jordan weighs 1 lb. 11 oz.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Jan. 28, 2010 -

Day - Jordan still having some food in her stomach after feeding (residuals)
Jordan still off billiruben lights
Jordan - no change in CPAP levels from yesterday
Jordan weight 1 lb. 9 oz.
Nurses and doctors stopped feeding at that time;

Jacob - still having residuals, still on 5.6 level billiruben
Jacob weight - 1 lb. 9 oz., CPAP level 5% 21% room air

Evening - Jordan weight: 1 lb. 10 oz., still feeding well, still off the billiruben light. Breathing very well, could go to a nasal cannula tomorrow gives more mobility, CPAP machine would be completely removed if she went to the nasal cannula. Great urine output; went through 5 diapers today, forecasted three more tonight. Had one bowel movement about 8 pm.

Jacob - little concerned; Jacob is having moments where he forgets to breathe and his heart rate drops. If it happens often, he is put on caffeine. Happened enough in the evening to put him on caffeine and take blood work to determine if there was infection, which typically would be the cause. Took all feedings today. Had 4 wet and dirty diapers, at a 5.4 billiruben level.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Jan. 27, 2010 -

Jacob's first poop!, ended up having 4 total for the day
Jacob still under billiruben light for jaundice, but breathing room air percentage (21%, same as all infants and forward)
Jordan back off billiruben light (geez, who can keep up?)
Both at CPAP levels of 5% (lowest)
Jacob weight - 1 lb. 9 oz.
Jordan weight - 1 lb. 8 oz.
Sheri got to hold Jordan for the first time outside of the incubator; very cool. A great bonding experience for her.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Jan. 26, 2010 -

Jordan back on billiruben light (jaundice levels were elevated)
Both skipped the 3 PM feeding that day.
Jordan had her first experience of hiccups.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Family and friends,

Apologize for the delay in reports folks; Sheri is still with the babies at the hospital and I returned to work on Tuesday and been at home fighting allergies in the evenings to avoid giving anything to the twins or Sheri if it is something more. The symptoms are typical of allergies and I have begun to feel a little more like myself after having my medication in my system for a few days. After my doctor's visit today, I also received some antibiotics which are helping, but for now I will limit physical touch of the babies to just Sheri. Call me an overly cautious parent, but given everything they have been through, you can't be too careful. Also please note in my Jan. 24, 2010 email stated that once the babies go off the billiruben light (the UV photo therapy light used to treat jaundice) they would not be put back on was incorrect. As we later verified, it is possible they could go back on it if their jaundice levels climbed. Nothing to worry about, it will pass as they get closer to their term weight and age. Below are notes by day that I jotted down each day upon speaking with the nurse staff for the 25th on through the 29th along with some photos taken by my family:

Jan. 25, 2010 -

Jacob at 5% billiruben rate
Jordan at 6% billiruben rate
doctors and nurse staff opt to try feeding again 2% CC's milk
Jordan was anemic on Jan. 23, 2010, had a blood transfusion, is now normal
Jacob also anemic, scheduled for blood transfusion later that evening
Jordan began mother's milk again
Jacob having trouble processing mother's milk
Family and friends,

the latest update: another exciting day for the Cordova family! Both kids are off their respirators! Praise God! This was especially a big step for Jacob given his history, so we are very excited for that! Sheri got to hear him cry (another good sign, it shows his lungs are developing well). Jordan is not only off her respirator, she is off of the billy Reuben lights (in some of the previous pictures sent to you earlier, you should have seen a blue light above or sometimes below them depending on their needs). This light helped the red blood cells in their bodies to get rid of infancy jaundice, which is also common for babies of all ages, including preemies. It's another good sign that their immune system is developing well. Although some of the progress the twins make could take a step back (which is perfectly normal if it happens a little bit), this particular development does not backtrack. So, once their vitals show that the jaundice is at very low levels for them, the lights will not be turned back on and they continue onward.

The twins have also lost some weight (the nurses tell us that this is normal as well and not to be concerned). Currently, Jacob weighs 1 lb. 7 oz. and Jordan weighs 1 lb. 8 oz. Both are also on the CPAP fluids (it's the next stage of fluid delivery after they go off of the respirator.

As I mentioned before, the twins development will have setbacks; it's to be expected because of their prematurity. I'm sure you have heard of the old adage...two steps forward, one step back. Especially in the case of premature delivery, this is no exception. We continue to cherish every blessing God has given us (including their being here) with humble thanks.

For those of you getting this email for the first time, I'm sorry I haven't contacted you sooner. But, I have included in the email chain below everything that I could keep straight that has brought us to this point. the two attachments above have everything we have photographed up to this point. If you have received an email from me previously, the attachment you will want to draw attention to will be 1-24-10.zip. The other attachment is to update the first timers of this email how we got to where we are and some previous photos taken. If I have missed anyone in this email transmittal (as I am sure I have given the current circumstances) please forward the progress to them as well. we'll be sending you more info as soon as possible!

Kind regards,

The Cordova Family (Andy, Sheri, Jacob & Jordan)
cell - 281-300-6212
email - maverick2601@hotmail.com

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Family and friends,

the latest update: the twins had an adventure via helicopter to get to their new destination for care at Memorial Hermann Downtown Houston, Dad and I had a helacious night camping out in the lobby area (not recommended for all the money in the world). BUT, despite all that, once the nurses got the twins in and settled, there was much improvement shown. As of this afternoon, Jordan is completely off the respirator. Jacob is still on his ventilator, but his oxygen level requirements are continuously improving; the ratio to him breathing on his own and needing the machine to aid in his breaths is getting better all the time (he is breathing over the machine). We also found out today that the nurses here feel with some certainty, the reason for Jacob's swelling of his stomach probably occurred at Memorial Hermann Memorial City; when his iv was put in his umbilical cord, its possible that instead of going into the vein as it was intended, it ended up coming out of the vein or missing it entirely, in which case the fluids that the hospital was pumping to him sat on his stomach causing bloating, instead of going into his body. Ultimately, it was released by putting a drain in his stomach. once that was accomplished, Jacob's stomach size dropped back to normal.

the nurses here told us that each day until they are released will be a roller coaster. there will be progress and there will be setbacks; its all relative because they were born so prematurely.

Also, Sheri was released from Memorial City Hospital to be with the twins. She still has a lot of healing to do, but she is making progress as well.

Please continue to pray for the continued improvement of these little ones and our new family! As things change, I will continue to send everyone that I can think of status and photos. If I miss anyone in the distribution, please understand it is nothing personal. We just got a lot going on right now. It would be a great help to us if we have missed someone, please forward these emails and photos on to them as well.

For now, we have temporary accommodations for tonight at the Ronald McDonald house in the hospital. the way its been explained to us is there are 7 rooms that are available here for traveling or wayward parents whose children are sent here. during the day, the rooms serve as a nap room, and its space utilized on a first come first serve basis. During the evenings, rooms are assigned based on the children's severity and needs. Then the next day comes around, and the whole process is repeated. A little frustrating, but we do what we can.

Thanks so much, and we will update you soon! For those of you getting this email for the first time, I'm sorry I haven't contacted you sooner. But, I have included in the email chain below everything that I could keep straight that has brought us to this point. we'll be sending you more info soon!

Kind regards,



The Cordova Family (Andy, Sheri, Jacob & Jordan)
cell - 281-300-6212
email - maverick2601@hotmail.com
Family and friends,

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers for Sheri, me, the twins, and our family as we all go through this new stage in our family's lives. Presently, we have had to divide and conquer our efforts to look after the twins prematurity due to recent developments with our son Jacob.

As you know, Jacob and Jordan were born at 29 1/2 weeks on January 21, 2010 as a result of poor blood flow and decreased heart rate (Jacob - poor blood flow, Jordan - decreased heart rate). Currently the twins are stable. Jacob, in addition to the poor blood flow experienced in the womb was recently diagnosed with a swelling of the stomach. We still do not know what is causing this, and because of the severity of his condition, the decision was made to switch his care to Memorial Hermann Downtown Houston [mhdt](Ronald McDonald Children's wing). While the facilities at Memorial Hermann Memorial City [mhmc] were professional and accommodating for premature deliveries, Jacob's condition required a much higher concentration of care. To keep him company, we also decided to have his sister Jordan accompany him as well. (The hospital approved this move, as there was room at the downtown hospital facility.)

As we have seen thus far, we feel Memorial Hermann was clearly the best choice for care for both Sheri and our children. We have had good experiences with the level of care we have received on all fronts. MHDT offers even more specialized care; 4 and 5 severity levels and specialized care which Jacob's condition required, and MHMC offers up to level 3 severity. Both facilities are very well put together.

Sheri continues her recovery at MHMC. We are told that she should be released Monday, unless the doctors need her transferred over to MHDT before that. If they don't, then after Sheri's discharge, she and I and our loving and helpful extended family members will be making many trips to the medical center to continuously check on the babies progress. Once significant progress has been made (namely increased birth weight, steady eating habits, and progressive improvements in their breathing), we can have them transferred back to MHMC, which is closer to our house in Katy. Dad and I keep vigil here at MHDT over the twins until Sheri is discharged.

When the twins arrived at MHDT (they were transported by Life flight in the same incubator), they were put back into separate incubators and are undergoing a battery of tests, in addition to assessment of the ultrasound and x-rays (primarily Jacob for his complications). On a positive note, before Jacob left to come to MHDT, significant fluid was drained off his stomach; about two cups which are the size of adult urinary sample cups, and now his stomach size is greatly decreased. He now looks like when he was delivered, and the specialists here at MHDT are trying to determine why there is fluid backup. I have also spent a good hour with them both this morning. The pictures which depict a "blue hue" are the practice to help eliminate the light sensitivity. There are different levels based on the preemie's needs; Jordan is further along, so she gets the blue light above her head. Jacob gets the light coming from below, but this will be switched as he develops. They both have the gauze sunglasses look in the last pictures, a little weird, but a little stylish too (I hope this is just for now, because if they carry this trait into their toddler and teen years, we will be declaring bankruptcy before their sixteenth birthday ;). Just kidding folks, if its necessary and helps them along, I'm all for it.

Best of all, Jacob has shown progress which made my heart jump...he finally has peed a little bit! Not a lot, but the fact there was a little in his diaper and the catheter put some in the run-off bag is a very good sign (Jacob has not peed since he was born, so I am very excited about this!)

OK everyone, I'm going to see if I can get some sleep. I'll report more soon. Please keep praying that these little miracles keep getting stronger and stronger so we can take them home by April (original due date) or earlier if they progress faster and everything is going as planned! If I have missed anyone in this email transmittal (as I am sure I have given the current circumstances) please forward the progress to them as well.

Kind regards,


The Cordova Family (Andy, Sheri, Jacob & Jordan)
cell - 281-300-6212
email - maverick2601@hotmail.com

Friday, January 22, 2010

Sheri and I are at the hospital, and the twins were born by emergency c-section yesterday at 12:36 pm. what started the ball rolling was sheri had a 4 hr. ultrasound on wed. which indicated jacob's blood flow was low, which was the reason for their low weights. there was also indications that the placentas were in distress; their efficiency was steadily declining. sheri was admitted for observation at which point we were told that her delivery was days away. the push was to keep them in sheri until the last possible moment, as creating the placenta and womb conditions could be simulated, but nature is always the preferable choice. anyway, thursday morn. jordan's heartrate dropped, which was an indication that both were in distress. so they had to come out. Jacob Jay was 1 lb. 10 oz. Jordan Rae was 1 lb. 13 oz. both were born at 12:36 pm.

although the twins are premies, initial indications are good all things considering. both are in ventilation and iv's, but are making great progress. no abnormalities, except everything is premature. sheri will probably be released monday. the twins sray in the neo natal icu until they are at least 5 lbs., eating and digesting well and steadily gaining poundage. they are in the best care as is sheri. ill send u sone pics in a little while. both twins are out of immediate danger, but they still have a long way to go. but everything looks good so far.


love, the cordova family