Donna McKay Axel & Ava Jane

April 2022:

Welcome Again Friends & Family:   I hope this finds all doing well.

~ I'm creating a new section to the twins' story line to update friends and family;  This will be largely be dedicated to Ava Jane,  her health / medical  journey with chronic illness which she has been suffering.   She was diagnosed  October 2019 with CRPS    October 2020 with POTS , Long Covid.  Most recently she is in full relapse and in tremendous CRPS pain since March 2022.  It effects your central nervous system, autonomic and immune systems. Open to words of encouragement, support, prayer, positive thoughts, resources and information.
~ We are seeking more treatment options in the USA  that are long lasting  and  for her remission more than just a few weeks..    Also, our hope is to create awareness and viable treatment options throughout the USA for those  who suffer with CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).  If this helps just one other child /person find relief, live a carefree life without this relentless pain,  my work is complete.  Looking forward to sharing part of our story. Stay tuned. "For the Love of Ava Jane"   #savingAvaJane #fortheloveofavajane #savingavajane #crpswarrior #fightlikeagirl #crpstreament



Dec 2009

We've created this website to update friends/family on two beautiful additions to our family, twins: Axel Solomon & Ava Jane McKay. b.  2 December 2009.  THREE months early! 2lbs 13oz and 2lbs 4oz.
Axel Solomon, "Father of Peace", in honor of his paternal great grandfather, first generation Swede who settled inSeattle. Axel's hair is dark brown thus far.

Ava Jane, "Life, God's Grace", in honor of her maternal great grandmother, Jane, whose father sailed from Ireland. Her hair is light brown w/ shimmers of gold, and a hint of gineger. - time will tell. 

~ Our journey ....  the short version~

Our beautiful boy, Anders Michael "Man, One who is From God", was born January 25, 2006. The losses and heartache over the 4 years prior soon became a distant memory. He was everything we dreamed of and much much more. Many prayers answered!

Shortly after Anders was born we starting trying for #2  and over the next 3 years, again we didn't have much luck.  We decided to give it one "last go" with IVF before leaving Dallas and moving our lives back to Florida.  At this point although we always wanted a larger family and to give Anders a sibling, we were content with our first little "au natural" miracle and again considered adopting. Much to our surprise,  it worked,  and DID it ever ...We soon found we were expecting twins. We never thought it would happen - now TWINS! 
Eric started a new job in Florida, while Anders and I stayed in Dallas to sell our house.  The pregnancy always felt different than with Anders and my first trimester alone in Dallas was difficult. I just chalked it up to being pregnant with twins. Eventually Anders & I made it to Florida and 3 weeks later, on November 8th, just shy of 24 weeks, I was admitted into the hospital, diagnosed with an incompetent cervix and ordered on bed rest.  I was too far along for intervention.  One week later, the ultrasound revealed my cervix dilated to 2 cm and Axel's amnioic sac ruptured partially but still adequate amount of fluid were surrounding both babies.  Also,  Axel decided to stick his foot through my cervix. NICE, eh?  I would be in the hospital until delivery buying as much time as we could. 

I was in the hospital nearly a month where I had to lay completely flat. I missed Anders terribly but was able to see him on Thanksgiving Day where they arranged to wheel me out on a stretcher.  Anders was a little confused but we had a nice visit and I let him know I was OK and Mommy would be home soon.   It was difficult for all of us.  Eric was suddenly a single parent and worried sick about me and the babies. The doctors and nurses working in Labor & Delivery at Baptist were wonderful.  I went into labor twice and they were able to stop labor at least once.

After a difficult Wednesday night (on a full moon),  I was so glad to see my nurse, Karin, walk through my door that next morning. She was concerned about me as I had been contracting on and off all evening. She quickly assessed and called the doctor in right away.
My cervix dilated more as was nearly completely open.  Axel's bottom and foot had dropped down very low.  Dr. DeVille from ROC said "he is right there". It was time to delivery via emergency c section.  I was 27 weeks, 2 days. The doctors said they could not wait for Eric to drive in from the beach.  I called him and cried.  I wanted the babies to have more time but something told me the evening before - this was it!   The chaplain prayed with me briefly and I was able to stay calm.  We were so grateful for all of our friends and family praying for us.  Everything moved very fast and Yes, I was scared but tried to stay as relaxed as possible.  It was happening.... 
Axel was delivered first at 9:17am and rushed off to be cared for by Dr. Lim in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  My wonderful OBGYN, Dr. Catherine McIntyre, made very sweet comments as they were both delivered.  A minute later, Ava Jane arrived and they were able to give me a quick glance at her. She was tiny but beautifully robust. 

Now here we are.  Axel & Ava Jane are now 3 1/2 weeks old and would have been 31 weeks tomorrow, Dec 28th.  Overall, they are doing well.  Ava is a step ahead of her brother. Anders is doing well and more fun each day - he likes Axel. Ha.  We feel incredible blessed for our wonderful friends and family who have been praying for our us. Life has taken many turns, many which would  never imagined.  We are enjoying the simple moments just being together.  

What matters most is that we are all together and babies are doing as well as can be expected. They are beautiful! Soooo tiny - but so sweet. :-) In love - Again!