Twins Born at 22 Weeks Celebrate First Christmas at Home PKG

CLEVELAND – Kimberly Thomas recalls the day she gave birth to her twins, who were born at just 22 weeks.

“Kimaya was 12 ounces, a little over 12 ounces and DJ was 15.2 ounces,” she said.

To put that into perspective, they were around the same size as pop cans.

“The first day, I felt like I was in shock and it was just pretty much blank,” said Kimberly.

But reality set in when it was time to be discharged.

“Even though I was coming back to the hospital, I was leaving without my babies,” she said. “That’s when it kind of hit me that this is real – their lives are in someone else’s hands.”

Kamaya and DJ spent four months in the NICU.

Doctor Firas Saker said they’re considered the youngest surviving premature twins born at Cleveland Clinic.

“This was a long journey. It takes a lot of resources and some specialists. Putting IVs is a challenge, putting the central catheter is a challenge,” he explained.

It was emotionally challenging as well.

“If you were to talk to our nurses and respiratory therapists, this was rough for them, there was many times they had sweats and tears,” he said.

Those tears have since turned to smiles.

And now the twins are back home, getting ready to celebrate Christmas.

“I can be mom. That was one of the hardest parts, other than being sick at the hospital, I felt like I couldn’t be mommy other than just standing there by their side, so it means a lot to me to just be able to hold them and be their mom,” Kimberly said fondly.

The twins are being closely monitored to make sure they are on track with their development.