It’s No Baby Step: Tiny Twin Sent Home

Kenneth Roy Abbott, the younger of fraternal twin boys born three weeks apart, went home a healthy baby Monday.

But before the 4-pound-10-ounce boy was strapped into a car seat for his ride to Coto de Caza, his parents, Robert and Lori Abbott, joined relatives, friends and doctors for a celebration at UCI Medical Center in Orange.

The family’s story has drawn nationwide media attention.

On April 9, Lori Abbott, 35, gave birth to Michael Jeffrey. He was 15 weeks premature and weighed only 1.6 pounds. Then, on April 30, Kenneth was born, weighing 2 pounds, 2 ounces. Both survived without brain damage or physical disorders that often accompany premature births, Dr. Manuel Porto said.

“This is extremely uncommon,” said Porto, who delivered Kenneth. “There doesn’t appear to be anything wrong with these two babies. No severe lung problems. No cerebral palsy. No brain seizures. To do this well is extraordinary.”

Dr. Stephen Wold, who delivered Michael, agreed: “Some babies born so little and prematurely don’t live.

“Michael will go home next week,” he added. “He’s still a little small at 3 pounds, 11 ounces, and he has a little trouble with sleep apnea. But he’s going to be fine. They’re over the biggest hurdles.”

UCI Medical Center officials said that according to medical literature, the Abbott case is the second-longest interval between twin deliveries in which both babies lived without suffering severe complications.

“We are just thrilled to death,” Lori Abbott said as she left the hospital with flowers and balloons in her hands.

“We’re just so happy and grateful,” Robert Abbott added.

The twins’ godmother, Lynne Trumbore of San Diego, waved goodbye as the Abbotts headed home. “It’s just incredible that both boys are doing so remarkably well. We love them so much, and we’re just so happy.”