Ashley and Ariel’s Story: My Partner for “Twins”

Ellias Codemo and Camille Collins, both born on May 29^th to sisters Ashley and Ariel at Western Missouri Medical Center.

Warrensburg, MO (July 29, 2020) — Sisters Ashley Codemo and Ariel Collins were excited to be pregnant at the same time and joked during their entire pregnancy that their babies would be born the same day. So they were shocked and overwhelmed with joy when their joke became a reality! This is their story of their sisterly “twins”.

Getting the News

Selecting Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) as their birthing center was a no-brainer for both sisters. Ashley and Ariel had both delivered at WMMC before and had great experiences. They were looking forward to returning for another great experience, especially since the sisters’ due dates were only nine days apart. Their pregnancies were healthy and it was looking like the babies would arrive on time as they expected.

Ashley’s pregnancy with Ellias & Ariel’s pregnancy with Camille

Facing the Fear of COVID-19

As the weeks crept toward their delivery dates, a fear began to set in with both the mothers. They watched the news through March and April as COVID-19 changed the world completely. Horror stories were spreading, and the moms quickly grew worried they would be unable to have visitors or their babies after birth.

“We were hearing stories of babies at other hospitals being taken from the mother at birth,” Ashley said. “We never had that happen at WMMC, and while I wish I could have had my family with me, WMMC made the experience easier.”

Before giving birth, both sisters expressed their concerns at their pregnancy check-in appointments and were able to have their questions answered. All the midwives and providers they saw were patient in giving them the answers, and the fear of delivering during a pandemic subsided.

Little did they know that they would have an unexpected visitor while in the hospital – they would be delivering at the same time!

Delivering the “Twins”

Ashley was scheduled to be induced and have her c-section with Dr. Ashley Alumbaugh. The night before, she was waiting at home, incredibly anxious. Still, her anxiety quickly turned into an exciting surprise when Ariel texted her that Ariel’s water broke, and she was going into labor three weeks early. Ariel arrived at the hospital at 11:00 pm on May 28th, but they both knew she wouldn’t have the baby until the 29th. Ashley followed Ariel into the hospital at 5:00 am. Ariel began laboring with Amanda Hill, Certified Nurse Midwife, and was planning a natural birth. She was getting close to delivering, so the race was on to see who would deliver first!

At 9:31 am on May 29th, Ashley delivered her baby boy, Ellias. Ariel was just behind her with Camille at 10:02 am. The sisters began referring to their babies as “twins.” They were even similar in size – Ellias was 7 pounds, 12 ounces and 19.5 inches long, and Camille was 7 pounds 2 ounces and 19 inches long.

“It was surreal to believe our kids were born on the same day,” Ariel said.

On the left is pictured Ashley and Tim Codemo with their daughter Emery, and sons Ellias and Emmett. On the right is Ariel and Zach Collins with son Jasper and daughter Camille.

The sisters said that everyone in the hospital was kind and shared in the excitement of their story – from the nurses to the nutrition staff, bringing them their meals! It was a life-changing experience and one that both families will remember forever.

Ariel and Ashley are happy to welcome their babies into the family and to grow their family! Western Missouri Medical Center is their partner for their unexpected twins!

Do you have a story about your experience at WMMC that you want to share with us? We want to hear it! Contact Ellie Schmutz at (660) 262-7472 or email eschmutz@wmmc.com to share your experience today!

Ashley and Ariel’s Story: My Partner for “Twins”

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