Twin Birth Story From Erik's Perspective - RELAX #44 

colleen literally won the jackpot with erik. he set a very high standard for my future husband

i found out i had cancer around the same time colleen found out she was pregnant, and i remember telling myself "well i'll be fine by christmas" because that was the only way i felt like i could cope. sometimes that works out (i'm in remission! and found out the day colleen released the birth video!) but along the way there were hurdles and every time it felt like treatment would go longer, i crumbled. it's so so difficult. i definitely understand our brains need to believe in something bearable.

i can just feel how hard it was for erik through the screen. he was holding back bursting into tears. hugs to both of you

“The wizard of c-section curtain” omg. Erik is such a good story teller

Maisy is a popular name in Scotland! There’s a book series called “Maisie comes to Morningside” and it’s about kittens in Edinburgh! It might be a cute book to read to the twins💕

can we please thank Erik, although his life is quite private, he always helps to shoot for Colleen even in the most personal moments and capable to openly share such serious and traumatic topics for a large amount of people!

I can tell Erik had the worst moments of his life that day. He was split into 3 parts and had to choose. So so happy that everyone is “okay” now. Erik was a rockstar for Colleen. I’m so glad she has him.

Ask for an itemized receipt for your NICU stay/hospital bills. They may charge you $60 for a freaking band aid. It’s ridiculous. Get the itemized receipt, call the hospital, and be like “uhh okay.. so I understand that I have to pay this, but I think it’s ridiculous that (item) costs so much. Is there any way that this bill could be lowered so I can pay it all?” And they’ll likely come back with a more reasonable price. Also, if the bills are like $10k and you could pay them like $7k up front, offer them that and they may just take it for the full amount. There’s ways to negotiate these hospital bills at least a little. I hope this helps someone

When Eric said “there going to have the most common names in high school other kids are going to be named spaceship” I started dying😭

😂😂 Not even three minutes in and already Erik's pun game's strong and Colleen teaches us you're never too young to relax.

The inside/ the soul of Erik seems so beautiful. Like his emotions and everything.... A good human being !!!!

It's great to hear Erik's experience. Far too often we don't hear the father's side. It must be tough to just walk in, at the last minute, and go into support mode. You are both an amazing couple.

timestamps: 0:00 intro 1:07 who needs to relax? 10:07 today tix sponsor 12:40 birth stuff from Eriks perspective 27:57 hello fresh sponsor 30:34 more birth stuff 42:43 canva sponsor 45:43 birth, nicu, hospital, babies 56:47 indeed sponsor 59:35 chaos and babies 1:11:48 bye bye

You guys were talking about how they encourage you to read, sing, talk to the babies. You should have Flynn record a song or your families reading a story! So they can get to know everyone!😊

I love the picture that is between and behind them: Miranda and Patrick.

I was born 8 weeks early and graduated from the nicu and went home after 4 weeks. Sending positive vibes they grow quickly and can come home soon!💕

Erik's narration for baby girl's birth story left me SOBBING. I'm so so glad both babies and momma are doing well❤ hope she can bring em home soon

I give Eric so much credit for not crying while telling his perspective. I cried for him and the both of you. So glad your beautiful twins are doing well 💖 you're all rockstars!

Erik was so incredibly endearing in this episode. Being vulnerable and talking about his experience in an open way was heart-warming.

The fact that they’re having to pay for potentially the most traumatic time in your life is heartbreaking. I’m from England and it never crossed my mind before!

You guys are serious relationship goals. Seriously. Both of you rock, and it’s clear how well you vibe together!

I so wanted to give Erik a hug, he looked so like a lost child.

As someone who has never had to think about the cost of medical procedures… I can’t even imagine the stress about that. I gave birth to my daughter, we stayed in the hospital for two days and walked out. No thoughts about the hospital stay again. America needs to sort their shit out.

We went thru this, 23 years ago next month, with my oldest. Dylan was not breathing at birth. He is now taller than me and even though it’s been literally more than two decades, I still teared up listening to Erik. Hear my heart in this when I tell you that you may have a really rough go getting over this stuff. From the speed of the entire situation and the fear of the unknown, and the visuals Erik was exposed to - just please be gentle with yourselves and watch for signs of PTSD. This is big, difficult stuff to process. Keep talking to each other. My Daren is so much like Erik and we are still together & going strong. Sending so much love to you both. 🥰

I honestly feel honored that Erik stepped out of his comfort zone to open up on the internet. He’s really a gift. You picked a good one Colleen.

This is a wonderful way to time capsule the babies birth story! Having their mommy and daddy tell it .. wow!! Thank you for sharing such a Raw and vulnerable story with us. I feel so honored to be able to hear such a private personal story in your life.. love you guys! 💕💕

Wesley breaking the water a month early is going to be a running joke for the rest of his life and I love it Edit: I realize I said a month early and not 2 months but in my defense it was 2am and I was half asleep when I made this comment

it's so grest to hear Erik's side of the story and hear about his feelings. you can really see how much they both appricciate each other its wonderful

This was the best 'Relax' podcast yet. It has a more serious and emotional tone which I think suits it incredibly well. I hope they discuss more serious and emotional material in the future. I just loved this!

Erik and Colleen’s synchronized “Oh.” at the end was everything I needed

Love how Erik said "your people on the internet" to Colleen. Oh yes, we are her people and she is ours🖤

When it comes to the hospital bill, make sure you ask for an itemized bill. I once got charged $70 for a travel size of baby powder and $120 for a crappy hospital toothbrush. After calling and asking about these erroneous charges, my bill went down by $3,000. A lot of hospitals do this. They will sneak charges in for small items hoping you don't notice it, or have the sense to ask for an itemized bill. Also, they gave Erik juice because he was pale and they were trying to prevent him from fainting. The nurses are amazing, and know to keep an eye on the dad...my first husband got the juice while I was pushing, and then he got shoved into a chair immediately afterwards because his knees were starting to give out. They don't want dad to face plant on the floor and get a head Injury. And they know most men won't say a word about not feeling right because they want the focus to be on their significant other in those moments, so the nurses are always monitoring dad when he doesn't even know it.

So glad Erik got to tell his story. We often forget how traumatizing this is for rent partners too. They feel helpless when all alone and their partner and baby are whisked away for an emergency c section, sitting with the uncertainty and anxiety.

it is just mindblowing to me, a European, that in the US people have to pay for their medical expenses and there is not a general insurance system in place. The US is really horrible in that respect

As a Canadian I cannot wrap my head around the idea of having to PAY for babies staying in the NICU

On the statistic Erik said that on average someone in LA pays 5000$ in parking tickets. I think Rachel talked about this recently. How rich people don't see parking tickets as a punishment, but as another parking fee. So maybe the rich and famous in LA makes the average so high since they don't care about the tickets.

Erik's rant about the chairs and the food had me dying. He's such a great storyteller, and great at breaking up the tension as well. Great episode everyone 👏

The way you described the NICU is so on point. The best place that you absolutely hate.

Erik is so funny!! "he broke the bag early... The shinning, here's Johny get out of there and he did" 😂😂😂

As a European it blows my mind to see you speaking about how much the NICU costs. I would never think I’d have to walk in a hospital and pay for it.

Yes, all of the security guards, nurses, and doctors at the hospital know you. But coming from a nurse assistant that works in labor and delivery, those same people are going to be ECSTATIC the day they get to see you walk out of that hospital! You and Erik are both doing great, and those babies are so lucky to have such wonderful parents.

It must've been so hard for Erik to share his side of the story, it must be so scary reliving all that experience.. I'm sure it can help other dads who didn't get to share their experience, we don't hear their side often enough I feel! Hopefully he gets to be more comfortable sharing more in a few months when everyone is home and life is going as it should!

Coming back to this podcast after the paternal postpartum depression (PPPD) debate generated by Colleen's last vlog. Hearing Erik's perspective about the birth is heartbreaking and it makes sense that he's only now starting to feel the symptoms of PPPD. I know that he's usually more private about his feelings, but I would love for both of them to explain a little bit more (if they're comfortable) about the Postpartum depression they BOTH are going through.

The NICU should have a live feed camera so you can check in when you're at home ♥️

I love how Erik always calls colleen "Love" it is so sweet.

Listening to Erik's in-depth description of the birth story and getting to the part about Maisy, I realized that I had started crying. I know Maisy is doing well, I know that these people don't even know who I am, yet I just cried out of empathy and caring for that little baby and their precious family. 💕Brandi

I am a hopelessly romantic , and this kind of relationship and Erik being incredible just make me feel so wholesome and happy . I want this.❤️

I was born 3 months early at 2 lbs 7 ounces and was in the NICU for 2 months. I’m almost 23 now, thankfully totally healthy, and so so SO incredibly thankful for those amazing doctors that saved my life!!! Sending love ❤️❤️

I’m so exited for the twins to come home also happy belated birthday Colleen!!!

‘Three grown men…heroes’ oh Erik I started sobbing

My only complaint about this podcast is that whenever I hear that theme song, it literally gets stuck in my head for DAYS at a time and basically plays in a loop even while I’m sleeping. So thanks for that😂😂

Erik’s emotions telling the story of Maisy’s birth story made me tear up so much

Erik is such an incredible dad, you can tell how much he loves is family. Yall are literally the parents I wish I had growing up lol. I'm so sorry you both had such a traumatizing experience. I hope you heal from that knowing your babies will be okay. Those babies are so tough 💪

As an english person the fact you have to pay for healthcare is crazy. Congratulations to both of you awesome humans 🙌

I love the chemistry in this Podcast. They're so cute together. 💞

Not sure if the hospital your babies are in does this, but when my baby was in the NICU I was able to purchase a parking pass for the month. It saved so much money. My baby was in the NICU for 5 months, because she was born 4 months early at 22 weeks, With y’all visiting your babies everyday it is definitely something to look into to save a little bit of money 🙂 btw I’m so happy to hear the babies are doing good, I pray they get to come home sooner than expected, they are absolutely beautiful! Congratulations!! 💜💚 also Colleen, if you see this, look up Micro Preemie clothes and diapers since your babies are to small for preemie clothes.

Mom's go through so much with birth and no one really checks on dad. Erik has really put into perspective that dad can have birth trauma, dads really go through it as well. You can see in his face he was torn between 3 of the most important people and didn't know where to be. Thank you so much for sharing

Huge shout out and thanks to Erik for sharing his perspective of the story. I feel like we don’t often hear stories like this from the father and hearing the emotion in his voice and how much it clearly impacted him really touched me.

OMG. My heart. Your kiddos, all three of them, are so lucky to have you both. Keep on keepin’ on, you guys are doing such a great job.

I can’t imagine how emotional this was for you guys to share. Thank you for sharing

Such a great day and time to put this out. Got sooo excited and am so thankful! Happy Thanksgiving!

I was doing my makeup while listening and had to stop when you described maizey being born. I’ve experienced an emergency c-section so I felt that so deeply.

This was probably my favorite so far!! Love you guys! Thank you for sharing your lives with us. 💜

So much crying happened. All the love and I’m so happy you are back! Thank you for sharing!❤️

Many people don’t realize that many emergency procedures happen in nicu’s and when your visiting babies and another baby has an emergency it’s scary and sad . Like chest tubes on a little tiny baby wow. Lots of praying for all those tiny humans trying to survive.

Best podcast so far. Best anecdote telling ever. Blessings to y’all. Thanks for the company while I work.

i started crying when you guys were describing that you both wept when Wesley was born, and i'm so emotional watching you guys and how you've handled this like absolute champs when it's so extremely difficult. i'm sending you all the positive energy in the world, and hope that this time of your lives flies by and all you'll remember from it is the cuddles with your sweet babies. try to celebrate a great two-month christmas to keep your spirit up! (for the babies and for yourselves) love you!

I love how you guys can share how you feel and still express your utmost respect for everyone else’s experiences 🤍🤍🤍

Coleen you are amazing! I can’t imagine how stressful and scary that must have been not only for you and Erik but your family to! You are so amazing and your so brave to have been able to go through all that, The babies will be out of the NICU in no time, I wish you all the best for the future xxxx

So glad they're both here and all is well! We're all soo proud of you both💞💞 congratulations and thank you for your hard work!

i love how while talking about little maisy erik is looking at you taking care of you and also in a way keeping the both of you together as its really hard to tell the story and we can clearly tell, you two are the strongest parents, you are rocking it!! wishing the little twins the best, keeping them always in my thoughts

I love how comfortable Erik has gotten. i know how hard being a private person and sharing such thing can be, thank you Erik. Colleen you are such a wonderful human being and i look up to so much. Thank you guys so much for being so vulnerable and letting us in on such a scary and sensitive time you guys are going through. Sendin yall all the positivity i possibly can and i wish yall nothing but luck and happiness

It’s safe to say the traumatic experience brought them closer and I totally relate to that as I had 3-csection. I appreciate you guys for being so open and sharing your beautiful life stories.

Erik, thank you so much for sharing. We all know you prefer to be more reserved and private so we really appreciate you giving us your insight on your experience.

I loved this episode!!! It was great to hear Erik’s perspective on everything! Thanks for sharing 💙💜

Very moving listening to Dad. Much respect, I learned a lot about him today.

this was an incredible episode. i was so emotional hearing erik’s perspective. You are both so amazing and im sending you so much love and strength 💗

I love watching Colleen’s vlogs, main channel videos, hearing her talk on the podcast etc. But WOW the way Erik told that story made me emotional. When he tunneled vision to you, to be there next to your face I- ugh 🥺🥲 love you both. You’re doing so great!! I know these days are so difficult but wow you guys are so resilient. Especially you Colleen!! Whether you believe it or not. We all see how strong you are ❤️

You are such a wonderful beautiful couple who suit each other so well. Thank you both for sharing your experience, I can’t imagine the pain you are both going through, and then retelling it for us to hear, but thank you for letting us into to this vulnerable, scary part of life. I know it’s helping so many people who are going through the same thing. Wishing you and your family the best and can’t wait for your sweet babies to be home. Much love ❤️

I loved hearing you guys share together about the birth story. Thank you!!

I have a strong feeling that everyone should watch you 🤩! This is the most hilarious thing I've ever watched. How genuine you are, how funny , how chill. Its just so fun to be around you guys and hear this podcast ☺️☺️

This was one of my favorite podcast from you guys I enjoyed Eric‘s point of you so much I was totally bawling my eyes out and I hated that Colleen stopped him right when he really was just letting all his feelings out I really felt like he really wanted to do that and she was just trying to make it lighthearted when he was just telling his point of you and how he felt he is such a good storyteller thank you so much for sharing this Eric

You guys definitely complement each other so well. Thanks Erik for your perspective. It must be so frightening for guys to be that support and to make us feel at ease when it’s such a foreign situation for anyone. I remember just thinking omg I’m awake for something you should not be awake for. My husband then was so disappointed as he got dressed up especially for the occasion and had to wear scrubs. He was so far out of his comfort zone and like you totally terrified. Yet somehow you draw this inner strength to just get by. So happy there doing so well. Loads of love guys Leisa Western Australia xx

This was one of the most meaningful episodes ever. Thank you for you. 🫂💙

This is by far my favorite episode, you were made for each other 🤗

It’s so beautiful to see, from an outside perspective, the wonderful team you two are as partners and parents🧡

I love these podcasts so much, I only watch when I can really sit down and watch and listen because I truly love them. I’ve always adored Colleen and now am such a huge fan of Eric and honestly just because he is such an amazing Human Being! I love hearing his take on things and especially hearing his take on the birth experience was moving honestly. So happy for you both. Happy Holidays and bless your family xo

I just have to say …I really love you guys ! …you are everything parents and partners for life should ever be …and thanks for doing the podcast ..it’s a crazy time for you both right now …and the fact that you still find time to do this is just amazing …but so appreciated ! It’s my “early night “ weekly treat …I get in bed ..leave my hubby watching his ‘car stuff ‘ on tv ..and just have an hour ( or so ) catching up with you guys …it really is my ‘Relax’ time …so thank you ! Because I know just how far from relaxing things are for your family right now 💗💗💗

Yesss love when you post!❤️ didn’t think you whole post for I while because your very busy and obviously have other things to do. Love you 😘

I just desperately want to hug and high five the both of you. You two are amazing just keep being the best.

Really powerful story, thank you both for sharing your experiences. Relieved your babies have turned the corner, they will be home but not soon enough! ❤️

Thank you for sharing your perspective Erik!

I know it was hard but thank you so much for talking about this. I think it will help a lot of new dads be prepared in the future and be better support for their partner ❤️

Oh, my heart. Literally bawling during this because my emergency csection was so similar. They are incredibly common but traumatizing.

Thank you for sharing. I know that I’m this is an unimaginable hardship that cannot be truly explained in words. Like you, I am so grateful for doctors and nurses and technicians at the hospital. I am comforted by the fact that the mama and baby each have their own doctors and nurses to take care of them. ❤️

I love hearing both of you talk about this. This was well done. (Former NICU mom here .)

You feel so out of control and out of touch with reality, yet, in my head, you are the STRONGEST parents for going through everything they’ve been going through. You went through an extremely traumatic birth experience and yet the true, authentic smiles you share when you talk to each other melts my heart. You have each other, you have Flynn and an incredible family, who ALL believe in you and love you 🤍 The lil bugs will be home soon and things will feel safe, warm and comfortable in no time 🥺

This upload on Thanksgiving day was a pleasant surprise. I’m thankful for podcast 💜

Sending heaps of warm hugs. I am sorry that it’s such a difficult time but the joy now and to come with your beautiful babies. Take care of yourself :)

As always, another great episode. I have so much respect for your relationship and the deep ways in which you love and support each other. Thank you to both of you for sharing such an intimate part of your lives with us, and especially to Erik for his point of view. Much love to you all, and here’s to Wesley & Maisy coming home sooner rather than later. ❤️😘