By Jacquie Rath
The close friends, who grew up around the corner from each other, were actually scheduled to give birth a month apart. Rogoff was due to have her baby the beginning of May, and Belmonte was scheduled to give birth on May 31. The women were thrilled to have the opportunity to share their timely pregnancies and even took Lamaze classes together.
But, birthing plans were altered when Belmonte was suddenly rushed to the hospital with abdominal pains, weeks before her due date. As it turned out, the pains were related to a kidney stone and not her pregnancy, however, the stress of the experience did soon cause her to go into premature labor. The very morning that Belmonte was suffering from the kidney stone attack, her best friend Carolyn arrived at the hospital already in labor. The friends were both admitted to the maternity ward at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre.
The young women and their families were able to go through the entire birthing process together.
"It was really comforting to know that my best friend was right there beside me going through the same experience" Rogoff stated as she looked back on the event.
According to one of the proud grandmothers, Vivian Melnick of Lynbrook, "they shared everything together, labor, delivery, baby viewing, and visitors." The two families, who were already very close because of their daughter's/wives relationship were able to be together throughout the waiting process, too.
"In fact, the husbands (Joe Belmonte and Pete Rogoff) were running back and forth giving each other the news of how many centimeters each wife was, and giggling about it," said Melnick. "The race was on to see who was going to deliver first. The girls were so happy they were in it together, and in such close proximity in the delivery room."
The friendly race was won by Michael Joseph Belmonte who made his way into the world at 9:50 p.m. on May 2, one month premature. Baby Michael weighed in at six pounds twelve ounces. He was followed three hours later at 1:00 a.m. by Luke Harrison Rogoff, who weighed in at seven pounds five ounces.
Baby Luke, Baby Michael and both of their mothers came through the experience closer than ever. When asked to comment on the situation, new mom Belmonte said "every year our friendship grows stronger, and the experiences we share are unforgettable. This special event is another incredible example of how lucky we are to have each other."
The families are thrilled to have shared the births, as well. "I hope our boys will share the same friendship and closeness that we do, and I look forward to sharing our stories and experiences as our sons grow, " said Rogoff.
Belmonte added "I wish our sons a lifelong friendship, full of happiness, trust and love."
The babies' proud grandparents are Lynbrook residents Eleanor and Paul Novak, Vivian and Steve Melnick, and Jon Monteforte of Queens.
