As I sit here on the night of new year's eve I cannot help, but to reflect on this past year! I guess it makes sense that after all I did to protect our little guy I would be sitting here just me and Rocky (who is asleep) while Dave took the boys to celebrate the new year with his family. There is quite the variety of illnesses going around over there so I didn't want to risk him getting sick.
This past year has definitely been, what I feel, the most difficult year I have had to face yet. I have had so many emotions and have dealt with so many things. Dave graduated from law school, took and passed the bar, we lived in 4 different states, Dave got a job and of course had a baby!! The moves were easy, not having a husband around very much while he studied for the bar was easy, waiting for Dave to get a job was easy. The difficult part was being told that we were going to lose our baby, being told that he only had a 1% chance of survival and that if he did survive he would have many problems. After knowing that the difficult part was seeing my boys need me and not being able to hold them or play with them as I had before. I remember one time while I was on bed rest at my in-laws Oliver just wanted to be picked up and not just picked up by anyone, he wanted to be picked up by me. All I could do was stand there helpless and watch as he cried on the floor. I had help, but to see the pain in his eyes, it took so much strength not to cry. They soon learned to rely on others and learned that mommy couldn't pick them up. They cuddled with me on the couch as I protected my belly and we figured out ways to make it work. Soon after that came the difficult morning that I left to the hospital, telling my boys that I was just going to get a check up and that I would be back later that morning. I felt bad that what I said ended up not being the truth because it was that morning that I unexpectedly checked in to the hospital. The next day when they came to visit I had the hardest time saying goodbye. Every time they left I tried the best I could to hide the pain of watching them leave. The days that Dave couldn't come by I put on my brave voice on the phone telling him it was okay. It was really difficult to know that I missed out on so much time not being their for them. Even though I was doing what was best for Rocky, it was so hard. And then if that wasn't enough, I had to endure an emergency c-section all by myself without Dave.
Thankfully, we survived! Rocky was truly a miracle child and did way better than anyone could have ever expected. Currently he is off of all oxygen and machines and is growing healthy and strong. He is very happy and brings joy to all those around him.
It was definitely a year of learning. I learned to never give up, even on the gloomiest day. I learned that hope is something worth having. I learned that my faith in God has been strengthened from all the trials I have had to endure. I have learned of the power of prayer and to put my trust in the Lord. I have learned patience and am still learning patience (I believe this is a life-long lesson). I have learned to rely on others and to let others help. I have learned that it is in our most difficult and trying times that we grow closest together. Most of all, I have learned how strong of a person I can actually be.
Our family has grown from this past year's experiences and I wouldn't have changed a thing. Don't get me wrong, I don't want this to happen again, but I wouldn't change it knowing how we have grown and all that we have learned. I know that Rocky is healthy and alive because the Lord has His hand in our lives. I know that I couldn't have survived this past year without the help and support of family and friends. Thank you so much!
I am looking forward to this new year and the new adventures it brings. I hope that this year brings lots of happiness and wonderful memories. I also hope that we continue to grow closer as a family and continue to grow closer to God. It has been a year to remember and it is definitely one that I will never forget!
For those couple's and family's dealing with pPROM I hope that this blog has helped you find hope in your journey. I wish you the best of luck and can only hope that your outcome is a positive one that you too can share in the pPROM community. Just remember: BELIEVE IN MIRACLES...they do happen!
Our journey through a pPROM pregnancy. It's not always easy, but it's definitely a fight to remember!
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Rocky week 4
Saturday:
Today Rocky is 3 weeks old! It's hard to believe that by the end of this week he will be a month old. This morning we all went to Salt Lake for the color run. I of course did not run, but enjoyed watching everyone else. As soon as we got home I showered to get all of the color off so I would be allowed in the NICU. I was able to be here today for the 1p.m. and 4p.m. feedings. He did well at the 1pm, he took 38grams and since he ate for more than 10 minutes he didn't have to get any by tube! He's getting closer to going home with his feeding progress, I would say a couple of weeks.
Sunday:
Dave went to Arizona again this morning and on the way he dropped Christie and the boys off at the airport. I went to see Rocky this evening for his 7p.m. feeding. When I got there the nurse let me know that he was on request feedings and then said that next was on demand and then he would go home! She said if things continue well then he could be home by Wednesday or Thursday!! I was in a bit of shock as I was expecting a couple more weeks. I was really happy and nervous. I can't believe he has done so well. I guess once they started bottles he just took right off and drank all of his milk with no problems. Good job little buddy!!
Monday:
He is still on track to go home this week. They said tomorrow I will room in to learn his oxygen equipment and do all the discharge stuff.
And I'm posting this because I wrote it, even though I just finished an update...time sure does fly!
Today Rocky is 3 weeks old! It's hard to believe that by the end of this week he will be a month old. This morning we all went to Salt Lake for the color run. I of course did not run, but enjoyed watching everyone else. As soon as we got home I showered to get all of the color off so I would be allowed in the NICU. I was able to be here today for the 1p.m. and 4p.m. feedings. He did well at the 1pm, he took 38grams and since he ate for more than 10 minutes he didn't have to get any by tube! He's getting closer to going home with his feeding progress, I would say a couple of weeks.
Sunday:
Dave went to Arizona again this morning and on the way he dropped Christie and the boys off at the airport. I went to see Rocky this evening for his 7p.m. feeding. When I got there the nurse let me know that he was on request feedings and then said that next was on demand and then he would go home! She said if things continue well then he could be home by Wednesday or Thursday!! I was in a bit of shock as I was expecting a couple more weeks. I was really happy and nervous. I can't believe he has done so well. I guess once they started bottles he just took right off and drank all of his milk with no problems. Good job little buddy!!
Monday:
He is still on track to go home this week. They said tomorrow I will room in to learn his oxygen equipment and do all the discharge stuff.
And I'm posting this because I wrote it, even though I just finished an update...time sure does fly!
3 Months in 3 Days...Time Flies!!
I can't believe that Rocky will be 3 months old in 3 days! Time sure does fly and a lot sure has happened! He is growing amazingly and is doing awesome. So let's see what has happened since that car show...
Sunday the 24th I went to see Rocky at the hospital and they told me that he was doing great taking his bottle feedings, which he started that morning. Apparently he has taken all his feedings by bottle and the nurse told me that if he continues the way he is going then he could be home by Wednesday or Thursday. I was completely in shock and not expecting that at all! My mind was blown and I just kept thinking that I have so much to do before he comes home. The week flew by and I didn't get to the hospital as much as I normally would have because I was getting things in order. He did amazing taking all of his bottle feedings and started to do not so well on his breast feedings. We were scheduled for him to come home on Wednesday so on Tuesday evening I went to the hospital and Dave met me there later that night. There was all kinds of confusion with the oxygen and the apnea machine companies and we ended up getting the oxygen super late at night and then the other machine didn't even come until the next morning! It was a crazy mess and the nurses and everyone kept apologizing. We had to stay til Wednesday late afternoon since we couldn't "room-in" over night due to the equipment not being there on time. The social worker brought us a candy bouquet and some food vouchers. Unfortunately, I had just come up with food so the vouchers didn't get used. We finally go to bring him home and we were soooooo happy!
He went to his appointments as scheduled and the doctor was so impressed with how he was growing that he said things would be fine if we moved to Arizona (Dave got a job down there and was already there working) and that he could be seen next for his 4 month well check. His oxygen was lowered each week and by the time we moved to Arizona (he was 8 weeks, almost 2 months) he was only on oxygen at night time. It was hard to keep the oxygen on him just at night. He would pull it off, end up with it around his neck, somehow get his arm through it and have it over one shoulder and under his other arm. Dave flew up so that we could all drive down together. It wasn't a bad drive and the boys were super excited to get to their new home. Things were going well and we were still battling with trying the oxygen at night so most of the time he ended up just not having oxygen at night.
Around October 11th we went back to Utah so that Rocky could take a test to see if he was ready to come off of the oxygen. He had to wear a pulse oximeter over night and as I was watching the numbers it kept going below 92, well it ranged from 86-98. He needed to stay above 92 to come off. We turned in the machine and then headed back home. We are actually still waiting for the results, but I decided that because his numbers were so random I put the oxygen back on and will deal with how to transition off when we see our new doctor or get the results, well probably a combination of the two. I have to say it's really difficult to transition between states.
So life in general has been pretty crazy! It's taken a lot longer to unpack and get our house in order with all three boys. The boys love Rocky and are so great with him. Oliver always wants to give him his pacifier when he hears him crying and Lincoln is so great at caring for him and giving him his bottle. He even tells me when Rocky needs a bottle vs. a pacifier and vice versa. He is so silly. They love giving him hugs and kisses and I love hearing Oliver saying "gocky hugs". Rocky sleeps well through the night, well wakes about once, but he does well for the most part. He is starting to develop a schedule through the day that we are all getting used to. He likes his swing and he likes his tummy time mat with all the hanging toys. He bats at the toys and is starting to make more cooing noises. Its fun to see and hear. He kicks a lot too while he plays under there.
Some things that have happened that I forgot to insert above:
Rocky's apnea machine went off one night the week before I was going to Arizona and it scared me to death! It was in the middle of the night and it was his low heart rate alarm, but then a minute later it went off again and said that his leads were loose. I didn't think anything was wrong because he was sleeping peacefully until I had to wake him to fix his leads. He did fall asleep quickly after that, but I was so nervous that I couldn't sleep.
Another night when we were here in Arizona Dave and I were watching a show in the living room and then all of a sudden we heard a long loud beep coming from the room, which obviously Rocky's machine. We ran in there and looked at him (he was sleeping peacefully) and then looked at the machine to realize it was because his machine wasn't plugged in so after quickly plugging it in I broke down and started crying. I was so scared and thought his heart stopped or he stopped breathing. It was the worst feeling in the world. I calmed down and Dave consoled me and then Dave picked Rocky up and handed him to me so that I would know he was truly okay. I held that little boy so tight and then put him back to sleep.
The last thing happened in church when his machine beeped a couple of times and then stopped. I took him out and it was just his leads being loose. I quickly fixed them and then things were good. Other than those things I would have to say that things have been going well. We are excited to see what happens next and I am excited to have Arizona health insurance so that we can see a doctor close by. Well I guess that's it for now!
Sunday the 24th I went to see Rocky at the hospital and they told me that he was doing great taking his bottle feedings, which he started that morning. Apparently he has taken all his feedings by bottle and the nurse told me that if he continues the way he is going then he could be home by Wednesday or Thursday. I was completely in shock and not expecting that at all! My mind was blown and I just kept thinking that I have so much to do before he comes home. The week flew by and I didn't get to the hospital as much as I normally would have because I was getting things in order. He did amazing taking all of his bottle feedings and started to do not so well on his breast feedings. We were scheduled for him to come home on Wednesday so on Tuesday evening I went to the hospital and Dave met me there later that night. There was all kinds of confusion with the oxygen and the apnea machine companies and we ended up getting the oxygen super late at night and then the other machine didn't even come until the next morning! It was a crazy mess and the nurses and everyone kept apologizing. We had to stay til Wednesday late afternoon since we couldn't "room-in" over night due to the equipment not being there on time. The social worker brought us a candy bouquet and some food vouchers. Unfortunately, I had just come up with food so the vouchers didn't get used. We finally go to bring him home and we were soooooo happy!
He went to his appointments as scheduled and the doctor was so impressed with how he was growing that he said things would be fine if we moved to Arizona (Dave got a job down there and was already there working) and that he could be seen next for his 4 month well check. His oxygen was lowered each week and by the time we moved to Arizona (he was 8 weeks, almost 2 months) he was only on oxygen at night time. It was hard to keep the oxygen on him just at night. He would pull it off, end up with it around his neck, somehow get his arm through it and have it over one shoulder and under his other arm. Dave flew up so that we could all drive down together. It wasn't a bad drive and the boys were super excited to get to their new home. Things were going well and we were still battling with trying the oxygen at night so most of the time he ended up just not having oxygen at night.
Around October 11th we went back to Utah so that Rocky could take a test to see if he was ready to come off of the oxygen. He had to wear a pulse oximeter over night and as I was watching the numbers it kept going below 92, well it ranged from 86-98. He needed to stay above 92 to come off. We turned in the machine and then headed back home. We are actually still waiting for the results, but I decided that because his numbers were so random I put the oxygen back on and will deal with how to transition off when we see our new doctor or get the results, well probably a combination of the two. I have to say it's really difficult to transition between states.
So life in general has been pretty crazy! It's taken a lot longer to unpack and get our house in order with all three boys. The boys love Rocky and are so great with him. Oliver always wants to give him his pacifier when he hears him crying and Lincoln is so great at caring for him and giving him his bottle. He even tells me when Rocky needs a bottle vs. a pacifier and vice versa. He is so silly. They love giving him hugs and kisses and I love hearing Oliver saying "gocky hugs". Rocky sleeps well through the night, well wakes about once, but he does well for the most part. He is starting to develop a schedule through the day that we are all getting used to. He likes his swing and he likes his tummy time mat with all the hanging toys. He bats at the toys and is starting to make more cooing noises. Its fun to see and hear. He kicks a lot too while he plays under there.
Some things that have happened that I forgot to insert above:
Rocky's apnea machine went off one night the week before I was going to Arizona and it scared me to death! It was in the middle of the night and it was his low heart rate alarm, but then a minute later it went off again and said that his leads were loose. I didn't think anything was wrong because he was sleeping peacefully until I had to wake him to fix his leads. He did fall asleep quickly after that, but I was so nervous that I couldn't sleep.
Another night when we were here in Arizona Dave and I were watching a show in the living room and then all of a sudden we heard a long loud beep coming from the room, which obviously Rocky's machine. We ran in there and looked at him (he was sleeping peacefully) and then looked at the machine to realize it was because his machine wasn't plugged in so after quickly plugging it in I broke down and started crying. I was so scared and thought his heart stopped or he stopped breathing. It was the worst feeling in the world. I calmed down and Dave consoled me and then Dave picked Rocky up and handed him to me so that I would know he was truly okay. I held that little boy so tight and then put him back to sleep.
The last thing happened in church when his machine beeped a couple of times and then stopped. I took him out and it was just his leads being loose. I quickly fixed them and then things were good. Other than those things I would have to say that things have been going well. We are excited to see what happens next and I am excited to have Arizona health insurance so that we can see a doctor close by. Well I guess that's it for now!
Saturday, August 23, 2014
ROCKY Week 3
Saturday:
Today was a pretty busy day for us! In the morning we went up to South Jordan for a car show that my father-in-laws band was playing at. The boys had lots of fun! We had lunch, they got animal balloons and snow cones. They even saw a doc Hudson car from Cars and they loved it! After a couple of hours we were tired out from the heat! We went home and I got ready to go see Rocky.
I met a photographer at the hospital so we could have some pictures taken of our little guy. I feel like time is passing and I'm going to miss the whole NICU experience so I want to capture memories before they are gone! She was a very nice girl and did the photos for free. I'm excited to see them. I hung out with Rocky for a bit and we did another test weight with breastfeeding. He did AWESOME!! He ate 28 out of 45 oz of his feeding. He did such a great job. I was so proud of him. After some cuddles and pumping I went back home.
The doc called me earlier today and said that because Rocky's jaundice isn't going away they think it might be what is called breastmilk jaundice, which his liver can't digest some of the proteins. They want to check him again and then the course of action would be to give him formula for 24-hours to help his body be able to digest the proteins. I guess we will wait and see, but the doc did reassure us that his levels aren't dangerous right now. They are at an 11.4 and they are fine until they get to 18. Also, they tried him off the oxygen and he only lasted 15 minutes before needing to be put on again.
Sunday:
I went to see Rocky this morning. I was very hopeful that we would have another great breastfeeding experience, but it didn't go too well. He didn't get a good latch and he didn't get any milk. Oh well, it's okay! I enjoyed my time with him. He loves to be held, but really he probably only gets held by us right now so why wouldn't he love it. I feel like each visit someone tells me how great he is doing for my water breaking at 19 weeks. It's great to hear and I hope he just keeps improving.
The doc called me and let me know that he would check Rocky's bilirubin levels today so we could start formula if needed. Also, they are changing his oxygen a little to hopefully help him come off. After they checked his levels the doc called me and let me know it went up to a 13 so they will start formula. They will check again after 24-hours and see if it goes down. I really hope it does!
Monday:
So since he is on formula I decided to take the morning off. My sister is in town so we hung out with the boys outside and then at nap time I went to the hospital. I got there right in time for his feeding so I just got to cuddle with my sweet little boy. He pretty much stayed asleep the whole time. I talked with the nurse and she and she said they would check his bilirubin levels today at 4p.m. and then we will know if the formula worked. I called around 7p.m. so I would know if I needed to go back to the hospital or not. The nurse said that his levels went up to a 15! I was a bit disappointed and wanted to know the next step. The doc made orders to give formula until 7a.m. tomorrow so I just stayed home so I could sleep.
Tuesday:
I went to the hospital first thing in the morning and when I got there the nurse informed me that last night's nurse gave me the wrong info and his levels went down to a 9! Seriously, what is wrong with people. I was worrying and wondering all night long what was going to happen. I tried to feed the little guy but he didn't do too well. It's basically hit and miss because sometimes he's cueing and other times he's just not. I guess lately I've been at the feedings when he's just tired or not too interested. I will keep trying and hope that he gets it. The same thing happened when I went in the afternoon so it was a bit of a down day in the feedings department. Oh well, I can't give up and the worst that will happen is he just bottle feeds breastmilk. I did 12 months of pumping with Lincoln so if I have to do it again I will!
My mom came into town today. My sister, jaxon and Linc went to pick her up. When they got home Linc tells me, "look at my new lady"...He is a silly boy. I was pretty tired so after giving her the run down and visiting for a bit I went to pump one last time. I must have been extremely tired because I totally forgot to connect a collection bottle to the pump and didn't realize it until after about 5 minutes when my leg was completely soaked!! Good thing I have plenty of milk now.
Wednesday:
Today I was able to go to the hospital for much longer. I got there at 7a.m. and stayed til about noon. He didn't do too well with breastfeeding today and he basically slept through. I came back later that evening with my sister so she could take some pictures of him and then I fed him and he did a pretty good job! He took almost half of his milk so then they gave the rest through his tube. My sister held him while he ate and then after that we went home. I wanted her to take pics of his bath time, but they changed it to Monday's and Thursdays. I guess we will come back tomorrow.
Thursday:
I came back to the hospital today and was here for his 10a.m. and 1p.m. feedings. He did an AMAZING job today! I was sitting with the occupational therapist and when we did Rocky's test weight after he ate he took all of his milk on his own!! He is a rock star!! He was pretty tired for his next feeding so he ended up sleeping through and they fed him through the tube. I'm so proud of him because he is working so hard. I watch him as he sucks and swallows and then takes a break to breathe. I never even worried about things like that with my other two and now I realize how hard Rocky has to work to do things that term babies just automatically do.
Dave met us at the hospital tonight for bath time and pictures. Rocky ate well again tonight. He is still having to top off through his tube, but he is improving! My sister was able to take pictures of bath time. I can't wait to see them. Rocky loves his bath. He just lays there so relaxed and calm and then after he was so calm and ready for sleep. It was a pretty late night because we went for his 10p.m. feeding. We left right after bath and it was almost 1a.m. when we got home so I quickly pumped and went to sleep.
Friday:
I stayed for 3 feedings today, 10a.m., 1p.m., and 4p.m. He did alright for the first two and got a little each time. By the third he took a little and then he pulled his feeding tube out. He wouldn't let them put it back so he finished by bottle. He did pretty well. One of the feedings he only showed on the scale that he took two ml, but he was really fussy when he got through half his feeding so they stopped it and he calmed down. I'm pretty sure he got more than 2 grams of milk and the nurse was pretty sure too. He had a good day and is seriously getting much better at breastfeeding each day. I think they will start bottles pretty soon now that he is getting the hang of breastfeeding. They want him to be able to come home so the sooner he takes all of his feedings by mouth then the sooner we can bring him home! Of course he might have to come home on oxygen, but that's fine.
Today was a pretty busy day for us! In the morning we went up to South Jordan for a car show that my father-in-laws band was playing at. The boys had lots of fun! We had lunch, they got animal balloons and snow cones. They even saw a doc Hudson car from Cars and they loved it! After a couple of hours we were tired out from the heat! We went home and I got ready to go see Rocky.
I met a photographer at the hospital so we could have some pictures taken of our little guy. I feel like time is passing and I'm going to miss the whole NICU experience so I want to capture memories before they are gone! She was a very nice girl and did the photos for free. I'm excited to see them. I hung out with Rocky for a bit and we did another test weight with breastfeeding. He did AWESOME!! He ate 28 out of 45 oz of his feeding. He did such a great job. I was so proud of him. After some cuddles and pumping I went back home.
The doc called me earlier today and said that because Rocky's jaundice isn't going away they think it might be what is called breastmilk jaundice, which his liver can't digest some of the proteins. They want to check him again and then the course of action would be to give him formula for 24-hours to help his body be able to digest the proteins. I guess we will wait and see, but the doc did reassure us that his levels aren't dangerous right now. They are at an 11.4 and they are fine until they get to 18. Also, they tried him off the oxygen and he only lasted 15 minutes before needing to be put on again.
Sunday:
I went to see Rocky this morning. I was very hopeful that we would have another great breastfeeding experience, but it didn't go too well. He didn't get a good latch and he didn't get any milk. Oh well, it's okay! I enjoyed my time with him. He loves to be held, but really he probably only gets held by us right now so why wouldn't he love it. I feel like each visit someone tells me how great he is doing for my water breaking at 19 weeks. It's great to hear and I hope he just keeps improving.
The doc called me and let me know that he would check Rocky's bilirubin levels today so we could start formula if needed. Also, they are changing his oxygen a little to hopefully help him come off. After they checked his levels the doc called me and let me know it went up to a 13 so they will start formula. They will check again after 24-hours and see if it goes down. I really hope it does!
Monday:
So since he is on formula I decided to take the morning off. My sister is in town so we hung out with the boys outside and then at nap time I went to the hospital. I got there right in time for his feeding so I just got to cuddle with my sweet little boy. He pretty much stayed asleep the whole time. I talked with the nurse and she and she said they would check his bilirubin levels today at 4p.m. and then we will know if the formula worked. I called around 7p.m. so I would know if I needed to go back to the hospital or not. The nurse said that his levels went up to a 15! I was a bit disappointed and wanted to know the next step. The doc made orders to give formula until 7a.m. tomorrow so I just stayed home so I could sleep.
Tuesday:
I went to the hospital first thing in the morning and when I got there the nurse informed me that last night's nurse gave me the wrong info and his levels went down to a 9! Seriously, what is wrong with people. I was worrying and wondering all night long what was going to happen. I tried to feed the little guy but he didn't do too well. It's basically hit and miss because sometimes he's cueing and other times he's just not. I guess lately I've been at the feedings when he's just tired or not too interested. I will keep trying and hope that he gets it. The same thing happened when I went in the afternoon so it was a bit of a down day in the feedings department. Oh well, I can't give up and the worst that will happen is he just bottle feeds breastmilk. I did 12 months of pumping with Lincoln so if I have to do it again I will!
My mom came into town today. My sister, jaxon and Linc went to pick her up. When they got home Linc tells me, "look at my new lady"...He is a silly boy. I was pretty tired so after giving her the run down and visiting for a bit I went to pump one last time. I must have been extremely tired because I totally forgot to connect a collection bottle to the pump and didn't realize it until after about 5 minutes when my leg was completely soaked!! Good thing I have plenty of milk now.
Wednesday:
Today I was able to go to the hospital for much longer. I got there at 7a.m. and stayed til about noon. He didn't do too well with breastfeeding today and he basically slept through. I came back later that evening with my sister so she could take some pictures of him and then I fed him and he did a pretty good job! He took almost half of his milk so then they gave the rest through his tube. My sister held him while he ate and then after that we went home. I wanted her to take pics of his bath time, but they changed it to Monday's and Thursdays. I guess we will come back tomorrow.
Thursday:
I came back to the hospital today and was here for his 10a.m. and 1p.m. feedings. He did an AMAZING job today! I was sitting with the occupational therapist and when we did Rocky's test weight after he ate he took all of his milk on his own!! He is a rock star!! He was pretty tired for his next feeding so he ended up sleeping through and they fed him through the tube. I'm so proud of him because he is working so hard. I watch him as he sucks and swallows and then takes a break to breathe. I never even worried about things like that with my other two and now I realize how hard Rocky has to work to do things that term babies just automatically do.
Dave met us at the hospital tonight for bath time and pictures. Rocky ate well again tonight. He is still having to top off through his tube, but he is improving! My sister was able to take pictures of bath time. I can't wait to see them. Rocky loves his bath. He just lays there so relaxed and calm and then after he was so calm and ready for sleep. It was a pretty late night because we went for his 10p.m. feeding. We left right after bath and it was almost 1a.m. when we got home so I quickly pumped and went to sleep.
Friday:
I stayed for 3 feedings today, 10a.m., 1p.m., and 4p.m. He did alright for the first two and got a little each time. By the third he took a little and then he pulled his feeding tube out. He wouldn't let them put it back so he finished by bottle. He did pretty well. One of the feedings he only showed on the scale that he took two ml, but he was really fussy when he got through half his feeding so they stopped it and he calmed down. I'm pretty sure he got more than 2 grams of milk and the nurse was pretty sure too. He had a good day and is seriously getting much better at breastfeeding each day. I think they will start bottles pretty soon now that he is getting the hang of breastfeeding. They want him to be able to come home so the sooner he takes all of his feedings by mouth then the sooner we can bring him home! Of course he might have to come home on oxygen, but that's fine.
Monday, August 18, 2014
ROCKY WEEK 2
Saturday:
Dave dropped me off at the hospital at 7a.m. and then he took the boys to hike the Y. They had so much fun and Lincoln did the entire hike all by himself! Oliver got to ride in Dave's new hiking backpack and enjoyed it that way.
I got to spend some good quality time holding Rocky. He is doing well and not too many changes, which is nice. I just enjoyed kangaroo care with him. Later that day we went to the movies and then we had to pick up our car...so that meant that I had to drive one car! I haven't driven for about 4 months!! I was a bit nervous, but it was a good way to get back behind the wheel. I forgot to take my meds for half the day yesterday so I decided to just stop taking them, which worked out perfect. I drove to the hospital after the kids were asleep and met the lactation consultant. She wants to have Rocky start breastfeeding or at least becoming familiar with it. Babies this young don't actually have the rooting reflex so it's going to take time and practice and of course patience, but I guess after being in a hospital bed for over 10 weeks I've got the patience part down. They want me to come in for feeding times now so we can specifically practice each time. I think I'll try his 7a.m. and 10p.m. times and see how that goes.
Sunday:
This morning I got up, showered and was back at the hospital for 7:00am and he did better practicing breastfeeding, but we have a long way to go. He had his picc line taken out and they changed his bed to one that doesn't have a warmer, so I guess he graduated from one bed to the next! They said he will most likely remain in that one now til he goes home. He still is fighting the jaundice so he's still using his light pad.
I went back home and helped Dave get the boys ready for church. They left and I stayed to pump and find where all of my clothes are. I have to say I'm so used to dressing in t-shirts and comfy pants that I don't really want to wear real clothes again. I found my clothes and I met my family at church. Everyone was surprised to see me and all wanted to know how things were going. I think I purposely try to make conversations basic because I get a bit emotional talking about it all. I'm glad he's doing well and love to tell people, but I make it short so I can keep control of my tears.
Sunday night Dave got to go with me. It was a good thing because Rocky had his first real bath and I got to give it to him! They wrap him in a fleece blanket and put him in the water. He really liked it. Afterwards his hair stood up just like Oliver's. He is a perfect blend of both of his brothers.
I think tonight was the second or third time someone has mentioned my milk production being low. It was news to me because I thought I was doing great! It's pretty discouraging when the one thing I can do for my baby is the one thing I'm not doing good enough. I still don't understand because they aren't needing to supplement with anything yet. I guess I'm just going to have to work on it and try not to let it get to me or stress me out.
Monday:
I got a call from the nurse this morning just as I was getting ready to leave. She wanted to let me know that they moved Rocky to the feed and grow room of the NICU! This is a good thing because it means he is doing well enough that he gets to graduate to the less intensive room. His neighbor is definitely a little crier and he sounds like a little teradactyl. Poor little guy probably just wants to be held all the time, but I did hear them say that he might go home this week so Rocky will have a new neighbor soon.
Rocky did a good job this morning with the non-nutritive breastfeeding. He actually latched a couple of times. Baby steps! I'm getting used to my schedule and not feeling extremely tired. I wake up at 5:30a.m. to pump and then take a shower, head to the hospital for his 7:00a.m. feeding and cares. I get to change his diaper, take his temp, change some of his sensors and do mouth care. I love it! I'm with him for skin to skin and practice feeding and then I hold him for a little before I pump anotheR home. At home I spend all day with the boys while pumping every two hours! At night I head back to the hospital for 10:00pm feeding and cares. I pump before I leave and usually get home about midnight so I get right to bed and have another pump session around 2a.m. and then start it all over again! I have no free time whatsoever and I have to use every minute wisely. It's definitely worth it though because ingest to see all of my boys and give them the time that they need.
While I was there this morning another lactation consultant came to check-in with me. After hearing I was only getting about 12oz a day she recommended that I take some herbal supplements to help increase milk production. Seriously! This is so frustrating to me. I've never had a problem before and I just need some time. I checked with other preemie moms and they said that the amount I'm getting this soon is pretty good and to just keep pumping. Oh well...I know he has enough for the amounts they are giving him.
Tuesday:
Today was a bit easier to get up and make it to the hospital. Maybe my body is already adjusting to the new schedule although I feel like my muscles are pretty sore. I guess that's just part of the process after bed rest for 14 weeks.
I had lots of cuddle time with Rocky and a good pump session before I had to leave. Rocky us back in his first incubator because they changed him from the bili light pad to the overhead light. This bed has the warmer since he can't be swaddled. I asked what his levels were as of this morning and they dropped from 11 to 1! I asked her if it was a mistake because that was a really big decrease. She was wondering the same. His neck muscles are a lot better! They are actually pretty strong, he us already trying to lift his head when we hold him. Not every time, but sometimes. The doc called me later to give the daily plan and update and he said things are going really well with Rocky, but they will check levels to make sure it's right. If it is he will get to come off the photo therapy light and then will be checked again in two days to make sure levels stay down.
I got to take a nap today, which was nice! I also tried what you call a power pump session, which is pumping for 10 minutes and then stopping for 10 minutes. It's supposed to be for 70 minutes total, but I only did it for 40. It's supposed to help increase milk supply. I had a good first experience because I got double what I normally get! Ill continue to do those once a day. I know I can increase without having to take herbs. I might however try the lactation cookies! Positive thinking about increasing my supply.
Dave offered to take Rocky his milk tonight so I could get some rest, but I told him another night we could do that. We put the boys to bed and then went to the hospital. When we got there Rocky was sleeping peacefully and sucking on his pacifier. We changed him and did cares. He was off the bili light and they said his levels were a 9 not a 1. Still good enough to stop light therapy.
I held him and he practiced breastfeeding. We were really surprised when he latched on right away and started to suck! He did it a few times. When the nurse checked his feeding line she pulled up lots of milk and she said he got milk from me! Good job buddy!!!
I talked with Dave and we decided that I would take the morning off and sleep a little. I am absolutely exhausted! My body needs rest. I pumped before leaving so that when we got home around midnight I could just go to sleep. I checked with the nurse and she said that the milk I just brought tonight will get him through til tomorrow night. That made me feel great because I've been getting such a hard time about not pumping enough.
Wednesday:
I got up at 4a.m. and then at 7:15 a.m. to pump. I haven't had this much sleep in a while and it was really nice. I called in the morning to check on Rocky and they said he was doing well. I kept a lot today of how much I'm pumping and I was pleasantly surprised! My milk has really gone up in the past day or two. For the full days pumping I got about 22 oz!! I knew I could do it.
So tonight Dave and his mom went to the hospital and spent time with Rocky. Since they didn't have to plan a visit around feeding time they were able to go after dinner. I stayed home and put the boys to bed. I pumped and then went to sleep at 9:30 p.m. so I got lots of rest before having to wake at midnight and 4 a.m. Dave said Rocky is doing great and now that I got extra rest I am too! I'm not going to feel guilty about not seeing him today because I need to take care of myself so that I can take care of all my boys. I also know that he is in good hands.
Thursday:
Today I had a doc appointment in Provo in the afternoon so I planned on just going to see Rocky at after that. The doc called and said that he was doing well, no major updates or changes. They checked his jaundice levels and it went from a 9 to an 11. He doesn't want him to start light therapy yet because he wants to test him again in 48 hours and see where he's at. He let me know that levels aren't dangerous until they get to 18-20 so he is okay.
I went to my appointment and everything looked good and the doc wasn't concerned about the incision or an infection. I went to the hospital next and because I wasn't there around his feeding time the nurse was a bit hesitant to let me hold him. They don't like them to get off their schedule because they want them to grow and sleep. She let me hold him for 30 minutes and I kept him as still as possible. I love holding the little guy.
Friday:
I went to the hospital in the morning and the nurse asked if I wanted to do a test weight before he practiced breastfeeding. He didn't get any milk, but he did suck a little. Oh well, I'm sure with time he will get it. I enjoyed my morning with him and let them know that I wasn't going to be back tonight because we were going to do something with our other boys. I asked if they had enough milk to last til tomorrow because I noticed there weren't too many containers in his fridge. They said they have plenty and there is more in the freezer. Woohoo! My milk production is definitely up to a full supply, if not more. That makes me feel great. He had another amazing week!
Dave dropped me off at the hospital at 7a.m. and then he took the boys to hike the Y. They had so much fun and Lincoln did the entire hike all by himself! Oliver got to ride in Dave's new hiking backpack and enjoyed it that way.
I got to spend some good quality time holding Rocky. He is doing well and not too many changes, which is nice. I just enjoyed kangaroo care with him. Later that day we went to the movies and then we had to pick up our car...so that meant that I had to drive one car! I haven't driven for about 4 months!! I was a bit nervous, but it was a good way to get back behind the wheel. I forgot to take my meds for half the day yesterday so I decided to just stop taking them, which worked out perfect. I drove to the hospital after the kids were asleep and met the lactation consultant. She wants to have Rocky start breastfeeding or at least becoming familiar with it. Babies this young don't actually have the rooting reflex so it's going to take time and practice and of course patience, but I guess after being in a hospital bed for over 10 weeks I've got the patience part down. They want me to come in for feeding times now so we can specifically practice each time. I think I'll try his 7a.m. and 10p.m. times and see how that goes.
Sunday:
This morning I got up, showered and was back at the hospital for 7:00am and he did better practicing breastfeeding, but we have a long way to go. He had his picc line taken out and they changed his bed to one that doesn't have a warmer, so I guess he graduated from one bed to the next! They said he will most likely remain in that one now til he goes home. He still is fighting the jaundice so he's still using his light pad.
I went back home and helped Dave get the boys ready for church. They left and I stayed to pump and find where all of my clothes are. I have to say I'm so used to dressing in t-shirts and comfy pants that I don't really want to wear real clothes again. I found my clothes and I met my family at church. Everyone was surprised to see me and all wanted to know how things were going. I think I purposely try to make conversations basic because I get a bit emotional talking about it all. I'm glad he's doing well and love to tell people, but I make it short so I can keep control of my tears.
Sunday night Dave got to go with me. It was a good thing because Rocky had his first real bath and I got to give it to him! They wrap him in a fleece blanket and put him in the water. He really liked it. Afterwards his hair stood up just like Oliver's. He is a perfect blend of both of his brothers.
I think tonight was the second or third time someone has mentioned my milk production being low. It was news to me because I thought I was doing great! It's pretty discouraging when the one thing I can do for my baby is the one thing I'm not doing good enough. I still don't understand because they aren't needing to supplement with anything yet. I guess I'm just going to have to work on it and try not to let it get to me or stress me out.
Monday:
I got a call from the nurse this morning just as I was getting ready to leave. She wanted to let me know that they moved Rocky to the feed and grow room of the NICU! This is a good thing because it means he is doing well enough that he gets to graduate to the less intensive room. His neighbor is definitely a little crier and he sounds like a little teradactyl. Poor little guy probably just wants to be held all the time, but I did hear them say that he might go home this week so Rocky will have a new neighbor soon.
Rocky did a good job this morning with the non-nutritive breastfeeding. He actually latched a couple of times. Baby steps! I'm getting used to my schedule and not feeling extremely tired. I wake up at 5:30a.m. to pump and then take a shower, head to the hospital for his 7:00a.m. feeding and cares. I get to change his diaper, take his temp, change some of his sensors and do mouth care. I love it! I'm with him for skin to skin and practice feeding and then I hold him for a little before I pump anotheR home. At home I spend all day with the boys while pumping every two hours! At night I head back to the hospital for 10:00pm feeding and cares. I pump before I leave and usually get home about midnight so I get right to bed and have another pump session around 2a.m. and then start it all over again! I have no free time whatsoever and I have to use every minute wisely. It's definitely worth it though because ingest to see all of my boys and give them the time that they need.
While I was there this morning another lactation consultant came to check-in with me. After hearing I was only getting about 12oz a day she recommended that I take some herbal supplements to help increase milk production. Seriously! This is so frustrating to me. I've never had a problem before and I just need some time. I checked with other preemie moms and they said that the amount I'm getting this soon is pretty good and to just keep pumping. Oh well...I know he has enough for the amounts they are giving him.
Tuesday:
Today was a bit easier to get up and make it to the hospital. Maybe my body is already adjusting to the new schedule although I feel like my muscles are pretty sore. I guess that's just part of the process after bed rest for 14 weeks.
I had lots of cuddle time with Rocky and a good pump session before I had to leave. Rocky us back in his first incubator because they changed him from the bili light pad to the overhead light. This bed has the warmer since he can't be swaddled. I asked what his levels were as of this morning and they dropped from 11 to 1! I asked her if it was a mistake because that was a really big decrease. She was wondering the same. His neck muscles are a lot better! They are actually pretty strong, he us already trying to lift his head when we hold him. Not every time, but sometimes. The doc called me later to give the daily plan and update and he said things are going really well with Rocky, but they will check levels to make sure it's right. If it is he will get to come off the photo therapy light and then will be checked again in two days to make sure levels stay down.
I got to take a nap today, which was nice! I also tried what you call a power pump session, which is pumping for 10 minutes and then stopping for 10 minutes. It's supposed to be for 70 minutes total, but I only did it for 40. It's supposed to help increase milk supply. I had a good first experience because I got double what I normally get! Ill continue to do those once a day. I know I can increase without having to take herbs. I might however try the lactation cookies! Positive thinking about increasing my supply.
Dave offered to take Rocky his milk tonight so I could get some rest, but I told him another night we could do that. We put the boys to bed and then went to the hospital. When we got there Rocky was sleeping peacefully and sucking on his pacifier. We changed him and did cares. He was off the bili light and they said his levels were a 9 not a 1. Still good enough to stop light therapy.
I held him and he practiced breastfeeding. We were really surprised when he latched on right away and started to suck! He did it a few times. When the nurse checked his feeding line she pulled up lots of milk and she said he got milk from me! Good job buddy!!!
I talked with Dave and we decided that I would take the morning off and sleep a little. I am absolutely exhausted! My body needs rest. I pumped before leaving so that when we got home around midnight I could just go to sleep. I checked with the nurse and she said that the milk I just brought tonight will get him through til tomorrow night. That made me feel great because I've been getting such a hard time about not pumping enough.
Wednesday:
I got up at 4a.m. and then at 7:15 a.m. to pump. I haven't had this much sleep in a while and it was really nice. I called in the morning to check on Rocky and they said he was doing well. I kept a lot today of how much I'm pumping and I was pleasantly surprised! My milk has really gone up in the past day or two. For the full days pumping I got about 22 oz!! I knew I could do it.
So tonight Dave and his mom went to the hospital and spent time with Rocky. Since they didn't have to plan a visit around feeding time they were able to go after dinner. I stayed home and put the boys to bed. I pumped and then went to sleep at 9:30 p.m. so I got lots of rest before having to wake at midnight and 4 a.m. Dave said Rocky is doing great and now that I got extra rest I am too! I'm not going to feel guilty about not seeing him today because I need to take care of myself so that I can take care of all my boys. I also know that he is in good hands.
Thursday:
Today I had a doc appointment in Provo in the afternoon so I planned on just going to see Rocky at after that. The doc called and said that he was doing well, no major updates or changes. They checked his jaundice levels and it went from a 9 to an 11. He doesn't want him to start light therapy yet because he wants to test him again in 48 hours and see where he's at. He let me know that levels aren't dangerous until they get to 18-20 so he is okay.
I went to my appointment and everything looked good and the doc wasn't concerned about the incision or an infection. I went to the hospital next and because I wasn't there around his feeding time the nurse was a bit hesitant to let me hold him. They don't like them to get off their schedule because they want them to grow and sleep. She let me hold him for 30 minutes and I kept him as still as possible. I love holding the little guy.
Friday:
I went to the hospital in the morning and the nurse asked if I wanted to do a test weight before he practiced breastfeeding. He didn't get any milk, but he did suck a little. Oh well, I'm sure with time he will get it. I enjoyed my morning with him and let them know that I wasn't going to be back tonight because we were going to do something with our other boys. I asked if they had enough milk to last til tomorrow because I noticed there weren't too many containers in his fridge. They said they have plenty and there is more in the freezer. Woohoo! My milk production is definitely up to a full supply, if not more. That makes me feel great. He had another amazing week!
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
ROCKY'S 1st WEEK
I'm already a week behind! I don't have much free time at all now that my sweet baby boy is here with us. I will do my best giving a recap as to what happened this past week and hopefully I will do better at keeping up on his updates. Actually I've come up with a plan...hands free pumping! I've never tried it before now, but I love it! Now I have about 25 minutes every 2-3 hours that I can blog.
SUNDAY:
Okay so let's see...Sunday morning the nurse came in and I asked her to check my catheter because my bladder felt full. Pretty sure that's not supposed to happen. Apparently it wasn't draining so she took it out (thank goodness)! This meant I had to get up now and well the first time I tried, which was a few hours later nothing happened, but no need to worry because according to the nurse I still had a couple of hours before there was a need to worry! Thankfully my bladder started to function properly the next time I got up. Speaking of getting up...WOW!! That first time after a c-section is crazy! I almost didn't want to lay back down knowing I would have to get up again.
Dave wheeled me up to see Rocky and he was just so cute and tiny. It was good to see him since the day before I only saw him for 10 minutes. At that point he was on the ventilator, which keeps the lungs open and basically breathes for him. They didn't want him damaging his lungs. They estimated that he would be on the ventilator for 3-5 days and that he would be in the NICU for 4-6 weeks. He also has jaundice and is now under a bilirubin light. Also, because he was squished in my belly his neck is really tight on one side and they are doing physical therapy to help lengthen it out.
His lungs are pretty underdeveloped, but still good for not having much fluid for so long. There are areas of the lungs that aren't developed and overall they are small and need to grow.
I've been pumping since yesterday and I got a little bit of colostrum. Today seems slow and I hardly got anything from my pumping today. Hopefully it will be better tomorrow.
MONDAY:
Dave walked up with me to the NICU and that was officially the longest walk I've taken for about 3-4 months! He had to leave to work so I told him I was okay to walk back down on my own. After visiting with Rocky for a while I made my way downstairs. I went up twice more on my own. I have never felt so out of shape! My whole body was sore and I was really worn out. Pumping went way better today! I'm starting to get more and feeling pretty good.
Rocky has had some air in the outside pocket of his lungs and they had to suck it out with a needle, but the docs say it looks like it has healed today! He has low blood pressure so they are giving him meds to keep it up. The meds make it difficult for him to breathe on his own so it's a good thing he is on the ventilator. He does take some breathes on his own but he does tire easily so there are times when the machine does all his breathing for him. He has been trying to pull his tubes out so they put a blanket under his chin to block him from finding his face. His jaundice levels are about the same. Overall, not too bad given our circumstances.
TUESDAY:
Rocky was taken off of his blood pressure meds late tonight. He's been doing a good job maintaining his blood pressure up! I'm hoping he stays off of it, but we will see what happens. His oxygen is at 21%, which is what we breathe regularly! He will be weaned off the vent and put on another machine soon. When I saw him today he was a bit fussy because they had just worked on his neck and he doesn't like that. His neck is getting better so at least it's working. I held his arm over his little chest to help him calm down. It was a very sweet experience. He continues to fight and he's doing great!
Today was a whole lot easier to get out of bed. It's getting easier to walk to the NICU but I'm still really slow. In preparation to go home I got my staples taken out. I have to say the anticipation was definitely worse than the actual event! I guess because I've seen how staples are removed from paper it just freaked me out a bit, but it wasn't painful at all! Dave came in the evening to pick me up. I had most of the things packed and ready to go and he just had to get a few things. I waited about 30 min for my nurse to finally get to my room so she could discharge me. I was a bit annoyed by that. Dave had time to load everything on a wheelchair, take it to the car and get back to my room. I finally told him to just go see Rocky and I would meet him up there. When I got up there we stayed for a little bit and then we headed home. When I got home Dave went to get the boys as I got out of the car and they came running out! Oh and let's not forget that was my first time in a car in over 10 weeks, yes it was weird! Okay, so when I got in the house the boys and Dave made me a welcome home mama sign and it was so cute. Lincoln was very proud and I was too! He traced inside all of the letters and they worked really hard on it. Oliver wanted me to pick him up and was a little sad when I couldn't, but Dave did and then he was fine. We hung out a while and then put them to sleep. After that Dave and I went to Wal-Mart to pick up some things that I needed. Lots of walking and oh I forgot to mention that with all the fluids I have been ridiculously swollen! That night was pretty difficult to transition to a regular bed that doesn't move up and down as I need, but I did alright.
WEDNESDAY:
Today I was scheduled for an induction, but as with most things with this pregnancy he decided to come out on Saturday. We went to the hospital to take him some breastmilk and to my surprise he has continued to keep his blood pressure up and they are now feeding him through a tube! Unfortunately he already used all the milk I had pumped so it's a good thing we brought more! They told us that he might come off the ventilator soon! He is doing amazing! I'm so proud of him, he is working so hard and it shows. Oh and now that he is off the ventilator and the tubes are out of his throat I was able to hear his little voice for the first time! He has a cute little voice.
Rocky got to meet his brothers today! Lincoln has been asking to see him so we took the boys today. We had to go to a WIC appt to get a pump and to a doc appt for me. Dave kept the boys entertained while I got things done. At the doctors he looked at my incision and it looked red and felt warm. He gave me a shot and boy did that sting! I thought the steroids were bad, but they are nothing compared to what I got! He asked me to come back tomorrow to look at it and he gave me a prescription for oral antibiotics.
Okay so back to the boys. We got to the hospital and we went to the break room. I stayed with the boys while Dave took them in one at a time. I can't pick them up so he had to take them. Apparently he got changed to cpap today and it looks like a fighter pilot face mask with the tube coming up. He also has his eyes covered because of the jaundice lights. When Lincoln saw him he asked, "where's his face?" He was done pretty quickly and then wanted to go back to me. Oliver wanted to stay longer so he took his whole 5 minutes. It was a good little visit.
THURSDAY:
I woke up feeling pretty good today. By 8:45 a.m. I had already had my morning pump session, made the boys breakfast, hung out with them for a little and overall just felt very productive. It's a good start! I also feel like my milk is coming in nicely. I'm still swollen, but I think it may be going down.
After my doc appt, which I had to get another shot, we went to the hospital to see Rocky. We were very surprised by all of his changes! They took him off of cpap because they said he was very unhappy with it so they decided to put him on the cannula and he is doing great! So now he is breathing completely on his own and there are no more machines to help him keep his lungs open. Way to go little buddy. He is continuing to do well with his tube feedings although he has lost some weight. He is low 4lbs, but I bet he will be back up soon. He is still fighting the jaundice, but they changed his light to a light pad so now he looks like a glow worm. He now gets to be swaddled and he seems to like it! They were able to take his IV out of his umbilical cord, so now he just has a picc line in his thigh. He does have a pretty good cry the nurses say, but that tells me that his lungs are getting better! I'm so happy with how well he is doing.
FRIDAY:
Today was my first outing. I couldn't go see the baby in the morning so Dave took him his milk. After work Dave and I met Jon & Jhana and Tim and Tam at Texas roadhouse. We were going to go see Rocky before a show, but we ended up not having time so we went home so I could pump and then went to the musical that Sabrina and my father-in-law were in. During the show we got a call from the hospital and Dave called them back. Everything was okay, they just wanted to know when we were going to be there, but let me just say waiting to hear why the NICU is calling is the worst feeling. We headed out right after the show, but our headlights were both out so we got a ride home so we could get our other car.
We finally made it to the hospital and when we got there we were very surprised when the nurse asked us if we wanted to hold Rocky! Oh my goodness I've been waiting for that and I was so ready! I sat down and as she was getting him ready I started balling because I was so happy...I was finally going to be able to hold my son! When she handed him to me it was the best feeling in the world. He was crying and then she asked if I wanted to do skin to skin and as soon as I laid him on my chest he calmed right down, as if he knew mommy is holding me and I've been waiting for this.
While I was in the hospital I kept seeing a huggies commercial with a pregnant lady talking to her baby and at the end it says something about how the mom is the first one to give her baby a hug and to let the second be comfy (talking about the diaper). Well every time I saw it I thought...LIES! I'm not going to be able to give him his first hug or hold, I don't even know when that will be! So when I finally got to hold him it was wonderful. He is so small and I was very intimidated by all of his wires and lines he has, but it was great. Dave held him for a while and then we had to put him back because of him needing to be under the light. Best way to end his first week.
SUNDAY:
Okay so let's see...Sunday morning the nurse came in and I asked her to check my catheter because my bladder felt full. Pretty sure that's not supposed to happen. Apparently it wasn't draining so she took it out (thank goodness)! This meant I had to get up now and well the first time I tried, which was a few hours later nothing happened, but no need to worry because according to the nurse I still had a couple of hours before there was a need to worry! Thankfully my bladder started to function properly the next time I got up. Speaking of getting up...WOW!! That first time after a c-section is crazy! I almost didn't want to lay back down knowing I would have to get up again.
Dave wheeled me up to see Rocky and he was just so cute and tiny. It was good to see him since the day before I only saw him for 10 minutes. At that point he was on the ventilator, which keeps the lungs open and basically breathes for him. They didn't want him damaging his lungs. They estimated that he would be on the ventilator for 3-5 days and that he would be in the NICU for 4-6 weeks. He also has jaundice and is now under a bilirubin light. Also, because he was squished in my belly his neck is really tight on one side and they are doing physical therapy to help lengthen it out.
His lungs are pretty underdeveloped, but still good for not having much fluid for so long. There are areas of the lungs that aren't developed and overall they are small and need to grow.
I've been pumping since yesterday and I got a little bit of colostrum. Today seems slow and I hardly got anything from my pumping today. Hopefully it will be better tomorrow.
MONDAY:
Dave walked up with me to the NICU and that was officially the longest walk I've taken for about 3-4 months! He had to leave to work so I told him I was okay to walk back down on my own. After visiting with Rocky for a while I made my way downstairs. I went up twice more on my own. I have never felt so out of shape! My whole body was sore and I was really worn out. Pumping went way better today! I'm starting to get more and feeling pretty good.
Rocky has had some air in the outside pocket of his lungs and they had to suck it out with a needle, but the docs say it looks like it has healed today! He has low blood pressure so they are giving him meds to keep it up. The meds make it difficult for him to breathe on his own so it's a good thing he is on the ventilator. He does take some breathes on his own but he does tire easily so there are times when the machine does all his breathing for him. He has been trying to pull his tubes out so they put a blanket under his chin to block him from finding his face. His jaundice levels are about the same. Overall, not too bad given our circumstances.
TUESDAY:
Rocky was taken off of his blood pressure meds late tonight. He's been doing a good job maintaining his blood pressure up! I'm hoping he stays off of it, but we will see what happens. His oxygen is at 21%, which is what we breathe regularly! He will be weaned off the vent and put on another machine soon. When I saw him today he was a bit fussy because they had just worked on his neck and he doesn't like that. His neck is getting better so at least it's working. I held his arm over his little chest to help him calm down. It was a very sweet experience. He continues to fight and he's doing great!
Today was a whole lot easier to get out of bed. It's getting easier to walk to the NICU but I'm still really slow. In preparation to go home I got my staples taken out. I have to say the anticipation was definitely worse than the actual event! I guess because I've seen how staples are removed from paper it just freaked me out a bit, but it wasn't painful at all! Dave came in the evening to pick me up. I had most of the things packed and ready to go and he just had to get a few things. I waited about 30 min for my nurse to finally get to my room so she could discharge me. I was a bit annoyed by that. Dave had time to load everything on a wheelchair, take it to the car and get back to my room. I finally told him to just go see Rocky and I would meet him up there. When I got up there we stayed for a little bit and then we headed home. When I got home Dave went to get the boys as I got out of the car and they came running out! Oh and let's not forget that was my first time in a car in over 10 weeks, yes it was weird! Okay, so when I got in the house the boys and Dave made me a welcome home mama sign and it was so cute. Lincoln was very proud and I was too! He traced inside all of the letters and they worked really hard on it. Oliver wanted me to pick him up and was a little sad when I couldn't, but Dave did and then he was fine. We hung out a while and then put them to sleep. After that Dave and I went to Wal-Mart to pick up some things that I needed. Lots of walking and oh I forgot to mention that with all the fluids I have been ridiculously swollen! That night was pretty difficult to transition to a regular bed that doesn't move up and down as I need, but I did alright.
WEDNESDAY:
Today I was scheduled for an induction, but as with most things with this pregnancy he decided to come out on Saturday. We went to the hospital to take him some breastmilk and to my surprise he has continued to keep his blood pressure up and they are now feeding him through a tube! Unfortunately he already used all the milk I had pumped so it's a good thing we brought more! They told us that he might come off the ventilator soon! He is doing amazing! I'm so proud of him, he is working so hard and it shows. Oh and now that he is off the ventilator and the tubes are out of his throat I was able to hear his little voice for the first time! He has a cute little voice.
Rocky got to meet his brothers today! Lincoln has been asking to see him so we took the boys today. We had to go to a WIC appt to get a pump and to a doc appt for me. Dave kept the boys entertained while I got things done. At the doctors he looked at my incision and it looked red and felt warm. He gave me a shot and boy did that sting! I thought the steroids were bad, but they are nothing compared to what I got! He asked me to come back tomorrow to look at it and he gave me a prescription for oral antibiotics.
Okay so back to the boys. We got to the hospital and we went to the break room. I stayed with the boys while Dave took them in one at a time. I can't pick them up so he had to take them. Apparently he got changed to cpap today and it looks like a fighter pilot face mask with the tube coming up. He also has his eyes covered because of the jaundice lights. When Lincoln saw him he asked, "where's his face?" He was done pretty quickly and then wanted to go back to me. Oliver wanted to stay longer so he took his whole 5 minutes. It was a good little visit.
THURSDAY:
I woke up feeling pretty good today. By 8:45 a.m. I had already had my morning pump session, made the boys breakfast, hung out with them for a little and overall just felt very productive. It's a good start! I also feel like my milk is coming in nicely. I'm still swollen, but I think it may be going down.
After my doc appt, which I had to get another shot, we went to the hospital to see Rocky. We were very surprised by all of his changes! They took him off of cpap because they said he was very unhappy with it so they decided to put him on the cannula and he is doing great! So now he is breathing completely on his own and there are no more machines to help him keep his lungs open. Way to go little buddy. He is continuing to do well with his tube feedings although he has lost some weight. He is low 4lbs, but I bet he will be back up soon. He is still fighting the jaundice, but they changed his light to a light pad so now he looks like a glow worm. He now gets to be swaddled and he seems to like it! They were able to take his IV out of his umbilical cord, so now he just has a picc line in his thigh. He does have a pretty good cry the nurses say, but that tells me that his lungs are getting better! I'm so happy with how well he is doing.
FRIDAY:
Today was my first outing. I couldn't go see the baby in the morning so Dave took him his milk. After work Dave and I met Jon & Jhana and Tim and Tam at Texas roadhouse. We were going to go see Rocky before a show, but we ended up not having time so we went home so I could pump and then went to the musical that Sabrina and my father-in-law were in. During the show we got a call from the hospital and Dave called them back. Everything was okay, they just wanted to know when we were going to be there, but let me just say waiting to hear why the NICU is calling is the worst feeling. We headed out right after the show, but our headlights were both out so we got a ride home so we could get our other car.
We finally made it to the hospital and when we got there we were very surprised when the nurse asked us if we wanted to hold Rocky! Oh my goodness I've been waiting for that and I was so ready! I sat down and as she was getting him ready I started balling because I was so happy...I was finally going to be able to hold my son! When she handed him to me it was the best feeling in the world. He was crying and then she asked if I wanted to do skin to skin and as soon as I laid him on my chest he calmed right down, as if he knew mommy is holding me and I've been waiting for this.
While I was in the hospital I kept seeing a huggies commercial with a pregnant lady talking to her baby and at the end it says something about how the mom is the first one to give her baby a hug and to let the second be comfy (talking about the diaper). Well every time I saw it I thought...LIES! I'm not going to be able to give him his first hug or hold, I don't even know when that will be! So when I finally got to hold him it was wonderful. He is so small and I was very intimidated by all of his wires and lines he has, but it was great. Dave held him for a while and then we had to put him back because of him needing to be under the light. Best way to end his first week.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
WELCOME ROCKY...a grand entrance!!
This morning was full of things that were totally unexpected! I woke up around 6:30a.m. because I was feeling some strong contractions, which are usually relieved by emptying my bladder. So I used the restroom and went back to bed. I felt little guy moving and it was pretty strong movements so my first thought was maybe he is turning head down, which would be good for Wednesday when it's time for him to come out. I fell asleep for a bit longer and then around 8:20 a.m. I got out of bed, walked over to the phone and called room service so I could order breakfast. Just as the person answered the strangest thing happened and I felt something fall out of me! I quickly told them I'd have to call them back and I carefully waddled over to my bed and laid down. I quickly started pushing the pain button and the call button so I could get a nurse asap. When she walked in she could tell my face looked freaked out and asked if I was okay. The only thing I could manage to say was, "I think something just fell out of me". She stayed calm and she took off my shorts, then pulled down the rest and says, "oh look we have a little hand and arm waving at us".
Seriously!! I started to freak out, but tried to stay calm. She took my blood pressure and put baby on the heart monitor. His heart rate was looking good, that made one of us because by that point I was super overwhelmed by all of it, especially being able to feel his arm and hand just wave around by my leg! She said she was going to go call the doc and I grabbed my phone to call Dave, by this time it was 8:29 a.m. I made the phone call as short as possible because I was freaking out and trying not to cry. Dave answered and I told him to get to the hospital now because we are having a baby today. I'm pretty sure that was the extent of the conversation.
The nurse came in followed by like 10 other people, including nurses and doctors. Everyone wanted to see the waving arm! They were calling the NICU and anesthesiologist and whoever else needed to be there. At 8:37 a.m. someone handed me my phone because Dave was calling. He asked me something and all I could manage to get out was something like his hand, his hand came out and then I told him I had to go because they were about to take me back. There was a team of about 5 people taking my bed to the surgery room and then when we got there 3 other people were already in there. The anesthesiologist quickly introduced himself and apologized for having to meet this way. They had me scoot from my bed to the surgery table and all I could think was there's an arm coming out and I don't want to smash him. I managed to scoot myself onto the operating table with their help. They rolled me over to my side, they put in an IV and catheter and then they put in my spinal block. I remember someone saying I need you to come and squeeze her and then two nurses came and put me in a ball and held me there. The whole time I was worried about smashing the baby's arm or hurting him somehow. Dr. Lind the anesthesiologist was very nice, he let me know exactly what he was doing and kept telling me I was doing a good job.
So many things were happening all around me and I felt like I was being rolled from one side to the next. Each time I was rolled or moved I felt like one was going to fall off the table. It was all so overwhelming and quite stressful and of course a bit scary. I was trying to be brave and strong, but at some point I just started crying. I also remember at some point someone saying to call the front and let them know Dave was on his way so they could direct them to where we were. I wanted Dave to be there so bad because everything was happening so fast and there were so many things going on around me nd I just wanted my husband to be there with me.
The anesthesiologist came to my head and was asking about numbness and pain and then he pinched me to check and I just remember saying ow! He gave more medication for pain and then he starts saying if at any point I feel pain to let him know and he will give me something that will knock me out in 30 seconds. I just kept thinking what if they start cutting me open and I can still feel! Around that point I must have started to really let the tears fall and he asked if I was in pain, I managed to shake my head and say not and then he says your crocodile tears are making me sad. He stayed by my head and wiped my tears and rubbed my head. He let me know that the doc had already cut me open and that it all should be over soon. It felt like a lot longer than it actually was. I just remember at some point they were pushing on my chest to try to push him out and it felt like I was being punched on my heart! I kept grunting and crying because I just couldn't catch my breath and it was like I was being stomped on. I just kept thinking please hurry I want this to be done. The doc said that his head was all the way up at the top of my uterus and his legs were really low so he was just stuck and it took lots of pressure to get him out! They got him out at 8:56 a.m.and took him immediately to another room. I'm amazed that the whole thing only took 27 minutes!
Dave got there just after he was taken out of the room and I got to see Dave for about 30 seconds before someone said that they took the baby to another room and directed Dave there. They finished stitching me up and I heard someone come in and say that he weighed 4lbs and 14oz and was 17inches long. They were all surprised at his big size for being so early. They had me roll over onto my belly and then again onto my back to transfer me to my bed again. They then took me back to my room to give me some recovery time and to be closely monitored before being transferred to the mother baby unit.
I was really drowsy and could barely stay awake. Dave was texting me pictures and details of whatwas going on. The nurse came in and packed up my room, which was a lot of stuff after being there for 10 weeks. After a couple of hours I was looking stable enough to move downstairs. They rolled my bed to the NICU so I could see Rocky before I went to my new room. The nurse explained a few things to me about his status and then Dave came with me downstairs. I was glad I got to see him, even if only for 10 minutes. I started pumping and since I wasn't ready to get up yet Dave would run everything up to the NICU, which would give him time to see and check on Rocky. The nurses would check on me often, but in between I would doze off. My in-laws came by to see how I was doing and to see how everything went. Rocky isn't taking visitors right now, he is not that stable so the nurses say to give him about a week.
As far as his condition, this is what I gathered: he is on a ventilator that is doing all the breathing, he started of well but then started working too hard so they got him on the ventilator. His neck muscle on the right side is shorter than the other side because of how he was positioned. His foot was also turned so they are working on keeping it straight. He had some other lung issues, but I couldn't remember everything. They said to expect him to be on the ventilator 2-3 days and in the hospital for 4-6 weeks. I can deal with that! It was a very exhausting day, but we are so happy to have our baby and to have him doing well under his circumstances.
Seriously!! I started to freak out, but tried to stay calm. She took my blood pressure and put baby on the heart monitor. His heart rate was looking good, that made one of us because by that point I was super overwhelmed by all of it, especially being able to feel his arm and hand just wave around by my leg! She said she was going to go call the doc and I grabbed my phone to call Dave, by this time it was 8:29 a.m. I made the phone call as short as possible because I was freaking out and trying not to cry. Dave answered and I told him to get to the hospital now because we are having a baby today. I'm pretty sure that was the extent of the conversation.
The nurse came in followed by like 10 other people, including nurses and doctors. Everyone wanted to see the waving arm! They were calling the NICU and anesthesiologist and whoever else needed to be there. At 8:37 a.m. someone handed me my phone because Dave was calling. He asked me something and all I could manage to get out was something like his hand, his hand came out and then I told him I had to go because they were about to take me back. There was a team of about 5 people taking my bed to the surgery room and then when we got there 3 other people were already in there. The anesthesiologist quickly introduced himself and apologized for having to meet this way. They had me scoot from my bed to the surgery table and all I could think was there's an arm coming out and I don't want to smash him. I managed to scoot myself onto the operating table with their help. They rolled me over to my side, they put in an IV and catheter and then they put in my spinal block. I remember someone saying I need you to come and squeeze her and then two nurses came and put me in a ball and held me there. The whole time I was worried about smashing the baby's arm or hurting him somehow. Dr. Lind the anesthesiologist was very nice, he let me know exactly what he was doing and kept telling me I was doing a good job.
So many things were happening all around me and I felt like I was being rolled from one side to the next. Each time I was rolled or moved I felt like one was going to fall off the table. It was all so overwhelming and quite stressful and of course a bit scary. I was trying to be brave and strong, but at some point I just started crying. I also remember at some point someone saying to call the front and let them know Dave was on his way so they could direct them to where we were. I wanted Dave to be there so bad because everything was happening so fast and there were so many things going on around me nd I just wanted my husband to be there with me.
The anesthesiologist came to my head and was asking about numbness and pain and then he pinched me to check and I just remember saying ow! He gave more medication for pain and then he starts saying if at any point I feel pain to let him know and he will give me something that will knock me out in 30 seconds. I just kept thinking what if they start cutting me open and I can still feel! Around that point I must have started to really let the tears fall and he asked if I was in pain, I managed to shake my head and say not and then he says your crocodile tears are making me sad. He stayed by my head and wiped my tears and rubbed my head. He let me know that the doc had already cut me open and that it all should be over soon. It felt like a lot longer than it actually was. I just remember at some point they were pushing on my chest to try to push him out and it felt like I was being punched on my heart! I kept grunting and crying because I just couldn't catch my breath and it was like I was being stomped on. I just kept thinking please hurry I want this to be done. The doc said that his head was all the way up at the top of my uterus and his legs were really low so he was just stuck and it took lots of pressure to get him out! They got him out at 8:56 a.m.and took him immediately to another room. I'm amazed that the whole thing only took 27 minutes!
Dave got there just after he was taken out of the room and I got to see Dave for about 30 seconds before someone said that they took the baby to another room and directed Dave there. They finished stitching me up and I heard someone come in and say that he weighed 4lbs and 14oz and was 17inches long. They were all surprised at his big size for being so early. They had me roll over onto my belly and then again onto my back to transfer me to my bed again. They then took me back to my room to give me some recovery time and to be closely monitored before being transferred to the mother baby unit.
I was really drowsy and could barely stay awake. Dave was texting me pictures and details of whatwas going on. The nurse came in and packed up my room, which was a lot of stuff after being there for 10 weeks. After a couple of hours I was looking stable enough to move downstairs. They rolled my bed to the NICU so I could see Rocky before I went to my new room. The nurse explained a few things to me about his status and then Dave came with me downstairs. I was glad I got to see him, even if only for 10 minutes. I started pumping and since I wasn't ready to get up yet Dave would run everything up to the NICU, which would give him time to see and check on Rocky. The nurses would check on me often, but in between I would doze off. My in-laws came by to see how I was doing and to see how everything went. Rocky isn't taking visitors right now, he is not that stable so the nurses say to give him about a week.
As far as his condition, this is what I gathered: he is on a ventilator that is doing all the breathing, he started of well but then started working too hard so they got him on the ventilator. His neck muscle on the right side is shorter than the other side because of how he was positioned. His foot was also turned so they are working on keeping it straight. He had some other lung issues, but I couldn't remember everything. They said to expect him to be on the ventilator 2-3 days and in the hospital for 4-6 weeks. I can deal with that! It was a very exhausting day, but we are so happy to have our baby and to have him doing well under his circumstances.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
WEEK 33 HIGHLIGHTS
Wednesday (7/30/14)
YES!!! I made it to 33 weeks! Just one more week to go. The doc came in and he put me in the books for c-section next Wednesday morning. Of course I could always be induced if the baby changes position. We shall see. I've been praying for the best way for the baby so if a c-section is it then that's what's going to happen.
I crocheted Rocky a slipper, but I have to finish the second one. Poor boy is only going to have one slipper of different patterns. I guess I should get them done this weekend. The family came to visit. Oh they make me so happy! Lincoln wanted to play scripture heroes so he found the bag and he and Oliver sat on the rug and played. At one point Oliver wanted the one Lincoln had and was trying to grab it and Lincoln looks at him and says, "Ollie you have to say please." So Oliver says, "please" and then Lincoln hands it to him.They are such good brothers. We went on a walk to the life flight and the boys started a new thing...They want to know what all the signs say. They run up to one, look at it and ask, "what does this one say?". Now that I think about it I'm sure they started this a few visits ago, but now has become a part of the visit. I love how inquisitive they are. We went back to my room and did our goodnight routine. I'm so excited because they only have a few more visits and then they don't have to visit me because I'll be home. I will be sad that Rocky will still be here, but I've been trying to prepare myself for that so hopefully it won't be too difficult. Well happy 33 weeks...hopefully we will make it another week.
Thursday (7/31/14)
Hmmm...what did I do today? Well I guess you can say I almost had a baby! Yup, that's right another false alarm. I feel like with each false alarm the signs and symptoms get stronger and stronger. I was having contractions that started around 5a.m. and I also started bleeding, which hasn't happened for almost a week. The contractions were pretty strong and painful. They put me on the monitor and the contractions were about 10 minutes apart, then changed to 7, then 5 and then 2-3 minutes apart! They were going strong til around 10a.m. and then started to slow down. They were getting stronger and longer when they were about 2-5 minutes so I was getting pretty nervous. I'm glad they slowed down and given my history I should have expected it. I dodged another one. The rest of the day I continued to have contractions off and on, some strong some I couldn't feel although I knew I was okay. I just relaxed, watched tv and took a nap to pass the time. Dave came over a little earlier than usual so we got several episodes of Veronica Mars in before he had to leave. It turned out to be a good day!
Friday (8/1/14)
I can't believe it's August!! I have 5 more days and then I get to start walking around again!! I'm just excited to have made it so far! Talk about defying the odds. The doc came in this morning and reminded me that on Tuesday night I can't eat anything in preparation for Wednesday mornings surgery. He said even if baby turns head down we have to prepare that he might not tolerate labor and we would have to do a c-section so either way he wants an empty stomach. I talked with the nurse about what to expect that morning and she ran me through everything. When she came in to put me on the monitor she mentioned that the doc wanted to do another ultrasound to check baby's position and see if it changed. I pointed to a part of my belly and said, "that's his head". We both just laughed and she said she thought the same thing. She ended up doing an ultrasound and sure enough he was still transverse. I just relaxed today and took it easy.
Dave took the boys to a food truck gathering and then to Barnes and noble to see olaf from the movie frozen. It was supposed to be this big thing and it turned out to be a cardboard cutout of Olaf. Dave called me when they were done and we thought it would be good to just take them home because Oliver was pretty tired. Dave told Linc that they were going to go home and see mommy tomorrow and he started crying because he wanted to see me. They came over and we went on a walk. Linc had Dave's phone and was listening to and singing frozen and Tarzan songs. Oliver would sing a little with him. It was so cute and they did really well! Lincoln even sang one of the Tarzan songs in Spanish. We walked to the life flight and then back to my room. It was a good short visit.
YES!!! I made it to 33 weeks! Just one more week to go. The doc came in and he put me in the books for c-section next Wednesday morning. Of course I could always be induced if the baby changes position. We shall see. I've been praying for the best way for the baby so if a c-section is it then that's what's going to happen.
I crocheted Rocky a slipper, but I have to finish the second one. Poor boy is only going to have one slipper of different patterns. I guess I should get them done this weekend. The family came to visit. Oh they make me so happy! Lincoln wanted to play scripture heroes so he found the bag and he and Oliver sat on the rug and played. At one point Oliver wanted the one Lincoln had and was trying to grab it and Lincoln looks at him and says, "Ollie you have to say please." So Oliver says, "please" and then Lincoln hands it to him.They are such good brothers. We went on a walk to the life flight and the boys started a new thing...They want to know what all the signs say. They run up to one, look at it and ask, "what does this one say?". Now that I think about it I'm sure they started this a few visits ago, but now has become a part of the visit. I love how inquisitive they are. We went back to my room and did our goodnight routine. I'm so excited because they only have a few more visits and then they don't have to visit me because I'll be home. I will be sad that Rocky will still be here, but I've been trying to prepare myself for that so hopefully it won't be too difficult. Well happy 33 weeks...hopefully we will make it another week.
Thursday (7/31/14)
Hmmm...what did I do today? Well I guess you can say I almost had a baby! Yup, that's right another false alarm. I feel like with each false alarm the signs and symptoms get stronger and stronger. I was having contractions that started around 5a.m. and I also started bleeding, which hasn't happened for almost a week. The contractions were pretty strong and painful. They put me on the monitor and the contractions were about 10 minutes apart, then changed to 7, then 5 and then 2-3 minutes apart! They were going strong til around 10a.m. and then started to slow down. They were getting stronger and longer when they were about 2-5 minutes so I was getting pretty nervous. I'm glad they slowed down and given my history I should have expected it. I dodged another one. The rest of the day I continued to have contractions off and on, some strong some I couldn't feel although I knew I was okay. I just relaxed, watched tv and took a nap to pass the time. Dave came over a little earlier than usual so we got several episodes of Veronica Mars in before he had to leave. It turned out to be a good day!
Friday (8/1/14)
I can't believe it's August!! I have 5 more days and then I get to start walking around again!! I'm just excited to have made it so far! Talk about defying the odds. The doc came in this morning and reminded me that on Tuesday night I can't eat anything in preparation for Wednesday mornings surgery. He said even if baby turns head down we have to prepare that he might not tolerate labor and we would have to do a c-section so either way he wants an empty stomach. I talked with the nurse about what to expect that morning and she ran me through everything. When she came in to put me on the monitor she mentioned that the doc wanted to do another ultrasound to check baby's position and see if it changed. I pointed to a part of my belly and said, "that's his head". We both just laughed and she said she thought the same thing. She ended up doing an ultrasound and sure enough he was still transverse. I just relaxed today and took it easy.
Dave took the boys to a food truck gathering and then to Barnes and noble to see olaf from the movie frozen. It was supposed to be this big thing and it turned out to be a cardboard cutout of Olaf. Dave called me when they were done and we thought it would be good to just take them home because Oliver was pretty tired. Dave told Linc that they were going to go home and see mommy tomorrow and he started crying because he wanted to see me. They came over and we went on a walk. Linc had Dave's phone and was listening to and singing frozen and Tarzan songs. Oliver would sing a little with him. It was so cute and they did really well! Lincoln even sang one of the Tarzan songs in Spanish. We walked to the life flight and then back to my room. It was a good short visit.
Friday, August 1, 2014
WEEK 32 HIGHLIGHTS
Wednesday (7/23/14)
We did it again!! I made it another week. We have a really strong fighter in our family. I can't help but think of how often I pray to be able to keep this little guy growing in my belly until he is ready to make it on his own. My prayers are definitely getting answered and I thank my Heavenly Father for that all the time! Don't get me wrong, I don't expect him to come out breathing on his own and being able to take him home as we would a regular pregnancy, but I know he will be okay. He is already our miracle baby after all that has happened, he has defied the odds of survival (we were given about 1% chance that the pregnancy would even continue), twice we were told that delivery would happen within a few days (when they discovered that I only had 1.6 cm of fluid and when I got checked in to the hospital). My body wanted to go into labor a couple of times and we've beat those odds too! There have been several women on my support board who start to show signs of labor and with hours their baby is born. I keep expecting that with all the signs, but somehow my body just keeps holding on. I feel so blessed and so fortunate. We are going to make it...just two more weeks to go!
I did a ton of job searching for Dave today. I found a few things, but who knows what will happen. I do know that we will end up where we are supposed to be, it always happens and I have faith that this time will be no different. Maybe one day our lives will calm down.
This evening the boys went to Chuck e cheese and they had lots of fun. After that they came to see me for a short visit since they were delayed from all their playing. It was a good little visit. I'm always glad when I get to see them, it brightens up my day!
Thursday (7/24/14)
Today is Pioneer day in Utah! Dave didn't get the day off today, but they did have a good evening. I took another NICU tour today. It's nice to get an updated tour now that we are at 32 weeks, I think the last time I was only 26 weeks and the 6 weeks definitely make a difference! They showed me where I would deliver, which has a room attached for them to get the baby prepped and ready to go into the NICU just a few feet away. We talked again about pumping as soon as possible after delivery, which fortunately isn't a new thing to me since I exclusively pumped for Lincoln for 12 months (again another blessing). He will be started on the most intensive oxygen contraption, which is a stiff tube that goes down to his lungs. It will keep his lungs open and vibrate them about 600 times per minute. This will stop his lungs from opening and closing, which could damage them. We won't be able to hold him while he is on that machine. Unfortunately our roller coaster of a journey won't end when he is born, I have been told that the NICU is more difficult than the pregnancy because there are so many hurdles and so many ups and downs. A saying comes to mind with all of this:
Dave sent me a text with some numbers and wanted me to guess...he received his bar license number! I'm so proud of him. He has worked so hard and he deserves good things to happen. I made the boys their survival bands today. They are so cute and so tiny, I can wait to give it to them.
They all did fireworks tonight at the house. Dave said the boys had so much fun! I wish I could've been there, but I'm glad they enjoyed it. I asked Lincoln if he saw fireworks and he said "we got to make our own fireworks!" He was very excited about that.
Dave came to visit tonight after he put the boys to bed. It was nice to be able to see him and spend a little time with him. He hasn't been able to come on his own for a while so it was nice to just relax a bit. We definitely caught up on Veronica Mars.
Friday (7/25/14)
I had the best dream ever! I dreamt that Dave and I went to a water park together and we got to hang out. It was lots of fun and so carefree and relaxing, I wonder what that would actually be like!
The doc came in and shared the updated delivery plan. I will be getting a second round of steroids starting Wednesday (@ 33 weeks), which means a painful shot in the deep muscle of my his Wednesday and Thursday. Totally worth it because it helps with baby's lung development. Then the following week on Tuesday night they will check baby's position to plan for either regular delivery or a c-section. If at any point before that happens it appears in an going into labor or the baby needs to be delivered then I will get the steroid shot at that time.
Today I started to feel more contractions than I usually feel and they are bit stronger. Hopefully this doesn't mean anything!
Rocky continues to look good and there are no concerns. I continue to leak a lot, but it's probably because he is still transverse and no longer head down. I don't seem to have pink fluid anymore, it's basically clear again. Not sure how that plays into it all, but I know they always ask about color.
I had a wonderful visit today with an old zumba friend Shelly! I have to say that she is the only visitor I have had that I have cried with. She was talking about how special this baby is and what a true miracle he is and how he is definitely being blessed. It was a very sweet thing to hear so of course I started to cry a little. It was a very uplifting visit to say the least! I was her first zumba teacher so maybe before we leave I will be able to go to one of her classes. I actually tried to go to one of her classes when I first got back out here, but it was probably a good thing that I never made it to one. Now that I think of it we wanted to take a family hike up to the Y a week or two before my water broke, but things kept coming up...talk about blessings!
Later in the evening Jhana, her mom and Ivan came to visit. Ivan leaves on Monday so they wanted to visit for a bit. It was very nice to talk with them, but it was a big reminder of how long it's been since I spoke Spanish and how bad my Spanish is now. Jhana's mom brought me a cute pearl earring set from Peru. She is very thoughtful. After a couple of hours they had to go because the boys were playing halo for one of Ivan's last night's here in Utah.
Saturday (7/26/14)
The boys came for an early afternoon visit. They brought some cut up fruit and brought me a nectarine. It was delicious! They played a bit and then they wanted to go on a walk so they got a wheelchair and both boys sat in the chair. I grabbed the band's I made them and when I showed them they both said, "cool!" On the way downstairs Lincoln says, "dadda can you please not run over my foot with the wheelchair". That kid remembers everything! We went outside and I took my shoes off so I could get a tan or at least some sun. Well the plan worked! I was pretty red after just 10 minutes. I watched the boys play and Oliver ran off at one point and brought me back a couple of flowers. He ran up to me saying, "fowar" and then he ran over to tell Dave, "momma, fowa, momma, fowa". It was so cute because he wanted to tell his daddy that he got mommy a flower. Dave was playing with the boys and having them kick the fountain water, Linc wanted to keep doing it, but we told him he was going to go play in some fountains at the park so we went to see the life flight before going upstairs.
Before they left Lincoln wanted to do some scripture heroes, he separated the "old" from "new" ones. He likes it when I pretend I'm the hero and have the little hero tell his own story. We cleaned up and as they were leaving to the park Dave mentioned how red my legs were.
Not too long after they left my parents in-law came to visit. It was good to chat with them for a bit and catch up on how their cruise went and how things are at home. They brought me a lime Ricky, which I've never had before and I have to say it was really good! They had to get going to continue with Saturday chores and such. I sent Dave a text to let him know they stopped by and he called me about half an hour later. He said the boys had fun at the splash park and they were just leaving. I let him know that my redness had turned tan and let's just say he was jealous that I can get a tan from being in the sun for 30 min. Since it was already 4p.m. He decided to forego the boys' nap and just put them to bed early.
I took a nap and when I woke up the nurse came in to check on me. I let her know I felt a little nauseated and could be having contractions. She put me on the monitor and took my temp, which was 37.2c higher than normal. The baby's heart tones were having some delayed reactions to my contractions that were indicating possible placental failure. So given all the information it indicated that I could be getting an infection in my uterus and placental failure the doctor decided to start the steroid shots and to take away all food and drink. The nurse suggested that I call my husband to let him know what was going on because basically they were waiting for me to deliver. They did an ultrasound and he was still transverse, which means automatic c-section. They were basically watching for heart tones to steadily look bad or my fever to get to 38.0c, which they would then call doc and take baby out.
When I called Dave he was just getting ready to leave to go paintballing, but after hearing everything decided to cancel because he didn't want to risk it. He put the boys to bed and then came over. They were checking my temperature hourly at that point and it fluctuated
Between 37.2-37.7 c . Talk about a roller coaster of a night!
Sunday (7/27/14)
By morning my temp was back down to around 36.8c so that was good. I did have fluctuations throughout the day, but nothing like last night. It was nice to have Dave here in the morning, although I bet he would have liked to sleep with less interruptions. I guess I've gotten used to the nurses checking on me several times a night and having the door open and close and the early morning checks. The nurses said that the heart tracings were looking a lot better, but still had a few questionable areas once in a while. Also, my contractions were about 4 minutes apart. She checked in with the doctor to see what he thought and if I could drink and eat again. I was given the go ahead, but we were still waiting for him to get in. When he eventually got here early afternoon he looked at everything and said we should be okay, but that he thinks my body will just go into labor soon and that is probably what we are waiting for. Hopefully I can hold out for 10 more days, but if he doesn't at least I will have had steroids to help his lung development. The contractions slowed and then pretty much stopped, maybe having one every 20 minutes or so and then at time 10-12 minutes which means I've gone back to normal, except I can feel them all now. Dave went home to see the boys.
I had lunch and then look a nice long nap, which was good since I had been up since 5am and felt exhausted! I woke up at 6pm just in time for my second and final steroid shot. Man they really get you, but luckily the pain only lasts about 20 minutes. The nurse said that I would probably be able to come off the monitor if things continue to look good. I ordered dinner, watched a bit of television, said goodnight to my sweet boys and then went to bed.
Monday (7/28/14)
I woke up at 5:30a.m. Today and couldn't go back to sleep so I decided to catch up on my blog. It kept me busy for the morning. I was already done with my morning monitor by the time the doc came in. He said he was all ready to come in a take baby out on Saturday night, so he was surprised that I was still going! He said that tonight the steroids should be kicking in so at least if we have to deliver he will have the steroids. My tracing looks good although I'm back up a little in my temp. Hope it doesn't get to 38c or it will for sure be time to deliver, well hopefully I don't have an infection but if I do then I hope my temp gets up to 38 for the safety of me and baby!
I've been feeling lots of movement or contractions, or can't totally tell...maybe Rocky is turning back to head down. That would be wonderful!! Today I got some financial things done so I don't have to worry when I get out of here. I also got a new hospital mug because the one I had cracked on the top. They let me keep it so I have it to use now for the boys. They love drinking out of my mug so now they have their own.
They came for their visit and when I told Linc about the mug he got so excited and happy. He wanted to fill it up right away. We went on a walk and Dave was telling Lincoln that mommy was going to get to go home soon! He was excited and was saying that the baby will get to come home too, but we explained that the baby would have to stay at the hospital a while longer after he is born because he will be sick, but he will get to visit his brother in the hospital. He was okay with that. It was a good visit.
Tuesday (7/29/14)
Today I did some more job searching for Dave. Then the rest of the day I worked on some t-shirt designs for the boys and Rocky. I took a nap and passed the day. The parent support group came by and brought three little plush toys, Buzz, Woody, and Mickey...one for each of the boys. We talked about me only having one week left. They said that they took a walk the night before they delivered and it was great. That gave me an idea and I'm sure I'll take a walk next Tuesday. Dave came over to watch some Veronica Mars and we enjoyed relaxing and watching TV, although the internet was extra slow. I was tired and it was late so Dave went home. I got ready for bed and laid down and I heard my door open, I figured it was just the nurse, but then I heard footsteps and when I opened my eyes Dave had come back because he forgot his phone. Not a good thing to forget in our situation. Overall a good day.
We did it again!! I made it another week. We have a really strong fighter in our family. I can't help but think of how often I pray to be able to keep this little guy growing in my belly until he is ready to make it on his own. My prayers are definitely getting answered and I thank my Heavenly Father for that all the time! Don't get me wrong, I don't expect him to come out breathing on his own and being able to take him home as we would a regular pregnancy, but I know he will be okay. He is already our miracle baby after all that has happened, he has defied the odds of survival (we were given about 1% chance that the pregnancy would even continue), twice we were told that delivery would happen within a few days (when they discovered that I only had 1.6 cm of fluid and when I got checked in to the hospital). My body wanted to go into labor a couple of times and we've beat those odds too! There have been several women on my support board who start to show signs of labor and with hours their baby is born. I keep expecting that with all the signs, but somehow my body just keeps holding on. I feel so blessed and so fortunate. We are going to make it...just two more weeks to go!
I did a ton of job searching for Dave today. I found a few things, but who knows what will happen. I do know that we will end up where we are supposed to be, it always happens and I have faith that this time will be no different. Maybe one day our lives will calm down.
This evening the boys went to Chuck e cheese and they had lots of fun. After that they came to see me for a short visit since they were delayed from all their playing. It was a good little visit. I'm always glad when I get to see them, it brightens up my day!
Thursday (7/24/14)
Today is Pioneer day in Utah! Dave didn't get the day off today, but they did have a good evening. I took another NICU tour today. It's nice to get an updated tour now that we are at 32 weeks, I think the last time I was only 26 weeks and the 6 weeks definitely make a difference! They showed me where I would deliver, which has a room attached for them to get the baby prepped and ready to go into the NICU just a few feet away. We talked again about pumping as soon as possible after delivery, which fortunately isn't a new thing to me since I exclusively pumped for Lincoln for 12 months (again another blessing). He will be started on the most intensive oxygen contraption, which is a stiff tube that goes down to his lungs. It will keep his lungs open and vibrate them about 600 times per minute. This will stop his lungs from opening and closing, which could damage them. We won't be able to hold him while he is on that machine. Unfortunately our roller coaster of a journey won't end when he is born, I have been told that the NICU is more difficult than the pregnancy because there are so many hurdles and so many ups and downs. A saying comes to mind with all of this:
you never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have.
Dave sent me a text with some numbers and wanted me to guess...he received his bar license number! I'm so proud of him. He has worked so hard and he deserves good things to happen. I made the boys their survival bands today. They are so cute and so tiny, I can wait to give it to them.
They all did fireworks tonight at the house. Dave said the boys had so much fun! I wish I could've been there, but I'm glad they enjoyed it. I asked Lincoln if he saw fireworks and he said "we got to make our own fireworks!" He was very excited about that.
Dave came to visit tonight after he put the boys to bed. It was nice to be able to see him and spend a little time with him. He hasn't been able to come on his own for a while so it was nice to just relax a bit. We definitely caught up on Veronica Mars.
Friday (7/25/14)
I had the best dream ever! I dreamt that Dave and I went to a water park together and we got to hang out. It was lots of fun and so carefree and relaxing, I wonder what that would actually be like!
The doc came in and shared the updated delivery plan. I will be getting a second round of steroids starting Wednesday (@ 33 weeks), which means a painful shot in the deep muscle of my his Wednesday and Thursday. Totally worth it because it helps with baby's lung development. Then the following week on Tuesday night they will check baby's position to plan for either regular delivery or a c-section. If at any point before that happens it appears in an going into labor or the baby needs to be delivered then I will get the steroid shot at that time.
Today I started to feel more contractions than I usually feel and they are bit stronger. Hopefully this doesn't mean anything!
Rocky continues to look good and there are no concerns. I continue to leak a lot, but it's probably because he is still transverse and no longer head down. I don't seem to have pink fluid anymore, it's basically clear again. Not sure how that plays into it all, but I know they always ask about color.
I had a wonderful visit today with an old zumba friend Shelly! I have to say that she is the only visitor I have had that I have cried with. She was talking about how special this baby is and what a true miracle he is and how he is definitely being blessed. It was a very sweet thing to hear so of course I started to cry a little. It was a very uplifting visit to say the least! I was her first zumba teacher so maybe before we leave I will be able to go to one of her classes. I actually tried to go to one of her classes when I first got back out here, but it was probably a good thing that I never made it to one. Now that I think of it we wanted to take a family hike up to the Y a week or two before my water broke, but things kept coming up...talk about blessings!
Later in the evening Jhana, her mom and Ivan came to visit. Ivan leaves on Monday so they wanted to visit for a bit. It was very nice to talk with them, but it was a big reminder of how long it's been since I spoke Spanish and how bad my Spanish is now. Jhana's mom brought me a cute pearl earring set from Peru. She is very thoughtful. After a couple of hours they had to go because the boys were playing halo for one of Ivan's last night's here in Utah.
Saturday (7/26/14)
The boys came for an early afternoon visit. They brought some cut up fruit and brought me a nectarine. It was delicious! They played a bit and then they wanted to go on a walk so they got a wheelchair and both boys sat in the chair. I grabbed the band's I made them and when I showed them they both said, "cool!" On the way downstairs Lincoln says, "dadda can you please not run over my foot with the wheelchair". That kid remembers everything! We went outside and I took my shoes off so I could get a tan or at least some sun. Well the plan worked! I was pretty red after just 10 minutes. I watched the boys play and Oliver ran off at one point and brought me back a couple of flowers. He ran up to me saying, "fowar" and then he ran over to tell Dave, "momma, fowa, momma, fowa". It was so cute because he wanted to tell his daddy that he got mommy a flower. Dave was playing with the boys and having them kick the fountain water, Linc wanted to keep doing it, but we told him he was going to go play in some fountains at the park so we went to see the life flight before going upstairs.
Before they left Lincoln wanted to do some scripture heroes, he separated the "old" from "new" ones. He likes it when I pretend I'm the hero and have the little hero tell his own story. We cleaned up and as they were leaving to the park Dave mentioned how red my legs were.
Not too long after they left my parents in-law came to visit. It was good to chat with them for a bit and catch up on how their cruise went and how things are at home. They brought me a lime Ricky, which I've never had before and I have to say it was really good! They had to get going to continue with Saturday chores and such. I sent Dave a text to let him know they stopped by and he called me about half an hour later. He said the boys had fun at the splash park and they were just leaving. I let him know that my redness had turned tan and let's just say he was jealous that I can get a tan from being in the sun for 30 min. Since it was already 4p.m. He decided to forego the boys' nap and just put them to bed early.
I took a nap and when I woke up the nurse came in to check on me. I let her know I felt a little nauseated and could be having contractions. She put me on the monitor and took my temp, which was 37.2c higher than normal. The baby's heart tones were having some delayed reactions to my contractions that were indicating possible placental failure. So given all the information it indicated that I could be getting an infection in my uterus and placental failure the doctor decided to start the steroid shots and to take away all food and drink. The nurse suggested that I call my husband to let him know what was going on because basically they were waiting for me to deliver. They did an ultrasound and he was still transverse, which means automatic c-section. They were basically watching for heart tones to steadily look bad or my fever to get to 38.0c, which they would then call doc and take baby out.
When I called Dave he was just getting ready to leave to go paintballing, but after hearing everything decided to cancel because he didn't want to risk it. He put the boys to bed and then came over. They were checking my temperature hourly at that point and it fluctuated
Between 37.2-37.7 c . Talk about a roller coaster of a night!
Sunday (7/27/14)
By morning my temp was back down to around 36.8c so that was good. I did have fluctuations throughout the day, but nothing like last night. It was nice to have Dave here in the morning, although I bet he would have liked to sleep with less interruptions. I guess I've gotten used to the nurses checking on me several times a night and having the door open and close and the early morning checks. The nurses said that the heart tracings were looking a lot better, but still had a few questionable areas once in a while. Also, my contractions were about 4 minutes apart. She checked in with the doctor to see what he thought and if I could drink and eat again. I was given the go ahead, but we were still waiting for him to get in. When he eventually got here early afternoon he looked at everything and said we should be okay, but that he thinks my body will just go into labor soon and that is probably what we are waiting for. Hopefully I can hold out for 10 more days, but if he doesn't at least I will have had steroids to help his lung development. The contractions slowed and then pretty much stopped, maybe having one every 20 minutes or so and then at time 10-12 minutes which means I've gone back to normal, except I can feel them all now. Dave went home to see the boys.
I had lunch and then look a nice long nap, which was good since I had been up since 5am and felt exhausted! I woke up at 6pm just in time for my second and final steroid shot. Man they really get you, but luckily the pain only lasts about 20 minutes. The nurse said that I would probably be able to come off the monitor if things continue to look good. I ordered dinner, watched a bit of television, said goodnight to my sweet boys and then went to bed.
Monday (7/28/14)
I woke up at 5:30a.m. Today and couldn't go back to sleep so I decided to catch up on my blog. It kept me busy for the morning. I was already done with my morning monitor by the time the doc came in. He said he was all ready to come in a take baby out on Saturday night, so he was surprised that I was still going! He said that tonight the steroids should be kicking in so at least if we have to deliver he will have the steroids. My tracing looks good although I'm back up a little in my temp. Hope it doesn't get to 38c or it will for sure be time to deliver, well hopefully I don't have an infection but if I do then I hope my temp gets up to 38 for the safety of me and baby!
I've been feeling lots of movement or contractions, or can't totally tell...maybe Rocky is turning back to head down. That would be wonderful!! Today I got some financial things done so I don't have to worry when I get out of here. I also got a new hospital mug because the one I had cracked on the top. They let me keep it so I have it to use now for the boys. They love drinking out of my mug so now they have their own.
They came for their visit and when I told Linc about the mug he got so excited and happy. He wanted to fill it up right away. We went on a walk and Dave was telling Lincoln that mommy was going to get to go home soon! He was excited and was saying that the baby will get to come home too, but we explained that the baby would have to stay at the hospital a while longer after he is born because he will be sick, but he will get to visit his brother in the hospital. He was okay with that. It was a good visit.
Tuesday (7/29/14)
Today I did some more job searching for Dave. Then the rest of the day I worked on some t-shirt designs for the boys and Rocky. I took a nap and passed the day. The parent support group came by and brought three little plush toys, Buzz, Woody, and Mickey...one for each of the boys. We talked about me only having one week left. They said that they took a walk the night before they delivered and it was great. That gave me an idea and I'm sure I'll take a walk next Tuesday. Dave came over to watch some Veronica Mars and we enjoyed relaxing and watching TV, although the internet was extra slow. I was tired and it was late so Dave went home. I got ready for bed and laid down and I heard my door open, I figured it was just the nurse, but then I heard footsteps and when I opened my eyes Dave had come back because he forgot his phone. Not a good thing to forget in our situation. Overall a good day.
Monday, July 28, 2014
WEEK 31 HIGHLIGHTS
Wednesday (7/16/14)
I feel extremely blessed to have made it this far! I can't believe it's been 11 weeks since my water broke! I'm also grateful for all the support and kind words I've received from family and friends. When we found out about pPROM in April I never would've thought I'd still be pregnant in July and here I am with three weeks left! Things have continued to go well and baby is looking great. I haven't had bleeding, just very light pink fluid loss. I've had very few contractions and am feeling really good!
So Dave and I have been looking for a car, we need something a bit more gas friendly than our jeep for when I'm out of the hospital and need to travel back and forth several times a day to see our little guy in the NICU. He ended up finding a reasonably priced one that was in alright condition so he got it! The boys were excited for a new car. On the way home Dave told the boys that they could have a sucker when they get home for being so good during the whole process and Linc says, "no way man, suckers are for going potty in the toilet". Later that evening Dave was talking to Lincoln and he saw a cup from the hospital and he says, "it's mama!!" Dave told him they were going to see me tomorrow and then he wanted to see me, he kept saying, "but I wanna see mama now". My poor baby, I can't wait til I get to see him all the time...except I can wait to give this little one the time he needs.
I started crocheting again today. I was bored so I started making a blanket. We will see how it turns out.
Thursday (7/17/14)
The boys are coming today!! This has been the hardest week because I've never seen them as little as the past week since I've been here. I know Dave is doing his best to handle everything while his parents are on their cruise and I appreciate it all, I just miss my family. I took a long afternoon nap today. The baby looks great still. And I'm still having very few contractions. I did start to bleed a little today, it's been almost a week so I was hoping maybe I wouldn't anymore, but I guess I was wrong. Dave and the boys came by and we are dinner together. When the nurse came in Oliver ran over to her and asked for a wheelchair. Then when she said she would go get one Lincoln saw one down the hall and he say, "may we use that one that's far far away". They took me to see the car and then we went to see the life flight. There were no helicopters so we started walking back, Linc was holding on to the side and his foot fell and it got run over by the wheelchair...ouch! He was very sad and in pain. Dave looked at it and it looked okay, he was just hurt. We heard the life flight and quickly turned around to watch it land. That took his mind off of his foot. As they were watching, Oliver was walking towards the fence and didn't realize there was a curb and he fell flat and caught himself, but managed to scrape his legs. He was sad so I held him for a minute. Then he sat next to Lincoln and Linc looks over and asks, "are you okay Oliver", it was very sweet. We walked back to the room and hung out for just a little bit before they left. As they left I got up and then realized I forgot to give Dave my laundry so I opened to door and when Linc saw me he says, "mama go back to your bed".
As I was being monitored I had a few contractions and the baby's heart rate accelerated with each contraction. When the nurse came in to take me off she said that was actually a really good thing because it means his systems are all working together and in the right way and then says that it usually doesn't happen until about 32-34 weeks. Our guy is awesome! His heart rate has been accelerating like that for weeks. I guess that's one less thing to be concerned about so I just hope it continues and strengthens. It was a good day so I'm hoping for another one tomorrow.
Friday (7/18/14)
Not much happened today, I read a book that Nativa gave me called, dressing your truth. Other than that I just relaxed. Dave took the boys to the carnival today in American Fork. He wanted me to see them on their favorite ride so he called me on face time. It wasn't the best connection, but I got to see them. They looked so cute. Well I guess that was my day. This past week has been really slow and really hard for me. I think I'm just starting to get overly anxious to get out of the hospital, not to be done with the pregnancy just to leave the hospital!!
Saturday (7/19/14)
The boys came early today and they brought Jon. He was helping with the car. The nurse today left me on forever so I didn't have a chance to get ready before they all came over. Lincoln wanted me off the monitor so as soon as the nurse finally came in the room he walks up to her and says "can you please turn the heartbeat off so we can take my mommy on a walk". Thank goodness for a little boy that speaks his mind while using his manners. We had a fun time, but they had to head home. They took a nap and then went with Dave and grandma favero to go see the new planes movie. Lincoln new the whole plot after seeing it and Dave said they both enjoyed it and ate lots of popcorn. I didn't do much today, just went to sleep early to get the day over with (can you tell I'm having a hard time getting through this week)!
Sunday (7/20/14)
I had the same nurse as yesterday and again she left me on the monitor forever! I guess I'm just easily irritated these days, but I deserve it right? I've been here for almost 8 weeks I can have a bad week. I had my first temperature increase today. I got a bit nervous! They did another blood draw to check all my levels. It came back alright, my white blood cell count was one point above normal, but not enough to indicate infection.
Dave and the boys came by today...that's always fun and always makes my day. That might be one of the reasons my week was so hard because I didn't get to see them as much as I normally do. Another early bed time today.
Monday (7/21/14)
I had a friend come and visit today. Ashley, a girl I met in Nebraska moved back to Utah. She lives up near lagoon so I totally appreciate the effort. It was nice to chat with her for a while. She had her little boy here at this hospital and he was born 10 weeks early due to complications. She had nothing but good things to say about the NICU, which is always nice to hear. She brought me a puzzle book, lots of fun pens and some birthday Oreos, my favorite!
Later that evening Dave sent me a picture before they got to the hospital, it was his certificate from the bar association making him an official (currently unemployed) lawyer in Arizona!! After all this craziness is over then he can start working as a lawyer. I'm so proud of him! The got to the hospital and we had a good time. I'm glad they aren't bored of coming here. They love playing in my room and outside and I love watching them play. Before they left we did our routine of scripture heroes and prayers. I absolutely love hearing Oliver pray, it's so cute! Dave surprised me with a couple Mexican tacos and they were delicious.
When they left I finished crocheting a little hat for Rocky and then went to bed. I guess two family visits in a row made me feel much better!
Tuesday (7/22/14)
Today was a slow day. I think the most exciting part was I had a peach slice on my breakfast fruit plate! I'm getting a little tired of pineapple, melon and grapes so that was a fun surprise!! I read more today and relaxed. Dave was planning on coming tonight, but they all went out for his sister's birthday so by the time he put the boys to bed it was too late. I've been pretty tired lately so I went to bed after saying goodnight to Dave. I'm glad my positive attitude is coming back...life is just better that way.
I feel extremely blessed to have made it this far! I can't believe it's been 11 weeks since my water broke! I'm also grateful for all the support and kind words I've received from family and friends. When we found out about pPROM in April I never would've thought I'd still be pregnant in July and here I am with three weeks left! Things have continued to go well and baby is looking great. I haven't had bleeding, just very light pink fluid loss. I've had very few contractions and am feeling really good!
So Dave and I have been looking for a car, we need something a bit more gas friendly than our jeep for when I'm out of the hospital and need to travel back and forth several times a day to see our little guy in the NICU. He ended up finding a reasonably priced one that was in alright condition so he got it! The boys were excited for a new car. On the way home Dave told the boys that they could have a sucker when they get home for being so good during the whole process and Linc says, "no way man, suckers are for going potty in the toilet". Later that evening Dave was talking to Lincoln and he saw a cup from the hospital and he says, "it's mama!!" Dave told him they were going to see me tomorrow and then he wanted to see me, he kept saying, "but I wanna see mama now". My poor baby, I can't wait til I get to see him all the time...except I can wait to give this little one the time he needs.
I started crocheting again today. I was bored so I started making a blanket. We will see how it turns out.
Thursday (7/17/14)
The boys are coming today!! This has been the hardest week because I've never seen them as little as the past week since I've been here. I know Dave is doing his best to handle everything while his parents are on their cruise and I appreciate it all, I just miss my family. I took a long afternoon nap today. The baby looks great still. And I'm still having very few contractions. I did start to bleed a little today, it's been almost a week so I was hoping maybe I wouldn't anymore, but I guess I was wrong. Dave and the boys came by and we are dinner together. When the nurse came in Oliver ran over to her and asked for a wheelchair. Then when she said she would go get one Lincoln saw one down the hall and he say, "may we use that one that's far far away". They took me to see the car and then we went to see the life flight. There were no helicopters so we started walking back, Linc was holding on to the side and his foot fell and it got run over by the wheelchair...ouch! He was very sad and in pain. Dave looked at it and it looked okay, he was just hurt. We heard the life flight and quickly turned around to watch it land. That took his mind off of his foot. As they were watching, Oliver was walking towards the fence and didn't realize there was a curb and he fell flat and caught himself, but managed to scrape his legs. He was sad so I held him for a minute. Then he sat next to Lincoln and Linc looks over and asks, "are you okay Oliver", it was very sweet. We walked back to the room and hung out for just a little bit before they left. As they left I got up and then realized I forgot to give Dave my laundry so I opened to door and when Linc saw me he says, "mama go back to your bed".
As I was being monitored I had a few contractions and the baby's heart rate accelerated with each contraction. When the nurse came in to take me off she said that was actually a really good thing because it means his systems are all working together and in the right way and then says that it usually doesn't happen until about 32-34 weeks. Our guy is awesome! His heart rate has been accelerating like that for weeks. I guess that's one less thing to be concerned about so I just hope it continues and strengthens. It was a good day so I'm hoping for another one tomorrow.
Friday (7/18/14)
Not much happened today, I read a book that Nativa gave me called, dressing your truth. Other than that I just relaxed. Dave took the boys to the carnival today in American Fork. He wanted me to see them on their favorite ride so he called me on face time. It wasn't the best connection, but I got to see them. They looked so cute. Well I guess that was my day. This past week has been really slow and really hard for me. I think I'm just starting to get overly anxious to get out of the hospital, not to be done with the pregnancy just to leave the hospital!!
Saturday (7/19/14)
The boys came early today and they brought Jon. He was helping with the car. The nurse today left me on forever so I didn't have a chance to get ready before they all came over. Lincoln wanted me off the monitor so as soon as the nurse finally came in the room he walks up to her and says "can you please turn the heartbeat off so we can take my mommy on a walk". Thank goodness for a little boy that speaks his mind while using his manners. We had a fun time, but they had to head home. They took a nap and then went with Dave and grandma favero to go see the new planes movie. Lincoln new the whole plot after seeing it and Dave said they both enjoyed it and ate lots of popcorn. I didn't do much today, just went to sleep early to get the day over with (can you tell I'm having a hard time getting through this week)!
Sunday (7/20/14)
I had the same nurse as yesterday and again she left me on the monitor forever! I guess I'm just easily irritated these days, but I deserve it right? I've been here for almost 8 weeks I can have a bad week. I had my first temperature increase today. I got a bit nervous! They did another blood draw to check all my levels. It came back alright, my white blood cell count was one point above normal, but not enough to indicate infection.
Dave and the boys came by today...that's always fun and always makes my day. That might be one of the reasons my week was so hard because I didn't get to see them as much as I normally do. Another early bed time today.
Monday (7/21/14)
I had a friend come and visit today. Ashley, a girl I met in Nebraska moved back to Utah. She lives up near lagoon so I totally appreciate the effort. It was nice to chat with her for a while. She had her little boy here at this hospital and he was born 10 weeks early due to complications. She had nothing but good things to say about the NICU, which is always nice to hear. She brought me a puzzle book, lots of fun pens and some birthday Oreos, my favorite!
Later that evening Dave sent me a picture before they got to the hospital, it was his certificate from the bar association making him an official (currently unemployed) lawyer in Arizona!! After all this craziness is over then he can start working as a lawyer. I'm so proud of him! The got to the hospital and we had a good time. I'm glad they aren't bored of coming here. They love playing in my room and outside and I love watching them play. Before they left we did our routine of scripture heroes and prayers. I absolutely love hearing Oliver pray, it's so cute! Dave surprised me with a couple Mexican tacos and they were delicious.
When they left I finished crocheting a little hat for Rocky and then went to bed. I guess two family visits in a row made me feel much better!
Tuesday (7/22/14)
Today was a slow day. I think the most exciting part was I had a peach slice on my breakfast fruit plate! I'm getting a little tired of pineapple, melon and grapes so that was a fun surprise!! I read more today and relaxed. Dave was planning on coming tonight, but they all went out for his sister's birthday so by the time he put the boys to bed it was too late. I've been pretty tired lately so I went to bed after saying goodnight to Dave. I'm glad my positive attitude is coming back...life is just better that way.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
WEEK 30 HIGHLIGHTS
Wednesday (7/9/14)
Woohoo!! I made it another week and if I could jump for joy I totally would! I feel so blessed for being able to make it so far in this pregnancy. I can definitely see the Lord's hand in this whole experience and my faith and trust in Him has grown.
Dave and the boys normally come on Wednesday, but because of their weird schedule I knew they weren't going to make it. I started looking for job opportunities for Dave again. We took a break from looking because of my pregnancy, but we feel that now would be a good time to start again.
Jon and Amy came to see me! They are in town from Nebraska and it was very nice to catch up with them and see what they've been up to. The rest of the evening wasn't too exciting. I watched TV while I finished the baby shoes for Misty and then went to bed.
Thursday (7/10/14)
I woke up really excited today because I knew Dave and the boys were coming by this evening. I went through my morning routine: order breakfast, be monitored, watch deal or no deal, shower and get ready for the day, watch price is right and then get my noon monitoring. About an hour after I was done being monitored I started feeling contractions! They put me back on the monitor, just the contractions one and they were picking them up. They were about 2-3 minutes apart for a couple of hours, but they weren't too painful so they continued to watch. I told Dave what was going on and how the doc said if I end up going into labor then they wouldn't stop it. We decided that it would be best to keep the boys home because we weren't sure what was going to happen. Dave came later that evening. My contractions would slow to every 5-8 minutes then go back, but by the end of the night they were about every 20 minutes or so. They took me off the monitor and by that time it was close to midnight so Dave went home and I went to sleep. I was pretty nervous because they kept talking to the doc and they did an ultrasound to make sure baby was still head down. I'm just glad things settled down because we want our little guy to have more time.
Friday (7/11/14)
So I made it through the night! I'm pretty sure I had contractions throughout the night and it triggered a dream that I was in labor, I never actually had the baby, just stayed in labor the whole time! I'm just glad I'm still pregnant.
The lady that delivered my food today called my breakfast boring, I thought it was a bit weird because my breakfast is pretty much the same everyday. Plus, the choices for breakfast aren't extravagant. Oh well, she makes weird comments a lot.
I had some more contractions, but nothing that concerned the nurses because they took me off on time. Everything is looking good with our little guy so let's hope things stay calm.
Dave took the boys to the doctor today for their well-checks. Oliver had to get 4 shots, but is now good until kindergarten. Lincoln had an easy check-up because he already had his shots. Dave took the boys to 7-eleven for free slurpees today and they loved it! I'm sad I'm missing all these fun experiences, but I'm glad Dave is taking them to enjoy it all. Dave took them home and then had to go back to work.
I learned how to crochet baby leggings! Not for our little guy of course, but for Misty. She wants to do a Dr. Seuss themed newborn picture and found a photo prop set that she liked and I'm going to make it for her. I probably won't get the yarn until I'm out of here so it's a good thing her baby girl isn't due til October.
The boys came today! They brought lots of krispie kreme donuts and boy were they delicious! I always love when I get to see all of my boys. We went on a walk and Oliver as usual sat on my lap and at one point he turns around and says "hugs" and then puts his arms around me and lays his head on my shoulder and stays there. It made my day! We enjoyed the rest of our walk and on the way back we were asking Lincoln about the signs and I pointed one out that said DIP. We spelled it and said it once or twice and then went on to STOP, which he has known. We enjoyed a little more time in my room and then they had to go. I ended my night by watching Harry Potter, the start of a marathon weekend on abc family.
Saturday (7/12/14)
I literally watched Harry Potter the entire day! There was a point when I started having contractions again, they kept the doctor informed in case this time it turned into full on labor. Thank goodness they calmed down. Our little guy is such a trooper! He has been handling contractions very well and his heart rate doesn't decel during contractions.
When I was getting ready for bed I received a text from Dave and Linc and it was them singing the song from Tarzan, two worlds. Lincoln loves to sing and he knows that song really well! I will admit that I got teary eyed. I love hearing him sing. I think that's his new favorite song.
Sunday (7/13/14)
Well it was another Harry Potter day! I guess it was a good way to pass the day. Dave has been on his own taking care of our boys and his grandma's since yesterday so I'm already prepared for less visits this coming week. He was planning on stopping by today, but by the time they had dinner it was too late. They had a good day and I got to talk to them at least. Nothing much besides that to report today. Baby boy is doing awesome and I haven't had many contractions, just random ones. I did lose a lot of fluid the past few days from all the steady contractions I had been having. I was actually very surprised at the amount of fluid I've had to lose! It just lets me know that our little fighter is doing great at making fluid! Now if only we could keep it.
Monday (7/14/14)
This week Dave will be taking the boys to different ward members homes so they can watch them for half the day while Dave works. He said the boys had a great time at the place they were at today. He put them down for a nap and kept working at home. They weren't able to come today, but will be here tomorrow! My day was pretty boring, but that's a good thing. The one big thing that happened was a growth ultrasound!! Baby is measuring 3lb 12oz and is measuring 3 days ahead (31.1 weeks)!! He is measuring about the 54th percentile and my fluid is 1.29cm, which doesn't surprise me since I lost so much with contractions. Oh his position did change and he is no longer head down, he us laying across my belly now. The specialist was surprised that I didn't go into labor, but says that it probably means it's coming soon...we shall see.
Tuesday (7/15/14)
Not much to report baby wise, he continues to do well, leaking is down and pretty pale pink and hardly any contractions! I think he may have gone back to head down because I feel lots of pressure and like I have a pinched nerve. Who knows!
We had a fun evening! Dave brought Cafe Rio and some friends (Jason and Noelle). We enjoyed dinner and Oliver sat on the bed with me and kept wanting to feed me. He got down eventually and then started doing everything Lincoln did, which is fun to see. We decided to go out for a walk. We went to see the life flight and the boys and Ava had fun running around. On the way back Lincoln was on Jason's shoulders and we passed the dip sign, I asked him what it said and apparently he had already told Jason that it said DIP! So proud of my smarty pants.
I got to spend a little time with the boys before they had to go home. They had fun at the family's home that watched them today. They got to go to the park and to McDonald's, which was a treat! I guess they were more interested in playing than eating, but that's okay. We opened up Oliver's birthday gift from grandma and grandpa, some more Book of Mormon heroes. They were so excited! We talked about a few of them and said prayers before they left. It was a great visit!
Woohoo!! I made it another week and if I could jump for joy I totally would! I feel so blessed for being able to make it so far in this pregnancy. I can definitely see the Lord's hand in this whole experience and my faith and trust in Him has grown.
Dave and the boys normally come on Wednesday, but because of their weird schedule I knew they weren't going to make it. I started looking for job opportunities for Dave again. We took a break from looking because of my pregnancy, but we feel that now would be a good time to start again.
Jon and Amy came to see me! They are in town from Nebraska and it was very nice to catch up with them and see what they've been up to. The rest of the evening wasn't too exciting. I watched TV while I finished the baby shoes for Misty and then went to bed.
Thursday (7/10/14)
I woke up really excited today because I knew Dave and the boys were coming by this evening. I went through my morning routine: order breakfast, be monitored, watch deal or no deal, shower and get ready for the day, watch price is right and then get my noon monitoring. About an hour after I was done being monitored I started feeling contractions! They put me back on the monitor, just the contractions one and they were picking them up. They were about 2-3 minutes apart for a couple of hours, but they weren't too painful so they continued to watch. I told Dave what was going on and how the doc said if I end up going into labor then they wouldn't stop it. We decided that it would be best to keep the boys home because we weren't sure what was going to happen. Dave came later that evening. My contractions would slow to every 5-8 minutes then go back, but by the end of the night they were about every 20 minutes or so. They took me off the monitor and by that time it was close to midnight so Dave went home and I went to sleep. I was pretty nervous because they kept talking to the doc and they did an ultrasound to make sure baby was still head down. I'm just glad things settled down because we want our little guy to have more time.
Friday (7/11/14)
So I made it through the night! I'm pretty sure I had contractions throughout the night and it triggered a dream that I was in labor, I never actually had the baby, just stayed in labor the whole time! I'm just glad I'm still pregnant.
The lady that delivered my food today called my breakfast boring, I thought it was a bit weird because my breakfast is pretty much the same everyday. Plus, the choices for breakfast aren't extravagant. Oh well, she makes weird comments a lot.
I had some more contractions, but nothing that concerned the nurses because they took me off on time. Everything is looking good with our little guy so let's hope things stay calm.
Dave took the boys to the doctor today for their well-checks. Oliver had to get 4 shots, but is now good until kindergarten. Lincoln had an easy check-up because he already had his shots. Dave took the boys to 7-eleven for free slurpees today and they loved it! I'm sad I'm missing all these fun experiences, but I'm glad Dave is taking them to enjoy it all. Dave took them home and then had to go back to work.
I learned how to crochet baby leggings! Not for our little guy of course, but for Misty. She wants to do a Dr. Seuss themed newborn picture and found a photo prop set that she liked and I'm going to make it for her. I probably won't get the yarn until I'm out of here so it's a good thing her baby girl isn't due til October.
The boys came today! They brought lots of krispie kreme donuts and boy were they delicious! I always love when I get to see all of my boys. We went on a walk and Oliver as usual sat on my lap and at one point he turns around and says "hugs" and then puts his arms around me and lays his head on my shoulder and stays there. It made my day! We enjoyed the rest of our walk and on the way back we were asking Lincoln about the signs and I pointed one out that said DIP. We spelled it and said it once or twice and then went on to STOP, which he has known. We enjoyed a little more time in my room and then they had to go. I ended my night by watching Harry Potter, the start of a marathon weekend on abc family.
Saturday (7/12/14)
I literally watched Harry Potter the entire day! There was a point when I started having contractions again, they kept the doctor informed in case this time it turned into full on labor. Thank goodness they calmed down. Our little guy is such a trooper! He has been handling contractions very well and his heart rate doesn't decel during contractions.
When I was getting ready for bed I received a text from Dave and Linc and it was them singing the song from Tarzan, two worlds. Lincoln loves to sing and he knows that song really well! I will admit that I got teary eyed. I love hearing him sing. I think that's his new favorite song.
Sunday (7/13/14)
Well it was another Harry Potter day! I guess it was a good way to pass the day. Dave has been on his own taking care of our boys and his grandma's since yesterday so I'm already prepared for less visits this coming week. He was planning on stopping by today, but by the time they had dinner it was too late. They had a good day and I got to talk to them at least. Nothing much besides that to report today. Baby boy is doing awesome and I haven't had many contractions, just random ones. I did lose a lot of fluid the past few days from all the steady contractions I had been having. I was actually very surprised at the amount of fluid I've had to lose! It just lets me know that our little fighter is doing great at making fluid! Now if only we could keep it.
Monday (7/14/14)
This week Dave will be taking the boys to different ward members homes so they can watch them for half the day while Dave works. He said the boys had a great time at the place they were at today. He put them down for a nap and kept working at home. They weren't able to come today, but will be here tomorrow! My day was pretty boring, but that's a good thing. The one big thing that happened was a growth ultrasound!! Baby is measuring 3lb 12oz and is measuring 3 days ahead (31.1 weeks)!! He is measuring about the 54th percentile and my fluid is 1.29cm, which doesn't surprise me since I lost so much with contractions. Oh his position did change and he is no longer head down, he us laying across my belly now. The specialist was surprised that I didn't go into labor, but says that it probably means it's coming soon...we shall see.
Tuesday (7/15/14)
Not much to report baby wise, he continues to do well, leaking is down and pretty pale pink and hardly any contractions! I think he may have gone back to head down because I feel lots of pressure and like I have a pinched nerve. Who knows!
We had a fun evening! Dave brought Cafe Rio and some friends (Jason and Noelle). We enjoyed dinner and Oliver sat on the bed with me and kept wanting to feed me. He got down eventually and then started doing everything Lincoln did, which is fun to see. We decided to go out for a walk. We went to see the life flight and the boys and Ava had fun running around. On the way back Lincoln was on Jason's shoulders and we passed the dip sign, I asked him what it said and apparently he had already told Jason that it said DIP! So proud of my smarty pants.
I got to spend a little time with the boys before they had to go home. They had fun at the family's home that watched them today. They got to go to the park and to McDonald's, which was a treat! I guess they were more interested in playing than eating, but that's okay. We opened up Oliver's birthday gift from grandma and grandpa, some more Book of Mormon heroes. They were so excited! We talked about a few of them and said prayers before they left. It was a great visit!
Friday, July 11, 2014
WEEK 29 HIGHLIGHTS
Wednesday (7/2/14)
Yes!! I made it another week!! Today the doc told me I've been here for 40 days and I'm hoping for 35 more! I'm noticing that little guy's movements are getting stronger and by that I mean more powerful and sometimes a little painful. He's definitely a strong little guy! I'm also starting to feel pressure against my tail bone, which the nurse thinks is due to his position and him growing. I'm still bleeding a little but it's starting to be more fluid than blood so that's good, well better than just blood. I had a couple of contractions this morning while being monitored. I'm just hoping that I can keep getting passed these things and keep little guy baking! Some people think contractions during pregnancy might not be too big of a deal, especially at 28 weeks or more, but what they don't understand is that with pPROM contractions can change in seconds and you could be getting ready to deliver in less than 5 minutes! Also, contractions hit harder than women with fluid because there isn't any cushion, so they come on fast and strong and can cause baby to go into distress. My docs are always saying that I need to let them know what's going on because labor will come on quickly and they will need to move fast. I keep thinking about my neighbor who was just fine and then all of a sudden and out of nowhere went into labor and had her baby! I'm hoping that however things happen they just go smoothly so that little guy is okay.
The boys came by this evening and we went outside. After they played for a while Lincoln asked to go see the Life Flight Helicopter. We made our way over and as we pulled up to the fence that surrounded it the pilot, who was on a call, hung up and asked if the boys wanted to come in and see the helicopter. We went in and they loved it! Oliver started to try to climb in right away and then the pilot asked them if they wanted to sit in it. We took pictures and the boys were happy to see it up close. They had to leave so we went to a little hill and the boys sat on the grass and we watched it take off. It was pretty windy when they started to take off and the boys' hair was being pushed back. As we walked back to my room and were talking about how fun it was Lincoln says, "it made my hair go zoom!"
When we got back to my room I realized we had been gone for an hour! The boys told the nurse that they got to see the helicopter and she was very impressed. Since it was almost 9pm it was time for the boys to go home. Dave cleaned up and then put the boys in their stroller. I asked Lincoln to say prayer and I looked at Oliver and told him to fold his arms and close his eyes, which he did and then he just started saying prayer in Spanish all by himself! He said, "nuestro padre gracias amen". Dave and I looked at each other and were so happy! We told him he did such a good job and then I said goodnight to all my boys.
Thursday (7/3/14)
Today was a pretty boring day and a horrible day as well! After my shower I was laying in bed and got a weird pain on my left side of my uterus. The nurses kept telling me it was probably just round ligament pain, but I knew it wasn't. After about 20 minutes of it I got up to go to the bathroom and then I discovered that I started bleeding! I told the nurse and they put me on the monitor. They called the doctor and he ordered some blood work to check and make sure I wasn't bleeding internally where they couldn't see. I was having contractions so the doctor told them to keep me on the monitor until the bleeding stopped. I guess they thought I was going to go into labor at any point, which is quite possible, but I had the feeling that I wasn't. The rest of the day passed and my contractions had stopped completely and the bleeding had slowed down, but I was still on the monitor.
Friday (7/4/14)
Happy 4th of July! I was still on the monitor for pretty much the entire day! They took me off finally at 8pm...32 hours of being monitored. Dave, the boys and Gwen stopped by for about 20 minutes before they went to the Stadium of Fire. It was good to see them even if just for a little bit. I got to watch the fireworks from my window. There were a lot of fireworks all around my room so it was not that bad. After the stadium Dave came back with the boys and Andrew. They stayed for about 30 minutes waiting for traffic to pass. Oliver kept saying "fireworks" and when Dave told them there were fireworks outside Oliver ran over to see them and when he saw none he said "no there's not". He's so silly and so smart. They left just a little before midnight...definitely a late night, but totally worth it! They had so much fun and loved all the fireworks and the show.
So this morning was pretty hard, knowing that it was the 4th, which is a holiday our family loves. I wanted to be with them and enjoy the days activities and not being able to do that made me sad. What made it worse was that I had to be connected to the monitors when I wasn't cramping or contracting and my bleeding had slowed to almost a stop. Previous bleeds didn't require this much attention and I felt they were just being drastic. I guess I was just extra annoyed because it was a holiday and I felt left out, sad, upset and all kinds of emotions. Seeing the boys as the day came to an end helped and of course reminding myself why I'm here at the hospital made me feel a bit better. Oh yeah, Dave brought me some yarn so I started on round 2 of Misty's baby blanket. I got several rows done before the night was over.
Saturday (7/5/14)
I think I took several naps today. I also worked on Misty's baby blanket and got pretty close to finishing it. Dave was going to bring me more yarn because I ran out. They went to the lake today so I saw them on their way home around 8pm. I'm glad they had fun. Dave brought me more yarn so that I could finish the blanket. Before they left I said prayer and I guess this was a hard weekend because I started crying and Dave asked why I was sad. I told him that tomorrow was Oliver's birthday and I was sad because I couldn't be there. He tried to make me feel better and it worked a little, but of course I was still sad just thinking about it. After they left I quickly composed myself and then the nurse came in to put me on the monitor. They ended up coming back like 30 minutes later because Dave left his phone so when they came in the room I was on the monitor and Lincoln was excited to see my heartbeat. They grabbed the phone and then left again. I continued to crochet and then after a while I went to bed.
Sunday (7/6/14)
I woke up today and told myself I wasn't going to be sad, but it didn't work. I was doing okay, but then when the couple came by to give me the sacrament they were asking questions and then asked how old my boys were and when I told them that my younger one turned two today I just couldn't help it and I started crying. I kept it a little under control while they were here, but then I just got so sad and I couldn't hold in the tears. I had a pretty good crying session in the shower and then was finally able to feel okay. I wanted to call Oliver to say happy birthday, but I couldn't stop crying so I decided to hold off and then they were at church. After talking with Dave I was happy to hear that Oliver was having a good birthday. It was just hard not being able to be there when he woke up and to help make his day special. Everyday has been difficult, but today more than ever because it's his special day and I wanted to be there with him and not here at the hospital.
After I got ready I read some General Conference talks from April. I found one that talked about being grateful in any circumstance and how we should focus on being thankful in our circumstances, whatever they may be. I changed my way of thinking about today and decided that I would be grateful for my family, for their strength, for their health and for their happiness. I'm grateful that I could be in the hospital (for 6 weeks now) so that our baby could have a fighting chance and for the blessing that I am still pregnant, especially since we have been told since I was 19 weeks that I would deliver any day and that our baby had well no chance.
I was able to get through the rest of the day without tears and I finished crocheting the blanket.
We had a celebration for Oliver's birthday here at the hospital. Dave and Andrew set up Oliver's big birthday present outside and then came up to get us so we could go and see his surprise. He was so happy when he saw his Thomas ride-on train. He was very sweet! He saw his cousin Vinny and he went up to him and said, "hug" and then gave him a hug. It was nice to have everyone come out for cake and little fun. Both of the boys looked so cute, Oliver with his Thomas shirt on and Lincoln with his pirate Jake shirt and his hair done like Jake. Oliver is starting to sing the happy birthday song. He ate cake off of the big cake and wanted to share bites with his momma and dadda. They had fun playing on the new train and running around. I got extra outside time today to hang out with everyone, but unfortunately the nurse of duty was crazy strict! At 8:10pm she came down looking for me and told me it was time to go upstairs. I thought it was really weird and so did everyone else! I've never had a nurse come down to get me. She said that I needed to be put on the monitor at 8pm and I was late. I let her know that most of the night shift nurses just make sure I get on before bed and they are usually flexible when my family visits. Apparently, some people are just not lenient at all! I had to say a quick good-bye to everyone because she was not leaving. The boys came up to say goodnight and then they had to leave. Overall it was a good day and I'm glad Oliver enjoyed his birthday.
Monday (7/7/14)
So apparently after Dave left yesterday the car overheated and he ended up dropping it off at his sister's and getting a ride home. He took it to get repaired this morning and because of timing he didn't bring the boys by today, instead he picked up the car after they went to sleep and then came to see me for a while.
The day itself was uneventful. I read that only 1% of pPROM pregnancies make it to 34 weeks so my long term goal is to make it and be part of that percentage! I looked at pictures and some videos from my phone of Oliver's birthday yesterday and it made my day. I love seeing how sweet the boys are. Lincoln tries so hard to listen and does a good job. He was told that they needed to wait til they got home to open one of the gifts and he walked around playing with it in the box and even when he was being told to open it he said "no not til we get home". He was so ready to sing happy birthday to his little brother that he started singing before everyone else and then started again with the group. I love the way he sings happy birthday! He must have been singing it a lot because Oliver sings it too!! "Birthday to you" over and over is Oliver's way.
I met with the dietician today and apparently I have gained 9 pounds in the last 7ish weeks. I was glad to hear because I feel like I've gained about 20! I guess when all you do is eat and lay around the weight is bound to pile on so I'll take 9.
Baby continues to look good! I go in next month for another ultrasound, which will be my last. I'm still leaking lots and it continues to be blood tinged. Nothing new so I don't stress over it.
Tuesday (7/8/14)
I haven't felt like doing much so I had a TV day, thanks to Mike and CeCelia! Dave took the boys to IHOP for dinner. It was like 57cent pancake day and since it was Tuesday, kids eat free, which was an added bonus. He got three meals for the price of one! He said the boys had a blast! They came that evening and as soon as they got here we went for a walk. It was a short visit, but I was glad to see them. Oh and I can't forget that they brought me pancakes for dinner. Of course I had to close my eyes and wait for them to say surprise! Oliver always says "eyes, eyes" so I will close my eyes and then he will say "a-pise"!
Yes!! I made it another week!! Today the doc told me I've been here for 40 days and I'm hoping for 35 more! I'm noticing that little guy's movements are getting stronger and by that I mean more powerful and sometimes a little painful. He's definitely a strong little guy! I'm also starting to feel pressure against my tail bone, which the nurse thinks is due to his position and him growing. I'm still bleeding a little but it's starting to be more fluid than blood so that's good, well better than just blood. I had a couple of contractions this morning while being monitored. I'm just hoping that I can keep getting passed these things and keep little guy baking! Some people think contractions during pregnancy might not be too big of a deal, especially at 28 weeks or more, but what they don't understand is that with pPROM contractions can change in seconds and you could be getting ready to deliver in less than 5 minutes! Also, contractions hit harder than women with fluid because there isn't any cushion, so they come on fast and strong and can cause baby to go into distress. My docs are always saying that I need to let them know what's going on because labor will come on quickly and they will need to move fast. I keep thinking about my neighbor who was just fine and then all of a sudden and out of nowhere went into labor and had her baby! I'm hoping that however things happen they just go smoothly so that little guy is okay.
The boys came by this evening and we went outside. After they played for a while Lincoln asked to go see the Life Flight Helicopter. We made our way over and as we pulled up to the fence that surrounded it the pilot, who was on a call, hung up and asked if the boys wanted to come in and see the helicopter. We went in and they loved it! Oliver started to try to climb in right away and then the pilot asked them if they wanted to sit in it. We took pictures and the boys were happy to see it up close. They had to leave so we went to a little hill and the boys sat on the grass and we watched it take off. It was pretty windy when they started to take off and the boys' hair was being pushed back. As we walked back to my room and were talking about how fun it was Lincoln says, "it made my hair go zoom!"
When we got back to my room I realized we had been gone for an hour! The boys told the nurse that they got to see the helicopter and she was very impressed. Since it was almost 9pm it was time for the boys to go home. Dave cleaned up and then put the boys in their stroller. I asked Lincoln to say prayer and I looked at Oliver and told him to fold his arms and close his eyes, which he did and then he just started saying prayer in Spanish all by himself! He said, "nuestro padre gracias amen". Dave and I looked at each other and were so happy! We told him he did such a good job and then I said goodnight to all my boys.
Thursday (7/3/14)
Today was a pretty boring day and a horrible day as well! After my shower I was laying in bed and got a weird pain on my left side of my uterus. The nurses kept telling me it was probably just round ligament pain, but I knew it wasn't. After about 20 minutes of it I got up to go to the bathroom and then I discovered that I started bleeding! I told the nurse and they put me on the monitor. They called the doctor and he ordered some blood work to check and make sure I wasn't bleeding internally where they couldn't see. I was having contractions so the doctor told them to keep me on the monitor until the bleeding stopped. I guess they thought I was going to go into labor at any point, which is quite possible, but I had the feeling that I wasn't. The rest of the day passed and my contractions had stopped completely and the bleeding had slowed down, but I was still on the monitor.
Friday (7/4/14)
Happy 4th of July! I was still on the monitor for pretty much the entire day! They took me off finally at 8pm...32 hours of being monitored. Dave, the boys and Gwen stopped by for about 20 minutes before they went to the Stadium of Fire. It was good to see them even if just for a little bit. I got to watch the fireworks from my window. There were a lot of fireworks all around my room so it was not that bad. After the stadium Dave came back with the boys and Andrew. They stayed for about 30 minutes waiting for traffic to pass. Oliver kept saying "fireworks" and when Dave told them there were fireworks outside Oliver ran over to see them and when he saw none he said "no there's not". He's so silly and so smart. They left just a little before midnight...definitely a late night, but totally worth it! They had so much fun and loved all the fireworks and the show.
So this morning was pretty hard, knowing that it was the 4th, which is a holiday our family loves. I wanted to be with them and enjoy the days activities and not being able to do that made me sad. What made it worse was that I had to be connected to the monitors when I wasn't cramping or contracting and my bleeding had slowed to almost a stop. Previous bleeds didn't require this much attention and I felt they were just being drastic. I guess I was just extra annoyed because it was a holiday and I felt left out, sad, upset and all kinds of emotions. Seeing the boys as the day came to an end helped and of course reminding myself why I'm here at the hospital made me feel a bit better. Oh yeah, Dave brought me some yarn so I started on round 2 of Misty's baby blanket. I got several rows done before the night was over.
Saturday (7/5/14)
I think I took several naps today. I also worked on Misty's baby blanket and got pretty close to finishing it. Dave was going to bring me more yarn because I ran out. They went to the lake today so I saw them on their way home around 8pm. I'm glad they had fun. Dave brought me more yarn so that I could finish the blanket. Before they left I said prayer and I guess this was a hard weekend because I started crying and Dave asked why I was sad. I told him that tomorrow was Oliver's birthday and I was sad because I couldn't be there. He tried to make me feel better and it worked a little, but of course I was still sad just thinking about it. After they left I quickly composed myself and then the nurse came in to put me on the monitor. They ended up coming back like 30 minutes later because Dave left his phone so when they came in the room I was on the monitor and Lincoln was excited to see my heartbeat. They grabbed the phone and then left again. I continued to crochet and then after a while I went to bed.
Sunday (7/6/14)
I woke up today and told myself I wasn't going to be sad, but it didn't work. I was doing okay, but then when the couple came by to give me the sacrament they were asking questions and then asked how old my boys were and when I told them that my younger one turned two today I just couldn't help it and I started crying. I kept it a little under control while they were here, but then I just got so sad and I couldn't hold in the tears. I had a pretty good crying session in the shower and then was finally able to feel okay. I wanted to call Oliver to say happy birthday, but I couldn't stop crying so I decided to hold off and then they were at church. After talking with Dave I was happy to hear that Oliver was having a good birthday. It was just hard not being able to be there when he woke up and to help make his day special. Everyday has been difficult, but today more than ever because it's his special day and I wanted to be there with him and not here at the hospital.
After I got ready I read some General Conference talks from April. I found one that talked about being grateful in any circumstance and how we should focus on being thankful in our circumstances, whatever they may be. I changed my way of thinking about today and decided that I would be grateful for my family, for their strength, for their health and for their happiness. I'm grateful that I could be in the hospital (for 6 weeks now) so that our baby could have a fighting chance and for the blessing that I am still pregnant, especially since we have been told since I was 19 weeks that I would deliver any day and that our baby had well no chance.
I was able to get through the rest of the day without tears and I finished crocheting the blanket.
We had a celebration for Oliver's birthday here at the hospital. Dave and Andrew set up Oliver's big birthday present outside and then came up to get us so we could go and see his surprise. He was so happy when he saw his Thomas ride-on train. He was very sweet! He saw his cousin Vinny and he went up to him and said, "hug" and then gave him a hug. It was nice to have everyone come out for cake and little fun. Both of the boys looked so cute, Oliver with his Thomas shirt on and Lincoln with his pirate Jake shirt and his hair done like Jake. Oliver is starting to sing the happy birthday song. He ate cake off of the big cake and wanted to share bites with his momma and dadda. They had fun playing on the new train and running around. I got extra outside time today to hang out with everyone, but unfortunately the nurse of duty was crazy strict! At 8:10pm she came down looking for me and told me it was time to go upstairs. I thought it was really weird and so did everyone else! I've never had a nurse come down to get me. She said that I needed to be put on the monitor at 8pm and I was late. I let her know that most of the night shift nurses just make sure I get on before bed and they are usually flexible when my family visits. Apparently, some people are just not lenient at all! I had to say a quick good-bye to everyone because she was not leaving. The boys came up to say goodnight and then they had to leave. Overall it was a good day and I'm glad Oliver enjoyed his birthday.
Monday (7/7/14)
So apparently after Dave left yesterday the car overheated and he ended up dropping it off at his sister's and getting a ride home. He took it to get repaired this morning and because of timing he didn't bring the boys by today, instead he picked up the car after they went to sleep and then came to see me for a while.
The day itself was uneventful. I read that only 1% of pPROM pregnancies make it to 34 weeks so my long term goal is to make it and be part of that percentage! I looked at pictures and some videos from my phone of Oliver's birthday yesterday and it made my day. I love seeing how sweet the boys are. Lincoln tries so hard to listen and does a good job. He was told that they needed to wait til they got home to open one of the gifts and he walked around playing with it in the box and even when he was being told to open it he said "no not til we get home". He was so ready to sing happy birthday to his little brother that he started singing before everyone else and then started again with the group. I love the way he sings happy birthday! He must have been singing it a lot because Oliver sings it too!! "Birthday to you" over and over is Oliver's way.
I met with the dietician today and apparently I have gained 9 pounds in the last 7ish weeks. I was glad to hear because I feel like I've gained about 20! I guess when all you do is eat and lay around the weight is bound to pile on so I'll take 9.
Baby continues to look good! I go in next month for another ultrasound, which will be my last. I'm still leaking lots and it continues to be blood tinged. Nothing new so I don't stress over it.
Tuesday (7/8/14)
I haven't felt like doing much so I had a TV day, thanks to Mike and CeCelia! Dave took the boys to IHOP for dinner. It was like 57cent pancake day and since it was Tuesday, kids eat free, which was an added bonus. He got three meals for the price of one! He said the boys had a blast! They came that evening and as soon as they got here we went for a walk. It was a short visit, but I was glad to see them. Oh and I can't forget that they brought me pancakes for dinner. Of course I had to close my eyes and wait for them to say surprise! Oliver always says "eyes, eyes" so I will close my eyes and then he will say "a-pise"!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
WEEK 28...WE MADE IT!!
Wednesday (6/25/14)
WOW! I can't believe we made it to 28 weeks!! It used to seem so far away and well honestly like an impossible date, but here we are at 28 weeks and still going strong! So I watched Rocky V today and I like a quote from that movie. It's very fitting for our situation I think, "a fight ain't over 'til you heard the bell and we ain't heard the bell". Our fight isn't over, our little Rocky is still fighting and he's winning. He's a strong little guy!
When I woke up today, for some reason I thought I was back at home. I slowly opened one eye to take a look around and I was a little sad when I saw that I was still in the hospital. Oh well, I got over it. Not much happened today, I tried to fix Misty's baby blanket and it wasn't working so I gave up for the day. I guess when you crochet you shouldn't watch a show that doesn't allow you to count stitches, it gets way off!
The boys came over today. I saved them half of my dinner and of course the fruit. I also saved them an oatmeal cookie from lunch and then at dinner they gave me two oatmeal cookies so the boys, including Dave, each got one. It worked out well. They played and finished all the food and then we went for a walk outside. The boys enjoyed playing around and running around for a while. We went back upstairs and Lincoln sat on the bed with me while the nurse took some vitals. Of course the curious little boy asked her all sorts of questions, but the nurse asked the first one:
N- did you enjoy your walk?
L- yeah
N- where'd you go?
L- to see the water tower fountains
N- was it fun
L- it was excited
(She took my temp via ear)
L- why are you listening to my mom's ear?
N- do you want me to listen to your ear?
L- yeah
N- wow you have beautiful eyelashes
L- thanks
N- can I have some of yours?
L- but you have those (pointing to hers)
He's a silly boy!
Thursday (6/26/14)
So I'm having another bleeding episode again...i woke up around 3am and thought to myself oh no not again! I was put on the monitor for the rest of the morning til about 9am. The doc said as long as it doesn't increase, I don't have steady contractions and baby continues to look good then they won't be too concerned. I had some contractions throughout the day, but nothing steady. It's been off and on, it nothing too concerning.
Today I decided to take apart the blanket I was making for Misty's baby and to start over. I was getting a bit frustrated trying to fix it so after about 12 hours of working on it I unraveled the whole thing! Oh well, I figured out a new one and as soon as I get a bigger hook and one more color of yarn I will start over. I watched the last Rocky movie today, it was a pretty good one.
I talked with Dave and he is going to take the boys to the horse parade in Lehi and then run errands so he won't make it tonight. After the parade he called me and said that they loved it! They were throwing candy and at first they weren't getting any because they were on a corner and there was a big group on either side of them so Dave told Linc that the next time he needed to show them his biggest smile and wave really big to them...it worked because after that each person with candy threw a bunch just to their little group of three.
Sometime after the parade Dave took the boys to the store and at some point Linc fell and was sad. Oliver looks at him and says "oh no, Lincoln okay? What happened?" And then he gave him kisses and hugs and after Lincoln was okay he put his arm around his little brother. I wish I could've been there, but I'm glad Dave calls to tell me these things.
Friday (6/27/14)
I woke up at 5a.m. and was hoping that my bleeding was just a dream, but sure enough it wasn't. I'm hoping it stops today, but at this point I'm thinking I'm going to make it to 34 weeks and then they are going to have to induce me. I'm sure I've said it before, but I would much rather stay in he hospital so that I have a better chance of having a regular delivery than a c-section. I want to be able to walk out of the hospital and get right back to normal (whatever that might be this time) just like the other times. Plus after being on bed rest for this long I don't want to have to deal with recovery from a surgery, but I guess I'll have to deal with whatever comes my way.
I had a few visitors today! Rachelle came by to see me. It was really good to catch up with her, it's probably been since our MSW graduation that I've seen her! When she found out I was in Utah she contacted me to see if she could visit. It's always interesting to see what my classmates have been doing the past 4 years. Things seem to be going well for her, which I was very happy to hear. She is so thoughtful, she brought me some delicious cake bites from the sweet tooth fairy. We will definitely be visiting again.
Mike and CeCelia also stopped by for a quick visit. I got to hear some good news from them and chat a bit before they left. They told me how a friend of theirs had a baby around 26 weeks and was 1 1/2 pounds and now that same baby is in high school or grown up. It's crazy to think about that, but what's crazier is that my little (or should I say big) guy weighed in at 2 1/2 pounds at 26.5 weeks. We joked about him coming and then not looking like a preemie because for some reason I grow really big babies, which is a good thing in this case!
We had dinner as a family tonight and although the hospital food isn't all that bad I forgot how good the outside food is. I ordered dinner and gave it to the boys and Dave brought us burritos and they were so good! After everyone was done eating the boys each gave me a surprise. I love it because they have me close my eyes and say "surprise" and then give me whatever it is, which today was gummy bears and chocolate raspberry milano cookies. Oliver found a few more things from around the room and also surprised me with those. I surprised the boys with a piece of carrot cake and they loved it.
When the nurse came in Lincoln without hesitation asked, "can you get a wheelchair for us so we can go on a walk". I love that boy! He is not shy at all and will make sure he is heard. She brought in the wheelchair and Oliver quickly gets on and starts saying walk. On our way out of my room I noticed that they were cleaning out room 3! I told Dave that was the girl I met on Tuesday and I think she had her baby!! It was sad, but she would be 28 weeks Saturday and her water had only been ruptured for about a week so my guess is baby is okay. We went outside and when we got to the fountains they were off. Oliver stood in front of them and kept saying, "oh no...off".
Dave asked the boys if they wanted to play duck duck goose. They did very well! I was even included in the game although I was never goose. Linc had his turn being "the duck duck goose leader" and did a good job with how the game was played. When it was Oliver's turn I was very surprised at how well he did. He would pay each head saying duck and then chose someone to be goose. It was a very fun evening full of lots of laughter!
Saturday (6/28/14)
Today was a pretty good day. I had some visitors in the morning, Rob and Caitlin came by with their boys and they brought me my favorite flowers gerbera daisies! They are in town for a visit and they made time to come and see me, which I totally appreciate. It's been a few years since we saw them because of law school and them moving for Rob's job. It was a fun visit, but just like with my boys once the kids are done the visit is over.
The rest of the day passed without excitement. The boys had a busy day at home so weren't able to visit me, but it sounds like they had tons of fun! They went to a parade that Sabrina was in, played in the water outside and helped Dave wash the car. Dave went paintballing that night so they definitely had a fun filled day.
The baby continues to look good and his heart tones are always amazing! I love how every time Lincoln comes he always asks about my heartbeat and if they need to do my heartbeat. My bleeding has pretty much stopped so that's good! I got through another episode and am still here, but I think my guess is that I'll be here til 34 and then they will have to induce me. I guess only time will tell.
Tonight I learned how to crochet some ballerina type slippers and I added a little flower to each. They will be part of Misty's baby gift. For my first pair and having learned a new stitch I think they came out pretty good.
Sunday (6/29/14)
This morning was a pretty lazy morning. I had breakfast, had my first monitor, read/listened to some talks from lds.org and then watched a how-to video on YouTube to crochet a loafer/mocassin slipper. After a shower I crocheted the new slipper and then came up with a pattern of my own for a flower to put on it. Again part of Misty's gift, but I still have to make the second shoe.
I took a nap and then Dave called to say they were on their way. I hurried to order dinner, but it worked well since Dave was bringing the boys' dinner here. It was really good to see them! I fed them dinner and Oliver wanted to just eat the "noonles" and Lincoln ate the chicken and noodles. A while later Oliver was in the stroller playing around and then the nurse came in to check on me, Oliver starts saying "walk, walk, walk" and then Linc walks over to her and says, "can you get a wheelchair for my mommy so we can go for a walk, are you busy?" It's their new thing to ask for a wheelchair, each in their own way. I absolutely love it!
We went outside and had some fun running around time, or rather me watching the boys and Dave run around time. They ran a bit of a distance away from me and then the life flight helicopter flew over and was getting ready to land. Linc and Dave stayed where they were to watch and Oliver came running over to me saying , "hecopter, hecopter" over and over. When he got to me he said it again and then points to his ear and says "isten". It was very sweet because he wanted me to see it too. He climbed on my lap and then Linc and Dave came running over and Dave put Linc on my lap and then he pushed us to where the helicopter landed. We walked by, saw them pulling the hurt person out and onto a stretcher and then we made a loop and started walking back. I saw some sprinklers on so we made a detour so the boys could run through. As soon as we stopped Oliver basically jumped down and then Dave took the boys' hands and they ran through, but as they reached the end they turned off. Then they found the puddles and started playing in them!! They got soaked, but had so much fun so it was definitely worth it.
After that it was time to go back up to the room and then we did our book of Mormon heroes. I love hearing the boys and what they are learning, Lincoln knows their names and a good amount of their stories and Oliver is learning their names. We said prayers I gave them their treat and then said goodbye. As Lincoln was leaving he looks at me and says, "are you going to be sad when we leave?". Of course I am, I hate saying goodbye to my family, but just as Linc says one of these days I will be able to go visit them.
Monday (6/30/14)
I started bleeding some more, but not a lot. Still no contractions, but a little bit of cramping. Our little guy continues to look great so that's the most important thing. When the doc came by today I asked him if I could have an hour of outside time on Sunday because it's Oliver's birthday and we are planning on doing cake outside. I have to admit it's weird asking permission for something like that!
The day was pretty uneventful before the boys came. I just watched TV, did a little shopping for the boys and took a nap. I tried to get myself to crochet, but never got around to it. Oh well...maybe tomorrow.
The boys were on their way a little earlier than normal! When they got here they had sonic slushies. I shared some vegetables with them and they shared their drink with me. They played around and Dave sat with them on the rolly chair and they had to sing to make the chair move. They had lots of fun and I enjoyed hearing them sing. We went outside and after a little playtime we had family home evening outside. We sang head shoulders knees and toes and they loved it! Of course we did it super fast at Linc's request. Then we talked about our knees and how we pray to Heavenly Father. We played telephone with things we pray for and it actually went well. The first round it was me, Linc, Dave and ended with Oliver and actually said family so it worked! We played duck duck goose for a bit before going back up to the room. I love watching them play! Oliver actually waits til he gets goose before he gets up to run, otherwise he sits there watching and saying "dadda goose" until he gets patted and then he gets up and runs with the boys. We finished the night with B of M heroes and prayers. It was a good evening.
Tuesday (7/1/14)
Wow it's July already!! When I woke up this morning I had absolutely no idea what day it was, I thought it was Sunday, then Saturday and then I just had to think for a minute about yesterday and what happened to figure out the day. For most of the morning I still kept getting confused. It was a pretty calm morning and then around noon I started feeling contractions, after about 15 minutes they weren't going away so I called the nurse in and asked to be monitored. I had contractions for about 4 hours! Some were stronger than others and for a couple of hours they were anywhere from 2-6 minutes apart. Luckily they slowed down and then eventually stopped! They were a little concerned only because little guys heart tones were being weird after each contraction. After that I just relaxed.
Dave came over tonight and when he walked in the room he was holding a snow cone as big as my head! It was sooooo good! He said he thought I would like something from the outside world haha! We enjoyed it together while watching Veronica Mars. It was a nice relaxing night and a great way to end my 28th week!
Saturday (6/28/14)
Today was a pretty good day. I had some visitors in the morning, Rob and Caitlin came by with their boys and they brought me my favorite flowers gerbera daisies! They are in town for a visit and they made time to come and see me, which I totally appreciate. It's been a few years since we saw them because of law school and them moving for Rob's job. It was a fun visit, but just like with my boys once the kids are done the visit is over.
The rest of the day passed without excitement. The boys had a busy day at home so weren't able to visit me, but it sounds like they had tons of fun! They went to a parade that Sabrina was in, played in the water outside and helped Dave wash the car. Dave went paintballing that night so they definitely had a fun filled day.
The baby continues to look good and his heart tones are always amazing! I love how every time Lincoln comes he always asks about my heartbeat and if they need to do my heartbeat. My bleeding has pretty much stopped so that's good! I got through another episode and am still here, but I think my guess is that I'll be here til 34 and then they will have to induce me. I guess only time will tell.
Tonight I learned how to crochet some ballerina type slippers and I added a little flower to each. They will be part of Misty's baby gift. For my first pair and having learned a new stitch I think they came out pretty good.
Sunday (6/29/14)
This morning was a pretty lazy morning. I had breakfast, had my first monitor, read/listened to some talks from lds.org and then watched a how-to video on YouTube to crochet a loafer/mocassin slipper. After a shower I crocheted the new slipper and then came up with a pattern of my own for a flower to put on it. Again part of Misty's gift, but I still have to make the second shoe.
I took a nap and then Dave called to say they were on their way. I hurried to order dinner, but it worked well since Dave was bringing the boys' dinner here. It was really good to see them! I fed them dinner and Oliver wanted to just eat the "noonles" and Lincoln ate the chicken and noodles. A while later Oliver was in the stroller playing around and then the nurse came in to check on me, Oliver starts saying "walk, walk, walk" and then Linc walks over to her and says, "can you get a wheelchair for my mommy so we can go for a walk, are you busy?" It's their new thing to ask for a wheelchair, each in their own way. I absolutely love it!
We went outside and had some fun running around time, or rather me watching the boys and Dave run around time. They ran a bit of a distance away from me and then the life flight helicopter flew over and was getting ready to land. Linc and Dave stayed where they were to watch and Oliver came running over to me saying , "hecopter, hecopter" over and over. When he got to me he said it again and then points to his ear and says "isten". It was very sweet because he wanted me to see it too. He climbed on my lap and then Linc and Dave came running over and Dave put Linc on my lap and then he pushed us to where the helicopter landed. We walked by, saw them pulling the hurt person out and onto a stretcher and then we made a loop and started walking back. I saw some sprinklers on so we made a detour so the boys could run through. As soon as we stopped Oliver basically jumped down and then Dave took the boys' hands and they ran through, but as they reached the end they turned off. Then they found the puddles and started playing in them!! They got soaked, but had so much fun so it was definitely worth it.
After that it was time to go back up to the room and then we did our book of Mormon heroes. I love hearing the boys and what they are learning, Lincoln knows their names and a good amount of their stories and Oliver is learning their names. We said prayers I gave them their treat and then said goodbye. As Lincoln was leaving he looks at me and says, "are you going to be sad when we leave?". Of course I am, I hate saying goodbye to my family, but just as Linc says one of these days I will be able to go visit them.
Monday (6/30/14)
I started bleeding some more, but not a lot. Still no contractions, but a little bit of cramping. Our little guy continues to look great so that's the most important thing. When the doc came by today I asked him if I could have an hour of outside time on Sunday because it's Oliver's birthday and we are planning on doing cake outside. I have to admit it's weird asking permission for something like that!
The day was pretty uneventful before the boys came. I just watched TV, did a little shopping for the boys and took a nap. I tried to get myself to crochet, but never got around to it. Oh well...maybe tomorrow.
The boys were on their way a little earlier than normal! When they got here they had sonic slushies. I shared some vegetables with them and they shared their drink with me. They played around and Dave sat with them on the rolly chair and they had to sing to make the chair move. They had lots of fun and I enjoyed hearing them sing. We went outside and after a little playtime we had family home evening outside. We sang head shoulders knees and toes and they loved it! Of course we did it super fast at Linc's request. Then we talked about our knees and how we pray to Heavenly Father. We played telephone with things we pray for and it actually went well. The first round it was me, Linc, Dave and ended with Oliver and actually said family so it worked! We played duck duck goose for a bit before going back up to the room. I love watching them play! Oliver actually waits til he gets goose before he gets up to run, otherwise he sits there watching and saying "dadda goose" until he gets patted and then he gets up and runs with the boys. We finished the night with B of M heroes and prayers. It was a good evening.
Tuesday (7/1/14)
Wow it's July already!! When I woke up this morning I had absolutely no idea what day it was, I thought it was Sunday, then Saturday and then I just had to think for a minute about yesterday and what happened to figure out the day. For most of the morning I still kept getting confused. It was a pretty calm morning and then around noon I started feeling contractions, after about 15 minutes they weren't going away so I called the nurse in and asked to be monitored. I had contractions for about 4 hours! Some were stronger than others and for a couple of hours they were anywhere from 2-6 minutes apart. Luckily they slowed down and then eventually stopped! They were a little concerned only because little guys heart tones were being weird after each contraction. After that I just relaxed.
Dave came over tonight and when he walked in the room he was holding a snow cone as big as my head! It was sooooo good! He said he thought I would like something from the outside world haha! We enjoyed it together while watching Veronica Mars. It was a nice relaxing night and a great way to end my 28th week!
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