Fun no matter what, even in the hosptial

OK, so Wednesday was not very fun. I admit it, I had a brief time of panic during which time the family mantra slipped my mind completely. I was scared and not having any fun.

After a few days of contractions that were 30-60 minutes apart, my contractions started to get closer together and stronger. On Sunday night I had five in row that were 10 minutes apart, but then slowed again. Same happened on Monday and Tuesday. By Wednesday, Ryan convinced me that I should call my doctor to get checked. I didn't want to. I was afraid to hear the dreaded words "bed rest". I have a life, and a job, and did I mention a TODDLER?

But acquiescing to Ryan's more rational decision-making processes, I called the nurse, who of course, told me to come right in. They monitored me at my doctor's office (for contractions and the baby's heart beat) for 30 minutes. I was  having contractions every five minutes at this point...but only feeling about one out of four. :/

After a quick check, the doctor also determined that I had dilated to 3cm. Not good.

So despite the fact that this was supposed to be a visit to "make sure everything was fine" so that we could go on with life...I was sent across the street to the hospital for more monitoring. This was around 2:30pm. Ryan and Liam were with me. We were not planning to go to the hospital. It was Liam's nap time. You can imagine that this was not a very fun time.

(This is where I am http://www.qualityoflife.org/childbirth/special-care-obstetrics, which is better than where I could be http://www.qualityoflife.org/childrenshospital/nicu/?keywords=NICU&tag=&searchSectionID=)

After more monitoring at the hospital, the doctor and nurses came up with a plan of action for me.
1. Steroid shots for Jude's lungs called corticosteroids (in case they couldn't stop labor).
2. Antibiotics for me--in case I am Strep B positive, since they don't do this test until 35 weeks usually and while I would have no signs of infection, it could cause serious health risks to Jude. (IV administered).
3. A shot of a drug called Terbutaline to stop contractions.
4. Magnesium Sulfate, if the first drug to stop contractions doesn't, um, stop them. (also IV drip).
5. Saline and electrolytes to help push all this stuff through my system and prevent dehydration. (also IV drip).

The Terbutaline worked, my contractions stopped...for an hour. There was talk of discharging me. But then, they came back, stronger. So we moved on to the Magnesium Sulfate. A word about the Magnesium, YUCK.
Although it did it's job, it also made me look like I had a sunburn and have a terrible headache for 12 hours afterward. I just felt yucky all day yesterday.

Today is Friday. I am hoping, hoping, hoping that they let me go home today. I don't care that I have to have bed rest. I don't care that everything is crazy there. I just want to be in my own space where I can sleep for more than two hours without someone waking me up to check on me. I miss my family.

The best part of all of this is seeing how much people are willing to help you out when things go badly. My mom is wonderful and is coming out next weekend to help with everything and in the meantime friends and church members are bringing us meals and helping to watch Liam. So thanks everyone. You're making it easier for me to say "fun no matter what" again.

And please pray that Jude will still make it to full term. I've only got 4 1/2 weeks left until he's not premature.

photo slacker

OK, I know that I've been slacking with taking and uploading my photos lately--and I apologize! It's been a busy, exhausting, hot summer and I just don't seem to take as many photos as I would like to. That said, here are a few more for you to enjoy. I promise I will try to do better!

Click Here.

Liam's 18 month update

This post is mostly for the grandparents who I know are curious about developments--here is an update.

Liam went to the doctor today and is 25lbs 15.5 oz, and 34.5 inches tall. This puts him in the 98th percentile for height and 50th percentile for weight.  Very healthy. He is just starting to outgrow his 18 month clothes.

He now uses a fork and spoon easily, but is still learning to use a regular cup without spilling it everywhere. He does well with thick liquids like smoothies, either because they taste SO good or because they come out slower, I'm not sure which.

Liam can walk up and down stairs with help, and can crawl them on his own. He can run, throw a ball, and stack his blocks. He's learning colors, can count to three, and enjoys using his chalkboard easel.  He's starting to understand imaginary play.

He loves the bath and to brush his own teeth.  Liam is a bookworm and will now happily listen to longer stories like his Curious George books.

Photos!

Click here to see.

What to buy for Liam and Jude

Because we live so far away and I keep hearing "what does Liam need?" and "what do you still need for Jude?" I've created wishlists for them on Amazon.


Just click here and type my name in the box that says "Find someone's list" to view them. 

And thanks for asking what they would like. We are so blessed to have such kind and generous families and friends.

Some cute pictures for July and August

Posted here.  Enjoy!

Cute photo

Cute photo of our friend's son Josh (age 6) helping with Liam at the beach.