We've made it another week! All remains stable.
The girls and I had another ultrasound this morning, and everything still looks great. The doctor confirmed that their lung capacity/chest size is exactly the same. I asked if that's problematic because Baby B is slightly smaller than Baby A (the one without the fluid), and he said absolutely not. He said he would have been happy if their chest measurements were even close to each other, so the fact that they're the same is cause for celebration. He feels like this means that when they're born, we're not going to have too many problems in the breathing department. Thank God.
I also found out that I won't be getting another dose of steroids because they can affect immune response, and since we're at risk for infection anyway, we want to have the most functioning immune systems possible.
Baby A remains head down, while Baby B is back to a transverse position, meaning she's sideways. Her head is under my belly button and she stretches out across my side. I've been getting kicked in the side and back a lot, which is always interesting. Baby A, meanwhile, has her head against my bladder, as if I didn't have to pee enough already. Isn't she sweet?
Still learning to manage the gestational diabetes without the full support of the hospital's food choices, and I'm complaining to anyone who will listen. Northside will be receiving a strongly worded letter from me when I get out of here.
Anyway, other than that, all is well as we head into our 28th week. Again, 28 weeks is a HUGE milestone for them- 98% survivability.
More updates soon!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday, Feb. 23
26 weeks and 5 days! Everything is stable, thank goodness.
Sorry I was all negative Nellie last post-- I just get frustrated sometimes, and not even the thought of 2 healthy girls is enough to turn my frown upside down. Usually it's enough, but I have my moments. Like tonight, when Brady said, "Mommy, you come home too." That's tough.
We had another ultrasound today. Everything looks great! Baby A is measuring 26 weeks, 3 days and weighs about 2 lbs, 5 oz. Baby B is measuring 26 weeks and weighs about 2 lbs, 1 oz. We are so thankful they're growing normally. We'll have another ultrasound Friday.
So I talked to the dietitian today about the white bagels. She looked a little horrified and said, "Yeah...we don't have any control over what they order. Just try to eat half of it if you eat it." "Nutrition," as food services is known at Northside, is not getting my seal of approval. Sigh.
Anyway, all is well here. Trying to keep the TV off and keep my mind busy, which seems to be helping.
More updates soon!
Sorry I was all negative Nellie last post-- I just get frustrated sometimes, and not even the thought of 2 healthy girls is enough to turn my frown upside down. Usually it's enough, but I have my moments. Like tonight, when Brady said, "Mommy, you come home too." That's tough.
We had another ultrasound today. Everything looks great! Baby A is measuring 26 weeks, 3 days and weighs about 2 lbs, 5 oz. Baby B is measuring 26 weeks and weighs about 2 lbs, 1 oz. We are so thankful they're growing normally. We'll have another ultrasound Friday.
So I talked to the dietitian today about the white bagels. She looked a little horrified and said, "Yeah...we don't have any control over what they order. Just try to eat half of it if you eat it." "Nutrition," as food services is known at Northside, is not getting my seal of approval. Sigh.
Anyway, all is well here. Trying to keep the TV off and keep my mind busy, which seems to be helping.
More updates soon!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, Feb,. 22
Happy Monday! I've now been in the hospital for 4 weeks. Gheesh.
It was a pretty uneventful weekend, except I had to start on insulin shots. My blood sugar is just a little high in the morning and after dinner (although not all the the time), and they've found that tight control over blood sugar levels leads to fewer problems with the babies. I'm on board for fewer problems. There is an oral medication that would have avoided the insulin, but I have a drug allergy that prevented me from taking it. SO-- straight to the insulin. Once the doctor told me I'd have to go on the insulin, I had my first big breakdown since we were told I'd have to go on bed rest.
It's not that I have to go on insulin-- again, on board with controlling my blood sugar -- it's the fact that I am SO TIRED of being poked and prodded, monitored and evaluated. I should install a freaking revolving door to make it easier for everyone who has to come in and out of my room 1,000 times a day. I miss my husband and son, I miss my life, I miss walking around, and I miss having any control over what's going on with me (including managing what I eat-- it's hard to keep your blood sugar down when the dietitian-approved snacks include white bagels). It's very frustrating, and it's very difficult. The first few weeks I was here, there was so much anxiety about whether or not the babies would be born, but it's dragging on and on, and my personality patterns are coming back. (This is disappointing mainly for my husband, who most certainly enjoyed a more laid-back Becky.)
When you're pregnant, your body is leased out for about 10 months, and this is just kind of making it all tougher. When people say to me that they'd like to have twins, I'm going to show them the hospital bills and this blog. Don't mistake any of this venting and think that I'm not grateful the girls are still cooking, but this is an incredibly difficult experience and a lot to ask of anyone.
On a happier note, Bonnie came up this weekend to help, and Shawn and I got to have a date night here in my hospital room while she watched Brady. Not the most romantic locale, but at least we got to enjoy a yummy dinner and a movie together. We are so thankful for Bonnie and everything she's done to help us out.
We are also continually grateful for our neighbors, who are providing meals for Shawn and Brady a few times a week. It really helps them out, and it truly gives me peace of mind to know that things are a little easier for them. If you'd like to provide a meal for them, visit carecalendar.org (id 32090; sec code 3540). Our immediate neighbor Stephanie Runge is coordinating everything, and we can't thank her enough.
So that's all the news. We have another ultrasound tomorrow, and I'll report back with the results. More updates soon!
It was a pretty uneventful weekend, except I had to start on insulin shots. My blood sugar is just a little high in the morning and after dinner (although not all the the time), and they've found that tight control over blood sugar levels leads to fewer problems with the babies. I'm on board for fewer problems. There is an oral medication that would have avoided the insulin, but I have a drug allergy that prevented me from taking it. SO-- straight to the insulin. Once the doctor told me I'd have to go on the insulin, I had my first big breakdown since we were told I'd have to go on bed rest.
It's not that I have to go on insulin-- again, on board with controlling my blood sugar -- it's the fact that I am SO TIRED of being poked and prodded, monitored and evaluated. I should install a freaking revolving door to make it easier for everyone who has to come in and out of my room 1,000 times a day. I miss my husband and son, I miss my life, I miss walking around, and I miss having any control over what's going on with me (including managing what I eat-- it's hard to keep your blood sugar down when the dietitian-approved snacks include white bagels). It's very frustrating, and it's very difficult. The first few weeks I was here, there was so much anxiety about whether or not the babies would be born, but it's dragging on and on, and my personality patterns are coming back. (This is disappointing mainly for my husband, who most certainly enjoyed a more laid-back Becky.)
When you're pregnant, your body is leased out for about 10 months, and this is just kind of making it all tougher. When people say to me that they'd like to have twins, I'm going to show them the hospital bills and this blog. Don't mistake any of this venting and think that I'm not grateful the girls are still cooking, but this is an incredibly difficult experience and a lot to ask of anyone.
On a happier note, Bonnie came up this weekend to help, and Shawn and I got to have a date night here in my hospital room while she watched Brady. Not the most romantic locale, but at least we got to enjoy a yummy dinner and a movie together. We are so thankful for Bonnie and everything she's done to help us out.
We are also continually grateful for our neighbors, who are providing meals for Shawn and Brady a few times a week. It really helps them out, and it truly gives me peace of mind to know that things are a little easier for them. If you'd like to provide a meal for them, visit carecalendar.org (id 32090; sec code 3540). Our immediate neighbor Stephanie Runge is coordinating everything, and we can't thank her enough.
So that's all the news. We have another ultrasound tomorrow, and I'll report back with the results. More updates soon!
Friday, February 19, 2010
26 weeks: Next milestone reached!
Yesterday marked the start of my 26th week of pregnancy. Another milestone reached!
Today marks 4 weeks since Baby A's water broke. Amazing. So far, so good...
Had another ultrasound this morning, and both girls continue to do great. Their chests, hearts, and lungs are measuring exactly the same in spite of Baby A's very low fluid levels. Our perinatologist is absolutely convinced that having a Baby B has allowed Baby A to do so well (see the very first blog post for more info on this phenomenon). Whatever the reason, we'll take it!
No news with me-- temp stable, blood pressure good, blood sugar good, no contractions. I'm allowing myself to get hopeful and even did some online shopping for girls' bedding yesterday. :)
All doctors agree that the next milestone is really 28 weeks, which isn't to say that 27 weeks wouldn't be significant.
So that's all that's going on. Thankfully, not much is happening except the girls and I are all getting bigger.
More updates soon!
Today marks 4 weeks since Baby A's water broke. Amazing. So far, so good...
Had another ultrasound this morning, and both girls continue to do great. Their chests, hearts, and lungs are measuring exactly the same in spite of Baby A's very low fluid levels. Our perinatologist is absolutely convinced that having a Baby B has allowed Baby A to do so well (see the very first blog post for more info on this phenomenon). Whatever the reason, we'll take it!
No news with me-- temp stable, blood pressure good, blood sugar good, no contractions. I'm allowing myself to get hopeful and even did some online shopping for girls' bedding yesterday. :)
All doctors agree that the next milestone is really 28 weeks, which isn't to say that 27 weeks wouldn't be significant.
So that's all that's going on. Thankfully, not much is happening except the girls and I are all getting bigger.
More updates soon!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wednesday, Feb. 17
Sorry I didn't do an update yesterday-- I get so tired of the computer some nights!
Everything went well with yesterday's ultrasound. Girls are both doing great-- no changes with them or with me. We'll have another ultrasound Friday for another look. I really need to get a scanner so you can see the photos we're seeing. Baby A is head down, face down, so we don't get great looks at her face or torso, but her spine looks great. :) Baby B is quite the ham, and not so modest... she's going to be trouble. ;)
Tomorrow marks 26 weeks-- another milestone! We've been hearing anecdotally that 26 is where you really want to be because the odds are so good at that point. So we're happy to be here. We'll be happier if we make it to 27 weeks...28 weeks...29 weeks...you get the picture. We're taking every day as it comes, although it's hard not to look ahead.
Tomorrow is also a bittersweet day for me personally. It would have been my mother's 62nd birthday. I miss her every day, but I miss her so much more now that we're going through all this. I'm so thankful for the 26 years I had with her, and for all the love she gave me. I hope I'm half as good a mother to my kids as she was to my brother and me. I'm just so sad that she never knew any of her grandchildren, and I can only hope that she's watching over them now, seeing them for the beautiful, smart, sweet, wonderful children they are. And I hope she's there for the girls when they're born too.
So that's it-- more updates soon!
Everything went well with yesterday's ultrasound. Girls are both doing great-- no changes with them or with me. We'll have another ultrasound Friday for another look. I really need to get a scanner so you can see the photos we're seeing. Baby A is head down, face down, so we don't get great looks at her face or torso, but her spine looks great. :) Baby B is quite the ham, and not so modest... she's going to be trouble. ;)
Tomorrow marks 26 weeks-- another milestone! We've been hearing anecdotally that 26 is where you really want to be because the odds are so good at that point. So we're happy to be here. We'll be happier if we make it to 27 weeks...28 weeks...29 weeks...you get the picture. We're taking every day as it comes, although it's hard not to look ahead.
Tomorrow is also a bittersweet day for me personally. It would have been my mother's 62nd birthday. I miss her every day, but I miss her so much more now that we're going through all this. I'm so thankful for the 26 years I had with her, and for all the love she gave me. I hope I'm half as good a mother to my kids as she was to my brother and me. I'm just so sad that she never knew any of her grandchildren, and I can only hope that she's watching over them now, seeing them for the beautiful, smart, sweet, wonderful children they are. And I hope she's there for the girls when they're born too.
So that's it-- more updates soon!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday, Feb. 15
Today marks 3 weeks in the hospital. I think. It could also be 3 years-- I'm not sure.
Everything is well! We're heading to the 26th week, which begins Thursday. The girls are extremely active, and I've been watching them do strange things to my abdomen all day.
I'm working to get the hang of this gestational diabetes thing. I could do without the finger pokes, and I wish I could have some apple juice, but I'll survive. I do wish I was at home though-- I think I'd be able to manage it better, or at least tastier (have you had hospital food lately??). But all in all, it's no big deal, and so far everything is being managed through my diet. I'm hoping not to have to go on any meds. I have never wanted a Snickers bar so badly ...
We have another ultrasound tomorrow, so I'll report back. More updates soon!
Everything is well! We're heading to the 26th week, which begins Thursday. The girls are extremely active, and I've been watching them do strange things to my abdomen all day.
I'm working to get the hang of this gestational diabetes thing. I could do without the finger pokes, and I wish I could have some apple juice, but I'll survive. I do wish I was at home though-- I think I'd be able to manage it better, or at least tastier (have you had hospital food lately??). But all in all, it's no big deal, and so far everything is being managed through my diet. I'm hoping not to have to go on any meds. I have never wanted a Snickers bar so badly ...
We have another ultrasound tomorrow, so I'll report back. More updates soon!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Saturday, Feb. 13: Too, too sweet
We had an ultrasound yesterday, and everything still looks good. The girls are active, blood flow is good, and while the fluid level is low on Baby A as expected, both girls seem happy and healthy for this stage of pregnancy.
This morning I had my 3-hr glucose screen, and boy did I fail miserably. If you're going to do it, I guess you gotta do it big, right? I had a feeling this would be the result and probably could have saved myself 4 vials of blood, but so it goes. So now that I've been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, we'll be cutting back on carbs and sugar and closely monitoring my blood sugar levels. Pretty awesome. (I want to send a big shout-out to my fellow gestational diabetic Amanda Dobbs for bringing me some sugar-free candy. It's pretty good, actually.) This condition should go away once the girls are born, so I look forward to eating cake at some point.
Speaking of cake, yesterday was my nephew Ben's first birthday, and I was Skyped in for most of his party today. Technology is amazing. I felt like I was more or less there, and even if I had been, I couldn't have had the cake and ice cream anyway!
So everything is still status quo, thank goodness. More updates soon!
This morning I had my 3-hr glucose screen, and boy did I fail miserably. If you're going to do it, I guess you gotta do it big, right? I had a feeling this would be the result and probably could have saved myself 4 vials of blood, but so it goes. So now that I've been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, we'll be cutting back on carbs and sugar and closely monitoring my blood sugar levels. Pretty awesome. (I want to send a big shout-out to my fellow gestational diabetic Amanda Dobbs for bringing me some sugar-free candy. It's pretty good, actually.) This condition should go away once the girls are born, so I look forward to eating cake at some point.
Speaking of cake, yesterday was my nephew Ben's first birthday, and I was Skyped in for most of his party today. Technology is amazing. I felt like I was more or less there, and even if I had been, I couldn't have had the cake and ice cream anyway!
So everything is still status quo, thank goodness. More updates soon!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
25 Weeks and Counting!
So we've made another milestone: 25 weeks! The babies have better odds today than they did yesterday. :)
Two notable things happened today, and everything else is status quo:
1. I took my first stretcher ride to a class for more info on the NICU. Verdict: I'd rather walk. (no such luck)
2. I flunked my 1-hr glucose test. 3-hr test to follow Saturday. (Here's hoping)
We have another ultrasound tomorrow, just to check on the babies and make sure they're doing well generally. My dad will also be in town, assuming he can make it through the 1-2 in. of snow that's forecasted. Hope you're stocked up on bread, milk, and beer!
More updates soon!
Two notable things happened today, and everything else is status quo:
1. I took my first stretcher ride to a class for more info on the NICU. Verdict: I'd rather walk. (no such luck)
2. I flunked my 1-hr glucose test. 3-hr test to follow Saturday. (Here's hoping)
We have another ultrasound tomorrow, just to check on the babies and make sure they're doing well generally. My dad will also be in town, assuming he can make it through the 1-2 in. of snow that's forecasted. Hope you're stocked up on bread, milk, and beer!
More updates soon!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Ultrasound # 8,437,236
We had another ultrasound this morning, and things are looking good. The girls are measuring well, right on target. Baby A weighs about 1 lb, 9 oz., and Baby B is tipping the scales at about 1 lb, 11 oz. Notably, the doctor was very encouraged that Baby A's lung tissue volume looks great. He said that when there's a rupture before 24 weeks, they're concerned that the lungs won't develop properly, but at least for now Baby A's lungs are totally normal. What a welcome relief. Baby A's amniotic fluid is still very low, but as mentioned before, as long as she and I are continuing to produce it, it's not that big of a concern. Or at least, not as big a concern as infection or spontaneous labor.
If you're interested, Baby A is head down, and Baby B is hanging out sideways, with her head under my belly button and her feet somewhere around my ribs. Both babies continue to be VERY active. When I wake up in the middle of the night, one or both are usually kicking, and I just lay there smiling, thinking about the possibilities and allowing myself to be hopeful.
So speaking of waking up in the middle of the night, MAN am I tired. The bed isn't the most comfy, and naturally I have to wake up to use the restroom, but my main complaint is that I can't get back to sleep. I was taking Ambien, but it makes me so groggy in the morning, I don't think it's worth it. My doctor is taking pity on me and has written an order for an air mattress since it looks like I'm in for the long haul. Here's hoping it helps! I'll try the Ambien again, b/c something has to give. As everyone knows, there's no sleeping in a hospital, but this is ridiculous. I can't even take a nap b/c people are in and out all day. But honestly, if this is my biggest complaint, I'll deal with it.
On a very sad note for me, Brady has come down with a cold and can't visit. It's not so much the risk of infection, but we don't want me sneezing or coughing and losing more fluid, or getting congested and having an emergency that would require general anesthesia, etc. Stupid rhinovirus. I hope it clears soon, because I'm already missing him so much.
So that's all the news that's fit to print today. More updates soon!
If you're interested, Baby A is head down, and Baby B is hanging out sideways, with her head under my belly button and her feet somewhere around my ribs. Both babies continue to be VERY active. When I wake up in the middle of the night, one or both are usually kicking, and I just lay there smiling, thinking about the possibilities and allowing myself to be hopeful.
So speaking of waking up in the middle of the night, MAN am I tired. The bed isn't the most comfy, and naturally I have to wake up to use the restroom, but my main complaint is that I can't get back to sleep. I was taking Ambien, but it makes me so groggy in the morning, I don't think it's worth it. My doctor is taking pity on me and has written an order for an air mattress since it looks like I'm in for the long haul. Here's hoping it helps! I'll try the Ambien again, b/c something has to give. As everyone knows, there's no sleeping in a hospital, but this is ridiculous. I can't even take a nap b/c people are in and out all day. But honestly, if this is my biggest complaint, I'll deal with it.
On a very sad note for me, Brady has come down with a cold and can't visit. It's not so much the risk of infection, but we don't want me sneezing or coughing and losing more fluid, or getting congested and having an emergency that would require general anesthesia, etc. Stupid rhinovirus. I hope it clears soon, because I'm already missing him so much.
So that's all the news that's fit to print today. More updates soon!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Two whole weeks in: Monday, Feb. 8
So I've now been in the hospital 2 whole weeks, and I'm slightly less anxious than I was 2 weeks ago. The babies are still cooking, which is a good thing. But I miss Brady and Shawn more, which is a bad thing. Now Brady has come down with a cold, and I'm not sure I'll be able to see him for a few days. I'll find out more when I talk to the doc in the morning.
All the things I'm missing are becoming more real to me now. If all goes well, I'll be in here many more weeks, and I'll miss my nephew's first birthday, my niece's third birthday, Brady's third birthday, some good friends' wedding, and, if this goes on into April, my nephew's second birthday. Not to mention the day-to-day cuteness that is our son learning how to use the potty, try new things, run around in crazy circles, and so much more. It's a lot to ask of someone. Shawn reminds me this is all for the greater good, and I'm trying to keep that in mind.
So anyway, nothing new to report-- another day of needed/wanted status quo. We have an ultrasound in the morning, so I'll report on that tomorrow.
Thanks, everyone!
All the things I'm missing are becoming more real to me now. If all goes well, I'll be in here many more weeks, and I'll miss my nephew's first birthday, my niece's third birthday, Brady's third birthday, some good friends' wedding, and, if this goes on into April, my nephew's second birthday. Not to mention the day-to-day cuteness that is our son learning how to use the potty, try new things, run around in crazy circles, and so much more. It's a lot to ask of someone. Shawn reminds me this is all for the greater good, and I'm trying to keep that in mind.
So anyway, nothing new to report-- another day of needed/wanted status quo. We have an ultrasound in the morning, so I'll report on that tomorrow.
Thanks, everyone!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sunday, Feb. 7
No baby news from this weekend, which is great! Starting week 3 on bedrest, and I have now tired of hospital food and HGTV.
On a more personal note, I had some really amazing visits this weekend. My friend Heather came in from Philly, followed by a surprise visit from Stacey from Savannah! Heather, Stacey, Sara, and I have known each other forever, and it was great fun to just sit around and talk all day, even in a hospital. I'm also happy to report that they found me some nightgowns. :) Our cousins Teri and Alan also came to visit from Ellijay (and brought awesome cookies), and my friends Brittany (with matzah ball soup!) and Erin (with chocolate covered pretzels!) rounded out the weekend. I can't tell you how loved I feel. Thank you again for all your visits, calls, thoughts, and prayers.
Shawn and Brady just left after a visit, and it's always hard when they leave. I miss my little family and just plain 'ol snuggle time so much. It's unnatural to be away from my men while I bake the girls, but so it must be.
Anyway, nothing really to report, but wanted to give an update. More updates soon!
On a more personal note, I had some really amazing visits this weekend. My friend Heather came in from Philly, followed by a surprise visit from Stacey from Savannah! Heather, Stacey, Sara, and I have known each other forever, and it was great fun to just sit around and talk all day, even in a hospital. I'm also happy to report that they found me some nightgowns. :) Our cousins Teri and Alan also came to visit from Ellijay (and brought awesome cookies), and my friends Brittany (with matzah ball soup!) and Erin (with chocolate covered pretzels!) rounded out the weekend. I can't tell you how loved I feel. Thank you again for all your visits, calls, thoughts, and prayers.
Shawn and Brady just left after a visit, and it's always hard when they leave. I miss my little family and just plain 'ol snuggle time so much. It's unnatural to be away from my men while I bake the girls, but so it must be.
Anyway, nothing really to report, but wanted to give an update. More updates soon!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Friday, Feb. 5
Second Friday in the hospital. It's been 2 weeks since Baby A's water broke, and at first, we didn't think we could possibly last this long. But here we are.
We had another ultrasound this morning, and thankfully, everything remains the same. Babies are both looking good, there's no sign of infection, and there's been no sign of any kind of spontaneous labor starting. We'll have another ultrasound Tuesday, and they'll do measurements at that time to see how big the girls are. It's pretty obvious to us that I'm growing, so it'll be nice to have some numbers to back that up.
So we're in kind of a strange, tentative place with the pregnancy. Because of the not-so-great viability odds right now, we're still having to think about what to do if they're born now. Two weeks ago, there was no question, and 2 weeks from now there will be no question, but at 24 weeks it's all still up in the air. The doctor said this morning that if they should be born, the NICU staff would be very honest with us about how they're doing, and we can make a decision about how much work to do on them at that time. It's heartbreaking to think that we're going through all this and might not have 2 healthy girls to show for it, but we're thinking positive. The doctor also said that, even though anything could happen, he doesn't think anything will progress this week. Crossing fingers, toes, and legs!
So in the spirit of thinking positive, I've created a quick list of good things about being on hospital bedrest. I'm not including not having to cook and clean, because let me tell you, I would do anything to be able to cook for my family and give my kid a bath.
So, here's what I got:
1. Not having to walk 2 miles to go to the bathroom at work
2. Having to wear anti-embolism stockings that cover my legs, thus eliminating the need to shave them.
3. Not being expected to wear makeup
4. Getting to watch "Jeopardy" every night
5. Due to overviewing of HGTV, getting design ideas for our kitchen (sorry, honey!)
6. Not having to watch "Dragon Tales" every night, thank the good Lord
7. Getting to see friends and family
8. Being reminded how much we are loved and how fortunate we are, thanks to awesome friends and family
9. Having time to cook up half-assed business ideas, like a maternity line for multiples pregnancies (WITH NIGHTGOWNS)
So it's not all bad. I am hoping the weeks continue to go by quickly! I miss my husband, son, and dog, and my "outside" life. Not to mention just "outside."
More updates soon!
We had another ultrasound this morning, and thankfully, everything remains the same. Babies are both looking good, there's no sign of infection, and there's been no sign of any kind of spontaneous labor starting. We'll have another ultrasound Tuesday, and they'll do measurements at that time to see how big the girls are. It's pretty obvious to us that I'm growing, so it'll be nice to have some numbers to back that up.
So we're in kind of a strange, tentative place with the pregnancy. Because of the not-so-great viability odds right now, we're still having to think about what to do if they're born now. Two weeks ago, there was no question, and 2 weeks from now there will be no question, but at 24 weeks it's all still up in the air. The doctor said this morning that if they should be born, the NICU staff would be very honest with us about how they're doing, and we can make a decision about how much work to do on them at that time. It's heartbreaking to think that we're going through all this and might not have 2 healthy girls to show for it, but we're thinking positive. The doctor also said that, even though anything could happen, he doesn't think anything will progress this week. Crossing fingers, toes, and legs!
So in the spirit of thinking positive, I've created a quick list of good things about being on hospital bedrest. I'm not including not having to cook and clean, because let me tell you, I would do anything to be able to cook for my family and give my kid a bath.
So, here's what I got:
1. Not having to walk 2 miles to go to the bathroom at work
2. Having to wear anti-embolism stockings that cover my legs, thus eliminating the need to shave them.
3. Not being expected to wear makeup
4. Getting to watch "Jeopardy" every night
5. Due to overviewing of HGTV, getting design ideas for our kitchen (sorry, honey!)
6. Not having to watch "Dragon Tales" every night, thank the good Lord
7. Getting to see friends and family
8. Being reminded how much we are loved and how fortunate we are, thanks to awesome friends and family
9. Having time to cook up half-assed business ideas, like a maternity line for multiples pregnancies (WITH NIGHTGOWNS)
So it's not all bad. I am hoping the weeks continue to go by quickly! I miss my husband, son, and dog, and my "outside" life. Not to mention just "outside."
More updates soon!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
First milestone: 24 weeks
We made it to the first milestone! We had a lengthy conversation with a NICU doctor last night now that we've entered this new stage in the pregnancy. Obviously, we want to keep them baking as long as possible. He indicated that things could change very quickly with me, so every day means so much, and every week is an unbelievable blessing.
The babies are now at the earliest point of viability, which is to say that if they were born, their odds would be 50/50. Believe it or not, that's way better than if they were born last week. With every passing week, their odds get better and better, and by 28 weeks they'll have a 95% chance of survival. Of course, the other scary thing is that even if they live, they have a very high risk of lifelong developmental and/or physical disabilities. If they were born during the next week, they'd only have a 1 in 4 chance of being totally healthy.
I've now had my 2 injections of steroids to help develop the babies' lungs and other systems, but these are most effective within a week of delivery. Of course, we don't want me to deliver for a while, so I may have a repeat dose in a few weeks if we make it that long.
The babies are continuing to kick the heck out of me, and their heart rates are strong and steady, so I'm enjoying them as long as I can. Shawn and Brady are visiting as often as possible, and Skype is helping us stay more connected.
I've had lots of visitors, calls, texts, and messages, and my friend Heather is now in from Philadelphia to keep me company and translate medical jargon. ;) I can't tell you how thankful we are for your thoughts, prayers, and love.
We have another ultrasound tomorrow, but hopefully we won't get any "new" news-- more of the same is what we want. More updates soon!
The babies are now at the earliest point of viability, which is to say that if they were born, their odds would be 50/50. Believe it or not, that's way better than if they were born last week. With every passing week, their odds get better and better, and by 28 weeks they'll have a 95% chance of survival. Of course, the other scary thing is that even if they live, they have a very high risk of lifelong developmental and/or physical disabilities. If they were born during the next week, they'd only have a 1 in 4 chance of being totally healthy.
I've now had my 2 injections of steroids to help develop the babies' lungs and other systems, but these are most effective within a week of delivery. Of course, we don't want me to deliver for a while, so I may have a repeat dose in a few weeks if we make it that long.
The babies are continuing to kick the heck out of me, and their heart rates are strong and steady, so I'm enjoying them as long as I can. Shawn and Brady are visiting as often as possible, and Skype is helping us stay more connected.
I've had lots of visitors, calls, texts, and messages, and my friend Heather is now in from Philadelphia to keep me company and translate medical jargon. ;) I can't tell you how thankful we are for your thoughts, prayers, and love.
We have another ultrasound tomorrow, but hopefully we won't get any "new" news-- more of the same is what we want. More updates soon!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Day 9: No changes, ready for steroids
Today is Day 9 in the hospital. We had another ultrasound this morning, and everything remains the same. Both babies have good blood flow and steady heart rates. Baby A is of course low on fluid, but all other signs are good.
The doctor told me that my risk of infection is much lower than before-- but it's still a very real risk. As much a risk now is spontaneous labor, which seems unlikely today, but anything could change at any minute, which is why I'm still in the hospital. Tomorrow I get a shot of steroids in my tushie, followed by another one on Thursday, which, sadly, ends of my chances of playing professional baseball. Although I guess wrestling is still an option. :)
If for some reason I go into labor in the next couple days, they'd try to stop delivery long enough for the steroids to take effect. If I have an infection and go into labor at any other time, they will not stop labor-- these babies will be delivered and cared for in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit).
If you're not familiar with Northside Hospital, you should know that neither I nor the babies could be in better hands. The NICU here is second to none-- the staff and technology are amazing. I feel very grateful to be here.
So that's the news for Tuesday, Feb. 2. More updates tomorrow!
The doctor told me that my risk of infection is much lower than before-- but it's still a very real risk. As much a risk now is spontaneous labor, which seems unlikely today, but anything could change at any minute, which is why I'm still in the hospital. Tomorrow I get a shot of steroids in my tushie, followed by another one on Thursday, which, sadly, ends of my chances of playing professional baseball. Although I guess wrestling is still an option. :)
If for some reason I go into labor in the next couple days, they'd try to stop delivery long enough for the steroids to take effect. If I have an infection and go into labor at any other time, they will not stop labor-- these babies will be delivered and cared for in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit).
If you're not familiar with Northside Hospital, you should know that neither I nor the babies could be in better hands. The NICU here is second to none-- the staff and technology are amazing. I feel very grateful to be here.
So that's the news for Tuesday, Feb. 2. More updates tomorrow!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Monday: Day 8
Today was another day of the same. I continue to have some fluid loss, but my understanding is that this could go on for weeks and weeks with no ill effects. The biggest threat remains infection.
We got back to work today, although it certainly wasn't like it used to be. I think we were both glad to have something to take our minds off everything.
I'm still trying to take it easy, and to take things one day at a time. If you know me, you know how hard that is for me! Shawn is handling things much better, as would be expected. :)
We have another ultrasound tomorrow, so I'll share any news that comes our way. Thanks again for your messages, calls, love, support, and prayers!
We got back to work today, although it certainly wasn't like it used to be. I think we were both glad to have something to take our minds off everything.
I'm still trying to take it easy, and to take things one day at a time. If you know me, you know how hard that is for me! Shawn is handling things much better, as would be expected. :)
We have another ultrasound tomorrow, so I'll share any news that comes our way. Thanks again for your messages, calls, love, support, and prayers!
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