Final Ultrasound

I had an ultrasound this morning. The last one with the Perinatologist.

Baby looks great! 3.5 pounds (smaller than I was hoping). Head very low (my bladder testifies to that). Lots of hair. Face up. Chubby cheeks. Plenty of fluid. Good heart rate and blood flow through the cord. I don't know what I'll do if I actually have a chubby baby with hair. I told my OB I was trying to break all records...more than 36 weeks and over 6 pounds! He laughed. :)

Cervix is shorter. 0.6. Not that much shorter and at least everything is on the correct side of the stitch. Dr. did an exam (oh my...it's been awhile since I've had one of those). Stitch is in place and holding well. I'm not dilating.

Overall it was a good visit and a great way to start my day and start bringing an end to hospital bedrest. Not that I'm counting but...10 days 13+ hours until I'm out of here!

Now about the picture...
He's very, very low and without much room so his face is smashed up against my uterus. That being said we were only able to get a good 1/2-shot of his little face. I think his mouth is partly open. His arm is tucked up against his cheek with his fingers pointing down as if posing for an "aren't I cute?!" moment.

Oh...and one more thing...

Dear Madison,
I promise he'll be cuter in real life!
Love, Aunt Julie

32 Weeks!

32 weeks today. Hooray!

77 days on bedrest at home

53 days so far on hospital bedrest

130 days total bedrest

14 days until I can go home

28 days total until I'm finally off bedrest

35 days to go until our little boy is considered full term

56 days until my original due date

All is well. I'm still pregnant! I almost can't believe we've made it this far. 32 weeks is HUGE! I had a rough go of things a couple of nights ago. More contractions. More irritability. More movement and pressure "down low". It's the first time in several weeks that I've had the "I don't know if we're going to make it" feelings. The reality is...I may...I may not. I want so badly to make it to at least 36 weeks and I know myself well enough to know that I'll be a bit disappointed if we don't. It's just that we're so very close.

Evan is getting bigger and putting more pressure on my cervix and the stitch is pretty much the only thing keeping him from making his escape. Right now it's baby's head, stitch, and 0.8cm cervix. I have another/final ultrasound on Tuesday to see how things are going. I'm anxious about the cervix measurement. I'd love it if we saw some lengthening before going home, but I'll be happy if we at least see no shortening.

I thought I'd have more to say, but I'm very tired today. So I guess if I get a burst of energy I'll write again later. Otherwise you can expect an update after Tuesday's ultrasound.

Time

Now that we're getting so close to not only reaching a major goal (32 weeks) but also receiving the ticket home, time has slowed. It's crawling.

We can make it! We can make it! We can make it!

Happy Mother's Day!

So these...
came from one of my favorite little boys. Therefore, they are some of my favorite things. This was Ryan's Mother's Day present to me. He was so excited to give them to me. Friday morning he came bouncing into my room exclaiming "Happy Mom's Day! Happy Mom's Day!" He handed me a pink sack containing a pink monster truck and a pink "candle" (air freshener--but he associates candles with smelling good and wanted Mom's room to smell good) that he picked out all by himself. It was the sweetest thing in the world. Also in the sack were shower gel and lotion from Bath and Body Works. Those came from my mom and they, too, were a very pleasant surprise. Something simple to bring the feeling of beauty to this hospital-bound Mommy.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers reading this. I hope everyone around you makes you feel like the most amazing person on earth today showering you hugs, kisses, gifts, and appreciation. May your heart swell today knowing that you've made such a huge difference in the lives of your husband, kids and everyone else around you.

Happy Mother's Day to my amazing Mom. I want to be just like you in so many ways. You've guided me, encouraged me and challenged me. You've always helped me to see life with a "silver lining". Thank you. And thank you so very much for stepping up and being a "mother" to my son while I'm gone. He sure does love his Nana. You're an amazing Mom and Nana. I love you.

Happy Mother's Day Diana. You, too, are an amazing Mom and Mimi. You're love touches so many...from your own kids (pets included) all the way through to the smallest of your grandkids.

Happy Mother's Day Sharon. You are a great Mom and Gigi. I hope your day is blessed as much as you've blessed others.

Happy Mother's Day Sue. Thank you for loving our family and being there for my dad.

Favorite Things?

Evan

Here's a peek at our sweet little miracle, Evan. He's now 30 weeks 4 days old and is weighing around 3 pounds 5 ounces. Isn't that awesome?!

My apologies for the whiny post yesterday.

Ultrasound today--

Evan is weighing approximately 3 pounds 5 ounces. He passed 8/8 on the biophysical profile. No change in the cervical measurement from 2 weeks ago. I'm grateful for no further shortening.

I'm very grateful for the good report. Unfortunately the experience itself was horrible. I sat in a wheelchair for over an hour in a little room waiting. Why don't they wait to come get me until they are actually ready?! I don't know if the tech had never done one before but she took some measurements, had to retake them at least twice and after finishing and leaving the room came back twice because she "forgot" to measure a few things (aminiotic fluid level, blood flow through the cord, etc.) When it came time for the trans-vag u/s for the cervix she looked at the wand and asked me, "do you stick this thing in or do I?" (Sorry for those that up until this point had no idea how the cervical u/s was done.) Are you serious?! Needless to say that ended up being the roughest (most violating) cervical u/s I've ever had. I'm hoping that horrible ultrasound doesn't start anything tonight. So far no extra contractions though. That's good.

3 hours after leaving for the u/s I was returned to my room feeling a little like Cinderella. Just another ugly stepchild. Anything but a beautiful pregnant mommy walking around with her ever-expanding belly showing off the miracle of new life growing within her. Anything but that lovely pregnant mom planning her nursery, shopping for cute baby things, attending showers. Anything but that special person strangers give up their place in line for, help in ways you never expected and showering her with oohs and aahs because the miracle of life growing within her is so noticeable and so aah inspiring.

We Made It! We Made It! We Made It!

We made it to 30 weeks! Hooray!

At 30 weeks...

He should weigh somewhere in the 3 pound range.
He should be approximately 14-17 inches tall.
His is experiencing major brain development.
His eyes are opening and closing. He can notice light vs. dark too.
His eyelashes and eyebrows are fully grown.
His "plumbing" should be fully functional with all the right parts in all the right places.
Lanugo is leaving.
Bone marrow is now responsible for RBC development.
Being out of the 20's is awesome!

Now onto a new goal...

32 weeks!

The Ticker

Have you looked at the ticker today? 15 hours and counting.

We All Scream For Ice Cream!

It's New

I know I was supposed to update a day or two ago, but I couldn't think of anything to say. Here are the highlights:

Evan is doing well. He almost always looks great on the monitor and I'm often told he looks as good as a full term baby. He's getting bigger and his *active* days wear me out. I'm very excited to see how big this little guy is getting at our next ultrasound.

I'm doing well. My body is starting to protest all of the laying down, but I really can't complain too much. I feel very blessed to actually be this pregnant! I love feeling this little guy moving around. Since the last ultrasound I spend 90% of each day laying in bed with the foot of the bed elevated. I sit up to eat 3 times a day. I shower every couple of days (sorry if that was tmi.) I try to drink plenty of water especially now that a lack of sufficient fluids is leading to increased contractions. I am having about 1 or 2 contractions an hour and they are...shall we say...intense. Most of the time.

On Sunday I was given the opportunity to move to a new room. Of course I jumped on the chance, so now I'm in room 582. It's not any bigger, but I have a different view out the window and the television is better. I also have a mini refrigerator in the room for snacks.

Today is Monday and I am having blood drawn to check my thyroid levels and for a glucose tolerance test. Hmmm...fun times around here!

And the most exciting thing of all...

I'm well on my way to meeting our first goal...30 weeks! It's a goal that has at times seemed so far away, but now we're just days away. I feel so blessed to be this far. Keep your eyes on the ticker though because as soon as we reach our goal we'll be setting a new one with a new ticker!

3-Year--Old Thoughts

While watching a commercial for "Fishy Crackers:

Ryan: "Ryan really like fishy crackers"
Nana: "Oh?"
Ryan: "Ryan really like fishy crackers"
Ryan: "Nana and Ryan need to go in Nana's car to Wal-Mart to get some fishy crackers."
Nana: "Do you think so?"
Ryan: "Need to get fishy crackers soon"
Nana: "Okay. We'll do that tomorrow"

A day later...
Nana: "Come on let's go to Wal-Mart and get some fishy crackers."
Ryan: Smiles the biggest smile

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After an hour to two of visiting at the hospital...

Ryan: "I a tired boy. Tired boy."
Me: "Well lay your head on Momma's pillow."
Ryan: Laying down on pillow, "I tired boy."
Ryan: "Tired boy time to go home."

------------------------------------------

Other things he's said recently:

While playing outside..."Daddy need to get camera and take pictures of Ryan outside." (He must be trying to take care of his momma."

While trying to remove my hospital wristbands..."Time for momma to go home."

With every evening visit to the hospital..."Time to go up the stairs and down the stairs and get some cossee (coffee)."

Last time I was in the wheelchair and we entered the elevator..."Ryan and momma go down the stairs and get some ice ceam." (We were on our way to the doctor.)

While on the way to the hospital..."Momma in the big house."

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And here are some recent pictures...


The "surprise" snowball bush in our backyard. I think there are 2 or 3 along the back of the house. We were pleasantly surprised. We weren't sure what the bushes were, but now I think they might be able to stay and I'll incorporate them into the landscaping instead of pulling them out and starting out with nothing.

Playing outside pictures...

I'll do an Evan update tomorrow.

Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. --Romans 15:13

Discouragement and Ultrasounds

Discouraged. That's probably the word for the day.

So here's the run down of the day...

I haven't slept well in 2 nights despite the help of ambien. The noise level has been horrible between the nurses break room on one side of me and a very "night oriented" family on the other. They have stayed up laughing and "carrying on" until 2 or 3 in the morning for 2 nights in a row. I guess I should be thankful that they have such good friends and family surrounding them at all hours of the night, but I sure wish they'd sleep at night and party during the day. This morning when I heard snoring coming from their room (yes the walls are that thin!) I so wanted an air horn. Shame on me for wanting pay-backs.

And before anyone gets any *bright ideas* that I should just change my night/day clock so I can prepare for a new baby staying up at night...shut your mouth! I can't. I'm still working during the day despite being in the hospital.

I was scheduled for an ultrasound for around 4:00 p.m. this afternooon. I asked the nurse this morning to please check on the status of that appointment since I had some *issues* with the receptionist at the doctor's office when I called to ask about an appointment. She came back about an hour later and informed me they would be coming to get me in about an hour. I called my mom and told her to come up to the hospital with Ryan so they could see it too. Thankfully they were still home. They were just about to leave to go elsewhere.

I was wheeled over to the doctor's office where they placed us in an exam room to wait for the ultrasound tech to come get us. We waited in that small room for at least an hour! I'm supposed to be laying down as much as possible and here I am sitting in a wheelchair...waiting. Not to mention that my poor little guy was beyond tired...he started the day tired...and staying in that small room was starting to prove itself disastrous. When they came in we were all pretty excited until we found they were only moving us to a different room to wait. At least there was a recliner in that room. Finally we were escorted to an ultrasound room.

And here's where the discouragement really started to set in. For someone stuck in the hospital on bedrest with very little social interaction and excitement sometimes just going for an ultrasound is a very exciting adventure. A very important day!

So far all of our ultrasounds have been in a big room with a big screen on the wall for everyone to watch and see "Baby Elmo". It's comfortable. It's special. It's exciting! Not today. We were taken to an exam-size room with a regular/portable ultrasound machine. No big screen. Cold. Run-of-the-mill. Not special. The tech said, "okay we're going to look at your cervix real quick." I asked if we were going to look at the baby too and she said, "oh, well, yeah, we'll take a real quick look so we can get some measurements." She left. I stripped. She came, took a measurement, gooed up my belly and quickly scanned the baby. The screen, being a small computer screen was in such a position that I could barely see anything. Ryan, although sitting on the table with me, was unimpressed and kept saying, "momma all done?" I think he was disappointed too.

The bad news: My cervix dropped back to 0.8 cm with (what appears to me to be significant) funneling through the stitch. I was very discouraged by what I saw. I'll be honest, it was probably the first time during all of this that I had the thought, "we're not going to make it. We're going to have to live the NICU nightmare again." I've tried to stay so positive and optimistic and here this thought creeps in.

The good news: Evan is measuring great. He weighs approximately 2 pounds 8 ounces and is measuring exactly where he should for 28w3d. He was all over the place! The tech kept making mention of how active he was being. Unfortunately he was also being a little shy. He never would let anyone get a good look at his face. Therefore we have no good pictures from this ultrasound.

After the ultrasound I could think of nothing better than getting back to my room and laying down with my butt in the air again. I just wish I didn't have to get up to go to the bathroom. Ryan and Nana had to leave right away which was okay since Ryan was getting fussy and even more tired. I loved seeing him today though. Okay so back to this whole whiney, discouraged discourse...I didn't see my nurse again until 4 p.m. and she came and took vital signs in a flash and flurry hurrying on to the next task.

Now it's nighttime and I hate nighttime around here. The neighbors are having a good time. I'm really tired. It's 9:15 p.m. and I have yet to meet my nurse for the evening which means that it's going to be at least 10:30 before I'm able to settle in for the night because I still have an hour of monitoring.

So...there you have it! One of few whiny, discouraged posts.

(On a positive note...Dr. G came in and is still feeling optimistic about everything. He is still shooting for the 32-39 week mark and is really hoping we will be able to completely avoid the NICU altogether, leaving here with a healthy baby. He was very encouraging and I'm feeling more hopeful again.)

Hospital Pics

One of the favorites--Playing in the window!

Getting ready to go for a ride with Momma in the "black stroller"

Taking care of business

And...finally...disregarding the fact that I really look...well...not so very good, a belly shot.
28 weeks!
(Hospital bedrest doesn't coordinate with the beauty regimen)

28 Weeks

28 Weeks! 28 Weeks! 28 Weeks!

It's time to celebrate. I'm 28 weeks! Why so excited?...because 28 weeks is a HUGE milestone. We've moved from out of those weeks of "extreme premature" to "very premature"...no longer a *micro-preemie*. So here we are...28 weeks...safer, but not satisfied. We want more! More weeks! More weeks! More weeks!

Consider these numbers
Weeks Pregnant: 28
Current Survival Statistics: 90-95%
Days Hospitalized: 25
Days on Bedrest: 101
Days Until Full Term (37 weeks): 63
Days Until Goal #1 (30wks): 13
May 1: 30 weeks
June 1-18: If early delivery is imminent, days I would be satisfied to deliver
June 19: Full term! (37wks)
July 1: The date Dr. G is planning to deliver if I'm still pregnant then. All I have to say about that is he and I are going to have to have a long talk about that. After all I've been through I'm thinking 37 weeks is good enough.

Weeks Pregnant: 28 weeks!

Weeks to Go: 2 weeks till 30 weeks, 4 weeks till 32, 6 weeks till 34, 8 weeks till 36

Gender: Boy...Evan Alexander Stanfill

Baby Statistics: Nearly two weeks ago we went to the perinatologist and our little guy weighed 1 pound 12 ounces. I'm expecting/hoping he will be at least 2 pounds at our next ultrasound on Tuesday.

Movement: Busy, busy, busy!

Momma's Ever-Changing Body: I feel huge. It feels like I've grown so much over the last week or so. I showed no weight gain at my last weight-check this past Monday. I'm laying flat most of the time with short times of incline so I can eat. Many hours of the day I spend with my bottom end up and head down to keep as much pressure off the cervix as possible. My back hurts sometimes and positioning is becoming increasingly difficult. I've been given wheelchair privileges and so far I've been taking advantage of the "freedom" about 3 days a week. I take a quick shower every other day. (And here's my whine: my legs are in desperate need of a razor, my hair looks and feels like it's in a constant state of bed-head...bedrest doesn't feel beautiful...which is one reason why I hope to make it far enough along to be released from bedrest so I can have a day of pampering...a girl has to look good for the birth of her baby doesn't she?)

Belly Button/Stretch Marks: Flatty, Yes

Food Cravings: No cravings. In fact eating has been a challenge for me (too bad that doesn't happen more often). After getting sick earlier this week with what could have been food poisoning I'm extremely leery about everything I eat/how it tastes/etc. Being sick like that was awful and scary. I eat as much as I can hoping to "beef" up this baby a little. The menu at the hospital is pretty good. I have a choice between 3 main dishes and their complementary sides. One is usually very good, one is so so, and one is for the desperate. The desserts are always good though.

Sleep: I have good nights and bad nights. Getting and staying comfortable is usually the biggest problem with noise from either side of my room or the hall being the second problem. I'm (somewhat reluctantly) taking ambien each evening and it seems to make a huge difference in how much sleep I get. The doctor wants me to rest well, so I view the medical help as a necessity. I take it. I sleep. I don't take it. I don't

Projects: I'm still working on the blanket for Evan. I'm trying to finish at least 1 or 2 rows each day. I just hope I can finish it before he gets here. I've been reading some too and have almost finished Beth Moore's book, So Long Insecurity. I play scrabble on the computer and spend too much time on the internet.

Coming Up: Peri appointment on Tuesday afternoon.

Medications/Doctor's Orders: Strict bedrest. Procardia-2x/day, pepsid, prenatal vitamin, colace, P17/weekly, ambien, synthroid, miralax when needed, terbutaline (shot) as needed, NST (non-stres test) once each shift unless I start having regular contractions, vital signs at least once or twice per shift.

Contractions: I have started averaging 1-2 an hour with my most irritable days being Mon.-Wed. The other days are hit-and-miss...some days with 1-2/hr and some with very few all day long. Dr. isn't concerned.

Time for Creativity

Since time is something I'm not lacking, I've been working on a new blog layout. The header is complete and uploaded and the background is complete but for some reason it won't load. I'll keep trying but for now you'll just have to look at a mismatched, uncoordinated blog. My apologies.

Edit:

Okay so I was a able to get rid of the old background, but I still can't upload the new one. It's a little ummm....lacking....right now, but it won't always be. :)

Edit 2:

Fixed!

Random Thoughts

Not much going on around here.

I got pretty sick Sunday night with dizziness, nausea and vomiting. We're not sure if it was food poisoning or an infection. All the bloodwork came back negative for infection. IV fluids and zofran was started on Monday and after a very lousy, sicky day I started feeling better. I'm fine now.

I'll be returning to Dr. M's office on the 20th for another ultrasound and cervical check. I'm ready..

Today is an emotional day for some reason. I guess they're expected considering pregnancy and hospital bedrest combined.

Random Thoughts

I was going to post a picture tonight, but when I inserted my SD card in the computer slot it "ate" it! Ugh...frustrating! I hope I can get it out without tearing anything up so I can still the few cute pictures off that card. Oh...the more I think about it the more frustrating it is. Rrrrrr.

I don't have much to talk about really, so here is are some random thoughts as they cross my mind.

I'm 27 weeks today! Hooray! There have been times I really didn't think I'd make it this far, but I'm so grateful to be here and I'm praying for many more weeks.

Today I got to go outside. It was exciting and the sun felt great. It's been 3 weeks since I last felt the sun's warmth. I was a little nervous too because I sure don't want to "mess anything up" and because of that I probably won't go on daily wheelchair outings (even though I have the privilege) but save them for every couple of days. Ryan LOVED it! I could just tell that it was the greatest thing in the world to see his Mommy outside with him for a little while. We went to the Hospital's prayer garden which is a big stone/brick circle with trees surrounding it and benches scattered here and there. Ryan ran round and round the circle then decided I needed to be on the circle so he pushed me to the circle. He had to move me a couple of times saying, "I need to find a place to park," so he *parked* me in different spots.

PT came to visit me yesterday and gave me handout of exercises to do while I'm just laying around. We'll see how that goes. I'm not making any promises.

The food is great here at Mercy as far as hospital food goes, but I'm already getting tired of the rotation of menu items. I haven't had a great appetite the last few days which is good for the hips but not so good for plumping up my little baby.

I've resigned myself to taking something to help me sleep each night. Part of it is because of all the extra/unfamiliar noises. The most disturbing so far has been the couple in the next room who tend to fight until the wee hours of the morning. My heart breaks for their unborn baby. I can't imagine being in the hospital having complications with a pregnancy and spending hours fighting/cursing at the people around me. Oh my.

I'm still working on Evan's blanket. I wish someone would finish it for me. :)

Ryan actually called Evan "Baby Evan" (pronounced more like Edan) the other day. It was a cute and sad all at the same time.

Ryan has reduced the amount of "beatings" he gives Baby Evan and has replaced the belly smacks with super sweet kisses...for the most part.

Getting There

Every day that passes I'm getting closer to the day we can have a healthy delivery of a healthy baby boy. Today marks 2 weeks on strict hospital bedrest and I'm now 26+4 weeks pregnant! Hooray! It feels so good to just be this far. I can actually breathe a little. Of course I want to make it so much further. I would love to actually get to take my son home with me this time. I've never had the experience of being wheeled out of the hospital with a baby in my arms. I've always had to leave in tears with my babies tucked into the "arms" of an incubator.

We had an ultrasound yesterday. Everything went great! Evan is looking great. He isn't as big as I was hoping, but he's actually right on target for his gestational age. I was hoping he would measure just a little bit bigger (closer to 2 pounds) for his gestational age in the event of an early delivery, but as long as he's healthy that's really all that matters. He weighs approx. 1 pound 12 ounces. He shared lots of cute facial expressions with us..."kissing", yawning, sucking his thumb, smiling. He was so cute. Hospital bedrest is helping...my cx measurement has improved from 0.5 to 1.7. Still considered short, but so much better. Goal #1: 30 weeks! and at this point I really think we can make it. Woohoo!

My OB was pleased with the results and for the first time in two weeks he talked about the possibility of making it to term or very near. Previously he's only talked in "day at a time" terms. He actually said that if I'm still pregnant (and no further complications arise) he will send me home at 32 weeks. I have mixed emotions about that, but I'll take it. Part of me would rather stay until 34/36 weeks, but I'll go with whatever he feels is best.

Pictures

Enjoy these 2 pictures tonight and I'll talk more about them tomorrow.


e

Happy Easter

Happy Easter! Yesterday Ryan and Daddy had an Easter Egg Hunt in our backyard. I think they both enjoyed it.





Today two of my favorite people came to see me in the hospital. I really enjoyed spending a couple of hours with Wade and Ryan. Ryan and I watched cartoons on the computer and colored some online pages. It was fun. Overall, for being in the hospital, it was a good Easter for me.

Prior to my boys arriving I was able to spend a good deal of time in prayer and reflection. I hope that today, on this Resurrection Day...the day we remember how much God truly loves us...love us enough to send his son Jesus to rescue us, perfect us, renew us, save us...I hope you were able to spend some time in reflection and praise.

We're starting a brand new week. I have several things on my "to do" list. You're probably wondering how in the world I could have a "to do" list while on bedrest. I wonder that too, but I do. To do: call in Progesterone prescription, call Ryan's pediatrician and visit about a 3-year-old well-child check and discuss baby Evan too, call Dr. M's office (peri) to schedule an ultrasound/cervical check, and...oh...probably a couple other things I can't remember right now.

More later....

Much love,
Julie

My Boy

Strawberries 'N Cream

Ryan loves strawberries! He has since he started eating real food. They used to be called deedledees. Now they are just plain old strawbetties. But however you say it he won't turn them down (usually). He just recently learned that strawberries n' cream is pretty good too. The cream was "gross" until one day I had a temporary lack of judgment and insisted he "try" some cream on his strawberry. Oooops...that's all it took. Now there's less for me :(.

On this particular day, the day before I was "institutionalized", we had some fun laying outside eating our healthy snack. When there were only 3 or 4 strawberries left Nana asked Ryan to pick one out for his Momma. Ryan thought hard. Then...he graciously chose the half-eaten one in his sticky little finger placing it gently in my mouth and snatching up the remaining berries in the bowl!





I've been trying to eat as much fruit as possible while here in the hospital. It's a good snack...and...my OB said studies have shown a correlation between eating fruit and strengthening the amniotic sac. So when he said eat lots of fruit I happily obliged. I'll do most anything to keep Evan inside. Right now (from what I understand) the biggest risks are 1) going into labor/contractions and/or 2) rupturing membranes.

Other interesting facts I've been enlightened with recently.

• The steroid shots I was given upon admission to help strengthen/develop Evan's lungs are also shown to help with lots of other "preemie issues" such as reducing risks of brain bleeds and NEC. That's awesome! (Thanks Angie for that information) I still don't want another preemie though. It's a whole lot scarier to stand by your baby's bedside worrying about all the things that are/could be going wrong at any given moment in a preemie's life than it is difficult to lay in bed 24/7. There's just no comparison.
• Statistically speaking...for every day a baby stays inside his/her Mommy it takes off 2 days of a NICU stay. That being the case, Evan has stayed safely tucked inside an extra 8 days and has avoided 16 days in the NICU.
  

Week 1

Week 1...Hooray we've made it 1 week! Everything is going well. Ryan is doing great, and as I said before, he's adjusting well. He still has his moments when nothing satisfies/soothes him other than a visit to his Mommy. Yesterday he and Nana went to the zoo and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. A bird landed on his head! I can't wait to take him to the zoo myself! I expect today they are going to do some gardening.

Evan is doing great. I think he must be growing because my belly just rolls all over the place. He's very active. He is looking good with each monitoring and so far he's been *cooperative* in all but one monitoring session. For that one he just wouldn't stay still, but the nurse returned about an hour later and...success. Evan will be 26 weeks gestation on Saturday!

I'm feeling well. This week has passed fairly quickly which I guess is good considering laying in bed can make time drag by at times. I'm still crocheting a blanket for Evan. I try to do at least one row a day. I figure if I make it 10 weeks that will add 70 more rows making the blanket a perfect size for our new baby boy. I watch TV, listen to music, and watch movies. I'm trying to develop a routine for each day. I'm allowed up and out of bed to visit the bathroom and I have showering privileges too. I take advantage of that privilege every other day. Laying in this hospital bed hasn't been that bad. I am staying pretty comfortable. I've only had one day so far where my back was aching. The only big complaint I have is heartburn. It has gotten sooooo much worse. On the bright side...if there's any truth to heartburn and hairy babies then Evan won't be lacking. Today I was started on Pepcid twice a day. I'm glad. The heartburn is the worst at night, so if I can have relief at night I'll sleep better.

As far as medications...I'm taking Procardia 2 times a day, antibiotics, and more antibiotics, colace, Synthroid, Ambien at night and now Pepcid. I have an ongoing order for Brethine in the event I start having contractions. Thankfully that hasn't been an issue.

I guess that's about all for now. Everyone, Wade, Ryan, Nana and the rest of the family is adjusting to our new situation and challenges. I won't say it's easy on anyone, but it's amazing how in the time of need God equips you with everything you need.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your prayers, visits, phone calls and well-wishes. God is good! Keep praying. We're still hoping and praying for another 10 weeks so we can deliver a healthy baby boy and take him home with us!

Julie

One Cute Little 3-Yr-Old

Yep! He's pretty cute.

I have more pictures to upload from our last day of freedom together, but I'll spread them out over several days since I won't be taking pictures for awhile. :)

As a short update...everything is going well. No changes. Ryan is adjusting well. I think he's learning that everything is still okay and Mommy is still here and is okay. He still asks for his Mommy but is crying less. He likes to come see me but he is now able to leave contented and satisfied with his ornery little smile.

More later...when I'm in a better position to type.

All About Yesterday...and Today

Boy yesterday sure was a life changing day. It's hard for me to know where to start because of everything, but I guess I'll just start from the beginning.

I had a scheduled appointment with Dr. M yesterday. He's the Perinatologist and is in charge of monitoring the growth of our little boy and the growth of my cervix which, as you recall, has unfortunately been on a shortening trend. The appointment was scheduled at 8:20 and we arrived early...very early, but on the bright side we were called back to the exam room very early too. I was excited and hoping that everything would be quick and painless so Ryan, Nana and I could then enjoy a small bite to eat...breakfast...my favorite meal of the day.

Alas, things didn't go as planned.

Evan's ultrasound was first. He is looking great, weighing about 1 pound 9 ounces +/- and is doing everything he is supposed to be doing. His measurements continually bring up a due date of July 10th, so I asked the tech about it. She said according to her records they are calculating the due date for July 10th which means I'm actually a little farther along than we first thought. It's not that significant, but at this point I want to take credit for every single day. You'll notice I've already changed the ticker on the side of the blog to reflect that I am not only 24 weeks, but quickly approaching 25 weeks. 24 weeks 5 days!

Now for the rest of the story. After the ultrasound I was administered an ffn test again, and not to be too graphic but it basically involves a very long q-tip placed very near the cervix. The collection is then sent to the lab and based on the results it is a fairly accurate test as to whether labor is likely to happen within 2 weeks. My results came back negative. That's great. (There are more false positives than false negatives). After my test my cervix was measured using another relatively invasive instrument that I have become more familiar with with this pregnancy than I ever thought I would. The ultrasound reading was, in a two word summary, rather scary. Two weeks ago my measurement was 1.3 cm. Yesterday it was 0.5 cm with funneling through the stitch. Basically the picture showed my amniotic sac starting to slip past the stitch, but I still have some cervix, 0.5cm worth, left closed at the exit...or entrance...depending on how you want to think about it.

Then we waited...

And waited...

And waited...

Finally I had this ingenious idea that if I'd just get up to go to the bathroom that would ensure the doctor would make his entrance. And...it worked...but since I was in the bathroom he quickly said he'd return and went about making more rounds (like he should have...but I promise I was almost through...I would have stopped mid-stream had I known my great idea would have backfired.)

So we waited...

and waited...

and waited some more.

Finally Dr. M came back and checked my cervix saying it "felt" better than it looked, but because I'd had such a change he wanted to go ahead with the steroid shots to boost Evan's lung development...just in case. He ordered the first dose to be given in the office with instructions that I'd need to come back the following day. That's when my jaw must have hit the ground. I asked him, somewhat accusingly, "You're not putting me in the hospital?" As you may also recall he said two weeks ago that continued shortening was one of my certainties for a one-way ticket. Not that I wanted to go to the hospital...but come on! He's a little more conservative, but I trust his judgment, but on the other hand he really doesn't know my history other than what's in my chart. So I basically wouldn't take no for an answer and he agreed that if I felt better I could go to the hospital for 48-hr monitoring. Now don't get me wrong, going to the hospital hasn't been something I've secretly been hoping for. I've spent enough time laying in a hospital bed or standing by my babies' beds to last me a lifetime, but considering my history and the fact that things aren't going as planned and progressing towards the wrong direction a little quicker than we anticipated I most definitely felt the hospital was a safer place. So did everyone else.

So the nurse came in and gave me the first round of steroid shots for Evan's lungs. In case you're wondering...it stings! Then I was sent to another room to wait on a wheelchair to be wheeled to the hospital for admittance. Ryan and Nana went to the cafeteria to get a bite to eat and bring me something too. Ryan was being such a good boy, but for a 3-year-old to sit and wait for what was now approaching 3 hours, his patience was running low.

I was wheeled to the hospital. I was admitted under Dr. G's (OB) care and he is now "calling the shots". I was admitted with instructions to be put in trendelenberg (head-down), absolutely no getting out of bed, bedpan only, continuous IV fluids, several antibiotics to be given over the next several days, my regular meds (thyroid, procardia, etc.), and regular fetal/contraction monitoring. I was administered a beta-strep test (much like the ffn test...you know the q-tip thing again), put on a monitor, signed my life away with all the papers for me and baby, an IV started (in a most horrible place I might add...my right hand), and dropped into trendelenberg.

All was going well...until.....................

My bladder started acting up. I guess I have a "shy" bladder because it and the bedpan just never really hit it off. Their relationship was...um...somewhat...hindered. I could go a little and then all would stop. After hours of partial relief only my bladder reached it's maximum capacity and began to complain...excruciating pain! I finally began begging for a catheter and the nurse called the doctor. I was given toilet privileges! Awww...relief...sort of. It was so irritable that it felt like the worst bladder infection ever! I was started on peridium (sp?) to relieve the pain. So...now...I have toileting privileges, relief, pain meds, orange peepee, and I feel like a real person again. Now they're pumping me so full of fluids so fast that I have to get up to "go" every 2 hours. I still wonder if a catheter might be better...but oh well. I know there's greater risks of infections with a catheter. For now I'll just try to keep my "trips" as short and sweet as possible.

And now for today...

Today has been good. I slept well last night and the day has been uneventful in a good sense.

Dr. G. said I'm here "for a long time". I take that as indication that I won't be leaving until Evan makes his grand arrival. We're still desperately hoping and praying for at least 10 weeks. 6 at the very, very least. Dr. G did share several stories with me about women successfully staying pregnant until term or very near term with just the stitch holding things in. My IV was moved to my mid-arm on the left side which is much more comfortable. I was given those lovely little leg balloons to help reduce the risk of blood clots. I actually like them. I was released from trendelenberg position to flat position, so I'm staying flat all the time except to potty and eat a quick bite to eat. Today I watched a movie, Julie and Julia. It was good.

I've had several visitors today which was a much-needed, welcome blessing. The biggest blessing was seeing my little boy this morning. Ryan came in with a great big smile saying, "Hi Momma!" with all the enthusiasm he could find. It was great. He sat on my bed and enjoyed the "balloon bed" (it inflates and deflates). He asked lots of questions about all of the different sounds. He sat in the window and watched the cars and helicopter. He helped me eat my lunch. We colored and talked. And then they left....:( Nana said when they got to the lobby he stopped and started crying...saying, "but where's my Momma?" Being away from my little boy is the hardest thing for me right now. I'm trying to stay as calm as possible so I don't stir things up with my other little boy, but...this is soooo hard. I can't seem to hold it together tonight. The tears keep coming. I love you Ryan! I'll come home again...I promise!

Okay...that's all for now.

New Residence

I am now a full-time resident of Mercy Hospital. It'll most likely be until this little guy makes his grand entrance. I'll give more details tomorrow...I'm tired tonight.

Please keep praying.

Beautiful Day!

Today was such a wonderful day. For lunch Ryan, Nana and I had a picnic in the backyard. On the menu: spaghetti. We sat (I layed flat on a lounge chair) under the sun. The breeze was light and the snow was beautiful. Yes...I said snow. There wasn't much left by the end of the day, but during our noon-time picnic we ate spaghetti, basked in the sunshine, and Ryan played in the snow. It was great. To top it off tonight my sweet husband surprised me with an extra special treat...if you'll remember from the last post...salad followed by carrot cake. Awwww....can't get much better than that!

Weekly Update

Weeks Pregnant: 23 weeks 4 days

Weeks to Go: 6 weeks 3 days till 30 weeks, 8 weeks 3 days till 32 weeks, 10 weeks 3 days till 34 weeks, 12 weeks 3 days till my ultimate goal of 36 weeks, 15 weeks 3 days till the farthest I'm allowed to go, 39 weeks.

Gender: Boy...Evan Alexander Stanfill

Baby Statistics: We haven't been to the Perinatologist in a couple weeks, so I don't have any accurate measurements. However, with our last ultrasound Evan was measuring right at 1 pound and on target for exactly 22 weeks.

Movement: He's been pretty quiet the last few days

Momma's Ever-Changing Body: At my OB appointment last week I showed a 1/2 pound weight loss, so that puts my weight gain right at 14 pounds +/- 1/2 a pound. I'm still round in the middle :) I'm losing some muscle tone because of bedrest, but that's to be expected. I've read that it can take up to 6 months to a year for a bedrest mommy to fully re-gain her strength, muscle tone and energy.

Belly Button/Stretch Marks: Flatty and...yes...no you can't see either!

Food Cravings: No cravings this week...no aversions either. Although as I write this, a great big salad and a piece of carrot cake with cream cheese icing for dessert sounds pretty good.

Sleep: I find that if I sleep in the right bed I can sleep great. The "right" bed lately has been the twin bed in Ryan's room, but I don't want him getting used to me sleeping in there all the time.

Projects: I'm still working on the blanket for Evan. Crocheting while laying flat isn't as comfortable as when sitting up, so I can only work on it for a few minutes before my arms start hurting. I just hope I can finish it before he gets here. I'm also working on a couple of pacifier holders for a couple of friends. A new little boy was recently born and is in Mercy's NICU. Please pray for little Blake. He was born at about 30 weeks weighing 2 lb 15 oz. I haven't heard lately how he's doing, but last I knew he was doing okay.

Coming Up: I have a doctor's appointment with the Perinatologist on Wednesday morning. I'll also be at 24 weeks on Wednesday...medically speaking that's considered the point of viability. It's actually a pretty big milestone.

Medications/Doctor's Orders: Strict bedrest. I just started taking Procardia and Brethine for contractions. The Procardia is a blood pressure medicine that is often prescribed in pregnancy, but I'm uncertain as to how it works. All I know is that it lowers my blood pressure and I already have fairly low BP so I have to be careful when getting up. I had a pretty bad headache with it the first day, but the side effects have faded away now. The brethine makes my heart race, but that's not a big deal for me. With all of the different asthma meds I've taken through the year I've encountered that side effect off and on numerous times.

Contractions: I have one or two every now and then, but they really seem much less since I've started the meds.

Meds and More

I had an appointment with my OB yesterday. Everything went pretty well. After discussing my concerns with the nurse about the shortened cervix, contractions, etc. I was sent over to L&D for monitoring and an ffn test. I didn't have any contractions on the monitor and the ffn test came back negative so I was sent home. That's good. I'm not quite ready to take up residence in the hospital. I figure it is a pretty good probability at some point, but I'm not ready yet.

Today I got a call from the nurse. Dr. G wants to start me on Procardia and Brethine. That's somewhat of a relief to me. I didn't have any contractions yesterday, but I've had several throughout the day today, so maybe with these meds on board the contractions will be more or less a thing of the past...at least until it's time for this baby to arrive. Since we're still staying with my mom during the day I missed the phone call from the doctor's office, so I'll have to call tomorrow and relay the information they need so I can get the prescriptions filled. I'm hoping all this falls into place easily tomorrow so I can get the prescriptions filled by the end of the day.

Today marks 23 weeks for me!

22 Weeks 4 Days

Weeks Pregnant: 22 weeks 4 days

Weeks to Go: My goals have changed some after this past weeks events: 7 weeks 3 days till 30 weeks, 9 weeks 3 days till 32 weeks, 11 weeks 3 days till 34 weeks, 13 weeks 3 days till my ultimate goal of 36 weeks, 16 weeks 3 days till the farthest I'm allowed to go, 39 weeks.

Gender: Boy...Evan Alexander Stanfill

Baby Statistics: Evan is measuring right at 1 pound and on target for exactly 22 weeks. It seems he might be a little smaller than Ryan was at this time. Ryan weighed 1 pound 8 ounces at birth, 23w 5d. I don't see Evan gaining half a pound in less than 2 weeks time, but then again ultrasounds are only an estimate and can be off by up to a pound either way. Regardless, I don't have any intentions of discovering his actual weight until much later. He's still hanging out very low.

Movement: He's a wild one! He's been really active over the last few days.

Momma's Ever-Changing Body: I'm not feeling the greatest tonight. I think I picked up a little of the stomach bug. Thankfully I haven't had to hug the toilet any, but I've still spent plenty of time in there. I sure hope the pukes stay far away from me. It scares me to think of all the pressure required for that act. I'm still adjusting to strict bedrest and moving from a reclined position to a flat position...head down, hips elevated as much as possible. My back is protesting the change more than anything else. Pillows are my best friends right now. Positions please. Positions Please! Heartburn has become a new and persistent visitor since I've been flat. Again...I'll take it all! Sorry for the complaints this evening though.

Belly Button/Stretch Marks: Normally it's an innie, but it's more like a "flatty". Stretch marks--yep! Got 'em!

Food Cravings: For some reason this week I have really craved Puppy Chow. And I don't mean the dog food. You know...the cereal covered in chocolate and peanut butter sprinkled with powdered sugar. Thankfully my sister came through for me and I've been enjoying the delectable snack off and on throughout the day. Until I started feeling a little sick. :(

Sleep: I haven't been sleeping very well for several nights.

Projects: I'm still working on the blanket for Evan. I've finished my first skein of yarn and will be starting my second tomorrow. I'm hoping that 4 skeins will make the blanket the perfect size.

Coming Up: I have a doctor's appointment with my OB on Tuesday morning. Unfortunately he is not going to be there, but I already warned the nurse I was coming with a load of questions. I'm fairly confident that if she can't answer them she'll contact the doc asap for the answers. I'll be having my glucose tolerance test and other blood work. Other than that it's just a general check-up.

Medications/Doctor's Orders: I'm on bedrest...just graduated from modified to strict this week. I'm quite certain I'll be on bedrest until I deliver or 36 weeks...whichever comes first. I'm taking prenatal vitamins, fiber supplements, and prune juice. I get a shot of progesterone in the hip each week. I'm planning to discuss medications/interventions for contractions with the nurse on Tuesday.

Contractions: I'm averaging 1-2 an hour every day. They seem to be less since I've starting laying down all the time. Some days are better than others.

Resting

This post is a few days overdue, but our internet croaked and the stomach bug came intruding into our home...but I'll get to that in a minute.

I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm resting a little more peacefully now. My stress level has gone down and I'm not feeling nearly as overwhelmed. Adjusting to strict bedrest from modified has been a bit of an adjustment for everyone. I guess I didn't realize how much of a difference there is. On modified bedrest I was allowed to get up to eat at the table, sit reclined on the couch and even take the occasional outing to a restaurant or even Wal-Mart just as long as I stayed off my feet (sitting at a table or in a wheelchair, etc.) It's completely different to lay flat all the time only getting up to go to the bathroom and incline a little eat (so I don't choke. No one wants the headline: Baby's fine! Mom chokes! hahahaha). As much as possible I'm also trying to lay head down/hips elevated to keep as much pressure off my cervix as possible.

The family is adjusting well. Daddy has really picked up the pace with helping/doing everything while we're at home. He scolds me quite often if he sees me up! Ryan has adjusted well too...much better than I first expected. I originally hoped that if I ever got put on strict bedrest I'd be admitted to the hospital at the same time. I just didn't see how it could possibly work at home with a 3 year old....a five letter word comes to mind...STRESS...and too much of it. Ryan has done so well though. He still requests my help, but he doesn't have a meltdown when I can't help and send him off to his daddy or Nana for assistance. He loves to get on the bed with me and play/snuggle/tell stories. He also has a new fascination with pulling my shirt up and beating "Baby Elmo" or driving his cars up and down my tummy. Nana is also doing well with the adjustment. Now that the weather is starting to warm up she and Ryan can go outside more which is sooooo much easier. Ryan loves the outdoors and it's amazing how just going outside for an hour can completely change his perspective on things. Nana, Papa and Ryan have recently started raising a new brood of baby chickens, so Ryan loves to go see the baby chickens and play at Papa's house.

While the news from the past week was quite a shock I've had time to think and relax some. I won't say that we aren't "out of the woods". The reality is that we could still be dealing with a preemie again if things continue in the same direction. The doctor was not overly concerned and we shouldn't be either. I had another mom offer encouragement...2 of her kids were held in only by the stitch...nearly to term. Another mom I know personally had a cervical measurement at or below 1 for 10 weeks and delivered at 36 weeks. It's not critical and we're not in any imminent danger of delivering within a week or two, but it is a BIG concern and I'm viewing it as we've just started the fight. We were coasting before...now we're fighting. I/we/the doctors now must do everything possible and be proactive in keeping our sweet baby inside for as long as possible. And that's what we're doing.

My goals have been reorganized through all this. I originally only considered it a success if we made it to 36 weeks. That was/is what I really wanted to get to...my ultimate goal. Now my goals are a little more what I'd call *realistic*. Right now my heart is set on 30 weeks. Only 8 weeks away. Preemie...yes. Dangerous still...yes. Odds...very good. Safe...pretty much. 32 weeks would be awesome. 34 weeks would be amazing. That's when the doctor would stop trying to prevent labor if it started. 36 weeks...INCREDIBLE! What's great is it could happen! Any of these...they could happen! God is always in control! I choose to rest in His Will.

I have an OB appointment on Tuesday. My list of concerns and questions is growing by the day. Like I mentioned before I was coasting. Now I'm fighting! I just hope everyone will be patient and understanding with me. One of my big concerns is the contractions and whether they are exacerbating the problem. The contractions are less (on average) now that I'm flat, but I still have some and some days are worse than others. I just want to make sure we are doing EVERYTHING possible to give this baby a fighting chance...INSIDE HIS MOMMY!

Now for the stomach bug. Ryan started puking yesterday afternoon. It was awful. He's never had a stomach illness and to see him heaving and puking and heaving and crying was heart breaking. He didn't understand at all. He kept saying, "I sick." "It's yucky." "Time to go doctor." "My tummy hurts." "My body hurts." He puked pretty much non-stop until sometime in the middle of the night. He couldn't keep anything down. This morning he woke up and seems much better. His stools were very runny for a little while this morning, but that has lessened too. I sure hope he's over it. It was hard on the little guy. It was hard on his mommy.

Quick Update

I had a Peri. appointment today. It didn't go so well. (This is a bit scattered in thought...I'm still trying to absorb all of the info from today.)

First...the good news...Evan is looking great. He is measuring right on for my due date. His heart looks great with no anomalies...hooray! He is measuring 22w0d with an estimated weight of 1 pound. We got more good pictures and ultrasound video, so I'll try to get those ready to post as soon as I can.

But...the bad news. My cervix dramatically shortened from 3.3 to 1.3 in just 2 weeks. That's not what I wanted nor expected to hear. There's not much more I can do to reduce my activity other than laying flat in bed all day long which I will now be doing. Potty breaks only.

Now I'm scared. This is almost exactly when everything started going south with Ryan (22w3d is when I went to the hospital and I delivered 10 days later). This isn't as critical, in fact it's quite different, but it's just too close to the familiar. My cerclage is still doing it's job and holding my cervix shut which is the most critical thing right now. I'm still having contractions, but what if I'm having more contractions than what I'm feeling? If they are possibly causing more problems I wish the doctor would put me on something to control them altogether. I most definitely will be discussing this and many other things with my OB. In fact I might even call the office tomorrow. (The Peri. is monitoring, but my OB is calling the shots.)

The dr. said we will start ffn testing and swab testing starting with my next appt. in 2 weeks. 2 weeks seems like so long. He said I'll be hospitalized if my cervix continues to shorten, if I have a positive ffn, if I start contracting more than 4 an hour or if my water breaks. As he was leaving he told me "not to worry...we'll take this one step at a time." Yeah...thanks doc. too late for that. After he left I sat and cried for a few minutes...tears of frustration...tears of fear for my baby boy...tears for the unknown.

So here I am...I've "graduated" from modified bedrest to strict...and I'm scared.

Please pray. It terrifies me to even think of having another preemie anywhere close to the gestation as Ryan. Everything is sooooo scary with a preemie. I'd 100 times rather be on bedrest, strapped in a hospital bed incubating my baby than to watch and worry about brain bleeds, apnea, heart stopping, eye problems, oxygen problems and so much more as my baby incubates in a plastic box.

Please pray we can have at least 10 more weeks with Evan safely tucked inside his Mommy's tummy. Please.

May the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 1 Peter 5:10

Pure Joy!

Prayer Request Please

Please pray for Angie and her sweet baby boy Cullen. I just recently made mention of Angie (see previous post) and everything has been steadily progressing with her pregnancy, but I just read on another blog that she is heading to the hospital with cramping and bleeding. My heart is breaking for her right now. I know, like me, she just wants to make it as close to full term as possible. She is right around 24-25 weeks. I pray this is just a little speed bump for her and that Cullen remains healthy and strong, growing inside her for at least another 10 weeks or so.

Dear Jesus...I pray for Angie and Cullen and their family. Comfort them and let your floodgates of peace fall on them right now. I pray for wisdom for all the doctors and nurses as they make decisions for dealing with this new problem. And, Lord, please keep Cullen safely tucked inside his Mommy's tummy until the time is perfect for him to arrive. Amen.

"...casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Pregnancy Highlights

Okay so this isn't my original idea, but I love that Angie does this on her blog so I sort of stole borrowed the idea. I didn't feel right about just stealing...ummm...borrowing it word-for-word so I changed it up a little. I think it's a great idea to have a weekly pregnancy highlight list. Thanks Angie! Be sure to check over on Angie's blog too. She is also pregnant with a precious little boy. Our due dates are very close and we're both doing (incubating on bedrest) and hoping for the same thing...a healthy baby.

Weeks Pregnant: 21 weeks 3 days

Weeks to Go: 12 weeks 4 days till my earliest goal of 34 weeks, 14 weeks 4 days till my ultimate goal of 36 weeks, 17 weeks 4 days till the farthest I'm allowed to go, 39 weeks.

Gender: Boy...Evan Alexander Stanfill

Baby Statistics: Evan is probably close to 1 pound and is around 11 inches long. The sense of touch is now developed and the sense of taste is developing. Our last ultrasound showed he is very low and head-down.

Movement: He's a wild one! He seems to enjoy bladder boxing. The last couple of days he has been pretty quiet during the day and more active at night.

Momma's Ever-Changing Body: I'm feeling pretty good. It's getting harder to get out of bed as well as finding comfortable positions while there. I have some round ligament pain that at times is very uncomfortable and my hips give me quite a bit of trouble, but I'll take it all and more for the sake of my little boy. When Evan feels very low and I'm concerned about the pressure on my cervix I sleep with a pillow under my hips. At my last appointment I had gained a total of 14 pounds so far. My blood pressure was around 110/70.

Belly Button/Stretch Marks: Normally it's an innie, but it's more like a "flatty". Stretch marks--I don't know which ones are new.

Food Cravings: I could eat a big giant salad loaded with veggies every day, 2 or 3 times a day, but I'm at the mercy of everyone else to provide meals. I have very little say in what I eat. My favorite place to eat right now is SouperSalad.

Sleep: Most nights I sleep great with 3 or 4 interruptions to visit the potty. Some nights I have trouble getting/staying comfortable and I either toss-and-turn or move to the couch.

Projects: I try to stay busy everyday without just vegetating in front of the TV. I tend to manage better if I keep my mind busy. I'm working (crocheting) on a new blanket for Evan as well as pacifier clips/holders. I've been reading Beth Moore's newest book.

Coming Up: I have a doctor's appointment with the Perinatologist this coming Wednesday. He is hoping to do a complete ECHO on Evan to rule out any heart problems. I sure do hope he is in a great position for this ultrasound because it's apt to be very uncomfortable for me if he's not.

Medications/Doctor's Orders: I'm still on bedrest and from the way it sounds I'll remain so until I reach 36 weeks. I'm taking prenatal vitamins, fiber supplements, and prune juice. I get a shot of progesterone in the hip each week.

Contractions: I'm averaging 1-2 an hour every day.

Project: