Wednesday, January 18, 2012

1 month, 34 days, but who’s counting

I’ve now been in the hospital for a little over a month, 34 days to be exact. Surprisingly, particularly to me, I haven’t lost my mind, yet. It stays unbelievably busy here. I remember when Kate was born, my husband arrived the following day. Within the first hour of being at the hospital, he looked at me and asked, “Is it always like this?” Meaning, is it always so busy in your room. I don’t know what it’s like to have a normal, low risk birth, or a normal pregnancy, but as a high risk patient, there is a constant flow of activity in my room. To be honest, since everyone is so wonderful, the company has been nice. However, it also leaves very little time for things like blogging. It seems that as soon as I open the laptop, someone is walking through the door.

Updates:

Today I’m 31 weeks 3 days. I continue to have BioPhysical Profiles twice a week, always scoring 8/8. During the most recent ultrasound (yesterday), Baby B was estimated at 3lbs 6oz. I’m on the monitor for an hour, twice a day. Baby B’s heart rate and activity are great, contractions are minimal. Blood work continues to be perfect,and even better, has now dropped down to two pokes a week. I’m also down to vitals every four hours instead of every two. Hooray, I’m actually getting a bit of sleep at night.

For the first few weeks, every morning when the doctors rounded, I would ask about the possibility of going home; the answer was always the same. I had to accept that I’m here for the duration, and they are continuing to make it as pleasant as possible.

A celebratory 30 week balloon and flowers, from my mom and Kate! Plus the constant flow of lattes from Starbucks and necessities from home.

Surprise, and very appreciated, lattes sometimes make an appearance from the staff. Always decaf from the night nurses ;)

One of the nurses paints my toes.

The cards and letters mean so much.

Fruit and treats from Harry & David, thanks D!

Something for Kate. One of the nurses commented that Kate shouldn’t have to play on the cold, hard floor. She and her children brought in a rug for her to keep in her play corner. Kate adores it, and tries to pick up the “owers” (flowers) and “balls” (polka dots).

The mother of one of my favorite nurses (M) makes hats for the NICU. M is sneaky and had asked me about nursery colours one day. I told her that we plan to use white and light pink, again. A few days later, she brought me this white hat with pink bunnies, made especially for Baby B…. (next to a pen for size comparison)

The first week I was here, one of the nurses asked me what my favorite local restaurant is, and what I like to order. For my 31 week anniversary, the nurses surprised me with my favorite salad.

Thank you to everyone for the continued emails, texts, thoughts, and prayers. It all means so, so much!

As for delivery, we are still looking at a 34-week induction. Not ideal, but so much better than what could have happened/ what they thought might happen.

I really am going to make a concerted effort to update more often. I don’t have a journal, so this is the best place to keep track of the good, and the bad. As hard as it is to be away from normal life, and especially from Kate, there really has been a lot of good, and memories for a lifetime.

10 comments:

  1. Congrats on making 30 weeks! So good to hear that you continue to do well. I was really touched that someone thought of Kate too. Bringing in the rug was so cool. Good luck! I hope it continues to go well.

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  2. I'm so glad that you're well and silence just meant that people were keeping you occupied! Congratulations on making it to 30 weeks, here's to the next four passing quickly and uneventfully! :-)

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  3. You are such a trooper! I can't imagine what you have been going through. Your nurses sound like angels.

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  4. What amazing blessings are flowing! Congratulations on the progress and praying for the next weeks to fly by uneventfully - except for more blessings! Your medical staff sounds fabulous, glad you are in their care.

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  5. Great progress. It all sounds so familiar. I was in the hospital for 5 weeks before delivering. Happily, you are going to beat me by quite a bit. Although my nurses and staff were wonderful, I didn't have nearly the attention you seem to have, which is a good thing for you (I vaguely remember many hours spent watching bad tv). Here's to a few more very fast weeks!

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  6. So glad to hear that you're doing as well as can be expected and that things are going smoothly. We're still praying for you, and good luck in the next few weeks.

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  7. Pleased all is going well and you haven't lost your mind yet!

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  8. So happy to read al is well and that you are coping with the forced hospital stay! It won't be much longer and you and baby are doing well which is the most important thing. Sending you love from Ireland!

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  9. It sounds like the nurses are amazing. So glad things are going well. Thinking of you!

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  10. Been thinking of you, so it's great to have such a good update! Sending positive thoughts your way!

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