Labor Story

Sunday 12/25/11 I started cramping I would say about mid day. I've had Braxton Hicks before so I thought maybe it was just that. Blake had to leave at 5:30pm to go to work so I told him stay by the phone in case anything happens. So shortly after that I could actually start timing the contractions. Which with Braxton Hicks they were just kind of random and you can't time them. These started at about 15-20 minutes apart. I would say maybe around 8pm they started to be around 5-7 minutes apart. They were kind of strong and almost took my breathe away a little. Around 10pm I called Blake and told him maybe he should come home so I could go get checked since I've never really had this happen before. I took a shower and got some things ready. He was home in no time and we were off to the hospital.
I went to the labor and delivery ER. They took me to a little room and hooked me up to the monitor. Of course their equipment wasn't working right and the lady tried telling me that I wasn't having that many contractions. So she found a different monitor so she could pick it up better. By this time they were super uncomfortable. It was more in my right hip and lower back than anywhere else. We thought we had a new doctor because he said he would take us on as a patient. This visit I saw a completely different doctor. He said he talked to the other doctor and he acted like he didn't know who I was, only because I never had time to make an appointment to see him since we were just at the ER the day before for the whole diabetes incident. So this new doctor. Dr. D sat down and talked to us and wanted to understand everything that went on and why we really were looking for someone to deliver other than or original OB. We gladly told him about everything that's gone on. Just like anyone else. He was a little shocked.
They checked my cervix and said it still felt hard and closed. Which I don't understand that because I have 2 stitches holding it shut so even if it wanted to open it couldn't. So I'm not sure how it would have been dilated?! Because I was having contractions they admitted me and took me upstairs. They told me I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything until they knew what was going on. Needless to say I did not sleep that night. They wouldn't even give me any pain medicine. The nurse said all I could take was Tylenol which did nothing. Not even Ambien helped!
All day Monday 12/26/11 I was in pain. Still couldn't eat or drink anything. They kept saying I was having contractions but that they were going to try to stop them. I got an IV because I was dehydrated. Which took sticking me twice without them numbing it like they did the last time. Ouch! All day long I begged for pain medicine and they still wouldn't give me any. By night time I was miserable! Every contraction which was about 3 minutes apart would wake me up. So I slept for 3 minutes at a time. They gave me 2 shots in the back of my arms to try to stop the contractions and of course it didn't work but for maybe 30 minutes. I guess maybe the nurse didn't believe me on how bad I was really hurting. Like I said by night time it was almost unbearable! I had to cling to the bed and cry and moan it hurt so bad. You know how you see it on tv. Yup that really happens! The new new doctor Dr. D came in that night and told me that since I was going to be 35 weeks 4 days the next day that he was just going to take my stitches out in the morning so he could actually see what was going on. Because obviously he couldn't tell if I was dilating with them being in there. I was so glad when he told me that! Again I barely slept that night. Still no food and not water. And no pain medicine.

Tuesday 12/27/11 at 8am he took me up to surgery and did a spinal block to take the stitches out. After this everything was kind of a blur the rest of the day so I'm not exact on the times things happened. I would say maybe a few hours later he checked me and I was dilated to 3-4cm. I still don't think they gave me anything for pain at this point. Or if they did it certainly did not help! The entire time they said they wouldn't induce labor but that if I was in fact in labor they wouldn't stop it. So to hear them say I was dilated I was thinking thank god this is almost over! The Anesthesia lady came in to talk to me about an epidural and wanted to know when I wanted it. Told her I had no clue and was waiting for the doctor to check me again. A few more hours went by and he rechecked me and I was at 8cm! No wonder I was in so much pain. If you start contracting do NOT wait until you are dilated to 8 to get an epidural because it is the worst pain I've ever felt!  They came back right away and started the epidural. Which didn't hurt all that bad since I've had a spinal block a million times. It kicked in right away thank god. I had no clue that it was hooked to a button that you could push every 15 minutes if needed. And you better bet I pushed that sucker every 15 minutes because I did not want to feel what was about to happen! They took me to Labor and Delivery and got everything set up. Waited a few more hours and got rechecked and I was finally at 9cm. He put the stirrup things up and had me lay there so he could see what was going on. All of my family went out of the room except for Blake. Not to long after that he had me push a few times to see if he could get things moving. Which worked because now I was ready to go. I would say it was around 5:30pm at this time. My mom came in the room so she got to watch the entire thing. Blake wasn't sure if he would pass out or not so he stayed by my head. And of course here's my mom with a camera in my face trying to take a picture! LOL So I started pushing which I wasn't even sure if I was doing it right because I had never tried to push anything out of my vagina before. And that pushing business is not fun! At first it was okay but then I started getting heart burn which made me barely able to even breathe. She tells you to push and count to ten. I'm already at 5 and she just starts counting! Didn't make it to ten a few times! And she told me every time I felt pressure towards my butt to let her know so I could push. I wasn't sure what I was feeling but every minute or so I would push. Mean while the doctor is down there making jokes. He literally used extra virgin olive oil and poured it down there to help stretch out the skin so he could slide out. Is that normal?? So after about 20 minutes of pushing they could see the top of his head which was full of hair! The doctor said he would need a haircut asap! I said well he's in luck because that's what I do. He laughed! So after a total of about 40 minutes of pushing he finally came out! He weighed 6 pounds 5 ounces and was 19 inches long! And had a head full of dark hair! There was only 3 nurses and 1 doctor in the room. ( That I can remember) They took him over to the heater to check him out. They still weren't sure if he was going to need the Nicu or not so I didn't see him until the doctor was done fixing me up. I felt the after birth plop or roll out I guess you could say. After that I asked if I ripped and he said a little. I should have hit that epidural button one extra time because I could almost feel him stitching me up. Then I finally got to hold Levi! He had some chubby cheeks! And wasn't as little as I thought he would be.
Not sure how much time passed by but they got me a wheel chair and took me down to the after delivery floor. Blake got to hold Levi and took him down to the nursery. Surprisingly I didn't cry once! I figured I would  ball like a baby. The nurse finally brought him in so we could see him. She asked if we wanted him to sleep in our room but the theme of my pregnancy is to scare the crap out of me apparently. So she told us how sometimes they can choke at night and if he was in the room with us we wouldn't know it because they don't do it out loud. So we let him sleep in the nursery at night.
Wednesday 12/28/11-Levi stayed in our room all day. We had a bunch of family come in and out. I was trying to get the hang out breast feeding and he finally figured out how to latch on. He still has some trouble with the whole sucking thing. He puts it in his mouth and then just leaves it sit there. Which is one of the reasons they don't want babies to come early. Everyone kept saying he was really mature for a 35 weeker. The last visitor of the day was Blake's sister. The reason him and I met in the first place! Blake had to leave for work around 8:30 so he missed her by a few minutes. After she left I was laying on the bed with Levi curled up next to me. The same nurse I've had every night came in and sat down on the couch next to the bed and looks like she's about to say something serious. She tells me that his labs came back and that his Bilirubin was really high. Which I had no clue at the time what that was. She starts out with saying if it's to high and they don't treat it it can cause brain damage. So I'm freaking out and about to cry so I couldn't even talk to ask her questions. She takes him back to the nursery and tells me he has to stay under lights to fix the problem. So mean while I google it and find out it's jaundice. Not sure why she approached the topic like she did but I cried all night because Blake wasn't there to talk to and I felt like I did something to harm Levi. Of course being the mom I should feel like I could fix everything. Which I know isn't the case. I didn't fall asleep until 4:15am. They woke me up at 5:30am to feed him. Which at this point because they need him to eat more they were bottle feeding him as much formula as he could drink which was normally 20ml at a time. So starting this morning every 3 hours they would bring him down for 30 minutes just to eat. So I went from holding him and seeing him all day to now I barely see him at all. Blake got off work at 6am so when he got here I told him what the nurse told me. So of course he freaks out and calls her in the room to find out what was going on. I fell back asleep until maybe 9am. The next round of nurses came in. Because I had barely slept I guess maybe they thought I was stupid and needed to repeat everything 10 times. They were getting on my nerves to say the least but they're okay now. Today when they bring him he's still on the pad that glows blue and makes him look like a glow worm. Or at least that's what Blake calls him. I went and looked in the nursery last night and saw him laying there under the light by himself which was really hard to see hence the reason I cried all night. My  mom and her best friend came to visit around 11:30am. They brought Levi down shortly after that to eat. As we're sitting there the hospitals pediatrician came in and tells us they got some labs back and begins to tell us her thoughts on a certain subject that needed some testing. Which I won't discuss until we actually get the results back so don't ask! Kind of a scary topic but the way this lady was talking I'm starting to wonder if she even knows what she's talking about!
After that lovely discussion my mom, Blake and I walked to the cafeteria to eat lunch which is like a mile away somewhere in the building. Longest I've walked in awhile! But I had the biggest pile of nachos I've ever seen! We've been feeding Levi like normal every few hours. They check his Bilirubin level twice a day which is for the Jaundice. From what I know it started at 12.5 and went down to 12.4 which is good and they just now said it's still at 12.4 which even though it's the same it isn't bad because he's growing so as long as the number stays the same it's fine. Although they want it to go down obviously.
I just got discharged but they're letting us stay tonight so we don't have to go home and drive back. They'll reassess it tomorrow to let us know if we have to leave or not. It would make it a lot easier to go home and get the last minute things done but at the same time who wants to leave the hospital without their child.
I'm still debating about the whole breast feeding thing. I may try to pump and just feed him breast milk with a bottle since I already have the stuff. Not sure I can handle that latching on because the boobs hurt enough as it is! She just left with Levi and they leaked the entire time I was holding him. Kinda crazy! He's so tiny to hold. I feel like I'm going to break him or something. I still feel like it was all a dream and that I really don't have my own baby. I'm sure it will sink in when we finally get to go home.

That's all I got for now. I'll update if I forgot anything.

Oh and by the way. Still don't have any stretch marks! Woohoo! But my feet are swelling which is weird cuz they didn't swell while I was pregnant. I'll take that over stretch marks and the gigantic post baby bellies I've been seeing around here. Mine still sticks out but not like some of these women thank god! lol

~Christine

Introducing.....

Levi Jaxen! He was born today! I'll update more tomorrow or when I have time. He was 6 pounds 5 ounces and born a month early. He didn't need any time in the NICU! We'll probably go home in 2 days.

Notice the peace sign! lol

<3 Christine

New Doctor!

I just got home from the ER. I went because I was kind of paranoid about the whole Diabetes thing and not having any medicine and having to wait until Tuesday. Plus I haven't really been feeling well. I've had headaches, felt dizzy and have just felt blah. They checked my urine and said that I have Ketones in it because I'm not eating or drinking enough so I'm using up my stored fat. Which it effects my blood sugar. He also said I had a few contractions but that they stopped. He wrote me a prescription for a Diabetes medicine. And the best part is that I got a new doctor. Blake told him our concern about our other doctor and how she has missed so many things that could have been prevented or helped earlier than they have been. So he said he would be glad to see me as a patient. And he's actually in the same building as the high risk doctors I've been going to. Plus I'll deliver at the hospital I've been in rather than at a hospital that doesn't even have a NICU or with doctors and nurses who are ignorant. I would much rather start over with someone new than have to deal with a doctor who neglects their patients. I have to call Tuesday to get an appointment for some time this coming week. Not sure now when he would take the stitches out and all that.

On another note. If I get one more comment about pregnancy and what I should be doing from someone that has no clue and has never been pregnant or had Diabetes or been on bed rest I'm gonna snap! You've been warned!

Merry Christmas by the way! lol

~Christine

Frustrated!

So Dr. B told me herself yesterday that she would get the glucose monitor and medication called in to my pharmacy. I even gave her the pharmacy number. I didn't know if it would be ready yesterday so we go to pick it up today. They have nothing in their computer. So I'm guessing her or her nurse never called it in. Lovely! So I call the on call number and the answering people they have say that they don't do anything with medications they're just there for emergency. And that no one will be in the office until Tuesday 12/27/11. Well hello I would say this is probably an emergency. So she leaves a message for Dr. N who is another doctor in the office. Mean while my phone dies so I can't even answer it to talk to them. I finally call back and get put on the phone with Dr.N. He asks me what the medication was and I tell him I have no clue. It was just the tester and a medication. (I'm not a doctor how the hell should I know what she prescribes for Diabetes?!) So he tells me that he can't call anything in if he doesn't know what it was. Had I been taking the medicine he could but since it's brand new there wasn't anything he could do. He just said to watch what I eat. Mmmk?!? Can I just say how frustrating this has been! First she misses the whole cervix thing and I almost lose my baby. Next she never checks me for gestational diabetes until 34 weeks because she had no clue that the other office didn't do it. Wouldn't you at least call and check?? And now she doesn't even freaking call in the medication I should have been taking all this time! All I got to say is she better figure out what she's doing and if anything happens to my baby she will be in a mess of trouble!

Gestational Diabetes

Well...as I was typing my last post I missed a phone call from my regular doctors office and it was actually my doctor who left the message saying that I have Gestational Diabetes. I'm waiting on the nurse to call me back. She said she needs to call me in some medicine and the glucose tester. And wants to see me next week to explain all of it. Which I already have an appointment for Wednesday. I'm hoping she'll tell me that she'll take the stitches out at 36 weeks since it's so close so I won't have to deal with all this or put him under any stress. No wonder I haven't felt good! I need to ask the nurse about the pains I've been having and some other symptoms that are TMI that I won't get into.

Other than getting my miracle out of this I can honestly say this is the worst experience I've ever had and I do not want to do it again! As long as I have one baby I will be happy. But this is torture!

Glucose Testing #2 and the last high risk appointment!

Tuesday we had to be at my regular doctors office at 7:30am. I was getting really irritated and almost left because we sat there over 30 minutes waiting on the lady who draw blood to get there. Apparently the lady that was suppose to be there at 7:30 called out. So when the back up finally got there she drew my blood and then I drank the lovely sugar drink. I was so tired and wanted to just lay down. I asked if we could go sit in the car but she said wait in here for the first hour in case you get sick. So after the hour was up she drew my blood again. Then we went and sat in the car for the next hour and I feel asleep. She drew my blood again. This time I laid on the chairs in the waiting room. I so did not care who saw me laying down. I'm use to bed rest so sitting for over 3 hours about killed me. She drew my blood for the final time and then we got to go home. We didn't get home until noon and I was starving!

On Wednesday we had our final appointment with the high risk doctors. We still had no clue what Levi was measuring from the last appointment since they lady wouldn't tell us. We got the nice lady this time so we asked her. She told us last Wed he was measuring 5 pounds 6 ounces. And that he gains about a half pound a week so that would make him almost 6 pounds now! Yay! Some how my cervix was still measuring 20mm. I was kinda surprised because I've walked around a lot this week and have cleaned and what not. When I was laying on the table waiting for her to start the ultrasound I got the worst pain in my back. Wasn't sure what it was but it went away. Levi had hiccups when she was doing the belly ultrasound. He is so cute and has little chubby cheeks! They put the ultrasound pictures on a disk so I'll have to upload those later.

Last night I had some really bad back and hip pain. I took tylenol and that didn't help. So I got the heating pad out and it helped. Then I woke up in the middle of the night and my hips were just sore. I guess it's from him laying on  a nerve or my hips just getting ready for him to come out. Right now I feel fine but I haven't really moved around much today.

Next Wednesday I go to my regular doctor to get an ultrasound and then she's going to check my cervix and tell us when she has decided to take the stitches out!

Christmas isn't going to be to exciting this year. Just me and Blake. He has to work at 6pm on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day which sucks but that's life. I will be so glad when all of this is over! I just want to see him already. I think he's going to look a lot like Blake!

Happy Thursday!
~Christine

34 Weeks

How far along? 34 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Not sure at the moment but at least 25 pounds :(
Maternity clothes? Same as last time. Just wear bigger t-shirts and pj's since I don't go anywhere.
Stretch marks? Just one little tiny one. And it better stay that way!
Sleep: I can't sleep for the life of me.  Tuesday I will be getting Ambien!
Best moment this week: Feeling how big he is in there. Kinda crazy!
Miss Anything? Walking, Cleaning, Cooking...and most of all shopping!
Movement: He doesn't move a whole lot but when he does it's strong!
Food cravings: Don't really have any cravings right now. I'm just super thirsty!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope just heartburn.
Have you started to show yet: Yes, I feel like a whale!
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Not really. Just a whole lot of pressure down there. Really uncomfortable.
Symptoms: Heart burn every single day. Constipation sometimes. I can't breathe when I lay down. I'm always thirsty. A lot of pressure down there and some random pains. Peeing every 5 mins.
Belly Button in or out? Still in. Looks normal.
Wedding rings on or off? I don't wear it when I'm at home but the last few times I went to put it on it's tight so I can't wear it right now.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy I guess. I have my moments.
Looking forward to: Holding my baby hopefully in 2 weeks! And to be able to breathe again.

Glucose Testing

I got a phone call on Monday from my regular OB, Dr.B. She said I need to come in for the glucose testing since I never had it done. So I went in the next day. I picked the orange flavor because I was told it wasn't as bad as the others. She said I had 10 minutes to drink it but I sucked it down so I didn't have to wait a million years. Then they called my name to go and sit in one of the little rooms. The nurse took my blood pressure and it was 130s/90s, which she said was high. And let me tell you what, I felt like crap after I drank that stuff. I laid on the table until the lady came in to draw my blood. Then we went back and waited some more. Dr. B came in and apologized a million times because she thought since I was going to the high risk doctors that they were actually seeing me. She said she has other doctors that she send her patients to and they see them like she would. So she had no clue that this group of doctors didn't do that. So I wasn't the only one left out apparently. I should have called but I figured she's the doctor she knows what she's doing.
So I just got the phone call and they said I failed the one hour. Which explains why I felt so bad after. On Tuesday the 20th I have to go back and do the 3 hour. I don't have to see Dr.B that day but I'm going to make sure they check my blood pressure and see if I can find out when she decided the schedule the cerclage removal. We have SO much stuff to do with in the next month and I can't plan anything! Kinda stressful!  Blake got a new job and we're moving back to Ohio where I'm originally from! It will be so nice to be around family and people that I actually know. And I'm excited to hang out with people that I've known since elementary and middle school!
The day after the glucose testing we went to the high risk doctors. They measured Levi but for what ever reason the girl wouldn't tell us what he was measuring. They always have before. She said to call Dr.B and ask. When she measured his head the screen said 35 weeks and 2 days. And I was only 33 weeks 5 days at the time. Which I know those things aren't always accurate. I think he may just have a big head like his dad. Which is going to be no bueno when it comes to pushing him out! I also only have to go and see them one more time until they release me because after 34 weeks you can't do an internal ultrasound. So I will be getting checked the old fashioned way until I deliver. My cervix was measuring at 23mm!  And Dr.B told me that I can stop all of my medicine at 35 weeks. Other than going for the glucose testing on Tuesday I don't see her again until Dec. 28th. Which on the 30th I will be 36 weeks and she may take the stitches out then or wait until Jan. 6th. It really isn't that far away but I feel like it's an eternity! I've been feeling miserable but it's starting to get even worse. I hurt all over, esp down there. And I can't hardly breathe! Thank god my little tiny stretch mark hasn't grown anymore. I don't see how women have more than one kid. I mean it's cute and all but good lord it's a lot of work! Anyways, that's all for now!

~Christine

Oh....No!

I jinxed myself....

Do you see that little line. Yup...that's a stretch mark. Let's just have a little conversation. We have 3 weeks! Stay right where you are and I won't be mad. Promise!

Mini 33 week Update

I'm gonna keep this one short and to the point. Wednesday we went to the doctor. Everything is still normal and my cervix has been the same staying at 20mm. Still at home! I thought maybe they would measure him again but they said we needed my doctors approval. So I made a phone call. I needed to call her anyways to schedule the appointment to get my cerclages taken out. They're going to measure him when I go next Wednesday. Hope he's at least 5 pounds because I get my cerclages out in 3 weeks! December 30th! I don't want an early baby but I can't even begin to explain how much I hurt and I have sooooooo much stress going on right now. Plus I'm starting to panic about him coming out and not being alive. Damn youtube videos! I would rather him be out and know he's okay then wait and something be wrong. Hopefully I'm not the only one with that kind of fear but after all I've been through to keep this baby I don't know what I would do if I lost him.

My doctor thinks he'll come right after she takes the cerclages out but because she is getting booked up she scheduled me a follow up appointment on January 9th. Everyone and their momma are having babies right now! I'm so scared to even stand up once the stitches are out!

Here's little Levi at our appointment on Wednesday. He's so cute! I just wanna pinch those fat cheeks! 

That's all I got for this week! Until next time....

Have a good weekend!

~Christine

33 weeks and dropping!

How far along? 33 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Just weighed myself and I lost 5 pounds so the total is only 18 pounds still.
Maternity clothes? Glad I only bought a few things because I don't exactly go anywhere except the doctors so at home I wear Blake's clothes :)
Stretch marks? No! Yay!!!! But I am a little fuzzy. What's up with that?!
Sleep: Who needs sleep. I can't fall asleep until like 1am for some reason. Then I wake up at 6am and can't fall asleep. So there's usually a nap some where in my day.
Best moment this week: Seeing how fat he's getting on the ultrasounds!
Miss Anything? Still my freedom. Tired of just laying here. Can't believe I was able to do it for this long tho and not hate life.
Movement: He doesn't move as much anymore because he's getting back but when he does it kinda hurts!
Food cravings: The only thing I have craved is salt. Not like licking salt or anything. Just salty food. Like McDonald's fries or pretzels. And I know it's bad but I always want soda. I've been good about not drinking it this whole pregnancy tho!
Anything making you queasy or sick:  I feel sick in the morning. It usually goes away and I never actually get sick. And my nose is sensitive. I could smell a fart from a mile away. I swear!
Have you started to show yet: Umm.....yes!
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Obviously. I think I've been cramping for about a week. Which I guess isn't good to announce because it makes everyone else paranoid! lol
Belly Button in or out? Still in. Looks normal.
Wedding rings on or off? I don't wear it when I'm at home but the last few times I went to put it on it's tight so I can't wear it right now.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I would say moody. The things people do become more annoying when your pregnant. Or maybe people really are that annoying they just didn't bother you before??
Looking forward to: Holding my baby hopefully in 3 weeks!

ER Visit

Last night I ended up going to the emergency room at around 8:30pm. As I posted before I stopped taking Indocin on Thursday. Not sure if that had anything to do with it but late that night I started feeling crampy around my hips and down low. Friday I woke up and it had went away until about mid day. All day long Blake kept asking me what was wrong and said that I was grumpy. I just kept saying I didn't feel good. Then it dawned on me that I hadn't really felt him move much all day. So I was laying in bed and kept poking at my stomach which normally makes him poke back. Nothing. So of course I was scared to death. I thought maybe it's nothing and he's just getting bigger and can't move as much. I was telling Blake and he was scared to death also. I thought maybe I just have to do #2. That didn't help either. So we got dressed and went to the ER. They hooked me up to the monitors and put the doppler on. I was soooo glad I could hear his heart beat. Which was staying around 147-150. They did a few tests and checked the monitor and said I wasn't having contractions and that everything looked normal. The doctor came in and said everything on the monitors are signs of a healthy baby. Kinda forgot to ask what the cramps were from but I figured it's Braxton  Hicks or him getting bigger and trying to get in his spot. I also haven't been very hungry lately. Something will sound good but when I go to eat it I just feel sick. I started taking my vitamins at night again and that has helped some.
Today I woke up and still felt crampy. I keep being told to time them but it's more of just an all day cramp. No clue what it is but I'm not bleeding or having contractions so I guess I just have to deal with it for now. Monday I'm making the appointment to get my stitches out! So he could be here in 27 days! Crazy!!!

And there must be something in the water because I know like 10 people who are pregnant and due around the same time!

Have A Good Weekend!
~Christine

Update

On Tuesday 11/29/11, I had a doctors appointment with my regular OB. I haven't been back to her since all of this happened in September. I didn't think I needed to see her since I'm seeing the high risk doctors but she is still technically my doctor. She scheduled me an ultrasound for that day also. Once we got in the room she was planning on checking my cervix but decided she didn't need to because I had an appointment the following day with the high risk doctors. I go there weekly since they're the ones that put the cerclages in. I really like my original doctor even though all of this happened. She gave me a couple options on what we can do when it comes to delivering. She said we could transfer our care over to the high risk doctors and have them do it or we could still have her do it. Her office is about 30 minutes away. So we would prefer to have the high risk doctors take out the cerclages and deliver. BUT....they won't take me on as a patient. They said the only way they would is if I had no other doctor and they had to. So that pretty much leaves us with going to my regular OB. She told us on Tuesday that she takes cerclages out between 36/37 weeks. And tomorrow I will be 32 weeks! I've talked to several people who have had cerclages and they said as soon as the stitches were out the baby came. So it looks like I could be having a baby by the end of the month! Yay!!!

They still have me on Indocin and Procardia. The Indocin is the one that makes my fluid low. Which I had an appointment with the high risk doctors yesterday, Wednesday, and they said it was getting low again. So we asked about coming off of it because they told us that I would need to anyway before 34 weeks so his kidneys would function properly and he could produce urine. So as of tomorrow I will no longer be taking that. It also helps stop contractions so I'm not sure what is gonna happen not being on it. They checked my cervix and it is still measuring at 20mm which is the same as last week. I'm still on bed rest. I try sitting up a little more because sometimes I can't breathe very good laying all the way flat. And the heart burn is killing me lately!

I go back to the high risk doctors on Wednesday again and they'll remeasure the cervix and check the fluid again. I believe the ultrasound tech said they no longer do the internal ultrasound between 34/35 weeks so after that they just check with their hands. I need to call tomorrow to ask my regular OB about setting up a time to take the cerclages out and talk to her about everything that's gonna happen. She even told me she thinks he'll come right after. She's been getting my ultrasound reports weekly and has seen my cervix go up and down. I'm really not sure if they will have me stay in the hospital and have her do it or if she plans on sending me home. Which I don't think she will.

That's all for now! I'll update again when I hear something new.

Btw...I can't believe it's December already! These last 8 months have gone by super fast. Thank god!

~Christine

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! This year I am thankful to all of the doctors that have helped save my little baby boy! And I'm so thankful that I got the chance to be a mother finally! Since I had my doctors appointment today we decided to have our Thanksgiving on Tuesday in case they put me back in the hospital. We ate until we were stuffed. Blake and I laid in bed the rest of the day. And I want to say thank you to him for being the woman and cooking everything this year. Love you! This is what we had...

Yum! So I got called in for an earlier appointment today. I think they're trying to get out of the office early. I went in at 11am. And to our surprise everything is still normal! So I'm at home for at least another week! Kinda bummed since we already cooked but we have plenty of left overs so at least we won't have to. Blake smoked the turkey on his smoker outside. It makes it taste really good. Everyone loved it last year.

Today I am 30 weeks and 5 days. It just amazes me that I've made it this far. I've seen doctors the entire time obviously but I haven't been back to my original doctor since all of this happened at 23 weeks. And I honestly haven't been able to go and see her #1 because it still kinda scares me because she could have caught this. I try not to blame her because I know she can't help what the human body does but she could have at least caught it sooner. And #2 because I've been on bed rest and figured since I was seeing a doctor in the hospital and weekly since I've been home. But I still need to have the glucose test done and I really just need to check up with her since she still is my ob doctor. Plus I have a lot of questions for her. Like if I do go into labor when they take out the cerclages will she be the one delivering or will the other doctors since it isn't her hospital. It's all so confusing. Still waiting for them to call back but I've learned they aren't very good at it until you keep bugging them. 

Not to mention I'm so sick of dealing with the medicine I'm on. I mean if a doctor writes a prescription they should fill it. I'm on 2 different types for preterm labor. I ran out of Procardia the other day and I honestly think that is the one that has helped me get this far along. So Blake went to get it filled because they said they had it. Come to find out my insurance won't pay for it twice a day. Even though they did the first time. So we had to pay $12 for 4 pills which lasted me until this morning. Makes no sense! So while at the doctors office we had to sit and wait will she called my insurance to get it approved. They wanted to know in detail why I was on it and what it was for and the typical well should she really be on it question. It's not like it's a narcotic people! I'm not dead yet and it's just a blood pressure medicine so what is the big deal! Since the doctors office was closing in a few hours and would be closed all weekend due to the holiday. She pretty much put pressure on them and told them, Look if you don't fill this she could go into labor this weekend. She still had to wait for the answer and would call us at home. They finally got the approval to fill it. Thank god. But why was that so difficult?! This has been like the theme of my entire pregnancy. And I'm glad it's almost over!

We also got the cutest pictures of Levi's face today. She put it on a cd this time tho and I have one of those tiny laptops that doesn't have a cd drive. And Blake's computer charger broke so hopefully I can make it work to load the pictures sometime soon. 

I'm bummed that I can't get maternity pictures because I'm on bed rest and since I'm not working we don't exactly have the extra money for it. Hopefully we can at least do some ourselves before he comes. We took some pictures this morning by the tree....

Don't I look a hot mess. I ask Blake everyday if I really look that big. He says yes but I really don't feel it. I guess maybe because I'm laying down all the time. That's all for now.

Have a Great Thanksgiving!

<3 Christine, Blake and baby Levi :)

Rant of the Day

I've had a lot of people say rude things I guess I could say because I state that I may have my son early. It's not by choice! You clearly don't understand my situation if you have the nerve to say Uhh you know you're suppose to carry to full term right?! Does it look like I have a choice? I almost lost my baby at 23 weeks. Give me a break. I'm lucky to have made it as far as I have. I get my cerclages taken out at 34 weeks not by choice but because medically they have to. I have an extremely short cervix and if I do get pregnant again I have to get a stitch put in my abdomen if that tells you anything. So yes more than likely when they take the cerclages out it probably won't be long after until he comes. I don't think anyone would choose to have a premature baby. So if you have something negative to say please keep it to your self because I'm so sick of hearing it. That's all!

Update

We had a doctors appointment on Wednesday. Everything was still normal and the same as last week. So I'm still at home. Yay! I go back again next Wednesday. It's the day before Thanksgiving which makes me kind of nervous because I don't want to spend another holiday in the hospital. So keep your fingers crossed! Blake's brothers girlfriend is 27 weeks pregnant with twins and is currently in the hospital because she has pneumonia. So cross your fingers everything turns out okay with her and the babies.

 I'll be 30 weeks tomorrow! Hard to think that in 4 weeks I'll get my cerclages taken out and that he could possibly come. I don't know how I will ever walk again. Not even kidding! I get out of breath and my legs feel like they forgot what to do. Even sitting on something hard makes my bottom hurt! I'm not sure when he will come but I've read stories of women that have had cerclages for their first pregnancy and after they got theirs out as soon as they stood up their water broke. I have a feeling that may happen just because my cervix is soooo short and doesn't know what to do. Can you say nervous?! Hopefully tomorrow I can get a belly picture. I was really wanting maternity pictures but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. :( Kinda bummed!

~Christine

Reading...

I finished the other 2 books that I posted about not to long ago. They were both Halloween. Now I am moving on to another...

Turkey Day Murder! I'm sure I will have this done before Thanksgiving and then I will be reading the Christmas books in this series. Not to exciting but what else do I have to do!

Happy Monday!
~Christine

11/11/11

Happy Veterans Day! Especially to Blake. I love you! And today I am 29 weeks! Yay! It's getting closer!

Have A Good Weekend!
~Christine

Ignorance is Bliss...

This post has nothing to do with what I would normally post on here. But as a soon to be parent I feel like it's my right to speak my mind about the whole Penn State incident involving children. I've tried to speak my mind but every time I say something I get smacked with how ignorant I am and that I don't know the facts. No I didn't go to Penn State or go to a 4 year college or get a 'proper' education as some would call it after high school. But before you judge me you should also get your facts straight because you know nothing about me! I chose to be a Cosmetologist because it's something that I like to do. So for any human to sit and degrade someone for the career path that they chose and to call them ignorant and trash because of it is a very shallow person. There are plenty of people in this world who have degrees and spent plenty of money on college who can't even get a job and work at a burger joint. And there's also plenty of people who haven't gone to college not because they didn't want to but because they either couldn't afford it or what ever other reason. Did you ever think of that before you ran your mouth?! Your comments about being ignorant because of a lack of education makes you that much more ignorant. And I hope you can sleep at night knowing that. You are no better than anyone else!

On that note....I've tried to explain my feelings but I apparently can't get them across. The point of this whole matter is about the children involved. Not the coach. Not the school. And not the students. They plan on holding a candlelight vigil tomorrow yet earlier on the news all of the students were there chanting 'We Are Penn State'. Give me a break. This isn't about any of you! To turn a blind eye on a serious matter who ever it may be makes you just as much involved as the person who committed the crime. I fully get supporting your school but with in that school you are also supporting the people who did this. And these people say they have morals! I say good luck with that!

I saw this article just a minute ago that explains exactly how I feel. Some people will disagree but I hope that the people that are ignorant to the situation read it and that maybe it will be a wake up call for them. Because if you are a parent, You of ALL people should understand! Here's the link!

Christine

Finally some good news!

We went to the doctor today! She said my fluid is normal and my cervix is long. She didn't exactly say how long but I'm starting to get the hang of reading the ultrasounds. My doctors office is fancy and instead of having to look at her monitor they have it on a tv on the wall. Much easier to look at! So I could tell that it was still closed and not funneling! Yay! And they went ahead and measured him and he weighs 3 pounds and 1 ounce. Woohoo! He's a little growing machine in there. I could tell he is getting bigger by the way he moves. Exciting day! We go back to the doctor again on Wednesday. And I got a phone call from someone that I work with letting me know that they're having a baby shower for me and my manager who is due 9 days after me with a little boy. At least I have something to look forward to! Hopefully I won't be in the hospital so I can go.

Now back to watching the CMA Awards! Have a good night!

~Christine

Home again...

I got to go home on Sunday. My cervix was measuring at 40mm and I was told there was no reason that she could keep me there. I got the lecture again of how I need to be doing bed rest at home. I am! The only thing that is any different is my bed and the couch. My bed is up higher and super soft compared to hospital beds and sometimes I struggle to get up. And my couch is a lot lower than a hospital bed so I also struggle getting up. Other than that and showering and using the bathroom I lay here bored to death! I go to the doctor again tomorrow and if I get lectured I'm really gonna be annoyed! I try drinking as much water as I can but I don't always manage to do so. Not sure if that would do harm or not. And she also changed my medicine around again. My mom went to pick it up for me and the pharmacist said that my insurance won't pay for me to take Procardia twice a day so they still filled it but I only have enough for 2 weeks now.

I go to the doctor tomorrow so keep your fingers crossed for me that my cervix stays normal and that they can fix my medicine again! I don't think it will be long before I go back to the hospital. If it isn't for everything else going on it will be because of the Indocin making my fluid low. Can I just have a shot and knock me out for 2 months because this is really starting to get to me! And Levi is stretching and kicking a lot lately! It hurts sometimes.

Until tomorrows update....

~Christine

It seems like a dream....

We made it to 7 months! Yay! It still hasn't hit me and sounds really odd for me to say, "My little boy." I never thought the day would come when I could say that. :)  And since I all I do is lay down I don't really notice how big my belly is getting. Words can't even describe what it feels like to be pregnant and have a little baby in your belly kicking you. It's almost just unreal!

<3 Christine

Update for the day!

I had my ultrasound again this morning. The doctor just came in and said that my cervix is now 40mm. Which is super good but I'm confused on how it goes that high at the hospital when I do the exact same thing here as I do at home. They switched my Procardia medicine to the extended release today. That's the only reason they are keeping my until Sunday and repeating the ultrasound. She said if my cervix is 40mm there is no reason they need to keep me here. Ok? But I'm still on the Indocin which makes the fluid low and hence the reason I had to come back last time. I asked her that and she said they would just check Sunday and see. I'm so ready for all of this to be done! I just want to sleep more than 4 hours at a time without being woke up! At least when he is here it will be worth it and I'd gladly wake up to take care of him. Right now it's just frustrating! I don't want to jinx myself but I can almost guarantee within 2 weeks I'll be right back in the hospital. If it isn't because of my cervix it will be because of the fluid or something else. Is this roller coaster ride over yet???

The only think that isn't making me lose my mind is having people visit me, tv, my computer and reading. I finished the last book I posted and I reserved the rest of the books that she writes from the library last week. My mom brought them to me the other day and this is the book I'm reading now ( I'm a fast reader so I should be done with it tonight)....

I started with the Christmas Cookie Murder because I didn't know she had other books and that's just the book my mom picked. So I figured I would start reading them by the current holidays. After this I am reading.....

Which I will probably be done with this weekend. Being in the hospital on a weekend is super boring. The only thing on tv is football. Which I love watching but after 2 days of it I get bored! And I should be having visitors tomorrow! So we shall see!

Happy Friday!
Christine

Is it time yet?!

Since I came in on Friday I got moved to the biggest room they have since I was told I would be here for 7 more weeks. Well....Monday morning I had an ultrasound and my cervix was measuring at 22mm. It went up from 10mm. Dr. M came in and pretty much said that I could go home. I was slightly confused because Dr. L told me I would stay here until I was 34 weeks. I've been asked literally a million times what I do different at home that makes my cervix shrink. I don't do anything! Blake and my mom are there pretty much all day so its not like I have to get up to get anything. Thankfully they are willing to help me how ever they can. The only difference is that I get up in the morning and lay on the couch and the bathroom is a little bit further away. And the only other thing is the medicine. They took me off of Indocin because it made my fluid low. And my insurance wouldn't pay for the regular Procardia that I'm suppose to take every 6 hours. So they put me on the extended release that I only take once a day.

Since I've been back in the hospital they put me back on the Procardia that I take 4 times a day plus I'm also on Indocin again. So confusing! I told Dr. M I didn't want to be sent home to just have to come back in a week. She said she'd let me think about what I want to do and they would just repeat the ultrasound on Wednesday, which is today. The ultrasound lady came in this morning and said the shortest she measured was  20mm and she didn't say what the longest was. They take a bunch of different measurements so I guess it's up to the doctor once she looks at it to what the length actually is. Dr. M came in a little bit ago and she said it was no longer funneling and it was measuring 36mm. She told me the reason Dr. L said I would be staying here until 34 weeks is because normally once your cervix goes down to less than 15mm at this far along it doesn't go back up. And for some reason mine is. So again she asked what I am doing different. Can I just tell you how annoying that is to be asked that?! Trust me I hate bed rest and miss doing normal things but I know I can't! This time she didn't ask what I wanted to do. She just said they would repeat the ultrasound on Friday and go from there. Since I can't take the normal 4 a day Procardia at home she's going to put me on the extended release twice a day while I'm still here and monitor me and see if that helps or not.

Of course I would love to go home but already being told I'd be here until I'm 34 weeks is kind of stuck in my head. And whether my cervix shrinks or not they have me on Indocin again which reduces the fluid. So either way I'd be back here in no time. It's just aggravating! I don't mind being here because if I'm at home I'd be doing the same thing. Except it's just easier at home obviously. And the only thing I hate is how I can't ever sleep for a solid period of time. I get medicine at midnight and then at 5am they wake me up to put me on the doppler. And at home my lovely neighbor upstairs wakes me up at 6:30. So either way sleeping sucks!

That's the news for the week. Other than that there really isn't much going on. Just a lot of boredom! Thank god for library's! I got online and put a bunch of books on hold so my mom is bring them to me today. I'll do a book update of what I read next. Not that it's exciting or anything but I'm bored so what the heck!

Blake and I also attempted to make a mixture to paint my belly a pumpkin for Halloween. It didn't work so well! Ha! I didn't want to use regular paint because I didn't know if it would harm Levi but I'm thinking that I might have to because nothing else was working. It's past Halloween now but I really want a picture of it so we're still going to do it when we can. I was bored on Halloween and made my own costume with what I had. Blake was laughing at me! Here is what I did....

A pregnant ghost! Haha! And Blake's brother thought it was him not me. Even funnier! My little brother also got married on Halloween. I couldn't go obviously but at least I got to see pictures. Here they are with my 2 nephews....

The little one is 4 months old and looks just like his dad with a bald head! Haha! Speaking of that, the ultrasound lady told me that Levi is already growing hair on his head! Yay! I always wanted a baby that came out with a lot of hair. And if the heart burn thing is true he should have a lot because I have been dying from it! Blake was platinum blonde when he was a little boy and he has bright blue eyes. Hopefully he takes after him because that would be so cute!

Here's a picture of Levi from this morning. He looks like an alien to me! I can't wait until next Friday because that's when they should measure Levi again. I just want to know how much he is growing! He was 1 pound 13 ounces last time. And my belly is stretching like no other now! No stretch marks yet thank god! Now that I say that they will pop up tonight. Just watch!

Happy Hump Day!
Christine

The dreaded news...

Dr. L came in today. There are 4 different doctors with in the same practice that make rounds at the hospital. I have now officially met all of them. He came in and told me the lovely news that I won't be leaving the hospital for the next 7 weeks, ( I'll be 34 weeks then) and that is when they would take out the Cerclage. And depending what happens after that I may not go home until I deliver. He said 3 strikes and I'm in and that he didn't want me going home because when I do shit hits the fan. His words exactly. I knew it was coming I guess and all I hear is, "That's what's best!" Yes, I know. But have you ever had to stay in a hospital for 3 months. Not being able to even leave your room and staring at the same 4 walls. Only get out of bed to use the restroom or shower. And the only signs of life outside is through a window 6 floors up. It's not easy and I think I may possibly lose my mind by the end of all this.

 I randomly cry for no reason and Blake always asks me what's wrong. I no longer cry because of the thought of losing Levi. Which I know is still a chance. I cry at the thought of losing myself. I know it will all be worth it in the end but getting to that point is a daily struggle. I feel like I am in prison. Trapped in a body laying in a hospital bed. Fall is my favorite time of year and to think of spending the holidays in here makes me depressed. I've barely got to see the leaves changing colors or the Halloween decorations. I hear about Halloween parties and how much everyone is having fun. I feel like I'm missing life to bring a new life into this world. It should be a no brainer and not be so difficult but for some reason it is. I have my family and a few select people that come and visit me and for that I am thankful. My mom comes everyday and Blake stays here 24/7 other than when he goes to work. Yet I still feel alone. I feel like no one cares or understands how hard all of this has been for me. Every time I talk about it all I can do is cry. Sometimes I just want to shut down and be alone.

Pregnancy should not be this difficult. And for anyone that has never been in my shoes or knows what it is like
to worry every single day about losing your first child, stressing over paying bills because you can't work, or just doing daily things you take for granted....I wouldn't wish it upon anyone.

If by chance I do get discharged at 34 weeks it would be December 16th. That seems so far away. Spending Christmas in here would probably make me even more depressed. I absolutely love Christmas. This year I won't be able to decorate a tree, go Christmas shopping, cook Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas dinner , and bake all of this Christmas cookies I love making.

There's so many things I stress over that have happened with in the last year that I keep all bottled up inside of me and I really don't know how much more I can take. I'm only one person and why should I have to deal with all of this. What did I ever do??

Levi is one lucky little boy and praying we make it through all of this I know it will be worth it. I just have to keep telling myself that.

Christine

Ultrasound Update 10/28/11

We made it to 27 weeks! We would have ever thunk it! Going from being told our baby won't make it to he's still in there baking away. He truly is a miracle baby and stubborn as his dad! Blake said he's grounded until he's 18 already! LOL

We had our ultrasound check up yesterday at 11:30. I got up and got ready, even put some makeup on for a change. We get in the room and she checks Levi and said how cute he is. She then does the vaginal one to check my cervix and instantly says, "Well guess where your going!". That's all she said the entire time. Not sure if you've ever seen a cervix on an ultrasound but it's hard to tell what it what. All I could tell was that there was a lot of black which meant it was open more than normal. And I could see the 2 white dots which are my Cerclage. And the black was opening up to that stitch. So not being told anything she makes me lay down and wait so she can talk to the nurse. She comes back in and hands me 'the envelope' and tells me to head to the hospital. NO!!! I think I jinxed myself by saying I wanted to be home for Halloween. Well not now!

So we get to the hospital still not knowing anything. My favorite nurse is there and she helps me to my room. The same one I originally started in. I ask her if she knew what was going on and she said she hasn't got report yet. So by this point I'm a little nervous.

She finally got report and said that my cervix is funneling down to where the Cerclage is and that my cervix is measuring 10mm. Which I know isn't good. They were concerned whether or not I was having contractions. Told her I didn't feel good the last 2 days and was cramping but I wasn't sure if it was contractions or not. So she hooks me up to the monitors. No contractions. And Levi is kicking away as usual. He hates that thing! I asked her if she knew if I would deliver soon or if I should be concerned. She said no, that I was worse off the first time I ever came in. Now the Cerclage is at least holding me shut and I'm not contracting which is good. They took me off the Indocin last go around because it made the fluid in the sac low. So they put me on Procardia which is the same just doesn't effect the fluid. But now they have me on both of them. Not really sure why?! I know the Indocin effects his kidneys but they said they don't give it past 32 weeks so if he does come early his kidneys will be producing urine, which is what they want.

So I have no IV's or anything this time. Yay! Just laying here and being monitored. They kept asking me are you sure your on bed rest when your at home. Uhh Duh! No I go run around the block a few times. The only difference at home is I walk further to the bathroom. I'm sure they'll probably end up keeping me since every time I go home my cervix gets worse.

I believe the doctor is suppose to come around today so I guess I'll find out more then. Until then I guess I'll lay here and be bored to death. Bed rest is killing me! And I can't wait for this to be over. I will never complain about pain or being bored ever again, I swear!

Blake and I at least got to carve a pumpkin during the little time I was home. We were going to paint my belly like a pumpkin, which we never got around to doing. We may still do it but who knows!

                                                                                 
Have a Happy Halloween Weekend and have some fun for me!
~Christine

P.S. My little brother is getting married Monday and I can't go :(

Christmas?!

I haven't blogged in a few days. Not really any new updates since I don't go to the doctor until tomorrow morning. So I thought I would do a Christmas post. Yes, I know it isn't even Halloween yet! I personally love Christmas tho and wish it could be everyday of the year! Living in Tennessee we get a little snow but no where near like when I grew up in Ohio. I miss building snowman's and going sledding. The snow doesn't stick long enough to really do much of either here :( And unlike Ohio, here if they even say there's a chance of snow, whether it comes or not, they call out school! It's crazy! Then the kids end up having to make up days at the end of the year because they missed so much. Which I do have to say the roads here are awful and they aren't 'prepared' as much as up north. I personally think it's fun. Snow means you get to stay home and no one is out on the roads! Who doesn't like that?! Last year I had to borrow my dads van when it was icy out. Not a good idea! I slid when I hit the breaks and almost went in the ditch when I turned the corner. And wouldn't you know the idiot behind me didn't even stop and went around me! Must have been a northerner (or at least that's what Blake says!) Ha!

Anyway...I love reading books. I could sit and finish a book in a day if it's interesting. Since I'm on bed rest and have been bored out of my mind and have done every craft I can think of. My mom went to the library the other day and brought me back some books she thought I would like. Only I couldn't get past the first chapter of any of them. But she did get one for herself! And it happened to be a Christmas book, which I love reading! This is the book....

After she finished it she gave it to me to read. I've only gotten half way through it so far but it's really good. A Christmas story and murder mystery all in one! I love this author and she also has other books I plan on reading. She co-writes with Joanne Fluke who also writes Christmas books and murder mysteries. So if you're in the mood to read you should pick this up!

Happy Thursday!
Christine

Home Sweet Home

Yesterday I was scheduled to get an ultrasound. It's normally between 9-10am. She didn't end up coming until around 1pm. I was a little annoyed since I was waiting on the verdict of whether I could go home or not. I wanted to just pack my stuff and leave! So the lady comes in and I really don't even remember her, unless her hair was different, but she asked if I had lost weight. Umm no! I'm not exactly getting any exercise ya know! She tells me that the fluid is normal and that my Cerclage still looks good. And that my cervix is between 23-25mm. I knew that was pretty much normal so as soon as she left we started packing! LOL! Well we thought we would leave soon but ended up waiting 2 more hours! The doctor had came in that morning and told me she already had everything written up and ready to go. So I'm not sure if it really takes that long or if the nurse was just slacking. My doctor also informed me that if I were to get pregnant again that she would suggest I get a Cerclage placed in my abdomen since my cervix is so small. Told her I highly doubt after all of this that I will have another one. But who knows! I'll have to look into that. So I'm finally home!

We had a little drama with the medication I'm suppose to be on and Walgreen's refusing to fill it. Last time I was put on Indocin which is a blood pressure medicine but they've also found it stops contractions. They didn't want to fill it because they determined I shouldn't be on it. They ended up giving it to us. Well this time since the Indocin made my fluid low they switched me to Procardia which is the same thing just a different medication. I couldn't go in to get it obviously. So Blake dropped it off and went back later to get it. He was told that they weren't giving it to me again because it isn't used for preterm labor or to stop contractions. Ok, it is 2011. There are all kinds of new medications. You would think Pharmacists would be updated on all of this. NO! I was also prescribed Progesterone that I was to do vaginally. They gave me a pill that is suppose to be taken orally. Yes, I know it can probably just be inserted vaginally but I'm new to all of this and it wasn't what I was use to using in the hospital. And to me it was just kind of unsanitary to not have the proper applicator when I've had an infection before and that's what I'm trying to avoid. Blake was highly frustrated! So I call the hospital and talk to my nurse. She changes it to the Procardia Extended Release which is once a day. The pharmacist (or who we thought was the pharmacist) wouldn't even call my doctor to verify. She just refused to give it to me. So I get all that figured out. Blake had to go to work by this time. So I try calling Walgreen's to make sure they got the phone call from the nurse. No one answers after being on hold for 20 mins. (Blake's cousin in Florida was also highly mad and called and complained too!)My mom goes up there and is gone for an hour! She comes back and tells me that the person refusing to give me the medication was an Intern! Who clearly didn't know what she was doing because she kept messing up other orders. The pharmacist didn't even know what was going on. My mom talked to the store manager and told him that she should not be working back there if she doesn't know what she's doing! So after all that I finally got the medicine I need. Had they refused to give it to me and I had contractions they would be in a huge mess of trouble! Needless to say I will never go back to Walgreen's ever!

I have to call today (which I just reminded myself..thanks!) to get an appointment for Friday to get my cervix rechecked. Can I just say I am so annoyed with all of this! Yes I know it is for my baby and I shouldn't complain but unless you have been through it I don't think you realize just how frustrating all of this can be! I mean I can't even walk in the kitchen and get a glass of water. I've laid in a bed going on a month. Lord, is it December yet?! I never thought I would cry because I missed working but on the way home I did. I hate just laying here knowing Blake and my mom have to do everything for me. I almost feel like I'm in prison or something. I just have to keep telling myself that come December it will all be worth it. Right now it doesn't feel that way.

Time to catch up on some tv and watch Hocus Pocus!

Happy Monday!
Christine

26 weeks and some good news!

Today I am 26 weeks! Yay! Never thought I would make it this far! This next picture isn't very flattering but being on bed rest it's not going to be cute no matter what since all I wear is pajamas. And I'm not suppose to get up anyway! So here it goes...

No stretch marks yet!

 I had an ultrasound this morning. He weighs 1 pound and 13 ounces. I swear he feels bigger for how strong he is! My cervix is now measuring 21mm. Which isn't super good but almost there. The fluid and everything is normal. No more steroid shots thank god! Dr. M said she could have let me go home today but she would feel more comfortable if I stayed until Sunday. They'll do an ultrasound that morning and if all is good I guess I can go home! I have the stupidest cervix in the world! And all I want to do is to be able to go outside or for a walk. I'm use to standing pretty much all day at work so now that I haven't been the blood in my legs doesn't know what to do!

They woke me up at 5am and I didn't fall asleep til almost 1am. I see a nap in the near future. My 2 nephews and my brother along with my mom came today. I'm wore out!

(Bed rest = not so hot looking! My 3 year old nephew loves to get in the bed and change the channels non stop when he visits!)

 

 My 4 month old nephew. So cute!

Never thought I'd say this but I really miss working! I thought I would take some time off after he comes but soon as I can I'm going back! Might not say that when he's here but there's only so much you can do stuck at home or in the hospital.

That's all for now!

Happy Friday!
~Christine

P.S. I have an old high school friend that I lost touch with after I moved from my home town. She's had to deal with infertility but was able to have her miracle son to look at every day. Just wanted to say if I could take away all her pain I would because I know how difficult it is and every time I see her sad it makes me want to cry. So if you're reading this just keep your head held high and thank god every day for the miracle that you do have and just pray you will be blessed with another one <3

Progesterone and Steroids

My last go around in the hospital I never received the 2 steroid shots that helps improve babies lungs in case they are preterm babies. My doctor swore she thought I got them so.....last night I got my first one in my hip. Fun stuff! The nurse kept telling me it would hurt. Which it did burn and was sore for about 5 minutes. But to me the Mag going through my hand hurt way worse! It actually made me cry.

Tonight I get my second steroid shot. And Dr. M also came in earlier and said that starting tonight I would be getting Progesterone given vaginally. (That sounds like a load of fun!) She didn't really say why. Not sure if I'm not producing enough. All she said was it helps the cervix. Okay?!

And of course in the morning I will get another ultrasound which I'm sure I can already tell you the outcome. Stupid cervix!

Hopefully tonight I will finish Levi's baby blanket that I'm crocheting and I also found the cutest little crocheted outfit via pinterest that I just started. My mom taught me how to crochet years ago and I only knew how to do a granny square. Well playing around I came up with some other pattern which is close to a granny square but the holes are smaller. So that's the pattern I'm doing the blanket in. And today I was wanting to figure out an even tighter pattern, and I figured it out! It doesn't have any holes at all. It's pretty much just a repetitive chain stitch. Hopefully I can get that all figured out and done soon! But here is what I'm attempting to make. (Minus the pink bow of course!) I'm doing the tan one :)

I'll update again tomorrow after I hear the news about the ultrasound.

Happy Thursday!
~Christine

10/19/11 Ultrasound

It's official!....My cervix hates me! On Monday it was measuring at 19-20mm and today it is now 16mm. What the heck?! The good news is that my fluid level was at 5 (whatever that means) and it is now at 12 which I was told is normal. I can't win for losing I swear! My cervix is also funneling right down to where the Cerclage is. I asked her if it could come out, she said only if I start having contractions. And then they would do everything they could to stop them. Either restart me on the Indocin or start me on the Mag again. :( So they're going to repeat the ultrasound on Friday and go from there. Sounds like I'm more than likely going to be here until I deliver because my cervix has yet to cooperate. I'm just glad I'll be 26 weeks on Friday which I know is still early but he at least has a better chance then when I had originally found out all of this.

Oh and this bed is killing me! It's one of those delivery beds again. Ouch! I think might have broke a hip.

And Levi definitely already has his own personality. He hates the doppler or being poked. So when they put it on my belly he moves to the other side and kicks it really hard. Ha! I wish I was further along so he can come out and play already! And as of last night I can officially see him kicking from the outside. So weird!

Keep your fingers crossed!


~Christine

Mini update

I get an ultrasound in the morning to check the fluid around Levi. Keep your fingers crossed! Hospitals can be soooo frustrating! And I miss my little baby Maggie :(

~Christine

Update: Doctors Appointment

Today didn't go as planned. I kind of expected it but only for the same reasons I've been having and not new ones. Ughh! So I'm back at the hospital for god knows how long. They said it could be a few days or it could be until he comes. But the good news is he's still in there baking away. Even tho I was on complete bed rest since my last doctor's appointment. Minus going to the bathroom and one shower. ( I did lay on the couch for a few hours one day but I was still laying down). When I say bed rest I mean full out laying down. No sitting up what so ever. Hence the reason I get acid reflux really bad! But anyway....They did the normal ultrasound routine. They do the internal to check my cervix. Which it was still measuring at 20mm. It's not super short but it isn't considered a normal length. So they were still concerned about that...AND....they also measure the fluid around the baby and it is measuring low. Which they obviously need that fluid to survive. The reason my fluid is low is because of the medication I have been on since being in the hospital, which is Indocin. It helps stop pre-term labor and helps close the patent ductus arteriosus. Not a doctor but it has to do with the lungs so he is able to breath outside of the womb. The side effect of it causes the baby's kidneys to not produce as much urine. Which is the fluid around him. So they were concerned that it would hurt him. They stopped giving me that medicine and started me on another similar one, with different side effects, called Procardia. The Indocin also helped stop any contractions. I've only had them once this entire time and that was after surgery.


So the reason for being in the hospital is to monitor the baby and to make sure I'm not having contractions. I could have gone home but if something bad were to happen I wouldn't really know it. So we thought this would be the best thing. Thank god I'm not hooked to any IV's...yet! They did come in and draw blood. That's another story in itself. These people aren't the greatest at finding veins! I also have the contraction belt on and I did have the belt on to hear his heart beat but since he moves around so much anyway they took it off because it was pointless.


On a good note. During the external ultrasound we got to see him again. He had his hands laying over his chest. And when she got a shot of his face you could see that his eyes are open now! Yay! He still kind of looks like a skeleton on the screen but to hear his eyes are now open is a big relief because it means he's growing! We can at least get that part right! So far I haven't had any steroid shots to help him mature faster but the nurse did mention it tonight that she was going to bring it up to the doctor. Since more than likely I will have a pre-term baby. They want to make sure he's healthy and can survive.


So....that's all I got for now. I would much rather be at home but bed rest isn't fun period so I guess I might as well be somewhere where he can be taken care of if needed. I'll update again when I hear more.


Christine

Doctors Appointment...and Maggie!

I have to wake up at 6am every morning to take Indocin (for pre-term labor). I fell back asleep and got woke up again to Blake coming home from work and taking a picture of me and Maggie sleeping...

Is she not hilarious?!?! Love my dog!

On another note, I have my doctors appointment in 2 hours. I'm so nervous! Say a prayer for me!

Happy Monday,
Christine

My Other Child...

I have a Maltipoo named Maggie. She just turned 3 this month. She's one of those little yapper dogs who bark at the slightest noise. Yea fun times! Ha! Anyway, I swear she thinks she's a human! She would probably sleep in Levi's crib under a blanket if I let her. She is the sweetest, most cuddley( is this a word?!)  dog I have ever met! When she comes in from outside and you give her a treat, you can hold it in the air and tell her to dance and she spins in circles. She's funny like that. She also refuses to drink out of her water bowl and will jump at the sink to let you know she's thirsty. Then you have to fill it up and put her up there so she can get some water. Can you say spoiled?! She's also a bed hog. When we let her sleep in our bed she always has to be touching me! Oh and if you say the words...Do you wanna...she cocks her head to the side! Ha! She knows what's coming next. We either say do you wanna go outside? Then she flips out and runs around or Do you wanna bath?...I don't think she understands that one because she gets excited yet hates baths!

She hasn't left me alone since I got home from the hospital. She either lays on the couch with me or lays in my bed. And for some reason it's always right against my belly. Wonder if she knows she has a little brother in there. She likes to pounce on my belly too. Pretty sure Levi doesn't like that! Even tho she drives me nuts sometimes, I would probably be bored with out her. If only she could talk back then I probably wouldn't be so bored laying here. Haha! Here she is with all of her cuteness!...

She's in Levi's swing. Like I said...she thinks she's human! :)

 Blurry but this was when she was probably 1. We got her when she was about 6 months.

She loves candy and people food. Yea, I know. It isn't good for her! This was her first long car ride to Ohio!

The next 3 pictures I actually just took today. 

 This is how she lays. Always touching me. And right up against her little brother!

 Being nosy and taking a nap.

And this cracked me up. I was watching TV and crocheting Levi's baby blanket and I noticed I couldn't pull the yarn anymore. Because...she decided to use it as a pillow! Hahaha!

That's my other baby tho. Just thought I would share since she's a big part of our lives. And I hope when Levi comes that she get's along with him. She hates hearing babies cry and has only been around my nephew who just turned 4 months. He grew on her but I guess we will have to wait and see how it goes!

Also, my doctors appointment is tomorrow. Super nervous because I do NOT want to go back to the hospital. Pray I get good news!

Happy Sunday!
~Christine

The joys of bed rest

Today makes day number 16 on bed rest. I know it's needed to keep my baby boy growing and healthy inside of me but I feel like I might go insane. If you have never experienced complete bed rest before...OMG! I don't even want to complain because it sounds selfish. If I was able to at least sit up in bed so my head would stop hurting and my acid reflux would stop I think it might help. But when you lay down 24/7 for 16 days it's a little hard! The only reason I am allowed to get up is to use the restroom or brush my teeth or change clothes. They really don't even want me standing long enough to shower because it puts pressure on my cervix. I'm praying Monday they tell me my cervix has grown so I can at least stay home. Being in a hospital is miserable! I always thought I wanted tons of kids but I guess pregnancy isn't cut out for everyone. Praying all goes well with Levi I'm not sure that I could do this again!

25 weeks!!!

I found this on another blog and thought it was a cute idea! (Not a very good belly shot but I'm on bed rest so I had like 2 mins to stand there and try to get a picture!)

How far along? 25 Weeks! Please stay in there a little longer!
Total weight gain/loss: Last time I was weighed I had gained 13 pounds. Not sure at this exact moment.
Maternity clothes? Since I'm stuck in bed just pajamas. (Like you see in the picture!)  When I am able to go out Yes.
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: I sleep from 12-6 and then sometimes go back to sleep. I toss and turn!
Best moment this week: Feeling him kick really hard!
Miss Anything? My freedom. I feel like I'm in prison sometimes.
Movement: Yes. He moves like crazy!
Food cravings: anything and everything. Normally something sweet. This week I wanted white chocolate covered Oreo's but Blake couldn't find them so I got the mint ones!
Anything making you queasy or sick:  When I lay on my back to long like at my ultrasound I almost passed out and got really hot!  When I take my medicine on an empty stomach I get queasy.
Have you started to show yet: Yes
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Obviously. Not at the moment but I have had contractions before.
Belly Button in or out? In. Don't think it's ever going to pop out.
Wedding rings on or off? Engagement ring on when I leave the house. Minus at the hospital.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Wouldn't say moody just emotional I guess. Or as happy as I can be.
Looking forward to: The day I get to hold my little boy and bring him home.


I'm starting to crochet Levi a baby blanket :) I'll do a post once I get it done!

Happy Friday!
~Christine