Amy's birthday party

Amy's birthday is Tuesday, and since it's unlikely I will be home, or in any condition to celebrate, we had a party here in my hospital room today. Melissa, Grandma Amy, and my mom all pitched in with decorations, food, and cake. Amy seemed to have a good time. She loves being around people, eating cake, and getting presents, so I don't think the location mattered much to her. 

34 weeks

We made it! 34 was the goal, and even with my 20% chance, we still did it. Now I'm starting to wonder how far we could have gotten if it weren't for preeclampsia. Either way, we're all happy we made it this far. Induction starts in the morning and hopefully all goes well and smooth. By this time tomorrow, I might no longer be pregnant, and my intended parents might no longer be intended, but just parents!

I'm so excited for them, and I know they are unimaginably excited as well. Everything we've been working for is coming together. Tomorrow. It's an incredible feeling :)

Hospital life

Being in the hospital for a while has a few downsides. Not seeing Brandon and the kids near as much. Lacking the comforts of home. Lots of being hooked up to various monitors.

It also has some up sides too. 

Time to catch up on reading or movies.

You learn what foods to order.

And sometimes you even get to play Mario Kart with your awesome nurses.

I do miss being at home. But this isn't so bad :)

Freedom is fleeting

I was free. And then they decided to put me back in the hospital. This time I officially do have preeclampsia. Thankfully, it's mild, so we're not in any danger at the moment. The doctors decided that the babies will be healthy enough at 34 weeks though, that they don't want to risk anything with the preeclampsia, so I will be induced on Monday. I'm excited that we have a date in sight now, it's not just open ended. And I know their parents are very excited to meet them. So I think it will be good. IPs have been here for almost a week now, and it's been so great getting to spend time with them and getting to know them better. I couldn't imagine helping a nicer or more deserving couple have their family, so I'm very excited that we are almost there.

With Amy's birthday being next week, Melissa and Grandma Amy were planning a party for her at our house. I haven't wanted to plan one because I knew I might not be home. Thankfully, they stepped up and offered to take care of it for me. Now that I am in the hospital, they have decided to move the party here. I kind of feel bad for Amy that her birthday party will be held in a hospital room, but I'm also glad I will be able to be there for it. And I can try to make it up for her after I am home and recovered. So we're having a birthday party on Sunday in my hospital room!

I can't believe Amy is turning 6 already. My how time flies. She is definitely the best 5/almost 6 year old I know. She's so sweet, respectful (mostly), loving, fun, adorable, intelligent, and so many other things. I love that kid and could go on and on about her. Maybe I'm feeling extra sentimental since I am here and can't see all of my family at home as much as usual. Or maybe I just have kids who are that awesome. Either way... ;)

I'm free

I was released from the hospital today! My tests came back normal and I do not have preeclampsia. Yay! I do have pregnancy induced hypertension, but that's not as big of a deal. Now I'm just on bed rest at home. Cross your fingers that it stays this way and nothing else happens!

I'd like these babies to stay in another week and a half, but their parents arrive Friday night, so I'll accept anything after that :)

I just want to make sure their mom and dad will be able to be present for their birth. And so far, so good! Keep holding strong little ones!! 

Words from a hospital bed

Yesterday afternoon, I called the doctor for a small spike in my blood pressure. I assumed I would just get advice, but with one test leading to another, I ended up getting admitted into the hospital for possible mild pre-eclampsia. They are doing another test today to get more information, and I should find out the results tomorrow.

The babies are still doing very well. Each time they try to put the monitors on them though, they start moving like crazy and the nurses have a hard time finding and keeping them in the right spot. I think these might be some stubborn little ones :)

I keep posting updates as I know more. For now, it's wait and see.

32 Weeks!

The first of our goals has been hit! We've made it to 32 weeks. Hopefully we can get through two more.

At my last doctors appointment, I was measuring at about 43 weeks (for an average singleton pregnancy), so as you can imagine, I just feel very pregnant right now. The resting has been helping with that though. I can't physically do a whole lot anymore, so most of my time is spent laying in bed. 

I'm very excited for next weekend though! It's my mother in laws birthday, so we have family coming over to our house (which is awesome, because it's hard for me to leave, haha), and I'm excited to see them. And the my IPs will be arriving in town, so I get to finally meet them in person! It will be a great weekend.

Another day, still pregnant!

We got some pretty good news at the doctors appointment yesterday! Both babies are growing at great rates. The baby boy is now 4 pounds and the baby girl is 4 1/2! 4 pounds is what a singleton would be at this stage of pregnancy, so the fact that both of them are at least that is great! My cervix also actually closed up and is measuring longer than it was at last week's appointment. I didn't know that could happen. At best, I was hoping there would be no change at the appointment yesterday and things didn't get worse, I never expected they could get better! So I was quite happy leaving the office, and I know my IPs were as well. I'm now only 4 days away from making it to 32 weeks, which I definitely think we can do. The next goal is to make it to 33 weeks because that's when my IPs are planning on travelling here. If need be, they will come sooner, but let's just hope the babies wait for them. And then the ultimate goal is 34 weeks. Only 2 1/2 weeks away. I think we can do it!

It's strange the things that I miss doing recently. What used to feel like chores before are things I look forward to being able to do myself again. Like picking up Amy from school, cooking meals, or even cleaning the house. I think it just became so routine, that it's hard to let it go. I won't lie or anything, laying in bed watching Netflix or reading isn't exactly a tough life, haha, but I think the rest is just what I know and what I'm used to that it feels strange not doing it. I just find myself looking forward to doing all of those things again.

I've (barely) started working on Amy's Halloween costume. She wants to be a waffle. Crazy kid. Since waffle costumes aren't really sold in stores, I'm making it out of foam. Won't be the best looking costume, but I think she'll love it anyway. As for Cole, we're not sure what he will be yet. Thankfully, since he's only two, he won't be too picky.

Whoops

I started writing a post last week, but then I didn't finish it, so I saved without publishing, and forgot to go back to it. Trying again.

So here is where we are at...

The babies are coming soon. We don't know exactly how soon, but most likely sooner than we were hoping. I'm currently 30 weeks and doctor isn't sure I'll make it to 32 weeks, much less 34 (the goal). I guess my body is getting impatient and performing some of it's duties ahead of schedule. All I can do is try to stay off my feet and hope for the best. As always, more time in utero is always better, but the doctor isn't worried about the health of the babies. They may spend some time in the NICU to make sure their lungs and other organs work properly, but they shouldn't have any foreseeable issues. And the steroids I got a couple weeks ago should help with their development.

I'm still really hoping and praying for 34 weeks. I know it's unlikely, but it's not impossible. Maybe we can defy the odds!


One thing about making it to 34 weeks, is that would fall right around Amy's birthday. So I would most likely be in the hospital when she turns 6. This makes planning a party a bit difficult. This year, I'm leaning toward just telling Brandon to take her on a special "Amy" day, where she gets to go anywhere she wants and just have fun with Daddy. We could even have cake and presents at the hospital if we needed to. She's not a picky kid and would enjoy a birthday of doing anything fun. So even if I were to miss part of it, it's worth it to give these babies more time to grow stronger.

Amy is still really enjoying Kindergarten. She came home yesterday excitedly telling me about the music class she went to and singing songs she learned. It's so great that she loves school so much. I know that will change as she gets older, but I think it's a good foundation to start with.

Cole is still loving daycare as well. He's so excited to go everyday, and he doesn't even cry anymore when Brandon drops him off. His teacher says he has a lot of fun and participates in activities. I think it's been really good for him. The house is so quiet during the day now, but it's a welcome break :)