I was discharged today from the perinatologist!!!! Let that sink in for a minute...
Suga is now 1 pound 13 ounces - growing well, and looking healthy. The brain, heart, kidneys, bladder, stomach, umbilical cord (all vessels), digits, spine - all functioning normally and looking healthy. My cervix is still over 4cm and very closed - even with some fundal pressure applied (the doctor pushes down on your abdomen relatively gently to see if any fluid is released or if the cervix changes in any way).
Our little one looked great and put on quite a show of grabbing his / her feet and putting them to his / her mouth...ok - really. I'm just going to refer to the baby in the male sense for the purposes of this post. We do NOT know the gender but it's getting a little tedious to continue making his / her references and "it" just doesn't do it for me...oh and **he didn't even cooperate during the last few ultrasounds anyhow so even if we wanted to know the gender now, we couldn't - ha!
The doctor even took a few 4D ultrasound photos for me - amazinf! We could see the facial features so well. In the middle of everything, the baby turned his head slightly giving me a profile view of an ear...DEFINITELY Daddy's ears! (so cute!)
After a full scan, I asked the doctor to review my chart to see if I could be discharged to only the care of my regular OB. The peri said he was fine with that adding that he would only want to continue to see me based on my history with pre-eclampsia. But if my regular OB was already doing in office ultrasounds to ensure proper growth of the baby (growth restriction, premature aging of the placenta and blood flow interruption or changes in the umbilical cord flow are signs of pre-e) he would discharge me and I could come back if needed in the future. He did question why I was still on B/P medication as my pressures have been quite LOW! ha! never thought you'd hear that right? I was 101/68 in the office today. Last time I was there, I was 90/50 believe it or not. I feel good though - not light headed - and the peri simply recommended I discuss things with my regular OB and think about trying to stop the medication as it's such an incredibly low dose that he thinks it's not doing much anyhow.
I'll discuss it with my regular OB as the peri requested, but I have a few reservations about stopping the medication - not the least of which is that I've tried stopping in the past only to have borderline readings start up again. I am taking 50mg of Labetalol twice per day though and have done well in the past with taking 50mg once daily instead so I'd bring up trying that first rather than weaning completely. My worry is that blood pressure naturally increases back to "normal" after about 24 weeks. I don't want to be weaning from medication at a time when my blood pressure would be rising anyhow and run into issues. So, we'll see about that...
Mary Louise and David are having a grand time playing with Mere and Pops who came in to help me for a few days as Brent had to leave for some training. I'm so very grateful to have some extra hands here! David has a few appointments concerning speech progress and re-evaluations so Mary Louise will even get some one on one time with the g'rents while David and run the roads. I'm sure Miss Sassy Pants will be more than a little pleased to have a little extra attention heaped on her!
25 weeks 1 day today!!!
xo,
Heather
I got a few
Monday, January 30, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
24 weeks 5 days...
Sound familiar?
Yeah - I was being told the babies would "have to be delivered to give them a chance" and "we'll do what we can" by a very solemn group of nurses, doctors, anesthesia associates, respiratory therapists...and I can't remember who else...this time in my first pregnancy. I wept quietly as I was wheeled down the hall to the section "suite" (something seems ridiculous about that name) and held my belly one last time feeling Kuylen wiggle gently, Mary Louise kick wildly and David give me little fish bites from the inside...
At birth, Mary Louise was given a 50/50 shot, David about 30% and Kuylen a 4% chance of SURVIVAL. We didn't even bother discussing morbidity rates - the mortality rates said enough. We were told by medical professionals and social workers alike to pray. We stared at our babies through thick incubator plastic, shown "the latest advancements in preemie care" (because they were being used to keep our little ones alive) and given updates on our little ones' health status almost hourly...and I pumped...oh did I pump...
Brent and I clung desperately to one another as we had to make decisions and face realities that were well within the realm of every parents' absolute nightmare...then we had to repeat that decision process over and over as new issues and situations developed.
All we really wanted to do was agonize over the silliness of nursery colors, how we would pay for NEXT months' diapers, and do yet another load of puke laundry. All we wanted was normalcy. What we got was perspective, new understanding of what's really important, insight into the moment, and new found strength we wanted nothing to do with...
So today, I am 24 weeks and 5 days pregnant. Today I feel good. Today I got an hour's nap while Brent took David to speech and even squeezed in a quick shower while they were walking in downstairs. I put Mary Louise's hair in pigtails and dressed David in his very debonair Polo pullover. Today, I celebrated and mourned over the most precious, albeit unwanted gift I've ever received: personal experience with extreme prematurity. I sat in awe for brief moments as I remembered so clearly the most delicate perfections I've ever seen, then looked at the stunning example of complete innocence standing before me. I thought of Kuylen...alot...
Today, we painted...in pajamas:
and Mary Louise and David proudly sang the first "fun" song they've learned:
Today was a good day...and the good was not to go unnoticed. We had fusses (umm - see the end of the singing video above) and Mary Louise and David pushed their limits just as much as they do every other day. But nonetheless, in my heart, today was appreciated for what it was - good.
Tomorrow, I will be more pregnant than I've ever been...
xo,
Heather
Yeah - I was being told the babies would "have to be delivered to give them a chance" and "we'll do what we can" by a very solemn group of nurses, doctors, anesthesia associates, respiratory therapists...and I can't remember who else...this time in my first pregnancy. I wept quietly as I was wheeled down the hall to the section "suite" (something seems ridiculous about that name) and held my belly one last time feeling Kuylen wiggle gently, Mary Louise kick wildly and David give me little fish bites from the inside...
At birth, Mary Louise was given a 50/50 shot, David about 30% and Kuylen a 4% chance of SURVIVAL. We didn't even bother discussing morbidity rates - the mortality rates said enough. We were told by medical professionals and social workers alike to pray. We stared at our babies through thick incubator plastic, shown "the latest advancements in preemie care" (because they were being used to keep our little ones alive) and given updates on our little ones' health status almost hourly...and I pumped...oh did I pump...
Brent and I clung desperately to one another as we had to make decisions and face realities that were well within the realm of every parents' absolute nightmare...then we had to repeat that decision process over and over as new issues and situations developed.
All we really wanted to do was agonize over the silliness of nursery colors, how we would pay for NEXT months' diapers, and do yet another load of puke laundry. All we wanted was normalcy. What we got was perspective, new understanding of what's really important, insight into the moment, and new found strength we wanted nothing to do with...
So today, I am 24 weeks and 5 days pregnant. Today I feel good. Today I got an hour's nap while Brent took David to speech and even squeezed in a quick shower while they were walking in downstairs. I put Mary Louise's hair in pigtails and dressed David in his very debonair Polo pullover. Today, I celebrated and mourned over the most precious, albeit unwanted gift I've ever received: personal experience with extreme prematurity. I sat in awe for brief moments as I remembered so clearly the most delicate perfections I've ever seen, then looked at the stunning example of complete innocence standing before me. I thought of Kuylen...alot...
Today, we painted...in pajamas:
and Mary Louise and David proudly sang the first "fun" song they've learned:
Today was a good day...and the good was not to go unnoticed. We had fusses (umm - see the end of the singing video above) and Mary Louise and David pushed their limits just as much as they do every other day. But nonetheless, in my heart, today was appreciated for what it was - good.
Tomorrow, I will be more pregnant than I've ever been...
xo,
Heather
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Dental check up #2
Mary Louise had their second ever dental checks this afternoon. I brought along a neighbor of ours for a second set of hands and we were off.
Things went really well. I can't say enough about the efficiency, empathy and patience of their pedi dental office staff and doctor. Really - they are that amazing.
Mary Louise was nervous, frowned a bit, but never cried. The discoloration (I've mentioned maybe once before - it's very light) on her front teeth concerned the dentist slightly. He noted it last time we were there and thought it best to start her on a topical fluoride treatment we'll do every evening to ensure any damaged enamel and possible cavities would stay the same rather than progressing over time. He didn't really know if the 2 questionable spots were definitely very tiny cavities - or if they were just slight discolorations as previously thought. But to really find that out, Mary Louise would need to be placed under anesthesia. As it's not an urgent - or even an overly concerning matter, I opted for the topical medication to help strengthen her teeth. We are to put a few drops on a Q-tip and rub it on the back of her top front teeth each night for strengthening purposes.
Considering her medical history, this is not at all surprising. She and David are both wonderful with brushing their teeth so that's no battle (thank goodness) and we'll continue along with that - only increasing frequency from one to 2 times per day to a definite twice daily process. I did discuss Mary Louise's breathing treatments with the dentist - as the steroidal one in particular can harm enamel. He said the nightly drops will help as well has making sure her teeth are rinsed after a treatment. She's doing well with them. We are down to about 1 every other day or so now - sometimes every third day. The warmer it gets outside, the more stable she is where her respiratory system is concerned. I'm still erring on the side of being over cautious so if there's a question, she gets a breathing treatment. I'm hoping that with some "well time", her lungs can heal and she can properly recover from the pneumonia way back when rather than things compounding like they have been. At any rate, I feel we really finally have safety measures in place to prevent utter panic and emergency situations again when snotty noses invade once more.
But back to the teeth...
David, though his grumpy paw-paw self, did well too - AND his teeth are very strong and perfect!
They both got new toothbrushes and trinkets on their way out. Re-check in 6 months. Overall, a good experience.
Brent got home this evening after a 3 day business trip. Mary Louise and David met him on the back porch waving their "noo toof-buses" in the air and yelling, "HI DADA!!! YEAH! DADA HOME!" They were so excited - jumping up and down...ok, so I wasn't actually jumping (uh - Suga does plenty of that for me), but it did seem like Brent was gone for absolutely weeks and I may or may not have been ridiculously excited myself...*and she grins*
xo,
Heather
Afternoon fun and fuss
If one were to question why I am so tired at the end of every day...I would call the below video: Exhibit A. This was taken AFTER a trip to the grocery, Petco, rearranging and cleaning the fish tank, watching a Curious George show - or 2, breakfast, lunch, laundry, cleaning, games, reading, jumping on the trampoline AND and hour into their "free play". If you're curious, this activity - and on again off again fussing went on for 3 hours yesterday afternoon. This is typical. At the end, they got scared because the severe thunderstorms we'd been watching and waiting for all day finally began to roll through...and of course they wanted "Dada"...who was at work.
Those are my dancing monkeys! They were SO GOOD at the grocery yesterday morning! They listened, they looked, they learned. We talked about colors, sounds and flavors. Then they asked to "see the ani-mules" it took me awhile - and a call to Brent - but we finally figured out that they wanted to go to the pet store. As it was really over cast and windy, the park was out, so I talked to them about behaving and came to an agreement and entered Petco after lunch.
They were great there as well! We even chose a couple of new fish for our home tank and we rearranged plants and rocks and cleaned a little (maintenance) when we got home. They LOVED watching their chosen "pichies" swim out of the bag and enjoy their new home. So far, they are settling in well - checked on by the kids first thing this morning.
I suppose I can mention the HUGE news of the week now that it's been a few nights with no going back...we are bottle free!! I know, I know, they are beating on the door of turning 3. I'm not going into the great explanation (or defense) at this time - only saying that it was the right time for them, discussed (with Mary Louise and David) ahead of time, made to be a fun endeavor - that they were ready for - and overall, a non-traumatic, non-event - no tears!!! They haven't asked - even once - for their bottles and though their sleeping has been slightly interrupted (we used the bottles during sleeping times only - open cups, straws and sippies the rest of the time), they seem to be adjusting well. It's helped with night time leaks (bed wetting) and I'm seeing a very very slow turn in day time eating - but not as much as I would have expected (and we all know David in particular can't afford any kind of weight loss...). Anyhow, the transition is going really well and I would be happy to go into more detail with out decision making if anyone is (respectfully) interested. If not, I'll leave it under the "we've made decisions that were best for us - meaning mostly Mary Louise and David" heading and move on...
More news coming soon!
xo,
Heather
Those are my dancing monkeys! They were SO GOOD at the grocery yesterday morning! They listened, they looked, they learned. We talked about colors, sounds and flavors. Then they asked to "see the ani-mules" it took me awhile - and a call to Brent - but we finally figured out that they wanted to go to the pet store. As it was really over cast and windy, the park was out, so I talked to them about behaving and came to an agreement and entered Petco after lunch.
They were great there as well! We even chose a couple of new fish for our home tank and we rearranged plants and rocks and cleaned a little (maintenance) when we got home. They LOVED watching their chosen "pichies" swim out of the bag and enjoy their new home. So far, they are settling in well - checked on by the kids first thing this morning.
I suppose I can mention the HUGE news of the week now that it's been a few nights with no going back...we are bottle free!! I know, I know, they are beating on the door of turning 3. I'm not going into the great explanation (or defense) at this time - only saying that it was the right time for them, discussed (with Mary Louise and David) ahead of time, made to be a fun endeavor - that they were ready for - and overall, a non-traumatic, non-event - no tears!!! They haven't asked - even once - for their bottles and though their sleeping has been slightly interrupted (we used the bottles during sleeping times only - open cups, straws and sippies the rest of the time), they seem to be adjusting well. It's helped with night time leaks (bed wetting) and I'm seeing a very very slow turn in day time eating - but not as much as I would have expected (and we all know David in particular can't afford any kind of weight loss...). Anyhow, the transition is going really well and I would be happy to go into more detail with out decision making if anyone is (respectfully) interested. If not, I'll leave it under the "we've made decisions that were best for us - meaning mostly Mary Louise and David" heading and move on...
More news coming soon!
xo,
Heather
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Sissy???
So I took this a couple of days ago...I have no idea who Sissy is - Mary Louise has never mentioned a Sissy before nor after this...so...
Anyhow - it's a little funny to see her get irritated with my hovering and tell me, "I trying to talk on the phone!"
yep. hands full.
xo,
Heather
Anyhow - it's a little funny to see her get irritated with my hovering and tell me, "I trying to talk on the phone!"
yep. hands full.
xo,
Heather
Monday, January 23, 2012
Milestone check off!
Well, we're legal. I am officially 24 weeks and 1 day pregnant this morning and I'm actually surprised at how excited I really am about it. I feel good - really good...as in, if little Suga didn't kick constantly and his / her growth wasn't impeding on my ability to look down and see my own toes, I'd wonder if any of this was real. I'm still able to walk and exercise a fair amount - though I do take things very easy with pace and intensity. I gardened some yesterday, cleaned a bunch...and today, am not sore and don't feel over tired.
Oh - about that cleaning...it has been ridiculously humid here over the past few days. In the deep south, just so you know, if I am even bothering to remark about the humidity, rest assured it's basically been raining without visible drops - that damp...and warm. What does that mean for us??? (other than some pretty hysterical hair do's) mildew. gross.
The green funk invaded our shed in a mere 72 hours - and settled right in on my beloved BOB jogger stroller and bike trailer. I can only imagine that this hasn't happened before because the stroller was used at least daily and stored under a carport rather than enclosed...but no matter. BOB needed a bath - something fierce. Boy, did he get a good scrub down...Brent and I tackled BOB, and also scrubbed down a single jogger we picked up at a consignment shop over the weekend (great condition, $60, and will allow us to get out as a family after I recover a bit and the baby is ready for some stroller touring). Anyhow, it's no BOB - but the new to us find will serve it's purpose I think. Then we cleaned the bike trailer and planted our lettuce, and new herbs in the previously prepped areas around the patio - so exciting!!
It seems quite a bit drier and cooler out today so hopefully, the mildew will stay away for a bit...just part of living in the south - and I can't say that dear BOB didn't need a serious overhaul and a bit of love anyhow. 350+ miles with Mary Louise and David in tow is more than enough reason for a proper deep cleaning and greasing of the wheels. I even got out the screw driver and took off the relatively removable parts to wash in the washer. (don't laugh - I can work a screw driver if I have to)...I hope I can figure out how to put the parts back on now!
On Saturday, we had a great family day walking, stopping to explore the farmers' market, playing at the newly built park by the lake and walking down the promenade. There was a huge sportsman's show at the Civic Center so we walked and looked at boats, the helicopter that was offering fun rides and watched the ducks on the water. The kiddos were enthralled.
Uncle Sean left Saturday afternoon to head back to New Orleans.
I must also send some mad props to Brent for helping so much around the house lately. He vacuumed the entire house while I took Mary Louise and David on a walk and did a few little jobs that have been lying in wait for some time around the house. He's done whatever he could think of to make things progress a little smoother during my days while he's on the road and I don't even have the words to describe how much I appreciate him stepping up- and stepping in...
So 24 weeks on Sunday along with some serious cleaning and outside time - Mary Louise and David even got to play with water a bit while watering the plants in and had some nakey time for the first time in a while - they were so very excited!
While I am way too aware of what a birth at 24 weeks physically and emotionally means...it still feels comforting to know that we are more than half way through, I am at home, doing well, and Sugs is growing perfectly. While we really have no reason to believe that this will be a pregnancy ending prematurely, I can't help but mentally check off milestones like this as we bump along...2 pounds, 28 weeks, 32 weeks, gads! 36 weeks?!!!! It's all gravy from there!
I administered my progesterone shot this morning. I'll continue this every Monday until about 36 weeks (I think I stop at 36 weeks - not 37 - but I'll have to ask again). From there, I just wait for labor! So, 12 more shots. I haven't said much about them because, as it turns out, there isn't much to say. I did have a number of hip and round ligament issues early in pregnancy - and my right hip still hurts if I do too much. Early on, the added injection pain didn't do me any favors in the comfort arena. But now, with stretching and resting a bit, the joint and ligament pain subsides quite easily as opposed to lasting about 2 days before. The injections are certainly much easier to take than most vaccines and without any noticeable side effects (it's a dose of a hormone that naturally occurs during pregnancy), I'll happily self dose the shot even if it's efficacy is still a little questionable in some medical circles.
There is one HUGE exciting thing happening with Mary Louise and David right now - but it's only been one night - so I'm hesitant to put it in writing until we have a few more siestas under our belts...I'll talk about it really soon though...I'm confident it's something most people thought we had covered long ago...but we didn't...it just wasn't time...the time MAY be upon us now though...and I'm ridiculously excited about the mere possibility - never mind the success of this latest adventure in "all in their own time" preemie-dom...
xo,
Heather
Oh - about that cleaning...it has been ridiculously humid here over the past few days. In the deep south, just so you know, if I am even bothering to remark about the humidity, rest assured it's basically been raining without visible drops - that damp...and warm. What does that mean for us??? (other than some pretty hysterical hair do's) mildew. gross.
The green funk invaded our shed in a mere 72 hours - and settled right in on my beloved BOB jogger stroller and bike trailer. I can only imagine that this hasn't happened before because the stroller was used at least daily and stored under a carport rather than enclosed...but no matter. BOB needed a bath - something fierce. Boy, did he get a good scrub down...Brent and I tackled BOB, and also scrubbed down a single jogger we picked up at a consignment shop over the weekend (great condition, $60, and will allow us to get out as a family after I recover a bit and the baby is ready for some stroller touring). Anyhow, it's no BOB - but the new to us find will serve it's purpose I think. Then we cleaned the bike trailer and planted our lettuce, and new herbs in the previously prepped areas around the patio - so exciting!!
It seems quite a bit drier and cooler out today so hopefully, the mildew will stay away for a bit...just part of living in the south - and I can't say that dear BOB didn't need a serious overhaul and a bit of love anyhow. 350+ miles with Mary Louise and David in tow is more than enough reason for a proper deep cleaning and greasing of the wheels. I even got out the screw driver and took off the relatively removable parts to wash in the washer. (don't laugh - I can work a screw driver if I have to)...I hope I can figure out how to put the parts back on now!
On Saturday, we had a great family day walking, stopping to explore the farmers' market, playing at the newly built park by the lake and walking down the promenade. There was a huge sportsman's show at the Civic Center so we walked and looked at boats, the helicopter that was offering fun rides and watched the ducks on the water. The kiddos were enthralled.
Uncle Sean left Saturday afternoon to head back to New Orleans.
I must also send some mad props to Brent for helping so much around the house lately. He vacuumed the entire house while I took Mary Louise and David on a walk and did a few little jobs that have been lying in wait for some time around the house. He's done whatever he could think of to make things progress a little smoother during my days while he's on the road and I don't even have the words to describe how much I appreciate him stepping up- and stepping in...
So 24 weeks on Sunday along with some serious cleaning and outside time - Mary Louise and David even got to play with water a bit while watering the plants in and had some nakey time for the first time in a while - they were so very excited!
While I am way too aware of what a birth at 24 weeks physically and emotionally means...it still feels comforting to know that we are more than half way through, I am at home, doing well, and Sugs is growing perfectly. While we really have no reason to believe that this will be a pregnancy ending prematurely, I can't help but mentally check off milestones like this as we bump along...2 pounds, 28 weeks, 32 weeks, gads! 36 weeks?!!!! It's all gravy from there!
I administered my progesterone shot this morning. I'll continue this every Monday until about 36 weeks (I think I stop at 36 weeks - not 37 - but I'll have to ask again). From there, I just wait for labor! So, 12 more shots. I haven't said much about them because, as it turns out, there isn't much to say. I did have a number of hip and round ligament issues early in pregnancy - and my right hip still hurts if I do too much. Early on, the added injection pain didn't do me any favors in the comfort arena. But now, with stretching and resting a bit, the joint and ligament pain subsides quite easily as opposed to lasting about 2 days before. The injections are certainly much easier to take than most vaccines and without any noticeable side effects (it's a dose of a hormone that naturally occurs during pregnancy), I'll happily self dose the shot even if it's efficacy is still a little questionable in some medical circles.
There is one HUGE exciting thing happening with Mary Louise and David right now - but it's only been one night - so I'm hesitant to put it in writing until we have a few more siestas under our belts...I'll talk about it really soon though...I'm confident it's something most people thought we had covered long ago...but we didn't...it just wasn't time...the time MAY be upon us now though...and I'm ridiculously excited about the mere possibility - never mind the success of this latest adventure in "all in their own time" preemie-dom...
xo,
Heather
Friday, January 20, 2012
Bubble Blowing fun!
It was quite windy outside today and after watching a crew finish up the road work in front of our house for a bit, we went outside again on the patio to do some bubble blowing. Mary Louise finally got it! Her first time successfully blowing bubbles! David is still working very hard to catch on - he did get it a few times but had a hard time getting his mouth to pucker the way he needed.
It was loads of fun while it lasted. Inevitably, David gets tired, dumps out his bubble solution, and pitches a fit...at least he's consistent. I did redirect for a bit to play in the vegetable garden dirt and slide down the slides a number of times though.
He's off this afternoon for his private session of speech while Mary Louise, and Uncle Sean hang out with me here at home.
xo,
Heather
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