Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
I'm in stitches
and it's no laughing matter. Ha. Ha. Ha.
In all seriousness...this is NOT what a pregnant belly is supposed to look like, all bruised and stitched up. I guess professional maternity pictures are out of the question (eh, I wasn't planning on doing them anyways). Today I am 27 weeks. I am trying to get around a little, although I am still very sore. The sweet little girl in my belly has been kicking like crazy the last 2 days, which is great, except for when she hits one of the spots with stitches. Then it hurts like the dickens. As you can see by the bandaids, they tried to go in laparoscopically to get to my appendix, but ultimately had to make an incision to reach it.
Abby is doing well too. And her Daddy...oh my gosh, he has really stepped up. He did an amazing job with her all week and is doing great juggling the cooking, cleaning, taking care of Abby and taking care of me. He's the B-E-S-T, and that's really all I can say.
In all seriousness...this is NOT what a pregnant belly is supposed to look like, all bruised and stitched up. I guess professional maternity pictures are out of the question (eh, I wasn't planning on doing them anyways). Today I am 27 weeks. I am trying to get around a little, although I am still very sore. The sweet little girl in my belly has been kicking like crazy the last 2 days, which is great, except for when she hits one of the spots with stitches. Then it hurts like the dickens. As you can see by the bandaids, they tried to go in laparoscopically to get to my appendix, but ultimately had to make an incision to reach it.
Abby is doing well too. And her Daddy...oh my gosh, he has really stepped up. He did an amazing job with her all week and is doing great juggling the cooking, cleaning, taking care of Abby and taking care of me. He's the B-E-S-T, and that's really all I can say.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
I Give Up
That's right. I am giving up. I'm over thinking that I am in charge. Thinking that I have a say in what goes on. I'm done trying to be the boss of me, because after this week, it is clear that I have no say in the matter. In any matter.
Sunday started out a lovely day. Brian was working and Abby and I had plans to attend Mandy's baby shower. You may remember her...she was Abby's NICU nurse and is also married to one of Brian's best friends. She's about 4 weeks ahead of me, pregnancy wise. Anyhow, the shower was great and Abby seemed to enjoy helping Mandy open her gifts. Afterwards, Abby and I came home and had a nice evening of playing, reading, eating dinner, and more playing. She went to bed early that night...about 7:30. I was excited she was asleep. It gave me a chance to climb in bed early myself and settle in for an evening of uninterrupted relaxation and mindless television watching.
So there I was, in bed, watching TV when out of nowhere I felt this crazy pain in my tummy. It wasn't really localized anywhere, but my entire belly was in pain. Brian happened to be calling, and I answered and told him I would have to call him back. So I proceeded to try laying on my left side. Then my right. Then I went to the bathroom. Then I climbed back on the bed and got on all fours, trying to make the pain go away. When none of this worked and I could hardly breathe anymore, I called Brian and told him I needed help. He was an hour away, and I was home alone with Abby, so at this point I was in a little bit of a panic. Since I had seen Mandy earlier that day, I knew she was likely home, so I called her. She didn't answer. I called her again. After dialing her number a third time, she picked up the phone. I told her I needed to go to the doctor and she and Kevin came rushing over. Mandy stayed with Abby and Kevin took me to L&D. They immediately got me on the fetal monitor and an IV in my arm. Baby was fine but the pain would not go away. They did a Fetal Fibronectin test. It was negative. Finally they gave me some morphine and the pain got a little better.
I know. It's a long story. Sorry. And sorry it's so poorly written, but I am still pretty heavily medicated.
So anyways, once they got my pain under control and ruled out labor, kidney stones, and several other things, Brian had arrived. At this point, they decided to admit me overnight and let my doctor and perinatologist figure things out on Monday. Monday morning came and they called in a general surgeon, and after much ado between my OB, peri and surgeon, it was decided that I needed an appendectomy. Seriously. They couldn't be absolutely certain it was appendicitis, because a CT scan can't be done while I'm pregnant, but they couldn't take a chance that it was and not treat it, for fear if it ruptured, things would get a lot worse for both me and my baby.
And so, Monday night at about 7pm, I was wheeled into an operating room where my appendix was removed. They also discovered a pool of blood, on the outside of my uterus, but could not find the source of it. I would go on with the details, but there's really no reason to, other than to say I spent the next 72 hours post surgery heavily medicated and in somewhat of a fog.
So here I am today. I no longer have an appendix. I had some sort of unexplained internal bleeding, which they believe, based on my bloodwork, has stopped. They also think this unexplained bleeding was the source of much of my pain. And I have spent my first 4 nights away from my precious Abby. I was discharged this morning. I am feeling ok with the exception of the pain from my incision site. Baby is doing well. Abby and I are adjusting to the fact that I can't pick her up anymore, or get on the floor and play with her anymore, or take her for walks. I am now officially on bedrest. Bedrest at home, but bedrest nonetheless. I will be getting steroid shots next week, to develop the babies' lungs...just in case. And I will be praying that I do not have to go back in the hospital before our scheduled date of December 26th.
I tell ya, if it's not one thing...
It's another.
Sunday started out a lovely day. Brian was working and Abby and I had plans to attend Mandy's baby shower. You may remember her...she was Abby's NICU nurse and is also married to one of Brian's best friends. She's about 4 weeks ahead of me, pregnancy wise. Anyhow, the shower was great and Abby seemed to enjoy helping Mandy open her gifts. Afterwards, Abby and I came home and had a nice evening of playing, reading, eating dinner, and more playing. She went to bed early that night...about 7:30. I was excited she was asleep. It gave me a chance to climb in bed early myself and settle in for an evening of uninterrupted relaxation and mindless television watching.
So there I was, in bed, watching TV when out of nowhere I felt this crazy pain in my tummy. It wasn't really localized anywhere, but my entire belly was in pain. Brian happened to be calling, and I answered and told him I would have to call him back. So I proceeded to try laying on my left side. Then my right. Then I went to the bathroom. Then I climbed back on the bed and got on all fours, trying to make the pain go away. When none of this worked and I could hardly breathe anymore, I called Brian and told him I needed help. He was an hour away, and I was home alone with Abby, so at this point I was in a little bit of a panic. Since I had seen Mandy earlier that day, I knew she was likely home, so I called her. She didn't answer. I called her again. After dialing her number a third time, she picked up the phone. I told her I needed to go to the doctor and she and Kevin came rushing over. Mandy stayed with Abby and Kevin took me to L&D. They immediately got me on the fetal monitor and an IV in my arm. Baby was fine but the pain would not go away. They did a Fetal Fibronectin test. It was negative. Finally they gave me some morphine and the pain got a little better.
I know. It's a long story. Sorry. And sorry it's so poorly written, but I am still pretty heavily medicated.
So anyways, once they got my pain under control and ruled out labor, kidney stones, and several other things, Brian had arrived. At this point, they decided to admit me overnight and let my doctor and perinatologist figure things out on Monday. Monday morning came and they called in a general surgeon, and after much ado between my OB, peri and surgeon, it was decided that I needed an appendectomy. Seriously. They couldn't be absolutely certain it was appendicitis, because a CT scan can't be done while I'm pregnant, but they couldn't take a chance that it was and not treat it, for fear if it ruptured, things would get a lot worse for both me and my baby.
And so, Monday night at about 7pm, I was wheeled into an operating room where my appendix was removed. They also discovered a pool of blood, on the outside of my uterus, but could not find the source of it. I would go on with the details, but there's really no reason to, other than to say I spent the next 72 hours post surgery heavily medicated and in somewhat of a fog.
So here I am today. I no longer have an appendix. I had some sort of unexplained internal bleeding, which they believe, based on my bloodwork, has stopped. They also think this unexplained bleeding was the source of much of my pain. And I have spent my first 4 nights away from my precious Abby. I was discharged this morning. I am feeling ok with the exception of the pain from my incision site. Baby is doing well. Abby and I are adjusting to the fact that I can't pick her up anymore, or get on the floor and play with her anymore, or take her for walks. I am now officially on bedrest. Bedrest at home, but bedrest nonetheless. I will be getting steroid shots next week, to develop the babies' lungs...just in case. And I will be praying that I do not have to go back in the hospital before our scheduled date of December 26th.
I tell ya, if it's not one thing...
It's another.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Phew!
All went well today at the perinatologist. We are still on plan for staying out of the hospital until December 26th. Yay! Next appointment is in a week and a half. Thank you for praying. It's working!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Fingers crossed...
I see the perinatologist in the morning. I've been feeling a few more contractions than usual lately, so I can't help but be a little concerned about my cervical length. I do hope though that they are just Braxton Hicks and that they aren't anything productive.
Fingers crossed...
Fingers crossed...
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Bragging Rights
Forgive me, but I just can't help myself. I must brag on Abigail for a minute. Yesterday she went to EDAC (Early Developmental Assessment Clinic). It's run by the NICU and they use the Baley Assessment to determine if her development is on track for her adjusted age. We go twice a year.
Anyhow, so yesterday she went, and I have to tell you, she blew their socks off! At 14.5 months old, 11.75 adjusted, she weighs 23 pounds 2 ounces and stands 30inches tall. Using the Baley scales of Infant Development, they determined the following:
Cognitive Age Equivalence: 13 months
Receptive Language: 13 months
Expressive Language: 13 months
Gross Motor Age Equivalence: 14 months
Fine Motor Age Equivalence: 16 months!!
You go girl!
Anyhow, so yesterday she went, and I have to tell you, she blew their socks off! At 14.5 months old, 11.75 adjusted, she weighs 23 pounds 2 ounces and stands 30inches tall. Using the Baley scales of Infant Development, they determined the following:
Cognitive Age Equivalence: 13 months
Receptive Language: 13 months
Expressive Language: 13 months
Gross Motor Age Equivalence: 14 months
Fine Motor Age Equivalence: 16 months!!
You go girl!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Power of Prayer
Back when I was pregnant with Abby and Madison, my dear sweet BFF had our It's a Corny Life button made for my blog. Well, she does not disappoint and once again has surprised me with an updated version. So, if you happen to have our old button and would like to replace it, or if you just would like to spread the word for our baby girl, here is the code! Thank you for keeping us in your prayers.
And while you are at it, say a little prayer for my BFF too. In just a couple of short weeks, she herself will be going through what I can only describe as a life-changing surgery herself. The first of 2 surgeries she will have over the next several months. You can follow her story here.
And while you are at it, say a little prayer for my BFF too. In just a couple of short weeks, she herself will be going through what I can only describe as a life-changing surgery herself. The first of 2 surgeries she will have over the next several months. You can follow her story here.
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