Today marked the end of 4 weeks in the hospital. I remember as the day approached for me to be admitted, I thought, "I just need to get through April." Then as my 28th week approached and April ended, I thought, "I just need to get through May." Now here I am, half-way through the month of May. I'm so thankful that I've made it through these 4 weeks in the hospital and the 2 months since my amnioreduction. Chris, Emma, Charlotte, Anne-Claire, Elise, and I would not be here if not for God's mercy and faithfulness. We owe Him all the glory for these weeks and for the lives of our babies.
It also goes without saying that we could not have survived the emotional roller coaster of these past 2 months, were it not for the support of our wonderful friends and church family. The other day I was at the support group for long-term hospitalized moms run by two nurses here at the hospital. One nurse who has been here for 20 years or more said she has never seen a patient with the kind of support I have. It delights my soul to have the love of Christ seen by others as a result of my weakness.
Baby Update: Both girls got scores of 8 out of 8 on their biophysical profiles. Unfortunately, during my afternoon monitoring session, Elise had a decel that caused my doctor to put me on continuous monitoring. She's going to leave me on throughout the night, which makes sleeping difficult. Elise has done this so many times, I'm pretty confident that nothing major is going on, but as my doctor reminded me, this is why I'm here in the hospital--to be monitored closely in case something does happen that requires a quick delivery.
Day 30
30 weeks today!! Praise God! Even though it was a hard day because I was on the monitor all night last night and most of today, I am so thankful to be here celebrating this 30 week milestone. Dr. Dungy-Poythress, Dr. Skannal, Melissa, and Angela (all from Maternal Fetal Medicine) came by this afternoon to celebrate with me. The whole office signed a card for me, and they brought me two lovely-smelling candles, which I can't light because it's against hospital rules. The best part of their surprise, however, was being released from continuous monitoring! I was also treated to a quick visit from my friend, Jen, on her way up to see her girls in the NICU. She brought me a great celebration balloon with the caption: "30...the party continues." She also gave me a reuseable water bottle filled with peanut M&Ms--yummy! She added the M&Ms because a friend with twins claims they made a huge difference in the sizes of her babies. I think it's definitely worth a shot!
Day 31
I had an emotional day today because Chris and the girls were supposed to visit today but had to cancel because of the thunderstorms that came through. I was really disappointed because I'm missing them like crazy. I know that it was not a good idea for them to come in this weather but still sad. I did get a visit from my friend, Christy, who delivered fraternal twins at 34 weeks gestation about a week before I was admitted. It was sweet to see and hold a little baby again. I even got to give Benjamin his bottle. It made me very ready to snuggle my own babies. Speaking of my own babies, both Anne-Claire and Elise continue doing well. Praise God!
Day 32
Today was exciting because our family was invited to participate in a photo shoot for a new program at Maternal Fetal Medicine for mothers-to-be who are expecting multiples. I was a little hesitant to agree to be photographed in my present condition and size, but ultimately, figured it wouldn't be so bad. Chris and the girls walked in during the shoot, so my doctor asked if Emma and Charlotte could be in some of the shots. They also took some with Chris, which were fun to do with all 6 of us. In one picture, the photographer asked Emma how many babies were in Mommy's belly, and she said "two" but put up three fingers. The look on my face was hilarious. I hope that we get some of the pictures to keep because they were pretty cute. I have been asked several times by family in Texas for an updated pic of my baby belly. Chris kept forgetting to bring the camera but did bring it today, so here is a shot of me and the belly at 30 weeks.
We also got a couple of cute shots of Emma and Charlotte while they were here.
Day 33
I had very few visitors this week, but today had tons! My pastors, Tim and Dave, came back for a visit this week, which was so nice. I love getting to see friends from home! Julie also came by after work today and brought me yummy dinner from On the Border, chocolate, and a fun magazine. While she was here, more friends, Rob and Suzanne, also came by. I never knew how much I would appreciate having adult conversation. I love hearing what is going on in my friends' lives while I'm in here--the hospital is something of a time warp. For example, I can't believe how many babies have been born/adopted at CGS since I was admitted! My babies are still doing great--they continue to get 8 out of 8 on their biophysical profiles and have been doing well during their monitoring sessions. I realized today that I might not have too much longer before Anne-Claire and Elise arrive, so I worked hard all day on the first blanket I started knitting soon after being admitted and finished it!! Now I can get busy on the 2nd one, so the babies can each have a blanket made by me while I've waited in the hospital for their birth.
Days 34 & 35
Chris and the girls came to visit this weekend, and we had a great time. Chris brought lunch and dinner from home, which I loved because, as mentioned before, I MISS food from home A LOT! It is so wonderful to have them here. I told Chris today it almost feels like I'm at home when we can just relax and enjoy being together. Anne-Claire and Elise have been doing so well, Dr. D-P told my nurses to leave us alone so that we could spend time together without me having to get on the monitor. Soooo nice! I even got to nap with the girls again, which is sweeter than words. We also went out to the patio and sat in the sunshine while the girls played and Chris read Sherlock Holmes to me. Here are some pics of the girls on the patio.
No comments:
Post a Comment