Labor and Delivery FOR REAL this time

To start off, Mark had a birthday on Wednesday and was so nice to celebrate it here at the hospital with me and the kids. We ordered some Thai Food which was finished off by some mini cupcakes that Jane was sweet to give Mark for his birthday. Well, sure enough our sweet little baby girl decided she wanted to have her birthday 3 days after dad's.

 His work also treated him to this birthday cake!

Now for the details on delivery....

Friday April 15th-

Friday morning my doctor dropped by my room to check up on me. My bleeding had slowed down a lot the past 2 days and as the doctor likes to put it - everything was quiet and boring. ;) She said, ok lets keep it that way.  She also informed me that we will plan on deliver dates being either May 3rd, 4th, or 5th. It felt great to finally have a date to look forward to that was less then 3 weeks away!!!

 Since I didn't have any visitors that day and was feeling rather hospital bound, I asked my nurse if she would wheel me down to the 4th floor atrium for a change of environment. It's a nice open space with sky light windows and they even had some comfy chairs to sit on with leg rests. Perfect place to read the new book I just started, All the light we can not see.

9:30 pm-

In the evening I was knitting away on my 3rd hat. I thought I might as well make a matching one for Chantel since I have extra yarn.  I was sitting on a chair by the side of my bed watching a show while knitting when all the sudden a ginormous amount of clear liquid burst out of me, all over the floor. It was REALLY SCARY at first because I thought it was blood and it just kept on coming out. I wasn't right near my call button so I had to get up off the chair, walk to the call button while screaming for help. I knew from past experiences, that often they don't answer right away from the bed side call button, but do respond immediately from the bathroom call button. So when no one came, I walked to the bathroom and pulled the emergency cord. It was rather clear to me that my water broke and not just by a little bit. If felt like a gallon came out and there were puddles all over the floor. It just wouldn't stop. I'm really glad it wasn't blood!

From there we knew I was going to deliver that night so once I was safe in bed, I immediately called Mark. Thanks to his new Vespa and friends on call willing to help out then and there, he didn't take long getting here. Truman was not so excited about him leaving for the night, but that is only expected.  [A big thanks to Tory Perry for spending the night at our house and taking Truman to soccer that next morning, plus keeping him all day. Also a big thanks to Kristi Winders for taking Chantel all day. We feel so blessed by all the friend that have reached out to us and come to the rescue.]

Mark arrived at the hospital a little after 10:00 and we waited for about an hour until they wheeled me into operating room to prep for  c-section (due to 2 previous c-sections).  I think the hour wait had to do with them wanting to give me penicillin before the delivery.

That evening, which actually led to early morning I went from crying and screaming (due to the pain of the IV fluid going in my hand and the burning stinging sensation it left all up the arm) to smiles of joy when I heard baby's voice and got to kiss her cute cheeks.

 The name we have chosen is, Lila Faye Green. We love the name Lila (pronounced, Lie-Luh), which is also the name of Mark's mother's mother (with a slight variation from her primary spelling, "Lyla"--just our preference, and the way Mark's Grandma spelled it at one point in her life). Faye is Liz's Mother's middle name.

*We are so grateful for our mothers and love that we could pay tribute to both sides.

When we told our kids the name we had chosen, Chantel's reaction was pretty funny. She said, "No, because I have a friend Lila in my class." She cracks me up and I'm sure she will warm up to the name. Truman seemed happy with it. 

Lila Faye Green was born at 33 weeks and 6 days
April 16, 2016 (and happens to be the 16th grandchild for my parents)
@12:07 am
5 lbs 1 oz
17 3/4 inch long

I got to hold her and nurse her for my first time from 5:30-6:40 this evening.  I tried to make it down to the nicu earlier, but my body wasn't ready for it after passing out in the bathroom. It was really scary and I was in tears as the nurses and Mark walked me back to my bed. Mark said the same thing happened the day after giving birthday to Chantel which I vaguely remember. So after a few more hours of resting, I tried to get up again and was successful. Mark escorted me by wheel chair down to the nicu before he took off to rescue the kids from their all day play dates. To my surprise, she nursed really well, so I plan to make it back to the 9:00 pm and possibly the 12:00 feedings. We'll see how my body does tonight.  C-section recoveries suck, but the joy of holding our new baby makes it all worth it.

This has been the best day I've had in a long time!!! The joy that comes in holding a new born child makes me realize that all those miserable magnesium days were well worth it. 

Regular Tuesday! In the hospital for the long hall

I always wonder how these Tuesday play out. Sure enough that is the day I had to have more unexpected red bleeding. It wasn't a huge enough amount to have them monitor me and immediately do a specular exam, but enough bright red blood to say it's not the best idea to be discharged.  It of coarse happens at the end of the day when the doctors comes in to check on me. She was nice to even consider the idea. I didn't realize that what she had in mind with me being discharged, is that she would still want me to come in 3 days a week to be monitors which right there doesn't even make the bed rest at home worth it. I might as well just stay in the hospital and wait it out.

Good news! If all goes well and I make it as far as 36 weeks, then she will plan on delivering the baby then. The reason for that is the baby is growing well and actually measures a week ahead of schedule, so right now she measure 34 weeks. Also, with how often the bleeds have come on all the sudden, it would reduce the risk of having any really heavy bleed come on which can be risky and dangerous for me.

It really helps for me to have a date to look forward to. Now all I need to do is have my mind set on all the things I'd like to get done before delivery and while on bed rest. I have 5 new books to read that I just might finish up on 3 weeks.

I will be 36 weeks on May 1st, so this means there is a good chance I will be home for mothers day. Yippee!!!!

33 weeks and possible discharge this week!?! :)

I had a great weekend. Saturday was filled with visitors from 10:00-6:00.  Friends Adrienne Thomas and Kim Wheeler were nice to bring Chantel along with them since Truman had an early morning soccer game on Saturday. Chantel was able to stay with me from 10:00-4:30 and I thoroughly enjoyed her visit. Mark dropped her off at Adrienne's place at 7:15 that morning and she did some baking with Adrienne. They brought me some yummy banana bread. Mark came by around 3:00 with Truman and then right as they were leaving, Michelle Everette stopped in. 

Sunday I had about 45 min visit with kids and Mark before they left for church. I finished knitting the baby hat that day and now just need to knit some flowers to go with it. Yes, you'd think at first it's a boys hat, but no!

This morning I went in for an ultra sound and all looks good. Baby is measuring well and she now weighs 4 lb 12 oz, so she's gained a pound over the last 2 weeks.  They didn't print out a profile picture, but here is an awesome picture of her foot. :) She is definitely a kicker and loves to pull off some moves for mommy.

Other really exciting news! When my doctor came in this morning to check on me I was asking her since I've had very minimal bleeding for this past week, is there a chance I can go home? She made it sound like it's possible and we'll talk more about it tomorrow. It all depends on how this Tuesday plays out! ;)  She said, it wouldn't be different if we were planning on delivering at 34 weeks, but since we are wanting to wait it out as long as possible, that she will talk more about it tomorrow. Is this really happening??? If so, it's a true miracle and will be the best day ever.

To be honest, it's been harder for me to be in the hospital day after day when my bleeding is so minimal. Yes, I'm glad I haven't had any recent trips to labor and delivery, but feeling completely fine and minimal bleeding, why can't I just spend the rest of the my days at home?

Fingers crossed!!!

Emotional Wreck! How to escape the prison?

This week has been good as far as bleeding is concerned. Nothing terrible happened on Tuesday this time although I will admit, that's kind of when I lost it emotionally and burst into tears. Mark was sweet to come visit me after work when he received my text about how I feel stuck in this jail and want to run away. I also had a friend come visit me that evening that was so willing to listen to my emotions. She is one that has been on bedrest for 16 weeks, but only 5 weeks in the hospital.

I can always blame the tears on emotional pregnancy. Many times it just helps to cry and for all those that know me, I'm not much of a cry baby. Then next morning, Megan Parker and I were joking (partially) around saying that I should just tell them I need to see a psychologist because mentally I feel unstable. Ha! She was going to bring it up to the patient care director who came in to check on me. ;) They ask me how I'm doing every day and I have to be honest. When she left, I followed her to the elevator which technically is out of my 7 south unit in the hospital. A far enough walk to the point where I did feel a little more freedom. Today, I escaped the unit once again to find another place to practice violin since the lounge was occupied and I now have a room mate that probably doesn't want to hear me practice. My nurse that day saw me out in the hall near the elevators and was nice to introduce me to another room that they call the quiet room. I was able to finish my practice in there and was happy to know of a different place for times when the lounge is occupied.

Window View

I've had a room mate for 2 days now, but she seems really nice, quiet and doesn't snore which is always a bonus. There is a chance she may be discharged tomorrow morning.

Yesterday they had a social event that was held in the lounge where patients get together and talk/socialize as well as having someone come in to talk about NICU experience and nursing. It would be great if they had these social events more then once a month. It's the 3rd one I've been to during my 10 week stay.

Emotionally, I'm feeling much better now. It helps to remind myself that I'm way past my half way mark and that I should only have another 5 weeks at the most. If I do make it as far as 38 weeks, (which I really hope is not the case) then that means I'm 2/3 the way there. I also was able to start up another knitting project making a baby hat and I have 4 more books I'd like to have read while I have all the free time in the world. They are 1-all the light we can not see 2- me before you 3- the total money make over 4- How to talk to kids so they will listen and listen so they will talk.

Thank you to all the visitors this week. Namely- Shelley Reed, Tara Kerr, Natalie Buttars, Kalli Wheeler, Shannen Lyons, Ann Catherine, Shauna Summers, Carolyn Richards, Annalisa Peterson, and Megan Parker.
Also, thank you to the beautiful pot of flowers Mark's parents sent me.

A quote my mom left with me to remind me that I can make it through this tough time, but am not alone.

"God doesn't give us what we can handle, God helps us handle what we are given."

Annalisa brought me ice cream tonight! :) Ice cream makes everything better and now I have discovered that I have 2 dessert places close by that deliver. :)

32 weeks - Great weekend!

I finished Chantel's scarf on Friday. Now I need to start up another knitting project. Problem is, I can't just hop over to the store and pick up yarn whenever I want. :(

I had a great weekend. Enjoyed a visit from 2 friends (Andrea and Marilee) on Saturday morning and then Mark biked with the kids that afternoon to visit me for a few hours. They even took me outside for a bit before the weather changed.


Whoever thought Chantel would enjoy an adult coloring book so much. :) Glad I have plenty of books to share with her that I've received from friends.

I

Sun 4/3
Our friend Breena, was so nice to bring the kids this morning for another weekend visit. We played general conference bingo with her as well as a few other games. Chantel also added a few drawings to my wall.

The scarf fits her well!

Chantel and I got a lovely manicure from Breena. She chose her 2 favorite colors.

Notice the beautiful art work Chantel has added to my wall.

I almost went through 2 full days of light brown spotting, but then was surprised with some more medium/heavy bleeding this afternoon. Its still surprising how quickly the bleeding comes on. And to think I even had hope of having an excuse to go home early. The nurse and doctors did the regular repeat where they put me on the monitor and did a specular exam.

I've been really lucky to keep my IV in for 12 days now. It still doesn't bother me or show any signs of redness. In fact, I can't even feel it when they flush it. It's the strongest IV I've had yet and the longest lasting. So nice to not have to be poked every 4 days with new IV like they did before. The doctors have been a lot more understanding and reasonable since I am a long term patient. I've been lucky to have the room to myself for the past 3 days.

31 weeks -Easter weekend - 6th trip to Labor and Delivery unit

I had a lovely Easter weekend with a few visits from friends and family that were so nice to load me up on spring flowers to enjoy in my hospital room.

Easter Sunday  - 31 weeks

Saturday visit from Chantel, Mike, Mom, Mark, Kari Olsen, and Diana Murphy

Uncle Mike stopping by for a quick visit.

I made it 2 weeks with out being sent to the torture chamber. 

Yesterday ended up being a combination of Terrific and Terrible Tuesday. My mom wheeled me outside to enjoy some beautiful sunshine and the daffodils. We found a perfect enclosed area near the entrance of the hospital where it's very sunny. Sure enough, right soon when we returned back to my room around 3:20, some heavy bleeding came on which eventually lead to my 6th trip to L&D. 

On a positive note- 1- it will most likely be my last time given magnesium since they stop doing that after 32 weeks 2- it was the least torture I've been there in that unit (maybe because I'm so use to it by now. ;) 3- I was very stubborn and after 4 hours,  I was the one to make the call on whether to start up with mag

It was kind of the same spill that I have always had - bleeding came on all the sudden. This time it was a large blood clot, but not too much bleeding afterwards. Right soon after all this happened, the doctor on call said he wanted to send me to 7 West which is the unit where L&D is located. I refused to go right away since there wasn't that much bleeding compared to what I've had in the past and they hadn't even done a specular exam. There were 2 residents that came in to take a look and talk with me about why the doctor wanted to send me to 7 west. One of the nurses in the back ground was laughing at me since she knows me all too well and understand that I know my body more then anyone else.  So, long story short- it got to the point where I was willing to go to 7 west to be closely monitored, but wanted to hold off on the magnesium since the bleeding had slowed down. I called Mark's sister, Cari, who use to work in Labor and Delivery to get some advice from her. She mentioned that not only does the magnesium help strengthen the baby's brain in case I have to give birth right away, but it also helps calm the uterus and decrease contractions. The night time doctor, Dr. Landers (different doctor then earlier), came in and said since the bleeding has slowed down, we can just wait it out a couple hours with monitoring me and then possibly send me back to 7 South. After that, I started having heavier contractions that were the strongest I've felt during this whole pregnancy. When they got to be pretty bad and consistent, I decided to go ahead with the magnesium. It's either one pain or another. They immediately stopped after the mag dose started up.  I did ask that they don't give me such a huge dose for the first 20 min, but to increase it to 30 min instead so the mag symptoms weren't as bad. It sure made a difference. I was on magnesium for only 7 hours and was able to go back to my room this morning. My night time nurse was awesome. Her name is Libby and I've had her as a nurse in 7 South quite a lot, to the point where she knows me quite well. When she heard about the story, she mentioned it's good to be stubborn sometimes. She also kept talking about what a smart child this baby will be after all the magnesium doses she has had. 

Mark came to visit that night to free my mom, but this time he didn't spend the night. I didn't see any good reason for him to stay since I was doing fine and sleep is important for a long days work tomorrow. So yes, I'm the one that sent him home. 

Wednesday 3/30

Today all is well. I got my room back, and my one day room mate just got discharged. I had a lovely visit with my kids this afternoon and appreciate Jane bringing them every Wednesday. My mom left home this afternoon for Utah to go take care of my dad who recently had eye surgery. Most likely she will be gone for a week and I'm hoping this baby behaves. ;) 

I have a strong feeling she will be an April baby. My songram on Friday went well and the baby weighed in at 3 lbs 13 oz which means she is already over 4 lbs now. They printed out a couple photos and she is a chubby one. I even got to see her hair in the the sonogram. 

I've had plenty to keep me busy and have been reading at least a book a week if not more. I'm almost done reading The Lost wife which is really good so far. My next book I'll start up is All the Light we can not see. Almost done knitting Chantel's scarf. I finished up season 5 of Downton Abby only to find out I can't watch season 6 on Amazon prime. Anyone have any suggestions on how to watch it? I also started up watching The Man in the High Castle which is pretty intense, but it does make me feel grateful for the free country we live in.

Thanks for all the visits, emails, cards, text.  Can't believe April is almost here and that I've been in the hospital for 2 months!

Thur 3/31

This morning I was woken up at 3:00 am by a new (5th) room mate joining me. It's so annoying when they end up bringing patients in the middle of the night. Not to mention the house keeping, cleaning ladies come in from 10:10-10:40 pm to clean the room next door. What ever happened to quiet hours starting at 9:00? 

My room mate got discharged this afternoon! :)

30 weeks 3/24

Thursday 3/24

It's been over a week since I've been to the torture chamber. It ended up being a Terrific Tuesday instead of Terrible Tuesday this week. I've also had my room all to myself for over a week (knock on wood).

Most days I've had very minimal bleeding, rated at 3-4, but there have been 2 incidents when I've had sudden heavy bleeding come on rated at a 7 and 8. Luckily both times weren't too much blood to send me back to L&D. I think it's just simple reminders that I won't be going home before delivery and that this bleeding is never going to stop.

___________________________________________________

Ratings:

1-brown spotting

2-dark red spotting

3-minimal bleeding - 1 pad/day

4- light bleeding - 2 pads/day

5- on/off medium bleeds through out the day with a few dime size blood clots - 5 pads/day

6-on/off medium bleeds with numerous quarter size blood clots - 5-7 pads/day

7-hourly bleeding, but not enough all at once to contact nurse right away - pad changed each hour or 2

8- heavy bleeding all at once - immediately contact nurse, put on the monitor, specular exam 

9- heavy bleeding all at once - immediately contact nurse, immediate specular exam, IV, and monitored

10-Heavy bleeding all at once- emergency action

____________________________________________________

Yesterday with how nice the weather was I finally had the guts to ask my doctor if I could go outside to feel some fresh air. He was nice to give me permission, so my sweet mother wheeled me out near the entrance of the hospital where I had an amazing time soaking in some vitamin d, smelling and seeing the spring flowers in bloom, and enjoying the sunshine with clear blue skies. It was so warm that I even ended up taking off my long sleeve cami. Let me mention, I hadn't been outside since February 1st so this was very heavenly and therapeutic. I had a hard time going back inside. We were probably outside for a good 1.5 hours and ended up meeting up with the kids at the entrance since they come to see me every Wednesday after school. :) I may have to request a bi-weekly prescription to soak in vitamin D. 

Mark's boss has told him  -no more going on business trips until after delivery, which I think is smart with how quickly my bleeds have come on. 

This baby is sure getting big and is very active. Wish I knew when she'll be delivered. It's like living on the edge for me, knowing she could come as quick as a day or a month and a half. All I know is the doctors are hoping to keep this baby in the oven til 34 weeks and most likely I won't deliver past 37 weeks. Most people with my condition deliver anywhere between 34-36 weeks.