big brothers and sister

special big brother and big sister hospital bands

amazed by this little baby!

Asking lots of questions -- about her umbilical cord, her bandaid (she had blood drawn), tiny hospital bands, etc.  They love her tiny little fingers and toes!

She's Here!

Brooklyn Isabella

arrived at 8:18pm

7 pounds, 9 ounces

19 1/2 inches

Once her water was broken and active labor started (shortly after 5pm), it did not take long!  We walked the halls a bit, and then Kiara got in the tub at about 7pm.  At that point she was 6cm dilated.  Just an hour later, it was time to push.  It was very intense, but Kiara reached her goal of delivering without an epidural.  She was SO happy!  Now we are resting and enjoying some family time. 

Brooklyn, about 15 hours old

heading to the hospital (updated)

hospital parking lot, 5am

4:30am - Kiara had a regular OB appointment yesterday (Thursday) morning.  She was already at 5cm, although not yet in active labor.  She has been contracting and uncomfortable ever since her appointment, so we've decided to go ahead and head over to the hospital.  Because of the Group B Strep, she will need 1 - 2 rounds of antibiotics before it's safe for baby to be born.  (GBS is harmless for Mama, but very dangerous for baby.)  We appreciate your prayers, and will update as we can. 

9:00am - IV antibiotics, then slept for a couple hours.  Kiara was woken regularly by contractions.  It's great to have Laura as her nurse!

1:00pm - Walking to get contractions going further; hopefully doctor will agree to break her water soon.  Kiara doesn't seem to go into active labor w/o having her water broken -- just the same endless contractions she has been having for weeks. 

4:45pm - Water broken, so hopefully things will start progressing faster now...

8:18pm - Baby is here!!! 

no baby yet

Although my doctor told me last Thursday that my body is more than ready to go, baby girl has not chosen to make her appearance yet.  Sometimes I am fine with this.  I am not quite 38 weeks along, and we still have plenty to do to get ready for her.  Other times I am SO ready to meet her and move on to our new normal.  I am trying to be patient.  In the meantime, here is one last belly pic. 

Don't I LOOK ready?!

And here is one from about 3 weeks ago.  The kids are constantly snuggling or kissing my belly.  I love it!

When we are on the way to the hospital, we will post it here on the blog. :)

7 months along

Destany is still taking her big sister role very seriously. 

She can't wait for her baby sister to arrive!

Thank you, Annie, for taking such beautiful pictures for us! 

home sweet home

I was discharged from the hospital today around 1:30pm, after my last hydrotherapy.  It was so nice to pack up and go home!  We stopped at Baja Fresh on the way home for a quick lunch (thanks, Jesse & Sue! :), and I felt so good -- and contracted so little -- that I felt like I must have dreamed the chaos of the last week. LOL  Home looks and feels great, and when we arrived the younger kiddos were resting, all was quiet, and Lucas and Aunt Maggie were enjoying some quality time together.  It was a great way to re-enter life at home.  After a little time in the living room catching up on the week, I was in bed for a much needed nap.  I wasn't feeling terribly stressed about the week, but last night it seemed to catch up with me.  I am beat!

A huge thank you to all of you who prayed for us and supported us during the last week.  We appreciate you so much! 

heading home

Well, I'll be discharged from the hospital tomorrow morning sometime.  I have mixed feelings about it, but I'm willing to give it a try.  My OB will see me twice a week to check my Amniotic Fluid Index, and we'll have one more FFN in another week or so, to check the likelihood of baby coming early.  This test is very accurate, so hopefully it will be negative again next time.  Please pray for us! 

trying to figure out what to do with me....

My doctor is trying to figure out what to do with me. :) 

The good news:
- The FFN on Monday was negative, so I'm still not likely to deliver in the next week (test is accurate for 2 weeks).
- I'm not having the painful contractions or other labor symptoms I was having over the weekend -- just lots of tightening and mild contractions.
- Baby is doing great, and appears to be happy and heathly.
- My blood pressure is stable again.

The not-so-good-news:
- My fluid (AFI) levels are still too low.
- That can be risky and lead to still birth, but can also just be 'one of those things' for some people -- risky, but not actually leading to any obvious issues.

My OB is consulting with a perinatologist, who spoke with me at length today, and they will make a plan.  They may decide to send me home on strict bed rest and regular monitoring, or they may decide to keep me a few more days (or longer), just to be sure things are going okay.  We are praying for wisdom for them.  There is so much at stake, yet we know God is the One in control.

a little excitement in our day (updated)

I woke up feeling better about things, and determined to relax and just go with the flow, whether my bedrest continues here in the hospital, or at home.  A while later, my blood pressure tanked.  It was pretty random.  One minute I was feeling pretty normal, the next I almost passed out.  The nurses were pretty concerned, and in exchange for adding a little excitement to their morning, I was given an IV and bloodwork.  (And to think they were thinking of sending me home today! ;)  So far they haven't found a cause for what happened, but we're skipping the next dose of nifedipine, just in case. 

Once things were stable again I went down for the AFI (amniotic fluid index).  Unfortunately it has dropped again.  Despite drinking a ton and daily hydrotherapy.  We don't know yet what the next step will be, but I'll update here once we know more.  The important part is that baby still looks great. 

Andy was able to come and visit for a while, so we've been kicking back together and will share some lunch in a bit.  I sure love my hubby. :)

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Late Fri. pm update:
~Still off the meds that were being used to control contractions.  Contracting more than before, but nothing I'm worried about yet.
~Blood pressure is stabilized; occasional fluttering/heart murmur, but getting better.
~Amniotic fluid levels still down, so they have a perinatologist coming in for a consult tomorrow.
~I was moved out of L & D on Wednesday (good news, since it means they were no longer worried I was about to deliver ;).  New room was MUCH smaller, but nice enough.  Well, tonight my nurse moved me into a beautiful room, just next door!  What a treat.  This will make it much easier for my sweet kiddos to come for visits. :)

roller coaster of emotions....

I'm on my own little roller coaster.  First I cried when they admitted me.  Now I'm crying because they're talking about whether to send me home!  I am thankful things look better, but I am worried we won't be able to control the contractions at home.

For the record, I used to like roller coasters....

Mama Vacation

Andy and I sat in OB Triage after our follow-up appointment, chatting about how great baby girl looked on the ultrasound, and how strong her little heartbeat is.  We thought things were looking up!  Until we received some unexpected news.  I'd been awarded a personalized Mama Vacation..... 

Soon after, our friend Laura arrived with a wheelchair to whisk me away to my new home-away-from-home.  I was greeted by a large, sunny room, comfy bed, resort-like restroom, and round-the-clock care at the touch of a button.  Expecting to be at home for dinner, and starting to get hungry, I was offered a gourmet fruit salad, followed soon after by a delicious dinner of chicken, steamed veggies, and yummy bread pudding.  I was also informed that after dinner (and 2 x daily thereafter) that I would be relaxing uninterrupted in a warm tub of water for a blissful hour. 

As my occasional tears dried, and the situation sank in, I realized that in many ways I felt rather matter-of-fact about the change in events.  (I was mostly sad to leave Andy and our kiddos.)  The night before, I'd been contracting so much that I slept very little, and then only fitfully.  There had been times over the weekend that I was in so much pain I knew I would not be able to tell if I was in true labor.  I had sensed things were getting a little more intense, and became thankful that my doctor is taking my symptoms seriously rather than reminding me to just 'take it easy'. 

As I laid here, resting and taking it all in, I realized that I have a unique opportunity during my time here.  Sure, it's hard to be away from my family.  And a little stressful.  We don't know if I'll be here a few days or for weeks.  But in the relative peace of my new home-away-from home I will have the time to read, reflect, and pray that every Mama craves at this stage in life.  I am determined to use this time wisely.  Life will change when our Sweetie arrives, and here I can begin to prepare.

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ps - Lest you think I am superwoman, with an amazing attitude and great courage, please note that I am still quite human and may post more about bedrest in the days to come.  And unlike this post, the next one may not be titled, "10 Reasons Bedrest is Great". :)

follow-up...

Yesterday late afternoon Kiara and I had the follow-up appointment at the hospital - she had the second steroid shot for baby's lungs and an ultrasound.  Baby still looks great, but unfortunately her amniotic fluid levels, which were already a little too low, had gone down further.  They decided to admit Kiara right away for more monitoring and tests.  She is still contracting regularly, but they are hoping to get that under control with the new medication.  We'll keep you posted when we know more - thanks for the prayers.

-Andy

Update (Wed. afternoon):  The ultrasound looked good this morning -- fluid levels are up a little, baby's heartbeat and activity levels are good, and umbilical cord and placenta seem to be doing their job still.  We're waiting for a consult with the neonatologist and a tour of the NICU, just in case.  And praying these contractions settle down.  Kiara has internet now, so she will be able to update the blog whenever we have more news.  Thank you for your prayers!

another long day....

We spent most of the day yesterday at my doctor's office, followed by OB Triage.  I had a rough weekend (with a few bright spots mixed in, thankfully).  I had many more painful contractions than usual, with times where the pain was unbearable.  We began to fear that I would not even know if I'd gone into true labor until it was too late.  (Yes, I remember the pain of true labor, and yes, it was that bad.)

It was wonderful to be cared for and get some answers and reassurance. 

Baby girl is (so far) not on her way.  What a relief!  (FFN was negative, no dilation.)
I am on stricter bedrest for a few weeks, and stronger medication to help control the contractons.  We are praying this helps with pain control, also.
They have given me the first of two steroid shots that will help baby girl's lungs be as mature as possible whenever she does make her arrival.
I am being monitored closely and I am to call my doctor any time I have questions or concerns.

Later today, Andy and I will return to the hospital for more monitoring, the 2nd steroid shot, and a tour of the NICU, just in case. 

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!  And a big thank you to my Mom and Aunt Maggie who were available -- even last minute -- to tag team and care for the kids today.  They had a wonderful time with you, and we rested easier knowing they were with you.  We love you!

10 Reasons Bedrest is Great

1.  I have lots of time to cuddle my kiddos.

2.  And read them stories....lots of stories.
3.  My 'To Do' list has been pared down to the bare minimum, and I don't feel guilty at all.
4.  We are saving money and gas -- almost no shopping or driving around these days!
5.  The kids are doing more chores to help us keep up.  (Hooray!)
6.  I can pretend I'm sleeping so they go bug Daddy instead of me.
7.  We remember to celebrate the little things. (27 weeks & 3 days.....27 weeks & 4 days....) 
8.  I might actually have time to read some of the books stacked on my bedside table.
9.  I'm making a dent in my seriously overcrowded email inbox.
10.  I have daily reminders of what an amazing husband I have.  I cannot imagine doing this without his comfort and support.  I am very blessed!

And one that didn't make the list, but is happening nonetheless, is that God is working on my attitude.  I'm tempted to see house arrest bedrest as only a frustration, but there is still much to be thankful for in our situation.

Also, I'm not on 100% bedrest, which is nice.  I can get up a little here or there, and even leave the house for a short time every few days as long as I don't end up contracting too much.  I definitely think long and hard before deciding how I want to use that precious time out of bed! :)

It's a full moon.

Yesterday was a good pregnancy day.  Not too many contractions, I had a little energy, and I got a few things done (besides keeping my kiddos alive and fed, of course).  Today?  Not-so-much.  In fact, I had so many contractions that I had to spend the whole day in bed.  Not-so-fun. 

This afternoon I checked in on a Yahoo group for women with early contractions/pre-term labor, and found I wasn't the only one having a rough day.  Then one of the moms informed us it's a full moon, and that she always had stronger contractions then. 

Apparently there is plenty of anecdotal evidence showing that pg Mamas are more likely to head to the hospital when there is a full moon.  In fact, reading that reminded me that our family friend and L & D nurse Laura pointed out that it was a full moon when I was put on bedrest with Lucas.  Braxtons Hicks may be stronger at that time, leading to moms who are close to their due date thinking they're in labor.  And supposedly more women do have their water break when it's a full moon.

Now I'm glad I didn't push it tody, and that I laid in bed.  All day long.  On my left side.

A huge thank you to my Mom and Catherine, who stepped in to help with the kiddos today.  They had a wonderful time with you!  And another thank you to my sweet husband, who is picking up the slack big-time these days.  For about the hundredth time, he wondered aloud today about how we'd be managing this if he wasn't unemployed right now....   

Please pray with us that our sweetie stays put as long as possible.  I'm 26 weeks today, and it is still way too early for her to make her appearance!

Click here if you want to read a short article about this issue.  Not scientific, by any means, but interesting nonetheless!
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UPDATE:  Today (Saturday) I spent several hours at the OB Triage, with severe abdominal pain and contractions.  An ultrasound, pain meds, and a shot of terbutaline later, I'm back in my own cozy bed, on modified bed rest w/ more terbutaline to take on an as-needed basis.  We're praying this is just a temporary bump in the road.... 

first pregnancy pic

Can you believe that this is the first belly profile picture that we have taken during this pregnancy?  I am seven only 5 1/2 months along, and feeling great very pregnant already....far too pregnant to have 3 1/2 months to go. But we're hanging in here!  Baby girl is doing well, and despite the daily contractions I struggle with (some braxton hicks, and others that are very regular and strong), she is hangin' tight for now.  Now if only being on 'take-it-easy' status meant I was automatically provided a full-time homeschool tutor, house cleaner, cook, chauffeur,..... 

As you may have guessed, Destany is absolutely delighted to have a baby sister on the way!  This baby gets many snuggles and kisses every single day. :)

(To answer a common question....I had the same preterm labor-type contractions when pregnant with Lucas, but they didn't start until I was 30 weeks along and with bedrest and medication we did make it until he was full term.  This time they started at just 15 weeks!  But thankfully no bedrest or meds have been needed yet.)