Baby Update

We just got home from the hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  I didn't expect to be home so soon, but it is for the best.  They do not have very many  resources available in the smaller hospital so I am super glad we went.  My water did break on Tuesday and I was going in and out of labor for quite some time.  I received lots of antibiotics to prevent infection and steroids in order to develop baby's lungs as quickly as possible.  We didn't sleep whatsoever and it was hard not to be nervous.  We were told that we would be up there for at least 7 weeks and our son would be in the NICU for a long time.  The only thing keeping our sanity was the fact that we were going to meet our son any day!  We did tons of tests, I was poked way too many times for my liking, and since my "veins are too small", the IVs were extremely painful.  I was pretty much stabilized by Wednesday, but they had to keep me to monitor baby and the health of us both.  Because I was put on bed rest and the tear was small enough, my body was able to heal itself and begin retaining amniotic fluids again once contractions stopped.  I went from 4cm of fluid to a healthy 14!  I had no idea that was even possible.  Although this is the best possible outcome because it allows baby to grow and develop longer, it was still sad to go home without him.  It has been emotionally exhausting (in addition to the lack of sleep) to be on either extreme of the scenario-spectrum so quickly, but it is good to be home.  I have to be extremely careful, and watch for any more leaks.  The doctors call to check up on me and I am still considered a high risk pregnancy.  Andrew is doing a great job of taking care of me and baby, and there is still a chance baby may come early.  Poor kid is running out of room!  We are all doing well and are just hoping to make it though most of October.  And next time we will be much more prepared!  Thank you so much for all your prayers, messages, and thoughts while we were in the hospital.  Hopefully next time we will have baby pictures when we leave :)

33 Weeks & My Water broke!

My water broke!  We went to the local hospital in Estherville just to be safe, thinking we would do a few tests and be sent home in a matter of 20 minutes.  Dr ended up confirming that my water did rupture so we were sent up to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Avera McKennan Hospital where they have more resources for premie babies.  We have received a few more answers, but not everything is clear yet ( when is it ever? ).  I have to have antibiotics through an IV to prevent infection since the barrier is broken.  I get steroids to help strengthen baby's lungs.  We DID pick out a name for him, finally, but we're not telling until he is born.   I have been going in and out of contractions but nothing significant or consistent yet.  Baby could be here any time from now on if he decides to, but we are trying to keep him in there as long as possible.  The longest we can put off labor due to risk of infection and other complications is 12 days, which would mean I would get induced at 34 weeks and we would have baby on 10/8/12.  Unfortunately, they need to monitor me continuously due to high risk so we will be in the hospital until the baby is born.  If he is born earlier rather than later, we can expect to be staying in the NICU for at least five weeks due to his poor lung development.  I am nervous about being able to finish my classes and everything happening so fast and so suddenly.  I am trying not to be anxious but I am concerned about baby's health.  We are both a little nervous but since it is all out of our control, there's not use in freaking out.  Please send prayers our way!  We will keep you updated the best we can.  

30 Weeks 6 Days

It has definitely been way too long since last update, and I'm not keeping up with this like I wanted to.  In the past twelve weeks, we have been in and out of the hospital quite a bit due to my EDS.  I am glad they are keeping a watchful eye on me, but it's hard not to worry sometimes.  I suppose worrying is normal.  The summer here was pretty miserable with all the humidity, so I'm ecstatic that fall is coming and the temperatures are cooling off.

The second trimester I was exhausted the entire time.  We got ultrasounds on July 5th, at 21 weeks, and found out that it's a BOY!  All measurements are good and fluid levels looked normal.

We decided to send out gender announcements to my family members since we live near most of Andrew's family.  We took pink and blue balloons and put holes in the pink ones so only the blue one would blow up, signifying that he's a BOY :)

"Some are Pink and some are Blue, which ever has more is your CLUE"
This is how we told Nana Ferguson!

Here's his face and hand (upper middle)  at 21 weeks

We had check up doctor appointments every four weeks, and everything was going smoothly.  Dr. Cook would joke that I'm being too easy for my first pregnancy.  However, I was in and out of the ER a few times due to pain just to check that I didn't have a UTI or something worse.  

At 24 weeks, Andrew and I spent 4 hours watching the Olympics at the hospital while giving blood every hour for a glucose test - FUN!  Glad I don't have gestational diabetes , but definitely made me watch my food choices.  

In the middle of August, around 26 weeks, I flew to California to see my friends and have a small baby shower.  Terri and Cal made a photobooth, we had yummy food and I got super cute baby clothes!

On the way to the airport I got really bad contractions, and we were concerned.  I almost didn't get on the airplane, but they subsided quickly and I was confident we would be okay.    

  Upon return home, Andrew and I took advantage of being three hours from home in the cities and picked up some things at Ikea for the nursery.

Dr. Cook was concerned about my contractions and the fact that I have been measuring too big.  At our baby appointment we did emergency ultrasounds to see if he is growing too fast, or if we are farther along than we originally thought.  We were a little nervous just because of the size of my growing belly and all the stretch marks that I had accumulated from the growth spurt.  When reviewing the ultrasounds, it was concluded that everything looked normal and it was just that - a growth spurt.  Turns out I am just abnormally short.... surprise.  


While with the ultrasound tech, we were asked if we would like to try the new 4D ultrasound machine. She said we were perfect candidates and were far enough along that we might be able to get a picture of his face.  How could we say No?!

 Seeing his face was magical!   He wouldn't hold still and kept showing off, flipping and turning.  He kept his hands in front of his face which made getting a picture difficult.  We asked nicely, but he was definitely on his own agenda.  I have a feeling this is the beginning of the never ending!  We have been working relentlessly on the basement in between starting school and everything else.  Framing, plumbing, electrical, insulation, drywall, mudding, taping, texturing and painting are all done!  Phew! It was so fun to pain the nursery, and finally feel like I could "nest" a little bit.  we chose a light grey with charcoal grey stripes on the accent wall.  We will be adding blue, orange and green for some pops of color.  I can't wait for it to all come together and to finally move in !

Aunt Caitlyn and Penny threw us a co-ed BaByQ at Lori and Shane's garage last weekend.  It was so perfect and we had tons of fun!  They put so much effort into the decorations and food, it was so cute!  Girls played games while boys watched football.  Beer all around (except for me of course) and good times for all.  

Thereasa, Julie, Caitlyn, Me (+baby), Penny & Cathy at the BaByQ