Baby Update - 27 Weeks

How many weeks?  27 weeks – 1 more week until our short-term goal of 28 weeks!!!

How am I feeling?   Lately, I’ve been really positive and just so grateful that here I am almost 4 weeks from that scary, dreadful Saturday when I truly thought the worst was going to happen and I’m still pregnant!  Yes, I have a ways to go but I’m enjoying every day, every inch my belly grows, every heartbeat I hear when we monitor Camryn, every kick and hiccup, all the discomforts and pains that come with pregnancy because experiencing all of this truly is a blessing.    

Would it be nice to have a “normal” pregnancy where I could be at home with my husband, friends, and family, be able to drive and go wherever I wanted, be able to cook dinner, clean my house, prepare Camryn’s nursery…?  Absolutely.  But I’ve realized that my dream of a “normal” pregnancy isn’t what God has prepared for me.  Isaiah 55:9 says His ways are higher than mine.  God’s plan for my life…for this pregnancy is so much better than anything I could imagine on my own.  Slowly but surely I’m learning to let go of what I think is best for my life and surrender all control to Him. 

Hospital stay update?  Tuesday afternoon I started contracting more than usual so my doctor increased the Magnesium to 2 grams/hour.  This is the dose I was put on when I was first admitted to the hospital and is considered a fairly low dose.  We’re not sure what caused the contractions but my doctor isn’t too concerned at this point as the increased dose has calmed my uterus.  I will go back down to 1 gram/hour once my contractions are under control again.  Increasing and decreasing the Mag dose is something we may have to repeat several times throughout the rest of my pregnancy. 

Specific prayer requests?
     (1) the progesterone works properly and keeps my uterus happy;
     (2) the cerclage stays in place and keeps my cervix closed;
     (3) the magnesium continues to stop contractions;
     (4) any contractions I have will not change my cervix;
     (5) I reach the current short-term goal of 28 weeks;
     (6) I continue to trust in God’s plan and be thankful at all times;

     (7) my body be the perfect environment for Camryn's healthy growth;
     (8) I remember that this distance from family & friends is only

          temporary; and

     (9) God continues to provide me with His strength and peace.

Quick Update - Ultrasound

We had another ultrasound Monday morning to measure Camryn’s growth and my cervix.  Great news…my cervix measured 4.1 cm long (closed with cerclage still in place).  The doctor told me before I had the ultrasound that my cervix will start to shorten as my pregnancy progresses, but they only get concerned if it measures less than 1.5 cm.  So with my current measurement, we’re in good shape. 

More great news…Camryn weighs 2 lb 10 oz!  She gained 1 lb 1 oz in 3 weeks!  My pregnancy books and emails say she should be right at 2 lb. at this point so she’s measuring a little ahead of schedule.

Hope everyone had a great Easter weekend!

Two Happy Campers!

Baby Update - 26 Weeks

How many weeks?  26 weeks – 2 more weeks until our short-term goal!!!

How am I feeling?  I feel like my belly grows every day, and while I do have my small moments of worrying about my weight gain, I really am enjoying it.  I mean, that’s what pregnant bellies are supposed to do, right?  It just means that Camryn is getting bigger which is what we want…for her to grow healthy.  And I love all the kicks and movements I’m feeling these days.  She is so active especially when the nurse puts the heart monitor on my belly.  No lie, it’s like Camryn’s running from the monitor!

Not a day has gone by when someone hasn’t stopped by to visit.  I can’t express how much that means to me.  I am so blessed to have such a wonderful support group through all of this.  Thanks to everyone for the visits, emails, phone calls, cards, and gifts.  I really do appreciate it! 

Hospital stay update?  Things have been pretty much the same since my last update, and I’m so thankful for that.  No change at this point is good news.  Not very exciting but I really don’t need any excitement these daysJ  Speaking of excitement though…my mom is bringing Nika, our dachshund, to visit me tomorrow.  The hospital has a program that allows pet visits.  I haven’t seen her since I was admitted into the hospital and have really missed her.  After my cerclage, I was pretty much home bound so Nika has been by my side since then.  It’s been 2 ½ weeks now so I’m really looking forward to spending time with her again. 

Specific prayer requests?
     (1) the progesterone works properly and keeps my uterus happy;
     (2) the cerclage stays in place and keeps my cervix closed;
     (3) the magnesium continues to stop contractions;
     (4) any contractions I have will not change my cervix;
     (5) I reach the current short-term goal of 28 weeks;
     (6) I continue to trust in God’s plan and be thankful at all times;

     (7) my body be the perfect environment for Camryn's healthy growth;
     (8) I remember that this distance from family & friends is only

           temporary; and

     (9) God continues to provide me with His strength and peace.

Hope everyone enjoys this Easter weekend and remembers the true meaning behind the holiday…the price Jesus paid so we can have eternal life and His great victory over death!

Baby Update - 25 Weeks

How many weeks?  25 weeks!!!

How am I feeling?  To be completely honest, I’ve had a couple of blah days.  Sometimes I feel so disconnected.  It gets pretty boring sitting in a hospital bed all day, and being hooked up to the IV and my lovely compression boots (to prevent blood clots) can also be annoying.  But then I remind myself that the fact I’m going through all of this means I’m still pregnant.  That’s right…I’m still pregnant and so very thankful for that.  I’ve had lots of visitors, phone calls, and cards which have kept my spirits high.  Yesterday, a dear friend, who I met while Connor was in the NICU, came by and visited for a while.  Her son was a micro-preemie and she spent 14 weeks on hospital bed rest with her daughter.  She actually brought her daughter with her yesterday, and let me just say she is the cutest thing.  Such a great encouragement for me to keep trusting in the Lord and believing that I will make it through the hospital bed rest and Corey and I will be blessed with a beautiful baby girl.  Good does happen even though it may take a little work to get there.  That’s what I have to stay focused on.

Hospital stay update?  I can’t believe tomorrow will be 2 weeks in the hospital.  It’s kinda hard to believe when I think about it.  2 down, praying for another 10 more or so:)  My contractions have been minimal.  There was a couple of days this week when I’d have a few but mostly due to a full bladder.  I’ve been trying to empty it as much as possible to keep the contractions away, and that’s been helping.  I passed my glucose test-yeah!!!  A physical therapist came by the other day and gave me some exercises to do while on bed rest to increase blood flow and improve muscle tone.  My doctor gave me the “OK” to go outside this weekend, in a wheelchair of course, so I’m really looking forward to getting some fresh air tomorrow!  Other than that, everything’s been going great.

Today I got a very special visit from my brand new nephew.  I was so excited to see him because I wasn't able to be there for his birth.  Oh my goodness, he is so cute and so very tiny!  When I was holding him, Camryn was moving around and kicking.  I guess she was telling her cousin "Hi"!  And my day got even better because my husband is staying with me tonight.  Being away from him has been really hard but we both know this is only temporary and it will definitely be worth it!

Specific prayer requests? 
     (1) the progesterone works properly and keeps my uterus happy;
     (2) the cerclage stays in place and keeps my cervix closed;
     (3) the magnesium continues to stop contractions;
     (4) any contractions I have will not change my cervix;
     (5) I reach the current short-term goal of 28 weeks;
     (6) I continue to trust in God’s plan and be thankful at all times; and
     (7) my body be the perfect environment for Camryn's healthy growth.

Baby Update - 24 Weeks

Haven't quite figured out how I'm going to take belly pictures in the hospital.  Meds and IV poles aren't that attractive.  Honestly, I'm not sure I'm brave enough to post them anyways.  But I will continue with my weekly updates just minus the pictures for now:)

How many weeks?  24 weeks – I can’t express how truly blessed I am to have made it past 24 weeks, especially considering the scare we had last Saturday. 

How am I feeling?  It’s been almost a week of hospital bed rest and it honestly hasn’t been that bad at all.  I still have my slight moments of “oh my goodness, I hope what I’m feeling is OK” but I’m slowly getting more comfortable with things now.  We monitor Camryn twice a day and she’s such a little character…busy, busy, busy…always on the move!

Hospital stay update?  Tuesday the doctor lowered my contraction medicine dose, and thankfully, I haven’t had any more contractions.  The current goal is making it to 28 weeks so looks like I’ll be in the hospital for at least 4 more weeks.  It is very possible that I will remain in the hospital for the rest of the pregnancy.  That may drive some people crazy but I don't have a problem with it one bit.  I actually feel more comfortable here in the hospital than being home and 60 miles away.  My doctor knows what we’ve been through and is extremely conservative so we trust he will do what is best for Camryn.

Specific prayer requests?  
     (1) the progesterone works properly and keeps my uterus happy;
     (2) the cerclage stays in place and keeps my cervix closed;
     (3) the magnesium continues to stop contractions;
     (4) any contractions I have will not change my cervix;
     (5) I reach the current short-term goal of 28 weeks;
     (6) I continue to trust in God’s plan and be thankful at all times; and
     (7) my body be the perfect environment for Camryn's healthy growth.

Ultrasound Results

We got my ultrasound results this morning when the doctors made their rounds.  Great news!  Camryn weighs 1 lb. 9 oz. which is just 1 oz. less than what Connor weighed at the same gestation, and my cervix measured 4.8cm!  Praise God!  I was so nervous about what the contractions had done to my cervix, but isn't our God a great and awesome God?  I spent at least an hour Monday morning in prayer over the ultrasound pleading to God for good results.  What a relief to know that things are looking good.

I'm trying to stay positive and hopeful and not let fear and anxiety take hold of me, but it's hard...it's really hard.  I'm fine when things are going well but the minute something questionable comes up I immediately think the worst is going to happen.  I know God is right here with me through all of this and anything that happens is no surprise to Him.  I have a long road ahead of me and I know it's very possible that we will have bumps along the way.  Please pray that if and when we meet these bumps that my initial reaction is to trust in Him and not be so fearful.  He promises to never leave me or forsake me.  I want to rest in His promise.

In the Hospital

Corey and I had a very scary Saturday evening.  Around 5pm, my lower back started hurting and I just felt funny.  At first, I thought maybe I was psyching myself out since I’m getting close to when I went into labor with Connor.  I laid down and drank some water, but the back pain didn’t let up.  Something didn’t feel right.  After speaking with my doctor, Corey and I were on our way to hospital to be monitored for contractions.  The 60-mile drive to the hospital was definitely something I hope and pray we never have to experience again.  So very scary not knowing what was going on.  Based on what happened with Connor I was just convinced that this was it…here we go again…the same thing was happening with Camryn.  Once we got to the hospital, I was monitored for a while.  I was contracting a little but my cervix and the cerclage were still holding up.  Camryn was also monitored.  Her heartbeat and movements were great.  Sigh of relief!  

My doctor decided to err on the side of caution so here I am, in the hospital, on fluids, antibiotics, and medicine to calm my uterus.  I had a steroid shot to help develop Camryn’s lungs in the case I do go into labor and deliver.  We are, of course, praying that doesn’t happen for a very long time.  I'm going to have the fetal growth & cervix ultrasound in the morning rather than Thursday.  As of now, I will be in the hospital for a week through next Monday.  So that's where we stand.  I'm not contracting anymore and thus feeling much better and hopeful. 

We ask y’all to please continue to join us in prayer for our baby girl and this pregnancy.  We're praying that the medicine continues to keep my uterus from contracting and that I have an uneventful rest of the pregnancy until Camryn is born as close to full-term as possible.  My doctor is shooting for 32 weeks.  Of course, we want longer but really just want her healthy and at a point where she has the best chance of survival and a healthy life.

I can’t promise that I’ll post daily updates but will try my best to keep y’all in the loop.

Baby Update - 23 Weeks

How many weeks?  23 weeks!

How am I feeling?  I’ve been trying to take it easy lately, staying in bed as much as possible.  It seems to be working because I haven’t had any contractions (at least I haven’t felt any).  Camryn has been kicking up a storm during the day.  Before, she was more active later in the evening but now she’s moving around at all hours of the day!

Doctor’s appointment?  We had another good appointment yesterday.  The doctor said to keep doing what we’re doing.  Our focus is to fatten Camryn up and keep her cooking as long as possible. 

Weight gain?  22 lbs – 2 lbs/week seems to be the trend:)

Baby preparation?  We’re still looking for Camryn’s furniture.  We’ve narrowed it down to what pieces we want to buy.  Now, we just have to find something affordable that we like. 

Specific prayer requests?  Please continue to pray for the following requests:
          (1) the progesterone works properly and keeps my uterus happy;
          (2) the cerclage stays in place and keeps my cervix closed;
          (3) any contractions I have will not change my cervix;
          (4) God’s peace surrounds us this week and next; and
          (5) I reach the current short-term goal of 26 weeks.

Hope things are going great with everyone.  Thanks for keeping up with the updates and for keeping us in your prayers!

Baby Update - 22 Weeks

How many weeks?  22 weeks – 4 more weeks until I reach our short-term goal!

How am I feeling?  I’ve been doing pretty well.  I had a couple of contractions last weekend which freaked me out a bit.  I’ve noticed that the closer I get to the 23-24 week mark, the more nervous I am when I feel something strange or different.  I try to tell myself it’s probably a normal pregnancy feeling and just pray, pray, pray…

What’s new this week?  Corey and I finally decided on a middle name for our little girl…Camryn Grace!

Doctor’s appointment?  My doctor is very pleased with how well my pregnancy is going.  My cervix and the cerclage are still holding up.  In 2 weeks, I’ll have my ultrasound with the high-risk doctor.  He will look at fetal growth and measure the length of my cervix.  While my OB has been manually checking my cervix every week, he’s never measured it with an ultrasound so I’m curious what the length is going to be.

Weight gain?  20 lbs!

Baby preparation?  Camryn received her first cuter-than-ever dress and matching bib from my step-mom.  It’s pink and green with a little lady bug on the front…so cute!  Corey and I have started looking at nursery furniture online.  So many options…oh the decisions!

Specific prayer requests?  Please continue to pray for the following requests:
          (1) the progesterone works properly and keeps my uterus happy;
          (2) the cerclage stays in place and keeps my cervix closed;
          (3) any contractions I have will not change my cervix;
          (4) God’s peace surrounds me as I approach 23-24 weeks; and
          (5) I reach the current short-term goal of 26 weeks.

As always, we really appreciate your prayers and support!