BABIES ARE FINALLY HERE! 12/30/09

Yeah! They are here! Here is the story of the day and the pics are below since I know most of you really just want to see the pics so they are below too :)

Spence arrived at 5:45am and gave me a blessing that all may go well - I felt so good that things would go well and that our Heavenly Father would take care of me and the babies after that. We headed down to L&D at 6am and the nurse monitored the babies for about 30 minutes just to check heart rates which I was so glad for since I forgot to mention this on the last post but I leaked a bunch of fluid and even had a little bleeding Tuesday night so I think that added to my paranoia and lack of sleep. I guess my body was anticipating the birth and was ready for them to come out.

Anyway, after paperwork and monitoring, we headed into the operating room and got started. My anesthesiologist was awesome! I leaned over for the spinal block and felt a little pinch and then nothing when the big needle went in. He was great! He talked to me the whole time and kept me distracted since I have a whoozy stomach usually. The c-section was awesome! I don't think it could have gone any better! It was quick, quick. The sewing up took the longest of course but was okay too. Oh and don't worry - Spence took pictures of about everything he could :) He was right next to Dr. Froerer and asking tons of questions and my doctor was awesome - he talked to him and told him everything he was doing and cutting through layer by layer. Spence loved it and was so sweet to me too! He knows I'm queezy so he was careful what to say and do. Once they got to my uterus, the babies came out quick and fast within a few minutes right after 8am. They whisked the babies off to the NICU but I was able to hear them all cry a bit as they came out and Spence got to see them and take their picture.

They were pulled out in a different order than we've always called them so I'll try not to confuse you guys. They've been relabeled since I've been here anyway. So I won't go into who BABY A, B, and C were.

*I'll just let you know that:

* BABY B came out first and his name is: JAXON

*BABY A came out second and his name is AUSTIN

*BABY C came out last and her name is RIO

The boys were great from the get go - they were on "room air" from the beginning. They never needed to be in an isolette or on air or anything. Rio inhaled some fluid as she came out and so they actually had to do chest compressions cause she couldn't breathe and was drowning. They had to do mask resuscitation. Good thing we weren't in there - we would have freaked out I think. So after they finally got her calmed down and found a vein to use after a few hours, they were able to eventually put her on a CPAP and then even later an oxygen tube in her nose and by last night, she was off of that as well. She is so amazing and has been so quick to recover from that scare earlier yesterday. They are so strong! Just like we thought they would be - cute little things. They do look different as well - the boys have their own little features and she is so cute too (I know, every parent says that)

I was brought back to the L&D room for monitoring and Spence and his parents went in to see the babies and got some great pictures again. My parents came shortly after and were able to see them too with Spence. Mike & Kristin came and went down with Spence again and he was able to change them, hold the boys and bathe them too! So cute - my cute husband changing his first ever diaper! He totally loved it - no, not really actually but he did a great job! I tried to sleep a bunch during the day without much success but I tried. Spence's other siblings came later last night and were all able to see the babies when I finally got to go down too. However, I was totally nauseated all day and was last night too so I had to leave the NICU :( early. I was totally bummed.

I talked to the NICU this morning and all the babies are doing great and had a good night. Then when Spence got here, we went down to see them (my parents & Spence's mom came too). Oh! They are so cute! The goal for today is to try and feed the boys but keep Rio on fluids through her tummy still and through all their noses. They want to check on Rio and make sure she doesn't have an infection from inhaling the fluid yesterday - poor little girl. But even she is doing great. I'm so proud of them - they are doing so great. No word on my release or the babies just yet. Keep tuned for more info on that.

Tuesday Update - Day Before Delivery

They're finally here! And are so adorable! We are so blessed to have these sweet babies in our lives - they are amazing! I'll give you all the details and pics on the other post:

Well, Tuesday day was a good day - I had my last NST!!! Woo-hoo for that. I was so glad - the babies were getting bigger that they had a harder time staying on their monitors and caused a lot of Braxton hicks contractions because of that. They often would all go to the right side of my belly to camp out and got so heavy just laying there trying to be still while they were monitored. So...needless to say, I'm not at all sad about not doing those anymore.

They day went by quickly actually - I just hung out most of the day. My parents stopped by in the AM and I got lots of supportive texts and calls from family and friends all day. The Maughans stopped by at night and brought one of the most favorite treats to share with me - FROGURT! Delicious! Thank you so much! That would be the last thing in my mouth for a few hours. I wasn't allowed to eat past 12pm and then after my c-section I would be on a "clear liquid diet."

The rest of Tuesday night: the nurses came in and gave me an IV - not a good experience again - I'll just say that without the details.... Anyway, I got my IV and blood drawn and then was supposed to get some sleep. Ya right! I did not sleep but maybe an hour total on and off throughout the night. I wasn't really nervous or scared but my mind would not turn off for anything. I kept thinking of everything and anything I could. It was rather annoying actually - I watched the clock all night waiting until 5:45am when Spence came. And then.. the journey began... :)

Growth U-sound update & 33 weeks

We've had a very uneventful few days until today and I'll get to that later. But the last few days have been just great - daily NST's and fetal heart tones and regular blood pressure/temperature checks. My choleostasis is getting so much better - it won't go away until delivery but the itching is WAY better and manageable and gets better everyday.

I've been reading and writing in my journal and having visitors come so most days go by pretty quickly. I love having Spence come every night - he completely makes my day. A few days ago, he brought an old school Nintendo game of our neighbors & friends, Philip & Jenny's. They have a game that has 111 nintendo games on it. It is so fun! Mario Bros., Dr. Mario, Pac-Man and Mrs. Pac-Man - so fun! Thank you Boyacks for lending me your game - it has helped so much pass the time with something mindless :) I love it!

Today, my friends Chandy & Melissa got me a pedicure and my friend Crystal came with Melissa and did it for me. I so loved it! It was great to see them but so fun also to have cute toes for the big day - it felt great to be pampered a bit. Thank you so much you guys for that sweet & thoughtful gift.

First things first, we made it to 33 weeks and here is my pic:

WEEK 33:

I swear I am getting bigger but it really doesn't look like it so much in the pics. But then again, I see myself everyday.

Secondly, we had our growth usound today to check on the babies and see how much they've grown in the last 3 weeks. The last growth one we did was on the 7th when I'd only been here for 2 days. They were all about 3 lbs at the time so my peri wanted me to do another one today since originally, they didn't know for sure when I would deliver.

Here are the growth results:

BABY A: 4 lbs 11 oz.

BABY B: 4 lbs 10 oz.

BABY C: 4 lbs 5 oz.

YEAH! They are growing and have grown a bunch since the 7th so we are so happy! Good weights for these 3 if I do say so myself! Of course, it isn't completely accurate until they are out but at least it gives us an idea of what they will be close to.

Only 2 days to go until the c-section - I can't believe it! We are so excited to meet these little babies and see them. Our little "Atlas" as we call him (baby A) holding up the other 2 and probably plugging the leak is just amazing to me. He's got a single artery cord and yet is doing amazingly well. We love you guys! See you soon!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Today is Friday - Christmas Day! I can't tell you how different spending Christmas in the hospital is compared to not. The craziness of the holiday season vanished away and I was able to focus solely on family and the real reason we celebrate this beautiful holiday. I'm so grateful for our Heavenly Father's blessings and our Savior and for his birth and the atonement. How grateful I am today to think about our Savior's entrance into this world and the humble surroundings he came into. It is very cool to think about them and their world and the choices they had to make. Anyway, like I said - a very different focus this year for me.

I think I last wrote on Monday - the rest of the this week has been great! All my daily NST's have been fabulous! The babies look great and they have had plenty of fluid amounts every day. I really can't believe it! Who would have thought that 3 weeks ago, I'd still be pregnant with these babies. I really can't believe they have done so well considering the emergency circumstances we came here for. All my doctors and the residents that come in every morning are amazed too! I just feel so blessed - I know it is because of the watchful care of our Heavenly Father and the thoughts and prayers from all of you! Thanks again.

I had some great company again this week which was so fun! I love to see people and exist outside of NST's, babies and all else that accompany my world here. My itching has decreased so much and I can't tell you how happy I am about that - I still take a Benadryl a couple times a day to take the edge off but the rash and the horrible itching is gone. That medicine helps a lot! My blood pressure is great and no signs of infection either. I've only had minor contractions and the usual Braxton Hicks ones for the first time this week but no major leakage or anything else scary. All is well!

I've had a lot of people ask me why if I'm doing so well would they take the babies on Wednesday. The reason is that supposedly the research suggests that when your water breaks, after 4 weeks it is too scary to keep the babies inside for risk of infection to them and to me. My doctor also said that if they are doing well, there is no point in keeping them in - they could do really well on their own being 34 weeks by then. I guess after 34 weeks, the babies really aren't at risk for any major preemie difficulties beside the usual things that can effect all babies.

Well, I hope you have all had a very Merry very Christmas. I know I have. Thanks family, friends and especially Spencer for making today be so great even though I'm trapped :)
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Week 32! Made it to the 4th goal I'd set!

So originally, I had 5 goals to meet with this pregnancy. Make it to week 20, then 24, then 28, then 32 and finally 36 weeks. Well, we know I won't be meeting the last goal with the c-section scheduled for next Wednesday but I guess 4 out of 5 goals isn't bad right?

All is still going well. The weekend was just fine. All NST's have been looking great and the babies are doing well. They all have plenty of fluid and never appear to be under any kind of stress. They are crazy little movers most of the time during the day and it is very reassuring to know how well they are doing.

I think with the end in sight now, I can more easily feel like this isn't going to last that much longer and we will all be home soon. I'm so grateful for all the great care I've received here and am grateful to my doctors for all their help. The choleostasis is still there but the meds are helping and I'm way less itchy but it still bugs a little bit. There has been no other issues come up now for almost a week or so which is great and we'll keep hoping for that during the next 10 days. But trust me - the countdown is on!

I've had great visitors both here and on the phone through calls and texts and again just appreciate everyone so much for your thoughts and prayers. I'm so grateful for everyone.

WEEK 32:

Thursday & Friday update

Things continue to be going well for me and the babies. The NST's continue to look awesome and the babies are moving around so much! They are so sweet and fun! Although this little girl of ours likes to climb up under my ribs still and camp out - it doesn't help that I'm sitting all day and smoosh her. Poor little babies - they are so squished. I think they continue to grow every day because the usounds get harder and harder. It's harder for the nurses to find these big pockets of fluid like they used to but since I know I'm not leaking any, I know they have plenty which is reassuring as well.

I was diagnosed with choleostasis and so now I'm taking a new medication to help my liver and gall bladder function more properly and it seems like it is helping with the itching. It's not completely better but it is night and day from a few days ago which I could not be happier for. Itching is one of the worst things I think - I would almost have traded that for another day on L&D being hooked up to the monitors all day. ALMOST... not quite though. The good news is that it is just choleostasis and not toxemia too. They were worried that it might have been both but my labs look good and my platelet count is up today too and my liver enzyme count is down. Both good news. I take Benadryl to help with the surface itching and it is helping too. Hopefully by tomorrow, this will all be over and maintained by the medicine.


I have to tell all of those in my neighborhood that attended our neighborhood party last night - thank you so much! Spence told me that everyone was so generous and thoughtful! Thank you so much for your kindness that is shown all the time to us. We couldn't be more grateful!


I'm a bit more emotional these days and feeling a little more isolated from the world. It is hard to look out the window and not feel a part of anything real. My whole world has been NST's and the babies and trying not to have them. It's funny that I say that because I do have lots of great visitors and texts and phone calls all day. I don't mean to imply that I'm isolated like that - just isolated from the "real world" I guess is what I mean. Anyway, I'm doing well and feel very lucky and blessed every day to still be pregnant for the babies sake.


Spence's family Christmas party was tonight and I was sad to miss it. It sounds like it was fun as usual. They are all so funny and fun to be with. Then, Spence came up and we hung out for awhile - he took me for a wheelchair ride which is always nice to get out of the room. This whole experience is just as hard on Spence - our last few weeks of being a couple without kids and I'm here and he's there. We're making it work though! Talk to you soon!

Update for Tuesday & Wednesday

I hate to say that things have been boring since I don't want to jinx anything but really, things are great! We are all doing well. This last week has been great. The NST's both days have been great and their fluids and heart rates continue to be awesome.

I have been incredibly itchy for days now and I can barely stand it! I finally told my doctor and so today, the lab drew some blood to check for cholestasis or pups. Cholestasis is a bile/liver issue that gets into your blood stream and causes itchiness and pups is the regular pregnancy itchy thing. Lucky me right? One more fun thing to add - it's okay though. The results showed that I have elevated levels in my liver but just mildy at this point so they are just going to monitor it and then decide on meds or something else to hopefully fix it. It doesn't impact the babies if treated quickly though so it's okay and all they would do anyway is do NST's and watch the babies so we're good there. I have my daily NST's and 2 times a day Doppler tests on their heart rates so they are definitely monitored.

My doctor officially scheduled me for my c-section on Dec. 30th at 730am. Hopefully, that will be the case and we won't need to do anything beforehand. Going past 34 weeks is not ideal - I asked him about that and was wondering if it would be possible. He said if I really wanted to push the issue, I could try but it was "against his best judgement" to let me go longer than 34. At this point though, I'm so happy to go from a once 30 week possibility to 34 weeks so I'm happy with that.

I also wanted to show you some cute pics of Spence's always kindness from Monday night. He came up Monday night and surprised me with a real mini Christmas tree, mini ornaments and lights. He also brought some Christmas music and egg nog (a family tradition). Anyway, so sweet and thoughtful! It was so fun and we had a great time - it was a really nice distraction too which is always nice for me.

Here's some pics: It's so cute hu? Thanks Spence - love you!

Pic of Week 31 and today's update

Over the weekend, Spence had many visitors and people come by to drop things off. I'm so grateful again for all of you and thank you so much for your kindness. Some friends of ours, Jon and Alissa who also did the IVF journey, came by and dropped these sweet gifts off at our house. Alissa said that when she told her mom about our triplets, that her church put together some baskets for us and the babies! Can you believe that? I am always so humbled when people are so willing to do such sweet things but when it is people I don't even know, it is more humbling! I'll post the pic below with our cute Lennox being curious as ever too!

Today has been another easy and boring day! No news to report. NST was great again and the babies looked awesome and their fluid amounts are great too- they move around all day. It seriously is alien encounters looking at them inside but pretty cute too and it is always so reassuring that they are doing so well. However during the NST today, they were seriously crazy movers and would not stay on their monitors - I felt so bad for the nurses but they were so patient with our little babies. They just were playing I guess and having a great time :)

My doctors are considering a delivery date for us but are debating still. I think I said this, but they won't let me go longer than 34 weeks now since my water broke which would put us on the last day of the year or within a day or two of that on either end. I'll find out for sure when I talk to Dr. F again in the next day or two and let you know for sure.

WEEK 31:

Semi-emotional today?

Hey everyone! Just a quick note today - all went well with my NST and the babies looked great all day with heart rates and their fluid was even greater than it was yesterday. Way to go babies! They are replenishing and/or blocking the leak which I'm so grateful for. They're amazing little things. We're getting closer on names too so look for that soon as well.

I've gotten so many phone calls, emails and texts from all of you and please know that I get the facebook messages too although I hardly ever am on facebook, I do get your messages. My stake president and member of the high council came to visit today - how sweet! They gave me another blessing which I was so grateful to receive. They always help me feel calmer and filled with more optimism. What great men they are to take time today to come visit. My home teachers came tonight as well - thank you Casdorph family.

Spence came for awhile again of course and totally brightened my day. Although I'm doing really well both physically and emotionally, for some reason today I just was very weepy. I couldn't place my finger on it but when Spence came in my room, the tears fell again. I think I was just really feeling the boredom today and the "caginess" (I know that isn't how it's spelled) of my room. So Spence immediately suggested my daily one hour wheelchair ride which I was so glad for. We went all around the hospital and it was great to see outside and different scenery. I need to remember those rides more often apparently :) Thanks so much sweetie for always thinking of the best thing every day. I love you!

Already Been A Week Here

It's amazing to me that it has already been a week since we've been here. Although it isn't my favorite thing in being here, it has gone by quite fast.

Today was a very slow day which my doctors love to hear. Average day for me usually includes:
waking up every hour to use the restroom during the night, being woken up in the meantime every 2-4 hours for the nurses to check vitals or give me my antibiotics, waking up for real for the day and eating breakfast, then usually I will either have my NST right away or I just hang out doing a craft, reading, sudoku or watching TV. Then usually someone from the hospital staff comes in such as the missionaries or others that I mentioned yesterday. Lunch is around 12pm. Today, Meliss and Em came by and visited for a bit and then the afternoon was spent trying to make up for lost sleep last night.

Spence came by around 4pm with the greatest surprise ever! My cute, little Lennox was with him. Yeah! I got to see him for about an hour. I get an hour wheelchair ride a day so we used that to go out and sit in the car with him. He's so cute! Totally gave me a boost of happy today that will last awhile I think. Then Bonnie took him home with her when she was done with work so Spence could stay with me. We're just hanging out watching a movie now.

All in all, a calm day means another day for the babies to grow which we need. Dr. P, my peri came to see me today too and he was very positive about how things are going which is always reassuring.

Hoping for another boring day :) See you soon!

Calmer Days Ahead - (31 weeks too!)

Thursday Update: Today was a "boring" day all in all. Well, at least medically. I was able to sleep great on Wednesday night and had a calm morning Thursday. I made a work phone call in the AM for an hour or so which was great to get things taken care of on that end. It's so weird to me that work isn't a priority lately - it's been a long time since that has been the case - if ever actually. Anyway, I had some visitors yesterday too all day - thank you to all who came by. My doctor, Dr. F came by too and it was great to see him - he's always so reassuring and we talked about the day before too which was good. My favorite nurse Cristi came too to check in - I have great people surrounding me helping all day long. The nurses and CNA's are great! They are all very helpful and kind (except that they have to come into my room every few hours to check vitals which isn't great for the sleep end of things) - but it is their job so I can't blame them.

My NST went great today - I didn't have it until late afternoon. Once again, the babies looked awesome- they are amazing! Their fluid levels were great and there is no reason for concern at all for any of us. I had more visitors at night and of course Spence came too (my favorite visitor)! For those of you that live by us, take care of him okay? I know he's fine but I hate that I'm not there. I cried once again talking about Lennox with Spence- I miss him so much! I'm gonna ask if I can have "dog privileges" and see if he can visit or I can meet him in the lobby. Only dog lovers will understand that - it is really hard for me. He's been my little sleeping buddy for months now on my living room bed so I miss him tons. Anyway, I know he's fine too- it's just me. That is the hardest part of all of this for me - being away from Spence so much and my house. I will be so glad one day to be there again :)

Friday Update: Today was another awesome day! I had an early NST and things went great. The babies looked good and they maintained great heart rates the whole time - it was actually quite speedy and only took an hour today. I came back to my room and was able to have shower privileges too today- yes! I got to shave my legs and was so excited to do that. The rest of the day was in my room doing needle punch, sudoku and texting and emailing all of you. Thanks again for your support. I have daily visits from the missionaries here at the hospital and today a social worker came by to check on me. Oh! I also got to have a massage today which was awesome - very relaxing for all of us.

My parents came to visit tonight also which was great to see them again on a much calmer day. Thanks mom and dad - love you! Spence came up tonight and brought treats and a movie. Apparently, these are our future Friday nights here at the hospital! Hot date nights right? He is so sweet - always thinking of something fun for me and so thoughtful!

I've still got my partial IV in just in case I need one full time again soon but I'm hoping to get it out tomorrow - I think I will. I get it flushed out every 5 hours or so and am still taking oral antibiotics until tomorrow along with regular monitoring of my temp and blood pressure. I'm very itchy today though on my hands and feet and I hate it - it's so annoying. I also got the leg cuffs to wear so I don't get any blood clots which is another joy here in my bed but it's really not that bad.

VISITORS: I have a lot of people asking me about visiting. Here are the basic hospital rules and my doctors recommendations. No one under the age of 14 is allowed in the hospital this time of year and only 2 visitors at a time. My doctor suggested that although it is great to have visitors, too many in one day isn't helpful either. He really wants me to just be resting and not get overwhelmed.

Please don't feel like if you don't visit, that we think you aren't supporting us - we know of your love and support. Call before you come also to make sure I'm not in doing a test :)

Thanks again, we are grateful to all who are praying for us and thinking of us! Every day is one more day closer to them being bigger!

Whirlwind? - I thought that was over!

Well, I'll give you all the quickest update possible. I slept the worst I've ever slept last night which started the day off not great at 530am this morning. Then, today has been a nightmare and a complete whirlwind! I woke up and went to do my NST at 8am. Things were looking good and the babies were busy moving around. However, about 5 minutes into the monitoring, I started to have contractions every 5 min apart and they weren't weak to say the least! They got a little worried after about 35 consistent minutes of contractions 5 min apart and ended up sending me back downstairs to labor and delivery again. I got down there about 10am or so and I knew what was coming then - a full day of monitoring the babies and my contractions. (My least favorite thing) They stopped pretty much as I was on L&D at least mostly. However, I started to have severe pain in my back and started to leak again. They did a spec test to see what kind of fluid it was and what color and to take a look at my cervix. They also wanted to check for any kind of infection so I got my blood drawn.

The blood test was okay - no serious signs of infection. And yes, I was leaking but my cervix was tight as could be. My back contractions were so uncomfortable and I was miserable mostly. My parents came to visit at this same time and I felt so bad for them having to watch me be miserable. I had to get an IV too since they were then talking c-section again at this point. The nurse that helped me today was awesome but she did blow out one of my veins trying to put in my IV - OUCH! Not great and just added to my sour mood. I couldn't have anything to eat or drink because of the threatened c-section and was so hungry too. I think honestly that was part of the problem - who likes to be hungry and tired all day and still remain pleasant?

After the IV trauma and back pain for about an hour or two - things calmed down. My mom-in-law, Bonnie came in and sat with me for awhile and then Spence got here too and I was able to sleep a bit. Contractions stopped pretty much once again and so did the leakage. The babies looked awesome through the whole day - never once did they act stressed or struggled. They are serious troopers. I feel so bad because it isn't them that is having a hard time - it is me. My body is saying, "I'm done!" unfortunately. I've got to keep going though and so I so appreciate all your prayers. I know that priesthood blessing I received is helping too - I feel the love of our Heavenly Father everyday and know He is mindful of all of us.

I was finally able to eat around 5pm and the monitoring stopped then too! Spence and I came back up to my regular room and here we sit and wait once again. Poor Spence, he is exhausted too. I love you so much sweetie! Thanks for being here all the time. I feel good and haven't had any issues for hours now and the babies are doing great still - they came in and checked on their heart beats again and they are awesome!

I'm exhausted and so I'm hoping for a great nights sleep tonight. Wish me luck! Thanks everyone for your support - we know of your love and are so grateful for you! Thank you, thank you!

Week 30 and 2 days - talk about a whirlwind!

This is going to be a long entry so be patient with all the info:
Well, as mentioned previously, Saturday, the 5th was a very boring and non-productive day. Spence was up and around bringing up the tree and decorations and cleaning out the fridge. I mostly sat around with Lennox and watched football with he and Spence when Spence wasn't going crazy busy.
I got up out of my lazy chair/bed to go take a shower around 11:30 or 12:00 and as I did, I felt a little leakage - probably only about 2-3 TBL is all. I thought that was weird and talked to Spence about it and we decided I would call my nurse later. I got in the shower and got a little ready for the day and then came out and sat down and fell asleep by my sweet little Lennox. We slept for an hour or two and then I woke up and decided I should probably call Cristy. I did and she told me that if I just had one baby, I probably wouldn't need to worry about going into the hospital but because there are 3, I should go in and get it checked out. No rush but within the next few hours. Spence's parents and grandma came over to help Spence put up all the tree decorations since I wasn't going to be much help. They set it all up and Kristin happened to come over to to drop off some things. I broke down into tears because I was really fearful about going in to the hospital. However, we took a pic by the tree and I got a blessing from Spence & his dad and then we headed into the hospital to Labor & Delivery. I leaked one more time standing up before leaving about the same amount unfortunately so the nerves really hit then. We made it in and the nurses were great and told us it was probably nothing but they needed to check too. They hooked the babies up to the monitors to see if they were doing okay or if they were stressed.l They also wanted to check for contractions with me but didn't find anything. So, then they ended up doing the speculum test to check for amniotic fluid and the nurses exact words were, "oh, sweetie - you've ruptured!" I immediately looked at Spence and felt paralyzed! Then the next few hours were a whirlwind: talk of emergency c-section that night or the next morning, fears of infection for me and for the babies. SCARY!!! Anyway, they kept the babies on the monitors and looked for contractions in me all night. They also wanted to make sure that the babies would get the necessary steroid shots for their lungs over the next few days. So, I got one of those late that night. Sleep was challenging but possible with all the monitors on my belly. Spence stayed over which I was so grateful for - we were really worried about the next few hours.
Sunday, the 6th: This was pretty much just a day of monitoring and more monitoring for me and the babies. They were looking for any signs of infection too: hurting belly, fever or elevations in the babies heart beats. None of which took place, thank goodness. The talk of a c-section tapered off a lot during the day and they were even talking longer and longer stay in here. We had some great visitors - thank you, thank you for coming and seeing us. We love you and appreciate your love and support. We've gotten so many texts and emails and appreciate you so much! I had my 2nd steroid shot (betamethazone - I think that is the spelling) at midnight which gave Spence and I a lot of reassurance for the babies. At least if they were born now, they would be much better off and would be breathing so much better.

Monday, the 7th: That morning, we went up for a usound with my peri to see if they could determine where the leak was from - meaning which sac was leaking and also to see how big the babies were measuring. No visible leak was seen and all the babies fluid looked great! IT was low in any sac so they couldn't see where it could have leaked from. The babies weights were good too - all about 3 lbs each. BABY A was so far down that they couldn't find his head so his weight is not completely accurate at this point. Anyway, so no real answers on the leak. They were even mentioning that at times, little tears can seal themselves back up but is very uncommon. I continued to be monitored all day for contractions which were very minimal and I didn't even feel most of them and when I did it felt like a very small menstrual cramp. Spence had to keep asking me if I felt them cause they were showing up but I couldn't feel them. We had a few visitors that day and night: thank you so much for coming by you guys! We love you and appreciate your support. Fortunately too, Spence's mom works her at IMC and is able to check on us as much as possible.
The conclusion of Monday was still up in the air. Maybe I could stay a few weeks and then they would take the babies at 32 weeks to break the changes of infection but then not knowing where the leak was coming from was frustrating everyone too. I was pumped full of antibiotics all day through an IV still to ward off the possible infection even more. So the talk has now become that I could potentially go further than 2 weeks but no longer than 4. We'll see if that sticks! I had one last test that night. They wanted to do another speculum test to see if they could determine any further leakage. They found nothing!!! No leak, no fluid and no cervix opening. So...then what am I doing here??? I was quite frustrated last night and starting crying a lot. I was so glad Spence was here to support me - he is so great. Thanks babe for your calmness and love. I love you!
Today is Tuesday, the 8th. Spence slept over again last night which is so sweet. I actually ended up moving rooms last night away from L&D and up to the "monitoring phase" of bedrest. I no longer am at risk for delivering immediately so I got moved up. This morning, I went and did an NST (non-stress test - you'll be seeing these a lot from now on) to see how the babies were since when I moved up a floor, I got to stop monitoring them constantly on my tummy. The NST showed the same thing: no signs of major leaks anywhere and their sacs looked good for fluid. Their hearts looked great and don't appear to be under stress of any kind. Thank goodness. My contractions are about the same: minimal to none. I got to take out my IV early this morning too so now I'm just on oral antibiotics. The rest of today will be much the same: every 4 hour checks on BP and fever and 8 hour antibiotic pills. No real direction for the future it appears. I talked to my OB Dr F and he even said that there isn't much we can do other than wait it out and see what happens. Without knowing where the leak is coming from, they can't do too much. They don't want to send me home because of the risk of infection at any level and time but he is aware of how annoying it is for me to be here sort of for no reason too.

Every day I have to try and wrap my head around a now idea: first it was immediate c-section, then 2 weeks stay and delivery, and now it is looking more like it could be 4 weeks in here. Who knows? All I do know is that every day is a day that the babies are getting stronger and bigger and that is what we care about most. Thank you so much for all your support and prayers. We both know they have make a huge difference and we couldn't be more thankful. This should make for a very interesting Christmas season! The worst part is missing Spence when he isn't here and missing my little Lennox. I can barely stand it which might sound dumb to some of you but I hate not seeing him. Anyway, my friend Alicia came to visit today and reminded me that this is now my job so I can focus on that - very true and wise words. Thanks! I'll probably be doing daily updates now since things change so quickly and that would be shorter too.
Thanks again! We love you!

Week 30 - getting closer

Well, although we've had a tough last few days, I thought I would first talk about week 30 since that was another great week. I worked all week and started to transition some clients and get ready for the break. I figured that I could probably continue working until the holidays and then be done. Anyway, we had a great week. We celebrated my sis in law's b-day with the Morris family. I recorded a few podcast sessions this week too with Mat and so we are good through the month of December. Friday, my family went to dinner to celebrate Matt's bday at Iggy's! Yummy! Saturday was a very lazy day and mostly we sat around and watched football - it was a great football day! I'll talk about the rest of that day at the next post...

DR UPDATE: I had my regular appnt with my OB Dr F on Friday to do a quick cervix check and to discuss the future. Everything looked great. It appeared that I had started to dialate just a bit though - about 1/2 cm so pretty much nothing at all. All looked good with the babies too! Their hearts were beating well and looked great moving around. I'm so grateful for my great doctors and my nurse Cristy. They are always so helpful and supportive.

Well, here's the pic for week 30 and the update!

WEEK 30: