January 6 I had a regularly scheduled weekly appointment with Dr T. He found that my cervix had started to thin and dilate more than desired at 28.5 weeks. I was transferred over to ISJ hospital for monitoring of babies and to check if I was having contractions. They did the Group B test and a few others right away. Baby girl didn't stay monitored very well. She liked moving around a bit too much. Baby Boy's heartbeat was loud and strong, taking the spotlight. The bad news is I have having contractions almost every 2 minutes. The good news is that the babies weren't effected at all. Every nurse was awesome and commented that the babies looked so healthy. They did a thorough ultrasound and we found the babies are still around the 50th percentile and just ounces away from 3 pounds. Because contractions could be started by being checked by the doctor and getting some unsettling news, as well as perhaps some dehydration, they gave me an IV of fluids. The bag of fluids did calm the contractions enough that after about three hours of monitoring I finally got to go home, with an appointment for the next day. Dr Taylor said he would be contemplating bed rest but because things calmed so well and babies were doing well, I didn't think of it as very likely. Josh was super supportive and we both really stayed calm through the entire evening. I really felt like I was in good hands, medically and spiritually.
We went home and I took it easy knowing that the next day there was no school again due to cold weather. It was again low stress.
January 7 I had a morning appointment again with Dr Taylor. He found me still at the same place as yesterday in terms of dilating and thinning, but that wasn't necessarily good news. I was showing signs of pre-labor and there are two babies to consider, and it was just 28.5 weeks.
Dr. T determined he'd like to get me off my feet, and take as much pressure of my cervix as possible. That meant no teaching. I nodded like that sounded fine and would be easy, but two minutes after the appointment my head started to spin a little. During the rest of the appointment Dr T also determined he'd like me to have the 2 shots for the babies lung development so that we had our bases covered, and a daily dose of progesterone to put off full labor. Officially he gave me a modified bed rest. That means one can sit or lay on the couch or bed, and sit at dinner, but there should be no cleaning, laundry, cooking, errands, lifting, etc. I can drive to rest somewhere else or get to an appointment, but I should not exert myself in any way. I went right to school to drop off school things I had with me (my laptop and manuals), and labeled a few things for the sub. My 'boss' came and she helped arrange a sub for the month of January until my pre-arranged long term substitute could start in February. The sub we got made me feel my students were in good hands and my desk was pretty organized to leave to someone else. I was not as planned and prepped as far ahead as I would have liked in a planned absence, but it was enough in my capable sub's hands.
Caleb was at daycare due to the morning appointment and we realized for his good and my orders we would maintain his routine of going to Amy's house. He gets great care, activities, nutrition, and time with friends that would be difficult to offer him at home while restricted. I am able to pick him up since he can get into his own car seat, and it is minimal effort.
January 8 was my official first day off work and it felt odd to be getting school emails that I would not have to be a part of. I had to go in for the 2nd shot for the babies' lungs and after that I had some back pain/spasms. I had one and then one an hour later, but soon they were coming more frequent, almost every 5 minutes. I didn't have any back labor with Caleb, but figured that's what was happening. I called Josh and he met me at the clinic. Dr T isn't in on Wednesdays, so I saw Dr D. They hooked me up to monitor babies and contractions again, but this time Baby Girl was a rockstar and Baby Boy was moving too much to be monitored well. Some contractions were showing up, but not regular or strong enough to cause any noticeable stress on the babies. It was possible that the back spasms were causing the contractions, or the other way around, but bottom line things still looked ok, so we went home. That night we all played and cuddled on the bed for about an hour. That has been my favorite hour of bed rest so far. Caleb loved coming and getting under the covers with me. I love his snuggles!
Jan 9-13 things have stayed relatively calm. I may have felt a few contractions here and there but nothing intense or regular. Babies are still moving so much in my tight belly that I almost feel nauseous. I stayed at my parents Friday to Saturday while Josh, his dad, and brother-in-law ripped out the walls and insulation in our upstairs bedroom, bathroom, and attic space. We are moving our master upstairs to have more room and turn our old room into another kid room. They got a great start on the project and Josh has continued to work on it each day. This means we have random totes and storage in the dining room, but if anyone comes over I think they'll be forgiving.
I have a list of sedentary things to do. Some days it is not very appealing to me and other days I am amazed how many things I cross off. The reality is I could be on bed rest another day or another 6 weeks. I don't know if I want to cross everything off and be bored in a week or space it out. I definitely get a little TV or reading in, but I haven't started many novels knowing once I start it, I get sucked in and suck it down. I'll save that when my To Dos are a little less I guess. The hardest thing is I check my email or Facebook probably 15 times a day. This extrovert craves interaction. At the same time I'm not necessarily dressed for company, so give me a five minute warning:) In the evening it is my Caleb and family time, so really it is from about 9:00-3:30 that leaves me without a clear agenda that I just make up each day. If you wish to stop by, let me know. Thursdays are usually my doctor appointments, but otherwise I'm free as a bird. Due to the construction plans on the weekend, Caleb and I will likely evacuate for the next couple weeks to my parents' house or my in-laws. That way I have the help for Caleb, and we can leave Josh less distracted or worried about us.
So one week down and we're doing well. As my belly stretches I can feel my heart stretching too. Our family is growing. We are blessed!
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