Feb. 19, 2013
Today was very slow at times, but still had some great things. A friend came by at lunchtime and brought some fun movies, treats, etc. Another family stopped in, and I got to see my own boys for an hour. Vinny and I played with an etch-a-sketch-I drew and he erased and said, "bye bye" or "all gone". We did that for several minutes. The boys are all doing well. Josh runs a tighter ship than I do, and it is probably good for them to get a strong dose of dad, instead of just push-over mom!
I am working on finishing Vinny's scrapbook. I only scrapbook their fist year of life, and though Vinny is almost 2, his isn't done. It will be though! Probably by the end of tomorrow! I find watching TV or a movie while scrap-booking to be far less boring than just TV alone.
Finally, my book group called in so I participated via speaker phone. That was nice to be included!
I will admit though, today was the hardest day yet as far as big stretches of time that seemed to drag. From am until my friend showed at lunch took forever. Then, it was another long stretch before my family came. This evening was full though, and that helps! I also started crying at random today a few times. Hormones? Stress? Situation? Yes, I guess so. I don't feel depressed, but I did feel melancholy for a bit. Feeling better tonight though, and I continue to be amazed at the help our family is receiving from near and far.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Monday, February 18, 2013
Day Four
Day Four: Sunday February 17, 2013
Well, Sunday was certainly a day of rest! It was a very slow day. My highlights were having the sacrament brought by, and my family in the evening.
I go to church every week and take bread and water to remember Jesus. I have never had it blessed and given to just me, always a congregation. It was special. I don't have all the answers, but I do trust in a loving God, and try to be a good person, though I know I fall short.
The boys came last night, and there is a small lounge area here that I can walk to (still on the OB floor). It had a few toys, a couch, and a table so we turned it into "home" for the evening. I sure am missing those boys of mine!
I also deleted thousands of emails from all the way back to 2008! My inbox has never felt so clean!
Today is Day Five and it too is proving slow. It's 10:40 and my taxes are done! That was one goal for the day. I actually filed them incorrectly (left out some income) and had to do an amendment. It's been a pain, but I believe they are ready to mail in (you can't efile an amendment). Two states and a rental property, plus Josh did some independent contract stuff made things messy. Next year should be more straight forward. Honestly, I'm just glad they are done.
Talked with my high-risk doctor. She reassured me this is where I need to be, and that baby should be taken at 36 weeks max. We have an ultrasound on the 27th to determine if the date needs moved up sooner (but it will not be pushed back). Hopefully, he grows to 36 weeks, then chances of him coming home obviously increase. He does look so strong and healthy, and despite the circumstances is getting what he needs from the placenta, cord. I feel like I'm bonding with him more and more. I get to often hear his heart beat, concentrate on his movements, and ponder what his name will be.
Well, Sunday was certainly a day of rest! It was a very slow day. My highlights were having the sacrament brought by, and my family in the evening.
I go to church every week and take bread and water to remember Jesus. I have never had it blessed and given to just me, always a congregation. It was special. I don't have all the answers, but I do trust in a loving God, and try to be a good person, though I know I fall short.
The boys came last night, and there is a small lounge area here that I can walk to (still on the OB floor). It had a few toys, a couch, and a table so we turned it into "home" for the evening. I sure am missing those boys of mine!
I also deleted thousands of emails from all the way back to 2008! My inbox has never felt so clean!
Today is Day Five and it too is proving slow. It's 10:40 and my taxes are done! That was one goal for the day. I actually filed them incorrectly (left out some income) and had to do an amendment. It's been a pain, but I believe they are ready to mail in (you can't efile an amendment). Two states and a rental property, plus Josh did some independent contract stuff made things messy. Next year should be more straight forward. Honestly, I'm just glad they are done.
Talked with my high-risk doctor. She reassured me this is where I need to be, and that baby should be taken at 36 weeks max. We have an ultrasound on the 27th to determine if the date needs moved up sooner (but it will not be pushed back). Hopefully, he grows to 36 weeks, then chances of him coming home obviously increase. He does look so strong and healthy, and despite the circumstances is getting what he needs from the placenta, cord. I feel like I'm bonding with him more and more. I get to often hear his heart beat, concentrate on his movements, and ponder what his name will be.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Day 3
 |
| My neighbor had the kids while Josh was on call and they came for picnic lunch! Today I had a visit from my kids! Vinny loves the taxi cabs here at the hospital and wouldn't get out the entire visit! Mia (neighbor) Ammon, Orlando, Zach, myself, and Ivan enjoying some treats on the couch. How wonderful for visitors, especially my boys! Also, a friend brought dinner which was great. I finished a book, but it is going to be a long month. However, still enjoying long hot showers without interruption! Trying to stay positive, today did feel longer than yesterday. |
Friday, February 15, 2013
Day 2 Feb. 15
Day 2
Same as the first, a little bit louder and a little bit worse....
No, it hasn't been a bad day at all. I actually am quite spoiled at the moment. I have goodies to eat, books to read, and no where to go. I have had visitors today, and others loving on my kids for me.
Vinny came by for a visit this morning and lit right up to see me. He cried when he left, and I wish I could hold him and read to him. I spoke with the other boys on the phone tonight-they are excited for a sleepover since Josh is on call all night. The school nurse let me know Ivan fell and bumped his head-during Math. Who needs Math? He got a black eye last week while sledding at recess and a different bump 2 or 3 weeks ago. The nurse and I are becoming friends. I think he is just fine, but it is slightly swollen, we (I mean my friend who has him) will keep an eye on him. Ivan also asked if he could stay the night with me. It is good to feel love from my boys who usually just wrestle and complain about chores, and avoid my affection as if I could really spread cooties. These sweet questions (and Vinny's tears) melt my heart.
Speaking of hearts, I thought I would explain my condition in a little more detail. My placenta is in the shape of an upside down heart, more rounded than pointy. The umbilical cord has three main vessels go from the belly button to the placenta and then branch out like spider webs or tree roots. They go along the surface of the placenta and then dive deep down. One of these vessels, travels along the top, comes off the placenta all together and hangs like a necklace between the divots (butt cheeks) of this heart shape, it then connects again to the top of the placenta and dives down. So, baby is getting his needed nutrients through this vein and the other "roots" and is growing well. The scary thing is that it is so fragile and if it were to have any strain put on it or changes it could rupture. It carries babies blood, not mine. Babies this small have about a 5 minute survival window and then sadly, they just don't make it due to blood loss. Additionally, the placenta planted at the bottom of the uterus vs. the top or side, putting this vessel right above the cervix. Bad geography! If there are to be changes it will be an effacing or dilating cervix. The uterus also will grow, and so is baby, and things can move, so for all these reasons I must sit just outside of an OR. Just in case. And I will deliver at 36 weeks because baby will be essentially term and should do okay, and the risk of an early labor too scary.
If Josh has free time, he will come by tonight and sleep on the pull-out in here. I guess this is his new "on-call" room. I hope to see him.
Thanks for every one's concern. I've also been asked to make sure this website is being passed around, and so far we are getting plenty and it is so wonderful to know my family is being taken care of, so thanks to all of you: It's called http://www.takethemameal.com/ and username is McElderry password is Lara
Love,
Lara
Same as the first, a little bit louder and a little bit worse....
No, it hasn't been a bad day at all. I actually am quite spoiled at the moment. I have goodies to eat, books to read, and no where to go. I have had visitors today, and others loving on my kids for me.
Vinny came by for a visit this morning and lit right up to see me. He cried when he left, and I wish I could hold him and read to him. I spoke with the other boys on the phone tonight-they are excited for a sleepover since Josh is on call all night. The school nurse let me know Ivan fell and bumped his head-during Math. Who needs Math? He got a black eye last week while sledding at recess and a different bump 2 or 3 weeks ago. The nurse and I are becoming friends. I think he is just fine, but it is slightly swollen, we (I mean my friend who has him) will keep an eye on him. Ivan also asked if he could stay the night with me. It is good to feel love from my boys who usually just wrestle and complain about chores, and avoid my affection as if I could really spread cooties. These sweet questions (and Vinny's tears) melt my heart.
Speaking of hearts, I thought I would explain my condition in a little more detail. My placenta is in the shape of an upside down heart, more rounded than pointy. The umbilical cord has three main vessels go from the belly button to the placenta and then branch out like spider webs or tree roots. They go along the surface of the placenta and then dive deep down. One of these vessels, travels along the top, comes off the placenta all together and hangs like a necklace between the divots (butt cheeks) of this heart shape, it then connects again to the top of the placenta and dives down. So, baby is getting his needed nutrients through this vein and the other "roots" and is growing well. The scary thing is that it is so fragile and if it were to have any strain put on it or changes it could rupture. It carries babies blood, not mine. Babies this small have about a 5 minute survival window and then sadly, they just don't make it due to blood loss. Additionally, the placenta planted at the bottom of the uterus vs. the top or side, putting this vessel right above the cervix. Bad geography! If there are to be changes it will be an effacing or dilating cervix. The uterus also will grow, and so is baby, and things can move, so for all these reasons I must sit just outside of an OR. Just in case. And I will deliver at 36 weeks because baby will be essentially term and should do okay, and the risk of an early labor too scary.
If Josh has free time, he will come by tonight and sleep on the pull-out in here. I guess this is his new "on-call" room. I hope to see him.
Thanks for every one's concern. I've also been asked to make sure this website is being passed around, and so far we are getting plenty and it is so wonderful to know my family is being taken care of, so thanks to all of you: It's called http://www.takethemameal.com/ and username is McElderry password is Lara
Love,
Lara
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Day One: Valentine's Day
I am going to try and blog regularly while here in the hospital. Perhaps I will even due some catching up?
Anyway, my first day here has gone well. I got exactly what a mom would want for Valentine's Day: A break from the kids, no little ones joining me in the bathroom, control of the remote, no cleaning or cooking, and flowers and chocolate! But, my favorite was this poem from Josh: (we got 6 inches of snow last night, and it was his first night to be solo with the boys).
Happy Valentine's Day today.
How terrible, a half foot of snow!
It is only a flurry compared to the fury
of your childs' and my last night's row.
Tears and screams and crying heard
at increased decibels!
Those sweet little children, I'm sure come
straight from hell!
The basement is clean. The children are too.
I didn't go too berserk.
But still I inquire with little to no ire,
When are you returning to work?
Another sweet moment was my card to Ammon. It said that I loved him more than chocolate. Josh asked Ammon about it, stating how much mom LOVES chocolate. Ammon responded with, "I understand dad because I love Vinny more than chocolate!"
I guess sweet moments like that can make up for Ivan breaking Orlando's elbow last week?!
No changes here at the hospital. Had the second of two steroid shots for baby lungs and learned a few bed rest exercises from the physical therapist. Many people helping us with meals and child care, and we are looking forward to John-Davids visit that will calm the schedules and shuffling down.
Love to all,
Lara
Anyway, my first day here has gone well. I got exactly what a mom would want for Valentine's Day: A break from the kids, no little ones joining me in the bathroom, control of the remote, no cleaning or cooking, and flowers and chocolate! But, my favorite was this poem from Josh: (we got 6 inches of snow last night, and it was his first night to be solo with the boys).
Happy Valentine's Day today.
How terrible, a half foot of snow!
It is only a flurry compared to the fury
of your childs' and my last night's row.
Tears and screams and crying heard
at increased decibels!
Those sweet little children, I'm sure come
straight from hell!
The basement is clean. The children are too.
I didn't go too berserk.
But still I inquire with little to no ire,
When are you returning to work?
Another sweet moment was my card to Ammon. It said that I loved him more than chocolate. Josh asked Ammon about it, stating how much mom LOVES chocolate. Ammon responded with, "I understand dad because I love Vinny more than chocolate!"
I guess sweet moments like that can make up for Ivan breaking Orlando's elbow last week?!
No changes here at the hospital. Had the second of two steroid shots for baby lungs and learned a few bed rest exercises from the physical therapist. Many people helping us with meals and child care, and we are looking forward to John-Davids visit that will calm the schedules and shuffling down.
Love to all,
Lara
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Room 244, St. Joseph's Hospital
Well, I've got good news and bad news. The bad news is that I am hospitalized for what will likely be a month. In two weeks, we do another ultrasound, chances of things changing are small, and we set a due date for around March 11th (should be April 8). So I'm here for a month, then a C-section and pray for a strong baby.
The good news is Josh is on a lighter rotation for February. We may get some family coming in about 10 days (Josh's brother followed by his mom-I think, I hope). Until then, phone calls are already starting for friends and church family willing to help.
The bad news is there is vasculature directly over my cervix that is holding baby blood. If anything happens to disturb this we have only a matter of minutes to keep baby alive. It is a condition called Vasa Previa.
The good news is I have a history of four births, none of which were early, so it is unlikely my water will suddenly break, or labor will start. It is also unlikely that the vein would just rupture on its own.
The bad news is I'm stuck here because the "what if" is just too great of a risk, and the good news is he is around 4.5 lbs already.
I had a steroid shot for his lungs, and will get another tomorrow. We monitor the baby on occasion, and I take it easy. I'm allowed to walk to the shower, but not leave the floor. I also worry about my kids and my husband-his work and schedule.
One.day.at.a.time.
The good news is Josh is on a lighter rotation for February. We may get some family coming in about 10 days (Josh's brother followed by his mom-I think, I hope). Until then, phone calls are already starting for friends and church family willing to help.
The bad news is there is vasculature directly over my cervix that is holding baby blood. If anything happens to disturb this we have only a matter of minutes to keep baby alive. It is a condition called Vasa Previa.
The good news is I have a history of four births, none of which were early, so it is unlikely my water will suddenly break, or labor will start. It is also unlikely that the vein would just rupture on its own.
The bad news is I'm stuck here because the "what if" is just too great of a risk, and the good news is he is around 4.5 lbs already.
I had a steroid shot for his lungs, and will get another tomorrow. We monitor the baby on occasion, and I take it easy. I'm allowed to walk to the shower, but not leave the floor. I also worry about my kids and my husband-his work and schedule.
One.day.at.a.time.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Quick Baby Update/XMas Cards
I love to send Christmas cards. It honestly has never bothered me if I don't get one in return. Well, maybe it did the first few years I sent them, but I have sent them for years and it has been a fun way for me to touch base with distant family and friends. So, if you would like one (without an obligation to scramble and get me one) just leave a comment with your address. Or if you'd like my email is laramcelderry@gmail.com
In the meantime, I have so much to catch up on with this blog- it is a joke. It may happen, but not until after I finish Vinny's first year scrapbook that he is getting for Christmas. And then there is Christmas. I know I probably won't get to blogging til after then.
The baby is doing well. My placenta is over my cervix. This simply means no heavy exercise, no sex, excuse me "pelvic rest" and hope for no early bleeding as the baby starts to weigh more. It also means that if I do start to bleed (usually happens late 2nd or 3rd trimesters) I will go on bed rest! So, I'm hoping for a good pregnancy. Oh ya, and if it doesn't move I will be looking at a c-section for the first time. I have another ultrasound on Friday and am hopeful the placenta has moved, though statistics in my case (100% covered cervix) do not favor us.
We also are having a terrible time choosing a name for another boy. I like Brazilian names, Josh Estonian. Both are often weird in English and don't sound well together. The family tree has been plucked pretty dry as all of our boys first and middle names can be found there.
Hope everyone is getting ready to enjoy the Holiday Season. Merry Christmas!
In the meantime, I have so much to catch up on with this blog- it is a joke. It may happen, but not until after I finish Vinny's first year scrapbook that he is getting for Christmas. And then there is Christmas. I know I probably won't get to blogging til after then.
The baby is doing well. My placenta is over my cervix. This simply means no heavy exercise, no sex, excuse me "pelvic rest" and hope for no early bleeding as the baby starts to weigh more. It also means that if I do start to bleed (usually happens late 2nd or 3rd trimesters) I will go on bed rest! So, I'm hoping for a good pregnancy. Oh ya, and if it doesn't move I will be looking at a c-section for the first time. I have another ultrasound on Friday and am hopeful the placenta has moved, though statistics in my case (100% covered cervix) do not favor us.
We also are having a terrible time choosing a name for another boy. I like Brazilian names, Josh Estonian. Both are often weird in English and don't sound well together. The family tree has been plucked pretty dry as all of our boys first and middle names can be found there.
Hope everyone is getting ready to enjoy the Holiday Season. Merry Christmas!
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