3 More Weeks . . .Maybe

Another good overall report from the high risk OB. They just did a quick and dirty ultrasound today to check fluid levels, heart rates and general structures. Heart rates ranged from 138 to 158 and fluid levels were all good. They did not measure growth today, but will next week. (Oh yeah, I'm going a lot more frequently now!) My cervix was still well over 4 cm long! That is so unbelievable! He is running blood work to check for signs of preeclampsia and screen glucose levels. He was not concerned, but felt like we should just check on things. He asked me today when I wanted to go into the hospital (I was surprised that he asked my opinion). I think we settled on 26 weeks at the lastest, so three weeks to go hopefully! Fireworks here I come! I actually told him today that I just wanted to watch fireworks with my son this weekend and he smiled and said, "I think we can make that happen." He did tell me that if I decide I want to go into the hospital sooner, he is willing to put me in any time now.

I did mention to him today that I am noticing a few more contractions, so they hooked me up to the tocolytic monitor for the first time just to check. I did have several small contractions while on the monitor, but nothing that looked like pre-term labor (he said is looked like normal activity based on how far my uterus is stretched at this point.) Just to be safe he prescribed a medication to relax the uterus and I have to go back Friday to be hooked up and monitored again. Then, I go back next Tuesday (24 weeks) for another ultrasound, tocolytic monitoring and to start steriod injections. Basically, everything is still going well. I am so amazed by how well. Praise God for the blessing of another good report!

And on another good (though less important) note, I still don't have any stretch marks! Good genetics I guess. I figure it's got to be inevitable, but I'll take no stretch marks for as long as I can! I do have an outie belly button now ( have for about 1-2 weeks) which never happened during my first pregnancy. I have a really deep belly button and it got really shallow, but never popped out last time. Jackson is a little confused by the outie belly button. He asked me the other day, "Where is your belly button, Mommy?" I showed him and he replied, "That's not your belly button." We went through this 2-3 times and he finally told me, "I think it is under your pants." When I finally convinced him that what he was looking at was really my belly button he put a thumb on both sides of it and pulled apart as he asked, "Can I open it?" The mind of a 2 year old.

The babies (especially the boys) were wiggling like crazy today. Baby boy B was the most active, as usual. I am posting ultrasound pictures, but there are none of Baby girl A. Poor little thing is squished all up at the bottom and they just couldn't get a very good picture. I guess we can try again next week. I feel bad for her with her sister and brothers on top of her, but I do have to say that she's paying me back for it by kicking me in the bladder quite frequently!

Kristen says this one looks like Jackson. I'm not sure I see it.

I think that covers today's update. We continue to appreciate the support and I love to read everyone's comments!

23 Weeks and Counting

Tomorrow I will reach 23 weeks. Only one week to go until the babies are viable! That's a big milestone, but I would really appreciate if they would stay safely incubated for at least another 9 weeks (still holding out for 32 weeks). Did you hear that babies? This is the first request Mommy is making of you, let's see how well you guys listen:) (Hopefully better than your big brother)

Last week (at 22 weeks) I saw my OB. I was measuring at 37 weeks! Wow! Echocardiogram from last week came back completely unremarkable, so my heart is officially all clear. I have to say that if I could compare the way I feel to any animal, it would be an elephant right now! You know how elephants just kind of lumber side to side at they move, that's how I feel. If I feel that way now, I can't imagine what 2 or 4 or even 8 more weeks will bring! I am still doing well overall. I am having some pubic symphysis pain. It's not severe right now, but I'm hoping it doesn't get worse because I have heard that separation of the pubic symphysis is very painful!

Belly Update Picture: 22 weeks 6 days

I have been increasingly tired over the last week and am noticing a few more contractions. Still not too many I think and not strong ones. My high risk doctor told me that as long as I had 5 or less an hour, we were in good shape. I monitored for an hour the other day and counted 4, so it's inching up, but still within acceptable limits. I see him this Wednesday, so we'll see what he thinks then. I'm really hoping to stay home through next weekend. I would like to watch fireworks on the 4th! I'm kind of a firework fanatic and have never missed 4th of July fireworks! Plus watching Jackson watch fireworks is priceless and I don't want to wait another year to see this again (I've already waited a year since the last 4th of July). Even his first 4th of July at 8 1/2 months old, Jackson was mesmerized. He didn't fall asleep until we got home even though he was so tired, he watched every firework with awe and amazement. It was a very precious evening! Wonder what these four will think of fireworks next year?!

Jackson stared at the fireworks this attentively the entire show without even a yawn!

(8 1/2 months old; 2008)

He stayed awake until we got home and got a bath, but once he was wrapped in his towel, he fell asleep before Clint could even walk to his room (about 3 steps).

20 months old: At the 4th of July parade 2009

Me and Jackson watching the parade

Clint and Jackson watching fireworks!

I have finally given into reading books (which I really do love). I have finished 6 books in the last 16 days! It keeps me on the couch which is a good thing!

My dad is here this week and will take Jackson back home with him next weekend. He had to bring my brother for freshman orientation and so dad is staying the entire week to help with a few tasks including helping Clint build a storage shed. My mom is meeting him here next weekend for the 4th and to pick dad and Jackson up. So blessed by family! One of my biggest blessings right now is my sister Kristen. She has been a saint, taking and picking Jackson up from daycare everyday, hanging out until Clint gets home (which is often not until 7 pm), doing dishes, going to the grocery store and cleaning my floors and bathrooms! I don't know what we would do without her! Keep up the prayers and I will update after my appointment on Wednesday!

Father's Day Weekend

We had a good Father's Day weekend. I wish I could say that I did something spectacular for my husband, but being under modified house arrest and having significantly less energy doesn't lend itself well to grand gestures. I did have a card and a children's Father's Day book for Jackson to present to Clint, but that was all.

My mom was here returning Jackson. It is so good to have him home, but also so exhausting. I really rested well with him off at Granna and Poppo's last week. He still goes to daycare everyday, but it's amazing how much a two year old can wear you out in a couple hours even with help here! So much energy, but so much fun to be around! He has been exerting a little stubborn independence and control since he's been home, but he's 2.

Mom helped us get the new items from the shower stored and organized and she did some grocery shopping for us and made me few snack items that I enjoy for this week. Clint's mom dropped by too with some bacon, sausage and pork chops that are fresh from the farm! We are in pretty good shape I guess!

Clint and Jackson put together our second crib that was given to us. We do have to wait on some replacement hardware due to the big recent recall, but otherwise that is going well. It was quite funny to watch them work. Jackson thought he was such a big boy and was insisting on putting screws in himself and using the alan wrench to tighten them. When Clint would say, "Let me just make sure it's tight." Jackson would reply, "I'll make sure!" What would be do without Jackson to take care of things for us. Actually, mom and I cracked up at one point this weekend, because we heard a crash in the backyard and Jackson said," What was that noise?" I told him it was just daddy and Raider (the dog) and he said in a very exasperated tone, almost as if to indicate that he has to take care of everything around here, " (Sigh) I better go check on them!"

Clint and Jackson. Watching a movie together on Father's Day.

On Father's Day, my husband was cleaning floors and picking up to get ready for the week. I guess that's the life of a father whose wife is incubating a litter! He was really good natured about it. In the evening, we took Jackson to see Toy Story 3. He loved it and at the end announced, " That was a GREAT movie!" So, in closing, thank you to my wonderful, caring husband. He is a great father to Jackson and though he is still a little shell shocked by the number of kids on the way (he never wanted such a big family, let alone an instant big family) he is going to be a great father to all of these kiddos too! We love you Clint:)

Baby Update

Very quick baby update. I saw my high risk doctor today. He is VERY pleased with how well I am doing. He was all smiles and told me I am doing exceptionally well. My cervix is still nice and long!! And the babies are still measuring big which is great! And my fluid levels are all perfect. The ultrasound tech actually told me today that she thinks I am going to do great. She said I am the rockstar multiple mom! Optimism is going to be my life theme! Sorry, no ultrasound pictures today, I forgot to take my CD to transfer them to. But, I go back in 2 weeks and I will update pictures then. According to the little weekly email I get from babycenter.com, the babies should be about 3/4 lb each right now, but the estimated weights today were:

Baby A: 1 lb 2 oz
Baby B: 1 lb 2oz
Baby C: 1 lb
Baby D: 1 lb

YEA!!! I know they still need names. We actually have two, but I am not going to post until we have all four. Some of you already know the two we have.

Jackson is still at Granna and Poppo's. It sounds like he is having a blast and bossing everyone around! He told me last night when I wanted to talk to him on the phone, " Hi momma, I really busy right now!" He talked for a minute, but then he had to go blow bubbles!

Thanks for the prayers, I think all that prayer power is keeping the babies and me healthy. God has a plan!

Good Report

Just a quick update. I went to the cardiologist this morning and my EKG looked good. My heart rate is high, but he was not concerned, the rhythm was appropriate. He feels like there is no cause for concern, but just to cover all bases he scheduled an echocardiogram for next Wednesday. I go back in a month just to follow up unless I have any problems or concerns before then. So far, so good. Praise the Lord that everything continues to go well!

Bittersweet

That is the best description I can give of the events of the last week or so. Starting with last Saturday, one of my very closest friends, Allegra, was married to a wonderful and kind man. What a joyous and happy event . . . except that I was not able to be there. She had asked me months ago to be her Matron of Honor (and not sound to cliche, I was extremely honored). Then low and behold, we are having 4 babies, I'm not allowed to travel anymore, and so I did not get to attend. Allegra was my potluck freshman roomate in college. We were not two peas in a pod, we were not even that similar and to be honest I wasn't sure we were going to be friends. However, it turns out that our different personalities led us to be great friends and I think that because of our differences we have blessed each other in so many ways over the years. Allegra is an amazingly kind hearted and wonderful person, even if she doesn't want everyone to know what a soft heart she has:) I have seen pictures and it was beautiful wedding and I will always wish that I had been able to share in this amazing day with her, but one day, when she has babies, maybe I can make it to be a part of that (I ought to a professional baby caretaker soon!) I just want her to know how special she is and how much I appreciate the fact that she was so understanding.

Today, my baby brother, Jacob, graduated high school 300 miles away from me. (I will cry as I type this, so I will double check for spelling errors once the tears have cleared). Once again, unable to travel, I was unable to attend. I am the oldest of 4 kids and I have tried to be a part of all the major events in my brother and sisters lives even though I left home 10 years ago. I have traveled home to watch drill team performances, dance recitals, nutcracker performances, soccer games and of course graduations. I am so close to my siblings and it kills to me to miss out on anything. Missing Jacob's graduation today has been extremely hard, but once again I am so appreciative of how understanding he is. He told me when I called him earlier today (jokingly), "Don't sweat it, hopefully I'll graduate from college and you can come to that. I'll make sure I do it just for you." He will graduate college because he's smart and driven, not for me, but it was nice. I did get to attend his varsity soccer banquet a month ago (he was one of the captains of the team) where he received the MVP award!!! It was special to attend that and definitely more intimate than graduation would have been. He actually told me at one point when I was feeling sad about graduation," You got to come to the soccer banquet and I was like the valedictorian there!" What a positive spin. And on another positive note, my brother will be living in the same town as me to go to college in just a few short months. Both of my sisters are already here (going to college) and actually live right up the street! I am so excited that the four of us will be living in the same town again! It will only be for a year until Jessica graduates, but it will be the first time in 10 years that the four of us will live in the same town. I can't wait!!

My son, Jackson, is there representing the family though, so I guess I sent a piece of me. He is spending the week with Granna and Poppo which will make it easier for me to relax, but I miss him! I know it will be only too soon that I am in the hospital and will get to see him less, so while I am somewhat relieved to have the down time (it is tiring having him around even with people to help me) I am sad to give up this time with him. I know he is having a great time though.

On another joyous note, I was given a beautiful baby shower today by five very special women: Debby, Jana, Kelly, Whitney, and Whitney. These 5 women, as well as all the women who attended my shower, are such blessings in my life. I have unbelievably supportive friends, who despite their own busy lives and small children, have offered to help (and have already helped) in so many ways. I hope that one day I can return the favor, even if only in a small way. The shower brought us many diapers (yea!!), some great clothes (especially preemie clothes), very useful gift cards and several other much appreciated items. The hostesses gave us one of our double strollers which I am so excited about. I know we won't get out of the house much for a while, but strollers will make it possible even just to take a brief walk for some relief!! One friend also gave me her infant carseat to borrow (since she is currently not using it), so I think we only need one more infant seat too! And a couple of women were working on setting up meals for us (wow!) And still another amazing woman and friend is having a garage sale next weekend to benefit and assist our family financially. I don't know how I am so lucky to know so many wonderful people. I am amazed everyday by the generosity and kind spirits of the people in my life. I thank the Lord for the blessing of each of you!

Please keep up the prayers. Everything is still going well overall. We hit a small bump in the road this last week with a little episode I had. My OB thinks I may be having SVT's (tachycardia episodes) due to extra stress on my heart, but I am seeing a cardiologist Monday morning to get everything checked out and make sure that it is treated if necessary. I have felt pretty good over the last couple of days since my episode Wednesday night, so I feel good about it, but better to play it safe than sorry!

Now off to celebrate 6 years of marriage to an amazing man with a nice child free dinner. Really we're 2 months early on the celebration, but I will be almost 30 weeks pregnant and in the hospital by the time our actual anniversary rolls around.

My House is Clean!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to my sister, sister-in-law and niece for cleaning my house yesterday. They cleaned bathroooms, the kitchen counters, vacuumed bedrooms, started baseboards and vacuumed the couch out yesterday. All things I have been wanting to do, but have not. (I did cheat and pick up Jackson's room before they got here).

And, my sister Kristen is spending her day off with us today so that Jackson can spend the day at home with me before he leaves town for a week on Friday! Even with her here, he exhausts me, so I am going to take a nap while he is napping and she is running an errand. Just had to post a big thank you first!

Bored, Bored, Bored!

It can't be good that I am only a week into this not working and having Jackson at daycare everyday and I am already BORED! I guess maybe it's good since it means I'm behaving the way I should, but I can't stand to be still. I sit in the house and fight the urge to clean (my house really needs it right now!) Usually, if I were at home by myself (rare occurence) I would clean until my house was spotless and then run errands and then if there was time left over I would sit and read a book in my clean, peaceful, quiet house.

I really do love to read, but right now I just don't want to pick up a book. Maybe because I know it's the only the thing I can do and I'm rebeling in this one small way. I know if I would settle in with a good book I would get consumed and enjoy it. Several of you have given me some great suggestions, especially for funny books, so I'm looking forward to checking some of those out.

I actually got so bored and in desparate need of relief from the house today that I suggested we just take a drive and look at houses and neighborhoods in town (something Clint loves to do and I despise). It did actually improve my mood though! I have no idea what I am going to do when I do get put in the hospital. I am just going to warn everyone now that the tone of my blog may take a dip when that happens because I think being that confined is going to make me crazy and depressed! I know it will all be worth it in the end, but it is hard!

My big goal for this week is to catch up on Jackson's baby book and to organize all of our recent pictures into albums (and by recent I mean all of our pictures since December!) That will keep me busy this week. What to do next week . . .

On a fun note, Clint got to feel one of the babies move for the first time today! Have I mentioned how great he is. He is working like crazy to be mommy, daddy and everything in between. He struggles to keep up sometimes, but who wouldn't. He is busy, busy, busy and he doesn't complain ever, even when I can tell that he is a little frustrated or overwhelmed. I love him very much and appreciate all he is doing and will do!

Well off to spend some more time lounging around (and trying not to get up and cheat!)

Just Some Fun Pictures

Jackson was playing soccer in the yard last night and practicing headers (which his Granna was working on with him last weekend). He just looked so cute I had to share some pictures.

These are the faces he makes now when you ask him to smile:) Love it, Love it, Love it!!!

And an updated belly picture. 19 weeks 1 day and growing!

Bullet Dodged (For Now)

I saw my high risk doctor today. I was nervous after the threat of hospitalizaton last week, but he has relented! I am resting better with the prescription he gave me. He said I looked better and all babies continue to look great. My cervix is still "really, really long" (quote from the ultrasound tech.) He even said I didn't have to come back for 2 more weeks. I have to admit that I feel better now that I have slowed down too. I am on modified house arrest. He said I could leave the house for short times within reason (i.e. church, eating, etc), but otherwise I need to hang in and be quiet!

The babies are growing well. They are pretty big for 19 weeks. Estimated weights are as follows:
Baby "A" : 13 oz
Baby "B" : 13 oz
Baby "C" : 10 oz
Baby "D" : 11 oz

That 's a grand total of 2 lbs 15 oz of baby already. We are off to a great start. I am finally gaining weight at a better rate. I am up to 29.5 lbs which is awesome. Thanks for all the prayers. Please keep it up!