Again, if any of my soccer girls visit this blog, thank you so much! You really did brighten our day! A special thanks to Mrs. Woodward and Mrs. Porter, the two adults who really helped plan the event and guided the girls on what would work best.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Ryan's Soccer Girls Throw a Kickin Baby Shower
Well, I really have no idea how to express our appreciation for the girls I coach. These wonderful girls threw Kristi and I a baby shower at the hospital, complete with games, a cake, and presents! We cannot thank them enough. I really enjoy coaching, and these young ladies continued to prove to me why I enjoy spending my time with them.
32 Week Update
Well, I have now been at home for almost a week, and it sure has been really nice! We've had several home cooked meals, which has been one of the highlights since being released from the hospital. Ryan has made dinner several nights, and a couple of other people have brought us dinner. Oh so nice!
Some other things that have been enjoyed since getting out of the jail hospital have been: getting to see Ryan more (you'll have to ask him if that's been positive for him too!), having our dog, Elly, keeping me company during the day, having actual cable tv (more that the 22 channels they have at the hospital), being able to take a nap without being interrupted by anyone (I know, this too will come to an end soon) and most of all - actually feeling like part of this pregnancy is once again somewhat normal. I am very grateful for the answers we've been given to our prayers this far, and we continue to pray that things continue to go well.
Today Ryan's mom took me to my appointment for our scan. We got to see the boys, which is always a treat. The amniotic fluid on Baby B has remained about the same from the measurement last Wednesday (7cm+), and his cord flow resistance has also held steady (4.74). I had actually taken a change of clothes with me, in case we didn't get great news and I had to be readmitted to the hospital, but thank goodness, I didn't need them!
After that appointment, Ryan's mom wheeled me over to the hospital (don't worry) to have a scheduled Non-Stress Test (NST). They hook me (the babies) up to a monitor (the same as when I was an inpatient) I end up having 3 belts strapped around me - one for each baby, and one to monitor contractions. The NST is done to monitor the babies movement, heart rate, and reactivity. The boys passed the NST in about 30 minutes, and we were out the door! We drove to Chick-Fil-A for lunch (don't worry, we ate in the car, I didn't violate my bedrest rules). And now I'm gladly back at home, resting, and being thankful for at least a few more days at home.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Kristi is HOME!!!!
Well, in what can only be described as a gift, Kristi and the boys have improved enough to allow her to come home for the next few weeks (provided she continues her current improvement). Her first full day at home was Saturday, April 10th. She arrived home to a raucous crowd of supporters, a full marching band, catered BBQ, and a short speech by President Obama welcoming her home. Wait, she actually came home to a grateful husband and a loving dog. The dog by the way went nuts. Literally she licked Krisit's hands (very rare), wagged her tail so fast her whole body shook (very rare) and has been cuddling with her almost ever since (incredibly rare). At any rate, we are very grateful to have her here, as she was finally able to sleep in her new home for the first time!
While we are very happy to have her here, it will be a chore keeping her on bedrest as she wants to look around alot and I am constantly reminding her to take it easy. We will still have twice a week doctor's appointments, and there is a possibility of returning to the hospital if this home stay does not go well (of course, she WILL return to the hospital sometime here soon, but that will be for a good reason).
So, here we are, week 31, a few weeks until the real show begins. Continued thanks to everyone who continues to pray and be there for us.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Reporting Good News!
We had several great things happen today. I had another regular scan to check the amniotic fluid level and cord resistance for Baby B. We are very happy to report that the amniotic fluid level appears to have increased to a point that we haven't seen before for him (7cm+). While it is still below normal, it's doubled since I was first put on bedrest. Mr. B is still rocking along, and the resistance in his cord flow has decreased, which is great. Hopefully this will enable him to gain more weight between now and the next growth scan.
Dr. S continues to look at Baby A's spine, but at this time, it appears that there is nothing new to report there. The defect is still visible, and is still closed. Dr. S will continue to keep a close eye on it to watch for any bulges or changes in the thickness of the skin that does cover it.
It has been fun to watch the boys personalities just through them being on the monitors (tracks their heartrates), and feeling when they move the most. It appears that Baby A is pretty mellow. His heartrate stays close to his baseline (130bpm), he's just pretty even keel. Although, he definitely gets his fair share of kicks and punches in there! As for Baby B.... hmmmm..... He is pretty even keel in the mornings, but he can be sensitive to say the least! Lately he's been most active at night (10-11pm), moving all over, and his heartrate reflects that too (accelerations up to 170bpm)! We'll have to see if these traits continue once they're born!
A milestone was reached Wednesday as well: I've successfully completed 6 weeks in the hospital, and am still relatively sane! And Thursday, April 8th, I'll be 31 weeks pregnant. When I was initially placed on bedrest 7 weeks ago, I never thought I'd make it this far. A huge praise!
In our "non-medical world" we were able to have our small group from church meet in our hospital room Wednesday night. It was so wonderful to have everyone here, to catch up with everyone, and to fellowship with them. We really appreciate you guys!!!
My parents are coming to visit this weekend, and I'm looking forward to that too!
Hope to have more good news soon!
Dr. S continues to look at Baby A's spine, but at this time, it appears that there is nothing new to report there. The defect is still visible, and is still closed. Dr. S will continue to keep a close eye on it to watch for any bulges or changes in the thickness of the skin that does cover it.
It has been fun to watch the boys personalities just through them being on the monitors (tracks their heartrates), and feeling when they move the most. It appears that Baby A is pretty mellow. His heartrate stays close to his baseline (130bpm), he's just pretty even keel. Although, he definitely gets his fair share of kicks and punches in there! As for Baby B.... hmmmm..... He is pretty even keel in the mornings, but he can be sensitive to say the least! Lately he's been most active at night (10-11pm), moving all over, and his heartrate reflects that too (accelerations up to 170bpm)! We'll have to see if these traits continue once they're born!
A milestone was reached Wednesday as well: I've successfully completed 6 weeks in the hospital, and am still relatively sane! And Thursday, April 8th, I'll be 31 weeks pregnant. When I was initially placed on bedrest 7 weeks ago, I never thought I'd make it this far. A huge praise!
In our "non-medical world" we were able to have our small group from church meet in our hospital room Wednesday night. It was so wonderful to have everyone here, to catch up with everyone, and to fellowship with them. We really appreciate you guys!!!
My parents are coming to visit this weekend, and I'm looking forward to that too!
Hope to have more good news soon!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
No news is good news....
I'd kind of been waiting to post an update until we had another scan, or if there was anything to report. So I guess I can apologize for being boring -- but I guess that's the way to be! It means that there really isn't anything new happening here. I should have another scan soon (to check the amniotic fluid levels and the cord resistance for Baby B, and we'll try to get another look at Baby A's spine). This scan is different from a growth scan.
During a growth scan, we look more indepth at everything, and get certain measurements (head circumference, femur length, and an abdominal measurement). The sonographer then uses these measurements to determine the size of the babies. The growth scans can only be done about every 3 weeks, or they can be inconclusive. So, we'll wait another couple of weeks for the growth scan to be done again.
Things are continuing to be holding steady, we just wanted to keep everyone updated! Thanks again for all of the thoughts and prayers! They are working!
During a growth scan, we look more indepth at everything, and get certain measurements (head circumference, femur length, and an abdominal measurement). The sonographer then uses these measurements to determine the size of the babies. The growth scans can only be done about every 3 weeks, or they can be inconclusive. So, we'll wait another couple of weeks for the growth scan to be done again.
Things are continuing to be holding steady, we just wanted to keep everyone updated! Thanks again for all of the thoughts and prayers! They are working!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Growth Scan Results for April 2nd
Today, we had another growth scan to check on the progress of the boys. And we are happy to report that both boys continue to grow. Baby A, who has grown at an average rate throughout the entire pregnancy continued his winning ways and went from 2 pounds, six ounces, to 3 pounds 10 ounces. Way to go!!! We really appreciate how Baby A continues to mentor his brother on how to properly put on some weight BECAUSE...Baby B, our little engine that could, went from 1 pound, 6 ounces, all the way to 2 pounds, 5 ounces. This gain represents a higher growth rate than the last time, which is extremely good news. We were not able to see Baby A's spine very well, but, we understand that not much can be done until he is born, so we continue to be upbeat and hopeful.
The boys appear to be getting along, no punching or kicking was visible, at least towards each other, now mom on the other hand must have put them in time-out cause she feels like she has been through 12 rounds of boxing (and lost!).
Thanks again for all the kind words and prayers. We are entering the final stretch (hoping and praying for 6 more weeks), it gets more and more exciting every day!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Explanation of Baby A's Spinal Defect
As Ryan referenced in the first post, our sweet Baby A has what is called a closed spinal defect, or Spina Bifida Occulta. To put this into perspective, there are three types of Spina Bifida that occur.
Spina Bifida Occulta, often called hidden Spina Bifida, the spinal cord and the nerves are usually normal and there is no opening on the back (skin is "closed"). In this relatively harmless form of Spina Bifida, there is a small defect or gap in a few of the small bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine.
There may be no motor or sensory impairments evident at birth. Subtle, progressive neurologic deterioration often becomes evident in later childhood or adulthood. In many instances, Spina Bifida Occulta is so mild that there is no disturbance of spinal function at all.
Spina Bifida Meningocele is when the protective coatings (meninges) come through the open part of the spine like a sac that is pushed out (a bulge, but the skin is still intact). Cerebrospinal fluid is in the sac and there is usually no nerve damage. Individuals may suffer minor disabilities. Additional problems can develop later in life.
Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele occurs when the meninges (protective covering of the spinal cord) and spinal nerves come through the open part of the spine. This is the most serious type of Spina Bifida, which causes nerve damage and more severe disabilities.
At this point, all symptoms that we can see right now, while still in utero, point to Spina Bifida Occulta. He will be evaluated upon birth, and they will ultrasound his back so that they might see more detail than they can right now. The neonatologists will also watch for him to be able to move his legs and look for any other symptoms that would make them want to investigate further for surgery sooner rather than later. There is nothing that can tell us at this point if he will need surgery, and if so, at what point (whether its soon after birth, or 6 months down the road).
It is never easy to hear that there is something wrong with your child, no matter the severity. We are thankful that we've been having serial routine ultrasounds, and that is how this was found. It has helped us prepare for what lies ahead, pray for each of our baby's health, and set our expectations. We have fully put each child into the hands of God, and trust that He will take care of them, and provide us with what we need and sustain us through what lies ahead.
Hopefully this provides a better understanding of what is going on with the spinal defect for Baby A.
Thanks again for your continued support, prayers, emails and everything else. We both appreciate it and feel the support around us!
*All Spina Bifida information is from www.sbaa.org
Spina Bifida Occulta, often called hidden Spina Bifida, the spinal cord and the nerves are usually normal and there is no opening on the back (skin is "closed"). In this relatively harmless form of Spina Bifida, there is a small defect or gap in a few of the small bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine.
There may be no motor or sensory impairments evident at birth. Subtle, progressive neurologic deterioration often becomes evident in later childhood or adulthood. In many instances, Spina Bifida Occulta is so mild that there is no disturbance of spinal function at all.
Spina Bifida Meningocele is when the protective coatings (meninges) come through the open part of the spine like a sac that is pushed out (a bulge, but the skin is still intact). Cerebrospinal fluid is in the sac and there is usually no nerve damage. Individuals may suffer minor disabilities. Additional problems can develop later in life.
Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele occurs when the meninges (protective covering of the spinal cord) and spinal nerves come through the open part of the spine. This is the most serious type of Spina Bifida, which causes nerve damage and more severe disabilities.
At this point, all symptoms that we can see right now, while still in utero, point to Spina Bifida Occulta. He will be evaluated upon birth, and they will ultrasound his back so that they might see more detail than they can right now. The neonatologists will also watch for him to be able to move his legs and look for any other symptoms that would make them want to investigate further for surgery sooner rather than later. There is nothing that can tell us at this point if he will need surgery, and if so, at what point (whether its soon after birth, or 6 months down the road).
It is never easy to hear that there is something wrong with your child, no matter the severity. We are thankful that we've been having serial routine ultrasounds, and that is how this was found. It has helped us prepare for what lies ahead, pray for each of our baby's health, and set our expectations. We have fully put each child into the hands of God, and trust that He will take care of them, and provide us with what we need and sustain us through what lies ahead.
Hopefully this provides a better understanding of what is going on with the spinal defect for Baby A.
Thanks again for your continued support, prayers, emails and everything else. We both appreciate it and feel the support around us!
*All Spina Bifida information is from www.sbaa.org
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