My last 2 weeks in the Hospital

As I sit here watching my two littles sleep, I am immediately drawn to how thankful I am for all my amazing doctors, nurses and my husband who got me through my last few weeks of pregnancy. It was full of all kinds of emotions and fears. It took a lot of talks and discussions from all three sources to get me calm for my surgery and bringing my two miracles into the world.

I sat in that hospital room thinking of everything. Mostly anything bad that could happen. And then I would make a doctor, a nurse or my husband tell me how unlikely these situations were. But my mind went "there" about 10 times a day. My doctors all said it was totally normal. I was in a small room for far too long and the only thing I had to do there was think.

 

I wish I would have known everything would have turned out fine and that I would be the happiest I'd ever been in my entire life. I wish I could have enjoyed those past 2 weeks. But that's my personality, the worrier.

 

My last 2 weeks in the hospital I spent getting all the information I could on what my C-section was going to be like, what recovery was like, how to take care of my babies, how to breastfeed, anything and everything, I tried to absorb. My nurses were simply amazing at educating me on anything and everything. I know I've said it before in past posts from the hospital but my nurses were wonderful. There are still times now when I wish I could go back to my little room and pick their brains and see their faces. Their faces brought a sense of calm to me. As a matter of fact, some of them have become my friends and check in on me weekly.

Here is a picture the night before my surgery of my belly (I was huge) :

(I'm actually wearing this same outfit right now as I type this. Only my maternity cami has turned into a nursing tank)

 

My mom and sister came into town Thursday September 26. They stayed at my house with the dog so Adam could come stay with me in the hospital the nights leading up to my surgery on Tuesday the 1st. They also sterilized bottles, washed baby clothes, made food, did my laundry and got my house baby ready. They were a huge help!

 

Adam and I spent 5 nights in the hospital talking about our past 7 years together, what are future looked like and fantasized about everything baby. We bonded over it all. Having him there with me at night made for a little less stressful few nights before my surgery.

 

Three nights before surgery I started getting REALLY anxious, like body shaking nervous. My nurses and doctors wanted me to take Xanex or Ambien to calm down and sleep, but I would take it. I know that a few days before delivery wouldn't harm the boys, but I still didn't want to take them. I hadn't taken ANYTHING medicine wise my whole pregnancy, and I wasn't about to give up now. (not that taking anything is bad, I just didn't want to. After losing my first pregnancy, I didn't want to do anything that may harm them)

 

The night before my surgery I felt like I had all my questions answered, still terrified, but a lot more calm than the previous nights. My nurse, Amanda (one of my faves and new friends) came in to put my IV in before her shift was up. She would be back in the morning to be with me my day of surgery. I needed her, and she was there before and the day of. My night nurse, Cindy (another fave), came in and out throughout the night switching out my IV's. I was not allowed to eat or drink after midnight, so the IV kept me hydrated. ( and would eventually make me swell for the first time in my pregnancy)

 

The next morning, all my nurses that had taken care of me, that were working that day, came in to give me hugs and kisses and tell me they couldn't wait to see the boys in a few short hours.

 

Then I was wheeled down to pre-op.... and then my (our) world changed.

 

 

 

 

They're Here, They're Here!!

Our sweet little boys arrived on October 1st 2013.

Grayson Gregory - 5 lbs. 15 oz. 19 inches - Born at 10:02 a.m.

Greer Jamieson - 6 lbs. 2 oz. 19 inches - Born at 10:03 a.m.

Both were heavy enough and had a set of lungs on them to avoid the NICU!

Sorry this post is late, I plan on setting up post each day next week to fill you all in on our first few weeks together.

We are so grateful for all the IG comments, e-mails and love from everyone!

See you here next week with lots of pictures and updates!

xxoo

-b



33 Weeks



 

 

 

 



{have I mentioned how sweet my nurses are? Its a mini celebration and praise every time I hit a new week in my pregnancy. I am hoping to stay on this floor with the littles after my C-section, I'm not sure what I would do without these women}

How far along: 33 weeks, 6 days

Weight gain/loss: last post said they hadn’t weighed me since I’d been here. Apparently they did the first day I was here, but I was too much of a train wreck to remember. Whoops. When I checked in they had me at 164, this week they weighed me and I was 161. Lost 3 pounds, didn’t even know that was possible.

Maternity clothes: Wearing lots of yoga pants and sweaters here in the hospital

Sleep: not good, at all. The boys are getting so big that they are fighting for space. I spend a few nights a week sleeping sitting up. Otherwise whichever side I am laying on, pisses off that baby and they let me have it.

Best moment this week: Hubby getting to stay they whole weekend with me (even nights) Thank God for my brother staying at my house with Campbell. He’s been such a huge help!
We also got to tour the NICU since we had so many "what if" questions. It's an amazing unit here. I feel much better if my boys have to go there. I also got to meet with a neonatologist this morning, who went through a lot with me. He gave me scenarios if the boys were to come tomorrow, or 35 weeks or 36 weeks. He was extremely helpful. He also told me about the circus that will be in my operating room during my C-section. The boys alone each have their own team, consisting of a Neonatologist, a nurse practioner and 2-3 nurses.... PER BABY! Place that on top of my two surgeons, anesthesiologist, and how ever many nurses I get. That's at least 15 people... hopefully less room for error.

Food cravings: Nothing really. I am starting to eat smaller snacks now instead of meals since I am running out of room.

Food aversions: none.

Movement: Lots of movement. My nurses laugh at them all the time, especially during monitoring because they are wiggle worms.

Gender: MY BOYS!

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks, really uncomfortable, anxiety, and stress.

Miss anything: My house, dog, bed and time with hubby.

Looking forward to: October. Every time a nurse changes the date on my white board, it’s a day closer to seeing my boys! And I get to go home!!!!

  Baby/Momma Update:

  Baby update

 We had a sono on Thursday. My cervix was t a 2.6 which is better but went down to a 2.4/2.5 with pressure.

The boys look awesome though. They are both growing, have great heart rates and their fluid levels are both great! Excited to see what they weigh in less than 2 weeks, on their measurement sono.

 Momma update

Momma had a rough week. I was super anxious all week. I kept/keep having these thoughts that something is going to happen to me. I hear so much about previa patients bleeding out or hemorrhaging, which scares the shit out of me.

I talked to one of my OB’s that came in the day after a really bad night. He started talking about putting me on something to ease the anxiety. I told him I got off my anxiety medicine a year before I got pregnant and worked really hard to get off of it, and that the last thing I wanted to do was get back on something. Then I told him I just needed to hear that what I was feeling was normal and he said “absolutely, with as much as you have on your plate” He then went into his wife having to be on hospital bed rest for 10 weeks and that he understands the only thing to do in this room is think, and that can be hard as you can start thinking of anything.

The next morning my fave female OB came in and mentioned she saw I was having a little anxiety and I went through the whole thing with her. She was maternal about the whole thing and gave me the extra love I needed, and told me it was completely normal and that I was in extremely good hands and had next to nothing to worry about. (as she rubbed my legs and my belly) she’s the sweetest.

Tonight (Monday) had a pain behind my knee and got extremely flush and hot. My night nurse, sweet Ms. Rita, assessed me and then called my on call OB. They sent me down for an ultrasound on my leg but everything came back normal, no blood clots. Needless to say, I’ll be sleeping better tonight. { Blood clots are a huge concern with multiples pregnancies and bed rest, you go from walking round a good bit to hardly walking at all, with about 10+ pounds of human in your belly}

 Sorry this post is so late. I was enjoying the weekend with my hubby being here that I completely forgot!

 

xo,

B

 

32 weeks {Week one in the hospital, done}

How silly is he? He came in with this big grin on his face last weekend and my camera in hand and told me did a photo shoot for me. This is what was on the camera. He keeps me on my toes for sure. It did make my day.

 
How far along: 32 weeks, 4 days

Weight gain/loss: this I’m not sure on. They haven’t weighted me since my first day here. But I bet I’m heavier than usual as I’ve had lots of treats sent my way and the hospital chocolate chip cookies are to die for.  

Maternity clothes: Wearing lots of yoga pants and sweaters here in the hospital

Sleep: not good, at all. I don’t sleep well in strange places anyway, and going from a King size bed to a hospital twin has been quite an adjustment. I maybe get 5 hours of sleep a night.

Best moment this week: the out pouring of love we have received from everyone with our stay here. Family, friends and even the nurses here have all made this a little bit easier.

Food cravings: Still loving fruit, lemonade, the hospital cookies (and their grilled cheese)

Food aversions: none.

Movement: Lots of movement.

Gender: MY BOYS!

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks, really uncomfortable, trouble breathing sometimes, anxiety, and stress.

Miss anything: My house, dog, bed and time with hubby.

Looking forward to: October. Every time a nurse changes the date on my white board, it’s a day closer to seeing my boys!

  Baby/Momma Update:

  Baby update

 We had a sono on Thursday. All was still the same. Cervix was still at a 2.3, which left me feeling a little defeated. I had heard so many stories of people going into hospital bed rest, their condition improving and them getting to go home. I didn’t have my hopes up (well maybe just a little) but when I got back to my room I had a major breakdown.

The boys still looked awesome, Greer flipped, again, to being a head down so now they are snuggled up next to each other. We won’t get weights on them again, until 3 weeks, which I guess will be right before they make their appearance.

 Momma update

I came into this whole deal kicking and screaming. My husband and nurses made the transition as pleasant as it could be. It was wonderful having Adam here Friday-Monday while I adjusted and got settled in. Monday night was hard knowing he wouldn’t be here in the morning. But he has come every lunch and every dinner, after work to sit with me.

I’ve had visitors in and out, almost daily, and while I love seeing everyone and it takes up part of my day, my nurses and I quickly realized its physically hard on me as it takes a little bit of time to recover afterwards (soreness from sitting, and breathing is super tough). I ended up losing my voice and getting bad headaches. So we’ve discussed limiting time on visitors and doing them a certain time of the day.

Monday night when Adam left I had a talk with myself to be as positive as possible about my situation since there was nothing I could do about it. Tuesday and Wednesday I was great, in a good mood and did things to keep me busy. (thank goodness I can still work from the hospital and that my co-workers are giving me things to do. I’m not sure what I would do without that) Thursday and Friday were rough again, emotionally. So I am excited the weekend is here and that Adam will be here the majority of the day and I can rest while still having him here.

Bed rest sounds glamorous to a lot of people. I’ve had loads of people telling me to “enjoy it” and how they would love to be told to be in bed for 4 weeks. But it’s everything far from that, especially when you don’t feel good and just want to be in your own bed with your own stuff.

I will however say, my anxiety about the boys has gone way down. Anytime I feel something funny or have a question, I have a nurse at the push of a button to help me and answer my questions.

My nurses have been nothing short of amazing. They’ve calmed me, reassured me and just chatted with me about the boys all to make me feel better and know what I am doing here is the best thing for all three of us.

 Here is how my day typically goes:

Mornings around here are the busiest. Between 6am and 11 am here is what takes place:

5:30-6 I get woken up to have vitals done.

7am – my new nurse comes in

Somewhere between 7am-8am every 3 days I have blood drawn

Somewhere between 8-9:30 : One of my OB’s stops by to see how I am, everyday (sometimes this is really early, think 5:45am, if that doc has a surgery here)

Every 2 days : someone from my Peri’s office stops by

After I eat breakfast, we do a NST (Non Stress Test) to track the littles heartbeats and my contractions for 25 minutes. I love being able to hear them for that long (and if they get hiccups, it’s a plus)

Then by the time I know it, its noon and Adam is on his way to see me for lunch.

 Then my nurse checks in on me a few times, I get Vitals read around 2pm again. Adam comes back after work (works out well since he can let traffic die down) My new night nurse appears at 7pm, I usually order dinner, Adam waits until it arrives and tests it for me, and then he goes back home.

After dinner my nurse comes back in and listens to the boys heart beats, gives me my vitamin and then leaves me alone unless I call. I get vitals done again around 9pm and then I shower and try to sleep.

Wash, rinse, repeat the next day.

 Thank you all for your sweet e-mails, comments and thoughts!

Enjoy your weekend!

-b

Our First Day at the Hospital {BR}



The night before we arrived at the hospital was extremely rough on me. I couldn’t stop sobbing. My brain immediately went to all the “lasts” the last night in my house without babies, the last night in my bed with Adam without babies, my last day/night with Campbell being the one and only in the house and always getting my full attention. I thought I had more time. I wanted more time.

I cried all the way home from the doctors office, cried in the Chick-fil-a line, cried when I got home and saw Campbell, packed my bags, cried. {see a pattern?}

My sisters sweet in laws made us a cooler full of food and were bringing it down on their way to the beach. This could not have come at a better time. As a wife, I worried what Adam would do for dinners, and lunches, since he has to come home at lunch and walk Campbell every day. These freezer meals, complete with instructions are perfect for him {don’t think I won’t make him sneak me some into the hospital }

I didn’t sleep a single minute the night before my arrival. Not one. I had a few break downs, sobbing breakdowns, and A woke up for every single one to console me. He told me he’ll be with me the whole time and we’ll just make this our new “thing.” I am so glad a married an optimist. He is probably one of the most positive people I know and I need every ounce of it in my life.

We were being admitted at 8am, so we got up, got ready, I kissed Campbell about a hundred times {while sobbing} and we were off. We arrived at St Joe’s and learned we were being put in one of the newly renovated rooms, {as of last week in fact} I was thrilled. 
When we came for our hospital tour we went to the antepartum/high risk floor and it was the last on that would be renovated, so it was still small and old. I was dreading spending 4+ weeks there. But the second the admitting gal said 3^rd floor, I think my eyes lit up for the first time in 24 hours.

We got to the room and it was, brand spankin’ new and bigger than I thought it was going to be. Hard wood floors, mini fridge, personal ac unit, big couch/pull out for Adam and a closet. All of this made me feel a little better knowing I can have my healthy snacks in the fridge and my things put away instead of lying around.

{husband bragging ahead}

Walking into the room was a little like walking into your dorm room for the first time. You’re not sure how it will become “yours.” Packed bags sitting on chairs and you wonder where you should start. My nurse came in immediately and started my vitals and monitoring me and the boys. We did an NST, blood work and lots of questions and paperwork. At the tail end of questioning I looked over at Adam and he had unpacked all my bags and put everything away completely organized. {for those of you who know him organization isn’t something new} I looked at him with small tears in my eyes and mouthed “thank you.” I swear I fell in love with him all over again in that second. You always know your husband will step up to the plate for you, but until you see it done before your eyes, you can’t fully grasp it. I am one lucky girl.

Adam went back to the house midway through the day to take out Campbell and came back with all my favorite snacks and drinks for my mini fridge, a framed wedding picture and small lamp for the room. Again, breath taken away. Below area few pictures of all of this….



{clockwise from top left: My bathroom shelving unit, my closet, my shower, and my nightstand (flowers courtesy of my amazing in laws)}

Mid afternoon my nurse, Louise, came in and gave me first steroid shot for the boys lungs. I will have one more 24 hours after the first one. Until 36 weeks babies don’t start producing a fluid to help their lungs become fully functional. This steroid, has them start that process now. Which will be great, at 36 weeks for them or if they decide to come early.

I also had an IV line placed in my hand. It’s not attached to anything but its there in case of an emergency. That way they can immediately hook me up to fluids or blood. However, there are 3 tubes coming out of it and mounds of tape keeping it secure to my hand. I hate things on my skin all day, so its seriously irritating. It needs to be changed out every 4 days,

I’m hoping to ask the nurses when they take it out, if I can jump in the shower really quick and wash my hair. Because let me tell you what a task that was when they nurse have to cuff your hand and you can’t get it wet… picture below…. Right?! can you imagine? So I will do my best convincing when the time comes.



We sat around for the remainder of the afternoon, watched TV and chatted. Adam set up his little area in the room:) cute/silly boy.

Adam went home around 8pm to be with Campbell. I cried when he left but did my best through the night and only got anxious and sad once. It was late…11:15, I knew Adam was sleeping and wanted him to stay that way. So, I text the two people I knew might be awake, my sister {and brother-in-law} to see if they were awake. I got a call two seconds later form my sister. This call lasted an hour and 25 minutes, might be a new record for us. We talked about everything, while getting a little entertainment from Tyler in the background. :) 

I slept for an hour and half. Woke up with serious heart burn and indigestion, {never felt it like this before}so I turned on a movie at 4am and watched hoping it would put me back to sleep, it didn’t. My nurse and tech came in at five ‘til 6am and took my vitals and checked on me. Tracey, my night nurse, ran and got me Mylanta for the heart burn, and said I should have called the second I got it. I didn’t want to do that. I feel bad paging them for something so silly. But I am going to start taking it before I go to bed.

Here are stats from yesterday and this morning:

Friday at 9:20p – BP 121/65 – still in a good range, but high for me. Can totally tell I’m stressed and anxious.

Saturday 6am- BP 110/65

Saturday 8:25am – 117/56

Saturday 9:05am – Dr. Young stopped in to check in on me

{these stats are mainly for meJ to remember when I look back on all this}

That’s it for now. I’m dressed and ready for Game day Saturday. Ohio State shirt and yoga pants!

GO BUCKS!

-b

                                                                                     

                                               

31 Weeks {hospital bed rest}

How far along: 31 weeks, 3 days

Weight gain/loss: +24 lbs. to 160

Maternity clothes: This is the same as last week… I’ve spent the majority of the week in my maternity sweat shorts and tanks. Trying to be as comfortable as possible.

Sleep: good and bad, except for last night

Best moment this week: At out Peri appointment on Thursday, we learned the boys are both over 4 pounds!!!

Food cravings: Still loving fruit, lemonade, peanut butter/ honey/banana sammies, and milk.

Food aversions: none.

Movement: Lots of movement.

Gender: MY BOYS!

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks, really uncomfortable, congested, and a few headaches. My Peri put me back on Sudafed to clear my sinuses and ears, which he thinks will help the headaches.

Miss anything: My house and dog

Looking forward to: The end of September {see below}

 

 Baby/Momma Update:

  Baby update

 I had a OB appointment on Tuesday and both babies heart rates were great!

Then we had a Peri appointment on Thursday and learned the boys are still sharing great and are each over 4 pounds.

 Grayson:

HR: 138
4 pounds 2 ounces
51st percentile

 Greer:

HR: 151
4 pounds 3 ounces
57th percentile.

 

They are doing so well, which makes my heart swell and know that the below is all for them and for their protection....

 Momma update

This has been a rough week for this Momma, real rough. Tuesday I went in for my weekly OB appointment and we went through the usual run down, and when we got to symptoms, I had a few extras: swollen/sore hands, and a headache that had lasted 3 days. My OB told me to go home and take Tylenol, not just to make me feel better but to test my body. If the headaches went away with Tylenol, then they were benign, caused by something every day. If they did not go away, it could be the start of preeclampsia. I freaked out. Even though my blood pressure was 116/68 there is a type of preeclampsia that presents itself with other symptoms other than high blood pressure.

I of course went home, took Tylenol and it didn’t work. But I did notice I only had really bad headaches when I laid down and my sinuses got stuffy. So I told myself, I would just talk to my Peri about it on Thursday.

Thursday: we went to see Dr. Kalter and I was an anxious mess. He was going to tell us exactly what the plan was for the littles and what date they would take them. I was hot, dizzy, sweaty, and nauseas. A half way there, panic attack. They did all the boys measurements and fluids, all looked great. Then it was time to measure my cervix, and Dr. Kalter said, “remember we want it above a 2.5.” The cursor on the screen started to measure and my heart dropped when it stopped at a 2.3. A big decision now had to be made. My previa was now 3cm away, which was great.

Dr. Kalter left the room to think about what his decision was going to be for the future of the remainder of this pregnancy. He came back in after a few minutes, and told me he could probably keep me at home, but something keeps telling him that the hospital is best. Tears welled up in my eyes. And then he said and I am pushing surgery back 2 weeks, to the 36^th week. I looked at him and the only thing I could say was “so I’ll be in the hospital for a whole month?” and he just nodded. He said with identical twins he would feel better with me and the babies being monitored at all times due to my cervix, previa and my latest symptoms. {he thinks the headaches are just sinuses, but the hand swelling and dizziness, makes him nervous}

He then said he would admit me the next morning, after my request for one more night in my bed with hubbs and Campbell. Him and my OB spoke about the plan and my OB called to tell me I would be admitted at 8am Friday morning.

I’ll blog more on our first day here tomorrow.



{ our weekend }

This weekend was spent nesting and doing lots of baby stuff. First we decided to go through all the boys clothes {since, yes, I received another shipment of clothes. Its all I can do on rest} and do inventory. We might end up needing a few things here and there, but that will all depend on when they come and their size.

 

Next we decided to put the bases to the car seats in my car and get them nice and locked in. Then practiced putting the seats in and out. Here are a few shots from that project....

 

 

 

every time I see these two car seats together, I get so giddy! Actually everything in twos gets me giddy. We put together our pack and play this week too and it just melts my heart to think of them both sleeping in this.

 

 

 

Then our Solly Baby Wraps arrived and we practiced putting these on. I've researched and researched wraps and through all of my mommas advice, we went with these, and they are amazing. The owner has two great tutorials online and from what I'm told she answers all questions you send in via e-mail.

 

 

 

 

Then we did a lot of laying around as I haven't felt very good, pain and sinus wise. Hubbs did wash both of our cars and while he did that, I decorated the mantel for football season since it starts NEXT WEEKEND! We are a divided house school wise, but our teams never play each other, so we pull for each other's teams too. Which makes for happier Saturdays:)

 

 

xo

-b