Bills, Bills, Bills

Remember that 3 week hospital stay that I had? And how I was whisked away in a helicopter to Louisville? You don't?

Well, I remember! It's hard to forget when the bills come piling in. Anyone want to venture a guess as to the cost of my whole stay and transport? Well, I won't reveal it all here, but in case you're curious, the helicopter transport ALONE was $45,000. Thankfully we had decent adequate private insurance (preacher's usually have to find and buy their own private insurance, which also costs.... you guessed it ... alot!) that covered about 75% of our total cost ('copter and hospital). Combine that will generous 'rents and we were left with just a fraction of what the total bill was. We are so blessed to not be under the giant mountain that we would have been without that help!

Tuesday morning, though, I woke up around 6 am thinking about the bills. I just couldn't get them out of my mind. I was making little payments here and there that seemed to not amount to much. So, I thought to myself, "Self, what would Dave do?"

Dave = Dave Ramsey. Financial guru extraordinaire, who dishes out advice your grandmother would give, except he keeps his teeth in.

Dave would pay off the bills from smallest to largest. (As outlined in baby step #2 -- the "debt snowball").

With my new found zeal for getting those bills off of my mind, I hopped on the phone and started taking care of things. I'm super happy to say that we only have three left (obviously the largest), and it's my *plan* that we can have those paid off by the beginning of 2013. It will be beyond great to have no debt again!

(For more info on Dave, visit www.daveramsey.com.)

Dear Baby . Homecoming

Dearest Jenaleigh,

It's the middle of April and the weather is so pretty. It makes me imagine all the fun we'll get into next year in the spring and summer -- rolling around in the grass, chasing each other around in the yard, playing in the dirt. Your daddy will be there in the middle of all the fun, too! He loves playing outside!

Tomorrow is a big day for us. We're coming home from the hospital (if the Lord wills). Your mommy has been here for almost three weeks! Wow! And you've stayed safe inside of me and active the whole time. In fact, a few nurses have even told us how "textbook" you are after you're on the monitor each day. But you know what I think? You're even better than textbook! And you've been sooooo active lately. I can't believe that you still have room to move around, but you sure to roll your bottom up into my ribs!

Anyway, back to tomorrow... We're coming home! The next time (hopefully) we come home from a hospital we'll have a little Jenaleigh in our arms. I'm so excited for that day to get here. I can't wait to place you in your bassinet for the first time, to rock you in my glider for the first time, to bath you for the first time, and all the host of "firsts" that will follow. Just a few more weeks until your "estimated date of arrival"!

I love you,
Mommy

Hospital Bag List

I feel like we're experts now at the whole hospital stay thing! Now that I know more, I've revised my hospital bag list for the labor/deliver/postpartum stay. Check it out (keep in mind some items are for Daniel's entertainment!):

• The paperwork: birth plan, ID, insurance card
• Make-Up & Toiletry Bag 
• Boppy Pillow (for nursing and for general pillow use)
• Pillow with Pretty Pillowcase (this will be behind my head in lots of photos, why not make a pretty backdrop?)
• Daniel's Phone, full of Harry Connick Jr. music

• Camera with Charger
• My Phone Charger
• Pink Fuzzy Footies (thanks Amy!)
• Lace Maternity/Nursing Robe -- My mom bought this for me while we were in New Orleans, just for this occasion! I had it at the hospital during our current stay, but decided to wait to wear it for the BIG OCCASION! (Mine's like the one here, but blue and brown):

• Nightgowns, Nursing Tops, and Lounge Pants (-- I really prefer to wear my own clothes, even though I know that soe of them may get ruined. It'll help me feel at ease!)
• Nursing Pads, Cream, and Bra
• Kindle & Laptop
• Going Home Outfit (for me)
• Going Home Outfit (for baby)
• Baby Book (to record Jenaleigh's cute little footprints -- thanks Aunt Ann for the baby book!)

• Carseat (preferably in the car, right?)
• Diaper Bag
• Receiving Blankets
• Clothes & Toiletries for Daniel

Additions to the List Due to This 3 Week Hospital Experience:

• Ear Plugs & Eye Mask (I'm not sure if I'll be using them when trying to sleep, since I hope to "room-in"; but, maybe Daniel will use them to get a better night's sleep!)
• Rain Machine (on our alarm clock --- very helpful when trying to block out distracting sounds)
• Aloe & Soft Linen Body, Room, & Linen Spritz (The Body Shop) -- This has been wonderufl to have during this hospital stay. It makes the room smell like home.)

• Change for the Vending Machines
• 2 Bath Towels (The hospital towels are SO scratchy)
• TOILET PAPER (Seriosly. Hospital. TP. Is. Bad.)
• Hair Dryer (I was shocked to learn that Norton's Antepartum Unit didn't have a single hair dryer. Daniel had to go buy me one!)
• Plastic bag for really dirty clothes, another plastic bag for tiny bit dirty clothes

Have I missed anything?

What Do I Miss? Day 19 of Hospital 'Bedrest'

I saw a status on Facebook this afternoon that put a huge smile on my face... 

It was from a lovely Christian lady who's expecting (due just a week after us). She was on bedrest for quite a bit longer than me (7 weeks) and was given the "all clear" a few days ago to graduate from bedrest. Her status today was about how great it was to be able to attend worship services on a Sunday morning after not being able to for so long! 

How wonderful it must have been for her to be able to physically be in the midst of all the saints that she had missed worshiping with for so long?!

What about you? If you were confined to a bed or to a hospital, what would you miss the most? Me? I miss my wonderful bed at home; but more importantly I miss attending worship services with the Christians that meet at the Hardin church of Christ.  I hope to see you all soon!

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I have no developments for you on the pregnancy front today (or for the past few days). Dr. P gets back from his vacation today, so hopefully he won't find any reason to keep me here for longer than Wednesday! Only a few more days!

Tracy, the night nurse just came in. She was here with me on my 3rd and 4th nights in the hospital and witnessed my tears over the pain of the penicillin drip they were giving me (every four hours!) She even slowed the drip down, but it still hurt like nothing else! Thankfully Dr. P gave the go ahead to take out my saline lock on day 4; but, I'll never forget the feeling of those meds making my veins weaker and weaker!

Anyway, when Tracy walked into the room tonight she asked if I remembered her (of course!) and we reminisced about that lovely penicillin. I so appreciate how sweet she was when I was in such pain. I love great nurses! :-)

34 Weeks | Day 15 of Hospital 'Bedrest'

Today marks the completion of two full weeks in the hospital - meaning I've only got 7 to go! But, more importantly... I'm 34 weeks today! Woohooo! This is such good news, because babies born between 34-37 usually have no lasting health problems because of pre-term labor and have only a short (if any) stay in the hospital after birth. No, no, I don't think Jenaleigh will be greeting the world anytime before 37 weeks, but it's still great to know she's would be greatly developed and mostly okay if she did arrive this soon!

Ultrasound Day
The first ultrasound I had here at the hospital was technically on a Thursday, meaning 13 days ago. However, I've been pestering Debbie (the U/S tech) enough about doing another measurement check on Jenaleigh that I think she bent the rules and went ahead and did another one today even though they're supposed to wait 14 days between measurements!


So, at first, the student (ultrasound tech in training) did all the measurements. I could tell by looking on the screen that they were on the looooooooooow side (for example, her skull put her in the 1.4 percentile with an EDD of 6/11!). Then Debbie did the measurements. With Debbie's measurements AVERAGED in with the student's, baby's growth was pretty good, and her estimated weight was 4 lbs 11 oz. (a 6 oz gain in 2 weeks).


I left the U/S room feeling a little bummed, because I knew that a 4 oz gain in 6 weeks was not a stellar growth. But, it was growth. I sat down in my room for about .23 milliseconds and Debbie (remember, she's the experienced U/S tech) came in there and told me the following:


"I wanted you to know that I just now took out the student's measurements and looked at only mine (not the average of our combined measurements). So, looking at only the measurements I took, your baby's estimated weight is.....


5 POUNDS 9 OUNCES


Seriously? Wow! At 34 weeks gestational age, it looks like our baby is little chubby cutie!


So, in honor of being 34 weeks, I thought I would do a LONG list today (34 items long, to be exact) of random facts about me. So, here goes!


34 Random Facts About this 34 Week Pregnant Lady:

1. Something I look forward to all year long: POLISHING THE PULPIT. If you've never been, you have no idea what you're missing. The spiritual nourishment and fellowship there is, I'm convinced, as close to heaven as we can get on this earth. Consider adding it to your family's budget and calendar this year.
2. Favorite Food:  Too many to name; right now I'm craving a sausage calzone with feta cheese
3. Favorite Candy: Milk Chocolate.
4. Favorite Movie: Fiddler on the Roof
5. Favorite Singer: Harry Connick Jr. To say he's my 'favorite' is an understatement. He IS a musical genius!
6. Favorite Season: Spring. I always get so giddy when the weather starts getting warm!
7. Favorite Day of the week: The Lord's Day, Sunday!
8. Favorite Store: H&M and IKEA. Too bad both are located very far away from us!
9. Favorite Team: THE VOLS (mainly football, but I was into basketball during the Pearl era... I may not be a follower now that he's gone).  I've been going to games for forever, due to a Mom who is equally as loyal to her team.
10. Favorite thing to do on a rainy morning: Drink hot chocolate and just be still.
11. Favorite childhood memory: I have many. But, my favorite is of one particular hot day in the summer when I had gone to stay with my Grandparents. My grandfather made me an ice cream float and then told me we were going "Rabbit Hunting", ie. mowing the grass. I hopped on his lap and was on the look out for bunnies as we rode around (mowing) the large field on their property. (And yes, I know it's not safe to have children on your lap while you're mowing). After we had successfully gone on our rabbit hunt (ie. mowed the entire yard), we went to the shed and pulled out some popsicles waiting just for me in the freezer.
12. I've been to England, Scotland, Costa Rica, Mexico, Kenya, and Africa.
13. I'm an only child.
14. I don't want Jenaleigh to be an only child! (It got lonely being one myself, although my parents did a great job of being my playmates.)
15. I lost 60 pounds in 8th grade. 
16. I gained the "Freshman" 15 my first year in college.
17. I gained 45 pounds after we got married. (I blame Daniel's yummy cooking.)
18. I lost 40 pounds two years ago.
19. I gained 20 pounds back over last summer's vacation and during various traveling gigs.
20. I've gained about 20 pounds thus far during pregnancy. (Did you keep track of all that math??)
21. I struggle with my weight! (In case you couldn't tell from the previous items on this list!)
22. When I'm wide awake, but trying to go to sleep, I'll make up a crazy story (usually about food coming to life) and tell it to Daniel (it definitely puts him to sleep and makes me drowsy to listen to myself).
23. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication with a Concentration in Corporate Communication and a double minor in General Business and Public Relations.
24. I have completed 33 hours towards a Master of Arts in Communication Studies. Yes, that means all of my coursework is finished, with only a thesis waiting to be finished. Someday, maybe.
25. I can play the piano and clarinet well. Other instruments that I am "passable" at include the alto saxophone and xylophone.
26. Truthfully, I think my high school was more difficult (academically speaking) than Austin Peay State University was.... That being said, Westview is a GREAT school with wonderful AP classes.
27. We've toyed with the idea of homeschooling. I won't go into that here and now. But, it may happen.
28. I discouraged Daniel from starting a wedding photography business. I told him that it would never make it. (http://howellphotostudio.com). Now, I'm the main owner/operator/editor/photographer!
29. I got married when I was 18 (1 month shy of 19).
30. For a very long time, I didn't like children.
31. The kids at Sweetwater church of Christ helped me get over my dislike of kiddos! Through teaching them and watching their little minds grow with knowledge of the Lord, I came to understand how much of a blessing children are! Love you -- Sara, Ashton, Krista, Landon, and even Drew! :-)
32. I love being a preacher's wife! It's so much fun to get to know people on a different level and walk with them intimately during their struggles and triumphs.
33. I'm an Aveda girl (if you don't know what I'm talking about click here), through and through (and I miss Scott, Eric, and Christine at Avail). However, due to finances with a new baby, I'm thinking this is one area where I'll need to sacrifice!
34. I've been bitten by a snake. (In a controlled setting...)

Sticking Myself | Day 13 of Hospital 'Bedrest'

8:13 AM

It's 8:13 in the morning and I know in another 47 minutes a nurse will come in here with my Arixtra injection and ask me if I want to try sticking myself. *shivers* I'm trying to psyche myself up to do it! I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. 

I'm not sure if I can! I'll have to when we get home and for 6 weeks after baby gets here, so I've got to bite the bullet sometime. It's not an issue of it hurting, because it really doesn't hurt that bad. Rather, it's me having the control. The control which I normally enjoy having in every other aspect of my life is not something I looking forward to having when sticking a large pointy object into my flesh.

8:45 AM
Julie came in early with the shot today. She knows I'm not looking forward to giving it to myself, so she didn't even ask if I wanted to try. So, I bravely stopped her before she gave it to me, and told her that I wanted to do it.

Then I started to internally panic.

The first step, rubbing the alcohol pad to cleanse the spot I chose, was easy. The second step, sticking the needle in me, took courage. Julie, acting as my cheerleader, said to do it quickly and get it over with. So...

I DID IT!

Yes, I successfully gave myself my first injection of Arixtra. And, you know what? It didn't hurt one single bit. Seriously!

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Things Left to Do or Buy

Normally my type A personality would be freaked out by the fact that everything’s not prepared. But, we’ve got the pack ‘n play set up with the bassinet insert ready for her (place to sleep … check!), most of her newborn clothes washed (clothes to wear … check!), and are stockpiled with diapers (something to cover her bottom… check!) Everything else is just a bonus right now!

1.    Finish the nursery

• Assemble the dresser
• Organize EVERYTHING!
• Assemble the swing
• Wash the bedding / Put bedding in crib
• Accessorize the room (I've got all the stuff -- just have to place it)
• Hang the valence over the crib

2.    Buy a baby monitor: We're really pumped about getting an Angelcare monitoring system. So, when Daniel heads to Knoxville at the end of the month, I think I’ll have him pick up the one we registered for at Babies R Us! (Side Note: I know people have mixed feelings about Angelcare, but I think it’s going to give this overanxious mama peace of mind!)

3.    Buy bedding for the pack ‘n play bassinet: I know she could probably sleep in there without a fitted sheet under her if worse came to worse (there’s a mattress insert and a waterproof mattress pad), but I think we’ve gotta get this before she gets here!

The design/pattern of the pack 'n play:

4.  Install the car seat. Wow. I almost forgot about that one! We opted for a Graco travel system:

Well, that’s not too crazy of a list, is it? I think we can get it done. (Oh, and when I say, "we", I mean "DANIEL!")

Chasing Away Negativity + Things I Love About Being Pregnant | Day 11 of Hospital 'Bedrest'

I hope you all don’t mind me being honest and frank. I see this blog as an avenue of sharing my daily thoughts, feelings, and even struggles (and then triumphs over struggles through Him)…

Sometimes, in moments of weakness, I find myself getting disheartened. On March 23rd, I was just a regular 32 week pregnant lady! All I wanted to do was enjoy the last 8 weeks of pregnancy like any other expecting mommy. You know – putting finishing touches on the nursery, enjoying cute maternity summer clothes, picking up last minute baby items, and most importantly  -- having lots of date nights with Daniel, taking advantage of the last days as a family of two.  Then it all changed as I was 'sentenced' to a 3 week hospital stay!

I have to fight those "poor me" thoughts. The second they come into my head they have to be squashed or I will immediately spiral into a cycle of self pity. After all, who am I to complain? I have a loving husband, a healthy baby inside of me (where she should be!), a great prognosis for an uncomplicated rest of the pregnancy, a loving church family, supportive relatives, and most importantly a God who is in control!

See. There. By just listing how abundantly blessed I am, I can’t even remember why I started feeling sorry for myself in the first place! It’s all about perspective and attitude. ‘What you focus on expands.’ (April O Magazine, p.77). Today I choose to focus on my blessings and the Creator who gave them to me. Will you join me in doing so on this Lord’s Day?

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I just finished watching Bible study and worship services of the Hardin congregation (thanks Daniel for skyping them to me!). While it’s not the same as being there, it helped me feel a part of the congregation that I’ve so dearly missed! The blessings of opening His Word, studying from it, focusing on the ultimate sacrifice, hearing and singing songs of praise, and going before God’s throne in prayer lifted my spirits and wiped away any hint of negativity I was feeling earlier this morning when I wrote the words above.

In fact, I almost erased that first paragraph to leave behind no record of the ‘Debbie Downer’ I was being. However, I decided to leave them to share with you my struggles - yes, I am a real person. Perhaps you struggle sometimes similarly. If you do, let me make one last plea for you to give thanks for the blessings in your life, focusing on them and on the God who gave them to you!

Join me in thanksgiving! “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” [2 Corinthians 9:15]

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Did you think that I had forgotten a list for today? Umm... Okay, I'll admit it. I almost did forget.


My Favorite Things About Being Pregnant:

1. Hearing baby's heartbeat. The first time D and I heard her heartbeat was at an U/S we had after I was spotting. We were afraid that we would never have the chance to hear her heartbeat; but there it was at a little over 5 weeks! Now I get to hear it every day, two times a day in the hospital!

2. Not having to "suck in". You know what I mean! We ladies never want our stomach pouching out. But, it's a good thing during pregnancy!

3. The kicks and movements. Yes, even the ones that hurt. At 14-15 weeks I started feeling what I described as "butterfly" movements in me. About a month and half later D and I were with my parents in New Orleans. I was eating a muffaletta and starting feeling these weird things go on in my lower abdomen. I was scared! After they kept happening daily, I realized they were Jenaleigh's first BIG movements! How fun!

4. Elastic maternity pants. I remember teasing a friend, Robin, when she finally had to start wearing maternity pants when she was pregnant with her first. But, I didn't know what I was missing! How am I ever going to go back to pants that zip?!

5. Baby showers. I've been blessed with 2 wonderful showers. Thank you Sweetwater and Hardin congregations! I love baby showers!

6. Having my husband put his hand on my stomach and feel our daughter move. Those are some of the sweetest moments to me. Ever.

7. The 'Snoogle' Pregnancy Pillow. LOVE. IT! After Jenaleigh gets here, I have a feeling I'll have to fight Daniel for it. It can be used so many different ways, too. I even use it now during the day in my hospital bed!

8. Pregnancy Brain. Forget to put the clothes in the dryer? Serve spoiled milk? Placed the remote in the 'fridge instead of the basket next to the couch? Just blame it on pregnancy brain!

9. Hiccups! (Hers, not mine...)

10. Knowing that soon, she'll be here and Daniel and I will embark on the best adventure of our lives!

Antepartum Unit Fun | Day 10 of Hospital 'Bedrest'

Today has been odd. Perhaps it’s the lack of sleep or maybe it’s the headache that seems to continually linger (maybe from too much computer time?). However, I’m sure things will perk up when Mom gets here! She’s bringing me tons of goodies -- cookies and chicken ‘n dumplins from Dad, magazines, books, and girlie soap (I have been using Daniel’s manly soap). I think she’s also going to bring some papers that I can help her grade (don’t ask why, but I LOVE doing this!) I’m definitely glad she’ll be here since Daniel’s headed back to Hardin to preach tomorrow, otherwise leaving me alone! :-(

Jenaleigh seems to have settled back into her routine today; yesterday, however, she was CRAZY! Maybe she was geared up because of all the activity going on in the antepartum unit the past two days. Almost all the rooms are full and there are some very lively patients and families that are making their presence known… My favorite has been the toddler screaming and crying on and off throughout the early evening hours (luckily not late enough to wake anyone trying to sleep)!

Most of the patients here are just staying for a few days before they will be induced or sectioned, but there are two of us right now (that I know of) who are in it for a little longer of a haul (however, I only have a week and half left – time’s just flyin’!). I was talking to Dr. P. about my stay here and he said that many patients who are here for several weeks begin to have anxiety about going home. After all, here in the hospital you know if any little thing goes wrong, you’re only a nurse call button away from relief or help. Having your meals brought to you, sheets changed daily, and fresh water whenever you’d like aren’t bad perks, either!

Even when I do go home I’ll be on bedrest, but at least it will be in MY bed! However, there will also be a temptation to get up and DO things that need to be done. I’ll just have to be disciplined and constantly remind myself, “NO. Lay/sit down. Don’t do it!”

(Coming Soon… Birth Story Mondays… I love reading birth stories on the internet. I think that they are an empowering way to prepare women for their special day, allowing them to peer into a world of ‘what-if’s’ and ‘could happens’ in order to be ready for almost anything! So, this past week, I asked my mommy friends to write up their own unique accounts of labor, delivery, and recovery. I’ve got many waiting ready to be posted – but you’ll have to check back each and every Monday to read a new one!)

OH, one more thing... I didn't forget about my list for today. Instead I made an entirely separate post for it. It's not necessarily a 'fun list', but it will help you understand more about the blood clotting disorder I have, PSD. Go HERE to read about it.

Picture Day & Foods I Miss | Day 9 of Hospital 'Bedrest'

Ultrasound day today! Everything looked great with baby and she was wiggling the whole time. However, she did keep her legs crossed. The tech even remembers us as the couple with the modest baby! That's GREAT news to any mom's ears.

No news with Dr. P., though. He comes in every day, but since nothing exciting is going on with me, we usually end up talking about something besides baby after the perfunctory questions are answered. For example, last night Daniel and Dr. P. bonded over the love of coffee -- strong and black. 

Yesterday I hinted that I might post some pics today. So here they are! ... Take a look at my little corner of home away from home, complete with cards from the kiddos at Hardin, flowers, notes from a few special people, U/ S pics and mementos from home.

I’ve already almost filled the monitor cabinet up, so I’ve started another littler corner of love! And, as I write this, the mail just came with several more cards I'll get to add!

I told Daniel that we really should document us, together, in the hospital. After all, it’s one of our many ‘adventures’. So, here’s a pic of us, even though you can hardly tell we’re in the hospital.

 And this is me (I guess this can be my 33 Week pic), last night! Daniel brought a package full of clothes I had ordered from Old Navy (before the whole hospital thing happened) and so I was trying them on! Cute tunic, isn’t it?!

… on to today’s list …

Top 7 Foods & Drinks I Miss!

*Note, while I may miss these, I would gladly give them up all over again plus a hundred more of my favorite foods for the safety and well being of my baby!

1. Blue Cheese. Blue cheese dressing and crumbled blue cheese over steak. Yum. Blue cheese is a soft cheese and soft cheese made with unpasteurized milk can contain the bacterial listeria, and should be avoided when you’re pregnant.

2. Lots of fish and seafood. Yes, I can have some seafood no more than two times a week. But some weeks I crave seafood every single day. Crab cakes, crab legs, shrimp pasta, salmon patties, seafood gumbo, etc... But, too much mercury has been shown to be damaging to baby, and we DON’T want that!

3. Feta Cheese. Oh how I love feta on pizza. Feta’s a soft cheese, like blue cheese, so it’s a no go.

4. Cold Deli Meats. Yes, I can have deli meats as long as the living daylights are zapped out of them. But, I’d love to just go into Subway and get a 6” turkey sandwich that’s not heated and toasted. Cold, with mayo only, please! Deli meats have been known to be contaminated with listeria, (like unpasteurized soft cheeses) which can cause miscarriage.

5. Chai Tea Lattes. I discovered this drink at Starbucks last winter and was in love. But alas, I gave up caffeine completely during pregnancy. Although most studies show that caffeine intake in moderation is OK, there are others that show that caffeine intake may be related to miscarriages. This mama’s not taking any chances, if she can help it!

6. Route 44 Diet Dr. Pepper (from Sonic). There’s just something about drinking a Diet Dr. Pepper over the chipped ice they serve at Sonic. Again, can’t do it because of the caffeine.

7. Sushi. Oh sushi. How I miss sushi date nights with Daniel. Raw sushi may contain bacteria or even parasites that can make you sick during pregnancy.

What about you? Were there any foods or drinks you craved while pregnant that you just couldn’t have? I’d love to hear from you! Leave your comments below!

Burritos, Sleep, and Vocabulary | Day 8 of Hospital 'Bedrest'

Yay! Theresa’s my nurse again and we’ve already passed several minutes together chatting. I even got to see pictures of her adorable “little man” (16 month old baby). He’s too cute!

I’m counting down the hours until Daniel gets back from Hardin. When he gets here I’m going to decorate the room (maybe I’ll even post some pics of it!), put on some fresh clothes, and spend some time catching up with him --- oh and I’m going to see if he’ll bring me a burrito from Taco Bell. I’ve SO been craving one for the past few days!

Little girl has been active today! Maybe that means she’ll settle down some when it’s bed time. She has this horrible habit of going bonkers right when I’m ready to slumber. I hope that pattern doesn’t continue after she’s born! Speaking of…

One of the things I’m most nervous about is how I’m going to handle the lack of sleep and middle of the night feedings/changings. I know I CAN do it, but can I do it without being a grouch to everyone around me? Just another thing to add to my prayer list – to keep a cheerful disposition with strength to handle my lack of sleep and changing schedule.

Two more pieces of business before today’s list…
1) Please pray for the Mitchell family of Martin, TN. Ashley Mitchell was one of my best friends in high school and was even a bridesmaid in our wedding. Her Grandmother came to live with her family in 2004 after the passing of Ashley’s Grandfather. I just learned yesterday that her Grandmother passed away. Please pray for this family in their time of sorrow. They are such a loving and caring gang who are members of the Martin congregation.
2) Did you check out ‘The Christian Practice’ yesterday? If not, be sure to head over there to read my account of the helicopter ride and its effects on me: http://thechristianpractice.com/2011/03/30/womens-wednesdaycome-take-a-ride-with-me/

TODAY’S LIST
Are you a 'Know-It-All Mama' or a 'Clueless Chica'?

(I’m going to try to have some sort of list featured on the blog daily. Because, if you know me, you know I LOOOOVE lists!)

One of the fun parts of pregnancy has been learning a ton of new words, some medical some about baby gear. If you’re a mommy, I’m sure you know what these terms mean, but take a look anyway!

Give yourself 1 pt. for each word you know. (Not just a word that you’ve heard, but that you actually know the meaning of!)

1. Meconium
2. Apgar Score
3. Colostrum
4. Effacement
5. Dilation
6. Crowning
7. Engaged/Engagment --- no this is not what happens when he puts a ring on it!
8. Episiotomy
9. Oxytocin
10. VBAC
11. BabyBjorn
12. Bumbo
13. Boppy
14. Diaper Genie
15. Layette

How many did you get? If you aren’t sure if you really know what a word means or not – go Google it now before you count up your score!

1-4 pts. Clueless Chica. You probably haven’t ‘Been There, Done That’ yet if you scored that low!
5-8 pts. Gettin’ There Gal. Pregnancy may have been many moons ago for you or maybe you’re not quite to the parenthood stage in your life yet, but you’ve studies up on some key terms.
9-12 pts. Well-Informed Lady. You’ve got a great working knowledge of pregnancy and baby gear!
13-15 pts. Know-It-All Mama! You’re probably pregnant right now, recently been pregnant, or are just really well informed about all things mommy!

Fun Nurses Make for Fun Days | Day 7 of 'Hospital Bedrest'

This morning, when Theresa came in at shift change, I laid there with one eye open trying to remember where I was because I was so deeply asleep. What a great sign! I’m becoming comfy and even having dreams at night. It was great to have her here this morning as I woke up; we chatted for about 10 minutes about my situation (this was the first time she had been my nurse since my stay here started), about natural childbirth (she had those plans for her labor, too; but, they unfortunately didn’t work out), and her 16 month old baby!

I was instantly in a good mood due to the socializing and relaxed a little before the big event of the day: AN ULTRASOUND! Dr. P’s patients have one every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; and, it’s so much fun to see baby on that screen. Everything was great with Jenaleigh. The tech commented on how much hair she has (!), her beautiful spine, and how she was practice breathing ‘like a horse’!

Yesterday, a friend from Sweetwater called to chat and asked the question that I asked myself just 3 days ago, “How are you NOT going crazy in there?” Thanks to advice from another expectant bedridden Mama, I’m using a schedule to help keep me on track and to make things feel more “normal”. Here's a glimpse into it for those of you wondering how I'm making it without going bonkers!

7:30 Wake UP! This is when breakfast comes in and the new nurse usually makes her rounds.

8:30 After eating I watch some of the Today Show and catch up on my e-mails & the nurse puts me on the fetal monitor for about half an hour.

9:30 Shower (one of my favorite parts of the day) OR if it’s ultrasound day I wait for later to take a shower! I learned that lesson the hard way – on Monday I had just taken a nice long shower when they asked for me in U/S. I came back from U/S gooped up with the gel all over me!

10:30 Ultrasounds on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays

11:30 LUNCH TIME! (I wish it wasn’t so early, but oh well!)

12:30 Go for a walk. While I am here in the hospital, I’m not on complete bedrest. Dr. P doesn’t think that would be good for me – I’d go crazy! So, when Daniel’s here we’ll take a walk or when I’m here by myself, I get up to at least move around the room.

1:00 Daily Devotional. The great thing about being here in the hospital is that I have so much time for Bible study and prayer. I’ve also been listening to some wonderful lessons by great gospel preachers over at polishingthepulpit.com

2:00 Read/Blog/Internet Time. I’ve found the most fun game ever on Yahoo! Games – “Draw My Thing”. It’s like Pictionary and you actually get to play with people live over the Internet!

4:30 SUPPER TIME! (Again, it’s so early that I’m usually famished by bed time. I’m trying to save a little bit from each meal, like a roll, muffin, etc, for later)

5:00 Studying/Blogging/Reading

7:00 Daniel and Martha time! When Daniel gets back I plan on taking an hour or two each night for the board and card games he’s bringing back with him to help us have a little fun!

9:00 Baby Monitoring & T.V. (if anything’s on…)

10:30 Sleep Time!

3:00 Briefly wake up to take my Mag Ox pill, then drift back off into la-la land!

See it’s not that so bad, is it? This hospital stay’s going to be a breeze!

Coming to Terms | Day 6 of Hospital 'Bedrest'

Both Daniel and I woke up this morning a little groggy (it’s amazing how tired I can be even though all I’m doing is resting all day!) My sleepiness is probably due to pregnancy, but I'm sure Daniel's is due to sleeping on a fold out chair/couch! Yuck!

After we got geared up, we walked over to the McDonald’s (in Kosairs, connected to this hospital through a walkway) where I indulged in a sausage egg and biscuit. It was the first time Daniel and I had eaten together outside of the hospital room since last Wednesday! What a treat – like a real life date!

Daniel then had to leave to go back to Hardin. He’ll only be gone until Thursday, and when he comes back he'll be loaded down with items from my lengthy list (including clothes, pillows, pictures, cards, etc!) I'm definitely looking forward to his return as it can get awfully lonely... BUT, the nurses are great and have been a lot more chatty with me today since they've noticed he's gone.

On the medical front, I learned that I will have to give myself a daily shot of blood thinner until baby gets here. I haven’t quite come to grip with how I’m going to do that. The pain itself isn’t intolerable, just the action of sticking something in me and the pushing down to inject a liquid through my body. Gives me the shivers!

I also did a lot of research on Protein S Deficiency and learned from Dr. P that I’ll have to be induced (either through stripping of membranes or medication) so that I can be taken off of the blood thinner prior to delivery to prevent hemorrhaging and so I can have an epidural if the need arises. Scary stuff!

It’s still difficult for me to believe that I had all of these “plans” for a natural childbirth that are crumbling as each day goes by. But, I’m pretty at peace with the lessened control and the disappointment has almost completely faded. I know she’ll get here the safest way possible and that’s enough joy to fill me for awhile!

Hospital Bedrest: The Background

I have been woefully negligent of this blog. But, now since I've got a lot more time to spend on the computer (read on to find out why), I thought I'd revive it in the last few weeks of pregnancy. It's my hope to keep you all updated with what's going on in our lives through this avenue and to share some of my other musings along the way...

*Warning* Lots of medical info is in this post. It may be boring to you. If it is, don't read it! ;-)

A couple of weeks ago (at 30W) I went in and complained about menstrual like cramping. So, the doc checked me and determined I had bacterial vaginosis and that I was effaced 50% with the outside of my cervix dilated to 3 cm, but the inside still closed.

We got that cleared up; but last Wednesday (at 32W) I started having cramping which was beginning to become pretty painful. So, after about 2 and a half hours of debating back and forth, Daniel and I decided to go on into L&D to have things checked out. (Read some of Daniel's thoughts about that day here: http://thechristianpractice.com/2011/03/28/but-i-dont-feel-bad/)

They put me on a monitor and weren't seeing any full on contractions, but rather a lot of little uterine activity. Finally the nurse checked me, then the midwife checked me, and then the doc checked me... The latter two felt that I was 2 cm, still about 50% effaced. Since there is no NICU care anywhere close to Mayfield, they called the perinatologist at Norton Hospital in Louisville (about 3.5 hours from home -- where they have the highest level NICU) who they routinely work with. He (the peri, Dr. P) thought it would be best if they transferred me, since they didn't know if they could stop the dilation there in Mayfield.

After they decided to transfer me, the nurses swarmed in, got me prepped (IV's, cath, etc) for the helicopter ride, which happened to be one of the most turbulent that the EMT had ever experienced (just adding the funness!). (You can read much more about that tomorrow at www.thechristianpractice.com)

Once I arrived on land in Louisville, they gave me more things to stop contractions, steroids for her lungs, and antibiotics in case of group b strep. I didn't stop cramping until they gave me morphine at about 4 in the morning. Dr. P was optimistic that I would be able to go home in a few days.

Fast forward a “few days” and my fetal fibronectin test came back positive and Dr. P found out I have a protein s deficiency (blood clotting disorder). {Side note: The PSD was probably what caused the blood clot which led to the spotting that I experienced early in the first trimester.}So, those two factors contributed to him wanting me to stay here in the hospital until I am 35 weeks (which is the time at which I could safely deliver at Jackson Purchase).

With this protein s deficiency I'm taking a daily injection of a blood thinner. Because of this, there is a likelihood that they will want to induce me between 38-40 weeks (the blood thinner takes 24 hours to get out of your system, which means absolutely no epidural if I'm on the shot; therefore if a c-section was needed I'd not have that as an option...) But, if they induce they can have me off the shot a day before in case an epi is needed. Also, while on blood thinners the risk of bleeding even from an un-medicated vaginal birth seems to be greater.

After I’m released from the hospital at 35W, I’ll still be under the care of the midwife and OBGYNs in Mayfield. But, most of my other plans are out the window right now; however, I am beyond thankful that all of this happened, so they could catch the protein s deficiency which can apparently cause clots in the placenta and cord late in pregnancy leading to fetal death.

Right now I'm on day 6 of hospital bedrest with about 15 left! So, tune in daily to see what's going on with me and baby!

-Martha