Max update - sort of

We saw the doctor this morning.  She said Max's vital signs were fine through the night.  His fever has come down.  He's on two types of antibiotics.  We have to wait until tomorrow for the full blood work to come back so they can see if there is an infection or not.  

In my opinion - he was not himself today.  He was lethargic and didn't have his usual fight.  I'm hoping that everything is ok - No one made me 100% confident that everything was ok.  It looks like it will be a wait and see.

On the positive side, he did take his whole bottle this morning.  When I went today he only took about half.  We'll see how he's doing tonight.

Good thoughts for Max

Max was running a fever tonight and they were going to start antibiotics.  I'm not sure what all of this means, but I know it's not good.  So, keep the little guy in your thoughts.

Kangaroo Care

Last night we got to do Kangaroo Care for the first time.  Nurse Ann got us some gowns and stripped the babies down and we got to hold them skin to skin for a long time.  It was so relaxing!  It filled us up.  Thanks Ann for taking the time to get us set up.

I've been fortunate to have so many wonderful nurses at Huntington.  In each of the three departments I've visited over the past month, I have been shown respect, kindness and caring.  As we work our way through the NICU, we have been so blessed to work with Nurse Ann.  She is a special soul who takes her time with us, filling us with information and more importantly encouragement.  She loves the babies and is amazing with them.  I'm sure that her positive attitude has had a tremendous affect on how well they are doing.  We'll miss Nurse Ann while she is off.

Our time with Grandma Stratter is quickly coming to an end.  She's become a champ at changing the stinkiest of diapers - and a feeding/cuddling pro.  She's been great company, support and a wonderful cook.  I finally got my real Thanksgiving dinner tonight.  No stupid Sprouts!  Thanks Mom!

Tuesday/Wednesday

We continue to work on eating.  I met with a lactation consultant yesterday and got a report from the OT.  They are both making progress, but it's a little bit each day.  Both kids get tired and bored about halfway through the feeding.  They just need to build stamina.

According to the nurses and OT - Dr.'s belief they would be home this week was very optimistic.  I'm now thinking - maybe one of them will come home over the weekend at the very earliest - of course, that will be after my mom leaves unfortunately.

She's been awesome - walking the dog, cooking and cleaning up - not to mention just good company.  It's been hard to be home with David back at work.  I can't imagine what it will be like when he goes to work and leaves me with two babies!  

Today I'm off to the OB to see how I am healing. I feel awesome - just need her to confirm.

No pictures today because I was in charge of feeding - no time for pix.  You'll have to wait until tomorrow : 0

Grandma Stratter Visits

I am so lucky that my mom made the trip out to help get us settled.  It was nice to have her company as David started back to work today.  We went to the hospital and she got to hold the babies while they were practicing feeding.

When David and I went back to the hospital tonight we got the report from the occupational therapist.  She said Rosie did a lot better with feeding than Max.  David gave Rosie her bottle tonight and for the first time she finished the whole thing!  It was like she turned a corner - or she just had the best bottle giver ever!  Max just wasn't interested tonight.   I'm getting worried that their trip home is getting pushed further and further away.  We really need them to eat!  

Had my first real dinner since being home from the hospital.  Thanks Mom!  I was thinking that peanut butter and jelly was as good as it got.

Feeding

That's all that's between the twins and home.  They are trying to breast/bottle feed 2 times per day.  There's been some progress, but it is very slow going.  It's taking over and hour and they can't even finish an ounce of food.  However, they are sucking and taking in some milk.  The rest goes through their feeding tube.  

We've figured out what times to arrive at the NICU to be able to change and be a part of the feedings.  I am starting to see my future as the whole process takes about 1 1/2 hours - and that's not even with them eating the entire amount.  David is a big help.  He is an expert with diaper changes - something I'm not even close to mastering.

Both babies passed their hearing tests.  Next is the car seat test.  The last test is the food - they have to be able to take their entire bottle in 30 minutes.  Hopefully it will happen early in the week, but the way I see it, there is still a big learning curve.

 Dad with both kids for the first time

 Look - I get to wear clothes!

I can hold my own binki

Friday

This morning we were surprised when we walked in the nursery and didn't see any incubators.  Both Max and Rose have been moved to open cribs.  They are both dressed in regular clothes and are just hanging out.  We each got to hold one of them this morning.  I, unfortunately got the puker.  No big deal.  

This is a big weekend.  Both of the babies are going to be started on bottles tonight.  It's now the only thing keeping them in NICU.  As soon as they can feed, they can go home.  It shouldn't be long now.

Also - got the bill for my first stay in high risk - you know, the five day stay....$31,000!!!!!! I can't even imagine what the total bill will be.  Fortunately, we are only responsible for $157.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are blessed in so many ways, but the arrival of these kids sure is a big one.  They are both progressing so much.  As the doctor put it, they are on the road to discharge.  For the first time we got an estimated time frame of early next week.  

Rosie has her breathing under control - now she's working on feeding.  An OT came yesterday and gave her a bottle.  She ate the first 10 cc, then gave up/fell asleep.  It's a start.   We need her to eat her food from the bottle more quickly.  Each day it gets better.  She got her IV out last night so all of her nutrition is going to come from milk from now on.  We're even allowed to bring her a little outfit to wear now that most of her tubes are out.  

Max continues to make progress.  It's almost time to take out his oxygen.  He's been feeding as well.  The next goal is to get his IV out.  We saw him calm and comfortable for the first time today.  He was swaddled and we were allowed to hold him.  He was alert and calm.  Chandler was even there to see his little bro.  

As they get off of more and more equipment it will be easier to hold and interact with them.  I changed both of their diapers yesterday - quite a trick while they're in the incubator.  I'm getting better, but I still need a lot of practice.  

So here are a lot of Max pix because we spent most of this morning with him.  Rosie was in a milk coma - just peacefully sleeping.

Moving Day

This evening Max got a new home in NICU B.  He was supposed to move at shift change, but moved early while we were there due to some new critical babies coming in.  My heart goes out to the parents who are just starting this journey.  

He was moved and will now be right across from Rosie.  NICU B is a lot calmer and quieter than A.  His oxygen has been moved down and he has begun feeding - just 5 mL, but that's a start.  While we were there, we had to change him twice!  He never stops moving - he may have had a tummy ache as we heard a lot of GAS!  I swear he's going to pull out every line going in.  He just pulls and pulls at anything that is attached.  

Rose was sleeping when we got there, but soon we heard a lot of crying.  Seems she had a massive blow out - dirtied her entire incubator.  The good news was I got to hold her while everything was cleaned up.  With only a feeding tube, it's a lot easier to see her face.  She was wide awake and was looking at both David and me.  Her temperature dropped a bit while she was out in the open so that's something she's going to need to work on.  It was a really special time.  It was so cozy holding her close and talking to her.  She's moving up on her feedings tonight.  I hope I can keep up with their demand for food.

While I held Rose, David spent time with Max trying to sooth him.  It was a big change to get moved all of a sudden, but I'm glad he wasn't in the A nursery. It got very loud and chaotic very quickly.  David got Max to relax quite a bit - he loves his binky.

 She's looking at me like I'm crazy - or her belly still hurts.

Believe me - It looks worse than it is - the head cover is to protect from the light for the jaundice - the pink "cast" it so he doesn't pull out his IV - which he would definitely do.  He's a squirmy worm for sure.  Perpetual motion.

A day of progress

Hmmmmm. Where should I start???  Max came off the ventilator today!  He is doing well and his oxygen levels look good.  It is a step in the right direction.  He does now have the light on him for jaundice.  We'll see how he does.  Every 12 hours that goes by seems to bring monumental changes.  I got to hear him cry - I know the future this will probably drive me crazy, but with the ventilator in, he couldn't make any noises.  It was great to hear him fussing.  I put in his binky and it soothed him pretty quickly.  David and I left feeling confident that Max was on the path to recovery.

We visited Rosie in her new home -bed 8 of NICU B.  Her nurse let us hold her for the first time.  Have to admit it made me cry.  I've waited so long for that moment.  Proud Daddy snapped away so we will have lots of pix.  She didn't do too much, just hung out and let us fuss.  We did see a smile (or gas - but who cares!).  She also opened her eyes for a moment or two when daddy held her.  After a while, David had a turn.  It warmed my heart to see Daddy and his baby girl.  

***At tonight's visit, David got to change Max's diaper and take his temperature.  He's  a pro!

A good day

We visited the twins early this morning, bearing gifts of mommy milk.  We found out Rose did not like formula and spit it up all night long.  Everyone was doing well - but no big changes.  I did get to see Rose lift her head up and turn to root in her incubator.  She was hungry because she kept spitting up.  I was able to give her a binky and she took to it like a champ. 

This afternoon, Jeff and Marii came to visit.  While I was in the NICU with Jeff, the nurse asked if I'd like to learn to take Max's temperature and change his diaper - of course I would. It was the most I've gotten to interact with him so far.  I think it will be the only diaper I was excited to change.  Max was doing well - his oxygen from the ventilator was down from 28% this morning to 21% this evening.  I know they are planning on continuing to ween him off of the ventilator.  There is definitely improvement.

David got to talk to Rose's nurse and doctor this evening.  She is doing so well, she's moving to nursery B - this is a graduation of sorts.  Every nursery they move over is a bit better.  Once she got mom milk today - she did great keeping it down.  The nurse may even try to bottle feed her tonight.  The purpose of the next nursery is really to get bigger, and practice feeding and temperature control.  Can't wait to visit tomorrow morning and see the progress they made over night.  

It was great to see Jeff and Marii and have them have the opportunity to meet the kids!

 Daddy and Max - He kept kicking his little legs this morning.

Rose in her tanning bed - looks worse than it is - she is just trying to get rid of jaundice.

11/17 - Going home - at least one of us

I finished my 3 + week sentence at Hotel Huntington.  Yeah!  We went to a childcare class before we left, but it wasn't anything earth shattering.  I got to see the twins twice before I left and there hasn't been a  whole lot of change.  It is extremely difficult to leave knowing we had to leave them there.  It's even harder when you see everyone else in the maternity wing holding their babies.  Sometimes I feel like a child.  I want to just stick out my lip, stamp my feet and scream, "It's not fair!"  Ok - putty party over.

Max still needs your thoughts and prayers.  I got to talk to the doctor this evening, but there wasn't much new.  He's tolerating the ventilator and central line well.  He is stable and is resting.  They are starting antibiotics as a preventative measure as introducing the central line has a risk of infection.  Dr. said he'll likely be on the ventilator for several days.  So send healing energy.  

Rose is doing really well.  She's still under the light for jaundice, but overall her breathing is getting better every day.  She needs less and less assistance, and is getting increased feedings through the feeding tube.  I feel lucky I'm able to provide some milk for her, and we are freezing some for her brother when he's ready.

I am so thankful to be home.  David has the house set up to be "Jess accessible".  He bought me a hospital type tray that fits across the bed, set up a pumping station and got me a step so I could get in and out of bed.  He's already been to the pharmacy - begging them to fill my prescriptions before they closed!  Thank goodness or it would have been a long night.  I took a super long nap this afternoon thanks to the rain - and not being interrupted every ten minutes.  Now it's time to get well so when the babies come home I'll be healthy to take care of them.

Good news, Bad news, good news

We went to visit the kiddos this morning and were lucky to run in to their doctor.  Rosie has been moved into one of those big incubator looking things - this is actually "better" than the open beds.  It means she is more stable.  She is on phototherapy for jaundice.  Other than that, her breathing continues to get better.  Rosie loves kicking her leg out ala Elaine on Seinfeld.

This morning, Max appeared to be doing better.  He was on 31% oxygen and the doctor noted that he was improving.  However..... (the bad news)  as we were scrubbing up to go to NICU tonight, we noticed a lot of people around Max.  When we went in the doctor ran up to us and said they were about to put him on the ventilator.  He was turning blue and oxygen was way down.  It was very chaotic and scary.  I almost passed out as they were pushing us out of the room.  We ended up going back to the room and waiting to get some news.

After about an hour we were able to go back in.  Max is on a ventilator and they put a line in through his belly button so they could better check his oxygen levels.  You'd think this would be super upsetting, but I have to say - other than seeing the tube down his throat (bad), he looked a lot better than we've seen him.  He was just so much more peaceful and calm.  He wasn't fighting for every breath.  He didn't have the nest build up around him, so we could see him all stretched out.  He's a lot bigger than I thought.  Gotta say- he's got some Stratter bowed legs - soccer player perhaps???

So, although he's gone backwards, I don't feel like we're waiting for a big fall any more.  He is in good hands and his body is getting a rest.  I think in the long run this will actually help him get better sooner because he's not working as hard.  .

When the night nurse came in, she said I was being discharged tomorrow.  This was news to me.  I'm fine with that.  We can call the NICU when we want and the hospital is pretty close to our house so we can visit often.  

New adventures starting tomorrow as we transition to being home and just being visitors at the hospital.

Friday Morning Max Update

Just called the NICU.  Max made it through the night without the new line.  He's on between 41-45% oxygen.  They had to adjust his breathing a couple of times last night, but no real big differences.  He's still working really hard to breathe, but the nurse said he seemed a bit more relaxed at the end of the shift than he did at the beginning.  They may still put the line in today.  I just want them to do whatever is going to make him the most comfortable.

We'll probably go down and visit this morning after breakfast/shift change.  Keep those positive, healing thoughts coming.

11/15 Update on Max

Talked to the NICU doctor tonight.  Max is struggling a bit with his breathing.  They are going to watch his need for oxygen tonight, and if it gets any greater, they'll need to put in a catheter to better assess his needs.  This has some risks for infection and clotting.  At that point they will determine if he needs to be put on a ventilator.  The doctor said they will call me in the night to let me know if anything changes.

It was really hard to watch him struggling so hard to breathe.  There's nothing to do but send him positive thoughts and energy.  I guess this is the beginning of being a parent. 2 days in and it's hard stuff!  I just want them both to be healthy and not struggle.  Maybe you could send healing thoughts too????

I love touching them, but every time I do, they get upset and start to cry.  Perhaps like Mommy, they don't want to be touched when they don't feel well.  The nurses say when Max starts crying, Rosie begins right after - they are very in tune.  Rosie took a bit of formula through a feeding tube tonight, and will continue every 4 hours.  Max isn't quite ready for that yet.  In general, with boy/girl twins, they say the boy has a harder time.  Tomorrow is a new day and David and I will be back to visit again in the morning.

I finally got some pictures of David with his kiddos.  He's such a great dad - taking care of everyone.

 Dad and Max

Dad and Rosie

As far as I go, I'm in a lot of pain from the c-section, but that's normal.  I'm practicing walking, although I don't last very long.  One day and one pain pill at a time.  My blood pressure has still been high, but ....who's wouldn't be?  I'm worried!

I got to eat my dream dinner - the one I've been planning since day one of pregnancy - well, minus the Yeungling.  Yep, Jersey Mike's.  

Hopefully we'll all get some sleep tonight and get ready for another day.  

Mom meets babies

I feel badly that I haven't been able to talk to you all individually, but frankly, it's just too much right now.  I hope the blog is giving you some basic information to help you feel connected.  Just know that David and I appreciate all of the messages.

Lots of good stuff today!!!!

I can't remember if I mentioned that Chandler got to meet his brother and sister yesterday.  Today, Chloe and Christian had the same pleasure.  I didn't get to see them because it was outside of visiting hours, but I'm glad they got to meet their newest family members.  I feel lucky that Max and Rosie will have three such wonderful role models to look up to.

Most of the morning was spent twiddling my fingers and waiting to get all of my tubes removed so I could meet the kiddos.  I did get to eat my first solid food (a muffin).  Finally around 12:30 I made the trip to the NICU.  Of course, I cried at the sight of our little babies.  It was hard to see them all attached to tubes, but compared to the rest of the babies there, we are very lucky.  Rosie has beautiful full lips and she loves to stretch her legs.  Just like her mom, she doesn't want her feet confined!  Max, a blondie, blows bubbles and likes being smooshed into his little pod.  In fact, he looks like he probably did in the womb - all curled up.  His hand is a little swollen from where he had an IV.  

Both babies are doing well.  Max had to be put back on oxygen today, but we were warned that's how it goes.  One step forward, one step back.  Although they are doing well, it appears to me that they will be visiting NICU for a while.  First they have to stabilize breathing, then regulate temperature, and finally, they need to be able to eat.  At this point, they are still on feeding tubes.  So, I'm pretty sure we'll be home long before them.

Looks like I will go home on Saturday or Sunday - depending on how I'm feeling.  Here are some pix from today.

Meeting Rosie

Meeting Max

Sorry I don't have pix of David right now - I was having a hard enough time standing up to get my picture taken.  Hopefully, I'll become more mobile each day!

Happy Birthday!

At 12:56 Maxwell (Max) Joseph and Rose (Rosie) Mary Vannasdall joined us.  The c-section was a success and I hung in there if I do say so myself.  David was a good coach - although I couldn't talk much.  Max weighed in at 5 lbs and was 16 1/2 inches and Rosie was 4 lbs 8 oz and was 18 in long.  After a visit from the NICU doctor, he decided they needed to hang there for a bit.

Both are in the NICU for breathing issues.  Don't have too much more information than that.  David was able to go and spend some time with them, but as of yet, I still haven't seen them. Max was already making improvement during his time there.  They really just need to save all of their energy for breathing so they won't even feed them until tomorrow.

Chandler was their first visitor.  He had an opportunity to go to the nursery and check out his brother and sister.  Hopefully I'll get to take a trip down later this evening.

Maxwell Joseph
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3IXOFztFO8

Rose Mary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvA0io4dtV8

 Rosie

Max

Day 16 - the last solo day in the hospital

Looks like tonight is my last "peaceful" night of sleep.  After meeting with the perinatologist last night and Dr. Fong this morning, we decided tomorrow is the day.  Looks like a 12:00 or 12:30 C-section.  I honestly can't remember what they said.  All the fun will start tonight with a midnight IV -  then, no food or drink.  I've brokered a deal to get an 11 p.m. snack pack to help.  Hey - Im hungry!

I'm scared to death, so I'm having a difficult time being excited.  I can't seem to compartmentalize the two realities - one having major surfer and two ending up with two babies!  I'm kinda stuck on the surgery part.  David has enough excitement for the both of us right now.

Don't know if the kids will need NICU time.  There is no way to tell until they arrive.  Our little boy looks to be around 5 pounds with the girl a bit behind him.  Who knows????  They come out like they come out.  Their lungs should have been helped by the steroid shot I received a few weeks ago.  That's always good news.

I think Chandler is going to come and help with the dog tomorrow night so David can spend the night in the hospital with me.  That is going to make a world of difference.  I should be in the hospital until Friday or Saturday depending on how I am feeling.  I can't wait to get out of here, but the reality of being home on our own is kind of scary too.  

I'm going to call Vons to order Thanksgiving dinner so at least we get something next week.

Thanks to all for your kind words, thoughts and prayers.  We feel very blessed and very loved.  

Look for a text tomorrow : )

Day 15

An exciting day!!! I was so lucky that Chandler was visiting because it allowed David to coordinate a visit for me with Nittany girl.   She wasn't as excited to see me as she was excited to be somewhere new.  Lots of new smells.  I got to love on her a lot and it filled me up for at least a day or two.  That will probably be the last time I see her before her brother and sister come home.

She's had a lot of fun having Chan around to play with.  I think they all went to the park today to play frisbee and chase squirrels.  She'll sleep well tonight.  

As for me, same old.....  Dr. Fong ordered more blood work today just to double check everything is stable.  I will meet with Dr. Ozounian, the perinatologist sometime this week to make a birth plan.  I saw him a couple times throughout the pregnancy for ultrasounds.  So, hopefully, he'll agree with Dr. Fong and the kiddos will be here next weekend or early next week.  

Day 14 - I'm not sure I counted correctly!

It feels like a heck of a lot longer than 13 days.  One day is just blending into the next.   I keep asking myself, "Did that happen today or yesterday?"

Met with a different doctor from the practice today.  He didn't have anything new to say.  Will see Dr. Fong again in the morning, but I'm sure it will be nothing new - we haven't done any new tests or anything.

It's so nice when David is off.  I got to see him twice today - once for lunch and once this evening.  He picked up my "improved" computer - minus all of the stuff that really matters.  At least my blog won't have as many typos.  The iPad is cool, but I really like to type.  He also brought me lunch from the Cheesecake Factory.  Although it was a lunch portion, and I told him I'd share.....ooops....I may have eaten the whole thing.  Boy did I regret that with an afternoon long stomach ache!

Now that I can add pictures again, let's see what I have...

Got pretty fancy at breakfast with the orchid on the plate.  I wonder what I'll be charged for that?

David and I enjoyed reading all of the hopes and wishes the family has for baby boy and baby girl.  You are all so insightful.  I don't know what my favorite was, but I do know that you all put a lot of thought and effort into making these pages for us.  I will definitely include them in the baby books.   It gave David and I something to do this afternoon, and it really showed how much love there is for these two kiddos already!

Day 13 weepy again

So it was another long day at hotel Huntington.  Sometimes the walls just feel like they are moving in towards me.   But like every day there were still some highlights.

1) david was so kind as to pick up my new glasses.  It was fun to get something new.  I've been wearing the same three outfits over and over.   I keep sending them home with David to wash.  He's so good to me.

2). I got Subway for dinner.  Anything other than chicken fingers is like gold these days.

3). Unofficially according to the nurses my labs came out almost identically to those done last week.  That just means that I get to cook these kids for another week.   I'll talk to the doctor tomorrow and see what she has to say, but i anticipate her saying the same thing

4). I got to finish my shower with gifts from Mark and Ann and Jeffrey. There's a special guest in the videos.  Cracked me up.

From Jeff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjsYxbcDkSo

From Mark and Ann

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVldS3ReKl0

Day 11

Though I complain a lot about being stuck in the hospital, I know I'm here for a very good reason.  I need to keep these babies cooking, and I can't wait to deliver two fat, healthy shoogs.  Within two weeks you should be seeing baby pix!  

Some "retests" tomorrow to see if things are stable or if they've gotten worse - they won't be getting better as pre-e is only rectified by delivery  I don't know when the results will be available - maybe late on Friday.

The FMS office is coming to visit soon!  It's going to be highlight of my day - right after the pickles they gave me with lunch!  Sorry Coral and Violet- but pickles RANK!

Day 12 I think

So. No more pix for a while.  Computer went down hard and i lost everything.   Perhaps after three days I'll have things up and running again.  Sorry for typos and such.  Im not great at using the ipad.  

Well another day of successful baby cooking.  It's hard to be here but i know im doing the best thing for these kiddos. Im at 34.4 weeks today.  2 more to go!

I will get some test results late tomorrow that will show if my condition is staying stable or getting worse. 

Got to visit with David and Chandler for a bit this afternoon.  Unfortunately they were here to take my bad computer to the Apple store.  

I got an evening surprise!   My friend Courtney from work delivered hot homemade soup for dinner.  It was amazing and really made my night.  Im tired of chicken fingers.   

So that's it for tonight.  

From Yesterday - Day 10

Today was a much better day.  I had lots of visitors and that helped.  Jeff and Marii brought an awesome lunch and we ate out on the veranda.  Good company and good food makes for a good day by lunchtime.

 I think my pictures are all starting  to look alike, but then again, so are these 4 walls.  I don't get to see too much.

My friend Kelly, from work stopped by.  WeB laughed a lot and it made the evening go quickly.  I can only watch so much election coverage.  

Then, for my favorite part of the day, David arrived.  He always comes armed with love and treats.  Today was Pizzelles and hot tea - total contraband but I don't care.  It reminded me of "holy hour" with Grandma Stratter.  We got to watch the election coverage together before David's eyes got droopy.  I don't know how he works all day - keeps the house running and takes care of me.  Quite an awesome husband.

David did bring the next installment of my virtual shower from Aunt Susie!  Here it is:

Virtual Shower (Please ignore arm fat)
No news on the babies.  Blood pressure was pretty good all day - only 1 high read.  Doctor didn't really have any new updates.  Just hang out and wait for a couple more weeks.

Day 4 (day 9 adjusted)- Updated

The evening got a bit better when David made a surprise visit after work.  I saved up my wheel chair ride so we got to scoot around the grounds before it got dark.  

 My mood was much improved when we ran in to Cody the therapy dog!  He was just a pile of love.  I think he was a Shetland Sheepdog.  A little different in the personality department than Nittany.  He just stood there and soaked up the love.  Just what I needed.

While out and about, we had another surprise visitor, Jennifer Lashier - who knows a thing or two about twins.  It was reassuring to hear her stories and nice to see a familiar face.  Also got a phone call from a former colleague.  All of these things helped make today just a little brighter.  Now, off to dinner - or more like waiting for dinner to show up.  

Hotel Huntington Stay 2 Day 4

Wish I had more - or better to report.  Things are pretty depressing in room...I mean "suite" 1. After talking to the doctor today, she just reconfirmed we are in a waiting pattern.  I believe I'm 34+2 weeks today and we won't be making any decisions until 36 weeks.  At that point we'll talk to some specialists to decide whether to deliver or to wait until 37 weeks.  By then, I'm pretty sure they'll have moved me to the psych ward.  

It's amazing what pregnancy hormones will do to a person.  I cried because I wanted a yogurt and they wouldn't give it to me.  Pretty embarrassing, but it represented all of the control I have lost.  I rationally know that this whole process is about loss of control, but it will take a while to adjust.  Maybe this is my personal jump start on the process because the universe knows I'll need a little extra practice.  Sorry for such a downer entry, but I'm sure once David arrives after work we'll have some antics or at least some new gifts to share!

On a physical note....today was the day my belly button popped out!  GROSS!

Hotel Huntington Stay 2 Day 3

Saw the doctor today and got some test results.  Basically, they are worse than they were, but not so bad as that it's time to take the babies out.  We will rerun tests later next week.  Until then, bed rest, bed rest, bed rest.  Hey, I'm allowed to take showers and have 30 minutes outside.  That's a lot more than most of the ladies in this wing.  Right now the verdict is - hang out until 36 weeks, then meet with the specialists to make a decision.  That's right - 2 more weeks minimum.

I'm not bored, just restless and sad.  This wasn't supposed to be the way this was going to go down. I know it's the right thing to do, but this will definitely be my first challenge of motherhood.  I'm quickly learning that my life is no longer within my control.

So, for the best part of my day.....date with my husband out on the patio.  He's been amazing - taking care of me here and keeping the house running at home.  I don't know what I'd do without him!  

Today, my day was brightened with gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Stratter - and one that snuck in from Aunt Susie!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW6NdhCkHD4

Hotel Huntington Stay 2 - day 2

Luckily, when I was here last week I wheeled and dealer for a few privileges to make life here a bit more civil.  I have both shower privileges and I'm allowed 30 minutes of sunshine.  I took advantage today and David brought me out for a picnic lunch.  All things being said, I feel very lucky that this hospital is more like a resort.  

Although the family went through so much to try and put together a long distance shower for me, the babies had another thought.  So, to try and help lift my spirits, David is bringing me a gift a day.  It gives me something to look forward to.  Let's see if I can post the videos of the gifts so far.

From  Joey, Jocelyn and Paige
http://youtu.be/xnFy3HJsmpE

From Grandma and Grandpa Vannasdall

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BBl_gMmm7M

From the Crawfords

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pJXcMS8OKA