Rollercoastering
I used to love roller coasters. Not any more. I prefer stable and boring and my feet on the ground. I don’t think that even remotely describes our life though!
I got home from the hospital last night. The doctor checked again before I left and I am 1cm dilated and 60% effaced. Two different ultrasounds showed two totally different numbers this past week but the doctor said she feels much more confident in her own exam. I am on super strict bed rest. The next 4 weeks are going to be the most critical for Baby Hope. We are praying that she will keep cooking for many more weeks.
Next week I will start seeing a perinatologist (high risk doctor). I have a Terbutaline pump in my tummy and a home contraction monitor. Unfortunately, the Terbutaline side effects came back in full force yesterday when I changed from pills to the subcutaneous pump. I didn’t sleep at all last night. Hopefully the side effects will diminish over the next few days.
I have to stick myself with a needle every 3-5 days to change the pump site. Ugh! I had to insert the pump before I left the hospital and it took me a long time before I could stick myself. That sort of amused me as I have done all sorts of things for Carmen but trying to jab myself in the stomach with a needle just about did me in!
As the nurse was explaining the pump to me, I had to smile because I know what a Luer Lock tip syringe is and believe me, medical machines don’t phase us anymore! Carmen has certainly taught us things we never imagined needing to know.
Carmen is super congested and struggling with low oxygen levels. Dave is doing a great job of taking care of her. I feel so helpless though. We have taken care of Carmen for over two years and now I can do nothing for her. Please pray that Carmen will be comfortable and will hang in there for many more months. I don’t know how I could handle losing her right now.
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Dave’s coworker brought over home-made Indian food. Thank you Shalini! That made Dave’s day! Thank you to Cristina for the yellow flowers (please tell Elise she did a great job of picking them out), Wes and Karen and kids for the three roses for Lauren, Carmen and Hope, and my in-laws for the bouquet. Huge thanks to my in-laws who are here helping out with anything that needs to be done. I don’t know all that has gone on around here lately so thanks to anyone I missed!
We are on our knees in prayer. You are constantly on my mind. I wish I were there to help.
Thinking of you, praying for you. Many many hugs.
Seriously, I don’t know how ya’ll do it. Both you and Dave are staying so strong. I’ve been thinking about what I wanted to write for a while now, but I just don’t have the right words. This must be such a difficult time. We will be thinking about you and the baby.
Well. I have never liked rollercoasters and I sure don’t like them now! But I’d ride one for you today if it would guarantee that sweet, little Hope will stay put. Instead, I’ll pray hard b/c that guarantees me that God is listening!
We had a crazy day here. Good, but mighty busy. The Good-mobile will be by your place at 5:10 tomorrow unless you call us to tell us otherwise. Hugs!
ps-call me tonight if you want us to take L. to church tomorrow.
C
Hi Lana, I just watched professor splash That guy is a nut. I will keep praying Hope stays put and Carmen feels better real soon. I am thankful you all have such considerate, caring, and loving family, friends, and co-workers to help. You just take care of you and Hope right now, you might feel like you are just laying around making Dave do it all but just think… your little girl really needs her mom right now, I don’t know I just think of what is happening in your belly and it is amazing is all. I never really thought about it so much before. Pretty cool. Have a great night. God bless. In Christ, Joe