Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Two weeks down

I'll be frank: My second week in the hospital has not been easy. Most nights, Ted has had to work later than planned (which obviously eats into our precious time together), and neither of us has yet been able to sleep well here. The stress of separation and sleep deprivation have no doubt played a part in the sore throat and general feelings of malaise that we've both come down with in the past couple of days. Add to that my ever-increasing (and grog-inducing) doses of magnesium sulfate, plus some bad news we've recently gotten regarding my mother's health, and it's no wonder that I could sometimes cry at the drop of a hat.

Thankfully, the babies seem to be doing a lot better than their mommy. Their movements are more frequent and stronger than ever, and the daily ultrasounds to check their heart tones confirm that they are not in any distress, despite the continuing contractions. They are also growing well: As of Friday, they weighed approximately 2 lb. 7 oz., 2 lb. 1 oz., 1 lb. 11 oz., and 2 lb. 1 oz. (A to D). I asked the doctor whether we should be concerned that Baby C is so much smaller than her siblings, but he said that she is doing fine and will probably just be a little more "petite" than the others. (Since her femur measures second-longest, though, I am choosing to think of her as tall and slender—you know, like a supermodel!)

Most importantly, we are now just 5 days away from the 28-week milestone. In light of this, a neonatologist recently came in to talk to us about the prognosis for babies born at this stage. Although they would have a good chance of eventually making it, the immediate and long-term risks (including all sorts of breathing problems, bleeding on the brain that could result in cerebral palsy, and a fatal inability to digest food properly) are scary to think about. Knowing a little more about what the babies would have to go through if they were born right now really reinforces our hope that they don't come for several more weeks—no matter how stressful and uncomfortable a long hospital stay proves to be. We can endure anything if it means an ounce less of pain for our babies once they're born.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

You have an awesome attitude! You are doing a great job! We are continuing to pray for all of you, inlcuding your mom!!! We love you! Keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

Hang in there, Suzy & Ted. And, let us know if there is anything we can do to chip in or if there is anything you need us to drop by the hospital. We're praying for ya!

-Chris & Becky

Anonymous said...

We're praying guys!! I'm thankful for the care you are getting there - it's the best place you could be right now! I've recently been remembering the verse in Psalm 53 which says "I trust in Your Unfailing Love!" Use this time to spend in the Word (you'll find it will be hard to do after the babies are here) & I believe God's love will fill up your heart during all this waiting time! Praying in Illinois - Janelle (for the Rupps)

Anonymous said...

You've had such a great outlook on all of this. I can only imagine how emotional it all is, but I'm continuously impressed at how well you've handled it all. Seriously. We'll continue to pray for you and those babies as well. Sounds like they're doing great! Sooo glad to hear that. Looking forward to celebrating that 28-week milestone and hopefully they stay put for a few weeks after that. Also prayers for your mom's health. I don't know the circumstances and what's going on, but God does and we'll just pray for healing.

Anonymous said...

Suzy,
So much of reading your blog is like reading my own story. Including the ups and downs. It was SOOOO difficult the last few weeks. I remember the guilt that I delt with. I wanted to be pregnant, yet there I was wanting it to be over. I was not as brave as you are. I couldn't take a shower to wash off the layers of sweat, I couldn't eat, I could bearly focus (thanks to mag), couldn't watch TV or Movies because of the excitement, couldn't cool down............It was such an awful experience for me and spent most of my time just laying around praying.
You know what? It's 12 very short years later and I have forgotten all about my experience. Today, I got a text message from Rachel ("baby c") telling me she loves me and misses me and wanted me to come home.
Suzy, I know it's awful. And I believe it's okay to think and feel that way while you are struggling to stay pregnant. But, one day those kids will be older and you will be sharing your story with some young mother as well. It won't be long now. I'm praying for you!

Anonymous said...

Hi Suzy!!

I know it is really hard right now. YOu are doing a great job!! Just keep your eyes on the finish line.... Healthy babies!!

You can do it!!

The Middletons said...

We are praying for all of you, including your mom. Please let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do for you.
Love~The Middletons

Anonymous said...

Suzy, you are amazing! Hang in there.

Jen said...

Hi Suzy! Just checking in to see how the five of you are doing! I'm sure the time in the hospital is getting frustrating, so please remember that LOTS of people are concerned and praying!

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