Day 45 #2

The doctor has been by and looked at my EKG. He said everything on it looked normal. However, it also said it is still a problem because I have a fast heartbeat. He has ordered blood work to check my thyroid and a cardiologist is coming to see me tomorrow. He said they would probably have to start a medication to slow my heart rate. If you know me very well, you know I dont do medicines so please pray for this need.

Day 45 #1

Good Morning! Contractions are better this morning and Zeke had lots of accels, which means he is getting good oxygenation and shouldn't have to resucitated at birth, he will breathe on his own for a little bit at least. He continues to impress as he has more and more each day. We are all doing well and expecting visitors again today, Chan and Nick are coming, we think! Rachel and Bryan are coming tomorrow and Mom is coming Tuesday so we won't be bored for a few days at least. They checked my hematocrit yesterday (tells blood volume) and it was a 32 even after all of the bleeding(normal is 37). They also checked my potassium which was on the low side of normal it was a 3.5. The dr. hasn't been in to discuss the EKG but the nurses said they didn't see any abnormalities on it, praise the lord, don't need to be adding any more meds to my list. I will let you know more when the dr. gets here...........keep praying, God is moving and we have faith he will continue to move!

Day 44 # 2

This afternoon has been okay. I started having regular contractions again, they got them to stop with fluids and by putting me on my side. Tonight my heart rate got up again and they came to do an EKG. We are all ready for me to be a boring patient again. I did get to visit with my dad and Cyn in the midst of all of this and that was fun. We are so thankful for another day God has given Zeke to grow, more in the morning!

Day 44

Today is going good, Zeke looked good on the monitor this morning. We are just passing time reading and watching tv mostly. We are expecting to see Dad and Cyn this afternoon. I will try to write more this afternoon if there is anything to tell.

Day 43 #1

I still had a few contractions through the night and a fire alarm went off at 6 this morning so much for sleep last night, bet we will sleep good tonight! This morning is much better, haven't had a contraction in over an hour and Zeke's heartbeat still looks good. Today is the 27 week mark, Go Zeke! What a blessing God has given us, let you know more this afternoon!

Day 42 #2

Still having occasional contractions, but none to worry about! I had another ultrasound today and I have a little more fluid than before and everything else still looks good. Mom came for a visit today and Chandra and Granny are coming tomorrow so we are just enjoying our company today and tomorrow, then back to looking for something to do, lol. Anyways, just wanted to let you know we are doing good this evening......

Day 42 # 1

Today has begun with a few contractions, they don't think they are long enough to be true labor though. They are having me lay on my side and drink lots of water, no iv or meds at this point. Zeke still looked good even through my contractions, which is good because sometimes his heart rate drops. I'm not going to lie and say I don't get scared sometimes, but I try to remember God is with us and lots of prayers are going up on our behalf. It seems like I have contractions every few days so hopefully this will be like the others and they will go away. The thing that helps the most, other than prayer, is the support system we have back home of family and friends. We appreciate all of you more than you will ever know! I will update later this afternoon.

Day 41 # 2

This afternoon has gone really well, however, I do have to admit I am starting to get bored. I have plenty of options, I have just used them all, lol. We are still making it though, don't know what I would do without this computer though. I do online shopping alot, although I don't buy very often, lol. I did find some cute baby clothes on sale today that I got, I might try to put the pics up of them, that will be a new lesson on blogging though. Maybe I will get to stay in my summer classes in July and I can do them from the bed, that will keep me busy. The doctor didn't have much to say today, just that it was better with every day that passed. I don't have much else to say so until tomorrow.....

Day 41 #1

Day 41, how amazing! It is nearly been 6 weeks, God is so good, that is all I can say. The doctors say the normal time patients make it is 7 weeks, but we all know we are not "normal", lol! Zeke is beating the odds every day. The Dr. says next Friday we have to throw a party, because he will be 28 weeks and reach another milestone. It is the fourth of July so we will probably have to party alot, hope I can wheel down the hall to see the fireworks from that window. He says we should have ice cream cake but I am thinking cookie cake! We are all doing well this morning, about to eat lunch and watch another movie. Yesterday we watched August Rush and it is very good, this morning we watched Definitely Maybe and it was really good too. Today Dustin is gettin Rambo and 10,000 BC, I am sure I won't think those are good, but he will enjoy them. Enjoy the sunshine today and don't get to hot (they tell me its hot and humid out there)! I will try to post again tonight after we see the doctor!

Day 40

This morning is going well. We slept extra late today because of the lack of sleep we got the night before. When we woke up, the physical therapist was here. Then the nurse came in for my morning assessment and by this time I had completely missed breakfast and my lunch tray was coming in. That's ok though because it was pizza. We are waiting for Lisa and Elaine to get here to visit. They are bringing us some more good food, I'll probably have to eat again. We are doing well and we are so thankful to God! Have a great day!

Day 39 #1

This morning I bled again and started contracting again. They put me on the montiors and they were irregular contractions so I didn't need those crazy meds. The contractions are far and few between now! We just got back from our ultrasound and saw the doctor. In our ultrasound, we found out that our Zeke is in fact a big boy, he weighs 2 pounds and 6 ounces which is way above average (1 pound 13 oz). His body measurements were all measuring exactly right 26 weeks and 3 days except his belly which was 28 weeks. He has a fat belly and we like it. When the dr. came in he said that was wonderful weight gain and that the fat belly meant he was getting plenty of nutrition and that it didn't mean anything was wrong! I don't know how he is getting any nutrition from the junk I eat, maybe its my one coke per day, lol. He also said they wouldn't give me the drugs to stop my contractions very often because it could mask an infection which would be bad for both of us. God continues to amaze us every day, this little baby is such a miracle. Faith can take you a long way, I guess sometimes it takes a rough patch to help us grow and that it has!

Feeling Better

The medicine has worked for now, no more contractions, still feeling the effects though! Keep praying for us!

Worried

As I was taking my shower, I had quite a bit of bleeding. They put me on the monitor to see if I was having contractions about 3 minutes apart. I had about 5 that I couldn't feel and they came in to give me a shot to stop the contractions. This medicine makes your heart race and jittery. She said it would make me feel like I was on ALOT of caffeine, but it is soooo weird, guess I never had that much caffeine. If you are reading this say a special prayer for us tonight!

Day 38 #2

We are all well tonight! Still can't wait for our ultrasound tomorrow, I just know Zeke is going to be a big boy! I have been eating all day trying to fatten up for me and for Zeke, we both get to be weighed tomorrow. All together, I have only been able to gain 2 pounds so far. I had gained more until all of this happened and now I am back up to 2 pounds more than prepregnancy. We have had lots of company today, Dad, Cyn, Mom, Vicki, Chan, Nick, Payt, Perry, and Terry! It always gives us a break from each other! Now we are watching Rome again, Dustin is watching all of the episodes of that since we have seen most movies that are out. He picks some weird stuff sometimes, he would say the same about me, lol. Well, I hope all is well and I will post as soon as we get back from ultrasound tomorrow, hopefully by noon!

Day 38 #1

Today is starting out good, our company is starting to come in now. Our ultra sound is still scheduled for tomorrow, we are so excited to find out his weight. Keep praying about that for us. Well I am going to go visit with company just wanted to make sure everyone knew we were okay. Have a great day, enjoy some sunshine for us, : )

Day 37 #2

This afternoon is going good. Robby and Angie have been here all afternoon. The boys went to get us some food at Friday's and again it took well over an hour. We have been laughing so hard and my tummy is sore, laughter is good for us though. Our food was great and now we are eating some chocalate chip cookies, mmmmm. Our next event for the evening is to watch the assassination of jesse james.....hmmm that sounds like a GREAT movie.......and the best part is that it lasts for 2.5 hours. The funniest part of the whole thing is Angie reminds me of myself so much so I get a chance to laugh at someone as silly as me, for those of you that know her you will understand. Well our movie is coming on and I can't stand to miss one minute so I better go.........

Day 37 #1

Today I feel much better than yesterday. All reports were good this morning, no contractions and heart rate was good. If all goes well we will have another ultrasound on Monday for fetal weight. We are praying that he has grown and will still measure above average for his age. I am really excited about the ultrasound, they will also measure the fluid level, hopefully it will be more than 4 cm this time. Today we are expecting to see Robby and Angie if they haven't changed their minds and then tomorrow we will have lots of company. I think about 12 people have said they were coming tomorrow. I will let you know more after we talk to the dr. today!

Day 36 #1

Everything is going fine today. When I had my assessment, they said that Zeke is showing remarkable signs of good health and I had no contractions. I have been having some really sharp pains today that the dr. says are ligaments stretching because the baby is growing, glad he is growing, but the pain has been pretty bad. I can handle the pain just so long as I know it isn't hurting him and they have promised me he is doing great! That and the fact that the internet has been down here are the reasons that I haven't written yet today, maybe not to many people have had a chance to check it yet today. I didn't sleep much last night because I was hurting so I have been sleeping most of the day, Dustin has been playing the PSP and is now out getting us some more movies. We are all doing well today, not promising I will write again, but if I am feeling better I will have an update tonight!

Day 35 #2

This afternoon I have been bleeding a little more, no contractions as of this afternoon. Zeke's heartbeat was a little higher this afternoon, not sure what that means if anything. We have been visiting with Tommy and Lisa this afternoon, and they brought us some home cooked supper and I can't wait to dig in. As far as the books go, I don't really know what I like, lol, the only books I have read are the twilight series, I will try what anyone else enjoys. Keep praying and I will write again tomorrow.

Day 35 #1

I am sitting here listening to Zeke's heartbeat, what wonderful sounds. He is doing well, I have had a few contratctions this morning, they woke me up at 5 but they are irregular and nothing to worry about for now. I am feeling good today, as I do most days, I hope Zeke feels as well as I do. Mom is still here and Lisa and Tommy are coming to visit today. Today I plan to finish the rest of the third book in the Twighlight series, the final book doesn't come out until August, so I guess I need some ideas about what to read next. I haven't read more than two books front to back in my whole life and this is my third 500 page book, just never had this kind of time on my hands I suppose. Before I was always so busy, strange that all of that stuff can wait now I bet it could've waited before. I think after all this is over I will try to simplify my life and really enjoy it instead of flying through it. Well enough of that...........

Day 34 #2

This afternoon is going well. The doctor came by and talked to us about his garden if that gives you any idea how concerned he is about my condition, he is getting a more positive attitude each day, at first he didn't think I would be here so long. Boring is good around this place, we don't want to be the center of attention. The movie was good today and Dustin is out now to get another movie and a pizza and Mom is here with me. Zeke is enjoying his Coke, he is doing flips in my belly! I am less cranky this afternoon which is good for everyone, lol. Once again I want to thank everyone for their prayers, we know God is in control and will make the ultimate decision about when Zeke will be born. Keep them going up, they are working!

Day 34 #1

Nothing new today, slept in again. They take my breakfast to the nurse's station, they bring it in when I wake up at 10 and then they bring my lunch at 11 so all I do for the first couple of hours is eat. That is good, it'll fatten Zeke up a bit. Mom thinks she should be writing my blog because she could tell you all about what is really going on, they say I am a bit cranky. I think I am doing very well, I have been in bed for 34 days and in the hospital for 19 days straight. It is pretty sad when going out for an ultrasound becomes the highlight of your month. That is the only time I see the outside of this room, lol, at least my room is pretty. We are about to watch another movie Welcome home Roscoe Jenkins, I should become a movie critic, we see them all these days. I will let you know more this afternoon after I see the dr.

Day 33 #2

This afternoon is going okay, just realized it was getting late and I hadn't blogged. I have been sick to my stomach this afternoon and coulndn't even eat my steak for supper. Dustin heated it up for me and he left the foil on the potato, the nurses wanted to know if he had ever used a microwave. I am feeling better now and did eat some supper. Mom made it here this afternoon and is going to let Dustin get some sleep tonight and help me to the bathroom and back. We have been watching the same movie for the last 4 hours, Dustin has it paused for some reason. He is enjoying his PSP, a little more than needed, he doesn't like to stop playing if I need something. We are doing good tonight....all three of us.....keep the prayers going up! We are 25 weeks and 4 days today.......only 8 weeks and 3 more days in bed........then I will probably have to use a walker or wheelchair to be able to get to the parking lot......but it is so worth all of that! More in the morning!

Day 33 #1

This morning is going well, I am a little late getting this posted, we slept late and the nurses let us, it was wonderful. There was a nurses meeting this morning that my nurse had to go to so we haven't been put on the monitors yet this morning. Dustin has been cleaning our room this morning and I have been cheering him on, lol. We are doing better today after a much needed break yesterday from having only each other to visit with, thanks Rachel and Bryan. Oh and by the way it was 7:15 before they got back with the food last night, but it was well worth the wait. My lunch is here and its pizza day..........so I will let you know after I have my assessments how things are going.......

Day 32 #3

This afternoon has been good, I have had lots of company. Rachel and Bryan have been here since around noon. Rachel gave me a pedicure and plucked my eyebrows because they were scary. Abbi brought "Zinc" a razorback piggy bank that was really cute! Mitzi and Brandy came by and stayed for a while and Mitzi caught me up on what was going on at school and how their workshop went last week. The nurse came in and listened to Zeke and he sounded good and strong. The boys are leaving now to go to get us food from Colton's, we think it will be at least 7 before we eat though, lol. Until tomorrow.......

Day 32 #2

My sugar tests are back and they were okay. I had to be stuck 4 times, the first hour it was kind of close but the other times it was ok. I had to be tested because I failed my first test which they do to all pregnant women! Thanks for the prayers about this, don't think I could handle going on a diet and stay in bed all the time, lol. I would have, but I'm glad I don't have to. I didn't have any contractions this morning and the Zeke sounded good on the monitor. We are waiting on company to get here and I think we have been together too long, starting to bicker a little! 24 hours a day for 16 days would do any one in I think, lol. Well, have a great day and I will write again tonight......: )

Day 32 #1

This morning is going fine, woke up to a needle stick and a jacked up orange soda. I am on a sugar high right now. Dustin is awake with me, he is such a good guy! He is still laughing at me. I'm not supposed to eat or drink anything until after 9:15, I asked the nurse if I could have water and she said sure, so you know what I had to ask next, yep I asked it, can I have ice? Dustin says I am probably always the talk at the nurse's desk. Well just wanted to let you know how things were this morning!

Day 31 #2

This afternoon has been as good as this morning. The bleeding has slowed dramatically and still no contractions. Dustin just went out and found a Dixie Cafe, finally some real food, or as close as it gets! It is my last meal! Tomorrow I have my second glucola test and if I don't pass I will have a nasty menu for the duration, as I only eat carbs. I am going to go eat my supper now talk to you tomorrow...........

Day 31 #1

This morning is much better than yesterday, no contractions, very little bleeding. Zeke's heart rhythm was very good this morning also. I am pretty sure he is going to be a gymnast as much as he moves. They tell me he can't flip like most babies can, but they can't convince me. We always win the award for the most mail and this morning was no different, 4 cards and a package. The package had lots of goodies to keep us busy books and handheld games and even a toy for Zeke. He loves it by the way, calms him down when he is jumping around. Thanks Rick, Melinda, and Matt, we will enjoy it! We are having company today, Dad and Cynthia will be here in a bit and I think Chan and Nick are coming too, that will make this day pass by rather quickly. Will write more this afternoon................: )

Day 30 #2

This afternoon is a little better than this morning, no contractions. The bleeding is still going on but they said since there was no pain associated with it that Zeke would be fine for now. They checked his heart rhythm again this afternoon at 4:30 and it was really good, he showed no signs of distress. I know many prayers went up on our behalf and I am so thankful to still be here at the end of the day keeping him safe! The doctors keep telling me I am the best incubator they have, lol. We are stressing less this afternoon.

Dustin is watching movies and I am working on my inservice for school today. For those of you who complain about going to the co-op or the school for boring inservice you should check out some of the online inserviece because it is terribly boring, much worse than the co-op, lol. I will try to remember not to complain about the co-op anymore after this, lol. Well, this afternoon did come with better news than this morning, all the glory be to God, he is an awesome God. He is answering your prayers about us so keep sending them up! Have a good afternoon and I will let you know how things are in the morning....

Day 30-#1

During the night, I had some more bleeding and this morning I was awakened to contractions. They aren't regular and are pretty far apart at this point, just praying they don't get closer and more regular. Zeke's heart rate drops each time I have a contraction which scares me more than anything. I hope to have better news this afternoon, but in the meanwhile say a special prayer for us today!

Day 29-#2

The doctor was just in and said he believes the placenta did tear away a little, but that since it couldn't be seen on an ultrasound that it was very marginal. He believes it is where most of the bleeding is coming from and that, it probably heals itself and then abrupts again. He said it was normal in my case and to try not to worry about it, I assured him I wasn't planning on it, he said to kept smiling and away he went.

Today for the first time I let Dustin go out and leave me here, I'm even getting braver, lol. However, I think he needs more time out of this room he is getting a little stir crazy, he has been doing excercises and running in our room. He brought back some food which was wonderful, the food here is less than desirable, don't know how you can mess up mashed potatoes or green beans. I have been eating alot of pizza and burgers from take out places, never thought I would get tired of take out, lol. This afternoon has been rather quiet, which is always a good sign. I am about to eat supper and read my book, so until tomorrow..................

Day 29-#1

Today started out a little scary! Around 5 a.m., I had some bleeding. This continued off and on until about 8 a.m. The doctors were concerned it might be a placental bleed, which could mean my placenta had seperated from the uterus which would be dangerous for Zeke. They sent me for another ultrasound and found that the placenta was still in tact. The source of the bleeding has yet to be found, which is scary. However, we do know that I am having no contractions and that Zeke is doing as well as ever. He was even more active this morning during the ultrasound and he had the hiccups! They will do blood work later this morning to find out if I have lost more blood than I should have. Each hour that passes is a little less scary!

This morning we actually got to sleep late, the staff never informed us we could put a please do not disturb sign on our door. Only doctors and nurses were allowed in this morning, so we rested well last night. The peace I feel is so amazing, I have prayed for peace often, but the last four weeks has been the first time I have been able to experience peace in troubled times. I will let you know what the high risk specialist says after I see him this afternoon. Say a prayer for us today that all our tests will go well!

Day 28-#2

Today continues to be a wonderful day. The nurses just came in with a beautiful bouquet to make my room brighter, thanks Rachel, Bryan, Abbi, Cheryl, Lane, Julianna, and Holley! They are beautiful! The doctor has been in this afternoon and he was thrilled that I had gained fluid and said that that is a sign that I may be here a while, the more fluid the better ability to stay pregnant. He also says there is nothing to worry about with his leg being over his head because even though he will have to stay like that until birth his body is much more flexible than ours are. He was really positive and has been wonderful to explain things to us. They listened to the heartbeat around noon and once again it shows ups and downs which means he is active, already saw that in the ultrasound! We have had no contractions today either! Dustin doesn't like me blogging, I have taken his toy (ha), he has been playing internet chess! The comments have all been so encouraging, never expected to hear from so many of you, glad that you are giving me something to do. Thank you to all who are thinking of us and praying for us, you are AMAZING!

Day 28-#1

This morning we had an ultrasound! My fluid level has gone from 3.3 cm to 4.1 cm, the normal amount is 10 cm or more. He was very active even though he can't move around like most babies can. He has one hand on his chest and the other on his head and one of his feet is over his head. They didn't weigh him today they will do that at the next ultrasound. He is still measuring larger than average which is great. All his organs were working, he was drinking and had a full tummy and a full bladder. It was great to see him to reassure me everything is going good.

This morning has been great, I woke up to lots of mail. Today I got nine cards and 1 package. The package was magazines and books and snacks. If you know me very well, you know I love mail even when its bills, I know that is weird! After that we began searching for a place to order out for lunch and we still haven't decided on a place yet. Dustin is out driving around now to find a place that we both like while Mom is here with me! This afternoon I have plans to read my book, yes I am reading the Twilight series to keep up with the kids at school, they are really good! I will write again tonight after I see the doctor, have a great day! : )

Day 27-#2

Today, I have had no contractions and the baby's heart rhythm continues to amaze the doctors. They say that a baby this size usually shows more signs of distress then he is, which is really great. There are no signs of infection in my body. The dr. told us yesterday that typically people that make it past the first week without delivering make it seven weeks, but we have already discovered they don't always know everything. All is well here!

I have spent most of the morning trying to get this blog going and Dustin has spent most of his day watching tv and trying to keep up with me and my many needs. He is a really good Daddy and a really great husband. He is really having to prove his "in sickness and in health" part of our vows and I couldn't ask for more. Our 4th anniversary is tomorrow and I can't think of a better way to spend it! Have a great day and keep us in your prayers!

Day 27

I am going to attempt to get this blog going to keep everyone updated on how we are doing here in Memphis! It will also be a good way to keep my mind and my hands busy. My time here in the hospital is starting to get a little difficult. I guess I should be feeling this way by now, it is my 27th day in bed. For those of you that may not know exactly what is going on here it goes:

On May 16th, Dustin and I were on our way to enjoy our first weekend at the lake for the summer, however, Zeke had other plans. My water broke that night while we were ordering at Sonic. I lost a lot of blood as well. We rushed to the hospital in Searcy where they told me I had placenta previa and would just need to be on bed rest for a couple of weeks. They said nothing about my water breaking. I stayed in the hospital overnight and returned to see Dr. Hong on Monday. Dr. Hong was suprised to find that my water was broken because he had been calling the dr. at the hospital in Searcy to check on me. He admitted me to the hospital sure that I would have the baby that night. He then gave us the option to terminate the pregnancy as that is required of him. We didn't even think before making the decision, because that just wasn't our decision to make, it was God's! If God wanted to end the pregnancy he would have, but that wasn't his decision at that point. They continued to tell us that we would have the option to hold our baby when it was born or send it away, all hard things to hear, but we just kept praying. After making it through that night we had passed the 72 hour mark during which most babies would be born, just the first milestone we passed. I went home with a home health nurse and spent a couple of weeks before I got really sick and started throwing up. Dustin took me to the hospital and I had a high white count so they thought once again I was about to deliver because of infection to the uterus. I was transferred by ambulance to Baptist in Memphis to a high risk specialist. They told us the risks and chances of baby's survival. I had to wait until June 6th to get steroid shots. I got my first one on June 6th and went into active labor about 2 hours later. The doctors thought the birth of our precious Zeke was eminent, but God had other plans once again. We have gotten our second shot and have passed the 48 hour mark where Zeke gets full benefit from the shots and are currently waiting and praying for each passing day.

To say the least God is at work in our lives. Some people ask why me, but thankfully, I don't have to ask that question. I know the answer. The lives of so many people have been changed by this situation, whether they have turned their lives over to God or have grown in faith it is affecting so many people in so many ways. Zeke has changed more lives already than many of us have to opportunity to in a lifetime and that makes this all worthwhile!

I will try to post each day, but in the meanwhile say a prayer for us!