Home Again

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I honestly can't thank you enough for all the kind comments and emails I've received over the past few days. Some were encouraging, some were sweet, some made me cry, but they were all helpful. It's nice to know that I have all of you out there rooting and praying for us. I really do consider you all my friends even if we've never met in person or have communicated before. I'm thankful for each and every one of you for taking the time to check in on us over the weekend, some of you more than once.

I have good news to share- I'm back home and resting in my own bed rather than at the hospital! I was released yesterday afternoon with orders for strict bedrest. That means not being on my feet for longer than 15 minutes at a time (including showers), resting- which includes laying in bed on the couch or in a recliner. The whole idea is just not to be doing anything strenuous. And sadly, at this point in the game even getting up to go to the bathroom raises my blood pressure.

My doctor released me from the hospital because my blood pressure was regulated as long as I was inactive. I didn't have a fever, the protein levels in my urine were not increasing and the baby was as "perfect" as can be. I'm still monitoring my blood pressure at home, and providing them with urine samples as necessary, but everything seems to be under control at the moment. The nurses were wonderful at the hospital and I could not have gotten better care, I'm just glad to be home in my own dog hair covered bed. Mr. H has been wonderful in taking care of me too and my in-laws have come over the last two days to help with dinner and to keep up company. Every one's been great and super helpful.

I went to the doctor today and all the weight that I had gained over the last few days was back down and normal. So I'm not sure if it was just water weight or not, but I wasn't swollen, retaining water or sensitive anywhere, in my hands, feet or my face. Maybe it was a mistake- of that I'm not sure. My blood pressure today was slightly elevated, but that was after walking and being mobile and it wasn't at any higher than before.

My doctor still thinks that I'll deliver early, but she's not expecting me to go into labor at 34 weeks like she did on Friday. halleleujah! I'm mighty anxious to meet this little guy, but I can wait a few more weeks. I just don't want to rush him out. It's like underbaking a cake. Yes, it's still good, but a few more minutes and it'll be perfect. They did a bio-physical profile on him today just to make sure that he was okay. His blood flow through the umbilical cord and his arteries looks great and he was squirming all around.

I got another P-17 injection today which will prevent pre-term labor for yet another week. I'll begin to see the doctor on Tuesdays and Fridays until it's time. She just wants to keep a close eye on us. She said today that my "body has never read a textbook" meaning that my body goes against all rules and does what it wants. I like to think I'm just keeping her on her toes, as this baby has done with me for the last several months :-)

Again, thank you all so much for being here for me. I appreciate it so much and I will continue to keep you all updated. I feel like I need to share as much of this special boy with you all as I can. He is my greatest creation yet.

~Monica