Tuesday, August 2, 2011

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

59 comments:

Heather S-G said...

That's wonderful news! See...strong, strong woman :D {wrapping you in a virtual hug...a huge one ;)}

Unknown said...

Glad you can rest in your own home...resting in the hospital is hard to do!

From the Kitchen said...

Great news! I'm sure that you and baby are more comfortable in that dog hair covered bed too!! Hope you feel up to enjoying your bed rest and pampering for the next few weeks.

Thanks for the good news update.

Best,
Bonnie

Jana said...

Fabulous news. Dorothy said it best: There's no place like home.

Still saying prayers for you.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Wonderful news. Just be sure to take it easy and obey all the rules. :) I know that may be hard to do,but the reward will be so worth it.

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

Awwwww... thank you for sharing the sonogram pic. I'm so glad you're home and resting. Enjoy the quiet and rest as much as you can.

:)
ButterYum

Coleens Recipes said...

He's a gorgeous little guy, and I couldn't he happier that you are home and tucked in for the duration. Blood pressure readings are always better when your at home. This is SO EXCITING!!! But you know what this means don't you!?!? The computer (therefore posting) is NOT considered strenuous...lol...no excuses for not posting updates!! lol Praying for you.

Lalycairn said...

YAY!!!!! I am so happy for you. Will continue praying. Being home instead of in the hospital would lower my blood pressure instantly!! ;)

TIffany said...

SO happy to hear you're home!!! I tend to be a slow cooker(going 41-42 weeks), so I can't imagine going early! I hope you like to read and have a laptop :-) Keep doing what you're doing, this little one has a wonderful, caring Mama! ~T~

Julie said...

Just got back in town and saw your pregnancy updates. So glad things have stabilized and little guy has a little more time to percolate :) You can do it...I laid around on the couch 6 whole weeks before my first was born. My husband said I was really good at it! It's boring and monotonous, but well worth it :)

Jamie Jo said...

That's great news!!!

This sweet babe is going to have quite a birth story, that's for sure!!

God bless!!

Allie said...

Thank you so much for keeping us updated. I am thinking and praying for you and your little guy often. Your husband sounds like he is an incredible support. You both are going to be such great parents to this sweet boy! He is absolutely adorable :)

Peggy Clyde said...

What a cutie. Please do everything your doctor asks you to do. Keep us posted.

Katie said...

Monica I'm delighted to hear you are back home and things are back on track. Make sure you take things easy.
The scan photo is so so cute, you can see his features and everything. So happy for you!

Tania said...

Question/thought for you: Can you rent a shower chair, so you can sit in the shower?

Hugs and prayers continue to be lifted. That picture is great.

Jillian said...

Please take care. Do nothing! :) We want that little one to arrive safely and at the right time. I'm sure it will be hard to stay so still, but will be worth it in the long run.

On the other hand, my niece went into labor way too early (I think she was about 6 months along) and her baby weighed 1 lb 9 oz. It was a long road, but today he is a handsome, precious, little kindergartner with lots of energy.

You will be in my prayers!

cybil said...

Father we continue to pray for a full term pregnancy and for total health of Monicy and baby! You're the God of all miracles!!!
AMEN

Monica, what's your other blog? would love to check it as well...

Anonymous said...

Yeah! Loved my recliner while I was at home on bed rest. Hang in there, we're all rooting for you and yours.

Robin

Amy K said...

I am so happy for you being able to be resting at home.
Continued prayers for all of you.

Blessings...

Debbie said...

I'm happy you are back home and in your own bed! I work in a hospital and they are not a fun place to be but sometimes they can be the best place to be! Keeping you in my prayers Monica and your little guy too! Thanks for the update.....you know I will be checking for updates!

Pound said...

glad you're home and doing well. i had my twins at 32 weeks and they are 3 now and wild as ever. those steriod injections really are miracle drugs! take care of yourself and good luck!!!

Sophie said...

That's wonderful! Oh, I love the photo. He is precious!!!!

Heather said...

That is wonderful news!! I am so glad you get to be home and that he will have longer to bake. Good luck and you are in my prayers.

Cassie said...

What wonderful news! I'm so glad you're home and resting comfortably. You've been on my mind and in my prayers this week. He is absolutely beautiful, Monica.

meemawfish said...

Well he is without doubt the most sweetest littly boy and very lucky his mom is already taking such good care of him. I am doing the happy dance for you both.

xoxo
Meemaw

Lynn Thompson said...

Praise God from whom ALL blessing flow! Sending you love and prayers!

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

So good to hear!!!

Keeping up with the Freitas' said...

Great news! As many others have said, being at home, in your own bed is soooo much more restful than being in the hospital. I know, as hard as it will be, that you will follow all the "rules" because you love this little guy so much! Please keep us posted and take care!

Foodiewife said...

Amen! No doubt, you've had a LOT of people praying for you. I'm one of them. So glad to hear you are home again. How exciting to see Baby H inside his mommy! Monica, I know you'll listen to the doctor. Just dig deep into your photo archives and post the ones you've been too behind on. Rest and do what the doctor says! You are loved. And while you haven't met a lot of your blogger friends, I've been your roommate. I know you...those gorgeous eyes, your sense of humor, your perfectionism and you are very special to me.
xoxo

Abby said...

Yay! And yay, God. Stay still, mama! Can't wait to see his little face.

katie shrum said...

I cried on Monday when I read the news of you being in the hospital and I cried this morning reading that you are home...blessings to you ALL!!

Karen said...

Glad you are home. Try to enjoy the down time and rest up all you can because once the baby comes you will be busy!

Megan said...

Glad to hear that you are home - you will be able to rest more there than at any hospital! Babies sure like to keep us on our toes and I think with this little guy you are going to be one busy mom in a few weeks! Big hugs to you and hope that you enjoy these last few special weeks!

mary kay said...

Hi Monica~

Glad to hear you're back home and resting.

My nephew was born at 32 weeks, weighed 3 lbs. 2 oz. That was 11 years ago and you would never know he was a preemie.

I know it's very scary and I'm sorry you have to to through this.

Keep your chin up and I can't wait until you get to hold your little guy in your arms and cover him with kisses!!!!

the wild magnolia said...

Adorable little guy! Awesome photo share.

Take care of you, take care of the little guy.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

glor said...

So happy to hear this. Blessings and prayers will continue, I know he will be just fine. Checking back later on you. God bless.

Anonymous said...

Blessings and more blessings, looks like you are better and the baby boy is doing great..let everyone pamper you and take it easy..your husband sounds wonderful, caring and helpful..let him really pamper you..God Bless you and I pray daily to bless you and your baby boy, love from mjs&es (hubby) take good care of yourselfX()X()X()

k said...

aww, that's great news! and look and those squishy cheeks! so glad he is staying put for the time being. i'm so happy you get to be home. that's wonderful. i can't get over his picture! he is just precious. rest up and thanks for the update!

Memória said...

As my mother would say, "Technology today!" I can't believe how much you can see of the baby. Very little suspense is left on how he will look now haha.

I'm so so so so so so so so so so very very very very happy that you're feeling better (can you tell?!). Please keep me updated with the small details that don't make it on the blog. I want to know about every THING! hahaha I have to make sure my, er, YOUR baby comes out safely! :) hehehehe

Rowena said...

Thanks for the update, I'm so glad you're home, just take it easy don't be doing anything extra, prop your feet up watch the TLC Baby story. Enjoy this time, you won't have this quiet time once the baby is born. The peace and quiet is over.Keeping you in my prayers always...

Janet said...

Praise God!!

I am so happy you're in your own bed! Just keep up the good work, momma!
xxoo

Yadira said...

How nice that you are getting better and that little Mr. is going to stay in the oven a little longer. I can't wait to meet him. I hope everything is fine.

Meredith said...

Hi Monica - I came across your blog a few months ago and I've loved it ever since! I added it to my favorite blog list on the blog that I've recently created. I am really inspired by your recipes and have tried a few. I can't wait to try more.

I wanted to let you know what I'm thinking about you and keeping you, your little one, and your family in my prayers for a safe and healthy delivery when the time is absolutely right and perfect for you. :)

OvenDelights said...

So glad your home.....Can't wait for you to hold your little guy! You deserve all the happiness in the world!
Always thinking of you,
~Anabel~

Mona said...

Glad that you are resting at home!! Take it easy and let everyone else take care of you, I am sure they don't mind : )

Amber said...

Great wonderful happy news!!!!

Stella B's Kitchen said...

Great to hear all is okay! Hang in there, you will meet that babe soon! Prayers...

Anonymous said...

Hurray, you're home and doing better!

Before you get out of bed to go to the recliner, I want you to take your blood pressure while lying on your side. Then after moving to the recliner, wait a few minutes for your body to recover from the 'exercise' lol - then once you're in your recliner "position", take your blood pressure again - same arm.

If they're both pretty close, never mind, and carry on. But if it's considerably lower when you're lying on your side, then remember to spend more time in bed, on your side.

If you puff up again, or get a headache, call it in after taking your blood pressure (they'll probably want to know it).

If you don't have a body pillow, maybe someone could gift you one - they come in REAL handy when stuck on bedrest (speaking from experience from having eclampsia [BP 240/160 & seizures], pre-eclampsia and also working OB floor).

Get as much sleep as possible, even if that means having to excuse yourself from visitors - they will understand.

Loved the baby pic, awwwww!

Heather at Kitchen Concoctions said...

So happy to hear this positive update! Stay strong and positive and that beautiful, healthy baby boy will be here soon!

Coleens Recipes said...

Just checking in, how are you feeling sweetie pie?

beauty be told said...

hi Monica-- he looks so beautiful, I am so happy for you that you have come this far. Rest and watch some good movies!.... and eat some good food, that you don't have to make! That always makes it taste better!
xo Nicole

Keeley said...

Monica, I'm so happy you're doing well! I was thinking about your situation and wondering if you were okay. I'm so happy for you :)

Maria said...

Sending my best! Thinking of you!

deb h said...

good luck to you. I can definitely relate to what you are going through. My first son was born at 26 weeks because I had severe pre-eclampsia. I was so sick, I just wanted to die. We both made it through. He is now 27. Hang in there and take it easy.

Gloria said...

God bless you and your little baby. I just said a prayer that you and your baby are safe and healthy!
Best,
Gloria

Future Grown-Up said...

Monica...so glad to hear that you're out of the hospital and doing better! You and the baby are in my prayers. He's going to be one lucky boy to have a mom like you by the way.

Emily said...

What are you doing here? reading my comment? Go and Rest!!

Take care! Huggsssssss

Jean said...

Awww I am glad you and the little cutie in the picture are ok!
Just think how much fun you will have teaching him how to bake? Do what the doc says!!!!!

Kerstin said...

Yay, I'm so glad you're back home! Hope everything goes smoothly :)

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