Tuesday, March 1, 2011 9:18 AM
As Lilya runs around this morning in her snow boots, Dora nightgown, and a furry, peach colored jacket, I am reminded of just how blessed we have already been. This past week has been a challenging one, with hospital stays, medicine changes, lots of time on the monitor, and another regular trip to the doctor. We are now at 21 weeks and 1 day, and I remind myself often that this will be what God wants it to be. The past couple of days, I've cramped worse than what I usually do, and all I could picture was standing up out of the car the night my water broke with the twins. I think those memories are making me even more nervous during this pregnancy. On a good note, the dr. and the nurses at Alere worked together last night to change my medicine a little, and I feel much better this morning. I now take the Procardia every 4 hours instead of every 6.
Things looked great at my dr. appt. yesterday. Even though I was feeling so bad, my cervix still looked great, with no funneling. The babies were so active that it was hard to even get heartbeats. I just love watching them wiggle around in there. My blood pressure has been running perfect, but I'm not sure that the dr. expects that to last. He mentioned that since I have high blood pressure when I'm not pregnant, and I got pre-eclamptic with Lilya, I am probably going to eventually run into some problems...we'll just have to deal with that if the time comes. The biggest concern yesterday was that I am not gaining any weight. The doctor has said that I need to be eating something with protein every hour. I should get at least 4000 calories in a day. If those were orders before I was carrying four babies, I would have said, "No problem." I can barely eat enough calories for a normal diet right now, so this is going to be pretty challenging. Again, I will do my best to follow all the doctor's orders so that I can stay home with Lilya and Tony as much as possible. I really worry about what we will do with Lilya when that time comes. I know that we have family that is willing to help, but my mom has been really sick, and can't keep her as much as she would like to. Dave and Suzie (Tony's parents) have been so wonderful to keep her whenever I have an appt., but they will soon be leaving for Florida for a while. She really is good when it is just the two of us, but if it comes to me being put in the hospital, I'm just not sure what we'll do. I guess that is just another one of those things that we will have to deal with when the time comes. I'm just glad that I'm feeling better for now, and am able to enjoy more time at home with my family. I love reading all of the guestbook entries...thanks for leaving personal messages to let me know you're thinking of us!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 1:57 PM
So, Lilya came down stairs this morning and she was completely naked. When I asked her where her pull up was she said, "Upstairs...I pee on my floor." I don't even know why I bothered to ask her why. She answered just how I expected her to, "Because, I pee on my floor." Wow, it seems like the less I am able to do, the more she does to prove that she is into the "terrible two's" stage. I have felt so bad for Tony lately. He works all day, and then comes home and has to clean all of the messes that she has made all day. He's so great...never complains, just makes sure that we are taken care of during the evening. This weekend, he will get a little break. Lilya is going to spend Friday and Saturday night with my dad and his family. This will be the first time that she has stayed with them, and the longest that she has been away through the two of us at one time. I am so thankful that my dad and Margaret are willing to take on another little one to help us out.
Switching gears a little to me and the babies. Last night I had 10 contractions the first time that I monitored. I tried to blame it on the fact that I was watching the Purdue/Illinois game, and they were stressing me out, but I really hadn't been feeling great towards evening time. The second time I monitored was much better, probably due to taking my medicine and drinking lots of water. This morning's strip still looked good...only showed 2 contractions. I'm still feeling a little crampy, but nothing like I had been a couple of days ago. This morning when I took a bath, I noticed that when I could feel the babies kicking, I could also see my stomach moving. This is the first time that I could actually see them move instead of just feeling it...so amazing.
Saturday, March 5, 2011 1:16 PM
It's a quiet day at the Stewart house. Dad, Margaret, and the kids picked Lilya up at 5 yesterday, and she won't be home until Sunday evening. Yes, I did cry as she left. She had just woken up from a nap, and she kept crying, "'bout you, Mommy?" When I would tell her that I was staying at home she would cry harder and say, "but I want you." It broke my heart, but I knew that the minute she was away, she would be fine. Dad sent pictures of her playing peek-a-boo at the dinner table and laying on the couch with John, watching Bambi. I was right, she was fine.
I have been wearing a pregnancy belt for the last couple of days to help hold my belly up a little. It has done wonders for the back pain that I was having, and I'm not sure that it's related, but I haven't monitored more than 3 contractions in an hour since I started wearing it. As we are approaching the 22 week mark, that is a very good sign. Although this pregnancy is very different from a "normal" pregnancy, I am starting to feel a little more relaxed, and am able to enjoy the baby bump (or mountain) and all of the little movements I'm feeling inside. This is the last time I will experience all of this (we have decided that no matter the outcome of this pregnancy, our family will be complete) , so I am trying to just enjoy every moment of it.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011 9:56 AM
Another Dr. Appt. is in the books. Everything looked great yesterday, and I had even gained 4 lbs. Probably the only time in my life that I will be thrilled with gaining 4 lbs in a week. I was so glad that my cousin, Brianne, got to go along and see the babies. I think I've said before how much I love sharing the experience with others. It was quite the experience too...we had to take Lilya along. She did fine, but has developed quite the attitude lately. It's a good thing she's so stinkin, rotten, cute, and can get away with it. Everything looked perfect with the babies, and they said that I looked really good as well. I'm still feeling pretty good, and am feeling a lot of fetal movement...I love it! I have been having trouble sleeping the last few nights. It seems like no matter what I do, I can't get comfortable. On top of that, my hands are now starting to swell and fall asleep while I'm sleeping. It happened very late in my pregnancy with Lilya, but I'm about the same size now as I was then. I guess it's a minor complaint considering there are 4 little ones in there.
We also became the proud owners of our quad crib set yesterday. Thanks again to the Kelly Crossing Church in Frankfort for donating the set to us. My momand George helped Tony get them to our house, and then they took Lilya home with them for the night. She was so excited to go and stay with Mammaw and Pappaw. We are so lucky to have so much help!
It seems amazing that we are only 5 1/2 weeks from reaching the first goal of 28 weeks. I'm feeling very confident and think that we'll have no trouble making it even farther. It is like I can feel all of the love and prayers surrounding us and carrying us through. If you're reading this, and keeping up with our progress, I am guessing you are one of those people, so thank you.
Thursday, March 10, 2011 11:05 AM
Welcome back heart burn...I have not missed you at all over the last 2 1/2 years, and I hope you do not choose to stick around for the rest of this pregnancy. It has been hard to sleep at night because...well, because my belly is so big, I have 4 little ones (make that 5 including Lilya) kicking me all night long, I have to wake up every 4 hours to take medicine, and I have to use the bathroom about every 2 hours. Add to that heart burn and a 2 1/2 year old with a stuffy nose, and you might as well forget sleep at all. Let's just say that last night was a rough one. Not becuase I didn't feel well (other than the heart burn), but because Lilya is not feeling well. I felt so bad for her, she'd say, "I can't breathe, Mommy." about every hour. Colds are so tough when they are this young...you can't give them anything. I have to admit, I also had a brief moment of panic in the middle of the night. What am I going to do when I have 5 with stuffy noses that can't sleep????? Last night, I could hold Lilya and rock her a little to make her feel comforted. I don't plan on my lap ever being big enough to rock 5 at one time. I have a lot of love to give, but will I be able to make all of these babies feel the love that they need? I imagine that is a thought that all mothers feel at some time or another if they are having their second baby. I guess you get rid of one worry...I was just feeling comfortable in this pregnancy, and then you find something else to worry about...how will I ever show an equal amount of deserved love to all of my children? I'm sure that just like the rest of my concerns, God will show me the answer. Until then, bring on the Tums and keep the tissue close...I have a feeling it's going to be a long couple of nights.
Sunday, March 13, 2011 11:47 AM
We are quickly approaching the viability mark! I will be 23 weeks tomorrow, and the babies are viable, they can survive, at 24 weeks. I am still feeling really good, and haven't been having too many contractions. In fact, Friday night was the only night that I had to remonitor (I had 8), and even though I blamed it on the fact that Purdue played terrible during their first game in the Big 10 tournament, I'm thinking that it might have really been the stress from Lilya falling down our stairs when she woke up from her nap. She was fine, but it scared me, and I did run and pick her up and cuddle her of course. By yesterday I was feeling well enough that I took Lilya to my mom's and headed to Wal-Mart. It was the first time I had left the house by myself in a long time. The weather was so nice, and it felt so good to get out. I made sure to make it a quick trip, and still felt good by the time I got home. Today, we are just going to spend the day resting up.
I've been thinking about how the dr. has his goal of getting me to 28 weeks, so I figured I should start setting my own goals. I really think that I can carry these babies to 33 weeks, so I'm setting that as my FIRST goal. Once we get there, I will decide on what comes next. I'm so excited to be blessed with such a wonderful experience. I thank God every day for the progress that we're making with this pregnancy. I can't wait to update after my appointment on Wed. this week!
Thursday, March 17, 2011 10:02 AM
More good news from the doctor yesterday! The ultra sound tech said that I have a "champion cervix". It is such a relief to know that the cerclauge is doing its job, and that is one less thing I have to worry about. All babies had good heart beats, and looked nice and comfy tucked in there.
There seems to be so much to do around here to get ready for these little ones. Tony is working so hard, and it is driving me crazy that I can't do much to help out. I feel so guilty that he works all day, and then comes home to do nothing more than work until it's almost time to go to bed. I want to be able to help out more (or at least be able to hire someone to come in and do the work for us), so that he can relax and just spend time with us when he comes home. I know that he is starting to feel stressed too, like there is too much to be done and not enough time to do it. I guess we are going to have to make a list of the most important things, and go from there. This experience is definitely changing the way we do things around here.
Saturday, March 19, 2011 9:40 AM
Hello weekend! After the day I had with Lilya yesterday, I am so glad that Tony is home to help with her today. I thought she was getting over the cold, but she has now developed a deep cough, and is very grouchy. We had to go to CVS to get more medicine yesterday, and she cried the entire time we were in there. The pharmacist said she didn't know who looked more exhausted, me or Lilya and asked how much longer I had to go...I'm sure she was expecting me to say that I was due any day now. I always wish I had a camera when I tell people that I'm carrying four. Anyway, I got my prescription filled a lot faster than I have in the past, so the grouch butt and I were headed home for her to continue her fit for, oh, about the next 2 1/2 hours. At least my evening ended with a Purdue win in the first round of the tournament, and I only ended up having 1 contraction when I monitored...proof that things are going well right now!
Monday, March 21, 2011 9:12 AM
What a great weekend! We spent a lot of time outside soaking up the beautiful sun, and Tony and I even had an evening to ourselves again (thanks to my sister, Amanda). I have been feeling so good lately that we were able to get out of the house and go to Olive Garden for dinner. It was delicious, and amazingly, I still felt good when we left, and we spent the rest of the evening enjoying the NCAA tournament games (Way to go Butler!)
Today we are celebrating the 24 week mark in the pregnancy! Unfortunately, it might have to be celebrated with a trip to he doctor for Lilya. She just can't shake this cold, and this morning started crying that her ear hurts. It really breaks my heart when she is sick...she just hasn't been her same, cheery self for almost 2 weeks now.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 9:48 AM
We are already missing the sunshine and the warm weather from the past couple of days. With the nice weather came another good report from the doctor. The cervix is still measuring over 6.5, which means we are getting our money's worth out of the cerclauge. The babies weighed in at 1 lb. 8 oz. (A), 1 lb. 7 oz. (B), 1 lb. 6 oz. (C), and 1 lb. 4 oz. (D). It is getting pretty cramped in there, so pictures aren't very clear anymore, but the live view is amazing. I'm still posting the newest pictures, but like I said, it's hard to tell what they're of.
We have come up with names for of the four babies. Our baby girl's name is going to be Jaylyn Rae (after nannie and poppie), the two boy names we have are Oscar James (after my grandpa and Tony's grandpa) and Harrison Kerry (if you know us well, you should be able to guess how we came up with this name). We are still trying to come up with another boy name. Hopefully they hang out in there for a while longer, and give us a chance to think about it.
We are still very excited to hit this viability mark, and still have things going so well. I definitely believe in the power of prayer, and I know that we have multiple people praying for us right now...it is the best gift that we could ask for right now.
I head back to the doctor tomorrow, and they are going to measure babies. I'll be sure to update soon with measurments and new pictures! Thanks again for all of the thoughts and prayers.
Thursday, March 24, 2011 3:44 PM
Have I mentioned how much I love Spring Break, even though I haven't been working for the last 3 months? I have been able to visit with some of my favorite teacher friends, that I miss so much while I'm not working. It's been great to catch up!
The weather has been so beautiful this week (until today), but I'm exhausted. This has been the first week in a long time that I had to get out of the house for more than just my doctor's appt. I took Lilya to the doctor on Monday, and they determined that she does have a sinus infection, so she's on Amoxicillin. I had my doctor appt. on Tuesday, and Lilya and I had another appt. again today. A girl asked me today if I knew what I was having...another candid camera moment when I said, "Three boys and a girl." She didn't even reply with anything...must have been soaking in. Anyway, now, I can finally relax until my next appt. on Tuesday.
I know there a quite a few people who are keeping up to date on my progress through this journal. I plan to print the entire journal and guest book, so the babies know how many supporters we had through this. If you haven't had a chance to sign the guest book, please do so at least once, so I will be able to show them your support. Thanks again for all of the thoughts and prayers!
Sunday, March 27, 2011 11:53 AM
Have to admit that I didn't get the rest this weekend that I should have. Lilya and I made a trip to Wal-Mart that was a lot easier since my best friend, Amy, picked us up and took us on Friday afternoon. Yesterday, it was great to see our friend, DeAnn, and her daughter, Erica. They brought us lots of yummy treats. Yesterday, I took Lilya over to play with Layne for a little bit, and last night, Amanda picked us up and took us to the bowling alley. My uncle and cousin have been home this week from Oregon, so the family decided to get together for a night of bowling. Even though I couldn't bowl, it was still fun to sit back and watch everyone and spend some time with the family. While there, a man tried to cut in front in line at the concession stand...not a good idea. In the past, I probably wouldn't have said anything, but I did speak up and tell him that I had been waiting there first. No, it wasn't the fact that I was starving either, but I really cannot be on my feet for that long without feeling like my belly weighs a ton. He was very understanding, and let me go ahead and order...smart move on his part. Like I said, I probably should have been home resting this whole weekend, but still this morning, I had zero contractions. I kind of feel like I should enjoy doing things while I can at this point, as long as it isn't causing me to go into labor.
Like I said, no contractions this morning, but the cold that Lilya and Tony have been fighting has now found me. My nose is clogged, and I have been coughing terrible...yuck. I am not running a fever over 99.0, so I don't think the doctor will even do anything for it. Unless I am feeling worse by tomorrow, I will probably just wait until my regular appt. on Tuesday to see if there is something that he will give me.
I am so excited that we have made it another week. 25 weeks tomorrow! That means just 3 weeks until I'm at the doctor's first goal for me. The time really does seem to be flying by. I am so excited for friends and family that are about to welcome babies of their own too. I think their countdowns have helped mine to go by quicker.
Stay tuned for updates of this weeks doctor visit! Thanks to all who have signed the guest book and left us encouraging messages. I know that this is going to be such a keepsake someday!
Monday, March 28, 2011 11:30 AM
Yesterday, the boys went to see a movie, so Lilya and I were home alone. I was working on writing a few thank you cards, and she was on the floor playing with a fake rose that lights up (one of my students gave it to me when I told them I was expecting). Out of nowhere, she asked, "Where's my grandma?" I thought she might have meant Tony's mom since she has been in Florida for the last month, but we call her mammaw, so I asked, "Mammaw Suzie?" She said, "No, my GRANDMA." The only person we have ever refered to as Grandma is my Grandma MaryLou, so I asked, "Grandma MaryLou?" She said, "Yah, where's my Grandma MaryLou?" I felt bad because I immediately started to cry. It has been the first time since I lost my grandma in November, that I have been forced to think about it. I told her that she went to heaven to be an angel, and her answer was, "No, I need to see her, I miss her." How exactly was I supposed to answer that, when I thought about it, I felt the same way.
Grandma got sick about the time that we were trying to get pregnant this time. My mom went out to be with her, and they were so excited to find out that we were successful. I had talked with Grandma and told her that she needed to get better because we might need her to come and help take care of babies (at the time, we knew my blood count was high, but weren't sure how many we were expecting.) As the next few days went by, she got progressivly worse, but she was still hanging on. See, my cousin was only about 20 weeks pregnant too, and we have both been very close to my grandma. Grandma had gone from talking about helping us with babies to talking about how she was not going to take any babies to heaven with her. I realized that she was only hanging on because she was worried that it would upset us enough that it would cause something to go wrong with our pregnancies. I could not stand the thought of her suffering for my sake. I didn't want to lose her, but I told my mom to let her know that I would be strong, and if it was her time to go, I understood and knew I would have one more special angel to see me through this pregnancy. Grandma passed away a few hours later. My cousin and I both held strong, and Danielle is expecting her baby girl, Mary (after Grandma), next week. I know that on top of all of the prayers that I have coming here on earth, I have an extra special angel watching over and has made sure that I made it this far...25 weeks today!
Friday, August 5, 2011
From the Beginning (Continued February)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011 1:23 PM
Well, here we are at 17 weeks and 1 day. The weather is terrible...snow and ice. I'm so glad that even though yesterday was my first day back to work, I called and got my doctor appt. moved. I have been having some cramping, so as always, they checked my cervix (everything was fine), checked the babies heartbeats (all were fine), and confirmed that we do have one little girl in there along with those three baby boys. The nurse practitioner came in to see me, and this time actually measured my stomach with a tape measure. I measured at 29 weeks, so they decided to hook me up to the machine to see if it could detect any contractions. I was really hoping that the cramping I've been having was only due to my belly growing so big, so fast, but sure enough, the machine picked up that I was already contracting. That means, no more work, and more medication. The medicine that the doctor wanted to put me on is a pump, and a nurse would come out twice a day to check it and me. Unfortunately, our insurance has a $2000 deductible, and then will cover 80% a day which will leave us paying $54 a day. This could go on for several weeks. I am willing to do what it takes to keep these babies in there for at least another 11 weeks, but I have to admit that this new set back does cause some stress. I was really hoping to get in at least another 7 weeks of work, and the financial part of all of this is weighing on me. We are really hoping that the doctor has another option as far as medicine goes. I know that it will all work out, but it is something that you can't get away from thinking about. I ask for prayers to help ease my mind through what is to come over the next few months. I know that God will get us through.
Lilya still talks daily about the babies in her belly. It is so cute when she lifts up her shirt and says, "You have to be very careful cause there's babies in there." The best is to see her face light up when I tell her that her baby sister is kicking me. She says, "Myyyy baby sister?" and then just grins really big. She is going to make such a good big sister, and be so much help for me...as long as she doesn't try putting them in the toilet like she has done with one of her baby dolls for the last 2 days.
I know I've said it before, but I feel like I can't say it enough, I'm so lucky to have so many great family and friends that call and come to check on us all of the time. Although things seem tough right now, I see daily how much God has blessed me with.
Thursday, February 3, 2011 1:33 PM
The nasty weather has finally passed, and the clean up has begun. Probably the only benefit to being on bed rest, I can't be a part of that clean up. After talking with the nurse, it was determined that the terbutaline pump is the only way to help stop the contractions that I'm having. The company has agreed to wave our daily copay, so we will just have to cover our deductible. They will be out later today to put in the pump (that ought to be fun). We are approaching that very scary time in the pregnancy, so I'm ready to have the medicine that is just one more reassurance that I'm going to be able to carry these babies. My next doctors appt. is Monday, and hopefully the cd burner will be fixed so that I can post some new pics of these little ones. I think it's amazing how much they change from week to week.
Friday, February 4, 2011 9:54 AM
I now have an extra piece of equipment attached to my body. A nurse came out yesterday to get the medicine started and to show me how to use all of the equipment. I will be hooked to a monitor for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening to check for contractions. The report is sent to a nurse who decides what to do with my medicine. I am on a very low dose right now, but that is expected to change over the weeks as I get bigger. It is very comforting to know that the nurses are available 24/7 in case I feel any type of change. It is going to be worth paying our deductible up front.
I am already very bored with staying home. Lilya spent the night with my mom last night, and is still there. Tony is at work, and the house seems very big and empty. I try to tell myself that I should enjoy this time alone. In a few months, I'm sure I will wish I had a little of it back.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011 10:21 AM
So, I've decided that my first book from this experience is going to be How to Survive Bed Rest with a Toddler. Luckily, I'm not on complete bed rest yet, so I'm making note of all of the things that need to change before I am. Yesterday, as I was getting ready for my doctors appt., Lilya did a little "getting herself ready" as well. My mother-in-law came in to pick her up while I was getting dressed. I heard her say, "Wow, how pretty, but aren't you supposed to do that on paper." I came out right away thinking I was going to have another mess to clean off the wall, but instead found that she had covered her lips and cheeks with red marker. That was just the first that you noticed. As I looked closer, I could see that she had also colored her legs and the bottoms of her feet. So, before complete bed rest, all regular markers and crayons must go. Only Color Wonders will be allowed at the Stewart household. One other that I can add right now is to move the potty chair to the living room. She is very good about going in and going by herself, but she is always so proud that I have to get up and go look at it with her.
Thursday, February 10, 2011 9:35 AM
How does a "belly sleeper" ever get any sleep when there are four little ones in there? When I was pregnant with Lilya, I slept on my belly until the very day that I had her. Towards the end, I would just rig a couple pillows, and it never seemed very difficult. Now, I am about that size again, and each night is getting harder and harder to sleep. I toss and turn from side to side, trying my hardest to get as close as I can to laying on my stomach. I'm wondering if Tony would mind if I cut a big hole in just my side of the mattress.
Saturday, February 12, 2011 1:18 PM
Coming up on 19 weeks now. My contractions are very up and down. Thursday night, I had 9 in an hour, but never really felt like it. Since yesterday morning, I've been really crampy, but the monitor doesn't show much as far as contractions. I'm trying to drink a lot of fluids and stay off my feet as much as possible. So glad that Dave and Suzy kept Lilya all night last night, so it has given me a chance to rest up a little. I have to admit that I am very worried about the next few weeks ahead. I was 19 weeks and 6 days when my water broke with the twins. I know that I am being taken care of much better than I was at that time, but I am still so nervous to reach that same point with these babies.
Lately, I've been feeling them move more and more. I have to say that it is the most wonderful feeling in the world. I wasn't sure that I would be able to tell which baby was moving, but I can. They each have their own little spot in there, so it is easy to tell. It is a feeling I never got to enjoy with the twins, and I am so blessed to feel it now.
Anyway, I'm hoping that bed rest is not in the near future, but I did get a bit of a scare yesterday. My nurse called in the morning and said that I had 8 contractions in that hour (they don't want me to have more than 4). The night before, they had given me an extra dose of meds because while I only had 3 contractions, I was showing a lot of irritability. I had another extra dose yesterday, and didn't monitor again since I had a doctors appt. Everything looked great at the doctor. Cervix is still really long, and not funneling with pressure, and all babies looked good and had good heartbeats. They monitored me for a while, and there were no more contractions, just irritability (that causes the cramping) again. They are going to check my urine just to be on the safe side that there are no infections, but chances are, it's just the number of babies that's causing the cramping. I still find the technology that they use to be absolutely amazing. The new pictures that I'm posting make it all seem so real. Now, if they could only invent some way to monitor my 2 1/2 year old when she leaves the living room, we'd be worry free!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 9:41 AM
What a great Valentine's Day! Usually Tony is working during our Dr. visits, so he can't go along. Yesterday, he took the afternoon off, and made the trip to Indy with me. I was a little nervous because my Alere nurse had called in the morning and said that I had 12 contractions on Sunday night. I hadn't felt the best all weekend, but was not having more than 2 or 3 contractions, so I didn't even send the strip on Sunday night. It just meant and extra dose of meds and an extra monitor before I went to the doctor yesterday. Contractions were down to 4 and 3, but they still seemed worried about the 12 from the night before.
It was the same routine at the doctor. Checked my cervix, and it was longer than last week (who knew it could grow). Then, the fun part, checking the babies. All were doing well, and Baby C (our little girl) had the hiccups. So cute to see on the screen. The doctor said that everything looks really good, but they want Alere to check for contractions in the morning and in the evening to make sure the contractions aren't showing a need to up my dose of medicine. I have a lot of room to work with the pump since I am on such a low dose right now, but we don't want to increase yet if we don't have to. Last was to measure the belly. Keep in mind, I was only 19 weeks exactly yesterday...measuring.......36 weeks! Wow, a little nervous about what the next few weeks have in store for us.
Friday, February 18, 2011 10:04 AM
Another day at home resting. I have not slept well the last couple of nights. I can't stop thinking about a friend/coworker who had to be induced yesterday at just 22 weeks because of so many problems with the baby. I feel so sad for her and the family. I know all to well the feeling of a loss like this. I hope God will surround her and her family with the love and strength to move forward.
Things have been really calm here. There have been a couple of nights that I had 5 contractions, so I had to take an extra dose of meds and remonitor, and the contractions were reduced to 1 or 2 an hour. Yesterday it was so nice to finally get outside and "play" for a little bit. I got to sit and watch Tony push Lilya on her swing, and the sun felt so good on my face. I am definitely ready for nicer weather. It beats sitting inside watching Dora, Diego, and Bubble Guppies (one of Lilya's new favorites).
I am so excited for my appointment on Monday. Not only do I reach that very scary 20 week mark, but they will also measure babies and give me more pictures. I am anxious to see how much they have grown...my belly can only tell so much. :)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 11:07 AM
It may sound silly to some, but I have reached another milestone in this pregnancy. I have now carried the quads exactly one day further than the twins. I know that we still have a long way to go, but it is a litlle relief to know that so far things are going better. I had another great visit to the doctor yesterday. I was so happy that Nannie (my grandma) was able to go with me and see the babies for the first time. I love being able to share this experience with those that I love. The babies all looked great. They each weigh almost exactly the same, 12 oz...right where they should be. My cervix still looks good, and my belly measured between 37 and 38 weeks. With all of that growing, I still lost 3 lbs. The dr didn't seem concerned. I guess the babies are just fetting everything right now. I don't think I could thank everyone enough for all of the concern, thoughts prayers, phone calls, visits, and FOOD! I feel very blessed to have so many caring people in my life. I recently felt my first taste of being judged for our situation, but the love I have felt from so many others has made their opinions seem obsolete.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 10:37 AM
So, I thought I was feeling better today than I was yesterday, but it looks like I'm having a few more contractions. The nurse called this morning and said she saw 5 contractions on my strip. This usually just means an extra dose of medicine and another hour on the monitor, but this morning the nurse informed me that they are going to have to take me off of the terbutaline pump due to findings by the FDA yesterday. She said that my doctor was going to phone me out procardia, the medicine he didn't put me on to begin with because it would lower my blood pressure, and mine has already been running low. I'm not sure where we're headed from here, but I'm hoping it's not a long hospital stay. We still need AT LEAST 8 more weeks of carrying these babies!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 1:33 PM
Looks like the doctor wants to take extra precaution while looking for a new medicine. I will be spending at least the next day in the hospital so that they can monitor me while they try out a couple of different kinds. I know I am very well taken care of, but I am really worried that I will have to stay longer than planned. When I called to tell my in-laws that I was going to have to stay at the hospital, Lilya came running over to me and cried, "No, no Mommy, don't leave me!" It broke my heart. I know I have to take care of myself and these babies right now, but it is so hard to have a little one that doesn't understand that. I will be sure to update as soon as I know what is going on. I have already been overwhelmed with the number of friends and family that have asked what could be done to help us through this next hurdle. I would say the best thing right now would be lots of prayers!
Friday, February 25, 2011 5:20 PM
We got lucky, and it turned out to be a short stay at the hospital. I am home now, but the doctor wants me on bedrest with no driving until he okay's it. I am now on an oral medicine called Procardia to help stop contractions. So far, it seems to be doing the trick as long as I remember to take it. I'm so spacy these days, and I have to remember the medicine every six hours. I am trying my hardest to follow his direcitions since I would much rather be on the couch here than in the hospital. It's easier said than done when you have a little one to take care of already.
We have been blessed again by friends and members of the communtiy. The Gallichans, Aaron and Rachel, who I've known for years, recently let me know that their church had a set of quad cribs that they were wanting to get rid of. When we went to look at them, they said that they had decided as a church to donate them to us. They are in great condition, and will work perfect when we get to bring these little miracles home. I am so grateful that they thought of us, and would like to thank all of the members at Kelly Crossing in Frankfort.
I'm so glad that it's Friday, and Tony will be home to entertain Lilya for a couple of days. Kaleb is even coming tomorrow, so that means more fun for her! We have another dr. appt. on Monday, so more updates on the babies and the size of my belly to come soon! Hope everyone has a great weekend! :)
Well, here we are at 17 weeks and 1 day. The weather is terrible...snow and ice. I'm so glad that even though yesterday was my first day back to work, I called and got my doctor appt. moved. I have been having some cramping, so as always, they checked my cervix (everything was fine), checked the babies heartbeats (all were fine), and confirmed that we do have one little girl in there along with those three baby boys. The nurse practitioner came in to see me, and this time actually measured my stomach with a tape measure. I measured at 29 weeks, so they decided to hook me up to the machine to see if it could detect any contractions. I was really hoping that the cramping I've been having was only due to my belly growing so big, so fast, but sure enough, the machine picked up that I was already contracting. That means, no more work, and more medication. The medicine that the doctor wanted to put me on is a pump, and a nurse would come out twice a day to check it and me. Unfortunately, our insurance has a $2000 deductible, and then will cover 80% a day which will leave us paying $54 a day. This could go on for several weeks. I am willing to do what it takes to keep these babies in there for at least another 11 weeks, but I have to admit that this new set back does cause some stress. I was really hoping to get in at least another 7 weeks of work, and the financial part of all of this is weighing on me. We are really hoping that the doctor has another option as far as medicine goes. I know that it will all work out, but it is something that you can't get away from thinking about. I ask for prayers to help ease my mind through what is to come over the next few months. I know that God will get us through.
Lilya still talks daily about the babies in her belly. It is so cute when she lifts up her shirt and says, "You have to be very careful cause there's babies in there." The best is to see her face light up when I tell her that her baby sister is kicking me. She says, "Myyyy baby sister?" and then just grins really big. She is going to make such a good big sister, and be so much help for me...as long as she doesn't try putting them in the toilet like she has done with one of her baby dolls for the last 2 days.
I know I've said it before, but I feel like I can't say it enough, I'm so lucky to have so many great family and friends that call and come to check on us all of the time. Although things seem tough right now, I see daily how much God has blessed me with.
Thursday, February 3, 2011 1:33 PM
The nasty weather has finally passed, and the clean up has begun. Probably the only benefit to being on bed rest, I can't be a part of that clean up. After talking with the nurse, it was determined that the terbutaline pump is the only way to help stop the contractions that I'm having. The company has agreed to wave our daily copay, so we will just have to cover our deductible. They will be out later today to put in the pump (that ought to be fun). We are approaching that very scary time in the pregnancy, so I'm ready to have the medicine that is just one more reassurance that I'm going to be able to carry these babies. My next doctors appt. is Monday, and hopefully the cd burner will be fixed so that I can post some new pics of these little ones. I think it's amazing how much they change from week to week.
Friday, February 4, 2011 9:54 AM
I now have an extra piece of equipment attached to my body. A nurse came out yesterday to get the medicine started and to show me how to use all of the equipment. I will be hooked to a monitor for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening to check for contractions. The report is sent to a nurse who decides what to do with my medicine. I am on a very low dose right now, but that is expected to change over the weeks as I get bigger. It is very comforting to know that the nurses are available 24/7 in case I feel any type of change. It is going to be worth paying our deductible up front.
I am already very bored with staying home. Lilya spent the night with my mom last night, and is still there. Tony is at work, and the house seems very big and empty. I try to tell myself that I should enjoy this time alone. In a few months, I'm sure I will wish I had a little of it back.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011 10:21 AM
So, I've decided that my first book from this experience is going to be How to Survive Bed Rest with a Toddler. Luckily, I'm not on complete bed rest yet, so I'm making note of all of the things that need to change before I am. Yesterday, as I was getting ready for my doctors appt., Lilya did a little "getting herself ready" as well. My mother-in-law came in to pick her up while I was getting dressed. I heard her say, "Wow, how pretty, but aren't you supposed to do that on paper." I came out right away thinking I was going to have another mess to clean off the wall, but instead found that she had covered her lips and cheeks with red marker. That was just the first that you noticed. As I looked closer, I could see that she had also colored her legs and the bottoms of her feet. So, before complete bed rest, all regular markers and crayons must go. Only Color Wonders will be allowed at the Stewart household. One other that I can add right now is to move the potty chair to the living room. She is very good about going in and going by herself, but she is always so proud that I have to get up and go look at it with her.
Thursday, February 10, 2011 9:35 AM
How does a "belly sleeper" ever get any sleep when there are four little ones in there? When I was pregnant with Lilya, I slept on my belly until the very day that I had her. Towards the end, I would just rig a couple pillows, and it never seemed very difficult. Now, I am about that size again, and each night is getting harder and harder to sleep. I toss and turn from side to side, trying my hardest to get as close as I can to laying on my stomach. I'm wondering if Tony would mind if I cut a big hole in just my side of the mattress.
Saturday, February 12, 2011 1:18 PM
Coming up on 19 weeks now. My contractions are very up and down. Thursday night, I had 9 in an hour, but never really felt like it. Since yesterday morning, I've been really crampy, but the monitor doesn't show much as far as contractions. I'm trying to drink a lot of fluids and stay off my feet as much as possible. So glad that Dave and Suzy kept Lilya all night last night, so it has given me a chance to rest up a little. I have to admit that I am very worried about the next few weeks ahead. I was 19 weeks and 6 days when my water broke with the twins. I know that I am being taken care of much better than I was at that time, but I am still so nervous to reach that same point with these babies.
Lately, I've been feeling them move more and more. I have to say that it is the most wonderful feeling in the world. I wasn't sure that I would be able to tell which baby was moving, but I can. They each have their own little spot in there, so it is easy to tell. It is a feeling I never got to enjoy with the twins, and I am so blessed to feel it now.
Anyway, I'm hoping that bed rest is not in the near future, but I did get a bit of a scare yesterday. My nurse called in the morning and said that I had 8 contractions in that hour (they don't want me to have more than 4). The night before, they had given me an extra dose of meds because while I only had 3 contractions, I was showing a lot of irritability. I had another extra dose yesterday, and didn't monitor again since I had a doctors appt. Everything looked great at the doctor. Cervix is still really long, and not funneling with pressure, and all babies looked good and had good heartbeats. They monitored me for a while, and there were no more contractions, just irritability (that causes the cramping) again. They are going to check my urine just to be on the safe side that there are no infections, but chances are, it's just the number of babies that's causing the cramping. I still find the technology that they use to be absolutely amazing. The new pictures that I'm posting make it all seem so real. Now, if they could only invent some way to monitor my 2 1/2 year old when she leaves the living room, we'd be worry free!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 9:41 AM
What a great Valentine's Day! Usually Tony is working during our Dr. visits, so he can't go along. Yesterday, he took the afternoon off, and made the trip to Indy with me. I was a little nervous because my Alere nurse had called in the morning and said that I had 12 contractions on Sunday night. I hadn't felt the best all weekend, but was not having more than 2 or 3 contractions, so I didn't even send the strip on Sunday night. It just meant and extra dose of meds and an extra monitor before I went to the doctor yesterday. Contractions were down to 4 and 3, but they still seemed worried about the 12 from the night before.
It was the same routine at the doctor. Checked my cervix, and it was longer than last week (who knew it could grow). Then, the fun part, checking the babies. All were doing well, and Baby C (our little girl) had the hiccups. So cute to see on the screen. The doctor said that everything looks really good, but they want Alere to check for contractions in the morning and in the evening to make sure the contractions aren't showing a need to up my dose of medicine. I have a lot of room to work with the pump since I am on such a low dose right now, but we don't want to increase yet if we don't have to. Last was to measure the belly. Keep in mind, I was only 19 weeks exactly yesterday...measuring.......36 weeks! Wow, a little nervous about what the next few weeks have in store for us.
Friday, February 18, 2011 10:04 AM
Another day at home resting. I have not slept well the last couple of nights. I can't stop thinking about a friend/coworker who had to be induced yesterday at just 22 weeks because of so many problems with the baby. I feel so sad for her and the family. I know all to well the feeling of a loss like this. I hope God will surround her and her family with the love and strength to move forward.
Things have been really calm here. There have been a couple of nights that I had 5 contractions, so I had to take an extra dose of meds and remonitor, and the contractions were reduced to 1 or 2 an hour. Yesterday it was so nice to finally get outside and "play" for a little bit. I got to sit and watch Tony push Lilya on her swing, and the sun felt so good on my face. I am definitely ready for nicer weather. It beats sitting inside watching Dora, Diego, and Bubble Guppies (one of Lilya's new favorites).
I am so excited for my appointment on Monday. Not only do I reach that very scary 20 week mark, but they will also measure babies and give me more pictures. I am anxious to see how much they have grown...my belly can only tell so much. :)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 11:07 AM
It may sound silly to some, but I have reached another milestone in this pregnancy. I have now carried the quads exactly one day further than the twins. I know that we still have a long way to go, but it is a litlle relief to know that so far things are going better. I had another great visit to the doctor yesterday. I was so happy that Nannie (my grandma) was able to go with me and see the babies for the first time. I love being able to share this experience with those that I love. The babies all looked great. They each weigh almost exactly the same, 12 oz...right where they should be. My cervix still looks good, and my belly measured between 37 and 38 weeks. With all of that growing, I still lost 3 lbs. The dr didn't seem concerned. I guess the babies are just fetting everything right now. I don't think I could thank everyone enough for all of the concern, thoughts prayers, phone calls, visits, and FOOD! I feel very blessed to have so many caring people in my life. I recently felt my first taste of being judged for our situation, but the love I have felt from so many others has made their opinions seem obsolete.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 10:37 AM
So, I thought I was feeling better today than I was yesterday, but it looks like I'm having a few more contractions. The nurse called this morning and said she saw 5 contractions on my strip. This usually just means an extra dose of medicine and another hour on the monitor, but this morning the nurse informed me that they are going to have to take me off of the terbutaline pump due to findings by the FDA yesterday. She said that my doctor was going to phone me out procardia, the medicine he didn't put me on to begin with because it would lower my blood pressure, and mine has already been running low. I'm not sure where we're headed from here, but I'm hoping it's not a long hospital stay. We still need AT LEAST 8 more weeks of carrying these babies!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 1:33 PM
Looks like the doctor wants to take extra precaution while looking for a new medicine. I will be spending at least the next day in the hospital so that they can monitor me while they try out a couple of different kinds. I know I am very well taken care of, but I am really worried that I will have to stay longer than planned. When I called to tell my in-laws that I was going to have to stay at the hospital, Lilya came running over to me and cried, "No, no Mommy, don't leave me!" It broke my heart. I know I have to take care of myself and these babies right now, but it is so hard to have a little one that doesn't understand that. I will be sure to update as soon as I know what is going on. I have already been overwhelmed with the number of friends and family that have asked what could be done to help us through this next hurdle. I would say the best thing right now would be lots of prayers!
Friday, February 25, 2011 5:20 PM
We got lucky, and it turned out to be a short stay at the hospital. I am home now, but the doctor wants me on bedrest with no driving until he okay's it. I am now on an oral medicine called Procardia to help stop contractions. So far, it seems to be doing the trick as long as I remember to take it. I'm so spacy these days, and I have to remember the medicine every six hours. I am trying my hardest to follow his direcitions since I would much rather be on the couch here than in the hospital. It's easier said than done when you have a little one to take care of already.
We have been blessed again by friends and members of the communtiy. The Gallichans, Aaron and Rachel, who I've known for years, recently let me know that their church had a set of quad cribs that they were wanting to get rid of. When we went to look at them, they said that they had decided as a church to donate them to us. They are in great condition, and will work perfect when we get to bring these little miracles home. I am so grateful that they thought of us, and would like to thank all of the members at Kelly Crossing in Frankfort.
I'm so glad that it's Friday, and Tony will be home to entertain Lilya for a couple of days. Kaleb is even coming tomorrow, so that means more fun for her! We have another dr. appt. on Monday, so more updates on the babies and the size of my belly to come soon! Hope everyone has a great weekend! :)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Continued (From the beginning)
Friday, January 14, 2011 8:50 Saturday, January 15, 2011 10:24
Just another sign that we have such great friends and family. Like I said yesterday, I have to have my belly button packed twice a day (YUCK!). Yesterday, it was my mother-in-law and father-in-law that got the joy. In the evening my friend Amy and her mom brought me out a "Protein Basket", and they also worked together to do the packing. Now I know that I am loved. I was also glad to get to talk to my friend Mandi who has been through much of the same things since she had triplets. It is so helpful to read words of encouragement, and I feel like I am lucky to receive messages from people each day.
Both yesterday and today have looked very hopeful in my recovery. I am starting to be able to get up and down easier, and do a little more for myself. I am looking foward to being back to 100% so that I can enjoy this pregnancy as much as possible.
Hello weekend! Although I've felt much better the last couple of days, it was hard to be home most of the day with just Lilya. You don't realize how much destruction a 2 1/2 year old can cause if you're not supposed to be up chasing her around, until you've lived it. I witnessed it all the other day, from big red crayon circles on the wall to an entire bowl of chex mix dumped all over the couch and combed to the floor! That is why I am so excited that Daddy is home to play chase.
It hasn't all been tough though. We did get to play with our Hoffman friends yesterday. Lilya got to show Mac all around the house and practice sharing her toys while E and I had a chance to catch up. Later, Missy and Jayme were back out delivering more delicious food from my coworkers at Suncrest. Jayme brought lots of other protien filled goodies, and even stayed long enough to rock Lilya to sleep. I do have some of the best friends ever!
Sunday, January 16, 2011 8:07 PM
Thought I needed to get out of the house today, so Lilya and I took a trip to Wal-Mart. The air felt good, and I'm sure the babies enjoyed the rocking motion as I walked, but I don't think the rest of my body felt that it was a good decision. I spent the rest of the day on the couch watching Purdue and then the NFL playoffs. Thanks to my mother and father-in-law I enjoyed some yummy pizza too.
I also got the strangest phone call from a parent today. She had let her son stay with someone and wasn't sure who. He still wasn't home and she was getting worried but didn't know where to look. I made some phone calls to try to help her find him, and thankfully he showed up eventually without us having to go to extremes. Wow, soon, we will have 5 kids to keep track of. I just pray that I am never put in the situation that this mother was in today. May God give me the strenghth and patience to always put my children first.
Friday, January 21, 2011 11:07 AM
Felling a little bit better each day! I wish the spot below my belly button would heal up...I feel like I could get back to "normal" once it does. Lilya and I have spent a lot of well needed time with my mom the last couple of days. It is so nice to have her close. Lilya's latest is to put things in the toilet and flush it, so she is keeping me on my toes these days. Whenever she leaves the living room, I have to wonder what is getting flushed. Luckily, it hasn't been anything that would go down and clog the toilet. Yesterday she came running in and said, "Mommy, I put the Dora pencil in the potty and I flush it." I said, "Where is it now?" She answered, "I don't know, it's gone." I went in, and sure enough, it was gone. The next time I flushed the toilet, a Dora pencil popped up. She has been so good in the past, no flushing things, no coloring on the walls, no making big messes. I feel like she is now trying to prepare me for what the future holds. Can one mom really keep 5 toddlers from destroying the house????? The crazy things you start to wonder about when you are on bed rest!:)
Monday, January 24, 2011 9:58 AM
Well, we are 16 weeks today. Seems weird that we are more than likely at least half way to having these four little ones. These next 8 weeks are going to be very hard on my nerves. I just want to make it past that 24 week mark! I know that around 20 weeks will be the most scary since that's the point that I lost the twins. I am trying to think very positively, but that memory still lies very close to the surface in my mind.
On a happy note, I felt one of the babies move for the first time yesterday. It was just the funniest little flutter on the right side of my belly. I love the feeling, and even though it might sound crazy, I can't wait to feel all four wiggling around in there.
This is my last week off of work for sugery recovery. I head to the doctor this Wed., and can't wait to see them and get more pictures. Hoping that everything looks good, so we can get back to some kind of normal for a little while. I'll be posting pictures after that appointment!
Looking forward to a relaxing weekend with Tony, Kaleb and Lilya!
Thursday, January 27, 2011 9:17 AM
Another doctor's appt. yesterday, and at 16 weeks and 2 days, my uterus is measuring 30 weeks! The doctor has warned that somewhere between 18 and 20 weeks, I am going to start having contractions because my uterus will think it is full term. While this is very scary to me, I am comforted to know that they are going to start seeing me every week now. My next appt. is Tuesday.
My mom and Lilya went with me yesterday, and got to see all 4 babies as the ultrasound tech took measurements, and tried to decide if they were girls or boys. Baby A, a boy, and my mom said to Lilya, "Looks like you're going to have atleast 1 little brother." Lilya's reply, "No, I want a sister!" Baby B, another little boy, and another disappointment for Lilya. Baby C, looks like a girl...we better hope for Lilya's sake anyway because Baby D is also definitely a boy! Yep, we're looking at 3 boys and hopefully 1 girl! All four babies are about the same size now. 2 weigh 5 oz. and 2 weigh 6 oz. They should double their sizes within the next couple of weeks...scary!
Sometimes this all just seems unreal to me, and then I have a trip to the doctor and see their little heart beats, and how they are changing every week, and it becomes very real for the moment. Then, I come home and it is just the 3 of us still, and it becomes so unreal again. I'm not sure at what point it will actually sink in.
Just another sign that we have such great friends and family. Like I said yesterday, I have to have my belly button packed twice a day (YUCK!). Yesterday, it was my mother-in-law and father-in-law that got the joy. In the evening my friend Amy and her mom brought me out a "Protein Basket", and they also worked together to do the packing. Now I know that I am loved. I was also glad to get to talk to my friend Mandi who has been through much of the same things since she had triplets. It is so helpful to read words of encouragement, and I feel like I am lucky to receive messages from people each day.
Both yesterday and today have looked very hopeful in my recovery. I am starting to be able to get up and down easier, and do a little more for myself. I am looking foward to being back to 100% so that I can enjoy this pregnancy as much as possible.
Hello weekend! Although I've felt much better the last couple of days, it was hard to be home most of the day with just Lilya. You don't realize how much destruction a 2 1/2 year old can cause if you're not supposed to be up chasing her around, until you've lived it. I witnessed it all the other day, from big red crayon circles on the wall to an entire bowl of chex mix dumped all over the couch and combed to the floor! That is why I am so excited that Daddy is home to play chase.
It hasn't all been tough though. We did get to play with our Hoffman friends yesterday. Lilya got to show Mac all around the house and practice sharing her toys while E and I had a chance to catch up. Later, Missy and Jayme were back out delivering more delicious food from my coworkers at Suncrest. Jayme brought lots of other protien filled goodies, and even stayed long enough to rock Lilya to sleep. I do have some of the best friends ever!
Sunday, January 16, 2011 8:07 PM
Thought I needed to get out of the house today, so Lilya and I took a trip to Wal-Mart. The air felt good, and I'm sure the babies enjoyed the rocking motion as I walked, but I don't think the rest of my body felt that it was a good decision. I spent the rest of the day on the couch watching Purdue and then the NFL playoffs. Thanks to my mother and father-in-law I enjoyed some yummy pizza too.
I also got the strangest phone call from a parent today. She had let her son stay with someone and wasn't sure who. He still wasn't home and she was getting worried but didn't know where to look. I made some phone calls to try to help her find him, and thankfully he showed up eventually without us having to go to extremes. Wow, soon, we will have 5 kids to keep track of. I just pray that I am never put in the situation that this mother was in today. May God give me the strenghth and patience to always put my children first.
Friday, January 21, 2011 11:07 AM
Felling a little bit better each day! I wish the spot below my belly button would heal up...I feel like I could get back to "normal" once it does. Lilya and I have spent a lot of well needed time with my mom the last couple of days. It is so nice to have her close. Lilya's latest is to put things in the toilet and flush it, so she is keeping me on my toes these days. Whenever she leaves the living room, I have to wonder what is getting flushed. Luckily, it hasn't been anything that would go down and clog the toilet. Yesterday she came running in and said, "Mommy, I put the Dora pencil in the potty and I flush it." I said, "Where is it now?" She answered, "I don't know, it's gone." I went in, and sure enough, it was gone. The next time I flushed the toilet, a Dora pencil popped up. She has been so good in the past, no flushing things, no coloring on the walls, no making big messes. I feel like she is now trying to prepare me for what the future holds. Can one mom really keep 5 toddlers from destroying the house????? The crazy things you start to wonder about when you are on bed rest!:)
Monday, January 24, 2011 9:58 AM
Well, we are 16 weeks today. Seems weird that we are more than likely at least half way to having these four little ones. These next 8 weeks are going to be very hard on my nerves. I just want to make it past that 24 week mark! I know that around 20 weeks will be the most scary since that's the point that I lost the twins. I am trying to think very positively, but that memory still lies very close to the surface in my mind.
On a happy note, I felt one of the babies move for the first time yesterday. It was just the funniest little flutter on the right side of my belly. I love the feeling, and even though it might sound crazy, I can't wait to feel all four wiggling around in there.
This is my last week off of work for sugery recovery. I head to the doctor this Wed., and can't wait to see them and get more pictures. Hoping that everything looks good, so we can get back to some kind of normal for a little while. I'll be posting pictures after that appointment!
Looking forward to a relaxing weekend with Tony, Kaleb and Lilya!
Thursday, January 27, 2011 9:17 AM
Another doctor's appt. yesterday, and at 16 weeks and 2 days, my uterus is measuring 30 weeks! The doctor has warned that somewhere between 18 and 20 weeks, I am going to start having contractions because my uterus will think it is full term. While this is very scary to me, I am comforted to know that they are going to start seeing me every week now. My next appt. is Tuesday.
My mom and Lilya went with me yesterday, and got to see all 4 babies as the ultrasound tech took measurements, and tried to decide if they were girls or boys. Baby A, a boy, and my mom said to Lilya, "Looks like you're going to have atleast 1 little brother." Lilya's reply, "No, I want a sister!" Baby B, another little boy, and another disappointment for Lilya. Baby C, looks like a girl...we better hope for Lilya's sake anyway because Baby D is also definitely a boy! Yep, we're looking at 3 boys and hopefully 1 girl! All four babies are about the same size now. 2 weigh 5 oz. and 2 weigh 6 oz. They should double their sizes within the next couple of weeks...scary!
Sometimes this all just seems unreal to me, and then I have a trip to the doctor and see their little heart beats, and how they are changing every week, and it becomes very real for the moment. Then, I come home and it is just the 3 of us still, and it becomes so unreal again. I'm not sure at what point it will actually sink in.
Back to the begining: My Quad Story (from Caring Bridge)
I wanted to have everything in one place, so I'm copying my caring brige journal over. Here it goes...
Hello everyone, I am a 32 year old, wife, teacher, literacy coach, but most importantly, mother. I have been married to my husband, Tony, for 9 1/2 years. I am a 4th grade teacher/literacy coach at Suncrest in Frankfort, IN. I have one beautiful daughter, Lilya, who was born Sept. 12, 2008, and a 14 year old step-son, Kaleb. We are now expecting our 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th babies together. Yep, we are expecting quadruplets!
Background Story
Like I said, Tony and I have been married for 9 1/2 years. We started trying right away to start our family, and were having no luck. My OBGYN decided to try me on a fertility medicine called Clomid. I was on Clomid for about a year, and still, nothing. At that time, I found out that both my sister and my step-mom were expecting. We decided to give the family plan a break for a while, and I went back to school to get my teaching degree. I graduated in December of 2005, and we returned to the doctor to talk about options for starting our family. We tried Clomid unsuccessfully for about a year before we finally made up our minds that we needed to try something different. With our first round of injectible fertility medicine, our dream of building our family together came true...we were expecting twins. Just 20 weeks into my pregnancy, my water broke. There was nothing they could do to save our little boy and girl. Gavin was born stillborn, and I held little Greta and watched her heart beat knowing that she would soon be gone too. It was one of the hardest times of my life. We didn't give up. 4 months later, using the same fertility treatment, I became pregnant with my daughter, Lilya. It was a long, scary time for us, with lots of trips to the doctor, but actually a very normal pregnancy. Two years after she was born, I finally talked my husband into the fact that one more child would make our family complete. We saw the same doctor, went through the same fertility treatment, and suprise...there were 4 heartbeats!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011 9:58 AM
Well, right now, I am couch bound. Last Wed., Jan. 5th, I had what is called a transabdominal cerclage. This required a cut from my belly button to my pelvic bone to allow the doctors to work around my uterus to get to the cervix. Once they reached the cervix, they tied around the top of it so that it cannot open up. I was in the hospital for two days, and here I am on the couch now, recovering. We have appreciated friends and family so much. They have helped to take care of Lilya, brought food, done laundry. We are so lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives. While it was nice to be waited on at first, I am really ready to be feeling better, and back to normal. 2-4 weeks is a long time to be down!
Thursday, January 13, 2011 2:17 PM
Well, yesterday was a pretty rough day. I didn't sleep at all the night before, and was cramping pretty bad throughout the morning. I had my follow up visit at the doctor at 3:00. They checked the cervix, the uterin blood flow, and baby heart beats. All were fine. When I finally talked with the nurse and doctor, it seems like all of the symtems I've been having are very common. They said that everything is going really well. They removed the staples which have left a little spot that was not completely healed inside my belly button. This has to be packed twice a day with a special kind of packing so that it will heal (YUCK). They are also encouraging me to get extra protein in my diet. I never in a million years thought that I would have trouble eating, but I really do now. Looks like many protein shakes and protein bars are in my future. They also explained the pain I've been having in my left leg being due to the pelvic bones opening up to allow room for the babies. My stomach is already measuring 28 weeks which is twice of what I actually am. Said I wouldn't be losing weight for too much longer.
I woke up today feeling much more rested, and without so much cramping. Hopefully each day will continue to get easier. My next appointment is Jan. 26th. They will measure babies and give me some pictures at that appointment, so I'll be able to post some at that time.
Hello everyone, I am a 32 year old, wife, teacher, literacy coach, but most importantly, mother. I have been married to my husband, Tony, for 9 1/2 years. I am a 4th grade teacher/literacy coach at Suncrest in Frankfort, IN. I have one beautiful daughter, Lilya, who was born Sept. 12, 2008, and a 14 year old step-son, Kaleb. We are now expecting our 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th babies together. Yep, we are expecting quadruplets!
Background Story
Like I said, Tony and I have been married for 9 1/2 years. We started trying right away to start our family, and were having no luck. My OBGYN decided to try me on a fertility medicine called Clomid. I was on Clomid for about a year, and still, nothing. At that time, I found out that both my sister and my step-mom were expecting. We decided to give the family plan a break for a while, and I went back to school to get my teaching degree. I graduated in December of 2005, and we returned to the doctor to talk about options for starting our family. We tried Clomid unsuccessfully for about a year before we finally made up our minds that we needed to try something different. With our first round of injectible fertility medicine, our dream of building our family together came true...we were expecting twins. Just 20 weeks into my pregnancy, my water broke. There was nothing they could do to save our little boy and girl. Gavin was born stillborn, and I held little Greta and watched her heart beat knowing that she would soon be gone too. It was one of the hardest times of my life. We didn't give up. 4 months later, using the same fertility treatment, I became pregnant with my daughter, Lilya. It was a long, scary time for us, with lots of trips to the doctor, but actually a very normal pregnancy. Two years after she was born, I finally talked my husband into the fact that one more child would make our family complete. We saw the same doctor, went through the same fertility treatment, and suprise...there were 4 heartbeats!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011 9:58 AM
Well, right now, I am couch bound. Last Wed., Jan. 5th, I had what is called a transabdominal cerclage. This required a cut from my belly button to my pelvic bone to allow the doctors to work around my uterus to get to the cervix. Once they reached the cervix, they tied around the top of it so that it cannot open up. I was in the hospital for two days, and here I am on the couch now, recovering. We have appreciated friends and family so much. They have helped to take care of Lilya, brought food, done laundry. We are so lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives. While it was nice to be waited on at first, I am really ready to be feeling better, and back to normal. 2-4 weeks is a long time to be down!
Thursday, January 13, 2011 2:17 PM
Well, yesterday was a pretty rough day. I didn't sleep at all the night before, and was cramping pretty bad throughout the morning. I had my follow up visit at the doctor at 3:00. They checked the cervix, the uterin blood flow, and baby heart beats. All were fine. When I finally talked with the nurse and doctor, it seems like all of the symtems I've been having are very common. They said that everything is going really well. They removed the staples which have left a little spot that was not completely healed inside my belly button. This has to be packed twice a day with a special kind of packing so that it will heal (YUCK). They are also encouraging me to get extra protein in my diet. I never in a million years thought that I would have trouble eating, but I really do now. Looks like many protein shakes and protein bars are in my future. They also explained the pain I've been having in my left leg being due to the pelvic bones opening up to allow room for the babies. My stomach is already measuring 28 weeks which is twice of what I actually am. Said I wouldn't be losing weight for too much longer.
I woke up today feeling much more rested, and without so much cramping. Hopefully each day will continue to get easier. My next appointment is Jan. 26th. They will measure babies and give me some pictures at that appointment, so I'll be able to post some at that time.
Monday, August 1, 2011
What to Expect When You're Done Expecting (Part 1)
I know that this will be a topic that will be present in my mind for a long time to come, so I'm calling this Part 1.
No more morning sickness
No more exhaustion for no reason
No more heartburn
No more swollen ankles
No more back sleeping
No more getting up 5 times in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom
No more growing belly
No more squished organs
No more raging hormones
No more blaming the tears on those raging hormones
No more wondering if it's a boy or a girl (or one/some of each)
No more looking forward to dr. visits
No more little kicks that let you know there really is something in there
I LOVED being pregnant. Even though all 3 of my pregnancies came with many obstacles and worries, I will miss every bit of it. The quads were born 11 weeks and 2 days ago, and just today I thought I felt a kick in my belly. I believe that is one of the greatest feelings in the world. I made the most of a very difficult pregnancy knowing that it would be the last time I would experience it. I am so grateful that the outcome was four beautiful babies!
Now, I love seeing happy, expecting mothers. I'm so excited for the friends I have that are experiencing all of my no mores right now. I know that they might not be thrilled with some of them, but if they're anything like me, they'll miss it when it's over!
No more morning sickness
No more exhaustion for no reason
No more heartburn
No more swollen ankles
No more back sleeping
No more getting up 5 times in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom
No more growing belly
No more squished organs
No more raging hormones
No more blaming the tears on those raging hormones
No more wondering if it's a boy or a girl (or one/some of each)
No more looking forward to dr. visits
No more little kicks that let you know there really is something in there
I LOVED being pregnant. Even though all 3 of my pregnancies came with many obstacles and worries, I will miss every bit of it. The quads were born 11 weeks and 2 days ago, and just today I thought I felt a kick in my belly. I believe that is one of the greatest feelings in the world. I made the most of a very difficult pregnancy knowing that it would be the last time I would experience it. I am so grateful that the outcome was four beautiful babies!
Now, I love seeing happy, expecting mothers. I'm so excited for the friends I have that are experiencing all of my no mores right now. I know that they might not be thrilled with some of them, but if they're anything like me, they'll miss it when it's over!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
What's that Smell???
So, yesterday, I was taking a load of baby laundry out of the washer to put into the dryer and I thought to myself, "Is my washer not working right? These clothes still smell like puke!" This is the last thing we need right now...a washer that can't even get the puke smell out of the baby clothes. It only took me a few minutes, and I was relieved (yes, relieved) to realize that it wasn't the washed clothes that smelled like puke...It was ME. I should have known. Out of the four of our little ones, Benjamin is the only one that rarely spits up. Harrison has an occasional feeding that is puke free, but I'm beginning to wonder how Oscar and Jaylyn are gaining any weight at all. We are burping every ounce, and each time it seems like more is coming out than went in. I swear we are using a washer load of burp rags and bibs each day.
What I don't understand is, why does the formula have to smell just as bad before they drink it as it does after they puke it back up? The other day, Lilya took the lid off of an empty bottle and smelled it (don't ask me why...I guess she was just curious). I couldn't help but laugh when she gagged and almost threw up herself from the smell. Just a couple days ago, I caught her hiding on the side of the couch, smelling an empty bottle and making herself gag. She must be trying to build up her tollerance since it is a common smell in our house now! I don't have to smell empty baby bottles to build my tollerance...It has become my new perfume.Friday, July 29, 2011
God Gives Special Children to Special People
While I was going back to school to get my teaching degree, I had the wonderful opportunity to work at my old high school with the Moderate, Severe and Profound Special Needs kids. I LOVED it. I had never been around more innocent, caring teenagers in my life. Sometimes, I wonder who learned more in my experiences there...them or me. I had thought about staying and teaching in that room, but that would have meant another two years of school. I decided to look for an elementary position, so we could begin trying again to start our family. I won't lie...the thought crossed my mind that because I enjoyed working with special needs children, maybe God would give me one of my own. So, when I found out that we were expection quadruplets, it was something I thought about often. My little Oscar has what is called SVT's. It is an extra electical path in his heart that causes his heart to beat twice as fast as it should at times. His heart is healthy otherwise, and he and the others have no other health problems. The doctor even expects that he will outgrow the condition before he is a year old. I feel like God took a little extra time on Oscar to make him special, to get him a little extra attention in the beginning. Because I know that God doesn't make mistakes, I feel that way about all children who have some sort of special need. They are not flawed, they are special. God took extra time to make them different from others. He then places them with extra special people. Today's technology makes it so easy to follow stories of families with special needs children. I think this is why I am humbled when people comment on what a good mom I am. I have six children (including my step-son, Kaleb), and all of them are healthy. I have been inspired by, and have learned so much from some very special moms. I hope they will continue to share their stories!
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