Messages

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Making the Best of Bed Rest / Re: Thoughts of Strength and Endurance for 2017 / Roll Call

« on: January 03, 2017 at 01:51 PM »

Hello Ladies!! I have the lyrics to a beloved song going through my head, "Grace, grace, God's grace!" I noticed that user name and immediately this song was going through my head and thinking of making it the past nine months....pain, frustration, fears, lonliness at times, unanswered questions, discomfort....it's been a season of seeing a lot of God's grace in my life...serving husband, helpful friends, meals provided, childcare offered, good medical facilities and personnel, a good hospital, pain meds (!), the prayers and support of family and friends....wow! I wouldn't have pictured or asked for some of the things these last months held....I still feel frail and week from bed rest and then a badly sprained ankle and then labor, but I'm just so thankful for God's grace in my life.

Our little Isaiah was born on the 28th and he is just so darn precious! I'm so in love! I'm loving just sitting and holding him and watching his little faces....so worth it! Immediately after delivery, I was so sore and just tired...just about a week out and I'm moving around again, and already...(ack!!!) forgetting....and thinking...."we could do this again....he's just too darn precious!!!" Yeah....we're insane! It's the magic these little people have over you!

So thankful for this forum; so thankful for these women, all their encouragements. It's meant so much. You all are a God-send. God bless you all in 2017!!! Keep 'em cooking ladies! Thanks for the encouraging words, Angela! Amazing story....good analogy!!!

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Making the Best of Bed Rest / Re: Monday Roll call December 26

« on: December 26, 2016 at 06:55 PM »

Cyavca- So excited for you to see your baby tomorrow! Praying for you! I'm hoping I can have mine tomorrow. We've had the strangest things happen...off modified bed rest at 37 weeks (yay), now tomorrow is 40 weeks. My OB is out of town...until Jan 2nd! Last week the NP checked me and thought I may have broke my water and wanted me to go to the hospital to check....so we did. They said my water hadn't broke, but I was at a five (!) and they could give me pitosin and we could have that baby. Seemed great timing...we were there with our bags, etc, sitter at home with our son, let's go. Then, they changed their minds. My earliest US was at 21 weeks and the doctor said that wasn't a good enough date to give them confidence to induce. "What if the baby is really 37 weeks, etc?" So...back home we went....still home...baby feels low. Really hoping not to have a home birth or car birth. Needless to say, it's been a bit nerve wracking this past week....and weird. Who knows....maybe we'll both have babies tomorrow! Thanks for checking in with everyone.

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Making the Best of Bed Rest / Re: Monday Roll Call for December 12

« on: December 15, 2016 at 05:10 PM »

Cyavca! So sorry about this scary roller coaster! I've never personally needed the extra adrenelin! So sorry! It is good to hear your little girl looks good. She's tough like her mama, hanging in there. Praying for your peace and for wise doctor decisions. Keep us posted! Does baby girl have a name yet?

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What's Your Story? Tell us. / Re: Dad here, twins 22wk and shortened cervix

« on: December 08, 2016 at 10:44 PM »

Asinanan- Thank you so much for the update. Praise the Lord you wife is ok! I'm so glad to hear you were still at the hospital when that happened and had good medical help. I'm sure NICU life is tough, especially while your wife is recovering at the same time. Hope you guys have lots of local support and help. May the peace of Christ, another baby who came in less than ideal circumstances, be yours and your families. Praying those little babies thrive and grow strong. God bless you guys. Thanks again for the update.

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Making the Best of Bed Rest / Re: Where's Your Holiday Spirit? Dec. 7, 2016 Roll Call

« on: December 08, 2016 at 10:40 PM »

Cyavca- Thanks so much girl! You are such a trooper! So glad you have a tree and are still participating in wrapping gifts and all! You will have quite a story for this little baby! At the beginning of my bed rest, my Dad commented, "Everyone walking around has some story of how they got here." Kind of mind blowing, really! You will have quite a story for this little one. Praying with you for 34 weeks. Hang in there!

Andi-pants- Thanks! It is a good place to be. I'm very thankful. So glad things are going smoothly for you. Praying for you its all smooth sailing and you can work as needed. Congrats on doing so well so far!

You gals amaze me! Truly!

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Making the Best of Bed Rest / Re: Where's Your Holiday Spirit? Dec. 7, 2016 Roll Call

« on: December 06, 2016 at 03:21 PM »

Hey Ladies! Yes, it's a sweet, sweet time of year. Re-reading Gift of the Magi. Reading parts of Isaiah chapter 9 and Luke. Listening to favorite Christmas music. I thought there was no way I could get a tree up (and then down after having a baby!) so my sister brought over a lit 4-ft tree! It's very pretty in the evening with the house lights low and my 17 month old likes to see it. It's been blowing my mind to think of the young Mary, quite pregnant, traveling...by donkey and giving birth in a stable with animals....I feel I have it very good after such reflections!!!

I'm 37 weeks today, praise the Lord! I'm up and about more, which is weird, but getting better. It's been nice to just have time between my 17 month old and myself again. He has transformed in just a few days, really. I feel like we're connecting again and he is happier and less fussy acting. Sweet times before the next baby boy comes!

I see my OB tomorrow who wants to check me....very curious!! Each evening since being more active, I feel "weird" sensations and think, "is something starting???" Last night it was dull cramping in my groin...weird! It did go away, however, and I did go to sleep! I do feel very ready to have this baby! Strange as that is to say after about 3 months modified bed rest! This kiddo is soooo low! Bed time is becoming....well, kind of miserable! My hips and pubic symphasis and sacrum seem to click and shift every time I move. I can barely take a step when I first get up in the morning, but thankfully, as I move around, the pain goes away. Weird! I don't remember everything so loosey-goosey with my first....all those ligament laxing hormones, no doubt!

Jmomma- nice to hear from you!
Andipants- youre still hanging in there! Relieved for you! Have you been able to work from home, still?
VancouverMama-CONGRATULATIONS! Hoping you and your little one are safely back home!!
KayRuss - Thanks for the update, gal!! So happy for you! You've had a long haul before and after birth, but your patience has paid off. So very happy for you! I know every moment home will be precious!
Lizti- Hope you get to celebrate where ever you are!
Grace- Isn't Amazon the best!!!

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Making the Best of Bed Rest / Re: Monday Roll Call for November 28, 2016

« on: December 02, 2016 at 02:14 PM »

Hello Ladies!!!

I'm super late on this "Monday" forum...apologies. Thinking of you all tons. Last Monday I finally saw my OB! I was 36 weeks and he took me off my progesterone suppositories and said to just take it easy until 37 and then he was fine with the baby coming any time. He did advise me that the baby is so low and the cervix short (at least last we checked) so don't wait for 5 min separation of contractions. That was a relief to hear. I just want to be able to go! He wants to check me next week to see if anything is happening. I'm so aware of my cervix sometimes (it's like it's sore!) I feel that SOMETHING must be happening....we'll see.

I'm getting up more this week. Partly, because my doctor is lightening the restrictions, partly because my ability to find help every day is waning...but it's been over 10 weeks! Crazy! I'm so thankful for all the help and meals we've received. What a difference it all has meant! It's given me a new appreciation for "Grace, God's unmerited favor". I told my friend, "I just lie here and accept all this help and I can never repay anyone. I just lap it all up and offer a puny 'thank you'". She offered that this is what God gives us all the time! How sweet...and how humbling! Thankful!

I have to tell you all, the bedrest thing...oh, goodness! Talk about driving me out of my gourd. Part of it was the bedrest itself, then part of it has been that the whole time, my doctor kind of talked out of both sides of his mouth. The last appointment even, he said he really didnt' think I'd go into labor early. I may just have a short cervix. If I was in a third world country, I'd not have known, and everything probably would be fine, then ending, "but of course, how would you feel if you over did it and something happened." Good grief ! I almost felt guilty for all my friends have done. Maybe they didnt' need to do it all; maybe I didnt' need to lie here and decondition myself? Coming back here, reading your stories, reminding me of why we are doing what we are doing, reminding me of how I used to feel if I did over do it at all....it was a good confirmation for me. Thank you all for that!!!

Farmerswife- man, I remember when you first got on here. It seems like it flew by....from MY sofa, of course, I'm sure not from yours! So happy for you being able to get around. I am so sorry your having so many contractions! I get little pulls and squeezes here and there and even they put me on alert a bit..."hmmmm....is something starting". Im sure it will be a relief at the right time when the baby comes and everything settles down again....Just think how strong your abdominals are going to be!!!

Blossominspring- you are always such an encouragement! So happy to hear you too are on the homestretch!!! It is wonderful getting to engage in life again. Keep us posted! That little baby is going to have some very adorable knit clothes to get into!

Cyavca- Wow, lady! You have been through the ringer. I'm so sorry to hear about the scare! I'm sure it's hard to stay calm when all that activity is swirling around and then such a quick reversal in direction. It's good to know you have such a wonderful team caring for you and baby. Those steroid shots will help, too. Keeping you and baby in prayer. Hang in there. Praying in the midst of so much uncertainty, you still find peace. It's awesome you are over 30 weeks!!!

Carida- That's great you are still at home. I know it's been touchy for some weeks for you, but you are hanging in there! I'm very sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I'm sure that makes it difficult not to worry. May you know the words to that old, old song, "He's got the whole world in His hands". I sing it to my little boy, but it's mostly for me, as a reminder. Keep us posted. You are doing so well!

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What's Your Story? Tell us. / Re: My success

« on: November 25, 2016 at 10:56 PM »

kgkane, thanks for sharing!! I'm totally cracking up that your fed ex guy put gifts in bags for you! Too funny!! God bless! Thanks so much for sharing!

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What's Your Story? Tell us. / Re: Incompetent cervix, shirodkah and twins!.

« on: November 25, 2016 at 10:52 PM »

Mrs. R. How amazing to have surprise twins! That is amazing. We're all rooting for you. Praying for you and your precious little ones! Hang in there, Mama!

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What's Your Story? Tell us. / Re: 31 weeks, irritable uterus

« on: November 25, 2016 at 10:49 PM »

Hello, Andrasme!

Welcome and congrats on your little one! It it strange to be unable to do so many things. I missed flying to see my sister's first little baby...like you said, thankful for technology that can connect us. Hang in there. You're so close to the end. A month, week by week, can go by more quickly than you'd think!

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Making the Best of Bed Rest / Re: Monday Roll Call for November 21, 2016

« on: November 21, 2016 at 11:34 PM »

Happy Thanksgiving, Ladies!!

I have to echo what a few others have said....so glad to be almost 35 weeks!! I am feeling with you all....I'm partly so looking forward to be soon off bedrest....but I know the recovery is slow...and my 16 month old isn't too considerate of that fact. Good thing we're not alone!

So thankful for my sweet husband's help and support. It's been rough and he's been my hero. I'm so thankful for in-laws, friends, and even almost-strangers who have pitched in to help us out. I'm so thankful for the life of this little one and I can't wait to meet him. Most of all, I'm so thankful for Jesus Christ my Savior, who is my ultimate hope.

Cyavca- you are coming along! 30 weeks is closing in. I'm happy for you. You've had a nerve-wracking time, but you are making it! Keep us posted!

BlossominSpring- Oooh! Walks in the woods! Sounds lovely! It's so great to hear about your support system and seeing light at the end of the tunnel!! You are always such an encouragement!

Carida80- Hope you get to enjoy many more days at home on the sofa instead of the hospital. Hope you have a relaxing time with your family! 31 weeks is grand!

Litzi - Yay for snuggly dogs and cats. They can be super comfort.

Angela- Im not seeing the "ad" to click on for a link to Amazon....should I see it on this page. I'd be happy to use it as this site has been such an encouragement to me!

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What's Your Story? Tell us. / Re: 25 weeks with cervical length of 1.6cm

« on: November 15, 2016 at 06:21 PM »

Enochmom- Welcome! My situation is not exactly like yours. I haven't had a cerclage, but I had a shortening cervix. I'm on modified bed rest and progesterone and my cervix measures haven't continued to go down, in fact, it measures slightly longer! There are a lot of stories like yours here and people have had really good success! There is hope. Give that baby good, peaceful vibes and know the more relaxed you are the better. You're right. You ARE in good hands! XO

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Making the Best of Bed Rest / Re: Monday Roll Call for November 14, 2016

« on: November 15, 2016 at 06:18 PM »

MSJLOW12- WOW! So happy for you, girl! I know this is earlier than you were hoping, but it is so sweet to hear your little guy is doing so well. He is very long, too! My full-term first baby was 19 inches long and he is now in the 95% for height. Look out! You'll be going through clothes sizes quickly soon! I love the name! In fact, that's our baby name, too, Isaiah! Love it!

Andi-pants: I am so sorry to hear about your situation! That is really tough and especially when you physically don't feel great! Do you have some extended family who could help you out with meds for a little while? I know self-employed has perks, but it can also be really tough when you're the bottom line on everything! Praying your nausea subsides and your strength can return to do what you need to do. Keep us posted!

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What's Your Story? Tell us. / Re: Hydramnios

« on: November 14, 2016 at 02:35 PM »

TRS - Welcome! Sorry to hear about your condition. I don't have personal experience with hydraminosis, but because of gestational diabetes, I'm eating six small meals a day. It's kid of like grazing. It has helped with my reflux. Hope it helps your pain, too!

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Making the Best of Bed Rest / Ups and Downs...mostly Ups!

« on: November 14, 2016 at 02:31 PM »

Hello Dear Ladies!

Thankful for you all! We're still here at 34 weeks tomorrow! Continuing home bed rest....and I've had a few days going nuts, one day just finally cried...but I felt better after. My sweet husband said, "It's OK. Cry it out." ....and I did! Ha! It was a little discouraging having my OB's NP ask me at my last appointment, "You're on bed rest? Why?" I had to explain what the OB was thinking about a short cervix, etc. She was surprised I was actually "doing it". Good grief! That was ....a little discouraging. But! We do what we have to.

I am curious about what you ladies have heard about a safe time to end bed rest. Does the OB/MFM usually wait until 37 weeks?

Blossominspring! You are a trooper! I bet you can't wait to get out with your little pumpkin! I like Foyle's War (Acorn and Netflix) and Coloumbo. Call of the Midwife was too intense for me! Actually, so was Blechly. I liked them, but just too much adrenelin going!

Cyavca- You are amazing! 28 is a great point to be at. I'm so happy for you and your little one! Praying for you to make full term with your little one!

We are getting excited here...perhaps prematurely. : ) I'd love to be getting the baby room ready, but since I'll probably keep the baby in my room about a month before moving him to the crib, I've finally decided that the room can wait until after he is born. My parents should be visiting by then, too and it's fun to do projects together while they are here. They are half way across the US, so it's always a treat to have them.

Praying for you all, stamina, endurance, encouragement and safe, happy, swimming babies!