NICU

This has been a humbling experience to say the least. Jordan had such a strong first 2 days, then everything seemed to go wrong. I'm not ready to write details, but happy to say today was a better day and that is what we are focusing on! I was able to hold Jordan for the first time, chris got to change 2 diapers and Jordan was fed his first breastmilk. So we are focusing in the positive and prayer. 

Introducing Jordan Richard

Jordan Richard born April 23rd at 3:09 pm. 2lbs 14oz. 

Quick update. Back in the hospital (my BP has continued to go up and baby's heartrate has been dropping here and there). Looks like this baby is coming sooner than later (although they've said this before). So we are in a place to wait, see and pray!

Made it to 31 weeks-which is great! At my appointment today, baby boy looks great, the big concerns are right now that he is still measuring small which is due to low blood flow from one of the two arteries going to the placenta (I think...). As a result, I'm not going to be doing 2 ultrasounds a week so we can keep a close eye on this. Basically if the blood flow gets worse, we will have the baby sooner as he'll grow better outside. But if it stays the same, he'll stay in. The Dr. today even said it might be closer to 35 or 36 weeks (right now we are planning on 34-Mary 10th to be exact) so I guess it is a little bit of a waiting game.

In other news, Em has a rough few days of a stomach bug, lots of throw up. But we recovered for the weekend and got to enjoy the nice weather with lots, and lots of bike riding (well, for her and Daddy, not so much me).

This was 30 weeks-yes it is even bigger this week.

Poor, sick Emmy

30 Weeks and Other Updates

So, start with the good news. We made it to 30 weeks, which a few weeks ago I never thought would happen. While the baby is looking pretty strong and healthy, he is on the small side (due to not getting enough nutrients because of the pre-E). He currently is about 2lbs 13oz. I have another appointment on Wednesday, so as of today the game plan is still to deliver at 34 weeks. I'm trying to be positive and brave, but I have to admit, I'm also sad and scared. I do feel very fortunate to have such a strong support network. Don't know what we'd do without it!

One of the difficult things right now is being on bed rest. I'm a pretty active person, not to mention running around after Em takes a lot! So I'm happy all of the help that we've been getting with Em so that she still has lots of attention. I think all of our family and friend are really appreciating ALL of the crazy energy this girly has!! But she is being a real trooper though all of this, and has shown some great maturity. She is also so excited to see her baby brother soon!

That's all-thank you all from the prayers and please keep them coming!

Cutie!

Shopping spree with Nana! She was very excited about the glittery shoes.

Princess for a day! 

Coco for Cocoa Puffs with Uncle Adam (apparently Chris and I are bad parents because our child had never eaten cho-cho wheels or cocoa puffs...sorry she was too busy eating broccoli?)

Poor Tuxedo! 

Happy Birthday Emma Clare!

Ok, first what a difference a week makes. On Sunday I was told there was not possible way I was going home until this baby was born at 34 weeks, end of discussion. Needless to say, I was totally bummed. Wednesday morning, out of nowhere, Dr. comes in and says I get to go home that day. Baby has been looking perfect and everything with me was looking good as well. So, off to home I went. I was supposed to have 2 doctor appointments week, again until 34 weeks, but was told today that I only had to do my ultrasound each week and then Dr. appts every other week (which the doctor appointments every other week are normal at this time). And it seems like we may be able to push back the 34 week deadline...which would be amazing! Still taking things a day/week at a time. I know this could all change, but very thankful right now.

So, in other news Em turned 4 this weekend! (and I got to be there!!). We had a small party at the bounce house, pinata and cake. Em had such a fun time! I can't even believe my little bunny is 4!!

Baby boy-29 weeks. Scored an 8/8 again on his bio-metric screening. Good job little guy!

Little man is getting some chubby cheeks. Good job! 

Em's birthday cake!

Fun!

Our 4 year old love bug!

Pinata!

Baby Update

So, been at the hospital for a little over a week now. Let's start with the good news:

1. Baby boy looks strong and healthy. During his biophysical profile today he scored an 8/8-which is amazing at this point. This means he had a perfect score in fetal breathing (which is super good at this point-this is usually the one that babies this early miss), fetal tone, baby movement and amniotic fluid. They will be repeating this test weekly, then every few weeks also measuring to see how big baby is (they measured last week-2lbs-so likely won't measure until either next week or the following). 
2. We made it to 28 weeks! A baby born at 28 weeks has much better odds (although a long NICU stay) so this is a huge mile marker to be pass. I still will do everything I can to keep this baby in as long as possible, but happy to have gotten to this point as well. 
3. My BP has been looking awesome. 6 days with no spikes, so the combination of meds is right on. 

So, now for the not so good news:

1. I will not be going home until this baby is born. I really thought if BPs evened out and baby kept looking good I'd get to at least go home on bed rest. But unfortunately not. They worry that everything can look perfect one min and then go downhill very quickly. So I'm here. Trying my best to stay positive about that, but it was a pretty big blow. 
2. I will be delivering this baby boy no later than 34 weeks. I was hoping that if things kept looking good I would be able to hold off until baby boy was full term, but the Dr. said there was NO WAY we would go past the 34 week mark. Being that I delivered Em at like 41 weeks, this is super scary to me, but I am trusting my doctors. 

So, there is the full baby and mommy update. Em and Chris are still doing well. It's so difficult to be away from them, but they are bonding and being super supportive! We had a fun Easter hiding Easter eggs in my hospital room-trying to make the best of it all!

Little man at 28 weeks. That is totally his foot up by his eye...

Hoppy Easter!

Sometimes you just have to fall asleep on Daddy!