7 Quick Takes: Take 26 (or something like that)

Well, 2 weeks and 3 days later here I am in the hospital.  Still pregnant (remarkably) and somehow I haven't gone completely stir crazy.  I am officially 26 weeks and 5 days pregnant and hoping and pray we make it to the 28 week mark on  9/29.  In an effort to stay busy and positive here goes my 7 takes for this week...

***1***

I thought I would start off on a positive note and tell you things about hospital life that make it not so bad.  The first is, since I was a little I loved chewing ice, I think the hospital has the best freaking ice out there!!  It's got perfect crunch to it.  Plus, they always make sure I have a cold ice water bedside 24 hours a day.  It's wonderful.  Second, someone makes me bed every day.  Clean sheets, nicely made bed, pillows fluffed.  It's great.  I take a shower and when I return I have a lovely bed to return to.  Lastly, the nurses are wonderful.  They've listened to me cry, laughed with me, told me funny stories, and even let me sleep in from time to time.  I don't know how I would survive without them honestly.

***2***

I have to say one of the hardest things is having a roommate.  It's not that I am a total bitch, it's just this is such a stressful situtation to start with and it's hard when someone else is in here.  My nerves are shot and I have a short fuse due to all the stress, so it's fair to say that my patience (which was never very good in the first place) is wearing thin.  Something like a Jerry Springer marathon is enough to throw me over the edge!  Or their husbands who use the patient bathroom for roughly 20 minutes and 4 flushes (if you catch my drift), when we are doing everything we can to make sure I don't get any type of infection, despite the large sign that states "patients only" on the door.  I would welcome a friendly face and someone I could pass the time with, but so far I have had only one roommate (who didn't speak english) that I felt I could "talk" with.  (How ironic is that?)  Anyways, that is my biggest complaint.  Thanks for letting me get that out.

***3***

I have been thinking a lot about the coverage on Pope Francis's statement this past week and all of the secular and reliious coverage it has been getting.  I definitely think there has been some twisting of words by the media.  Yes, the church is heading down a new road, and yes, it's important we minister to all people without judgement, but I think in my humble opinion what Pope Francis is trying to say is that we need to focus on the people and less on the issues.  We've lost our focus in some ways.  I would like to say first off, that I agree with the pro lifers and defenders of marriage 110%.  I don't think those issues are not worth fighting for, because they are, but when the issues consume us we forget to minister to the people.  Isn't that what Christ called us to do? Be fishers of men, go back for that lost sheep, welcome the wayward son back with open arms? I think that's what he is saying.  Don't forget love.  There is a reason it's the greatest commandment.  There is too much judgement and not enough love.  We all need a lesson is learning to love people where they are at.  The girl who had an abortion, the gay neighbor we have, the annoying roommate (ouch!), or the family member who drives us crazy.  We need to judge less and love more.  Meet them where they are at.  And I have to be honest in saying christians are often not good at that.  We get too high and mighty sometimes and forget that we aren't better than others, rather we are called to love in an even greater capacity.

(Stepping off my soap box)

***4***

My dear friend Lindsay made me a chain link of positive quotes and statements counting down the days until we reach 28 weeks, which was originally when I was going to get to go home if everything stayed stable.  Every day, like a small child awaits their turn on an Advent calendar, I get excited to take the day's link off and see what positive statement she has written for today.  9 more links btw! 

***5***

Fall is my favorite time of year and I am so missing getting to experience all the wonderful things fall has to offer! Apple orchards, pumpkin patches, maybe even Halloween.  Little Noah is going to be saturated in all things fall next year for sure!  Tom and I have a list of all the great things we are going to do next year that we missed out on this year.  My mom did decorate my house so when I get home I will get to enjoy it.  Obviously, I hope I don't get home too early, but I might have to get a few pumpkins up here...

***6***

My niece Morgan has been up to my room to visit me a few times.  She is almost 10, and I have to say no one brings a smile to my face like she does.  I love watching her grow up...I think mostly because she is a mini me.  I get to relive my childhood through her.  She loves crafts, acting, and singing in dancing.  She hates gym class but has the best sense of humor!  She has been at camp for the last few days, and I cannot wait to hear all about it! She loves to text me and use all those silly emojis. (I admit, I love it too!)

***7***

I am laughing today as I look around my room.  My mom has created my own little apartment in here.  They are going to hate the day I go into labor and they have to move all of my crap to a labor and delivery room.  LOL.  OH well, I guess it comes with the job.  :)

Happy Friday to all of you! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Enjoy your family and go apple picking in my honor!! 

7 Quick Takes: Live from the Hospital

Good morning, y'all!!  My quick takes are coming this morning from my comfy hospital bed.  It's day 4 for hospital bed rest for me.  Hospital bed rest definitely has it's ups and downs, but I am doing my hardest to remain positive and remember that this is the best place for my sweet Noah right now.  I decided to start these quick takes with a short update on me and my "status" since many of you have asked.

So here's the skinny.  Today I am officially 24 weeks and 5 days pregnant.  This is 12 days longer than I was pregnant with Jackson giving us roughly a 35% better chance of survival for our little guy.  Plus, he's had steroids for his lungs, which increases his chances of not only surviving, but having less complications.  In saying all of this, each day we are thankful he has stayed put for one more day, but our next small goal is 26 weeks, when he will be 26 weeks and have a 80% chance of survival.  28 weeks continues to be our long term goal at this point.  My cervix measured 4mm on Tuesday, traditionally doctors like woman's cervix to measure 30 mm or more.  I am not dilated however, and my cerclage (stitches) are still holding thankfully.  Noah, is still healthy and passes his test each morning, meaning he stays on the monitor for 20 minutes so they can hear his heart beat.  Though, he enjoys kicking the monitor from time to time and playing hide and seek too.  Other than the aches and pains that come from laying in a bed 23 hours a day (the other hour accounts for my many trips to the bathroom and my daily shower in that fancy shower chair), we are both doing just fine for the most part.

On to this week's quick takes:

***1***

Let me start off by telling you about my moon boots I get to wear daily.  They are these fancy contraptions I get to wear for many hours a day to help prevent blood clots.  Apparently, I am a guinea pig for these new boots that replaced the horrible ones that went up your whole leg.  Everyone has been in to ask how I like them.  I feel pretty important so I try to talk them up whenever I can.  They do provide some sort of massage quality to my feet so they aren't too bad.  They do however make me super hot from time to time.  Oh modern technology!

***2***

Next up...let's talk about hair.  My biggest regret to date is that I didn't sneak out of the house before Tuesday to get my hair cut and my face waxed.  Oh my....can you say HOT MESS!!??  I apologize to my nurses, doctors, and visitors.  My dreaded feet could desperately use a pedicure too.  I know what mamas reward for surviving bed rest is going to be.

***3***

It's funny, but being in the hospital has made me realize just how much I don't enjoy watching the TV.  I try to watch it in the mornings, but I get so annoyed by the stupid commercials and news stories that they repeat, and repeat.  Do you know that the Today Show is on for like 9 hours straight??  Ridiculous! I do put Ellen on each day at 3 for some laughs, and I am thankful for my Netflix app, but other than a few choice shows, the TV is off in my room.  I have much more enjoyed listening to music on my iPad.  

***4***

 Let's talk about hospital food.  Although, it's not the worst thing I have eaten, the menu is getting old quick! Plus, with my gestational diabetes they limit my choices.  Jerks.  They are seriously lacking raw veggies and non starchy options.  They do have some fabulous Mac N Cheese however!  Anyways, thankfully my family is coming to the rescue and bringing me in some better options from time to time. They also have a fridge on the floor I can keep stuff in as well.  

***5***

I am thankful that I have a bed with a window. I have only had a roommate for a total of 12 hours to share my view with.  And although I look on to  roof, in the distance are lots of trees and I am looking forward to watching them change colors.  I also enjoy opening my window and letting some fresh air in from time to time.  It makes everything a little better.

***6***

I miss my husband.  Especially at night when I have to go to sleep by myself.  It's kind of ironic because when we first got married I had to adjust to sleeping with a snoring, hot box each night, but now it's hard to fall asleep without him here.  Yes, he visits, but at the end of the night he has to go home and I hate that the most.  He is a quality snuggler.

***7***

Finally, I really must give a shout out to the awesome nurses, aides, and doctors I have encountered thus far!  They have all been nice, attentive, compassionate and overall great! I am thankful that they are here and looking out for my best interests.  They have great attitudes and most of the time wear a smile on their faces.  They change my sheets daily, my water cup is never empty, and they never moan when I hit the call button.  Good job Oakwood hospital! :)