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! :)