almost there

Only 2 more days to go until we meet Spud #2!! 

 

This last week has been hard as time is moving at a snails pace. However, I'm taking my sister in law Jens advice, and just reading against the clock; starting my eleventh book today.  These past few days I'm more uncomfortable, impatient, and feeling way more antsy to be home. Let's get this show on the road! Although I continue to have amniotic leaking, my fluid has remained stable enough, and I haven't had anymore bleeding scares. Here's some highlights from this week.

 Big squeeze

 

 Big slice of pizza

 

Loves watermelon just like her mama

 Heritage Park with daddy

 

Tea Party with Debra

Painting with Yia-yia

More Lego fun at Aunty Debra's

Yep she's mama's girl;  so proud of my little baker!

 

7

Seven is not just a lucky number or the number of my all time favorite football player, but today it happens to be how many more days until we meet Spud #2!!!! Today is 33 weeks. I've been in the hospital for 9 weeks a total of 64 days. As of yesterday, Spud #2 weighs 4 lbs. I have also read nine books and have already started on my tenth. I'm also officially in the books scheduled for a c-section with tubal ligation (no more kids!) at 11:30am on August 22nd. I can't tell you just how excited and antsy I am to get this show on the road so I can be home with my family. I know Jay, Kate, and her caretakers are just as ready to have me home too. Continue to pray for everyone's health and that we'll be able to be discharged to go home at the same time. Because going from hospital to hotel doesn't sound appealing at all; I want to go home!!! This morning Amanda brought me a celebratory latte and bagel; YUM! It was fun to celebrate this milestone and thought it fitting to have her take a picture of us too.

 

My nurse updated the white board in my room today. 

This week I enjoyed a visit with my friend Diane from grad school. We had a lovely time catching up, reminiscing, and also praising how far I've already survived being here.  Jay and Kate put the toddler bed together earlier this week, and Kate has been doing well sleeping in it at night without getting out of bed. The nighttime transition has been better then I anticipated, but she still needs to make the transition for nap-time. My parents have also been working hard to finish remodeling the kids bathroom and mom washing things for the newborn.

Kate and Debra made Yia-yia a birthday cake and cards on Wednesday.

Park with Daddy. Kate was excited to tell me that they saw a turtle swimming.

countdown begins

 Kate enjoying time with Debra

 

On Friday August 1st I woke to this text from hubby: "Happy August! You're in the home stretch!" Then Amanda decorated the white board in my room. 

This milestone couldn't have come at a better time since the previous few days had been emotionally difficult. I was angry, inpatient, feeling done, and antsy to go home. Going outside, showering, and having family visit on the weekend was just the right medicine.

  Enjoying crafts and treats from Canada

playtime

The ob team and I have decided to have a permanent room on Labor and Delivery unit until delivery. I have continuous observation, but still can have some freedom (patio time, showers, and bathroom privileges) without having to constantly go back and forth between L and D and Postpartum units. This seemed to be the best solution since I continue to have intermittent bleeding and fluid changes that would otherwise put me back on L and D anyway.  I have been talking with my ob's, nurses, and NICU staff to get a better understanding of what to expect for delivery and recovery.

Kate camping out in the kitchen.

This past Tuesday I had a fabulous date with my Uncle David. We enjoyed good food and great conversation. I was grateful he stopped in, while down from No. Cal for a conference at Pepperdine University.

On Thursday I knew my mom had planned something special. Kate, my mom, and mother in law came for a visit and planned a formal tea here in my "apartment." They brought in real china, a fragrant bouquet from mom's garden, scones, fruit, tea sandwiches, and tea. We had a blast. We didn't know that my nurse had put up a sign so we wouldn't be disturbed. It was a super special  surprise and got a lot of attention from the hospital staff.

 

 

 

  

 

I must admit it feel good to finally be in the same month as Spud 2's arrival and especially making it to 32 weeks as that was a personal goal of mine. As of Friday (my 32 week mark) Spud #2 weighs 3 lb 9 oz. I like how my parents and Amanda writes notes to each other.

 

When I talked to Yia-yia later that day, 

she raved about how much Kate has improved in swimming lessons. 

Yesterday (Sat) Jay and I celebrated our 11 year wedding anniversary. My parents took Kate overnight so Jay could come up and we could have some quality time. Obviously it wasn't quite how we might have planned, but we tried to make the most of it and ended up having more fun then we thought. The news traveled fast amongst hospital staff as we constantly got congratulatory wishes and less disruptions. We choose a nice restaurant to order delivery (recommended by my dietitian). We both had steak with various sides, and the dinner was delicious, exceeding our expectations; thanks Ron and JoAnne! We enjoyed patio time out in the sun, listening to music and playing card games.

 

 

This was slipped in the bag with our dinner order.

Kate had her own fun at IKEA.

Today my parents drove up with Kate and we enjoyed lunch from a new pizza place, then more patio time out in the warm sunshine.  I've been here 59 days and have only 12 days until we hope to meet our baby. Continue to pray for everyone's health and that these last few weeks go by quickly. You know the saying "a watched pot never boils." Gotta make these last days not go at a snails pace.