Nothing too exciting to blog about here and in our current situation I think that is a good thing. I am on modified bed rest...which means a whole lot of resting....esp. for the next six weeks or so. I can get up for meals and showers, etc. I am taking it one day at a time and I am going to try my very best to not complain about this. I have enjoyed lots of royal wedding coverage today!!
Kevin is doing great being Mr. mom, but I think he completely knows how hard it is to get it all done. I hate not being able to help him when I know what and where things are that he needs. I am so proud of him and I love him so much for being such a wonderful husband.
I did have another doctor's appointment today. It was my first one since being home. I will continue to have a weekly appointment which will include a weekly ultrasound and a weekly NST starting in about a week. I thought in my other 3 pregnancies I had a lot of extra ultrasounds but little Eli is def. going to take the cake.
That's about all that's new...time to turn over!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
There's no place like home!!!
We arrived home to our local airport around 6:30pm. I may or may not have shed a few tears and we arrived. It felt like the end of a long journey! It was a delayed and somewhat bumpy flight home due to the bad weather surrounding TN. We were so thankful to get home. It is definitely a new experience for me to be in a wheelchair...somewhat humbling I guess. The girls did great and I think they were as happy to be home as we were. In fact, Ella said about 4 times, "Mommy, it's so good to be at my house." I couldn't agree with her more.
Our ultrasound today went really well. Eli's fluid is still in the normal range and his ventricles are still measuring normally as well. I think the best thing that we saw today was fluid or a space back behind the cerebellum. One aspect of spina bifida is that it causes the cerebellum to be pulled down into the spinal column where it should not be. It is called hindbrain herniation or Chari malformation. Eli did have this visible on ultrasound prior to our fetal surgery. One of the benefits of fetal surgery is that they often saw that over the remaining part of the pregnancy the cerebellum was able to move back to where it should be. This was one of the motivating factors in us doing the surgery. So today when they did our ultrasound we could already see this happening after one week!!! I think everyone in the room was excited to see this already!!! It helped to make all the pain and inconveniences worth it to already see some physical benefit for Eli. Please keep praying that God will continue to heal our little Eli as he grows.
Today they asked me if I thought the experience had been harder, easier or what I had expected. I guess that is a hard question to answer because there were times when it was way harder!! There were also moments when it was easier. I did say that all along we felt so blessed by each person we came in contact with. I cannot say enough good things about my doctors at Vanderbilt. I just wish they were local! They will continue to follow us on a weekly basis, so I look forward to staying in touch with them in the weeks to come.
So, the weeks to come are ones that will be low-key and doing everything I can to let our sweet little boy grow as long as he can. This includes lifting nothing heavier than a gallon of milk. I know as the weeks go by and I feel better and better this will be hard for me. It is so natural to just "do" what needs to be done. I know in the grand scheme of life this will be a very short period and so we will do all we can do to get Eli here as late as possible. I would love to make it to 37 weeks. 34 weeks is considered about normal for this pregnancy. Please pray that fluids will stay high and contractions will stay away. Here's to the next 13 weeks (hopefully) of cooking!!
Our ultrasound today went really well. Eli's fluid is still in the normal range and his ventricles are still measuring normally as well. I think the best thing that we saw today was fluid or a space back behind the cerebellum. One aspect of spina bifida is that it causes the cerebellum to be pulled down into the spinal column where it should not be. It is called hindbrain herniation or Chari malformation. Eli did have this visible on ultrasound prior to our fetal surgery. One of the benefits of fetal surgery is that they often saw that over the remaining part of the pregnancy the cerebellum was able to move back to where it should be. This was one of the motivating factors in us doing the surgery. So today when they did our ultrasound we could already see this happening after one week!!! I think everyone in the room was excited to see this already!!! It helped to make all the pain and inconveniences worth it to already see some physical benefit for Eli. Please keep praying that God will continue to heal our little Eli as he grows.
Today they asked me if I thought the experience had been harder, easier or what I had expected. I guess that is a hard question to answer because there were times when it was way harder!! There were also moments when it was easier. I did say that all along we felt so blessed by each person we came in contact with. I cannot say enough good things about my doctors at Vanderbilt. I just wish they were local! They will continue to follow us on a weekly basis, so I look forward to staying in touch with them in the weeks to come.
So, the weeks to come are ones that will be low-key and doing everything I can to let our sweet little boy grow as long as he can. This includes lifting nothing heavier than a gallon of milk. I know as the weeks go by and I feel better and better this will be hard for me. It is so natural to just "do" what needs to be done. I know in the grand scheme of life this will be a very short period and so we will do all we can do to get Eli here as late as possible. I would love to make it to 37 weeks. 34 weeks is considered about normal for this pregnancy. Please pray that fluids will stay high and contractions will stay away. Here's to the next 13 weeks (hopefully) of cooking!!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Tuesday...glad to be one week out!
I am so glad to be one week out from surgery now! I am so thankful to have a week of healing behind me today rather than where I was last week at this time. I am continuing to feel better each day. Today we had an appointment with a pediatric urologist at Vanderbilt. We spoke briefly with my doctor a few days ago about the possibility of us returning after Eli is born to be seen at the Spina Bifida clinic here. We do have a SB clinic in our town so it will really depend of how things go there. We really want him to have the best care that he can have and so we are looking into this as an option for the future. It was good to meet with the urologist and get some ideas of care and what will happen after his birth from an urological perspective. I have learned that so much at this point is a wait and see, but I always like to be prepared for what might be coming. As always we are praying that he will do better than the norm and will always surpass our expectations. I am sure that is every parent's hope as they raise a child that has extra needs.
We are praying that today is our last day here. It has been a good stay, but we are ready to get home. They are expecting lots of severe weather here for tonight and for tomorrow, We are really praying that this will not mess up out flight home. Ella is excited about her first airplane ride. It should be fun for mom and Kevin navigating us through the airport with me in a wheelchair, Eliza in a stroller and Ella. It shouldn't be too bad once we get all of our luggage checked. So, tomorrow is our last hurdle before we are home. SO thankful1
We are praying that today is our last day here. It has been a good stay, but we are ready to get home. They are expecting lots of severe weather here for tonight and for tomorrow, We are really praying that this will not mess up out flight home. Ella is excited about her first airplane ride. It should be fun for mom and Kevin navigating us through the airport with me in a wheelchair, Eliza in a stroller and Ella. It shouldn't be too bad once we get all of our luggage checked. So, tomorrow is our last hurdle before we are home. SO thankful1
Monday, April 25, 2011
Day six post op
I am happy to be blogging from our hotel today. I was discharged from the hospital yesterday on Easter Sunday. It definitely didn't feel like Easter Sunday to us. We made a quick stop through the drive through at Panera Bread and I ordered like I hadn't eaten in weeks. I think my appetite is getting back to normal or maybe even above normal
Kev brought me back to the hotel and I was greeted by two little sweeties and my sweet mom. It was really good to see them and be back at the same location. I then resumed my spot on the couch. Little activity (like taking a shower) makes me more tired than it used too. I lay on my side for a while. Then I turn to the other side. Then I sit up for a while and repeat. I think I am doing pretty good to be just one week out from major surgery while being pregnant.
Kev took our girls to the zoo today with our friends here that are locals. They were excited and I sent the camera and reminded Ella about 5 times to remind her daddy to take lots of pictures. Daddy is doing good doing daddy and mommy duty. I am proud of him. Mimi (my mom) is sitting with me. We've decided that there is not a lot on TV that we want to watch!! We may take an afternoon walk through the lobby this afternoon so I can move my legs a little. Sounds exciting huh?
Yesterday before we left the hospital our doctor did another ultrasound. Eli had a normal volume of fluid again which was greatly increased from the first day after surgery. He also had changed positions again so we know he has enough volume to move in. His ventricles are still within the normal range and so far that was good to hear. We could also tell that the sac or lesion (opening) on his lower spine was gone. It is good to see that it was closed now. I am feeling more and more bonded to this little guy. We have already been through a lot together and I am so proud of him already. Our prayer is that he will continue to exceed our expectations as well as those of doctors. Of course I also pray that the Lord will move mightily in his life at a young age and he will grow to have a power testimony of God's grace in his life. I don't know what the Lord has planned for him or for us, but I do feel that He has a plan in all this.
We have a doctor's appointment early Wed. morning and I will have my staples removed. I have heard that it isn't painful, but it just doesn't seem fun. Eli and I will get a good check-up and if we are ready we will head to the airport for our flight home that afternoon. I am really praying this is the case. I can't wait to sleep in my own bed!!
Kev brought me back to the hotel and I was greeted by two little sweeties and my sweet mom. It was really good to see them and be back at the same location. I then resumed my spot on the couch. Little activity (like taking a shower) makes me more tired than it used too. I lay on my side for a while. Then I turn to the other side. Then I sit up for a while and repeat. I think I am doing pretty good to be just one week out from major surgery while being pregnant.
Kev took our girls to the zoo today with our friends here that are locals. They were excited and I sent the camera and reminded Ella about 5 times to remind her daddy to take lots of pictures. Daddy is doing good doing daddy and mommy duty. I am proud of him. Mimi (my mom) is sitting with me. We've decided that there is not a lot on TV that we want to watch!! We may take an afternoon walk through the lobby this afternoon so I can move my legs a little. Sounds exciting huh?
Yesterday before we left the hospital our doctor did another ultrasound. Eli had a normal volume of fluid again which was greatly increased from the first day after surgery. He also had changed positions again so we know he has enough volume to move in. His ventricles are still within the normal range and so far that was good to hear. We could also tell that the sac or lesion (opening) on his lower spine was gone. It is good to see that it was closed now. I am feeling more and more bonded to this little guy. We have already been through a lot together and I am so proud of him already. Our prayer is that he will continue to exceed our expectations as well as those of doctors. Of course I also pray that the Lord will move mightily in his life at a young age and he will grow to have a power testimony of God's grace in his life. I don't know what the Lord has planned for him or for us, but I do feel that He has a plan in all this.
We have a doctor's appointment early Wed. morning and I will have my staples removed. I have heard that it isn't painful, but it just doesn't seem fun. Eli and I will get a good check-up and if we are ready we will head to the airport for our flight home that afternoon. I am really praying this is the case. I can't wait to sleep in my own bed!!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Saturday...still hanging at the hospital
Kev is channel surfing on our four channels and I am surfing the Internet. Today was a LONG day here at the hospital. I was so glad to have my mom here with me today. Kev got to spend some time with our girls. They went to an Easter Egg hunt with our sweet friends who live here in town and I heard they had a great time. The hunt was at a farm and they got to see all kinds of animals. I was proud of daddy getting them dressed in their correct egg hunting outfits and he assured me that they wore their matching hair bows. So glad to know they can carry on without me! :) I think they were all worn out this afternoon, but I am so glad they had such a nice time.
Mom got us lunch from the cafeteria and we flipped the channels over and over and switched sharing the laptop. At one point we were going so stir crazy that we started laughing over something silly and quickly realized that laughing and a stapled stomach are a really bad combination. I don't think I have ever sat so much in my life. I know it is only just the beginning.
Later this evening Kevin and the girls brought me dinner from The Cheesecake Factory. It was DE-LISH and I assure you the best thing I've had all week. I am so over hospital food. I got to see the girls for the bit and Eliza kept patting my tummy...very gently. I guess she has heard that mommy has an owie on my tummy. Ella wanted to play doctor again and check me out...that makes me nervous. I can't wait to be with them again.
I think my worst pain today has been this terrible horrible no good very bad gas pain. I cannot believe I am writing that on my blog. When I say gas it is not the embarrassing kind of gas, but just the horrible kind that causes sharp miserable pains. That combined with both an internal incision and and external one and a little one inside moving and kicking....whew!! Let's just say that I am praying things get better soon. My incision pain still hurts a lot esp. as the meds begin to wear off but it is more manageable. I feel really sore all over. My back really hurts and I can't seem to get comfortable when sitting and laying. I know each day will better!
This has been the longest week of my life and yet it the hard times there has been blessings. I cannot tell you how much I love my doctor here, Dr. Carroll. She is the best doctor I have ever seen in my life. I wish I could move her to Charleston or fly here each week for my appointments. She is so caring and has such a good bedside manner. She has spent so much time talking to us and getting to know us and our family. She is proactive and explains everything so we can understand. We have all been so impressed. The nurses and other staff members have also been wonderful. I am so thankful for the care they have given to me.
So, we are praying to maybe get discharged tom. if I am feeling more normal and hoping that is the case. If you get a chance, say a prayer for my dad, He left being with us on Thursday to drive back home to be at church for Good Friday and Easter services. My mom talked to him today and he is so sick with a terrible stomach virus. It is terrible to be the pastor and be sick on Easter Sunday. He has a great replacement, but I know his heart's desire is to be there tom. and I hate he is sick.
Mom got us lunch from the cafeteria and we flipped the channels over and over and switched sharing the laptop. At one point we were going so stir crazy that we started laughing over something silly and quickly realized that laughing and a stapled stomach are a really bad combination. I don't think I have ever sat so much in my life. I know it is only just the beginning.
Later this evening Kevin and the girls brought me dinner from The Cheesecake Factory. It was DE-LISH and I assure you the best thing I've had all week. I am so over hospital food. I got to see the girls for the bit and Eliza kept patting my tummy...very gently. I guess she has heard that mommy has an owie on my tummy. Ella wanted to play doctor again and check me out...that makes me nervous. I can't wait to be with them again.
I think my worst pain today has been this terrible horrible no good very bad gas pain. I cannot believe I am writing that on my blog. When I say gas it is not the embarrassing kind of gas, but just the horrible kind that causes sharp miserable pains. That combined with both an internal incision and and external one and a little one inside moving and kicking....whew!! Let's just say that I am praying things get better soon. My incision pain still hurts a lot esp. as the meds begin to wear off but it is more manageable. I feel really sore all over. My back really hurts and I can't seem to get comfortable when sitting and laying. I know each day will better!
This has been the longest week of my life and yet it the hard times there has been blessings. I cannot tell you how much I love my doctor here, Dr. Carroll. She is the best doctor I have ever seen in my life. I wish I could move her to Charleston or fly here each week for my appointments. She is so caring and has such a good bedside manner. She has spent so much time talking to us and getting to know us and our family. She is proactive and explains everything so we can understand. We have all been so impressed. The nurses and other staff members have also been wonderful. I am so thankful for the care they have given to me.
So, we are praying to maybe get discharged tom. if I am feeling more normal and hoping that is the case. If you get a chance, say a prayer for my dad, He left being with us on Thursday to drive back home to be at church for Good Friday and Easter services. My mom talked to him today and he is so sick with a terrible stomach virus. It is terrible to be the pastor and be sick on Easter Sunday. He has a great replacement, but I know his heart's desire is to be there tom. and I hate he is sick.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Post Op. day 3
Today has been by far my roughest day yet. I have heard day 3 can be this way. I have been in a lot of pain today and I am really ready to feel even a little better. Kev went to the hotel tonight to be with the girls and my sweet mom is here with me. I am so thankful for them all and the care they have been giving to me. We have a great view from our room, but this little room is getting very old. I will be glad to hopefully be discharged on Sunday! No pretty Easter dress for me this year!!
I had a sweet visit from one of my college suite mates tonight who lives in the surrounding area. It was good to have a visit from her and her sweet family. She brought Eli some cute little boy clothes and a cute onesie that said little brother. We keep saying that he better be one sweet, sweet little boy! I know he will be and this will all be worth it one day.
Today has definitely been a different Good Friday. I have missed being at church and remembering what the Lord did for me. I do feel a new and very real appreciation for the physical pain and suffering that Jesus went through as He paid the price for my sins. I am so thankful to know and love the one who gave His all for me.
I had a sweet visit from one of my college suite mates tonight who lives in the surrounding area. It was good to have a visit from her and her sweet family. She brought Eli some cute little boy clothes and a cute onesie that said little brother. We keep saying that he better be one sweet, sweet little boy! I know he will be and this will all be worth it one day.
Today has definitely been a different Good Friday. I have missed being at church and remembering what the Lord did for me. I do feel a new and very real appreciation for the physical pain and suffering that Jesus went through as He paid the price for my sins. I am so thankful to know and love the one who gave His all for me.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Post Op. Day2
Today started off early with visits from nurses and doctors checking on both me and Eli. I slept better last night and woke up ready to try to take a shower. It is crazy to me how hard daily routine things are right after surgery; like turning over in bed or standing up. I accomplished a nice shower and managed to look at my incision without fainting, although it was close. I wasn't able to have horizontal incision so I have a vertical one from my belly button down. The stapes about made me throw-up. I vaguely remember coming to a little at the end of the surgery and hearing the stapler. I was told it looks pretty, but to me I feel rather beat up!
Kevin has always been my best nurse. I always say that a true sign of love is not when you are skinny, looking your best or feeling your best ,but rather when you've just had a baby(or still yet to) and
you feel terrible and your body looks it too. He always takes great care of me and I love him so much. I know he is proud of me for all I have been through for our little family and times like these always seem to deepen our love for each other.
I also got a visit from my two little sweeties. My doctor arranged for a play therapist to come in and make the hospital a little less overwhelming. She had a doctor's kit and a doll with an IV just like mommy's. I really think this helped and they had a great time. It was so good just to see them today.
I have been beyond impressed by the exceptional care we have received here. I cannot tell you how sweet and caring the doctors and nurses have been. We are so thankful for that.
I am hoping to feel better tomorrow. I am sure each day will be a little better as I heal. Looking forward to getting out of the hospital on Sunday and then resting for a while here in Nashville. Nashville has found a special place in our hearts already.
Kevin has always been my best nurse. I always say that a true sign of love is not when you are skinny, looking your best or feeling your best ,but rather when you've just had a baby(or still yet to) and
you feel terrible and your body looks it too. He always takes great care of me and I love him so much. I know he is proud of me for all I have been through for our little family and times like these always seem to deepen our love for each other.
I also got a visit from my two little sweeties. My doctor arranged for a play therapist to come in and make the hospital a little less overwhelming. She had a doctor's kit and a doll with an IV just like mommy's. I really think this helped and they had a great time. It was so good just to see them today.
I have been beyond impressed by the exceptional care we have received here. I cannot tell you how sweet and caring the doctors and nurses have been. We are so thankful for that.
I am hoping to feel better tomorrow. I am sure each day will be a little better as I heal. Looking forward to getting out of the hospital on Sunday and then resting for a while here in Nashville. Nashville has found a special place in our hearts already.
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