It looks like I'm here for the long haul. My doctor was NOT impressed with my cervix. His exact words were, "There's not much left and her head is right there." I'm still not dilated at all which is the good news. He said that he wouldn't be comfortable sending me home with my history of a previous classical c-section.
So, that's that. Pray that I have at least 4 more weeks left and that my cerclage holds tight. He didn't say delivery was imminent, he just didn't want me at home. After being here for 10 weeks already, 5 weeks & 5 days doesn't seem like that much longer to go.
And, please pray for Coy, too. He's still not feeling good. He has a bad cough and is just not himself. I haven't seen him since Sunday and I'm missing him like crazy.
Thanks for all your love & prayers!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
staying put for now
Posted by Chris & AnnMarie at 7:10 PM 10 comments
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
the BIG 3-0 (almost)
I am writing this a day early....with a few updates and needing some prayers...
First the update on Coy...
- Thanks so much for all your prayers in preparation for his circumcision surgery! However, his surgery for tomorrow (Wednesday) is cancelled due to a fever/cough he got on Monday morning. He's feeling fine today. He still has a low grade fever, but I could hear him giggling and laughing this morning on the phone. They wont do surgery with any recent illness, so we are now looking at sometime after September for the surgery. I was really wanting to get it over with because I had mentally prepared for it to happen, but honestly, I'm relieved that he wont be having it tomorrow. It wasn't meant to be this week and I trust God is in control over this. =)
Now update on me/Cydney...
- Yesterday on the monitor, Cydney's heart rate had a 'decel' so....
- I had a biophysical profile done today...basically it's an ultrasound that measures her movements, fluid levels, etc. They scored her and she passed the test with flying colors...8/8!
- My doctor is coming in tomorrow (Wednesday) to check my cervix....if nothings changed and he feels confident, he's going to send me home. I am excited if this happens, but am not letting myself be disappointed if it doesn't. He said if I do get to go, he would make me promise to not 'do anything' and stay in bed. I promise, I promise, I promise and pinky swear too.
- ...and we're 6 hours away from 3-0 weeks. I'm not counting my chicks before they hatch, but we're oh, so close. Praise God!
I'll keep you posted on the "plan" for tomorrow....pray that God guides us in the right direction!
Posted by Chris & AnnMarie at 4:56 PM 8 comments
Sunday, June 14, 2009
short & sweet
Well, here we are, at 29w4d, still pregnant! Thanks be to God!
Things are all pretty much the same and we're taking it day by day. The terb pump is working great. I think the medicine is actually helping quite a bit. I've been having less contractions and irritability lately...which is really nice. I had one day where things were pretty calm all day. It was funny for me to think that is what most pregnancies feel like. I felt like I could get up and jog or something. Or you know, walk around maybe. =)
I guess something has changed, though....my appetite! I get really hungry these days--it's crazy! And, my sweet tooth (sorry Vicky) is getting worse! I am CRAVING Blue Bell Vanilla ice cream all the time. Thank goodness they sell it downstairs!
I'm trying to enjoy every little thing about this pregnancy & 'being pregnant.' I'm very excited to meet my girl, but at the same time, I know that these days are very special. I know I have 6 more weeks at the most...and I am praying for all of them!
Thanks for your continued love & support. It means the world to us!
I'll leave you with these pictures of Coy trying to tip over his stroller today. Exciting, I know, but it's all I've got. He loves to either climb up his stroller, push it, or throw it over. Who needs toys when you have a stroller?
Posted by Chris & AnnMarie at 8:10 PM 5 comments
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
another random update
I am so thrilled to be 29 weeks pregnant! It seems surreal and is such a different experience than the first time around. I am not ready to have this baby by any means, but no longer being in 'micropreemie' territory (23-27 weeks, under 2 lbs) really brings me some relief.
Now, I am still striving for as close to term as possible (I will not go past 36 weeks due to my classical uterine incision), but every day is a gift and I'll take each and every one of them. Believe it or not, I even count the hours. My favorite times of the day are waking up in the morning and going to bed at night; another day here, another one down. I am enjoying being with Cydney during the daytime too, but something about each sunrise and every sundown lifts my spirits andd allows me to breathe alittle easier.
Today, my doctor came in and gave me a big high-five, said he was proud of me, and told me he was thinking about sending me home sometime next week. I'm almost hesitant to say anything because he did say, "I'm not promising anything, but if nothing changes, it's a strong possibility." Whew, that would be a big decision to make...I'll be thinking and praying that God will lead us in the right direction. Will you pray with us?
I received another round of betamethasone (steroid injection to help mature the lungs) today. When I got the first round at 23 weeks, my doctor mentioned I would receive another round at 29 weeks. At that time, 29 weeks almost seemed an eternity away, an improbability. I am so thankful to be here. Have I mentioned that before?
Last night, Chris brought me Pei Wei for dinner (it's really good if you have never been there). My 'fortune' cookie made us laugh. It read, "A solid challenge will bring forth your finest abilities." I don't think my 'finest' ability is carrying babies; at this point I'd have to say I stink at it. I am really good at bed rest, though....does that count as a 'finer' ability? =)
And finally, Coy is schedule in one week from today for circumcision/possible hydrocele surgery. It will be done in the same hospital I'm in, so of course, I'll be wheeled down and stay with him the whole time. We've known he needed this for some time, and we can't put it off any longer. It's been scheduled since before I was on bed rest/in the hospital, and unfortunately, this was the first availability they had. No, it's not an emergency or anything, but due to his age, we really have to get it done or leave it alone. He's getting to a point where he's aware of his body (if you know what I mean) and we don't think we should wait any longer.
I am so scared for him to go back on a ventilator (they have to put him all the way under). I know his lungs are MUCH stronger now than when he was a 'baby', but still, I wish he didn't have to be intubated again. Will you please start to pray this surgery goes well (it's only suppose to last 30 min-1 hour at the most and he should be going home that same day) and Coy has no issues at all with the ventilator? I will feel better knowing that y'all are praying one week in advance!
As always, thanks for all your thoughts, prayers, comments, emails, & cards! We are so blessed by you.
Oh, and I forgot to mention...I went outside last weekend! And, can I say, that being outside in Houston is WAY overrated in June. It was HOT. Although it was nice to get some sunshine and breath fresh air, I think I'm liking the AC in my room just fine. =)
Posted by Chris & AnnMarie at 6:59 PM 16 comments
Sunday, June 7, 2009
a little of everything
On Thursday, I was (finally) taken off the mag and started on a terbuatline pump. The catheter is in my thigh, in the subcutaneous tissue, and there is a tiny tubing that is connected to a pump. The pump looks like a cell phone and it's attached to my pants. Overall, it's MUCH better than being connected to an IV and it doesn't hurt at all. The site has to be changed every 5 days, but hey, that's nothing compared to all the IVs. So far, the terbutaline is working. I am still contracting, but not quite as much, and having irritation to my uterus. We know it's not normal, but it's 'my normal', and that what they're really watching. The key to the puzzle is the cervix...as long as the contractions haven't caused dilation, we're doing good. And so far (*knock on wood*), I'm still closed.
Everything else is pretty much the same. Cydney is moving like crazy and kicking me all the time. It's also really cool to feel her get the hiccups! She hiccups for 5-15 minutes at least twice per day. I felt it for the first time at 26 weeks and knew instantly what it was. Two weeks later, I still put my hand on my belly every time to feel it. I love it. I am cherishing every movement, kick, hiccup--life is truly a miracle.
I searched the internet high & low for Cydney's bedding and furniture. I finally settled on this for her bedding (the fabric looks faded in this picture for some reason)...

and this for her crib...
I'm really excited to have that ordered and on it's way. Of course, it'll be a few weeks before it comes in, but at least it's taken care of!
As far as Coy goes, he's taking steps on his own now! He started standing up all by himself this past week, then began taking a few steps at a time. He took 5 steps last night! His therapist says it'll only be a few weeks before he's taken off! He is a ball of energy and I'm going to be chasing after him like crazy!
Thanks so much for all your love & support. Also, thanks for all the advice on the double strollers! I think I'm leaning towards the Double BOB right now...I am going to send Chris to test drive it first though. Or, maybe I'll send my sister or sister-in-laws...I think I trust their stroller opinions more than his! =)
Praying and praising for 29 weeks! Hope everyone has a great Monday!
Posted by Chris & AnnMarie at 6:30 PM 13 comments
Saturday, June 6, 2009
summer treat...
I will update more tomorrow (at 28w4d!), but tonight I wanted to share my first born enjoying a treat....
He LOVES Popsicles! I think he got his momma's sweet tooth!
Posted by Chris & AnnMarie at 8:53 PM 5 comments
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Good news!
I have good news to report today....
- my fFN was NEGATIVE again!
- I am getting a terbutaline pump today!
- and, the best news of all....Cydney is weighing in at 2 lbs 6 oz!
I had my growth scan this morning and was just praying she was over 2lbs. I couldn't believe it when the tech said she was 2 lbs 6 oz! It's insane that she is (almost) double Coy's birth weight. Thank you God!
I am also so thankful my fFN was negative again. That's a really good thing! Now, if you could just pray that I stay free of infections...I had another UTI this week. Not fun!
And, since I'm 28 weeks today, my doctor feels comfortable changing me to the terbutaline pump. If it doesn't work, we can always go back to the mag, but I am excited I will be IV free for the first time in 8 weeks!
Here are two belly pics as promised...not looking too hot, but that's what 8 weeks in a hospital will do for ya! =) Besides that, I don't really care as long as I have a healthy girl!

Posted by Chris & AnnMarie at 3:20 PM 17 comments

