Babies AND Mama update

I had a very eventful long weekend to say the least. I had grand plans to update everyone Friday afternoon about a great ~26 week appt. Well, apparently, plans change and we are reminded that we are not the ones in control!

I had my routine Dr's appt. Thursday afternoon (Almost 26 weeks). I always get an ultrasound of the babies and my cervix each time(every two weeks). Well my cervix had shortened 0.6 cm- down from 3.2 to 2.6- in 2.5 weeks! And I had been having braxton hicks contractions quite a bit the last few weeks. Apparently these were regular enough and strong enough to cause the cervical change. So after an NST that confirmed the mild contractions, they whisked me over to the hospital and put me on meds-Niphedimine/Procardia- to calm my "irritable uterus" and IV fluids in case I was dehydrated. I stayed until Monday afternoon and was treated for preterm labor so they could monitor me, run more tests, and do a follow up ultrasound to check my cervix again after the bedrest. Well, I passed the FFN and the ultrasound and was sent home on strict bedrest for the rest of our time. I am pretty much restricted to the first floor. I can get up to go to the bathroom, grab a bite to eat-AKA frig. or microwave reheat (no cooking, or baking), shower- and get back in bed. I did plead to scoot up the stairs for a shower every other day since we don't have one on the first floor. They OK'ed it :)

Through all of this the girls have looked great! They monitored them pretty closely in the hospital and they performed like champs. There heart rates are fantastic, fluid looks great, and they are a bunch of jumping beans! This time around it isn't the babies, it's the mama-go figure! We just can't win can we? No, we have won because we are so thankful that we are all OK and able to be at home. The nurses were fantastic but that hospital bed and room left a little to be desired along with not being able to see Todd, Lucas, and our furry kids. New hospital restrictions went into effect this week that no visitors under 18 are allowed due to the swine flu. That means that if I was on hospital bedrest OR when these little girls do arrive- NO Lucas in the hospital! That breaks my heart...I am praying that we get to remain home for the duration of the pregnancy and that maybe the hospital restrictions are re-evaluated. Time will tell!

That is far more excitement then I would like and hope to lay low for the next few months. We were directed to take baby step goals- 28, 32, 34 weeks and every week from there is FANTASTIC :) We will shoot for the stars and would like to get to 34-36. So here I lay and will continue to do so in hopes for a quick 8-10 weeks to fly by! Lots to do but I know we will get there will the fantastic support of our amazing family and friends. I'll keep you all posted I'm sure since the TV, computer, books, and magazines are my daytime friends :) Looks like the nursery setup will be up to Todd and family/friends and the baby showers are coming here!