34 (and a half) Weeks

At my doctor's appointment today, I found out that the new insurance, which UTCOM (University of Toledo College of Medicine) uses, does not cover ultrasounds at my doctor's office. I would have to go somewhere else for it. So Dr. Rhee decided that I did not need one.

Here is what will be happening on the next few weeks. I will be going off the Procardia on Friday morning. Then I will go into the doctor's again on Monday, and she will do a Beta Strep test and see how dilated I am. She will also check to make sure there is a "good" body part down (head or bum). Then she will also lift some of the bed rest restrictions.

Dr. Rhee also handed the doppler to Jon when she walked in amd told him he could find the heart beat. He did, but the baby moved.

So the boy has turned a little. He is sideways now, and either his shoulder or elbow is now poking in in the top of my stomach.

Here I am at 34 and a half weeks. My black skirt does not currently fit over my hips, which have widened significantly in the last two or so weeks.I did not get the picture sooner because I was in the hospital and things have been a little crazy since I have been home. Also, here is the slide show updated.

Baby Shower

It is so good to be home! One really nice thing about being home is that I did not have to have my baby shower in the Toledo Hospital. Instead, I sat on my couch (put of my bed rest) and the shower came to me. Thanks to all who came.

I forgot to pull out the camera during the shower, but Jon snapped a few pictures when I was going through things.

Here I am sitting and organizing the mess a little.

"Should I Stay or Should I go?"

In the words of Jar Jar Binks, "Me Sa Goin' Home!"

Today I met with my doctor. She measured how dilated I am now. She said I was 1-2 cm, which is less than what she thought I was three (2.5) weeks ago. She feels good about letting me go home. Jon is a little nervous, but he will be there with me all weekend and my mom is coming to town Monday night. It will be so nice to leave this hospital room for more than half an hour!

The baby looks really good, but is still breach. I will be on bed rest at home until the baby comes. The only time I can leave the house will be to go see my doctor. I have an appointment with her on Monday morning. She will then decide how long to keep me on the Procardia (medicine stopping the contractions).

This will not be my longest hospital stay. I wondered if it would break the record, but since I get to go home tonight at around 6:00, this time in the hospital is one day shy of tying my longest stay. When I was six, I was in the hospital for 18 days. This time was only 17. The difference is that when I was six, I was really sick and did not really care about anything. This time, I have felt fine, and it was driving me crazy!

Day Sixteen

Trying to figure out what to write today, I just sit here staring at the computer. Well, here are some pictures of my painted fingernails. The other hand has already started to chip. Oh well, it was fun.

Yesterday, my lunch and dinner ended up not being what I ordered, and it has been hard to find things to eat on the menu that I am not allergic to that seem appetizing. Today, a dietitian stopped by and apparently they had in there computers that I cannot have corn or seeds. They took that out of the computer, but lunch today was still not what I ordered.

Today when I was on the monitor, I was having regular contractions like the ones when I first came in except that every third of fourth on was bigger. The nurses had started monitoring me right after they gave me the Procardia (medicine to stop the contractions), so they decided to keep me on for 20 more minutes to see if when the Procardia kicked in, it would stop the contractions. It did not. Then they gave me a shot of Brethine (tributaline). It stopped the contractions immediately. The Brethine is not fun though. It makes me shake, and my lungs burn. It is also used to treat asthma. Kind of weird that an asthma treatment can also stop contractions and preterm labor.

That is the up date for now. Tomorrow will be a big day. I will be 34 weeks, and I will find out if I get to go home or not.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

I just got this email and it made me laugh so I thought I would share it. This is not the exciting news. For that look at the next post. This is just something to make you laugh and hopefully brighten your day as it brightened mine.

* * * * * * * * * * *

No matter what situation life throws at you...

No matter how long a treacherous your journey may seem...

Remember there is always a light at the end of the tunnel!

You are laughing, aren't you?

That's good.... My job here is done.

Have a great day!

German Saints at War

Jon and I have been waiting for this for more than two years now. While Jon was still at BYU, he worked for the Saints at War Project. When he had extra time there he worked on compiling accounts of German Saints during World War II. He put them together in a book and added brief introductions and things. He finish a book right before we left Utah, and his boss at the time said that if it was published, Jon's name would be listed as a coauthor.

A little background. Jon worked on a few books while he was there. However since he was a research assistant, the professor he worked for always was listed as the author even though Jon did all the work. Jon's name was in the acknowledgements. That is just how those things go when you are a "lowly" research assistant.

Anyway, to have his boss tell him he would be a coauthor was amazing! We were both really excited. The book was sent to a publisher and we waited. They decided that there were enough books that they had put out from Saints at War. They thought it would have a hard time selling. We were sad, but it was still a possibility to send it to another publisher after some time had passed.

Then, a great thing happened that I believe help get Jon's book to an interested publisher. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf became President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. You see, the stories of Dieter F. Uchtdorf's and his wife's experiences in Germany during World War II are in the book Jon put together.

The book was submitted to a new publisher, who was excited to take the book and publish it. They wanted to have it in print by Fall. Well, there were a few snags and the expected date of publication was pushed back to Christmas time. Jon signed a contract and the process began. He looked over several proofs. A month or so age we received the proof for the cover. It looked really good. Here is a picture of it.Yesterday, Jon's dad sent us an article from Meridian, which is written by the professor Jon worked with about the book that is coming out. Click here to see the article. In the article there is a picture of the cover of the book with Jon's name on it.

Jon checked out some online bookstores, and found that they are "selling" the book, but it says there are none in stock (because they have not received any copies yet). Then, Jon wrote an email to this professor to ask about the book, and almost at the same time received an email from him. The first printing of the book is complete. Jon will be getting a few copies in the mail soon!

Congratulations Jon! All that hard work finally paid off.

Day Fourteen

Two weeks! Has it really been two weeks? I have three days until I know more about what will happen. In three days, I will be 34 weeks. There is so much that hinges on the tests that will be done that day. So I will try not to think about it for now and change the subject to the exciting things happening here.

Last night, I got to leave the third floor and breathe fresh air. On my wheelchair ride, Jon was able to drive me to the first floor. We did not go outside, because it was cold and I do not have a coat here, but we stood next to the door and I was able to feel and breathe the air from outside for the first time in two weeks. Then, we wheeled around the first floor. The highlights were looking at the two gift shops and the cafeteria. They offer so much more food there than what they let patients know about. It is horrible!

Today, Sherri and her two girls came for a visit. Sherri shared a visiting teaching message, since she is my visiting teacher and she has come to visit me more than any one else. Then she gave me a manicure, complete with nail polish. Rachel, who is three, picked the color. I will try to take a picture, but my camera is not working right now. I might need to charge the batteries. Thanks Sherri, Rachel, and Lindsay for the visit and the fun times.

Jon and I receive some other great news, but I will post about it tomorrow. It will be fun to leave everyone in suspense.

Catholic Bishop Decries Religious Bigotry Against Mormons

Sacramento
7 November 2008

(This news release was issued by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento) The following statement was released today by Bishop William Weigand, head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento and former Bishop of Salt Lake City, in response to attacks on (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) for supporting California’s Proposition 8, defending the traditional definition of marriage:

“Catholics stand in solidarity with our Mormon brothers and sisters in support of traditional marriage — the union of one man and one woman — that has been the major building block of Western Civilization for millennia.

“The ProtectMarriage coalition, which led the successful campaign to pass Proposition 8, was an historic alliance of people from every faith and ethnicity. LDS were included — but so were Catholics and Jews, Evangelicals and Orthodox, African-Americans and Latinos, Asians and Anglos.

“Bigoted attacks on Mormons for the part they played in our coalition are shameful and ignore the reality that Mormon voters were only a small part of the groundswell that supported Proposition 8.

“As the former bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, I can attest to the fact that followers of the Mormon faith are a good and generous people with a long history of commitment to family and giving to community causes.

“I personally decry the bigotry recently exhibited towards the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — coming from the opponents of Proposition 8, who ironically, have called those of us supporting traditional marriage intolerant.

“I call upon the supporters of same-sex marriage to live by their own words — and to refrain from discrimination against religion and to exercise tolerance for those who differ from them. I call upon them to accept the will of the people of California in the passage of Proposition 8.”

Day Twelve

I have come to a realization. First, a little background. I am currently taking Procardia (nifedipine) to stop contractions. I take it every four hours. Apparently, after longer periods of time on this medication, the body starts to compensate, and the Procardia no longer lasts as long, but you cannot take it more often. This became apparent Friday night.

When I was put on the monitor Friday night, it was about an hour before my next dose of Procardia. I was having major contractions for an hour, and I think I actually felt some of them. Then, I was able to take the next dose and was monitored for another hour. The contractions did stop. Then next morning when I was put on the monitor, it was two hours before my next dose of Procardia. I had two very small contractions in the normal 20 minutes, but they were not worried about those.

If I am having contractions (like the ones I had Friday night) for an hour every three hours and I have only been taking Procardia for twelve days, am I dilating more? What will happen when they take me off of it after I reach 34 weeks? How much sooner will it wear off after another five days on it?

My realizations: First, I do not think I will be going home in five days to be on bed rest there. I have a feeling that having these contractions so often is dilating me more. Second, when I am taken off the Procardia, it will go fast and my boy will be here sooner then we think. Third, I do not think they will have time to turn him if he does not turn on his own. I will most likely me having a C-section, which I am okay with.

The nurse that has been here the last two nights did not seem to think that I would be dilating more. She said if I was, my water would break, because of other reasons I will not get into in the blogging world. She did agree that when I am taken off the Procardia, I would probably have my baby within a day, maybe two, but not likely the latter.

Day Ten

I realize the titles of some of my most recent posts have been sort of boring, but I really think that best shows what it is like to sit in a hospital for weeks and feel just fine. It has been very boring.

I am now 33 weeks. In one more week, I might be able to go home and be on bed rest there. My doctor was here yesterday, and this is what I found out. Next Friday, my doctor will check to see if I have dilated any more. If I have, I will stay in the hospital. If I have not dilated anymore (still around 3 cm), then I can go home.

I will continue to take the medicine that keeps my contractions from coming back for a few more days after 34 weeks. Then I will stop taking it and just let the baby come when it happens at that point.

He is still breach, so what my doctor would like to do is to turn him. She said that after he is 34 weeks, it will not hurt the baby to do so, but it will hurt me. Then she hopes that I will be able to the the baby "naturally." If they do not turn him or he does not turn on his own, she would have to do a C-section. She also said that even if they do turn him, he might turn back, or they still might have to do a C-section. Just have to see what happens there.

If I go home at 34 weeks, I will have weekly appointments with my doctor to check how things are progressing. That would be the only time I could leave the house.

Last night, a friend of ours was here to be induced. Jon was able to get a wheelchair, so I could go visit her before things progress too far. It was nice to get out of my room for a little bit. She had a baby boy later that night. It was a good visit and a nice break from the monotony.

When I was on the monitors last night, there was a little bit of a scare. I had three contractions (that I did not feel) that were 6-7 minutes apart. The nurse (a sister in the Toledo 2 ward) kept me on the monitor a little longer to make sure the contractions were stopping. They did. The scary part is that I do not feel them. Those were the first contractions I have had in a while, at least that I know of. This morning when I was on the monitor, I did not have any. It feels like a waiting game, and I guess it really is.

Here are some pictures that Jon took the other night. I was enjoying sitting in a chair when dinner was brought in, so I just stayed there and ate.

Day Eight

It is hard for me to believe I have been here for more than a week. The days go by very slowly, but it does not really feel like it has been a week already. I am looking forward to my doctor being here tomorrow so I can find out what is really going to happen.

I thought today I would post some pictures of things that have become part of my every day life here in the Toledo Hospital.

This sign on my door will greet you.Here is a constant friend. It is like a constant massage. They keep me from getting blood clots since I am on bed rest.This monitors the baby's heart beat and any contractions. I am only hooked up to it twice a day for 20 minutes at a time. The nurses say the baby looks really good and I have not had an contractions for a few days now.My view. There is a little bit of sky that can be seen.

I am drinking lots of water. This is my little pitcher of ice water, and it makes it more fun to drink out of a straw.Hospital food. Need I say more. I took this picture right after I finished lunch.How I know that time is really passing, and when I have to take more medicine.My phone. It is fixed (no more high pitched beeping), and it is a direct line in. A box of tissue for my stuffy nose since it is a great time of year for seasonal allergies.The television. Do not let the picture fool you. It is tiny. 10-inch screen (or less).Jenni's laptop. What a life savor! I play games, blog, check email, watch movies, etc. Thanks Jenni. It has been great to have a computer.

A good book to read.Puzzle books. Thanks Sherri and Mom!

Election Day

I wanted to thank those who made it possible for me to vote today. Thanks mom, for getting things moving forward by knowing that there was a way for the County to come out to hospitals for those who cannot go to the polls. I am so glad for all the years that you have worked at the polls and gained knowledge about how things work. I hope you enjoyed your day working at the polls today.

Thanks to Jon and Denise for doing all the hard work, running around and phone calls, to find out exactly how it all works here in Ohio.

In case anyone needs to know for the future, at least in Ohio, if you end up in the hospital during Election Day, contact the patient rep. in the hospital. You actually go through the hospital not the County office to vote. They will then have someone from the County bring an absentee ballot on Election Day.

It was weird to be voting in a hospital room with "Scrubs" on in the background. My vote actually took place after the polls closed here in Ohio, but it is nice that I could have my voice heard.

Day Six

As I start the sixth day in the hospital, I thought I would write about the highlights from the weekend. Saturday, I did what I probably would have done had I been home. I watched football all day. I was able to shower for the first time since Tuesday morning. It was one of the most wonderful things.

I also was able to change rooms. I am now out of the Special Care area of Labor and Delivery. I have a window and a my own shower, which I can use everyday! the bed in this room is more comfy. I slept so much better Saturday night.

Sunday, since I could not go to church, I tried to make different by watching "Mountain of the Lord," and read some chapters in the Book of Mormon. With permission from the bishop, Jon was able to bring me the sacrament as well. That helped to make it feel more like Sunday, rather then just another monotonous day here. Sherri Ziemer and Steve and Jenni Toller came for a visit. Jenni brought dinner. It was really good, and so nice to have something other than hospital food. Then the five of us played a game and talked for awhile.

One other highlight from Sunday night, I got to leave my room! I got to go for a wheelchair ride. Jon pushed me in a wheelchair, but we couldn't leave the third floor. Sherri was also here at the time so she came with us. We went an saw the babies in the nursery (there were only two there at the time), and then we just cruised around through the halls. It was the first time I got to leave my room since I have been here (unless you count moving from one room a short distance to another).

Halloween

Yesterday was a pretty uneventful day here at Toledo Hospital. I mostly just did stuff on the computer and took a little nap. My nurse was great though. It would have been a lot longer day without a great nurse who was funny and always checking in.

When Jon came up after classes, we watched our traditional Halloween movie, "Something Wicked This Way Comes." I think we have watched it every Halloween since we have been married. Jon says it is the only "scary" movie he will watch. I have to admit for a Disney movie it is a little creepy. Most people who have seen it remember one part that Jon refuses to watch. Spiders coming from everywhere to attack the two main characters, Jim Nightshade and Will Halloway, in Jim's bedroom.

We decided to try a new pizza place for some really food (not hospital). There is a place that was highly recommended to Jon, but it is downtown and we just have not made it there yet. Well, it is really close to Toledo Hospital, so we were excited to try it out. We got a Gyro Pizza and Cheese Bread from Gino's Pizza. It was really good! We have decided we will have to try another kind of pizza while I am still here.

Jenni Toller came by while we were watching our movie and watched the end with us. Then we watched "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and talked for a while.

It wasn't too bad of a Halloween. We had been planning to go trick-or-treating with the Ziemer Family, but that was not possible. Oh well, there is always next year.