Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Preeclampsia and Testing...

The dreaded official diagnosis finally came today. I have pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) also known as preeclampsia. Today, needless to say, did not go as planned we had a dr appointment at 2:20 and ended up at the hospital for a few hours finally getting home at about 7pm. When they checked my blood pressure today it was still in the high 150's over high 80's. Ok so it was like this last week only this week lying down didn't really lower it like last time. My urine also had more protein in it, so this was not a good combo! Not to mention on top of this I have been having a few more Braxton hicks than normal. The difference being that they were painful, aka real contractions, but not regular. So Dr. M did an exam the good news I was not dilated. Dr.M then had us draw labs to check my kidneys and liver function. I also have to collect a 24hour urine sample, which means I will have a jug of pee in my fridge (kinda gross I know, just don't drink out of the brown jug in the fridge). After the lab work she sent us to the birthing center for a non stress test (because they can not do that in the office with twins) and to get our first dose of steroid shots to develop the boys lungs in case we have to deliver early. The non stress test was basically me laying in a hospital bed hooked up to 3 monitors. One for each of the boy's heartbeats and then one for contractions. I was having a few contractions but they were not too concerned with them. Sadly at this point I had a major headache so they kept checking my blood pressure ever 15 minutes. The boys did beautifully on the non stress test except Jackson who decided to be all over the place and they had to keep adjusting the monitor because his heartbeat would disappear off the monitor. Happily they let me go home but I was one tired mama.





The steroid shot was not so pleasant, you would think after giving myself shots twice a day this would not bother me but it still does. We have to go back to the hospital in 24 hours for a second steroid shot. We also have an ultrasound at the high risk ob tomorrow. Then Friday we have another non stress test and doctor's appointment. It seems like we may be getting these tests twice a week now till delivery, I guess we will know more by Friday.
I know that was a lot, it was a lot for us to take in too. We are asking for your prayers. Specifically that my blood pressure would stabalize and the lab work would come back ok. Also pray that the boy's lungs develop with these shots in case we have an early delivery in the next few weeks. We also ask that you would pray for Bob's work to be flexible with these increase in doctors appointments and testing. Pray we stay calm and not stress over this possible preterm delivery of the twins and blood pressure issue. You try to prepare yourself but it is hard when it is actually happening. Thank y'all in advance for your prayers and we will try to keep you updated as much as possible through the blog so keep checking back.


Monday, March 7, 2011

James' and Jackson's Nursery

This past week and weekend we (well actually I didn't) set up the nursery. We went with the Carter's Forest Friends bedding, and it is adorable. In fact besides and few finishing touches we are pretty much done with the nursery. This is due to my wonderful husband and sweet parents, thank y'all so much!! Bob painted this past week, then my dad put together all the furniture and mom washed all the clothes, blankets, and bedding. The room looks wonderful. I am so relieved it is done it makes me feel more prepared for the boy's arrival. We have a few more accessories coming in the mail such as the mobiles and matching hamper. The only thing we are really lacking is a glider and we have not found one yet. I am also still looking for something for the walls over their cribs but have not really found what I am looking for (thank the Lord for online shopping while on bed rest). Here are some pictures of the nursery so far.














Sorry for the quality these are from my iPhone.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Church Baby Shower...

Bob and I are incredibly blessed to have the church family we do. New Covenant Fellowship is just that our family. The ladies from our church threw us a wonderful shower for James and Jackson. I was worried I would not get to go because I was put on bed rest but I obtained special permission from my doctor to attend. Jessica opened up her home to host the joyous occasion. It was also really special because my mom was in town and able to attend as well. James and Jackson got some wonderful things. The families at NCF overwhelmed us with their generosity, we are so blessed.

Mckinley was my little helper, he is such a sweetie



I had a wonderful time and can not wait to introduce the boys to their church family. James and Jackson are already incredibly loved and prayed for. I am so thankful for NCF!

Friday, March 4, 2011

31 weeks...

Pregnancy Stats:
How Far Along: We are 31 weeks
Size of our babies: Our twins are still the sizes of squashes this month. 

Maternity Clothes: Maternity clothes are all that I can wear
Gender: Boys!!! James Sidney and Jackson Esker
Movement: They are all over the place kicking all the time especially at night time
Sleep: I get a few hours at a time but I am exhausted all the time it is worse with bed rest.
What I miss: A good night's sleep, being able to bend over, not being on bedrest
Cravings: Mexican, and Asparagus (I know weird)
Symptoms: swelling, headaches, fatigue, heartburn, frequent bathroom trips, shortness of breath, round ligament pain, and nausea.
Best Moment this week: The nursery it is almost done thanks to my wonderful husband and parents.


Wednesday, March 2, 2011

And The Verdict Is..

Yesterday I had my doctor appointment to see if we have had any changes since going on bed rest.  I have noticed my swelling has gone down since going on bed rest and was hoping my weight would reflect that. Turns out I did lose some of the fluid, yay! Then we checked my blood pressure. Well the first pressure we got was not so great, 150/89. I was freaking out a little bit to say the least. So they had me go lay down on my left side in the exam room and then came to recheck it. Thankfully it was normal when they did 114/76. Dr. R came in and said she would keep me on bed rest she was pleased with the results we were getting. She also said I get to go to my shower this weekend. We go back to see Dr. M next week and will hopefully get more good news. The boys are doing great. I am actually measuring full term even though I am only 30 weeks and  6 days. So no wonder I feel huge! So the verdict is more bed rest but we are one week closer to meeting our sweet boys!

Monday, February 28, 2011

Work Baby Shower...

My coworkers are some of the sweetest people I know. My sweet friends Emily and Danielle hosted a work baby shower for me at The Cheesecake Factory a few weeks ago. It was so much fun to get together with the ladies who came outside of work. My coworkers went above and beyond giving us an amazing Target gift card which we were able to use towards purchasing a pack and play and other big items for James and Jackson. We also got some adorable other items that I can not wait to use. It was an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and of course delicious cheesecake.








Thank you guys so much we really appreciate it!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

30 Weeks....

Pregnancy Stats:
How Far Along: We are 30 weeks- sorry we are without pictures again. We just moved this week and with bed rest I have not taken pictures.
Size of our babies: Our twins are the size of squashes this month. 

Maternity Clothes: Maternity clothes are all that I can wear
Gender: Boys!!! James Sidney and Jackson Esker
Movement: They are all over the place kicking all the time especially at night time
Sleep: I get a few hours at a time but I am exhausted all the time.
What I miss: A good night's sleep, being able to bend over, not being on bedrest
Cravings: Mexican, Ice cream, and Oreos
Symptoms: swelling, headaches, fatigue, heartburn, frequent bathroom trips, shortness of breath, round ligament pain, and nausea.
Best Moment this week: Seeing the boys on ultrasound Jackson weighs 3lb 11 ozs, James weighs 3lbs 3ozs