So today was another doctor's appointment. Was kinda nervous but had been following orders and being a good girl. Good news! Baby Bumble is doing GREAT and so is mama. In fact we are both doing more than great, doctor was very impressed with all the measurements. I had the best measurement this entire pregnancy! Now the bad news still on bedrest! I did not realize how much I was looking forward to going back to work, even a little bit until he told me no. He actually told me a lot of no's, the most important ones are: No up to work for meetings; No traveling (he said do not plan on going anywhere for the rest of the pregnancy, then if he changes his mind and I can I will be pleasantly surprised). I am not a very happy camper. I can move around the house a bit more and still enjoy my excursions out, as long as I am not doing anything crazy. His main concern is that I am still on 26 weeks pregnant and delivering Bumble right now would not be the best thing. We also know 1 thing: Bedrest is obviously working.
So needless to say, Julia is pretty frustrated right now. I filed all my paperwork for short-term disability and took out my frustration on the dirty dishes that needed to be washed. Have not ruled out going to get a banana split for myself. Hey if I can not have a vodka tonic then I guess a banana split will have to do.
Honestly now that all the leave of absence and insurance paperwork is filed I might just be like keep me on bedrest with activity. That way I do not have to file it all again later. Just give me doctors note saying it is ok to go lay out at the pool and I will be a happy camper. I am really sad about not being able to travel right now, he said there is small chance that I will be able to go to Houston in 2 weeks for the baby shower but to not get my hopes up. I am going to have to miss my nephews baptism this weekend in Oklahoma, which I am really bummed about.
On a happier note, James's parents came to visit us this weekend. Marilynn and I relaxed with mani/pedis while Jerry and James put together Bumble's crib and dresser. It was a really nice visit. Grilled out Saturday night and the weather minus being a little muggy was really quite pleasant. James and I were also able to go see Missy and Robert tie the knot, so very happy for them! (Had to miss out on the reception, but we saw the important part!) Also got to stop by Taste of Addison and try some new foods. Julia got a funnel cake, YUM!!
Well I am in a little bit of a better mood but still not fabulous. I think a Braum's sundae of some sort is in my future along with some pride and prejudice. Will start scrap-booking tomorrow like whoa, b/c why not. I have nothing better to do. Plus if you want to come and visit, feel free. I will be here. Guess we shall see what the report is next Tuesday, fingers crossed and saying my prayers that I can go to Houston that weekend.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Doppler
James and I purchased a portable fetal Doppler while we were in the hospital, just to keep at home. More for peace of mind. Well we decided to try it out last night. James placed it on my belly and as soon as we found the heartbeat, Bumble kicked the Doppler.....hard. I mean super hard. The Doppler stick thing actually moved back. It was the first time I have seen my belly actually move (I know it is the first time James as seen my belly move), caught both of us off guard. I could not stop laughing after that. We are definitely going to have a soccer player. It was fun family time, we shall see what happens tonight.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Good News
I made it through the week on bedrest, yea! Had lotsa visitors and GREAT food. Saturday was a little rough, I think the pregnancy hormones officially kicked in. Plus my mind does not 'rest' very well. I took a very nice warm bubble bath and did some meditation with deep breathing exercises. Kibbles must have sensed something was wrong with her mamma because as I was laying in bed she laid on the towel that was on my head and put her paw around me. It was very comforting. She will always be my first baby. I took a photo of it, see below, but it did not turn out all that well.
Sunday was a much better day.
So James and I went to the doctor today and we heard some good news! Everything that was abnormal is back to normal (I really do not want to go all nurse on the family friendly blog.) I was finally able to walk outside for the 1st time since Wednesday, you have no idea how freeing that was. Bumble looked great on the sonogram, active as usual. Apparently resting arms by his/her head is a favorite thing to do. We tried to zoom in on the feet but Bumble was a little too active, definitely not a bad thing though. Still on bedrest but I have quite a bit more freedom, I can actually leave the house for just a little while at a time. Around an hour or so but while indoors, doc wants me resting on the couch. I still need to be aware of how much I am on my feet but I am happy that things are moving in the right direction. I doubt that I will be able to fully return to work full time on nights, but I am hoping for a light duty order when I go in next monday. I just need to be able to do something work-wise. I feel like I am letting my coworkers down. I promise I have not forgot you guys!!
Enjoy the photos!
Sunday was a much better day.
So James and I went to the doctor today and we heard some good news! Everything that was abnormal is back to normal (I really do not want to go all nurse on the family friendly blog.) I was finally able to walk outside for the 1st time since Wednesday, you have no idea how freeing that was. Bumble looked great on the sonogram, active as usual. Apparently resting arms by his/her head is a favorite thing to do. We tried to zoom in on the feet but Bumble was a little too active, definitely not a bad thing though. Still on bedrest but I have quite a bit more freedom, I can actually leave the house for just a little while at a time. Around an hour or so but while indoors, doc wants me resting on the couch. I still need to be aware of how much I am on my feet but I am happy that things are moving in the right direction. I doubt that I will be able to fully return to work full time on nights, but I am hoping for a light duty order when I go in next monday. I just need to be able to do something work-wise. I feel like I am letting my coworkers down. I promise I have not forgot you guys!!
Enjoy the photos!
 |
| resting hand near face |
 |
| both arms |
 |
| close up of 1st photo, such a cutie |
Friday, May 13, 2011
Bedrest
Had my first full day of bedrest yesterday. I guess it went as to be expected. Fired off some emails, checked facebook and took care of other such things. Watched my mom clean my house, for which I am grateful for b/c I am not allowed too. Had a fabulous dinner made by the lovely Katy Walters. Gin-Bin stopped by and brought my coloring books, movies, cookies and reading materials. Watch out friends of mine you will all probably be getting lotsa hand-written letters with colored pages in them. James, Gin and I had a nice chat.
All in all not a terrible day, although I must admit if I have to this for 3months, I have some things to purchase: 1) kiddie pool so I can have some daily vitamin D (already found one at toys R us for $30). 2) chaise lounge so that I can continue to follow doctors orders when not on couch or in pool. 3) maid, this one is kinda up in the air, James says he can do it but b/t his work, cooking all the dinners, laundry, I think it will be overwhelming. 4)Will need to find someone who will come to my house to cut my hair and wax my legs, hey this mamma is vain. I might be stuck at my house but I am not going to let myself go. 5) People to video tape important events that I might have to miss.
Wishing Monday was already here, this whole not knowing business kinda sucks. I do not mind doing whatever it takes to protect bumble but just let me know if I am committed to house arrest for 3 months or not already!!! It seriously is like house arrest, no going out to restaurants, no traveling, no nothing. Now doesn't that just sound like FUN?!!?
On a happier note, while bored in the hospital we went ahead and ordered our baby furniture. Our crib already came in, so very excited to see it put together. James's parents might come into town next weekend, so the nursery might finally start taking shape. Bumble is doing fine, starting to figure out the active times.
All in all not a terrible day, although I must admit if I have to this for 3months, I have some things to purchase: 1) kiddie pool so I can have some daily vitamin D (already found one at toys R us for $30). 2) chaise lounge so that I can continue to follow doctors orders when not on couch or in pool. 3) maid, this one is kinda up in the air, James says he can do it but b/t his work, cooking all the dinners, laundry, I think it will be overwhelming. 4)Will need to find someone who will come to my house to cut my hair and wax my legs, hey this mamma is vain. I might be stuck at my house but I am not going to let myself go. 5) People to video tape important events that I might have to miss.
Wishing Monday was already here, this whole not knowing business kinda sucks. I do not mind doing whatever it takes to protect bumble but just let me know if I am committed to house arrest for 3 months or not already!!! It seriously is like house arrest, no going out to restaurants, no traveling, no nothing. Now doesn't that just sound like FUN?!!?
On a happier note, while bored in the hospital we went ahead and ordered our baby furniture. Our crib already came in, so very excited to see it put together. James's parents might come into town next weekend, so the nursery might finally start taking shape. Bumble is doing fine, starting to figure out the active times.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Our Not So Happy 1st Mother's Day
Well it has been an interesting week. So here is our story:
We went on our cruise, good times. Had a little bit of a head cold when I got back, able to eat normal, nothing funny coming out of any orifice (happy thoughts I know), able to work out all was dandy. I did sorta sound like a man for a bit for but that cleared up, felt great towards the end of the week. Then came Sunday, went to work sat night, little exhausted from the garage sale (did not lift anything heavy) but shift was boring as heck and left feeling a little sinus pressure took a benadryl and went to bed. Woke up at noon because I had severe right pelvic pain and was running a slight fever. Then pain continued to wake me up every hour until I finally got up at three to call the doc. Called the on-call OB doctor who told me if I felt like I was in labor then get to the ER. Well that would be helpful information IF I knew what labor felt like. Oh side note, googling contractions is not as descriptive or as helpful as a freaking-out emotional pregnant woman. So after becoming slightly overwhelmed and having the 1st of many emotional breakdowns we went to the labor and delivery ER. Got checked out, had a fever but baby was great on fetal monitor and they said I was not in active labor. Checked out my girly parts and things were ok, so yea.
After leaving the ER, I had to work that night (yea for being the only charge on that night). I should have known something was up when we got Chipotle and I only took 3 bits and then pretty much threw away the rest. Went into work Sunday night. Of course when I got there everyone tells me I look awful and pale, which in all honestly I felt terrible. Still had the pain and also had a fever up to 100.6 and started to feel nauseous. Work was kinda crazy busy and the only thing I felt like eating was some saltines and ginger ale. Finally around midnight I just could not take it anymore, had to leave work and go to our ER. It is nice to work at a hospital at times, you know people they know you and they get you in and feeling better fast. Morphine and Zofran are fabulous, mixed with an NS bolus Julia was a happier camper although still very emotionally unstable. Breakdown #2. Labs showed that I had elevated white blood cells, normal is 10000, I was coming in at 18000, that with a fever and abd pain they started thinking appendicitis. So at this point we were just wrapping our head around possible surgery. Can not do a CT scan on a pregnant person, so got to have a sonogram which showed nothing. Although being pregnant doesn't mean much b/c stuff gets shifted. Had an MRI, which showed that my appendicitis was normal. So back to square one.
General surgery was consulted and they were kinda of clueless. I ended up getting admitted the the high risk OB floor for observation. My OB came to see me and she had no idea what was going on either. I was a medical mystery yea! I can not begin to tell you how many times I passed out that night, b/t the morphine and almost no sleep in 2 days. Watched a few movies then off to bed. Woke up Tuesday morning with awful headache, neckache and backache and a fever of 100.8. Took the hottest shower imaginable and still had the chills with the water on me. Went straight over for a baby sonogram, where bumble was uncooperative of course but very active. My cervix (yea for very medical part) was measure "small." Basically unless you are in the last part of pregnancy doctors want your cervix to measure at least 25mm or longer. Mine was at 22. I had just had a sono last monday which was normal for me. I have had some surgeries in the past that make me not quite as normal as others and do increase the risk of preterm labor or cervical incompetence but I knew this going in. So now we get a little concerned b/c a) why is the happening and b) am I going to deliver early. The doctor wanted me to go ahead and get some steroid shots to help develop bumble's lungs just in case a worst case senerio happened. Semi-breakdown #3. Back to room to chill, hang out with friends and family and try to keep my mind off everything. Well I thought I was being able to feel the outline of the baby until my nurse came in and no honey that is a contraction, well crap. No other signs of labor and I had only had the the whole day, one in the morning, afternoon and then evening. They get concerned if they are every 10 minutes or 6 in one hour. Once it was just James and I in the room had major breakdown (#4 for those keeping track). I do not want a preterm baby, if I have to have one I will but really would prefer not too. Plus I would prefer 34 week premie than 24 week premie. Never had to take any medication to stop contractions just monitoring, of course Bumble was fine during all the doppler heart tone checks, kicking the doppler any chance possible. We found out my white count was normal so double yea! However got an IM shot in my hip muscle, not so yea!
Finally got to start eating but not terribly hungry, weird since I had not eaten in like 2 days. I had some food but trust me not as much as I have been eating. Sleep was a little harder that night even though I felt better, nerves were kinda kicking in. Also woke up twice drenched in sweat, so not fun. Not sure if I had had a fever and it broke or weird pregnancy stuff b/c the fan was on and room was cold. Woke up this morning feeling great. No fever, normal white count and no achy-ness, I felt normal. On an even better not, no contractions. If I stayed ok I could go home after second shot. The day was normal, watched movies although did have little breakdown in the morning. Got my shot and made it home safe and sound by 7ish. So now I am now on bedrest until my doctors appointment on monday. I can get up to pee and fill my water glass, but other than that it is laying down on the couch. I can go up and down my stairs twice in the day that is it, no driving, no cooking, no cleaning or laundry. On monday will find out long term plans. My doctor is hoping everything was out of wack b/c I was dehydrated and sick and that this next sono will be back to normal. Worst case senerio bedrest for next 3 months, which in all honestly would really suck. Plus no traveling at all and if you know me I do not sit still well. Have already thought of many activities to keep me busy if my worst case senerio comes true: scrap-booking, making Christmas stockings for James, Bumble and I (maybe roxie and kibbles depending on bored I am), taking up knitting, restart cross stitching, the list could go on. Hoping for a more light duty result but I will whatever it takes to keep Bumble safe and sound.
I want to thank all our concerned family and friends, we would have been able to handle the whole thing without yall. Family was especially amazing, James and I are very blessed to have such a strong support system. It truly meant a lot to us. Would also Presby ER and Perot 4North Rns/techs awesome. They made our experience so great and had tons of helpful information to make a type A obsessive compulsive nurse a semi calmer person. James even truly learned what menstrual cramps felt like. They never did find out what was wrong with me, although my doctor told me that there was another woman coming in with exact same symptoms as me and they were just as clueless.
I personally have to give a shout out to James b/c he let me wig out numerous times (and cry which I NEVER do and freaks him out) and stayed calm, somehow without showing me how crazy everything was for him. I found such a great guy to marry and have a baby with. Marilynn and Jerry yall done good! We were able to talk about our fears and concerns, while at the same time helping de-stress each other. Love him with all my heart and would be lost without him.
We went on our cruise, good times. Had a little bit of a head cold when I got back, able to eat normal, nothing funny coming out of any orifice (happy thoughts I know), able to work out all was dandy. I did sorta sound like a man for a bit for but that cleared up, felt great towards the end of the week. Then came Sunday, went to work sat night, little exhausted from the garage sale (did not lift anything heavy) but shift was boring as heck and left feeling a little sinus pressure took a benadryl and went to bed. Woke up at noon because I had severe right pelvic pain and was running a slight fever. Then pain continued to wake me up every hour until I finally got up at three to call the doc. Called the on-call OB doctor who told me if I felt like I was in labor then get to the ER. Well that would be helpful information IF I knew what labor felt like. Oh side note, googling contractions is not as descriptive or as helpful as a freaking-out emotional pregnant woman. So after becoming slightly overwhelmed and having the 1st of many emotional breakdowns we went to the labor and delivery ER. Got checked out, had a fever but baby was great on fetal monitor and they said I was not in active labor. Checked out my girly parts and things were ok, so yea.
After leaving the ER, I had to work that night (yea for being the only charge on that night). I should have known something was up when we got Chipotle and I only took 3 bits and then pretty much threw away the rest. Went into work Sunday night. Of course when I got there everyone tells me I look awful and pale, which in all honestly I felt terrible. Still had the pain and also had a fever up to 100.6 and started to feel nauseous. Work was kinda crazy busy and the only thing I felt like eating was some saltines and ginger ale. Finally around midnight I just could not take it anymore, had to leave work and go to our ER. It is nice to work at a hospital at times, you know people they know you and they get you in and feeling better fast. Morphine and Zofran are fabulous, mixed with an NS bolus Julia was a happier camper although still very emotionally unstable. Breakdown #2. Labs showed that I had elevated white blood cells, normal is 10000, I was coming in at 18000, that with a fever and abd pain they started thinking appendicitis. So at this point we were just wrapping our head around possible surgery. Can not do a CT scan on a pregnant person, so got to have a sonogram which showed nothing. Although being pregnant doesn't mean much b/c stuff gets shifted. Had an MRI, which showed that my appendicitis was normal. So back to square one.
General surgery was consulted and they were kinda of clueless. I ended up getting admitted the the high risk OB floor for observation. My OB came to see me and she had no idea what was going on either. I was a medical mystery yea! I can not begin to tell you how many times I passed out that night, b/t the morphine and almost no sleep in 2 days. Watched a few movies then off to bed. Woke up Tuesday morning with awful headache, neckache and backache and a fever of 100.8. Took the hottest shower imaginable and still had the chills with the water on me. Went straight over for a baby sonogram, where bumble was uncooperative of course but very active. My cervix (yea for very medical part) was measure "small." Basically unless you are in the last part of pregnancy doctors want your cervix to measure at least 25mm or longer. Mine was at 22. I had just had a sono last monday which was normal for me. I have had some surgeries in the past that make me not quite as normal as others and do increase the risk of preterm labor or cervical incompetence but I knew this going in. So now we get a little concerned b/c a) why is the happening and b) am I going to deliver early. The doctor wanted me to go ahead and get some steroid shots to help develop bumble's lungs just in case a worst case senerio happened. Semi-breakdown #3. Back to room to chill, hang out with friends and family and try to keep my mind off everything. Well I thought I was being able to feel the outline of the baby until my nurse came in and no honey that is a contraction, well crap. No other signs of labor and I had only had the the whole day, one in the morning, afternoon and then evening. They get concerned if they are every 10 minutes or 6 in one hour. Once it was just James and I in the room had major breakdown (#4 for those keeping track). I do not want a preterm baby, if I have to have one I will but really would prefer not too. Plus I would prefer 34 week premie than 24 week premie. Never had to take any medication to stop contractions just monitoring, of course Bumble was fine during all the doppler heart tone checks, kicking the doppler any chance possible. We found out my white count was normal so double yea! However got an IM shot in my hip muscle, not so yea!
Finally got to start eating but not terribly hungry, weird since I had not eaten in like 2 days. I had some food but trust me not as much as I have been eating. Sleep was a little harder that night even though I felt better, nerves were kinda kicking in. Also woke up twice drenched in sweat, so not fun. Not sure if I had had a fever and it broke or weird pregnancy stuff b/c the fan was on and room was cold. Woke up this morning feeling great. No fever, normal white count and no achy-ness, I felt normal. On an even better not, no contractions. If I stayed ok I could go home after second shot. The day was normal, watched movies although did have little breakdown in the morning. Got my shot and made it home safe and sound by 7ish. So now I am now on bedrest until my doctors appointment on monday. I can get up to pee and fill my water glass, but other than that it is laying down on the couch. I can go up and down my stairs twice in the day that is it, no driving, no cooking, no cleaning or laundry. On monday will find out long term plans. My doctor is hoping everything was out of wack b/c I was dehydrated and sick and that this next sono will be back to normal. Worst case senerio bedrest for next 3 months, which in all honestly would really suck. Plus no traveling at all and if you know me I do not sit still well. Have already thought of many activities to keep me busy if my worst case senerio comes true: scrap-booking, making Christmas stockings for James, Bumble and I (maybe roxie and kibbles depending on bored I am), taking up knitting, restart cross stitching, the list could go on. Hoping for a more light duty result but I will whatever it takes to keep Bumble safe and sound.
I want to thank all our concerned family and friends, we would have been able to handle the whole thing without yall. Family was especially amazing, James and I are very blessed to have such a strong support system. It truly meant a lot to us. Would also Presby ER and Perot 4North Rns/techs awesome. They made our experience so great and had tons of helpful information to make a type A obsessive compulsive nurse a semi calmer person. James even truly learned what menstrual cramps felt like. They never did find out what was wrong with me, although my doctor told me that there was another woman coming in with exact same symptoms as me and they were just as clueless.
I personally have to give a shout out to James b/c he let me wig out numerous times (and cry which I NEVER do and freaks him out) and stayed calm, somehow without showing me how crazy everything was for him. I found such a great guy to marry and have a baby with. Marilynn and Jerry yall done good! We were able to talk about our fears and concerns, while at the same time helping de-stress each other. Love him with all my heart and would be lost without him.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
I feel a change in the winds
1st of all Happy Mother's Day!!!! Especially my mommy (the lovely Mrs. Janet J Walters)! Would also include my Bamma and Grandma Ginny (even though she is no longer with us, miss you terribly grandma J). Chan, Marilynn, Grandma McBride and Grandma Gerstmann, happy mothers day to you as well. There are too many names to list but all my aunties and friends who are currently/or soon to be mothers!
Happy Nurses Week as well.
So Julia is cranky. I am frustrated with office politics and other such things. Very torn right now, I LOVE being an ICU nurse, love it with all my heart. I also LOVE my coworkers. I do not love how I feel my unit or coworkers have been treated as late and disagree with decisions that are being made. I get upset every shift I work over something. I think I need some new scenery, just debating if that means and brand new hospital or just a different floor. I need to do some serious soul-searching about everything. Just very irritated and need to get it off my chest so that I can sleep (would usually vent to James but he is passed out). Presby you are a wonderful place to work I just am having some issues with you right now. Bumble might just provide mommy the out she needs, easier to transition to something new when you haven't been working for 3-4 months. I shall just pray and meditate on it.
On a happier note, Bumble apparently is a night-shifter too. VERY active last night from around 2300-0130. Crazy, felt some serious kicks. They are still the happy ones, not uncomfortable. It still feels like bumble is doing flips in there sometimes.
Happy Nurses Week as well.
So Julia is cranky. I am frustrated with office politics and other such things. Very torn right now, I LOVE being an ICU nurse, love it with all my heart. I also LOVE my coworkers. I do not love how I feel my unit or coworkers have been treated as late and disagree with decisions that are being made. I get upset every shift I work over something. I think I need some new scenery, just debating if that means and brand new hospital or just a different floor. I need to do some serious soul-searching about everything. Just very irritated and need to get it off my chest so that I can sleep (would usually vent to James but he is passed out). Presby you are a wonderful place to work I just am having some issues with you right now. Bumble might just provide mommy the out she needs, easier to transition to something new when you haven't been working for 3-4 months. I shall just pray and meditate on it.
On a happier note, Bumble apparently is a night-shifter too. VERY active last night from around 2300-0130. Crazy, felt some serious kicks. They are still the happy ones, not uncomfortable. It still feels like bumble is doing flips in there sometimes.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Bumble is very active!
I was at a meeting today and there were cowbells, lots of cowbells. Long story ask any presby employee and they will share my pain. Anywho, I felt bumble kick my arm when it was resting on my belly so it got me thinking. If I could feel it than maybe James could too. So tonight after dinner, I lay down on the couch and James put his hand on my belly while we watched some TV. I had given up hope but after a little bit, bumble decided to get very active for dad. James got to feel him/her and it was really cool to see James's face light up once he realized what it was. I think bumble decided to do some somersaults for James (showing off for dad I guess). It was a very special moment for our family. I know we will continue to have very special moments and I look forward to them. Tonight meant so much to me because we finally had a moment where James could experience it with me not through me. I wish I had had a camera to capture the look of utter astonishment and wonder that was on his face. Very cool night.
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