The Dales: September 2009

So...I'm on bedrest now. Well, actually I've been on bedrest since Sept 1st, but just now getting a chance to update. I knew it was coming, but didn't know it would be 7 weeks out!!! We went to the Dr. Sept 1st and apparently my cervix had shortened which means it would be only a matter of time before I started dilating. We got a good report otherwise. The babies both looked good and growing ahead of schedule. Campbell weighed 3lbs 7oz and Avery weighed 3lbs 2oz. Apparently Campbell is head down and ready to go and that may be part of the problem. Avery was being her normal calm self and curled up breeched. So far my tall frame and long torso has helped me out, but since I'm all belly, the weight is centered in the front and the babies are wanting more room! We also found out our children have long arms and legs...hmmm...wonder where that comes from! So...in order to keep them in a little bit longer, I was put to bed for the remainder of my pregnancy. I also had the privilege of getting 3 shots in two days!! I got my flu shot in my left arm and a steroid shot in my left hip on Tuesday (and they still asked me what arm and hip I prefered? Seriously? Does it really matter? It's going to hurt ANYWHERE you stick me!). I went back Wednesday to get stuck in my right hip (the steriod shots were to help speed up the development of each baby's lungs). Then I was given medicine to take every four hours that is supposed to relax the uterine muscles and the cervix. So far, I can actually tell it seems to be working.

We went back to the Dr Sept 8 for our weekly appt hoping that the bedrest had been doing the trick. Well...not so much! The babies looked great and she could tell a difference in their lungs from last week to this week which was great! Campbell and Avery were both measuring about the same give or take a few ounces (they said they don't usually measure from week to week because the change is so little). Campbell had turned again and was now feet down and Avery had her feet tucked undeneath her. I could tell Campbell had turned again because I didn't feel as much pressure. If only he would stay in one place!!! Well...my cervix had shortened to .6mm which was not good! Basically I'm starting to thin out! And I thought I was nervous last week! After a quick check, I've dilated 1cm, but my contractions are coming about every couple of hours and only like 1 or 2. So, after consulting with the specialist (Dr. Perry) we were sent home to wait and hope I don't dilate more and if I have more than 6 contractions an hour to head to the hospital. We'll go to Dr Perry on Tuesday and see Dr. T right after. He'll get a better look at the babies and my cervix and then she'll do her checks and they will make the decision of how to proceed. She would really like for them to stay put at least to 34 weeks...if we can hold on! We're praying BOLDLY for that! These babies were prayed for before their conception, have been prayed for while they have been growing inside and we are so grateful to have so many friends and family praying for their safe delivery. God has a plan and He is in control...He's proven that so many times in my life and in David's so we wait on HIS perfect timing for their entrance into the world. Until then, we take it day by day and know that He will take care of the four of us.

So...a few pics to go along with this VERY long post!!

30 Weeks...the growing belly!