One Day at a Time

 Wow, a LOT has happened since my last post when we first found out about this baby's growth restriction. From 28 weeks on, we have been on weekly monitoring, which includes an ultrasound to look at the umbilical cord and development, a non-stress test, and talking with one of the doctor's at my practice. After the steroid shots, things looked really good one week, decent the next, and then things went a little haywire this past Friday at almost 31 weeks.

To make a long story a little shorter, baby is measuring small, which is not a huge surprise. Abby also measured small and we were eventually induced due that growth restriction. Some major differences are - with Abby that diagnosis came at ~36 weeks versus ~28 weeks this time around, and the biggest one is our dopplers have been elevated with this baby (classic second child being difficult...) Without getting into the science and numbers of it, basically there is a concern about the placenta not supplying adequate blood flow to the baby. That is why we were already put on weekly monitoring - the doctors want to keep a close eye on everything to make sure baby stays happy and healthy. 

We've learned a ridiculous amount about umbilical dopplers over the past month (more than I ever wanted to know) and I feel like a pro at reading and interpreting the ultrasound as we see it. And at my appointment this past Friday, there were some more alarming things seen on the dopplers. There was at least one instance of absent flow which ultimately led to me being admitted to the Maternal-Fetal Medicine unit at the hospital for further monitoring. 

Me praying the doctor didn't walk in and tell me we were about to have a baby. The start of close to 8 hours of crying before finally falling asleep that night.

It was a whirlwind of emotions, after all, we were actually on our way back from a family trip to Boone that whole week. So, that morning, we had gotten coffee and breakfast at Stick Boy before taking a hike up to Beacon Heights on our way to Asheville. Just hours before being told I was about to be admitted to the hospital, I had been hiking down a mountain with Abby on my shoulders, laughing and smiling the whole way. 

Snapped this sweet moment hours before things really took an unexpected turn

Since our car was still packed, I decided to just pack a bag out of my stuff in the car to avoid an extra drive to and from Canton. We called both sets of grandparents, who quickly packed and headed our way, called my church to let them know I wouldn't be there that weekend, got food at Cava, and headed over to Mission. Once I was at the hospital, I had a second round of steroids to help the baby develop (2 shots 24 hours apart that I still have a bruise from on one side). I was also on the monitor for non-stress tests for 1-hour twice each day. Then it was mainly a waiting game until we had a repeat ultrasound on Sunday to see how everything looked. 

Abby was not excited that mommy wasn't coming home when they dropped me off at the hospital. She was also scared of the "Hocus Pocus" intro, which if you know me, is hilarious

The dopplers were still elevated, but much better, in fact I saw numbers lower than I ever have before since we started checking them. We expected this, just like the first round of steroids, you generally get a honeymoon period after the steroid shots when things look really great. Initially, it sounded like I would be in the hospital until at least Tuesday when they could check the dopplers again, but after my doctor consulted with the MFM team, they all felt comfortable discharging me to go home! This was the best surprise of the weekend because I was already mentally prepared to be there for a couple extra days at the very least. 

Right before my doctor came in and gave me the news I was going home

Caveats to being discharged are that I'm no longer allowed to intentionally exercise which means saying farewell to the miles I was still running every week. In retrospect, I'm glad the final 20+ miles run this pregnancy were enjoyed in Boone amongst the fall colors and lots of wildlife. I did get the okay to do some light walking as long as I take it easy. As my doctor said, "If she (Abby) can do it, you can do it." I'm grateful to still have this because we are now on twice-weekly monitoring. My life feels like it exists on these 3-4 day cycles because I also know that I could go to any of these appointments and end up back in the hospital. That is scary and overwhelming, especially with a 3-year old at home who is a MAJOR mommy's girl. Plus, this time I know that if I am re-admitted to the hospital, I will be there until this baby is born. 

At least there's a decent view from the hospital. This was the sunrise on Sunday morning.

As you might imagine, we'd love to avoid an extended hospital stay if we can, but we ultimately just want a happy and healthy baby. I've got a bag packed and loaded in the car in case I need it, and we are taking everything one Tuesday/Friday at a time. It's a major adjustment, especially for a type-a planner and worrier like me, but we feel so much love and support from everyone around us. 

We don't know when this baby will make a grand entrance, but one thing is sure, this baby is already covered by SO much prayer from our village. Keep our little family in your prayers as we continue to take all of this one day at a time.