Week #29 : Preterm Labor

This post is coming to you all from my phone, so I'll apologize now for misspellings and slang... Well, I've made it to week #29, & let me just say it hasn't been easy these last few weeks. I've been having a lot of contractions that I finally decided to have checked out last Tuesday night at labor and delivery. Turns out, it was a form of preterm labor caused by uterine hyperstimulation. They gave me an injection of terbutaline to stop the contractions and told me to come back if i had more than 4 in an hour that are not relieved by rest and increasing fluids. As I walked downstairs, I started having a few, but decided to go home anyways so i could relax. The next morning, I was still having contractions, but got called into work, so against my husband's better judgement and continual warnings, I went in. It was a hell of a shift, and i was working side by side with the Dr regarding several patients for almost the whole time. He called me out on the contractions I was trying pretty hard to hide, so not wanting to be the nurse that "lies about herself, so we can't assume she won't lie about her patients, too" (that's what was going on in my head), I confided in the Dr that yes, just 12 hours earlier I was released from LDR, and yes, I was in fact having several contractions an hour that were pretty painful.

As soon as the seemingly sympathetic Dr left for the night, I received a call at work from my DON telling me she had heard from an anonymous source that i was in labor, and that i needed to leave the facility to go to the hospital, that i could drop everything to go, or I could call an ambulance to take me. I tried to assure her it wasn't necessary, and decided to stay late and finish my charting. Once I sat down, the contractions became less painful, and less frequent, so i decided to just go home... The contractions never really went away. Just kept coming and going for a few more days. I was tempted many times to go back to the hospital, especially Thursday night when I had 11 contractions in an hour and a few minutes. But I was stubborn still, so I didn't. Then Friday, I felt mostly better again. So when i was asked to work from 7p-1a, I agreed. The contractions came on strong again. As my luck would have it, my relief came in an hour early, so i decided to just go to the hospital to get checked out again. The nurse that took care of me wasn't the same nurse from Tuesday night, but she did remember me. She asked why I hadn't followed up with the Dr (the other nurse NEVER told me to, and I have discharge instructions to prove it!), and decided to give me the full workup. She gave me a bolus of lactated ringers solution with sugar (for my nurse friends, she set the pump to 999ml/hr), then once that had infused, she started another. She also gave me Procardia (PO) and told me if that didn't work, she had orders from my Dr to put me into a drug-induced sleep with Demerol, phenergan, and a muscle relaxer. Thankfully after a couple of hours, the Procardia worked, and I was sent home with strict instructions for no work/traveling at least until I see my Dr on Wednesday morning. Starting again last night, I've been having a few contractions here and there again, so i called my Dr. He put me on Procardia again, but I'm just taking it every 6 hours as needed.for the contractions, and i can do that from the comfort of my home. I'm just waiting until Wednesday to see where we go from here. There's my update!! I'll keep you all informed as I find stuff out!

I've Been Tagged by The Princess!!

**One - the rules**
one. you must post the rules.
two. post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.
three. answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.
four. tag eleven people and link them on your post
five. let them know you've tagged them!

**Two - About Me**

1.I'm a Sagittarius.

2. I've had 5 surgeries in my lifetime.

3. I've had more broken bones than I can remember.

4. Rules of Engagement is one of my all time favorite shows.

5. Our Christmas tree is still up in our living room (I've said it before, & I'll say it again - I'VE BEEN BUSY!!)

6. I’m the new owner of a 2012 Chevy Cruze, and it’s amazing!!

7. Maternity pajamas are my absolute favorite thing to wear these days!!

8. Devin has the same initials as Matt’s dad (Devin William Morris – Dennis William Morris)

9. I used to COMPLETELY LOATHE Will Ferrell, whereas now he’s one of my favorite actors!!

10. I never wanted to be a nurse. Actually, when I was growing up, I wanted to be a scientist or a doctor.

11. I *LOVE* being a nurse more than anything, but….. I *REALLY* want to be a nurse practicioner!!! That’s my next big career move!

**Three –Questions from the Princess**

1. Would you rather be lazy in your sweat pants or out all dolled up?

A.   Dolled up – I always prefer to look my best.

2. What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

A. I just like hanging out with my little family.

3. If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?

A. Corpus Christi, on the beach, watching my kids play while soaking up some sun.

4. Do you read the news? Or watch the news?

A. We haven’t had TV in years, so both Matt & I just read it.

5. What's your favorite kitchen gadget?

A. I love my brand new cutting boards I got for Christmas… I’m fascinated with them because they’re flexible and so useful!!

6. Favorite recipe you've ever cooked?

A. I just really enjoy cooking (except when I’m not rushed or sick or pregnant lol).

7. Do you subscribe to any magazines?

A. Thanks to my mother-in-law, I now subscribe to Entertainment Weekly J

8. Favorite person to see in concert?

A. I REALLY want to see The Toadies in concert. As far as concerts I have seen, I really liked seeing the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the American Airlines Center in Dallas in 2007. Next favorite would have to be acoustic performance by Jonathan Davis at the Hosue of Blues in Dallas, also in 2007.

9. Favorite sushi?

A. I love California rolls!!

10. Favorite workout tip?

A. Hahaha…uhm…??

11. Favorite "adult beverage"?

A. I really love fruity, girly drinks. Different flavored margaritas, mojitos, etc…

**Four – Tag Others**

          Unfortunately, I can’t!!! I don’t know enough bloggers to tag… so instead, my new goal is to sort through blogs and follow at least 11 new people!!

**Five – See Above**

Different Kind of Pregnancy Survey

A little survey for my readers, thanks for continuing to read  Sorry I haven't been on too much lately... it's been a very busy couple of months! But I promise I'll try to update alot more regularly now!

How far along?  27 weeks & some change

What was the first thing you bought for your baby? I bought a GORGEOUS pink/brown pack and play from my bestie Melody. (Not the exact one, but pretty close!!)

Total weight gain/loss?  Total gain so far is about 15lbs

How are the maternity clothes? Not really wearing any still. The pants won't stay up, and the tops don't show off my bump as well as I'd like, so I'm sticking to my regular jeans (that still fit perfectly) and cute tops!

Stretch marks? A few little white lines are showing up here and there, but nothing too bad so far.

How’s the sleep? Usually not that good. I'm up every couple of hours to pee, and wake frequently in between that to reposition.

Best moment this week? Getting the windows tinted on my car FREE OF CHARGE :)

Movement? This little girl is moving like crazy nowadays, but she still appears to be head down and in position, so that pretty much confines her kicks to my ribs and punches to my bladder.

Have you taken a birthing class? We never did with Devin, and we won't this time around, either. I am, however, reading Husband Coached Childbirth, which I find really interesting. I think it may be helpful in my goal of a drug-free labor/delivery. 

Type of delivery you’re planning on? Hoping for a natural, drug-free labor. Preparing myself for the likelihood of getting an epidural if I can't handle the pain (no IV meds though). But I have "a feeling" that I'm gonna have to have a C Section this time, so I'm also preparing myself for that, too.

Biggest change in your body besides belly? Nothing, really??

Food cravings? Mostly sweets.

Gender? Female as far as we know, but we'll do a gender confirmation ultrasound on February 8th.

Labor Signs? Been having alot of pressure down below, but that's probably just because she's so far down. Frequent BH as usual, but no biggie.

Belly Button in or out? Not in like it used to be, but not out yet, either.

What are you missing? All the vanities: being skinny (or skinnier, anyways), a thinner face, fitting into my clothes...

What are you looking forward to? Dressing Emmalyn in her cute outfits,, letting Devin meet her, getting into shape (a shape other than round…), losing weight, holding my very own newborn again!

Other Updates? Wanting to blog about the nursery soon, so stay tuned!! I literally haven't done anything to prepare for Em's arrival, so I need to get started on that soon!!

Only a little over 12 weeks left, if she stays in that long!! Her big brother didn't wait until his due date, so if the same thing happens this time, this little girl will be here in about 9 weeks or so!

Updates!!

I'm now 22 weeks 4 days. Been super busy with moving, working, and holiday stuff. We still haven't decided on a name for Little Miss (we've come close but we are still just going over our options). I've been trying to work as many hours as possible so we can come close to affording everything we have going on at the moment... It hasn't been easy these last few weeks, but we are working on it. This little girl has been giving me fits, and I've been having tons of Braxton Hicks. Devin has been giving us a run for our money, between getting into everything and having SO much energy! But other than all of that, everything is fine!!! We are doing great!!! My next appointment is on December 28th. I fully.expect to hear that everything is as it should be, so i guess ill just keep updating you all from my phone as I get the time!!!

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Last post for awhile....

We have alot going on in our lives right now, and we won't have access to internet too much (other than on our phones), so I just wanted to give everyone a heads up!! I promise I'll post pics of the baby bump, and posts about the other new things that are happening, SOON. But for now, everyone needs to know that our life has taking an exciting turn for the better, but I still continue to accept well-wishes and prayers!!! I'll talk to you all soon!!!!

Baby Names

When I was pregnant with Devin, Matt & I had discussed the name Emmalyn. I love that name. He never had a preference because we already knew we were having a boy.

Well, at the beginning of the pregnancy this time around, I suggested it again. We decided on Emmalyn Elizabeth for a girl, or Jackson Brian for a boy (Elizabeth is my mom's middle name; Brian is my brother's middle name). So, the day we found out, I automatically assumed we were going with Emmalyn Elizabeth. But, Matt & I decided that the name is quite a mouthful, and she's gotta learn to spell it one day, so maybe that's not the best choice. I hadn't told my mom the middle name choice yet, because I didn't want to be locked in to it (since it's her middle name, I assumed she'd be rooting for it). Well, my mother, being the teacher she is, also vetoed the name for the same reasons (ATTENTION, ATTENTION - mark this day on all of your calendars, because my mother & husband NEVER, EVER, EVER agree!!). 

So, we set out to find a new middle name. That's when my bestie, Melody, mentioned Emmalyn Grace. I FELL IN LOVE with the name!! Then , I realized a friend of mine from nursing school (who I still see and talk to, but our kids don't hang out) has a daughter named Aklynn Grace (she goes by Gracie). THEN Melody mentioned that another of our friends is thinking of using Sawyer Grace if she's having a girl (we find out at the first of January - yay!!). Being the paranoid preggo I am, I debated on the name, had long discussions with many different people about the name, if it was "acceptable" to use or if I'd be "stealing" it, etc.... I even went straight to the horse's mouth & asked Amanda (preggo friend) if it would make a difference to her [& I quote "I don't get my panties in a bunch over stupid stuff" - hahaha]. By the time I decided for myself that the name was indeed NOT off limits, I didn't want it any more!!

So Melody, being the inspiration/baby lover she is, mentioned Emmalyn Paige, which I ALSO fell in love with!! I checked with Matt, he's never dated a girl named Paige, has only known 1 Paige with whom he associates only good memories (from 1st grade, no less), and I don't believe I've ever had any problems with a girl by that name; therefore, the name is acceptable (lol, not like there's alot of criteria or anything)!!

But now, Matt isn't sure, simply because we haven't really talked about any other names. Funny thing is, every time I try to talk to him about names, he has no other opinions/interest!! 

So, I guess what I'm saying is, the name thing is still up in the air. But for now, I will refer to my growing belly as "Emmalyn Paige Morris", and we'll see if it sticks :)

(Her little foot!!!)

Baby #2 - IT'S A GIRL!!!

We found out on Tuesday, November 29th (my mom's birthday). We took Devin with us so that he would be the first to know whether we were having a Jackson or an Emmalyn. As the doctor waved his "wand" over my stomach, he stated very nonchalantly, "Looks like a girl." I smile (because I "knew" all along) and look over at Matt just in time to see his excited smile quickly change to a worried, fake-looking smile, and both of his eyes started twitching simultaneously as he just stared at the screen in bewilderment. I quickly spouted off an "I told you so" about the same time that I also commented about Matt's demeanor. Right about then, Devin took it upon himself to laugh the most exaggerated laugh possible (impeccable timing, son), which sent Dr. Stewart, Matt & me into a giggle fit!!

After some more checking around, the doctor confirmed that everything looked great, all of my labs thus far have come back normal, and we are both right on track. In fact, she's already 11oz now!!! We go back on December 28th for another well-checkup.

Something I have to throw out there is that, as previously mentioned, I "knew" it was a girl from day #1. I was so confident that Matt & I decided to bet on it a few weeks ago at our friend's house (so we'd have witnesses). What did I win, you ask? Well, I'll tell you!!!!

I won 3 back rubs && a complaint-free house cleaning PER WEEK!! This is to last the duration of the pregnancy (amazing, I know!!)!!! In addition, I also get a complaint-free  photo shoot for family maternity photos at the time of my choosing!! I'm pretty excited!!! So, those of you who know my husband, PLEASE, take every opportunity you have to rub it in my dear husband's face that HE WAS WRONG!!!! :) 

(This is my "I told you so" face!!!)