Bedrest Diaries: 30 Weeks and Counting!

On Christmas Day I celebrated being 30 weeks and 2 days!

Bedrest Diaries: Christmas 2012

   We came home from the hospital just in time to spend Christmas at home this year.  Our first Christmas in Sacramento! Both of our parents were gracious enough to split and spend the holiday up here with us.  My parents and sister came to spend Christmas Eve with us.  Here we are opening our presents!

Santa's elves busy passing out presents

Colton opening one of his many presents while wearing his new sweater from Auntie

   We welcomed in Michael's parents who spent Christmas Day and an entire week with us.

Colton coming out Christmas morning from bed

So excited for more presents!

A new addition to our family: Meet BIG MO!

Colton's first bike from Nana and Papa

Say cheese!

Our new dining room table and chairs

Elmo Slippers!

Playing with our new microphone

Playing with Papa

Colton's words: "Papa snuggle"

Just a few of my new favorite things from Christmas.  I get to look and smell pretty on bedrest.  Oh the little things I treasure these days.

Bedrest Diaries: Our Hospital Vacation

      From the point of 25 weeks, Michael and I had become very aware of the protocol that needed to be followed when I experienced contractions that were 2-3 minutes apart.  Beginning at 25 weeks, we have visited the OB triage a total of 5 times all within the period of a month.  So when December 18th rolled around and I began experiencing strong contractions, we followed the protocol.  We both kissed Colton goodbye and told him we would be back home in a couple of hours.  Oh boy, we were wrong.  We arrived to the OB triage at Sutter Memorial Hospital (our second home) and were hooked up to the monitor right away.  By the time my doctor arrived, my contractions were happening anywhere between 1-2 minutes and the strongest they had ever been.  After completing a full ultrasound, my doctor came to the conclusion that due to drastic physical changes my body was making during this pregnancy, I was at high risk to delivering this baby within the next 48-72 hours.  So instead of going home, we were admitted into Sutter and began the treatment of preparing our baby to be born sooner than we expected at 29 weeks.  We stayed in the hospital for 4 days and prepped the baby with two rounds of steroids, calmed the contractions down, and further prepped for an early delivery.  But I am happy to say that no baby came!  Praise the Lord! Since I had responded so well to the medication given to calm my body down, both my doctor and perinatologist decided that everything they could do medically had been done.   It was up to my body.  Our plan from that point on, was to go home on full bedrest (only getting up to use the restroom and shower kind of bedrest!), no more meds and to simply ride out this pregnancy as long as I could.  So we were able to go home just in time for christmas. 

In OB triage with my staples water, chapstick, and yogurt before admission

My new souvenir to add to my hospital cup collection. 

My IV 

My IV post

Having to say goodbye to my IV buddy was harder than expected

My hospital bed with four pillows (A must!)

Day of Discharge!

Colton coming in the wagon to take us home

Bed Rest Diaries: Colton Turns Two

    How time flies! Another year and another birthday.  Colton turned two years old on Sunday December 16th and I still can't believe that I officially have a two year old.  Since being on bedrest the idea of the throwing him a party quickly went out the window.  Although that put me in a royal funk (because of my planning way too in advance nature) I found that it was a blessing in disguise.  Instead of getting caught up in the birthday party extravaganza, I was able to reflect on the past two years of Colton's life and how much he has been such a blessing to our family.  God could have not gifted us with a sweeter more personable child.  With all of that said, Michael and our dear friends made a weekend out of Colton's birthday and one that I will never forget.

    On Friday December 15th, we celebrated our 1st Annual Friendsmas with our close friends. Everyone was so gracious to throw Colton's birthday in the mix and sing happy birthday to him while he blew out his candles and enjoyed his special treat! 

Had fun creating and decorating these two pinterest inspired cupcakes  

Loved everyone singing Happy Birthday to him

      

Colton blowing out his candles one at a time

Trying out the frosting first

Colton Sr.

                                                                            Colton Jr.

Jr. helping Sr. open his gift

ELMO Backpack!!! Thank you Jr. 

And we're off!

On Sunday, Colton woke up to Daddy and Mommy singing him Happy Birthday.  Colton gave us the the two symbol during breakfast and then headed off to church with Daddy wearing his new Elmo shirt and backpack.

After nap time, Daddy and Colton came into Mommy's living quarters to open his presents.

First Nativity Set!

Bed Rest Diaries: Family Pictures 2012

   Although bed rest has prevented me from going places, I was determined to still have family/maternity pictures done while I was pregnant with our second child.  Our photographer was so easy and willing to do whatever we wanted, that our master bedroom became the backdrop and I have to say it is my favorite setting out of all the pictures we have done.  In this pictures  I was 28 weeks pregnant which looking back now, was a huge accomplishment considering I had doubted making it to that point in this pregnancy.  Hurray for 28 weeks and pictures to mark this accomplishment!\