Sprout Update

We thought our little scare was over after the incident at 27 weeks but evidently Sprout is a little more impatient that we thought. I went back to the hospital at 33.5 weeks with contractions every 4 minutes. This time I was in pre-term labor and the doctors used a couple of doses of Terbutaline to slow down the contractions. Sprout also had two shots of steroids (24 hrs apart) for lung development just in case they couldn't put a stop to the labor. (On top of all of that, Grams was in Haiti during this time and we were afraid she was going to be out of the country during the arrival of her new grandbaby).

The contractions slowed down and I was released to go home, basically because Leah was at home and the doc was fully aware that I was not going to relax at the hospital if I was away from her. The kicker (and compromise) came with the instructions for bed rest! Considering I am an attorney with a case load, Leah is 21 months old and Jeff works nights - bed rest were the last 2 words we wanted to hear together. BUT...as a professional, there are few things more frustrating than advising a client of what he/she needs to do only to be ignored. Thankfully I am in a wonderful and supportive office filled with offers to help if needed as well as being surrounded by the most amazing family and friends. A couple meals have been delivered and the notes of prayer and encouragement have been pouring in. Jeff's mom was able to be here for a weekend to help with Leah and my mom has been a major blessing helping the rest of the time. Aside from all of the day to day help with Leah and keeping up the house, she has washed all of the baby clothes and helped us get Leah's things moved to her new room. Jeff had to work 76 hours this week and had been amazing -- still helping when he is not working or sleeping.

I will admit, I am NOT good at sitting still so this has not been easy. It seems much easier for me to just get up and do things myself than ask someone else to do it. BUT, I have focused on putting Sprout 1st and remembering that this time is not about me and what I want to do but about Sprout and what he or she needs.

I will be 36 weeks tomorrow and Sprout is continuing to grow. At this point, we are not very concerned if he or she decides to make an appearance. However, every day of incubation is another day of growing and we are hoping for as many as we can get. My sisters, Jewel and Jessie, are both leaving for missions trips the 1st week of May that will have them gone for several weeks. I know that they would love to meet their niece or nephew before they leave. I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens.

Thank you to everyone for all of your thoughts and prayers! The prayers have been answered and we feel very blessed!

34 weeks

35 weeks