Well it's the day before the biggest party day of the year, for everyone except us anyway. We had another appointment with the specialist today, and pretty much all remains the same. The boys had both grown, and seem to be right on track at 1lb13oz and 1lb14 oz. The doctor said that all of the measurements look good, and she feels good about how paula has progressed. They didn't even bother looking at a cervical measurement since they are doing all they know to do anyhow. Basically, why measure it if you can't do anything about it. Paula will remain in the hospital however, just to make sure that all continues to go well. It seems as though there had been some thought of going home in a couple of weeks, that's probably not a realistic expectation.
We worked all day today hanging the disco ball and strobe lights, tomorrow we will finish putting in the dancefloor in preparation for a huge party tomorrow night. That's right, we're gonna party like its 2009. Well of course I'm kidding, but we will definitely be watching some dick clark's new years rockin' eve. In fact we'll probably get a little crazy and even set an alarm for 11:55 so we can actually be awake to bring in the new year.
We hope everyone has a great, safe time tomorrow, and we will post again in the next couple of days.
Happy New Year to All,
Paula, Ryon, and The Boys
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
After Xmas
Well, Christmas is over and we hope santa was good to everyone. Just wanted to give a quick update on Paula's status. Really nothing has changed since my last post. Paula is still holding steady, and ready to go home. We hope to have an appointment with the specialist on Tuesday, but we may have to wait until next week, if they can't squeeze us in. Tomorrow we will see dr schmidt again, and hopefully she will continue to say that paula can go home at week 27. If anything changes you can find out here first.
We hope everyone had a merry christmas, and I will update again in a couple of days. I may actually wait until New Years, so we can let everyone know about our crazy new years eve activities.
Paula, Ryon, and The Boys
We hope everyone had a merry christmas, and I will update again in a couple of days. I may actually wait until New Years, so we can let everyone know about our crazy new years eve activities.
Paula, Ryon, and The Boys
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
We've Been Upgraded
So since Friday, here's what has happened. Saturday was business as usual, however Sunday turned out to be a big day for us. This was the day we got the news: We've been upgraded to a suite. Yeah, that's right, a suite. The room actually is much better than the other, mainly because it is much bigger. If I was smart enough I would post pictures, but basically it is more square feet, a little nicer restroom, my bed/chair doubled in size, we have an armoire, and a little more seating. Paula seems very happy here, we are actually considering selling the house.
Monday, Dr. Schmidt came and visited paula, and said she is very happy with how paula is hanging in there, and brought up the possibility of sending her home at 26 or 27 weeks, if she continues to do well. Also on Monday, paula recieved her first of two steroid shots which are given to help the development of mainly the baby's lungs, but also other organ development as well.
Thanks to everyone for all of the great Christmas cards. We have really enjoyed looking through them, and have managed to hang them all on the nurses information board in our room. I will update again in a couple of days.
Merry Christmas to All, and to all a good night.
Paula, Ryon, and The Boys
Monday, Dr. Schmidt came and visited paula, and said she is very happy with how paula is hanging in there, and brought up the possibility of sending her home at 26 or 27 weeks, if she continues to do well. Also on Monday, paula recieved her first of two steroid shots which are given to help the development of mainly the baby's lungs, but also other organ development as well.
Thanks to everyone for all of the great Christmas cards. We have really enjoyed looking through them, and have managed to hang them all on the nurses information board in our room. I will update again in a couple of days.
Merry Christmas to All, and to all a good night.
Paula, Ryon, and The Boys
Friday, December 19, 2008
Friday December 19, 2008
O.k. it's friday now, and yes we are still here. Yesterday the specialist said that although paula's cervix had thinned slightly more, she thought she could go home if she was very strict about limiting activity. However, dr. schmidt called later and said she would prefer for paula to stay. Since dr schmidt told her that's what she prefers, paula was ok with the decision and is handling it great. So we are here until she delivers.
With that said, I forgot to mention that yesterday did mark 24 weeks and we feel good to be getting closer. Our specialist seems to think we can make it into February, which would put us past the 30 week mark.
Paula said she really appreciates everyone calling to visit with her, but apologizes for not answering calls. She says she would love to visit, however everytime she talks for a long period of time, her contractions worsen. At this point, the only thing we can do to help slow things down, is to stop or keep contractions to a minimum.
Thanks again to everyone for your concern and prayers, and have a great weekend. If anything changes before Monday, I will update it here.
Paula, Ryon, and the Boys
With that said, I forgot to mention that yesterday did mark 24 weeks and we feel good to be getting closer. Our specialist seems to think we can make it into February, which would put us past the 30 week mark.
Paula said she really appreciates everyone calling to visit with her, but apologizes for not answering calls. She says she would love to visit, however everytime she talks for a long period of time, her contractions worsen. At this point, the only thing we can do to help slow things down, is to stop or keep contractions to a minimum.
Thanks again to everyone for your concern and prayers, and have a great weekend. If anything changes before Monday, I will update it here.
Paula, Ryon, and the Boys
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Follow Up Visit With the Specialist
Well, we just finished up the appointment with the maternal fetal specialist. The report is that Paula's cervix has thinned a little more, but not too much more. The specialist described it as being very short, however feels that pending a good outcome from a pelvic exam (hopefully later on today), she feels it would be ok for paula to go home. I'll give another update later today when we find out more information.
Paula, Ryon, and the Boys
Paula, Ryon, and the Boys
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Why Are We Here
Well it's Sunday and we were still recovering yesterday from our big night on Friday, so needless to say, we didn't get the blog updated.
Yesterday and today went really well for paula. There were really no concerns throughout either day, contractions were at a minimum and paula was feeling pretty good. However today, the doctor made the decision to leave her contraction monitor off of her, and limit the monitoring to 1 hour on and 3 hours off. The reason for this was due to some skin irritation that the monitor was causing, mainly from being in the same place for so long. So now she is laying in the hospital bed, watching tv, wearing her pump, and wondering why we are here. It seems we could do all of those things in the comfort of our own home.
At the same time though, it is nice to know that the monitor can be utilized at any time, to make sure that her contractions are staying away (since she can't feel them). The appointment with the specialist is still scheduled for Thursday, and we are beginning to speculate that going home may be an option after that appointment.
Paula is feeling good enough now to talk on the phone and have visitors, without contracting as much.
Unless something changes we will hold off on any updates, since thankfully they've remained the same, until after our appointment on Thursday. Once again, we want to thank everyone for your support and prayers.
Good Night,
Paula, Ryon, and The Boys
Yesterday and today went really well for paula. There were really no concerns throughout either day, contractions were at a minimum and paula was feeling pretty good. However today, the doctor made the decision to leave her contraction monitor off of her, and limit the monitoring to 1 hour on and 3 hours off. The reason for this was due to some skin irritation that the monitor was causing, mainly from being in the same place for so long. So now she is laying in the hospital bed, watching tv, wearing her pump, and wondering why we are here. It seems we could do all of those things in the comfort of our own home.
At the same time though, it is nice to know that the monitor can be utilized at any time, to make sure that her contractions are staying away (since she can't feel them). The appointment with the specialist is still scheduled for Thursday, and we are beginning to speculate that going home may be an option after that appointment.
Paula is feeling good enough now to talk on the phone and have visitors, without contracting as much.
Unless something changes we will hold off on any updates, since thankfully they've remained the same, until after our appointment on Thursday. Once again, we want to thank everyone for your support and prayers.
Good Night,
Paula, Ryon, and The Boys
Friday, December 12, 2008
Let's Party, It's Friday
Well, back pats for me for updating this 2 nights in a row. Who knows this may be a long standing record.
Today ended up being a very good day for paula. Through the night, and this morning, she was having to administer herself extra doses of the terbutaline to hold the contractions down. This morning the doctor came by and seemed to think paula was doing pretty good, however wanted to increase the basal dose of terbutaline. The home health nurse came in and made .01mL adjustment, and paula was great for the rest of the day. The contractions have continued to stay away for the most part today, and she is very happy.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention last night that yesterday marked 23 weeks for the babies. Hopefully everyone will cheer us on to get to next Thursday to make it 24. The days are just flying by for paula (not so much). Well, like all of you, we can't keep killing time, messing around on the internet all night, it's friday and we have a lot going on.
Until next time,
Paula and Ryon
Today ended up being a very good day for paula. Through the night, and this morning, she was having to administer herself extra doses of the terbutaline to hold the contractions down. This morning the doctor came by and seemed to think paula was doing pretty good, however wanted to increase the basal dose of terbutaline. The home health nurse came in and made .01mL adjustment, and paula was great for the rest of the day. The contractions have continued to stay away for the most part today, and she is very happy.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention last night that yesterday marked 23 weeks for the babies. Hopefully everyone will cheer us on to get to next Thursday to make it 24. The days are just flying by for paula (not so much). Well, like all of you, we can't keep killing time, messing around on the internet all night, it's friday and we have a lot going on.
Until next time,
Paula and Ryon
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Im Back in Town
OK OK OK, I know, i've been slacking, so here's the update.
Tuesday December 9, 2008
Paula was still doing ok, but she was not as pleased as the doctors. She was still having some contractions, however the doctors seem to think she is doing good. Big News however, the IV is gone, and Paula is cleared to take showers and go to the restroom.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
More of the same, but having to self dose extra terbutaline to keep contractions down.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Today was a really good day. Paula began eating a lot more, actually started last night with tortillas and queso from La Hacienda. Also, her progesterone injection started today. She will get this injection once weekly, for additional help with contractions. Contractions were very insignificant today, and she was in very good spirits. The nurses continue to monitor the boys heart rates about twice daily, and everything still seems to be good with them.
We want to thank everyone for the comments posted. it is great to know we have a huge group of loving friends and family who are out there for support.
Until manana,
Paula and Ryon
Tuesday December 9, 2008
Paula was still doing ok, but she was not as pleased as the doctors. She was still having some contractions, however the doctors seem to think she is doing good. Big News however, the IV is gone, and Paula is cleared to take showers and go to the restroom.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
More of the same, but having to self dose extra terbutaline to keep contractions down.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Today was a really good day. Paula began eating a lot more, actually started last night with tortillas and queso from La Hacienda. Also, her progesterone injection started today. She will get this injection once weekly, for additional help with contractions. Contractions were very insignificant today, and she was in very good spirits. The nurses continue to monitor the boys heart rates about twice daily, and everything still seems to be good with them.
We want to thank everyone for the comments posted. it is great to know we have a huge group of loving friends and family who are out there for support.
Until manana,
Paula and Ryon
Monday, December 8, 2008
December 8, 2007
Hello all,
This is our first official blog regarding our journey towards parenthood. Some of you may already know what has occurred with Paula over the past week, but for those of you who do not, here is a not so brief summary.
Monday, November 17, 2008
During our scheduled doctors visit, we find out that Paula's cervix is thinning. Dr. Schmidt
didn't feel this was a huge concern, but Paula was placed on bed rest at home and asked to
return in 2 weeks for a follow up. Both babies were doing well, as expected, and weighed in
at a whopping .7lbs.
Monday, December 1, 2008
We went in for follow up visit, hoping to hear the good news and how well the bed rest had
slowed the thinning of her cervix. NOT SO MUCH. Instead we found it had possibly thinned
more, but Dr. Schmidt asked that we see a maternal fetal specialist to get a second opinion. No
measurements of the boys were taken at this visit, and the appointment with the specialist was
scheduled for Wednesday.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
We went to the specialist, only to find that Paula's cervix had indeed thinned, and was no more
than 1cm in length (3cm is about average until the 3rd trimester in a typical pregnancy). We
were ordered to go to Memorial Hermann Hospital, at Memorial City, and check in to labor and
delivery to have some monitoring done to see if Paula was having contractions. You guessed it,
yes she was, about 1 every 4-6 minutes. At this time she was placed on Magnesium Sulfate to
help slow, or hopefully stop her contractions. And the hits just keep on coming. As a welcome
gift from the hospital, she also received a Foley catheter, a pain medication (to help with the
pain from the catheter), and some oral medication that would help stop contractions as well.
This was a long night, lots of sickness, shaking, and uncertainties of what was to come.
Thursday, December 4 2008
More of the same, Paula tired, uncomfortable and unsure, however she had done well through
the night and contractions were down to about 4-5 per hour. We were advised that this
number was acceptable. In addition, a pelvic exam was performed and determined there was
no dilation and things seemed to be stabilizing. Plan was put in place for Paula to be taken off
of Magnesium, switched to a terbutalene pump, with the possibility to go home and remain
on best rest if this were to work.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Paula was weaned off of Magnesium, given her first injection of terbutalene, and the pump was
installed into her leg. The pump gives a constant dose of terbutalene, also called Brethane, as
well as an additional, scheduled dose every 6 hours. This medication did an excellent job of
slowing down contractions, but caused severe shaking and increased heart rate.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Paula woke up in the morning having done excellent the night before and contractions were
way down, only 2-3 per hour, which was better than expected. Also, the catheter was
removed, she was beginning to eat better all was good. So good, we even talked to doctor in to
allowing us to stop the scheduled dose, and only get the continuous dose which the pump
administers. Good thing she is a dentist and not and obgyn. BAAAD IDEA. Once she started
moving around, going to the restroom, and not receiving the extra dose, the contractions came
back. The doctor ordered to stop the brethane, begin magnesium again, and all hope of going
home was gone. We were informed that we would remain in hospital for the duration. At this
time we were also advised that if she makes it to 23 and a half weeks, we have the option to
transfer her care to the specialist and move to the downtown hermann location, where the
nicu has better capabilities to handle 23 week infants.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Woke up and magnesium had only worked o.k. She was still having 7-8 contractions per hour,
but were somewhat stable and the doctor thought outlook was positive. At this point Paula
was not feeling well, and we were beginning to wonder if anything would work. We were
advised that if she continued stable, or at least as stable as she currently was, then we may
try the brethane again on Monday.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Paula remained stable thru Sunday, and the night. This morning the news was still about 7-8
contractions per hour. We were ready to be weaned off of the magnesium and try the "terb
pump" again. Pretty well instant results. I left for work around 8, with Paula not feeling great
and not real happy with the situation in its entirety. When I checked in at 10:30, Paula was in
much better spirits and had just received the pump. By noon today, her contractions had
essentially ceased, only 2-3 per hour, and she was doing very well. It's almost eleven now and
she is still very stable. Things seem to really be picking up.
Sorry for all of the detail, but it's there if you want it. One thing I forgot to mention, and shame on me for that, is that the babies have been doing great the entire time. The doctors feel that if we are able to stop the contractions, Paula should be able to hang on until we reach a safe date (ideally no less than 30 weeks). At this time, she still does not feel up to talking on the phone, due to her energy level being pretty low, and the worry of it causing stress and contractions. We have received many phone calls which have gone unanswered and we apologize, but hope you understand. We feel that if she continues to do well, she will begin to welcome visitors and we'll let everyone know when that time comes. I will try to keep this updated daily, and will read Paula any responses we receive. We thank everyone for your love, support, and prayers.
Good Night Now,
Paula, Ryon and The Boys.
This is our first official blog regarding our journey towards parenthood. Some of you may already know what has occurred with Paula over the past week, but for those of you who do not, here is a not so brief summary.
Monday, November 17, 2008
During our scheduled doctors visit, we find out that Paula's cervix is thinning. Dr. Schmidt
didn't feel this was a huge concern, but Paula was placed on bed rest at home and asked to
return in 2 weeks for a follow up. Both babies were doing well, as expected, and weighed in
at a whopping .7lbs.
Monday, December 1, 2008
We went in for follow up visit, hoping to hear the good news and how well the bed rest had
slowed the thinning of her cervix. NOT SO MUCH. Instead we found it had possibly thinned
more, but Dr. Schmidt asked that we see a maternal fetal specialist to get a second opinion. No
measurements of the boys were taken at this visit, and the appointment with the specialist was
scheduled for Wednesday.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
We went to the specialist, only to find that Paula's cervix had indeed thinned, and was no more
than 1cm in length (3cm is about average until the 3rd trimester in a typical pregnancy). We
were ordered to go to Memorial Hermann Hospital, at Memorial City, and check in to labor and
delivery to have some monitoring done to see if Paula was having contractions. You guessed it,
yes she was, about 1 every 4-6 minutes. At this time she was placed on Magnesium Sulfate to
help slow, or hopefully stop her contractions. And the hits just keep on coming. As a welcome
gift from the hospital, she also received a Foley catheter, a pain medication (to help with the
pain from the catheter), and some oral medication that would help stop contractions as well.
This was a long night, lots of sickness, shaking, and uncertainties of what was to come.
Thursday, December 4 2008
More of the same, Paula tired, uncomfortable and unsure, however she had done well through
the night and contractions were down to about 4-5 per hour. We were advised that this
number was acceptable. In addition, a pelvic exam was performed and determined there was
no dilation and things seemed to be stabilizing. Plan was put in place for Paula to be taken off
of Magnesium, switched to a terbutalene pump, with the possibility to go home and remain
on best rest if this were to work.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Paula was weaned off of Magnesium, given her first injection of terbutalene, and the pump was
installed into her leg. The pump gives a constant dose of terbutalene, also called Brethane, as
well as an additional, scheduled dose every 6 hours. This medication did an excellent job of
slowing down contractions, but caused severe shaking and increased heart rate.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Paula woke up in the morning having done excellent the night before and contractions were
way down, only 2-3 per hour, which was better than expected. Also, the catheter was
removed, she was beginning to eat better all was good. So good, we even talked to doctor in to
allowing us to stop the scheduled dose, and only get the continuous dose which the pump
administers. Good thing she is a dentist and not and obgyn. BAAAD IDEA. Once she started
moving around, going to the restroom, and not receiving the extra dose, the contractions came
back. The doctor ordered to stop the brethane, begin magnesium again, and all hope of going
home was gone. We were informed that we would remain in hospital for the duration. At this
time we were also advised that if she makes it to 23 and a half weeks, we have the option to
transfer her care to the specialist and move to the downtown hermann location, where the
nicu has better capabilities to handle 23 week infants.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Woke up and magnesium had only worked o.k. She was still having 7-8 contractions per hour,
but were somewhat stable and the doctor thought outlook was positive. At this point Paula
was not feeling well, and we were beginning to wonder if anything would work. We were
advised that if she continued stable, or at least as stable as she currently was, then we may
try the brethane again on Monday.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Paula remained stable thru Sunday, and the night. This morning the news was still about 7-8
contractions per hour. We were ready to be weaned off of the magnesium and try the "terb
pump" again. Pretty well instant results. I left for work around 8, with Paula not feeling great
and not real happy with the situation in its entirety. When I checked in at 10:30, Paula was in
much better spirits and had just received the pump. By noon today, her contractions had
essentially ceased, only 2-3 per hour, and she was doing very well. It's almost eleven now and
she is still very stable. Things seem to really be picking up.
Sorry for all of the detail, but it's there if you want it. One thing I forgot to mention, and shame on me for that, is that the babies have been doing great the entire time. The doctors feel that if we are able to stop the contractions, Paula should be able to hang on until we reach a safe date (ideally no less than 30 weeks). At this time, she still does not feel up to talking on the phone, due to her energy level being pretty low, and the worry of it causing stress and contractions. We have received many phone calls which have gone unanswered and we apologize, but hope you understand. We feel that if she continues to do well, she will begin to welcome visitors and we'll let everyone know when that time comes. I will try to keep this updated daily, and will read Paula any responses we receive. We thank everyone for your love, support, and prayers.
Good Night Now,
Paula, Ryon and The Boys.
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