Pictures!!

Adeline Vera

Mommy, Daddy and all four babies.

Richard James

Samantha Elise

Margaret Lindsay

sorry for the delay!!! They are finally here!!

April 17, 2009 I was scheduled for a c-section at 1300, and things were right on time--much to my delight! I delivered four healthy, crying babies at 1309 for A, B, C, and 1310 for D. Three girls and one boy!! I was right after all with my gut feeling. Baby A-- Adeline Vera 4 lb 15 oz 18 inches long Baby B-- Margaret Lindsay 3 lb 10 oz 17 inches long Baby C-- Richard James 4 lb 14 oz 17.5 inches long Baby D-- Samantha Elise 4 lb 5 oz 17 inches long God is sooooo Good!!! I can not believe how wonderfully they are all doing. Richard required a little c-pap overnight just to help him breathe but was off by Sat morning. Adeline and Samantha both had an iv and some nasal cannula o2 but were both off by Sat morning. Our little one, Margaret--did not require an iv or oxygen!!! She is a fighter, just little!! They are so beautiful. Mom had a rough go of it after the c-section and hemorrhaged required lots of meds and some blood---but things got back on track for me by Saturday evening/Sunday morning. Thank you everyone for the prayers!!!!! God is GOOD!!!

Easter Weekend

April 11, 2009 Adam brought Torrie up to visit her mommy today. It was so good to be able to see her. She curled up in a little ball at the foot of my bed and just hung out with me. One of the nice housekeepers, Nipa, had brought some kitty treats for her; so she enjoyed them. I am still very sore today, but trying to keep my outlook positive so I can have a good day. Adam stayed with me until lunchtime and then he went back to get some things done at the house. My mother and father in law were back there working while he was visiting. Many thanks to them. Tomorrow is Easter. I wish I could go to church, but this year it isn't possible. Adam has been reading me the Easter story, though--which has been nice to get to share it with him. Only a few more days now. We're in the home stretch.

April 12, 2009

Happy Easter!!! I woke up early today and was determined to have a good day. I spoke to Adam before he went into church and then got a shower, dressed in a bright color and even put make up on. I haven't put make up on for over 6 wks--since I was admitted. So, I'm going to make the best of the day. It looks wonderful outside, bright and sunny.

Adam and his parents got here around noon. I gave Adam his little "hospital gift shop Easter basket" I made for him--I think he was surprised. Then, we ate a great meal. It was nice to get to spend the day with family and Adam, of course. Jim and Debbie took off after lunch, but Adam stayed with me and we took a cat nap. Then, this afternoon, he took me upstairs for another soak in the bathtubs on labor and delivery. My back is really acting up and causing me a lot of pain. This is one of the few reliefs I get. My determination from the first part of the day had waned a little by the end of the day, but overall--it was a great day.

Tomorrow my doctor will be back and I will only have 4 more days to go. YEAH!!!! Can't wait to meet these babies.

One Week to Go

April 10, 2009 One week to go!!!! I can't believe it. It was another hard day. That "wall" that I hit yesterday is still there. I am so happy to be this far along, but my body is throwing in the towel. My mother and father in law came up today. They will be staying for the Easter weekend. It was great to see them. Plus, I will get some homemade food and they will take good care of Adam. At this point, it is going to be sheer determination that gets me through this next week. If I've made it this far, surely I can go one more week. Everyone's prayers would be much appreciated as my last two days have been filled with lots of tears and pain. One more week---we can do it!!

I've hit a wall

April 9, 2009 I know that all of my pregnant friends have told me that at the end of their pregnancy they just hit a "wall" where they just feel like they are "done" being pregnant. I have hit that point today. I feel like I have had some up and down days the last few weeks, but today was an especially hard day. Besides my back being quite sore, now my belly is even sore. Every movement from the babies is painful. I am so happy at how far we have made it, and feel selfish complaining. However, I truly am questioning my sanity and bodily ability to make it 8 more days. Adam came up before work and took me up to the bathtub to soak. It is the only thing these days that is giving me any relief. I feel weightless in the tub and can get some of the pressure off of my back. I just love these babies so much and am so ready to meet them. I would welcome you anytime before the 17th. If not, April 17th it will be.

33 wks and counting down

April 6, 2009 Well, I've made it to 33 wk by our dating. I can't believe it. I guess the babies won't be wearing the little outfits I had picked out for them to wear on Easter unless they surprise me and come this week before the weekend. It was a hard weekend for me. Adam was working the entire weekend and I missed him terribly. I keep telling myself that it is getting close now, but 11 days still seems like forever to go. The babies have been looking good. Today we had an ultrasound to look at fetal movement, cardiac motion and check fluid levels. They didn't measure them to give growth estimates, but they all looked good and were moving. So, my doctor is happy with me making it through the week without delivering. I think I can, I think I can.......pray that I will have some peace about making it 11 more days.

Another goal reached

32 wks--scary big

April 2, 2009

My final goal was making it into April, but not having the babies on April Fools Day. So, April 2nd was the day. I made it!!! I am very anxious to meet the babies. I'm happy that things are going so well. My blood pressure has been slightly higher, but not enough to cause concern. The babies all seem to be active. Fetal heart rates have been good. I'm just a gestating machine. We have chosen a c-section date. April 17th. According to my doctor's dates; I will be one day shy of 35 wks. According to Adam's dates and our original dating, I will be 3 days shy of 35 wks. Either way.........surely they will come before then.

Putting together a plan

March 31, 2009 Adam was planning on being here at 9am so we could talk to our doctor about our "plan" for the last few weeks. I am 32 wks plus and the babies are not showing any signs of coming out. Adam missed my doctor by 15 minutes; but it was fine because he brought my baby, Torrie, up to see me. My doctor discussed a scheduled c-section after passing 34 wks. We will pick a date officially together with Adam. There was also some discussion as to the possibility of me going home to try and wait out the c-section. Adam was concerned about this since we don't have any family up here to help me with bed rest, but the doctor came back this afternoon and decided to just keep me here until the end. My cervix of steel that i prayed for earlier is still holding up. I've dilated only slightly more, but Baby A has come down even further in the pelvis. It wasn't really a great day overall. Besides getting to see Torrie and Adam, I had a migraine which is never fun. That evening, Adam came back and we watched a movie together. It was a good ending to a rough day,

More Visitors part 2

March 27, 2009

Amy and Megan came up today to visit. It was great to see them. We had a great time just hanging out. Of course, we did the rounds by going up to see the lookout on the 8th floor. Then we just rolled around the hospital and looked at the water fountains, gift shop and other sites. It was great to see them. Adam also has several days off; so I am thrilled that he will get to hang out with me for the next several days.

March 28, 2009

Amy and Megan came back up today and we hung out again. We ate at Subway before they left; then we stopped to throw pennies in the fountain and make wishes before they had to hit the road to get back home. What a nice visit. Next time I see them--babies:)

What happened to black being "slimming"?

More Visitors

March 22, 2009

I woke up early this morning and got showered and dressed in preparation for more visitors. Adam, Naomi, Ken, Jen, and Stephen all come up later in the morning. It was so good to see them. Stephen is getting big. Ken hadn't seen me since Christmas, and he was a little taken back by how big my belly was. We went for another ride up to the 8th floor and then we showed them the floor where I will have the babies.

Mom and Bob brought dinner up around 1:30pm. It was good to have another home cooked meal. Naomi shaved my legs for me before Mom, Bob and she headed back home. It was so good to have them up here. It's always hard to see them leave. Hopefully, they'll be back before too long to welcome the babies!!

March 23, 2009

What a busy day. The doctor stopped the medicine to stop/hold my contractions due to a now constant ringing in my ears that started last night. This can be a side effect from the medicine, but up until now I had only had minimal episodes of ringing. Since 0330 last night, constant ringing to my left ear. So...maybe that will allow something to happen. We'll see. I got up early and showered so I could be ready for Ken, Jen and Stephen to come up this morning. Adam had just walked in the door at 9am when they came and said they were taking me for an ultrasound. Yeah!!! Jen was able to get in on the fun as she walked in the door a few minutes later.

The babies are looking good and getting big. Baby A was kind of hard to see because they are headfirst in the pelvis, but estimated to be 3 lb 7 oz. Baby B was very hard to see because he/she is buried behind everyone else, but estimated to be 3 lb 3 oz. Baby C is on top of everyone and loving it, estimated to be 3 lb 8 oz. Baby D is sitting pretty at the top and is estimated to be 3 lb 12 oz. We were very excited to see that they are growing and closer to reaching 4 lbs everyday.

After we got back to my room, my nurse and I were in a little video for the hospital Family Birth Center. We ate lunch and then Ken, Jen and Stephen had to go. It was so good to see them. Hopefully the babies come soon or else they will be in the field and not able to come back up and see them when they are born.

Jen, Stephen, Me, and Ken.

Later that day, I had some new nurses come and practice putting on the toco monitors on my belly. Everyone needs to learn:) Anyway...it was a long eventful day. I'm so glad I got to spend it with Adam and also able to see my family.

31 wks on my 31st Birthday

March 21, 2009

I can't believe I am celebrating my birthday in the hospital. It is definitely a birthday I will not forget. I got up this am and showered and just put my robe on while I waited for my family and Adam to come up and bring me clothes. I had a visit from my neighbors, Irv and Debbie and their daughter, daughter in law and mother. It was a nice suprise.

I got dressed as soon as my family got here; then we had lunch from home--it was great!! Mom's food. They also brought up presents and Adam brought up cake--totally forgot to take a picture of that though. We had a great time. Mom made a diaper bag and Naomi got me a picture frame for the babies' pictures. Emily and Trevor sent up Wheel of Fortune for the computer. That is going to be addicting since WoF has been my favorite show since I've been home off work. I know--pathetic, but I'm getting quite good. After lunch we had visitors--Barb and Fraenzi--who dropped off the most adorable knitted hats and socks--even a pair for mom and dad.

Barb and Fraenzie

Then, we went for a wheelchair ride. It was very nice. We went on a little detour when we got locked out of the main hospital, but it allowed me to get some fresh air. There is this lookout on the top floor of the hospital; so we went up there and could see all of Madison--it was really pretty. Me and Adam on the 8th floor and Me looking big in the wheelchair. Other than that, we played Wheel of Fortune on the computer, hung out, watched TV, and just enjoyed spending some time together. It was great. (Plus they were able to help Adam out with cleaning the house and getting groceries and all that good stuff.) More good food from home tonight for supper.

Mom, Naomi, and Me playing WOF on the computer!!

I am so thankful for them being able to come up and visit for this weekend. I have been feeling a little discouraged at how uncomfortable I am getting, but all that is forgotten when I see how happy they are that I've made it this far. Ken, Jen and Stephen will be up late tonight and then here to see me tomorrow.

Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes, cards and prayers for me and the babies. We are feeling all the love!!

Birthday Weekend

March 20, 2009

I was so excited because Mom, Bob and Naomi are coming up tonight for my birthday weekend. I can't believe I'll be 31 wks tomorrow according to my doctor. I received flowers for my birthday from Adam and some from my BFF, Amy. They are beautiful. They make my room even more alive. I also have a plant from some friends and a beautiful St. Patricks Day arrangement from my Mom and Dad in law. Adam got here at around 8pm or so after work and then Mom, Bob, and Naomi got here around 9:30pm. It was so good to see them. We just visited for a little while and made a plan for tomorrow. They are bringing me food from home; so that will be good.

Happy St Patricks Day!!

March 17, 2009 Well, we have made it to the date that we told everyone to pray for. Thank you!! Thank you for all your prayers of support!! Things are going well. Pretty uneventful. The babies heart beats have all been good every time they listen to them. I am also still feeling lots of movement. My friend, Melissa, stopped by today to say hi and visit. It was nice. Adam came up to see me after work and that was pretty much my day. Nothing super exciting. Just praying for one more day.

30 wks!!! We made it!! Thanks for the prayers!

March 16, 2009 Adam and I are so excited that we have made it to 30 wks. This was our goal from the beginning (we always said St Patricks Day because it was easier). I woke up very excited. My doctor practically jumped up and down when she came in to see me this morning. She said that the nursery had a little party that I had made it this far. So, I'm feeling pretty happy today. I had a pretty uneventful morning. We had some friends from Chicago come up and surprise us. George and Erika got here around 5pm after eating dinner with Adam. It was so nice to see them. We had a nice visit. Erika is 24 wks pregnant and she looks so cute!! My belly is a little overwhelming and scary compared to her cute belly. I am truly feeling the 5 lbs that I gained this week--it's all in my belly. Hopefully it's all on the babies:) I can't wait to see how big they are. They are constantly moving and rolling around. Baby C has found a nice home under my right rib cage which is a little uncomfortable for me, but he/she seems very fond of their new spot. After our visitors left, Adam and I just cuddled on my big bed and watched TV. He had a headache and I had a sore back; so we were quite a pair. I just want to thank everyone for all their prayers and well wishes that we would make it this far. We feel truly blessed to have had such smooth sailing up to this point. Now we are just thankful for every extra day we get. Our prayers now are just that the babies will be healthy

and strong!! Good night!

(l to r) Adam, Erika and George. Me and Erika. Me at 30 wks--getting very uncomfortable.

Little Scare

March 15, 2009 Today was pretty uneventful really. Adam slept during the day so he could recover from his night shift. Then, he went and picked up our new chair for the nursery. After church, he picked up food and headed over. In the meantime, I had began to have some pain to my belly. I thought maybe I was hungry, but I started contracting around 6:30p also. These contractions were like the ones I've been having except they were a little more painful and more frequent. I did try to eat some of my supper once Adam arrived, but was soon too uncomfortable to eat. Then, when I got up to use the restroom, I was having a lot of pain/pressure in my pelvis--baby A I'm sure. So, I called my nurse and they hooked me up to the toco monitor. Sure enough, I was having quite a few contractions, and I was feeling them. I turned on my side and starting drinking water. The resident came down and saw me and told me that she would check my cervix in a few hours if they didn't subside. I was a little nervous. I hadn't made it to my next goal of St Patricks day yet. However, we just prayed I could make it a little longer; and the contractions subsided by around 11pm. Adam got me tucked into bed around midnight and then he headed home. I prayed that I could keep these babies in until at least 31 wks. I just want them to be as healthy as they can be. Tomorrow, my doctor will be in to see me, and Adam will be up because it is his day off as well. One more week please!!!!

Escape!!

March 14, 2009 I was able to leave the floor for a little bit this morning to go to one of the newborn classes. My doctor did give me the okay. They took me down in a wheelchair. The whole class was 2.5 hrs long; however, I only made it to the half way point. As glad as I was to have a change of scenery, I was super uncomfortable sitting up and starting having a few more contractions. So, I went back upstairs. It was a pretty relaxed day. I slept quite a bit this afternoon. It was a bright sunny day; so I enjoyed that. Adam came over this evening for a little bit and ate supper with me before he headed to work. Just another uneventful day. Praying for at least one more week. Some of my family is coming up next week for my birthday. I can't wait.

29 Weeks and counting.....

March 9, 2009

I am officially 29 weeks today. Yeah!!! I'm getting there. Adam didn't have to work today; so he came up this afternoon and we hung out. We paid bills and watched a movie. It was great to just get to spend some time with him.

March 10, 2009

Adam came up today and we hung out all day. It was great. We watched the movie Australia with several breaks in between. Nothing super exciting other than that. They did hook me up to to toco twice today because I was having contractions every 2 minutes on my early monitoring. I'm not feeling all the contractions; so we'll just wait and see what happens. I need to keep the babies in for another day in the least. My doctor gets back from her trip tomorrow.

March 11, 2009

My doctor walked through the door at 9am. I told her how happy I was to see her!!! She said she was pleased that I was still her. Just wait and see is her plan. Whenever my water breaks or I start contracting--they will deliver the babies. That's the whole plan!

I had a visit from Lou and Bethli today. They are friends from work. It was nice to see them. She is 34 wks Pregnant and having her shower this weekend. I wish I could go, but I know she understands.

I didn't get to see Adam at all today because he worked out of town a 12 hour shift. That is very hard. He did get on the computer at home with the web cam; so we could see each other at least.

March 12, 2009

Adam brought me breakfast this morning before he went to work. That was so nice just to see him for a few minutes. My doctor came in again this morning. I asked her about a growth ultrasound and she said we will wait a few more wks. So, it will be 4 wks from the last one. That means March 27th. She either has faith in me or else thinks we'll have the babies by then.

My friend, Katie, from work stopped by and brought posters from work to brighten up my room. Now I have posters, flowers and a beautiful plant. It's feeling more like home away from home.

I got to have supper with Adam after work; so that was a nice treat. Other than that, nothing new. Just waiting around.

March 13, 2009

Me and Torrie!!

Today was a special day because I had a special visitor. Adam brought up my feline baby, Torrie, to visit. I couldn't believe it, but the director of the unit said she was allowed to visit. I was so happy to see her. She was kind of indifferent to me since it's been 2 wks since I've seen her. However, she absolutely made my day. Adam said he couldn't believe he was bringing a cat to visit. My doctor has dc'd the toco monitor. She said that I'll know when the contractions are strong and I'm feeling all of them. This is probably true. Sometimes I just can't believe that my pregnancy will actually end at some point. It seems like the babies could stay in there forever. I get excited thinking that it is getting closer to the babies arriving. Then we will know girls or boys and who they look like and all that fun exciting stuff. The longer they stay in, the healthier they will be. So, I'll be content to wait for a while.

My friend, Darci, from work and her son, Noah, stopped by and we had a good visit. I am excited because I get to go out of my room tomorrow. I am attending one of the prenatal classes offered here. My doctor gave me the okay.

Please Pray

March 8, 2009 Everything is fine with me and the babies. We are just hanging out waiting for the babies to decide they're ready to come out. Jim, Debbie, and Brenna brought me lunch today and we visited for a while. Then they headed home because it is supposed to start snowing. Adam came up this afternoon and we took a nap together. That was nice. I so miss being home with him. I would appreciate everyone praying for the First Baptist Church of Maryville. A stranger walked in during the church service this am and shot and killed their pastor. My friend, Michelle, who was just up her yesterday goes to this church, and she is good friends with her pastor and his wife. This is a very hard time for the church and it's members. Please keep them in your hearts while they try to understand why something terrible like this could happen.

A Week Full of Visitors

March 1, 2009

My friend Melissa and her fiance, Dave, stopped by to visit for a little bit during the evening. It was nice to visit.

March 2, 2009

My friend, Bethli, stopped by and visited with me today. My IV has been dc'd they are just doing toco monitoring for 30 minutes per day. Still on medicine every 4 hours to keep the contractions at bay. I'm just trying to get used to my new environment.

March 3, 2009

Two of my friends from Chicago drove up to visit me. Vanessa and Thu arrived this afternoon. We sat around and visited and then the brought me back food after eating out with Adam. It was so nice to see them. I feel very blessed to have such good friends who even come to the hospital to see me.

My doctor left today for vaction; so I'll be a little on edge until she gets back.

March 4, 2009

Friends from work, Katie and Misti, stopped by today and visited. It was great to see them.

My best friend, Amy, arrived this evening. She is going to be staying until Saturday. How nice. This way, Adam will feel good knowing I'm being entertained and he can concentrate a little more on work.

Me and Amy

March 5, 2009

Amy brought me some essential things from Target that I thought would help with my hospital stay. Then, we had manicure/pedicure day. It was easy for me since she did all the work. I am accumulating quite a bit of candy also from all these visitors. I think they are trying to give me cavities. I should probably just call now to set up my dentist appt.

March 6, 2009

Amy did my belly cast today. It only took about 30 minutes or so, and the cast actually set up really fast. She'll take it home tonight and then we will decorate it eventually. I think it is a fun thing to do to remember this big belly that I have.

Adam's parents, Jim and Debbie, and sister, Brenna, arrived around lunchtime or so. Brenna is here on Spring Break from Pittsburgh. I had a few things that I still need from Wal-Mart and Babies R Us; so I talked to them about this. I think they are going to go shopping tomorrow morning.

This evening around 8pm, my girlfriends from high school arrived, Rachel, Michelle, and Angi. It was so nice to see them. I can't believe it's been 2 yrs since I've seen them. That just doesn't seem possible. Michelle is 32 wks pregnant and of course much smaller than me. I know it's normal, but WOW!! I'm feeling huge.

The babies have been very active this week and we haven't had any major events. I just feel that I'm hanging out doing nothing except praying that my babies are getting big.

March 7, 2009

It was a nice day again today. The girls all came back for lunch. We had a pizza party along with Adam. It was wonderful. Then we just visited for a while and they all headed home this afternoon. Then, Jim, Debbie and Brenna came this evening and we had a good time visiting. They were able to get all of the things that I had on my list from Wal-Mart and Babies R Us; so that worked out well.

Rachel, Michelle, Me, Amy, Angi

New Room/Baby Shower

March 1, 2009

My mom and Bob came and visited me today for lunch. The nurses told me that one of the bigger rooms with a full size bed had become available if I wanted to move; so Mom and Bob helped move me to the other room. It is a wonderful room. It has a lot more room and it has 2 huge windows that overlook a garden courtyard. (Of course, it is cold and there is nothing green there now---but maybe before I leave there will be some color.) I was very excited to settle in to my new space. It will have more room for visitors too:) After getting me settled they headed to the baby shower that Adam's co-workers threw for us. I feel bad that I had to miss it, but Adam went to represent us. Of course, he insisted on taking a picture of me in the hospital to show everyone. Lovely!!

(right) Our Host, Beth!! Thanks Beth!!

It looks like it was a really nice shower. I just wish I could have been there. There was good food, cake and really sweet people. At least my mom got to meet some of them.

That evening, Adam brought up the presents and let me open the ones that were wrapped. We were given some really nice things. Again, I feel overwhelmed by how wonderful everyone has been to us and these babies.