A Work In Progress.....

I am going to attempt to go back and start at the beginning of all this. I am going to write a little bit at a time...
Thurs Feb 19th: I woke up at 6:20am with a starling sensation.....found blood in my pj's. Todd and I dropped the kids off at Pop's and headed to MO Bapt. They monitored me for a few hours and sent me home.
We went back to Pop's house....I felt terrible. Lily wanted to stay at Pop's, so Todd dropped me off at home and went to his office with Alex. My back was very uncomfortable and I was having cramping off and on. I lied down for a nap at 2:00pm and woke at 4:30pm with more bleeding. I spoke with my OB and we decided heading to St. Mary's would be the game plan. They checked me out in the evaluation unit, then transferred me to the floor.
Throughout the evening I had bouts of bleeding, passing very large clots. They talked to us about the possibility of delivery if the bleeding didn't stop. It was a long night. I fell asleep at 3:30am, only to awake an hour later, bleeding again.
Todd stayed at my bedside the entire time.
Friday 20th was a repeat of Thursday...bouts of bleeding. They told me that I was having contractions and that I was 1cm dilated. They told me that I was probably not going home because I was in pre-term labour. Friday evening Todd went home, and a couple hours later I had to call him back due to the bleeding. The doctors had everyone on call to be available for delivery.
I called my brother, then my mom and dad and talked to them about all the risks involved with this delivery....
I continued to bleed through the night but thankfully not enough to be rushed for a c-section.
Saturday 21st:
Today we met a lot of important people. We spoke with the neonatologist......We were told that the baby has a 85-90% chance of survival, with major complications of every system. I wasn't surprised by anything I heard.
Sunday 22nd:
Spent a pretty uneventful day, thankfully. No active bleeding.
Monday 23rd:
Woke up in the middle of the night with more heavy bleeding. It was very watery. They tested it for amniotic fluid and it was negative, thank goodness:)
Tuesday 24th:
Met with the urologist. I had an MRI then a cystocopy. Yes, the placenta has grown into the bladder. I then met with the interventional radiologist. He talked to us about a balloon procedure that he would like to do before the c-section. They will insert balloons into my groin, both sides and once the baby is out they can inflate them to reduce the blood flow to my abdomen. This was a really hard day. Overwhelmed with info. I couldn't wait for it to be over!!!
Wednesday 25th: Mom and Adam had to leave. Bummer! I know they had to leave but it was great to see them.
Thurs 26th: We have made it two whole weeks. Catheter out!!
Fri 27th: I am now 28 weeks along!!!!!

New baby in the family!

Well, according to my aunt's facebook page, my cousin Candace gave birth last night. I don't know any of the details but am very excited for everyone involved. This is my aunt's first grandbaby as Candace is her only child. I hope to talk to my aunt later today and get all the info about the baby....Tyler I believe his name was going to be.

Kelly

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

I think this is the first year that Todd and I haven't gone out for Valentine's Day. Usually I would be bothered by this but I lack the energy this year, LOL! And truly, it's not about going out to eat, it's about showing and knowing you love each other, which we do!

Todd bought the kids and I matching camouflaged pj's with the word "fatigued" written across the front. It was very sweet. And I LOVE pj's :). I got the kids a few little trinkets. I love that they are still young enough to appreciate any gesture of a gift.

Today, Todd took the kids swimming and to shoot some baskets at The Rec Center. I am so thankful that Todd shows such an interest in doing things with the kids (and with NO complaints, ever!). The plan for the rest of the day is to hang out, as a family....and just enjoy each other. I love weekends :).

Kelly

Taco Soup Recipe

This is one of my favorite soups to make. It's so yummy and soooo easy to make!

1 lb ground beef or chicken
1 small onion, diced

1 package of hidden valley ranch dry dressing
1 package taco seasoning

1 can of Bush's chili beans (I use mild because Todd doesn't like spicy food)
1 can black beans, drained
1 can kernel corn, drained
1 can beef broth
1 large can diced tomatoes
1 can mexican tomatoes (use some sort of canned tomatoes mixed with chilies)
1 cup of water

Brown beef/chicken and onion, drain. Add ranch dressing and taco seasoning to meat mixture. Mix well.
Dump all canned veggies, beans and water into a stockpot or large saucepan. Add meat mixture to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, simmer for an hour.

Optional: serve with grated cheese, sour cream and nacho chips.

Energy Plus

Well, I have huge bursts of energy alternating with extreme tiredness. During those times of sheer energy I have been getting a lot done. Since Tuesday I took down the outside Christmas decorations, cleaned out the garage, raked leaves, painted one living room wall, mopped the dining room floor, cleaned the kids closets and did load after load of laundry..... So, last night I could barely move without feeling pain. I spent the evening on the couch and today I am stuck in bed. Todd has taken the day off to take the kids to school, go to Lily's Valentine's party and pick them back up. As much as I hate to miss out on stuff I know I need to rest.
I can't help myself from doing stuff around the house. It needs to be done and I hate sitting around. But, with that being said, I have learned my lesson. I am not going to do anything other than light chores. I am bummed but it's worth it for the baby. So, I am going to enjoy my "day off" and take it easy from here on in.
And Alex pooped on the potty today:) First time ever:)

Kelly

Good soup, great company!

Today the kids and I went over to Mary's for a playdate. The kids had a great time playing with their new friends. Mary and I tried to chat amongst the chaos of four children under the age of 5 playing together, LOL! We stayed for lunch and Mary served the most wonderful homemade soup:). The soup was perfect since the temperature outside is below freezing!!!
The adult conversation is always the best part of a playdate. I crave it!!! The kids think I take them so they can have fun :)

Kelly