Day 17 and there are still 22 leaves painted on my room's ceiling!

It's truly amazing how busy my day can be... even though I'm stuck in bed, for the most part. Explain that one. Testing went well this morning. Last night, Spartacus gave me a good scare during monitoring. So it was nice to have no fireworks so far today. My friend, Jean from church came by with another vase of the sweetest smelling roses from her garden. One of my nurses thought they were fake they are so perfect.
And yes, for those of you keeping track, today was craft day. It ended up being just me and my new friend Kim (her sister-in-law is one of my friends). We had a wonderful time decorating a picture frame. She's darling and it's nice to have someone in here who can talk the talk-- know what I mean? By the way, she told me her Doc said for every day she makes it on this end, it shaves off two days for the baby in NICU.
There's really nothing to report from Dr. Lovelace's visit this morning. I'll spare you the details on our discussion about my bodily fluids. Suffice it to say, I'm "comfortably numb" (credit to Pink Floyd) and don't believe I can be that much more humiliated.
I think yesterday was "visit the sick" day in the Mormon church. I had tons of visitors and it was great!!! Six of my "Beehives" (the 12 and 13 year old girls I was over) came up and thoroughly entertained me (and my girls-- let me quote Reese: "Swing me again!"). They had fun going through my list of real names for Spartacus and of course, adding several of their own-- especially those that just happened to be the names of the cutest boys in their school.
Finally, Holland and Greer were supposed to leave at lunchtime for Lake Powell with my brother and his family. It's almost 4 and they just got word their car (which was acting up) is ready to go. So they're still planning on going to Salt Lake tonight. My girls are hyper to say the least. Let's hope Reese survives without her sisters.

Super Sunday (Day 16)

I thought Super Sunday sounded pretty darn good since I've made it this far. It's my third Sunday in here-- crazy! I'm watching some old John Wayne Western and waiting for my little family to show up and shatter the peace here.
My doctor's partner came in and checked on me this morning-- so I thought I was in the clear to get in my daily shower. Okay, so it wasn't as bad as the other day-- but after breakfast, monitoring etc. I had just gotten out, dressed and was brushing my teeth when Dr. Lovelace showed up to check on me. Phew, close call. I'm still trying to recover from the humiliation of being interviewed while I sat in the shower a few days ago.
All is looking pretty good. Spartacus-- during monitoring this morning-- had another one of those plunging heart rates (where my heart rate plunges right along with his-- I'm sure). Anyway, I was warned this is likely caused by him sitting or getting tangled on his cord. Have I told you what a little moving machine he is? Anyway, I fliiped to my side-- no change. Flipped to my other side-- no change. About then the nurse came rushing in and Spartacus of course decided the taunting time was over and went right back to normal. My nurse says it's to be expected with no flluid. He's at a higher risk for a "cord accident". I just wonder how often it happens when I'm not hooked up to monitors. Guess I could drive myself crazy worrying about that-- so I won't. I have faith he'll be just fine.
My Bishop and his family stopped by last night (along with another couple). Bishop Firmage visited Israel over Spring Break. So I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening hearing all about his amazing trip. Byron and the girls never made it here. The big Ironman competition had roads closed and (unmarked) detours all over the place. Byron called me after spending nearly a frustrating hour trying to get here and ending up who knows where. He decided since it was getting late, just to take the girls home. So I'm especially anxious to see the family today. Holland and Greer leave for Lake Powell tomorrow-- so I've got to get in some good Mommy time. Happy Sunday everyone.

Time Flies When You are Bored (Day 15)

It looks really gloomy outside- maybe that's why I feel so lazy today. It couldn't possibly be because I've been confined to a bed not moving for 15 days! The only thing worth mentioning from Dr. Lovelace's visit this morning is that he will likely have me re-experience those lovely steroid shots to my my rear end in a few weeks. These are the steroids that look like milky soup with strands of silk floating in them. Can we say burn? Anyway, I had them at 24 weeks to speed up Spartacus' lung development. Studies show the best time for those shots is at 28 weeks... and since I've shocked everyone by making it this far... looks like I get rewarded by going through the two-cheek series again. I may complain to y'all a bit... but really I'll do what it takes for this little guy.
My brother and his twelve year old twins came up last night. The girls had just gotten home from camp and I think they had a whopping 8 hours of sleep in 4 days. They looked like little zombies. They were so excited to tell me every detail. Now I'm just wating for my wild bunch to come this afternoon. Have a good day today everyone and I'm cheering for Elly and Stacy in the Ironman today from my bed! You women are animals!

Wow, Day 14

I don't have a lot to report today, so that's good. The nurses just monitored the baby this morning and he looked GREAT. Spartacus is sure living up to his name. I did not get into the shower today until noon. I refuse now, to take a shower until Dr. Lovelace visits. And today that didn't happen until ten. Then he proceeded to hang out with me for an hour. He was waiting for his next surgery. Anyway, we had a really fun chat about all kinds of things. He's one smart cookie. So glad, he's in my corner.
In case you are wondering, I did get my massage yesterday. Don't be jealous--my body aches from living in this bed. It was heavenly. And I did get my television fixed. After three maintenance men tried and failed-- Steve-- the tech guy came in. Steve, who had the personality of a wet noodle, had to get a ladder, reach down thru the built in cabinets in my room, unscrew the television, flip a switch in the back and then screw it back in. I felt so dumb. But I am happy to have a little tv when I'm really bored.
The girls came in last night and brought me the cutest little scrapbook. Each of them had colored pictures for me (along with Sally and Jonathan's girls). Plus, there were photos of them at soccer camp, swimming, going down the slide and Reese in bed ready to take a nap. My very favorite picture is of Holland putting her arms around a crying Greer and Reese kind of hugging them from the back. Evidentally, Reese (remember we call her the Pirannah) just up and pushed Greer into a pond.

You Are My Sunshine, My Only Sunshine

With so much time on my hands, I thought I'd get caught up on a few posts. Greer was part of a little singing group and after many week of learning such standards as: You Are My Sunshine, I Love You A Bushel And A Peck... the kids spent three consecutive Wednesdays performing for Seniors at local care centers. Above, Greer is second from the right in the red and black dress.

GiGi and her good friend Zaya volunteered to sing a "Two-et". They learned the old Nat King Cole song-- L.O.V.E. and not that I'm biased or anything-- they stole the show! It was soo cute. So if any of you ever come to visit, just have Greer and her back-up singer sisters perform the number. You can't help but die over how cute it is.

At the end of one of their performances, the Senior Care home gave all of the kids homemade, decorated bunny shaped sugar cookies. That's what the girls are holding in their hands. Also, that's Grandpa Bodily with the girls. He's the very best neighbor in the entire world and he truly has become part of our family. In fact, he's been right there to help Byron give me blessings so many times during this traumatic pregnancy. And at all hours, too.

Day 13 and I'm Feeling Spoiled!

It seems my joke about someone printing up a certificate is no joke. This morning the nurse came in and hung up a little award on the wall highlighting the fact I've made it to 26 weeks. She says I'll get one for every week I make it in here. With the goals I've set, I aim to have quite a collection. I wonder if it will look good on a future resume? Hmmm.
A friend of mine from my old ward has her sister-in-law in here, just three doors down. Crazy small world. She facebooked me this morning, so we are new friends with much in common. The nurse also tells me there is a sixteen year old in here, pregnant with twins (and this is her THIRD pregnancy). Reminds me of my young reporter days when I did a series of reports in Vegas (Brett, was it with you?) on a 14 year old and a 15 year old, who was pregnant with her third child. Guess the world hasn't changed much. I think I already posted this... but when Byron and I went into Dr. Lovelace when we first suspected we were pregnant with our little Spartacus-- he said he sees two groups of "oops" pregnancies: teenage girls and women in their forties.
As for Dr. Lovelace's visit today-- I made sure and waited until AFTER his visit to get into the shower. Don't ever say I don't learn from my mistakes. He was rather chatty this morning. Before he came in, he had spent time pouring over my printouts from the heart monitoring on the baby. He says he's seen a few patterns where the baby "dips" and then is flat for a while-- what he calls a recovery period. He thinks its probably where the baby is pinching or leaning against the cord. He says that's not surprising since I have little if any amniotic fluid. He says its unlikely that these episodes will just ramp up and ramp up until they have to do an emergency c-section. Instead, all will likely turn suddenly without warning. I asked him if he thought I could still go on in this waiting game and he said I could still go three or four more weeks. When a baby is under a stressful situation like mine is... their bodies kick off a hormone or something like that -- that helps them develop more quickly. For example, a typical baby will not develop his lungs until 37 or 38 weeks. In my situation, studies show a baby will develop his lungs at around 32 weeks. So my goal is to make it that far. Interesting isn't it? Finally, he told me he was amazed I had made it this far and it is very suprising that I am not having contractions. I told him it's because I've had several miracles-- and Dr. Statistics and Science agreed-- I have had some miracles.
One more thing, as if the hospital certificate did make me feel special enough... five of my dear friends (Joannah, Jeannie, Mary K, Susan and Trisha) showed up last night with the yummiest pizza and a chick flick (New In Town-- very cute). We ate too many treats, talked too much and just had the best time. I love all of my friends!!!
P.S. I made it to another Thursday here-- I haven't forgotten, but in case you have-- Thursdays are MASSAGE days! Yippee.

An Even Dozen (Day 12)

Okay, for those of you who have given birth (boys keep reading, you'll be okay), you'll understand when I say all modesty and pride go out the window when you are in the hospital with a baby in your stomach. I could get into some of the gory details of some of my lovlier experiences here... but I really think it would put my male friends and family over the edge. But I must tell you this morning has been one of those banner moments that you can only laugh about. The nurse said she had not seen Dr. Lovelace on the floor yet this morning, so I thought I'd sneak in a quick shower. I'm sure you can guess the script here-- I'm sitting on my little bench in the shower (yes, naked as a newborn) and of course here comes Dr. Lovelace. I've never had a conversation with my doctor through a shower curtain until now. Guess I can check that off my list, eh?
Other than that, all is well. Spartacus is still fiesty, kicking and fighting to survive. So I certainly can do my part in combating the boredom. The only other thing to report (somewhat sheepishly) is that I broke my television last night. So far three hospital maintenance men have not been able to fix it-- not to be mean, but they didn't look too promising when they walked in. Picture the father of the TV show character Everyone Loves Raymond and you'll have a good image of the three little guys who have tried to rectify my mistake.
I don't know what I did--- I was watching the Laker's game... had it on mute, wasn't looking and hit the menu button, hit it again and when I noticed that, I hit ok to get out of it-- it started "reprogramming" the tv and then I quickly shut it off. Now it won't go on. I need my cousin Dustin Petersen here... he can fix anything. On the bright side, I read over a hundred pages in a book called The Survivors Club. Fascinating. So if anyone comes to visit, I can pontificate about a woman who survived falling on a nitting needle that impaled her heart, a woman who fell 39 thousand feet out of an airplane and survived and several men who beat the odds to survive horrific plane crashes. I've decided my challenges are much more do-able.