Spartacus Is Lookin' Good (Day 22)

Late yesterday afternoon, Todd, my sister-in-law's brother came in to visit while his wife, Julie was having emergency surgery here on a different floor (she called this morning and sounds great-- she gets out today). My nurse came in and took me off the monitors to tell me I was going on a little trip across the street to Dr. Lovelace's office for my ultrasound. I know this will sound corny-- but the idea of getting in a wheelchair and going more than just to the next room for crafts was about as exciting as going on a trip to Hawaii at this point. The 20 year old kid who came and picked me up said we weren't going outside... but underneath the hospital and street in a tunnel. It was very cool. He totally got lost (had never been to Lovelace's office building) and took me to the wrong building. I had no complaints... I got to see all kinds of doors for doctor's offices, the volunteer room for the hospital and a number of painting on the walls. Are you getting a glimpse at how desperate I am for a change of scenery? He finally excused himself to make a phone call and then we were back on track. But our adventure didn't end there. The underground tunnel (guess that's a bit redundant) was very creepy and cool. It was dark and as we entered lights popped on. If it wasn't so clean-- it'd be a great place to hide a body-- ha-- joke-- really.
Humour me while I go off on a tangent here... it totally reminded me back when I was a reporter and I did a story on Bugsy Segal (the mobster who is credited with the founding of Las Vegas). He was so paranoid of the other mobsters knocking him off-- that when he built the original Flamingo Hotel (it's gone now), his suite had 8 foot concrete thick walls, bullet proof glass and all kinds of hidden trap doors and dead end staircases to foil any pursuers. Underneath the Flamingo was a complicated maze of tunnels (some that went nowhere). It was dark and cramped. And the most fascinating thing (I thought) was that every once in a while there would be a metal rod sticking out. So that if you were chasing Bugsy through the dark tunnel-- he would know when to duck-- but you wouldn't and BAM!! (As they say in the Batman cartoons).
I can safely report to you, the St. Luke's Hospital tunnel does not have any such booby-traps for the doctors and lucky patients like me.
Okay, I'm back on track. When we finally made it the Doctor's office-- it was dark in the waiting room. I thought, brother, he went home because we were so tardy. But I heard his voice (on the phone in the back). Mr. Wheelchair guy was excused and I got my ultrasound. Everything looked surprisingly great. I even had a little bit of amniotic fluid-- about 6 percent (which I lost in the night-- but at least we're getting some building up and cushioning him before I lose it).
Spartacus is measuring 2 pounds 3 ounces. He's growing!!!! Overall, he's measuring at 26 weeks
instead of 27 weeks (where I am), but that is to be expected with all the problems I have-- and is actually better than expected.
My placenta is still weak-- but strong enough to keep him growing inside rather than have him try and grow on the outside.
His bladder was full-- so he's doing what he's supposed to. All organs, brain etc. look good. He's pretty scrunched up but that's to be expected with the tiny amount of fluid. Worse case scenario with the scrunching is we'll deal with some orthopedic issues after birth... but that's do-able.
Finally, the other great news is that he's shifted from being transverse to the head down position where he is supposed to be!!! So that means I'll likely avoid the c-section unless things crash. All in all, I have so much to be thankful for. It was a nice pick-me-up.
Byron and Reese made it up to the mountains. Surprisingly, there was a ton of snow-- and there was a little incident where he sunk a good foot into the snow and Reese fell off his shoulders and landed on her back and head. Thankfully, in the snow. She's fine. No need to bring another bed into my room. There was also a little incident where he didn't pull her pants down far enough for her first experience of peeing in the woods. Let's just say, it's a good thing he packed an extra pair of pants. He'll love that I'm sharing this. They'll be home this afternoon.

I've Survived 3 Weeks On Hospital Arrest (Day 21)

Three weeks down... five to go. I hope. Today is Byron's birthday and he's celebrating by taking Reese camping up at Blue Lake. It's supposed to rain on and off-- and camping with a nearly 3 year old-- hmmm... not sure how much of a party that will be. But I am thrilled he is getting away-- even if it's just overnight. Work is still horrifically slow. So if you know anyone building or remodeling-- force them into using our metal tile. If you need help, I have some old mafia contacts from my Vegas reporting days. You probably don't think I'm serious do you?
My big "ah-hah" theory, I must admit (about the baby having heart decelerations from the monitoring belts being too tight) has been a somewhat moderate success. Since making the change to loose belts-- Spartacus has not had any of those hugely scary decelerations. But he did have a little one last night and today. His heart rate did not go as low or last as long-- but he did dip a bit. I was much calmer, however. Dr. Lovelace is trying to fit my ultrasound in today (between surgeries-- um, not on me) or tomorrow sometime. It should be interesting. I'll let you know.
I did get my much needed massage yesterday. So my body stopped aching for a while. The folks at this hospital really go out of their way to make us comfortable in this unit. I forgot to tell you the other night they asked if I was interested in "Pet Therapy". And here, I always thought that was just for the older folks and the kids. I declined-- but Byron and Reese ran into Mango (a cute little Australian Shep.) on the way into my room. Reese came bursting in here to announce that "Mango didn't bite me!" And a few minutes later, guess who was at my door-- Mango and his person. Reese loved it. So Pet Therapy, I can testify, helps at the very least to keep the patient's kids entertained.
The older girls are still at Lake Powell. They called last night. My brother's blackberry works if he is standing up (not sitting) on the fourth level/deck of the houseboat. The girls got on... but since they are much shorter-- they cut in and out a bit more. My mom and dad sent an email to my younger brother-- I think to torture us.. since we are not there:
"The guys made a huge long slide down the side of the hill with running water pumped up it--about 100 feet long--that shoots into the lake. The kids love it. We have canoes, kayaks, wave runners, boats, and all kinds of floating devices. The one boat is a mansion, the other slightly smaller--with all the things you ever want--two big screen TVs-with built in movies of every kind, sleeping, cooking, fridges, freezers, even central vac--real luxury. The kids are playing so well together--we get to bed way too late, but it is fun."
Sounds quite heavenly, eh? Scott, if you are reading this-- I don't care what you have to do... make this trip happen again next summer when I can go!!!
Other than that, I spent a good chunk of my day yesterday hand-writing a letter to my dear friend Bianca, who has now been moved to hospice as she battles the final stages of cancer. Don't let me ever complain about my situation, okay?

Almost Three Weeks (Day 20)

I was going to start titling my stay here as "Ground Hog Day-- again". But I honestly can't quite claim that. My routine is basically the same.. but I have so many visitors that keep me sane and make each day unique. Yesterday, Ali brought me homemade Persian food and fresh picked cherries, Celesta (who's little boy, Steele was here in NICU for 100 days) came by, as did the 13 and 14 year old girls from my church. They made a big bright yellow sunshine with handwritten messages to hang on my wall. Sweet!
My theory on Spartacus not liking to be so tightly bound (and therefore moving until he pinches his cord) is holding. All of the testing yesterday and so far today has been uneventful- whew! As I reported to Dr. Lovelace this morning, he said all doctors are told to listen to their patients when they go to med school-- but few remember the lesson. You can't help but wonder why not... the patient will know his/her body better then the doctor. So let's just see if my little theory on Spartacus keeps holding. It sure has given me a break from the sudden onslaught of heart failure!
Dr. Lovelace and I had another long and interesting conversation again today. He told me I have quote-- a very stable uterus (meaning, it's amazing I still haven't had contractions). He kept saying that-- so of course, my smart mouth asked if I should list that on my resume. He said if I do, he'll be my reference. So next time I'm asked to list my strengths and weaknesses, I'll know the first think to list. Ha.
Looks like I will get my next ultrasound sometime this weekend when he's not so scheduled. He used to be one of the big mucky mucks at St. Joe's in Phoenix and said he was pleasantly surprised when he moved to little ol' Boise, Idaho to find that the NICU unit was better equipped and much more advanced than Phoenix. He says some of the best doctors he knows work here and have chosen this area for the quality of life. In other words, I'm getting better care here than if I were in LA, Phoenix or even Seattle. Doctors here (unlike there) don't have to deal with huge teaching and training populations and the indigent factor. So-- for the two of you -- I'll protect your names-- who called me early on in this mess and basically said: I don't want to offend you, but are you getting good enough care in Idaho? Now we all know-- I'm getting great care and the nurses here are amazing.
Now for a little kid update-- Reese is loving the one on one time with her dad. If all continues to go well on this end, he hopes to take her up camping Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. It's Byron's birthday tomorrow (Friday) and I would love for him to do something fun (and get away from all this stress). Poor guy, though, it's going to be kind of a quiet birthday and Father's day. Maybe I'm totally wrong-- I forgot, Reese hasn't learned the art of "zip it, lock it, put it in your pocket" when it comes to talking. Holland and Greer are, evidently, having an absolute ball at Lake Powell. My brother Doug and mom called this morning and were telling me how much fun everyone is having. They've docked the two houseboats (and one of them they say is a mansion-- 4 stories tall!!!) in a cove. My boy cousins-- I should probably describe them as manly cousins... since they are all grown up dads now... have dug out a beach and have put some monster slip and slide contraption down the hill that flings the kids up into the air and out into the lake. I can't wait to see some pictures (hint, hint).
Oh and lest we forget, today is massage day. Yep, I made it to another Thursday.

The Jacuzzi Girls

Here's another picture too cute to not post. It was taken at my parents house in Las Vegas last month before life changed so drastically. Reese is scrunched down on the left, Ellery my niece (eyes closed), then Holland and Greer. They consider this Grandpa's swimming pool. It's pretty cool-- has a TV/DVD player that comes up out of the side of the jacuzzi. By the way, this jacuzzi and my parents house that comes with it- is for sale. My folks have put an offer on a house up here in Idaho and are making the big move. Thankfully, they had already made the decision before my little hospitalization so there is no guilt on my part that they are completely changing their lives for me. So anyone know of a family looking to buy a house on a hill overlooking the Vegas Strip? Let me know...


Also, for those of you wondering why in the world my parents (and in turn why we) would uproot and move to little old Boise, Idaho--- my friend Gary (who is leaving the paradise of San Diego for Boise next month-- and who too, has taken a lot of slack from friends) sent me this article. It's a great read and you'll be asking me for the number of my real estate agent before long...


http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/My-Kind-of-Town-Boise-Idaho.html#

Our Family's "Alpha" Female

My Cousin Becky just sent me this picture this morning and I had to post it. It's of Holland (in the blue t-shirt) with the killer instinct to win- look on her face as they are about to begin a three-legged race. Notice, how all the other kids are just looking around-- happy to be alive! This was at my Grandmother's 90th birthday celebration last summer.

Day 19 And Still Counting

Okay, with what I am about to tell you, you are going to stop feeling sorry for me and almost wish you were in my shoes. Yesterday, my dear friend Pam came in and gave me a foot/leg massage and a facial. She has worked for Nieman Marcus and Saks giving pricey facials for La Prarie-- so guess what I got yesterday-- a caviar facial. It was yummy. That sums it up. My skin is glowing and looks, if I do say so myself, a few years younger. Whooohee. It was so fun. Just don't tell Byron too many details. He'll think I have it so easy in here.
I also had an "ah-hah" moment. You know how I have been worried about those scary heart decelerations Spartacus has been having? Well, I've noticed he moves so much more when I am hooked up to monitors-- they put these tight monitoring belts around my belly. I figure, he is already cramped in my little stomach and he sure turns and moves and kicks and hits at the monitor when its on. So, here's my theory. He's probably at a much higher risk for the decel's when he is hooked up since he's moving so much more. For the monitoring last night and this morning, I had the nurses go looser on the belts and so far-- my theory is holding-- no decels last night or today. I'll keep my fingers crossed. And in case I haven't mentioned it, yesterday was a banner day--- I also got another certificate -- hanging on my wall-- to show I made it to 27 weeks.
Dr. Lovelace said this morning he wants to get an ultrasound done in the next few days to see how Spartacus is growing etc. He said it won't change our course of treatment-- but he's worried about the baby being transverse and it sounds like the pressure of not having cushion from the fluid or threat of contractions (which I still haven't had any). He said one thing that made me a bit alarmed though. He said even if Spartacus is under stress, he won't take him out until 28 weeks. Yikes, that's only 6 days away. I'm not ready for that. I'll keep you posted.
Oh, no names yet. Byron and Reese came up last night for a few hours. I swear Reese made up for her sisters' absence with her non-stop chatter and singing. She was in rare form. So, no, we couldn't get through a sentence without Reese interupting... let alone go through any names.
Holland and Greer spent their first night- last night, on a houseboat. My sister-in-law, Dana said the boats are pretty amazing and all the kids are in absolute heaven with their cousins and my cousins' kids. I guess a herd of them slept outside in their sleeping bags on the roof of the houseboat.
One last thing, for all of you who know my amazing friend, Bianca Escarcega (from my days at KPNX in Phoenix)-- she's in the hospital having radiation on her brain for cancer. Looks like this may be it. I can certainly testify that prayers work-- so start working on her behalf. Thanks everyone!

A Big Milestone (Also, it's day 18)

For those of you keeping track, yes today marks week 27. Yippeee. I should be getting a new certificate for my wall. Dr. Lovelace came in this morning and told me this is "huge" to make it to today. So I'm feeling quite proud of little Spartacus and his spunk. He did give me another scare last night and this morning. I figure he's just trying to keep my old heart pumping and pumping hard. He has these little "decelerations" where his heart rate plummets from around 140 beats per minute to around 90. Other than the nurses and I going into "get that baby off his cord"mode, these little moments always earn me another hour holding perfectly still for more monitoring. Of course, then he is a perfect angel and I can get through another few hours of sanity. Dr. Lovelace said very few babies are monitored so often at this early age-- so for all we know, they all could be little pills like this one. Luckily-- for both of us-- he somehow manages to pull himself right back up to normal. Sigh. I've aged 5 years in 18 days. It could be the lovely fluorescent lighting, but I swear I'm noticing gray hair for the first time!
And for all of you who think I'm being so strong and positive, I had a little cry fest last night-- so there. The good thing is, I think its out of my system for a few days. Let's hope.
I did get weighed this morning-- you'd think with all the forced eating I'm doing, combined with the total lack of movement- that I'd be packing on the weight. Unfortunately, I've lost a few pounds and have only gained 7 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight. Guess all that amniotic fluid adds to the scales.
The girls did get off to Lake Powell but not until 6:30 last night. My brother and his "newly expanded family" made it as far as a motel in Tremonten, Utah and will make the longer trek to Lake Powell today. They are meeting my folks and tons of Leavitt aunts, uncles and cousins to spend nearly a week on a couple of houseboats on Lake Powell. My Leavitt cousins are such a blast to hang out with-- I know the girls will have an amazing time! And one of the houseboats is supposedly the largest on the lake. In other words, the spoiling continues. We have a lot of "de-programming" to do when this all ends. Just kidding.