Day 21: T-3

That's right folks... 3w in the hospital. And funny enough, it doesnt really feel like a very long time, although 3w, to me, seems like a long time. I dont know... Maybe it is all the napping...

Today, my husband is 31 years old. Happy Birthday, Peter! You are my other half (my better half most times...) and I love you so much. We love you so much.

I expected a pretty dull post, along the lines of "I'm still here" since not much was due to go on today, so imagine my surprise when my nurse came in at 10:30 and said, "Did you know you were having an ultrasound today?" I told her that I thought we were skipping this week but that I'd never turn down an opportunity to see the babies. She said that perinatal had called down and said they'd be ready in 15 minutes so to bring me to the room. Apparently, I am indeed on the weekly plan. Perhaps Dr B arranged this before vacation? Or possibly the perinatologists have dictated this? Regardless, I got to see the babies again! (Happy Birthday, sweetie, I even have pictures!)

The tech was very nice and printed me 2 pics of each, even though Bobby was, once again, trying to not get his picture taken (although he was more than free with his flashing of his boy parts... Yes, my son is still a son...) The babies both measured around a week ahead, averaging 24w4d. YAY!!! Some measurements were as high as 25w some as low as 24w1d, but the averages were about a week. Good news. But not nearly as awesome as the weight check... They are measuring at the average 25-26w single!!! Bobby weighs 1 pound 10 ounces and Maya 1 pound 9 ounces (how cute that they switched the one ounce difference from 3w ago). That's 11 ounces in 3w! (If you are interested in average weights, here is a chart: http://www.babycenter.com/average-fetal-length-weight-chart; as you can see the average 24w baby, of which we are still shy a few days, is about a pound and four ounces (it does the weight in percentages of pounds instead of ounces so, remeber 16oz is a pound if you are trying to divide.) Bobby is still head down with his noggin pressing against my cervix, but his body is actually diagonal. As though he wants to be transverse but just doesnt have the space... Maya is still transverse and high. Both babies had good fluid and the tech said their membranes were "perfect".

The vag u/s of the cervix was still good, although not great. But status quo. When she first went in, it was 1.1 (eek) but then the doctor asked her to measure it again (I think she may have clicked a tad high) and got 1.3. (He looked over last week's chart: 1.4-1.6). So, he asked her to move to a different position and my damn cervix opened- but then, it closed, and the measurment was 1.6. So... He said that my cervix is one of the great ol "dynamic" ones that decides to open and close and random. Great. Wonderful. Could my cervix have any more of a mind of its own? I mean, really... But, in good news, the funneled cervix above the cerclage only measured 1cm instead of 2cm. I didnt gain any cervix but this is still good! He said that, most likely, whenever I roll over, stand up, pee, poo, etc, my cervix changes (DONT TELL ME THAT!!!) but that the cerclage is helping it to change back to a closed position. So... While preterm labor is still a definite threat, he considers this appointment to be a good one. I hadn't met Dr D before and liked his attitude. He reminded me of Dr B in a lot of ways.

This morning, I discussed the steroid injections with Dr M. I'll be having the betamathesone injections at midnight on Saturday and Sunday (right at the 24w and 24w1d marks). Since steroids can screw around with people who have autoimmune diseases, we discussed the effects of them on my Hashimoto's. (Basically, they can cause immune system suppression during the injection period then shoot your immune system up to full speed for a bit after.) We discussed possibly needing to hold my medication after the shots, but both agreed to do some research and then she will double check with the endocrinologists here to make sure all is well. Gut feeling: no issues, no need to without my meds. But it's always good to know the full scope of everything.

So... Literally, it's like 2 days and 9 hours and 30 minutes until 24w and our injections. Wow... After starting the countdown so high, it feels really amazing to be this low. 12 more weeks to go, folks! We will do this! We will get there!

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I have gotten so many letters and cards- you guys are so kind to me!!! It amazes me that I have met so many compassionate and caring people in the blogosphere. I have gotten wonderful artwork from kids, prayer cards, cards and letters, and my daily magnet (where I pick where I'd rather be than in the hospital!) A special thank you to Terri's sweet boys who sent me 4 gorgeous pieces of art for my wall (a pic will be posted once Peter hangs them on the wall tonight) and to Debby for a special, surprise gift. THANK YOU!!! You guys really don't have to do this and the fact that you are not only praying for us but taking time out of your day to write these sweet notes and to read my blog and write such wonderful comments... I am touched. Truly touched.

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One more quick note: Michele is my real name. It's my middle name and is what I've been called since childhood (we had a lot of Carol's in our family). I'm called Carol by a small group, mainly medical folks. Most of my stuff is listed as "C. Michele". So, please dont think that you need to call me "Carol" because that is my "real" name. Call me whatever you like! My gemini personality doesn't mind one bit! :)