Down to 201 lbs.

After losing almost 15 lbs in fluid, I can finally see the bones in my feet again. They feel so much better!

Day #14. 32 weeks and 4 days. Amniotic fluid is down to 6.5. The other amniotic measure is also down to a 6 out of 8. I've lost 17 lbs in my time here (likely all fluid). We're still not able to draw blood from the PIC line (which means poking veins that are already shot from all of the poking). I also developed a nose bleed and had to stop the Lovenox (blood thinner). Hoping the rest of today brings better news. Looking forward to seeing David at lunch time.

My favorite sound.

Day #13. 32 weeks and 3 days. Amniotic fluid is measuring a 9.5 this morning! PIC line isn't cooperating, so I'll have blood drawn again the old fashioned way.

Tonight's dinner






With having to drink three of these a day, I feel like a grandma.

Thank you Carol for the visit and surprise Minnie!

Any other pregnant women in the LA area with nothing to do tomorrow? A few weeks ago I'd sent in for free tickets to the "Baby Special" on "The Price is Right". I got an email today confirming admission for myself and a guest. Obviously I can't go.

 

 

Day #12. The day is off to a good start. 32 weeks + 2 days. Despite multiple gushes yesterday and throughout the night, Sadie's amniotic fluid is back UP to 7.71!

Brief update: amniotic fluid is now measuring 6.25. My veins have not held up well, and I'll be getting a PIC line inserted sometime today.

PIC line is in. Thanks to some Ativan and David holding my hand, it wasn't bad.

***

32 weeks + 1 day/ going on day 11 here at Henry Mayo. Very thankful for each and every day. Since admission, I've lost over 12 lbs in water weight. My legs are starting to look human again.

David picked up paint swatches today. Sadie's room will be Purple Surf.

I've realized some days will be rougher than others. Sadie's amniotic fluid went down to 6.5 this morning. I've been doing the exercises the physical therapist gave me and was able to just take a shower on my own. I had to give up trying to untangle the knots in my hair, which I am okay with. From not sleeping for so many days, my nights and days are now mixed up. But, at least I am now able to re...st. One of my OB's came by this morning (Dr. Izu) and told me I'm an inspiration. I told him thank you, but he has not witnessed my meltdowns. David is working hard getting our house ready and parenting three upset dogs who have all started to act out in their own way. Nothing means more to David and I than the friendship and love we've received. We are grateful for many wonderful friends, especially our second family here in California.

Listening to your heart beat (much like the sound of galloping horses) calms a nervous mommy late at night. We love you!

MY BABY GIRL'S PROGRESS: WEEK 32

Only 8 more weeks to go

This week my baby girl weighs in at a whopping 4 lbs & 17 inches. The more my baby girl grows (and grows), the tighter her womb-studio space, restricting her mobility & causing a noticeable decline in movement... which means I'll soon be feeling less kicks and jabs. TWO MONTHS TILL MY BABY GIRL'S BIRTHDAY!!!!

Just finished day #10 ultrasound and meeting with my OB. Amniotic fluid remains the same at 7.7! I am not able to walk (too weak). Lungs continue to improve. I'm going to have the catheter removed (progress) and will start physical therapy today. The nursing staff is also going to wash my hair. I will have a neonatologist consult, as well.

Another day forward- 31 weeks and 6 days. Awaiting another chest xray and ultrasound to measure the amniotic fluid. Again, grateful to be out of ICU and breathing better. Thankful for my beautiful husband, who is going to make an amazing father to Sadie.

IV #6




The hospital games are rigged!

It's turning out to be a wonderful Thanksgiving. Sadie's amniotic fluid has gone up again from a 6 out of 15 to 7.7 out of 15. My chest x ray shows improvement. Finally was able to brush my teeth for the first time in days. My wonderful friend, Jenn, is my ICU nurse today. David was finally able to get some rest and is now again by my side. Thankful for so many blessings today.

 I can now eat soft foods and enjoyed broccoli casserole and a hashbrown casserole at lunch. Even bigger news- I have been moved back to Labor and Delivery.

David sent me this photo from home. Understandably, our dogs have not been happy and have been acting out.

Flowers from Tanya have blossomed.

31 weeks 5 days. Another day forward. Very thankful for each small milestone. Started on Lovenox shots to prevent blood clots. Awaiting today's chest xray and ultrasound. Yesterday's amnio was a 6 out of 15. Praying for good numbers. Wishing those dear to David and I a peaceful and wonderful Thanksgiving.

Perfect reading! I feel blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. xoxo

— with  Shannon Merriman Duran.

2:51am on Wednesday 11/23/2011. We've moved forward another day, which means I am now 31 weeks and 4 days along. What it's like in the ICU- bright lights, humming from my oxygen mask, the tocol constantly on to rule out contractions, ultrasound machine strapped on to examine baby's heartbeat and movements. Nurses kind but cold hands touching you. Measuring loss
of amniotic fluid. Liquid only diet ...in the event that intubation becomes the next step. Blood pressure cuff monitoring every so often. Dry cracked lips from the oxygen mask. Multiple meds and IV drips. Blood taken several times a day, which has lead to dry and torn skin. Daily chest xrays and ultrasounds. Loss of pride- having a catheter and bathed by a team of nurses daily. What is sustaining me? A husband who truly is my life partner. Who is self-less and willing to do anything he can to comfort and reassure me, and loves me unconditionally. My faith in God. Prayer has a powerful way of calming and allowing myself to handle what I can and ask for his help. Miracles. Sadie is already a miracle. She was conceived after three failed IUIs and two full cycles of IVF. Prayers of close friends and family. Finally, my IVF support sisters, many who have been through such tribulations themselves and are always here to support one another no matter what stage of the journey towards parenthood they are at. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

 

Blessed to have wonderful friends in my life. Two of my dearest friends stopped by and brought some much needed TLC with them. — with Shauna Howard Criner and Jennifer Marra Minkin.

 

 

In the ICU. Close to 218 lbs.

 

Beautiful flowers arrived from my dear friend Tanya and her angel Aspen. She knows me too well- I was begging David to sneak our puppies in for a visit. Thank you my friend for bringing a much-needed smile to my face.

Status update-my health has continued to decline. I have been moved to ICU. Most likely I will be intubated and have a c- section. Please do anything you can to support my amazing
husband during this time. Prayers are needed.

Thank you for the continued prayers. Because of my breathing, I was moved to ICU this morning. I've had multiple tests and have seen many specialists. I have two separate nurses- one for mommy's breathing and one to monitor baby Sadie. Mult...iple plans are in place depending on how I respond to the course of treatment and how baby Sadie holds up. The best situation of course is to stabilize me so that Sadie can continue to nestle and grow in my womb.

Update: Jessica Held Rome is currently fighting pneumonia and is in ICU and has/had a tracheotomy placed. Her health has been declining. They might have to take her baby out by c-section before 34 weeks and Shandra Pcos Blais: had her baby by c-section. He was shy of 4 pounds and 17" long. Brettyn gained 2 oz yesterday and has been taken off of C-PAP machine. Prayers needed for both of these families!

Quick update- my OB said the pneumonia actually caused the membranes to rupture. While I appreciate phone calls and would love visitors, I can not talk. I'm on oxygen, and my breathing is very poor. They initially hoped to reach 36 weeks, and that goal has changed to 34 weeks. Because of my poor breathing, they are considering moving me to ICU and intubating me. I pray we dont reach that point and that they can get my breathing under control. Baby's amniotic fluid this morning was a 13 out of 15, which is good.

My friend Shandra was due one day before me (on 1/20) and had her water completely break yesterday (11/19/11).  Please pray that they can prolong her labor in time for her to receive the steroid shots (which will help her son's lungs).

Baby Brettyn. 3 lbs 10 oz. Born Nov. 20th @ 148 pm.

November 19, 2011

Tonight's dinner.

 

I had a pulmonary cat scan. Results are in and it's pneumonia. I am actually relieved. It could have been much worse. I get to take 10 puffs off of this apparatus every hour, have oxygen in my nose, and will start a course of antibiotics. I am extremely grateful for the wonderful care Sadie and I are receiving at Henry Mayo. Between my OB (Dr. Nishiguchi), his partner (Dr. Izuki), Dr. Wyatt (pulmonary MD), the ICU crisis team (including my friend Jay- an RN), and the amazing nurses in Labor and Delivery.

Praying our baby girl stays snuggled inside a few more weeks.

MY BABY GIRL'S PROGRESS: WEEK 31

Only 9 more weeks to go. My baby girl's fat-factory is running at full tilt, which means I'm on a slow-but-steady train to whale town as she's now gaining a 1/2 lb each week. My baby girl's frail immune system means she's going to be dependent on my breastmilk (full of my antibodies) for the first 2-3 years of life.

My day just became so much brighter. Sweet Teddy bear and flowers arrived from two of my beautiful IVF sisters- Carole and Amber. Love you ladies so much for being there for me relentlessly during this journey. — with Amber Shaffer-Farrell and Carole Jeremy Shaffer.

 

Some of the support I've received...

 Kathryn Burton OMG! Keep us posted! Praying for you guys!!

Amber Shaffer-Farrell Thinking about you, hun. You are in our prayers.

Shauna Howard Criner We will be. Please let us know if you guys need anything at all. Hugs.

Susan Shipman Shingledecker Thinking of you and your little peanut. It will all be ok

Carol Meredith Know that the angels are watching over you & baby Sadie. Can't wait to meet her. I know u will keep us posted. If you need anything, you know I am here for u.

Nioka Guest Sending a wish to the angels to keep you & Sadie healthy 'n' safe ♥

Jen Ragle Higgins Praying for you all ♥ ♥ ♥

Christina Allen Crawford thinking of you and praying for u!!!!

Janeia Sotomayor Oh jessica...you are in my thoughts and prayers. i pray everything will be ok. PLEASE keep is posted. xoxoxoxox

Mandy Scarbary Sending you all my best thoughts for a safe delivery!!

Beverly Mckissick Praying for you!!

Carrie Barlow Thinking of you ♥ 

Kate Mazzola Graff Know you both are strong and will be safe and ok. Keep us up to date  

Karen Kramer Griffith Sending all my thoughts and prayers you way!

Lisa Solomon Keller Thinking of you, Jess...

Jennifer Barlow Bernal Stay strong...we are thinking of you and David and Sadie!

Mary Ward Everything crossed sweety. Try relax, thinking of u all.

Donielle Turner Praying for you all!

Jen Wilson Keep us posted... love you!

Donna Keliher praying.....

Amy Neprud Barfield Praying for you!

Kathleen Boyle Dalen You're in my thoughts and prayers :)

Violet Reign You got it! Please keep us posted...

Prissy Morgan Jess - sending you lots of love and prayers!

Katie Kat Roy everything will be fine. love you xoxo ♥ praying for you

Amy Neprud Barfield Praying for you!

Kathleen Boyle Dalen You're in my thoughts and prayers :)

Jennifer Herman Thomas Y'all are in my prayers as well!

Dina Basin Sending strong and positive thoughts to you!!

Allyson Horowitz Levine Thinking about you.       
                                                                     
Victoria Howard Keeping you in my thoughts!

Christine Chappell- Labatch Huni your always in my thoughts and prayers ♥ u xxxx       

Helena Ray PRAYING HARD for you and Sadie baby!                                                           

Murky Kirst thinking of you & hoping all is ok xxx

Nikola Edgar WOW, good luck! Let us know how everything goes. Thinking of you!!!

Jeni Massi You got it! Hang in there-- we're praying for you all!                                                

Lainie Gutterman OMG! R u ok? Pls keep me posted. I am praying for you & Sadie.                

Ana Vega You are always in our prayers                                                                                     

Joseph Minkin Let us know if you need anything                                                                       

Tammy Swank Think positive. I'll be praying                                                                           

Shannon Merriman Duran Praying for & LOTS of love!!! Xoxo ... Let us know if u need anything                                                                                                                                             

Sami ʚϊɞ Ormond Hope all is well babe? Have you had the steroid injections?? Praying and thinking of you hun xxx                                                                                                                      

Fay Louise Simpson Turner praying for u n sadie ur in good hand hun try nd stay calm x       

Jessica Held Rome Had the steroids and antibiotics                                                               

Elizabeth Chilton Sending big prays and love to you and Sadie

Jennifer Lortie Ramirez Any news, I hope everything will be fine, praying for you my darling and for Sadie Rose!

Karen Groover Borders Please keep us posted Jessica Held Rome I will be praying!              

Carly Price Jones Praying, praying, praying!

Anna Pgd Ivf Thinking of you Jess, relax & take care, ur in the best hands xx ♥                   

Roberta Heesen Reid Thinking of you!                                                                                           

Cindy Monroy You are in my prayers, may God watch over you and Sadie. Please keep us posted, God bless!!                                                                                                                                         

Lynn Portmann Smith It's going to be just fine Jess, just a little early. God bless you, Sadie, and all of your doctors and nurses today! Can't wait to see your updates!                                             

Allison Shaw Bozigian Keep us posted. You and Sadie are in my thoughts and prayers.          

Marsii DeGrasse Oh my goodness......praying hard for you Jessica.                                        

Kristin Alderfer Webb All the best to you, Jessica. You are in my thoughts and prayers.         

Karla Davison My cousin had a baby girl this afternoon. Good luck to you

Sharlene Duzick Hey gorgeous, just wanted to let you know that if for any reason she does decide to come early she will be in good hands. Most premature babies get transported to the NICU at Valley Press. My sister and some other friends work there and they are amazing nurses in the NICU. :-) So no worries girl!!! Big hugs!!!

Shauna Howard Criner Thinking about you sweetie. Keep Sadie cooking as long as possible! Are you able to have visitors yet??

Kathryn Burton I thought of you ALL night! Hang in there! You are surrounded by TONS of love & prayers for a safe & healthy delivery :)

Juan Vega You're in the Vega family's prayers, we love you!

April Davis Purdy Jessica, I am praying for you all. If you can, keep us posted about how you're doing.

Can't sleep at 2:30am. This is measuring Sadie's heartbeat.



A "different meaning" to breakfast in bed. I know I'm not the norm, but I actually like most hospital food.

Sadie's "seatbelt".

David brought me one of my favorite photos of us to
keep me company.

Please keep us in your prayers. My water broke very early this morning.

***

Quick update: I'm on an IV drip and had both steroid injections and antibiotics. My OB is hoping to keep Sadie in for at least 5 more weeks. Henry Mayo will be my new home away from home.

***

Please keep my friend Jessica Held Rome in your thoughts and prayers. She is 30 weeks and 5 days pregnant with a baby girl, Sadie Rose, and her water broke early this morning! Shes not due until Jan 21st! Praying for you guys Jess!!! ♥

Please pray for my friend Jessica Held Rome. Her waters broke this morning--it's a little too early for her baby (almost 31w).

Tanya Deal-Owens

November 17, 2011

Jessica, I am praying so hard for u.....u have no idea! I hope with everything in me u and the baby are ok and healthy. If u ever want or need to talk, please message me. I know how scary it is to have this happen. Please keep me posted. You're gonna be such a wonderful mom to Sadie. I'll be thinking of u day and night. Wish I could give u a big hug! xxx

This will be our house in a few months!

Beautiful Baby Shower
11/12/2011

My husband's Aunt Joyce and my friend Lora both hosted my baby shower. It was a beautiful day to be showered with so much love.












Lora made this amazing diaper cake.                            Aunt Joyce & I

David & Aunt Joyce                                            The tutu Lora had custom made.




                                                             Connie & Tammy

Lora starting the games.

Shauna & Jenn                                                The Vegas- Juan, Maria, & Ana

                                                                                                 Shannon & Shauna





                                                                                Kay


     Beautiful gift from Shauna.                                                                       


                         David & I