Thursday, January 29, 2009
No Baby Today
This morning Boston had flipped and was head down! Yay! So no baby today, but we are scheduled to go in for an induction on Monday night, meaning that he will likely have a birthday of Tuesday, February 3, 2009!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
More Than A Feeling...
The new song on the playlist is Boston's "More than a feeling." I decided to not put it on the playlist until we were close to delivery...and it looks like we are. This song is on my "Greatest Hits" list (although Boston's name is unrelated to my interest in the band). As Boston has gotten bigger and bigger and his movements stronger and stronger, I have come to realize that soon he will be "more than a feeling." We are about to meet our little man - and I am so excited.
Tomorrow morning we need prayers -- I have my regular NST at 8:30 and then at 9:00 we are going to be facing some decisions. On Monday during my office visit it was discovered that Boston had flipped from his previous head down position to a head up/face up breech position. He has so much fluid to move around in that it allows him to turn when most babies would not be able to. At 9:00 tomorrow I have what Lynn called a "position check." If he is still in breech, then Lynn said that we will "talk." This "talk" will focus on the decision of whether to try and turn him manually into a head-down position and then most likely induce right then. I'm not sure what my options will be if he is head down or if he refuses to turn. I know that if I go into labor while he is breech then I will almost definitely have to have a c-section. The risks of cord prolapse are even higher when the baby is in breech and most doctors just don't try vaginal breech delivery any more -- the risks are just to high.
We will try to update as fast as we can tomorrow -- but be expecting some news :)
Tomorrow morning we need prayers -- I have my regular NST at 8:30 and then at 9:00 we are going to be facing some decisions. On Monday during my office visit it was discovered that Boston had flipped from his previous head down position to a head up/face up breech position. He has so much fluid to move around in that it allows him to turn when most babies would not be able to. At 9:00 tomorrow I have what Lynn called a "position check." If he is still in breech, then Lynn said that we will "talk." This "talk" will focus on the decision of whether to try and turn him manually into a head-down position and then most likely induce right then. I'm not sure what my options will be if he is head down or if he refuses to turn. I know that if I go into labor while he is breech then I will almost definitely have to have a c-section. The risks of cord prolapse are even higher when the baby is in breech and most doctors just don't try vaginal breech delivery any more -- the risks are just to high.
We will try to update as fast as we can tomorrow -- but be expecting some news :)
Monday, January 26, 2009
Caden's Cubs for Clark
We were blessed by the Carlson family with the opportunity to take Clark to create a special Build-a-Bear in anticipation of Boston’s birth. The Carlson’s set up this project called “Caden’s Cubs” to honor their son Caden who was stillborn last summer. To read more about the project, check out the January 5, 2009 entry on their blog, http://thecarlsoncrew.blogspot.com/2009/01/special-announcement.html
Clark, Brian and I had a great time on Saturday building his bear. Clark and I had previously done a “scouting mission” just the two of us earlier in the week when it was less busy in order to make sure Clark had the necessary time to pick out what he wanted. I took each bear, dog, cat, turtle and other animal off the shelf and handed it to him. He shook his head almost every time, rejecting them one by one. I knew we had found his bear when he reached out excitedly and said “Heart, Heart.” He had chosen “Champ,” a champion fur kids. It was fitting, because part of the purchase of Champ goes towards the Bear Hugs Foundation which makes grants to causes that support children’s health.
Clark, Brian and I had a great time on Saturday building his bear. Clark and I had previously done a “scouting mission” just the two of us earlier in the week when it was less busy in order to make sure Clark had the necessary time to pick out what he wanted. I took each bear, dog, cat, turtle and other animal off the shelf and handed it to him. He shook his head almost every time, rejecting them one by one. I knew we had found his bear when he reached out excitedly and said “Heart, Heart.” He had chosen “Champ,” a champion fur kids. It was fitting, because part of the purchase of Champ goes towards the Bear Hugs Foundation which makes grants to causes that support children’s health.
Clark next picked out a sound for Champ. He decided on the “Roaaar.”
Clark’s favorite part was watching Champ get stuffed and getting to put the heart inside. He had hearts in both fists and wanted Mom and Dad to kiss them before they went inside.
Dad helped pick out some cool clothes and sneakers.
Because the store was so crowded (it was Saturday afternoon), we took Clark to get a pretzel and dress Champ where it was quieter.
Since we have brought Champ home, Clark has gone to Champ’s house several times to get him out, give him a kiss, and then put him back. It was great to have this special time to spend with Clark, in what will probably be our last family outing before Boston’s arrival. Our family is about to be changed forever and it was wonderful to have this memory to share. Thanks to the Carlson family for allowing us to honor Caden and Boston in this special way.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Waiting PATIENTLY
I have been waiting, but not patiently, for Boston to be born. In Latin, the root word of patience "pati" means “to suffer.” The Greek word “hupomone,” which is often translated as “patience” in the New Testament, means “cheerful or hopeful endurance.” That is my aim for the rest of this pregnancy. As I wrote in the November 13 entry, Dr. Blowey wants Boston to stay in utero as long as possible because my kidneys keep him healthy and allow him to grow without putting any strain on his little body. If there is not a significant medical reason for him to come, then just we should wait on him. I didn’t realize at the time how tempting an elective induction would be. With his size and all of his extra fluid, I am SO uncomfortable. Noticeably uncomfortable. Uncomfortable to the point of pain and tears.
I read in Ecclesiastes 7:8 today that “Finishing is better than starting; patience is better than pride.” It made me realize that as much as I am eager to start Boston’s life, it is better to finish this pregnancy with a strong and valiant spirit, with “cheerful and hopeful endurance.” Many verses in the Old Testament talk about waiting patiently. Psalm 40:1 says “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me and he turned to me and heard my cry.” Psalm 27:14 says “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
This is definitely an area where prayer would be appreciated. I want to be filled with the calm and peaceful assurance that God has determined all the days of Boston’s life, including the day he is to born. In the first chapter of Colossians, Paul is outlining all the prayers that he has for the church in Colossae. He closes that section of the chapter with this message: “We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father.” That is my prayer: that I will be strengthened with all of God’s glorious power so I will have all the endurance and patience I need.
I read in Ecclesiastes 7:8 today that “Finishing is better than starting; patience is better than pride.” It made me realize that as much as I am eager to start Boston’s life, it is better to finish this pregnancy with a strong and valiant spirit, with “cheerful and hopeful endurance.” Many verses in the Old Testament talk about waiting patiently. Psalm 40:1 says “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me and he turned to me and heard my cry.” Psalm 27:14 says “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
This is definitely an area where prayer would be appreciated. I want to be filled with the calm and peaceful assurance that God has determined all the days of Boston’s life, including the day he is to born. In the first chapter of Colossians, Paul is outlining all the prayers that he has for the church in Colossae. He closes that section of the chapter with this message: “We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father.” That is my prayer: that I will be strengthened with all of God’s glorious power so I will have all the endurance and patience I need.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Volunteering/How Can You Help?
We have received several inquiries and offers of help and because we want and appreciate the offers and will need your help, I wanted to provide more information about what we need and when.
This whole pregnancy has been filled with unexpected events and as much as we have tried to plan ahead of time, there are still many things that are uncertain. The traditional, typical needs of a family with a new baby will not be our needs; we will not be the family at home with a healthy baby, although we hope that someday we can get to that point. I will provide as much information as we have now, with the understanding that we will update the info as it comes available and as our needs change.
What we know we can use:
· Gas cards – we will have to make trips back and forth to St. Luke’s and Children’s Mercy several times a day and the gas will add up.
· Non-perishable food and snacks - for at least the first week we will be in the NICU, so easily portable food that we can take with us will be appreciated. Things like Progresso Soup, dried fruit and nuts, packets of instant oatmeal, etc. would be appreciated. Also, apparently Children’s Mercy has one of the best cafeterias around, so money for a hot meal there would also be appreciated.
· Frozen casseroles/dinners – we are not sure when we will be at home, but are planning on spending one meal a day (probably dinner) at home as a family. Food that can go from freezer to oven would be appreciated. We even bought a full-size freezer to put in our garage for this very purpose.
· Clark care/play dates - Brian’s parents are going to try and come up for at least part of that first week to stay with Clark, but if we have to be in the hospital for longer than a week then we could use some help in watching Clark so Brian can be at the hospital too. Also, even if we get to come home, it is likely that Boston will be more susceptible to infection and thus not able to have a lot of visitors or leave the house. I am sure Clark will not like being cooped up and so play dates would be appreciated.
· Rides to the hospital – this is a “we hope not” request, but if Sarah has to have a c-section then she will not be able to drive for a couple of weeks. Because she wants to spend a lot of time with Boston, we would appreciate having some people to call on for rides.
· Gifts – because we don’t know when we will get to use any clothes or diapers, we are asking people to hold off on these gifts for now. I looked online for ideas and several websites suggested: books to read to baby, books and music for Mom and Dad to get through long bedside vigils, toys for the older siblings, photo frames to put by baby’s warmer in the NICU, movie tickets (for a break for Mom and Dad), gift cards to Wal-Mart and Target for necessities, etc.
· Congratulations – we plan on celebrating Boston’s birth with all of our hearts and invite you to join us. He is our little boy and we are going to shower him with love and affection from the moment he is born. Cards, emails, balloons, flowers, etc., will all be appreciated as you join us in celebrating Boston’s arrival.
· Prayer - once Boston arrives I am anticipating having an abundance of prayer request and praise reports to pass along. We will keep the blog updated with the specific prayer needs that we have and would love for you to target your prayers in kind.
A few more things:
Updates – we know that you will want to know how Boston is doing and how we are dealing with things, but we do not anticipate being able to make, take, or return many phone calls, especially since cell phones are not allowed in the NICU. We will try to update the blog regularly and will rely on you to check it if you want information. Please understand that we appreciate and acknowledge your interest, but have been told we will not likely have the time to respond personally to every call or email.
Visitors – we rely on you for support and comfort. We have been told that parents are divided on the issue of visitors in the NICU. We know the NICU has strict rules on who can visit and when and that some parents are overwhelmed by visitors. When we have a better idea of what is going on we will let you know. Also, we know that anyone who visits needs to be very healthy, so keep that in mind.
Homecoming – we are hoping that our homecoming will be as soon as possible. We were told that coming home with a new baby is cause for celebration and a time for renewed interest from others, a time for gifts and dinner, visits and help.
Paranoia – we were also advised to let people know that we may be overprotective of Boston if he has to spend much time in the hospital. In case we are cautious of other people holding him, don’t get out much, or decline to attend crowded events, please understand that we are doing so with Boston’s health in mind and hopefully it will pass as he grows in strength and health.
This whole pregnancy has been filled with unexpected events and as much as we have tried to plan ahead of time, there are still many things that are uncertain. The traditional, typical needs of a family with a new baby will not be our needs; we will not be the family at home with a healthy baby, although we hope that someday we can get to that point. I will provide as much information as we have now, with the understanding that we will update the info as it comes available and as our needs change.
What we know we can use:
· Gas cards – we will have to make trips back and forth to St. Luke’s and Children’s Mercy several times a day and the gas will add up.
· Non-perishable food and snacks - for at least the first week we will be in the NICU, so easily portable food that we can take with us will be appreciated. Things like Progresso Soup, dried fruit and nuts, packets of instant oatmeal, etc. would be appreciated. Also, apparently Children’s Mercy has one of the best cafeterias around, so money for a hot meal there would also be appreciated.
· Frozen casseroles/dinners – we are not sure when we will be at home, but are planning on spending one meal a day (probably dinner) at home as a family. Food that can go from freezer to oven would be appreciated. We even bought a full-size freezer to put in our garage for this very purpose.
· Clark care/play dates - Brian’s parents are going to try and come up for at least part of that first week to stay with Clark, but if we have to be in the hospital for longer than a week then we could use some help in watching Clark so Brian can be at the hospital too. Also, even if we get to come home, it is likely that Boston will be more susceptible to infection and thus not able to have a lot of visitors or leave the house. I am sure Clark will not like being cooped up and so play dates would be appreciated.
· Rides to the hospital – this is a “we hope not” request, but if Sarah has to have a c-section then she will not be able to drive for a couple of weeks. Because she wants to spend a lot of time with Boston, we would appreciate having some people to call on for rides.
· Gifts – because we don’t know when we will get to use any clothes or diapers, we are asking people to hold off on these gifts for now. I looked online for ideas and several websites suggested: books to read to baby, books and music for Mom and Dad to get through long bedside vigils, toys for the older siblings, photo frames to put by baby’s warmer in the NICU, movie tickets (for a break for Mom and Dad), gift cards to Wal-Mart and Target for necessities, etc.
· Congratulations – we plan on celebrating Boston’s birth with all of our hearts and invite you to join us. He is our little boy and we are going to shower him with love and affection from the moment he is born. Cards, emails, balloons, flowers, etc., will all be appreciated as you join us in celebrating Boston’s arrival.
· Prayer - once Boston arrives I am anticipating having an abundance of prayer request and praise reports to pass along. We will keep the blog updated with the specific prayer needs that we have and would love for you to target your prayers in kind.
A few more things:
Updates – we know that you will want to know how Boston is doing and how we are dealing with things, but we do not anticipate being able to make, take, or return many phone calls, especially since cell phones are not allowed in the NICU. We will try to update the blog regularly and will rely on you to check it if you want information. Please understand that we appreciate and acknowledge your interest, but have been told we will not likely have the time to respond personally to every call or email.
Visitors – we rely on you for support and comfort. We have been told that parents are divided on the issue of visitors in the NICU. We know the NICU has strict rules on who can visit and when and that some parents are overwhelmed by visitors. When we have a better idea of what is going on we will let you know. Also, we know that anyone who visits needs to be very healthy, so keep that in mind.
Homecoming – we are hoping that our homecoming will be as soon as possible. We were told that coming home with a new baby is cause for celebration and a time for renewed interest from others, a time for gifts and dinner, visits and help.
Paranoia – we were also advised to let people know that we may be overprotective of Boston if he has to spend much time in the hospital. In case we are cautious of other people holding him, don’t get out much, or decline to attend crowded events, please understand that we are doing so with Boston’s health in mind and hopefully it will pass as he grows in strength and health.
If you are willing to help with Clark care, rides, or meals once we get home, please email us at ihearttheprestons@gmail.com and we will contact you when we know more.
Donations and gifts can be mailed to us or dropped off at 14630 W. 85th Terrace, Lenexa, KS 66215. Please specify what you would like it to be used for, unless it is food, in which case we can figure it out on our own :).
We can't tell you how much we appreciate all of your prayer and support. It is what gets us through.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Baby Alcatraz Part 2: St. Luke's is in lockdown
Ashley Bates, the NICU coordinator at St. Luke's (who I love), called this morning to let me know that the NICU at St. Luke's is also in lock down to everyone except parents (which is stricter than Mercy). I told her that she did not have a very fun job today calling all these moms, but that I was okay because we expected that Boston would room in with me at St. Luke's and that we would be transferred to Mercy pretty quickly anyway. However, I wanted to give everyone a heads up in case Boston has to be in the NICU and not with me in my room.
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