30 Weeks 5 Days - January 20, 2012

As I lay here in the hospital and look out the window at the falling snow, the outside world just looks peaceful. For those of you fighting traffic at rush hour on Friday, I'm sure it's a very different picture. But from where I lay, today looked like the inside of a snow globe filled with a flurry of weightless powder. When I think about each tiny little snowflake, I can't help but think of baby Nathan. Each snowflake is unique - there's not another like it anywhere. Each one has its own incredible, intricate beauty - which reminds me that there is a Creator who designed it all. And of course, each snowflake is only here for a short time - just like our little guy. Each day has gotten a little easier, but it will continue to just take time and we're okay with that.

Overall, today has been a really good day. The results from my blood tests this morning showed that things seem to have stabilized for now. After an increase in liver enzymes on Wednesday, they were worried about seeing a severe increase. None of the doctors can tell us why, but the enzyme levels actually decreased which was amazing. I'm right on the lower threshold of mild preeclampsia, but for now there's nothing to do except keep a watchful eye for signs. Right now, everything looks pretty good so they'll continue to monitor the blood tests every 24 hours instead of every 12. That's a big relief for me because it means I'm actually allowed to eat and drink most of the day. With preeclampsia, it can either drastically change very quickly or it will just be a slow and steady progression - either way the end result and "cure" is delivery. I'm not planning on going home before these boys arrive, so we're in this till the end! I feel much safer here knowing that I've got constant care and attention, so it's worth any of the minor annoyances of hospital life. I did get to shower again today which makes me feel much more sane...plus I'm sure the nurses appreciate it.

We had another nice surprise today - I got to take a field trip from my hospital room to Maternal Fetal Medicine for an ultrasound. The doctor didn't mention this today, so we weren't expecting this at all until the wheelchair arrived to take me. They did BPPs on babies A & C and both scored a perfect 8/8. They looked bigger to me, but we didn't get any type of growth scan. It was also good to see the caring, friendly faces of the MFM staff who have helped us throughout this entire pregnancy. We got a couple photos of the two boys which I posted below. So for now, we're just thankful for another day. Everyone keeps stressing to us that each additional day has a huge impact on the babies, so we'll take every little victory that we can.

...and speaking of victories, I think a good way to end the night is to curl up on the couch (or hospital bed) and watch a little hockey. Let's go Blackhawks!