I awoke this morning believing that it would be what has become a routine day in the life of mommy and daddy-to-be Brehm. With dates with our doc scheduled out two times per week for the forseeable future, Adam and I have been making frequent trips to visit Dr. Kenney in Lincoln. Each appointment is the same as the next, weight, blood pressure, pee in a cup, get some face time with our fetus… weight, blood pressure, pee in a cup, get some face time with our fetus… weight, blood pressure… you get the gist. Monday morning, following a major event weekend, Adam and I hopped into the car at 7:00 am, arrived at St. E’s medical plaza by 8:00, and were outtie 5000 by 8:30 am and back home with the rest of the day ahead of us.
Today, Adam and I were in the car at 7:00 am, arrived at St. E’s medical plaza by 8:00 and were admitted to room 428 at St. Elizabeth’s hospital by 9:30 am. Just when you think you might be in control of your life, God laughs and shows you that you are so not in charge. Little Snowball’s space seems to be heating up a little too much for comfort these days and thus, extra monitoring was meant for mama brehm on this particular Thursday morning. My BP was putting on a show as it made it’s grand entrance to the day at 164/109 and continued to rise from there and then, post some qt with a hospital gown and fetal monitor, headed down south to 150/88. The beautiful morsel of information is that upon admittance, the nurse was very convinced that not only would I not return home but in fact, I would probably be holding Baby Brehm in my arms in just a few days time. Ever up for a challenge, we proved her wrong and certainly are pleased to have done so. I may be seeing Jenny the nurse sooner than I liked but at least, for the time being, this Brehm bun is still in mama’s oven.
Now, I write to you for the first time as one of the one million baby carriers who will buy time with their bundle in belly on strict bed rest. For the next few weeks, Snowball and I will be spending time together resting, peeing and avoiding stairs. I tried to get clearance for a visit to my stylist but to no avail. I even stressed that I can think of few things as calming as spending time with my beautician but the nurse at the hospital didn’t seem to care. Is it soo bad that when our little child enters the world for the first time I want him/her to view me as a natural blonde?
A few revelations that I had today included:
- If you are 34 weeks pregnant and are technically “high-risk” carry everything you could possibly think you may ever need with you in your car at all times. Adam and I went into the hospital with the shirts on our back and not a whole lot more. Starting on Monday, I will have my bag packed and ready to travel regardless of how good I’m feeling.
- A note to all who are heading into their doctor… the advice your mother used to give you “always wear clean underwear in case you get in an accident…”, this info also applies in general life. I have to tell you, my underwear today were part of the PINK collection by VS and donned the phrase “I love geeks”. While I do, indeed, love a geek, it was highly embarrassing when I realized that medical staff were going to be stealing a look at my skivvies with such humorous words. I suppose I gave everyone a good laugh and hey, I suppose that’s all that matters.
- Always do the deed with your significant other prior to your next doctor’s appointment. When you’re pg, you have no clue when they’re going to “cut you off”. I know, I know, graphic info but like Nike says “Just do it”.
Adam and I will see Snowball again on Monday and I will certainly have many more thoughts between now and then. For now though, I will rest my head on my pillow tonight and be reminded that I have no idea what tomorrow will hold. If you have any suggestions for a charged up woman on bedrest, send them my way.
