Who knew that there could be so many complexities involved with pregnancy! I always thought babies were about eating lots of ice cream, having fun baby showers, and getting a big tummy…. Or at least that is how they make it look in the movies!
This little guy growing inside me has given us quite the adventure already! At 21 weeks (March 3), I had been experiencing pain and cramping for about a week. Thinking that it was normal “pregnancy feelings” I didn’t think much of it. It wasn’t until I had some bleeding that I thought maybe things weren’t normal and finally called my doctor who had me come in and meet with him. He said he thought that I might be having contractions…. I said that couldn’t be possible as I was no where NEAR far enough along to be hearing that word! That was the first time we were introduced to the term of “pre-term labor.” I was sent onto the hospital to be monitored by machines that measured fetal movement and fetal heartbeats. As it turned out, I was having full fledged contractions 🙁 They gave me a shot to stop the contractions and sent me on my way…. The next morning I woke up still having contractions so was put on an oral medication to keep the contractions at bay. One positive thing from this experience is that I know now WHAT a contraction feels like so when to start counting and keep track of when there are too many. That’s one thing you can’t learn from the Internet as a first time mom 🙂 Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to be back in the land of oblivion where I just thought that these feelings were normal pregnancy woes… Back in my classrooms dancing with the kiddos and working on my lesson plans!!
I have been on modified bed rest since that day, and was anxious to get to my appointment this morning (March 23) and hear what the doctor had to say. Unfortunately, it wasn’t great news, as we had hoped. The doctor told me that the baby had already “dropped.” As this is something that typically happens after the 8th month of pregnancy, I knew this wasn’t a good thing…..
As it has been hard to keep up with emails and phone calls over the past month, several people have suggested that I set up an online blog. I was putting it off thinking that everything would somehow become “normal” and that I wouldn’t have a reason to update anyone on anything. No such luck, so here we are…..
April- I am so glad to hear your great news! I didn’t realize you were expecting, that is wonderful!
Nate and I are also expecting!! We are due in Sept. We just had our 16-17 week appt and today I am wearing my first “fatso prego jeans”!
Rest up girl, and try to enjoy this time. I know it is difficult but I really think it will all be so worth it in the end!
Keep us updated!
Heather (Rudd) Erickson
Eric & April…..this is the first I have heard of any of this. I am so excited for all of you and I will keep you in my thoughts & many prayers. April, I will pass this along to my Mom too…as she will for sure keep you all in her prayers too. Take care of yourself and little Junior!
Eric & April,
We are so happy for you and so thankful for ‘modern technology’ that helps us through these difficult times. More important than ‘modern technology’ is the grace of our God and His perfect plan. What a journey this will be for all of us. Thanks for sharing so we will better know how to pray.
Allen & Denise
Dear April and Eric,
My thoughts and prayers are with you two and know that God is monitoring all of these procedures. I have a “darling” little great grand daughter that was born at 26 weeks weighing 1 pound and 7 ounces and now weighs 7 pounds and 8 ounces. She is doing well and so precious. (Grandma’s thought) I will be praying that Junior will hang in there for 32 weeks but sometimes they have their own aggenda. Best to both all three of you.
Phyllis Fritchen