Tuesday, July 24, 2007

33 Weeks Today!! (7 more days to go)

Today marks 33 weeks! Just 7 more days until delivery, barring any unforeseen changes in my condition. I am actually amazed that I have made it this far. At the beginning of our journey, I had hoped and aimed for 34 weeks, but based on the statistics, thought that it would be unlikely that I would actually get there. I know that I have been very blessed to have made it this far, and to have spent so little time in the hospital, compared to other multiples moms. The doctor has also said that he will not put me on the mag again to stop contractions, which is another huge blessing. Again, I am so grateful for the many prayers on our behalf, many from people we don't even know, that have gotten us to where we are today.

My days are all pretty much the same. I am so large now that the only way to get semi-comfortable is to lay on one side or the other. When I am on my left side, I watch video's (I finished Gilmore Girls and am now working on Alias) and read emails. When I am on my right side I read books (I am 300 pages into Harry Potter). Eating meals is interesting, since I can't actually sit upright anymore--there is too much in the way. I try to sit up as much as I can, then I spread a big napkin over myself to catch anything that falls on the way to my mouth. The day we had spaghetti, my mess could have competed with that of a two-year-old. I love it when visitors come because it makes the time go by faster. It has been nice having my husband here this past week. My mom also makes it out to visit me several times a week, as does my aunt Jeanie. My kids like to come and visit, but I think it is more for the snacks and lemonade that I save them than it is for me :-)

Other than visitors, my favorite part of the day is still the "hydro-therapy" bath. I used to go down to the 3rd floor for the hydro because the tub up here on the 5th floor was broken. They fixed the tub up here a few days ago, however, so now I use it. The tub on the 3rd floor is shaped kind of like a little boat. The sides have doors to make getting in easier. The tub is filled part way before getting in, then the door is put back on the the tub is filled the rest of the way. The tub on the 5th floor is a little bit different, however. The tub itself is just a big, deep, tub---no doors so it can be filled all the way before getting in. There is a chair that I sit in that raises me up and over the tub and then lowers me down into the water. The first time I used it, I had a hard time not laughing the whole time. The noise the chair makes while rising sounds like a ride a Disneyland or something. You almost think that once you get to the top, the chair is going to drop suddenly. Fortunately, it doesn't, but it feels pretty silly to be up in the air in this chair, especially considering that it's purpose is to get me into the bath---so no clothes on! But once I finally get in the bath, it feels great! I am determined to get a picture of this tub before I leave here.

I have another growth ultrasound tomorrow and am anxious to see how much the babies have grown in the past two weeks. We also get to meet with one of the Neonatologists to talk about what happens with the babies after they are born. I will post the estimated weights tomorrow.

I just got a visit from Dr. Elliott a few minutes ago and he said that they are moving up my delivery time from 10 am to 8 am. As I type this, it is about 9 am, which means that at this same time next week, I will have babies!!! Kind of exciting to think about!
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19 comments:

Meridith said...

How exciting! Less than 1 week left. Congratulations on making it to 33 weeks. Y'all are in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Simply Amazing! You are the super mutiple mom patient and just about to the finish line. Can't wait to read the stats tomorrow on the babies. You are reaping the blessings of many prayers , may you continue to do so. We love you V and K

Anonymous said...

I bet you canit wait to not be pregnant anymore. HAng in almost ther!!

Anonymous said...

thats just wonderful to hear that you are doing so well!
good luck!
man, i would want a tub like that! make sure to take a pic of you in it before your pregnancy ends!
good luck again!

Anonymous said...

thats just wonderful!
take care and good luck
and i want to see more pics of you and your growing belly!

KAT said...

You are doing such an amazing job of hanging in there. It's inspiring.

Anonymous said...

You truly are an ispiration to so many. Can't wait to hear about the babies weight and see some pics! Congrats!

Vance & Luisa Ecklund Family said...

I love reading your blogs . You are an amazing woman and every time that I check your updates I see how positive you are and it is really fun
to see how your progress is going
You are an inspiration for a lot of us . Hang in there
We will continue to pray for your family.
The Ecklunds

PS I love your cute pictures

michelle said...

I want to wish you, and your sweet family my well wishes. I have read your blog, and really admire your strength. I too was in Banne,r in the same unit as you are in. This was some time ago. I was preeclamsic. I had such a hard time at the end of my stay. I wanted done! I only had one darling baby cooking! :) I Linked to your blog thru my cousin Ashley.

The Paynes said...

You are absolutely amazing! I get so excited checking your blog to see if anything has been posted yet. I only made it to 32 weeks with my twins but was in an antepartum unit as well and it was so hard. Your optimism is refreshing. If these 5 babies were to come to anyone, you are the perfect choice as you are so selfless. I know you must be dying to be done. You are awesome! Can't wait to see how big the babies are tomorrow. I am sure you will break the current record!!! Good luck.

lltanderson said...

what a fun update to read! i often wonder what your days are like. you sound so joyful and upbeat in all your posts. like the others said, you are truly inspirational!

CarpElgin said...

Just wanted to let you know I've been keeping up with you a little.

My aunt (and then by proxy me) got named Tracy because my Grandmother was reading a play who's heroine was named Tracy in the hospital, so... I guess I'll be looking forward to meeting... Hermione Jean, Ginevra Molly ("Ginny"), Sydney Anne (she'll be the one with all the great clothes), Ronald Bilius, and Harry James!

Hope you're enjoying the non-pregnancy stuff! It'll be great to see you when you get back. (Tracy C.)

Anonymous said...

I can't believe I drop by here and find a quintuplet mother who is THIRTY-THREE WEEKS pregnant. That is AMAZING. Hang in there.

Heather Guymon said...

That is so wonderful!!!!! I am getting so excited for you Rachelle! You look great by the way...

Anonymous said...

I'm so inspired by the few posts I have had time to read this morning--a friend sent a link to your blog. I'm pregnant with twins and have been feeling apprehensive about being able to carry them to term. Your story is amazing and an inspiration!!--Stacy C.

Anonymous said...

Woo hoo! One week to go! Hey, my sister (lives in Leander) hasn't heard of your "situation" - either thru Church or the local news... Have you had a local story done, news or paper? That would be a great way to "share the love", & interested parties could contact you to assist!

Looking forward to belly photos! Happy Hydro!

Anonymous said...

Rachelle, I love it I just want to see you so I can rub your belly :) You looks so good and I can't wait to hear how everything goes! I am still countinf on the 27th so they can be born on my birthday :) Please let me know what I can do to help you with anything after to get the ball rolling with Pampers. You know I am happy and ready to help. I will keep praying for you and hope that everything goes well. Give your belly a rub for me and hug yourself!!! sending love to you.....
Lyndsee

Anonymous said...

Blessings and health for you and your 5 little children. May you have continued strengh and endurance during your final week. I just found your blog today and have enjoyed your honesty and sharing.

Kathy

Anonymous said...

Rachelle, I read your blog when I feel the urge to complain about my morning sickness! Best of everything to you and your family. Thanks to you and your husband for having the foresight to share your experience. Prayers for you all from Yuma!