Saturday, March 28, 2009

Saturday Evening

I wish I was more creative with these blog titles. It's actually weird to me to even be thinking of blog titles. Until this little curve ball God through us I'd never considered myself a blog person. I enjoy reading other people's blogs but never dreamed I'd have one of my own.

I don't really have a lot to report medically which is a good thing. Beau mentioned earlier that we thought my temperature might be going up today, so I thought I'd explain that. My temperature was only 98.7 but mine always runs low so that was high to me. Apparently Beau and I were the only ones concerned. We kind of looked at each other out of the corners of our eyes when that reading came up. Neither wanting to overreact, but both knowing that could be the start of a bad thing. My next reading was back to "normal" for me so we breathed a sigh of relief. I think it kind of reminded us that no matter how long we are here, at some point something will happen to get things in motion and our whole little world will change.

Right now we've sort of settled into our new world as best as possible. Doctors in early, back to sleep for a while, breakfast, make-up, etc. Blissfully more of the same everyday. I'm not sure how we'll react when something actually happens. I think I went into shock when they told me I was staying here. I started shaking and couldn't stop...so many things running through my mind. I wonder if I'll react the same way when they tell me its time? The words of the doctor from the first full day keep ringing in my mind..."This is going to happen". Let's just hope that's several weeks from now.

I also thought I'd fess up on my little blog hiatus. Beau has been putting most of the updates up lately because I've been stuck in a book that I can't put down. A person who shall remain nameless to protect her non-fifteen year old identity, sent me Twilight to read. Well that has occupied most of my day. I'm debating right now on if I stop for the night or stay up late and finish. Anyway, that's where I've been. It's really a pretty good book.

In other news, the mail came yesterday...and came and came and came. I don't know if they'd been saving up my mail until Friday or what, but I got so many cards yesterday. We also got a couple more packages of many much appreciated items. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has sent cards, packages, commented on this blog, sent us emails and called. There is no way we can respond to all of them but please know that each one is so appreciated. We look forward to reading the comments on the blog and checking our emails several times a day so please keep it up. They really keep our spirits up.

The days start to run together here and I can't remember which of our visitors I've told you about but we've had a few the last two days. Each time the door opens an unfamiliar face comes in but they always leave feeling like old friends to us.

I had a pretty good little spell yesterday of missing Reed. I know that we are doing the only thing we can right now but its hard not to feel like the two people who are supposed to be there for him and take care of him have abandoned him. I pray that this isn't affecting him. My mom says its not, but I wonder if she's just trying to spare my feelings.

Reed actually went today to stay with Beau's parent's for a little while. They are bringing him back up here next Friday and I can't wait. It will be his first plane ride which makes me a little nervous but that's just my nature. Pray that he makes an easy adjustment to his Birmingham life this week.

I'll go for now. I don't think Beau is impressed with the content of my posts but I just try and offer a little insight to our life here. Hope you don't mind.

Please keep praying. If we make it through the night we've gotten farther than "most people do".

Love to all,

Brittany

33 comments:

Mom to the 3rd degree said...

I found your blog through Kelly's Korner blogsite. It's weird because I grew up in Prattville Alabama and from the looks of your blog you are from Montgomery? I live in Texas now, but anyways, I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you, and your sweet children. I think it's good you've gone so long with no infection, God does do miracles!

trooppetrie said...

i do not know how i found your blog. i know i saw a prayer request and it said you were from al. i wanted you to know 3 years ago my water broke at 26 weeks for no reason and i was in the hospital until 31 weeks. i know how hard it is to not be with other children or to just lay there. i know the dr has told you but everyday they told me that for everyday the baby stays in that is like 2 days they would have stayed in the NICU, i do not know how true it is but it helped me. and my dr prayed with me daily. grace was born at 31 weeks. i would love to talk and encourage you.
www.trooppetrie.blogspot.com

Lee Ann said...

Just found your blog and praying for you and your tiny one!
~Lee Ann http://goodoldays09.blogspot.com/

Heather and Travis said...

I found your blog through Kelly's Korner. I just wanted to tell you that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

I found myself in a similar situation this past summer. My water broke at 24 weeks and I made it 7 more days before our baby girl arrived. She only weighed one pound and 12 ounces, but she is now home and doing so, so well.

Please continue to keep your strength and courage!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jen said...

Hi. I know that you don't know me, but I live just outside DC. I have a four year old little miracle baby girl and a one year old little boy. If you need ANYTHING please let me know---only about 30-45 minutes from you.

Jen

paigeandconnor@gmail.com

Allison and Rob said...

Hi there. I stumbled upon your blog through a link from another blog and noticed you were at the GW hospital. I live in DC only a few blocks (metro stops) away from there. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If you ever need any information on DC, etc. please let me know if I can help.

bunchofbull-ers! said...

I came from Kelly's Korner also! She has LOTS of prayer warriors that I have called on myself.
I will continue lifting you & your entire family up in prayer.

And my cousin had a son born at 24.5 weeks gestation and he is 2 1/2 now! Yes, miracles do happen.

May the Lord surround you with His peace that surpasses all understanding.

In Him~
Kelly

Heather said...

I found your blog via Kelly's Korner. During my last pregnancy, my water broke at 30 weeks. I was able to make it 10 days on hospital bedrest. Holden was born at 32 weeks, 4 pounds 2 oz. He's now 15 months and 21 pounds and doing great! Praise the Lord!

I would love to pray for you, your husband, Reed, and Gaines.

I do understand a mommy's worries and doubts (I think that they come with all babies, not only preemies!). However, going into premature labor and having days/weeks of my own baby living at the hospital, certainly taught me many lessons. The biggest lesson is that I am not in charge . . . God is in charge . . . and to trust in Him to take care of everything! Finally discovering that lesson, left me with enormous peace. I pray that you and your husband find that peace; I pray for Gaines' health and well-being.

May God bless your family,
Heather

*I keep a family blog (www.thespesshardts.blogspot.com). If you check it out, you can see my little miracle!

Kellie said...

Hey! I am adding you to my prayer list - I am from Alabama too - raised in Dothan and now live in Tuscaloosa. My parents live in Birmingham and my sister is engaged to a guy from Montgomery. I also had my water break with my first child - at 32 weeks though, she was born about 40 hours later and weighed 5 lb 2 oz - no problems whatsoever, but she did have a 1 month NICU stay for reflux, which made her heart rate drop. I know it will be hard for you being in DC and all, but know that Gaines will be getting the BEST care possible during his stay there. Hope he beats all odds and gets to be transfered back to Birmingham soon!

Kari said...

I am the mom of 2 preemies 26 & 27 weekers. They are both 4 & 5 and are doing great.

I was in the hospital/bedrest with both. I too worried about being away from my 1 yo. In fact she went to stay with grandparents out of state when her sister was born.

I honestly think it was harder on me than it was on her. In fact it makes me tear up just thinking of it.

She doesn't remember it at all. Now it's just a fun for her point in the story.

Praying for you, your family and your new baby. Even though your days may be boring, boring is a good thing right now!

Ivy said...

I found your blog at Kelly's Korner. We are sending our love and prayers from Tallahassee, FL. Hang in there!

Jennifer said...

Hi Brittany and Beau! I've just said a prayer for you and that sweet baby and will continue to do so. I think it's great that you've made it this far so keep on keeping on. I have enjoyed reading all your blog posts from Day one of this experience. Y'all are both great writers and will be so glad you have all this down on "paper."

Hang in there!
Jennifer

P.S. Feel free to check out my blog (MightyMax) if you want to see a cute 26 week preemie who is now 5 years old. :)

Anonymous said...

Brittany

Reading your blog (I read the whole thing)tonight brought back so many memories for me. Twenty-one years ago I was put in the hospital at 20 weeks in pre-term labor, I was a military wife and 1200 miles from "home". I was scared to death, I was a little luckier then you my water never broke they treated me with meds and after 10 days sent me home on total bedrest for the duration of my pregnancy...she is 21 and fiesty today....I am going to add your name to a bookmarker in my bible...I am going to check back and check on you....Beau sounds wonderful enjoy your "couple time"...get a recorder and record stories for Reed he would love it and it could fill some time during the day for you....thanks for helping me take a trip down Memory Lane tonight and reminding me of everything I have to be thankful for. God bless!

Nini and Pawpaw said...

Beau and Brittany - Your little guy made the transition with flying colors. Its your Mom and I that will be having the problems with the exchanges!! We promise you will see Reed every 2 weeks IN PERSON and now that we all have Skype -you will SEE him every day!! - if he could only get frequent flyer miles - that would be great! We promise to take lots of pictures so you can see his first flight. We can't wait to see you. We love you
Nini and Pawpaw

sportsmomto3 said...

I found your blog from Kelly's Korner too! I'm praying for you, your husband, Gaines and Reed. I am also a southern girl (AR) and can't imagine how it would feel to be so far away from home under your circumstances. God is in control and I admire you for allowing hiim to have that control. I will continue you to keep ya'll in my thoughts and prayers!

Mab said...

Hi Brittany and Beau,
I just finished reading every entry in your blog......and just said a prayer for you and I will continue to keep you all in my prayers daily and keep checking your blog as well. I found you thru Kelly's blog. Reed is just so cute. I know you miss him but it is so great you have such a wonderful family to help with him. And I'm so glad he'll be up to see you again soon. :)
I am sure many many people are seeing God's glory thru you already.
Arlene (in Baton Rouge, LA)

Stephanie said...

I saw your blog over at Kelly's Korner and I just wanted to stop by tonight to let you know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I can not imagine being away from my other children at home so I can't say I know what you're going through. I know that Reed is in very good hands though :) he's probably getting spoiled rotten and having the time of his life!! Hang in there...we'll follow along your journey with you :)

Trisha said...

Hello! I found your site through Kelly's. I just wanted to give you a little hope. My water broke when I was only 19 weeks pregnant, and I made it 9 more WEEKS. Our little man was born at 28 weeks and is now an active 3 year old. I know how hard bed rest is, but hang in there! Here is a great site about PROM http://www.kanalen.org/prom/
You all will be in my prayers!

Lindsey said...

Isn't the community of believers amazing!! I also found your blog through Kelly's Korner. I want you to know that my husband and I will be praying for you and your family. It is so inspiring to hear how everyone is gathering around you in this uncertain time. You are so wise to understand that circumstances like these bring God the glory, draw others to Him and draw those involved to Him as well. Lots of love and prayers are being sent your way!

Kelly said...

I also found your blog through Kelly's Korner. Please know that my husband and I will be praying for you and your family! It must be so hard to be away from your little boy, but I pray that God will give you the strength and comfort you need. Even when it's hard, remember Romans 8:28. All things truely do work together for our good and God's glory!

By the way, my husband and I live in Decatur, AL :)

Sassy said...

Hi guys. You don't know me but I too found your blog from Kelly's Korner. I just wanted to let you know that I was in your shoes just this past July. My water broke two days before I turned 24 weeks. I also had had MANY problems during the pregnancy that complicated things even more. My doctors were not optimistic and I was hooked up to monitors 24/7. I literally wasn't allowed off the monitors for any length of time (even to shower or go to the bathroom). I spent three weeks in the hospital and I had a three year old and a one year old at the time so I know EXACTLY what you are going through and how you are feeling. I have never felt so torn in my life! But they got through it marvelously! In fact I think I suffered more than they did! :) Anyway, my daughter was born at 27 weeks. She spent 11 weeks in the hospital and she is now a rambunctious 8 month old! She is doing very well and growing like a weed! Please visit my blog and read my daughter's story. Feel free to contact me or e-mail me if you have any questions or want support or encouragement! I would love to get to know you better. :)

God Bless!
Sassy

http://dancingintherain-sassy.blogspot.com/

April - Team Tottle said...

Hello Daniel Family,

I found your blog through Kelly's Korner (Kelly Stamps). I am in tears right now after reading your first couple posts. After I leave this comment, I'm going to go back and read them all. This is taking me back to 17 months ago when I pProm'd with my daughter at 21 weeks. She stayed safe inside me for 8, yes! I said EIGHT, 8 weeks!!! She was born at 29 weeks and is a healthy little toddler today. I also have an older son, he is just shy of one year older than my daughter so I totally know what you're going through, being in the hospital for the sake of Gaines but missing Reed so much! That was the hardest part for me too. If you have any questions or anything at all, please contact me. I have so much I want to tell you about my experience but only if you want to hear it. I blogged on the March of Dimes website during the 8 weeks I was on hospital bedrest, you can read our story here: www.shareyourstory.org/autumnelizabeth

Hang in there Gaines!!!

P.S. I never got an infection the 8 weeks I was ruptured, although I was on IV antibiotics 24/7. And I never really went into labor, I just started bleeding a little, then a bit more and they guessed that my placenta may have partially abrupted so they did a c-section and they were right, my placenta had abrupted 50% but my daughter showed no sign of distress, they only guessed that because of the bleeding. Anyway, I've already made thsi comment entirely too long so please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers!

P.P.S. Reed is a little cutie!

Kate said...

I will continue to pray of weeks and weeks of boredom...or at least a few more days so you can finish the entire Twilight series! :)

I cannot imagine what it must be like to be separated from Reed for so long, but I am sure he will forgive you when he gets a healthy baby brother!

IAmDenise said...

I have also come across your blog from Kelly's Korner and I am praying for you.

Denise in Canada

Devon said...

not sure how i found your blog...praying for you and your family.

i've done the preemie thing twice now...with three babies. we've had the really great ending and the not so great one.

you have passed a HUGE milestone of 24 weeks...28 is just around the corner. hang in there! stay positive.

Dave and Mandi said...

Praying for you in Andalusia, AL! Enjoy Twilight! My hubby gave me the first book on Valenitine's Day, and I ended up reading all 4 books within a week. They should def. help to pass the time in the hospital!

Gretta said...

Hey guys...Hope you don't mind but I sent Kelly of Kelly's Korner an email & told her about you guys. She has an awesome set of prayer warriors & friends so you guys will be getting a few extra prayers going up for you through her blog. She & her family are just precious! We are praying for you still and love ya'll.

Amanda said...

Blog titles can get pretty tedius to come up with. I laughed about your comment about your husband not being very impressed with the content of your posts. I think my hubby rolls his eyes at the content of my posts. :) I found your blog through Kelly's Korner. I am the parent of a former 26 weeker so I know only too well what you are going through. I never had the bedrest option though, so I can't imagine how restless and anxious you must be. If you're bored, check out my blog www.therowanblog.blogspot.com. My little girl was 1 lb 11 oz when she was born and is 19 months old today. My husband and I were also out of town you could say when I delivered so I know how hard it is to be away from family and home for so long during such a difficult time. I have friends the corner from GWU so hopefully they'll be bringing you by a care package soon. Your family is in my prayers!

Molly W. said...

Praying. My baby was born at 32 wks so I have a special place in my heart for preemies! Praying for you and your little one.

Nancy said...

Hey,

I found your blog through Kelly's Korner and I am praying for you and your family.

My water broke at 27 weeks and I stayed in the hospital 4 weeks before giving birth to my son who weighed 3 lbs. 11 1/2 oz. He stayed in the hospital for only 5 weeks before coming home.

Today, my son is a very healthy 12 year old!

So, be encouraged and draw close to the Lord. He will reveal Himself to you in ways like never before during this time.

Trusting Him Completely,
Nancy in SC

Katie said...

Visiting from Kelly's Korner. I will be praying for your family. I'm in Northern VA and if you need anything, please feel free to ask. It wouldn't take me long to get into the city. Sending lots of prayers.

Mer Bear (: said...

Hey Brittany! I cracked up when I read the paragraph about Twilight. Most likely only because I know who that non-fifteen year old is. haha! She and I talked the other day and had an interesting conversation about Twilight...like did you know that Grandmama has decided to read them! Yes. I'm serious! She's on the second one right now..I told her it probably wasn't going to be her favorite books because it wasn't exactly written for her age demogaphic. But she's reading them none the less. Well I'll keep you updated if anything else interesting happens. Stay Strong! Love You!
-Meredith-