Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Tuesday, February 10, 2009

My AM nurse Emily woke me up today with my medicine. Dr Co came in for the routine daily visit and I discussed the option of having a massage from the Teal Center, and she said “No”  and it is because it could bring on full blown labor. We don’t want that so I’ll have to wait until later. Grrrr. Oh well. But got visited by the Eucharistic Minister from St. Ann’s, Father Paul came over later too. But later Peggy stopped by, it was very nice to see her. All of my friends have been so great. My PM nurse Karen was really nice and was good in keeping up with my meds. Got some more good sleep, until all the Dr’s came in at o dark thirty (the next morning).

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Monday, February 9, 2009

My AM nurse, Milena, woke me up with more medicine this morning and got me on the monitor early. Dr Ca came in and she said she had a nice weekend and asked me about the night before (pressure and such) and asked if I felt anything since, but the answer was No. I worked in the AM hours of the day, using skype I can talk to people at work and get things done. It felt really good to do that, it is certainly a nice distraction from my everyday life in this one room. Matt and Sue came to visit this evening. It was so nice to see them. Also, this evening was the first episode of Caps “Red Line”, the Fanatic portion featuring Goat. It was great, I cannot wait to see our episode. My PM nurse tonight was Aicha, she is so nice and sweet. She told us (after learning that Dave works at the Kennedy Center) that the previous week her daughter went with her class to see a show there, and it was one of Dave’s show. She was so excited to hear that too. Slept well minus getting woke up for vitals and different doctors visiting in the early AM hours of the next day.

Hospital Journal Entry: Sunday, February 8, 2009

Woke up rather early to a new AM nurse (whom I shall not name, because I didn’t like her too much), she didn’t even know how to properly put me on the monitor and made me feel a little uncomfortable. I think she might be new, and she barely even came in to check on me..in fact I don’t think she ever did. She only came in when she had a purpose. Dr M came and checked on me earlier before visitors arrived. Today was the original date of my baby shower. But because I’m here in the hospital, we had to cancel it. So instead, I decided to have immediate family and a few close friends come spend the afternoon here with me for a mini-sprinkle. Elyssa, my Mom, Diane, my sister Jen, Aunt Karen, Aunt Fran, Dave’s mom Sally, Karen King were all there to help celebrate the afternoon. Everyone was so nice and brought some really wonderful things that I know we will use. I can’t wait to see everything after the nursery is set up. I was a very over stimulating day for sure. So tired again after everything. Stephanie was my PM nurse again. She made sure I remained in bed and staying calm after all of the excitement of the day. Justin came by when Dave was here. It is always so nice to see him. Later after everyone left I got on skype with Josie, I love talking to her. I miss her so much and wish she lived closer. Sadly I did have a problem later in the evening. I had some major pressure going on in my pelvis. Stephanie called the resident on duty and they put me on the monitor for an additional hour and did an exam to make sure nothing was wrong. Thank goodness everything was ok, they believe the baby might’ve shifted lower creating the pressure I felt and maybe even a contraction or two. But all was OK. After that I finally fell asleep. Such a long but wonderful day. I thank everyone for making it that way. I will certainly never forget it. But Dave and I decided because we couldn’t have the original baby shower that we will hold a welcome home and meet the baby party at our house, when we get organized after we both (baby especially) get home. I can’t wait.

Hospital Journal Entry: Saturday, February 7, 2009

Got to have Dana as my RN for the day, that always makes me smile. She always seems to make me smile as she enters my room. Dr M came to check in on me, she is filling in for my OB office this weekend. Before the hockey game I got visited by Sam, Sherri and Justin; they were in their hockey jerseys (that made me happy to see). I really miss going to the phone booth to see the Caps play. Later in the afternoon Rosemary and Richard came to visit, they were out in Alexandria enjoying the beautiful day and stopped by to check up on Me here and see Dave too. Then I got a surprise visit from Theresa and Alex. I was so happy to see them, they look great and still glowing their newlywed glow. I was so worn out after everyone left, I took a little nap and my PM nurse Stephanie got me up to give me my PM medication and put me on the monitor. The Caps won vs the Panthers, yahoo!! I also spent some time on skype with my Mom, Aunt Karen (that was fun) and my belly buddy from the baby message boards I belong to in the evening.. I’m so glad I got more family members on skype, it’s such an easy way to keep in touch with everyone. I need to save the rest of my energy for tomorrow. I turned in earlier than normal.

Hospital Journal Entry: Saturday, February 7, 2009

Got to have Dana as my RN for the day, that always makes me smile. She always seems to make me smile as she enters my room. Dr M came to check in on me, she is filling in for my OB office this weekend. Before the hockey game I got visited by Sam, Sherri and Justin; they were in their hockey jerseys (that made me happy to see). I really miss going to the phone booth to see the Caps play. Later in the afternoon Rosemary and Richard came to visit, they were out in Alexandria enjoying the beautiful day and stopped by to check up on Me here and see Dave too. Then I got a surprise visit from Theresa and Alex. I was so happy to see them, they look great and still glowing their newlywed glow. I was so worn out after everyone left, I took a little nap and my PM nurse Stephanie got me up to give me my PM medication and put me on the monitor. The Caps won vs the Panthers, yahoo!! I also spent some time on skype with my Mom, Aunt Karen (that was fun) and my belly buddy from the baby message boards I belong to in the evening.. I’m so glad I got more family members on skype, it’s such an easy way to keep in touch with everyone. I need to save the rest of my energy for tomorrow. I turned in earlier than normal.

Hospital Journal Entry: Friday, February 6, 2009

I woke up to seeing my nurse Milena bringing my morning medication. Dr H came in early as well to check up on me to see how I was feeling. I was fine with no issues other than the bad news from the day before at the ultrasound. Dr H was so nice and listened to my fears and answered my questions too. I felt a bit better after she left. The day went by pretty quick. I installed a webcam on my computer and uploaded skype software and talked to Race, Jen and my Mom online during the day and evening hours. But I also got visits during the day, my Mom came over (that’s when I told her about skype and how to install her webcam). I also got a visit from a Eucharistic Minister from St. Ann’s and Kirsten came by later in the evening when Dave was already here. It was so good to see her, it has been since May (the wedding). Stephanie my evening nurse kept me on time with my meds because my cough was getting really bad. But thankfully with the lack of sleep from the night before I was able to sleep tonight.

Hospital Journal Entry: Thursday, Feb 5, 2009

My day nurse is Dana today…she had a student with her for part of the day. Dr W came in and told me that I would be called on sometime during the day for my follow up ultrasound and that she would come back later to talk to me about the results. I was really nice, I must admit, to leave the room just to go downstairs for a little bit. However, I only got more upsetting news. My cervix was observed as being completely effaced and starting to dilate even more (up to as much as 3cm). The amniotic sac is now funneling up against the actual cervical opening, which puts me at an even more risk for early rupture. I held it together as best as I could to get back upstairs. I just wanted to go back to my room afterwards and curl up. I called Dave in tears and told him the news. He came right over to be with me. Dr W came in before he got there and pretty much told me what I already knew, that I had an insufficient cervix and that my bed rest is more important than ever. On a happier note..got visited by Colleen and she looks fantastic. She’s a week ahead of me in her pregnancy (she’s having a boy, her third). My evening RN, Grace was great in giving me space and just coming in for medicine and getting my vitals. I had a low emotional evening as a result from the ultrasound. Had a difficult time staying asleep.

Hospital Journal Entry: Wednesday, Feb 4, 2009

I got a new AM nurse named Dana, she is topping the charts so far as my favorite nurse since being admitted. I discovered she can sing and she told me she was on youtube singing the national anthem at the GMU graduation from last spring (08). Such a beautiful voice..WOW. I proceeded to tell her that she needed to audition for singing the Anthem at Capitals games…she would be so much better than that girl who won last year (she’s not so good). Dr. H came in to check on me and told me how happy she was that I passed my 3 hour glucose test. And was pleased that I was still there (and had not delivered yet). She also told me I could take another shower and just to be sure to use the shower chair (I really cherish taking a shower, its amazing how just that kind of a simple thing can make you feel so great). I got visited by Kim (it was so great to see her, it had been since the wedding), Sally stopped by and brought more gifts (she’s really getting into shopping for the baby…it’s so cool), Father Paul stopped by and talked with me for a while (it is always so great to spend time and talk to him) and Justin hung out for a bit (he always seems to make me laugh, which I am grateful for). I got Rachel again as my evening nurse, it’s nice to have people as my nurse that I’m getting to know. Because knowing them make it easier to call on them when I need them without feeling like a pain.

Hospital Journal Entry: Feb 3, 2009

Was woke up early by my AM nurse Quynh and the lab to get my fasting glucose level and then to start my 3 hours glucose test. Got to drink the lemon lime flavored glucose drink this time, with my blood being taken once each hour for 3 hours afterwards. OMG, the first person who came to take my blood was awesome…the second one wasn’t so bad, the third one was AWFUL and bruised me badly but the first person came back for the final draw and apologized for the previous one. I passed the glucose test (YIPPEE!!) and that means I will have no dietary restrictions…bring on the food…LOL. Dr. Co came in to tell me again that I passed the test and to check up on me. I got a visit from a Eucharistic Minister from our church, we talked for a bit and prayed together and that was about it. My father came over in the evening and spent a few hours with me. Me and the RN conspired so my dad could hear the baby’s heartbeat on the monitor, because he’s never heard it before. He was so happy. He left and Dave showed up after work in time for the Caps @ NJ game (which they won). My evening nurse Rachel introduced herself..I discovered by talking to her…that her and her fiancé are getting married in May down in Key West. She’s so excited. Dave and I were giving her advice on Maui. Was another easy night to sleep. The glucose test proved to make me feel icky again, but not so bad this time (probably because I was still feeling awful from the test the day before).

Hospital Journal Entry: Monday, February 2, 2009

Was woke up early by my AM nurse Tricia who gave me my 1 hour glucose test….which I found out that I ultimately failed. When Dr. Ca came in to tell me, she thinks it was because of the steroid shots for the baby. But they would repeat the test on Tuesday but it would be the 3 hours one. Yucky. I got to take a shower and clean up a bit, which always makes me feel better. But around mid afternoon the construction in the next wing (that so happened to be on the other side of my room wall) was sooooooo loud (at least 7 people banging on walls and such with sledgehammers) and about 2 hours after the banging began an awful chemical smell and burnt electric smell was all down our hallway in overwhelming in my room. I had to call the nurse to get some deodorant like spray to make my room smell better, because I was feeling nauseous all day (due to the excessive glucose in my system). Once I felt a little better I called the coordinator of the birthing class and cancelled our enrollment and asked for a refund. They had no problem in processing that. (yeah $$$ back). My evening nurse was Loren, she recommended due to my long day to take some ambien so I would be rested enough to tackle my 3 hours glucose test in the morning. So I did that and was out like a light.

Hospital Journal Entry: Sunday February 1, 2009

Today started out in kind of a blur. My day nurse, Joyce came in to give me my antibiotic. She went to flush the line and all of the saline came right back out, meaning my IV site was blown and had to get a new one. Well they called the IV team (or person on duty) to come and start a new line. Sadly the girl who came over couldn’t successfully get a new one started and as a result really bruised my right hand. It was swollen, painful and very dark in color. I had to use ice packs to keep the pain and swelling down. But it was also a day with a Caps game at 12:30 and the Super Bowl later that night. Dr. W checked up on me and also said that there was no need for an IV anymore (phew). I also found out that I wasn’t the only person on the hallway that was a long term. Another woman named Sherean is here too, she has been here since Christmas Eve when her water broke. She sent me her business card with her phone number to her room. She’s so nice, it’s nice to know I’m not alone here.
Father Paul came by to give me communion and talk a bit. He was wearing his Steelers sweatshirt too, that gave us all a good laugh. Jim and Sally took Dave to get some lunch and then visited with me for a while. My Mom and Aunt Karen stopped by, so did Sarah Kate . Everyone brought little bags of stuff to keep me occupied and to ease my sugar cravings. It was so nice. Elyssa stopped by later too so we could re-plan arrangements for what was supposed to be my shower. Because we have to cancel it. So it was decided on just a small get together of immediate family and a couple of family friends to come by and hang out for an afternoon here at the hospital with me. The Caps won versus the Senators and Pittsburgh won the Super Bowl. For the second shift that night BJ was my early evening nurse and Danielle was my evening nurse. I had a contraction or two that night…they think it was due to all of the visitors and such, but nothing really came of it. I just got my medicine and went to sleep.

Hospital Journal Entry: Saturday, January 31, 2009

Woke up feeling like a million bucks. Some solid rest really helped. My day nurse was Rachna. Always greeting me with a smile, this was so nice. Dr W came in to check up on me to see how things were going. She told me I could take a shower (YAHOO) and that I could continue doing so every other day. Such good news, couldn’t wait. Dave brought me over some toiletries and nice shampoo/conditioner. But it was what he brought in addition to that, is what touched my heart. He brought a few stuffed animals that mean a lot to me, the Caps car flag to hang up for some hockey décor and he brought a picture from the mantle of us on our honeymoon, for a few touches of home. I finally decided to clean up a bit. I spent a good amount of time just washing my hair and after I got cleaned up and finished, I felt so recharged and refreshed. Dave and I watched the 12:30pm start of the Caps vs. Red Wings and it was amazing to see the Caps beat the reigning Stanley Cup Champions.
Just a routine day after that, of antibiotics (every 4 hours, via IV) and getting monitored like usual. Dr W came in for a minute or two to check in on me, she’s so great and I’m always so happy to see her. My evening nurse came on duty and I got to meet the great and wonderful Kathie. She’s so cool. She reminds me of a person I used to work with at PWH. Had a difficult time getting restful sleep, slept very lightly and woke up more times than I cared to count.

Hospital Journal Entry: Friday, January 30, 2009

The next morning or should I really say all through the early morning hours I was extremely anxious and still in L&D. My new Day RN’s are Noel and Nicole. They were all so sweet in keeping up with me and my weepy moods. My mom called me and told me she wasn’t going to be able to make it over that day and I’d probably see her tomorrow. Needless to say, that did disappoint me but what could I do right? Well about 40 minutes later, came a knock at my door…yep you guessed it..it was my Mom and she had roses for me. I was so teary just seeing her. She put the flowers in water for me and sat down next to me and at that point I called Noel in the room. I whispered something in her ear so my mom couldn’t hear (I asked her to turn the volume up on the monitor, because mom had never heard the baby’s heartbeat) and she did. Mom was like..what’s that??? I said “your granddaughter”. Mom started tearing up and just squeezed my hand. She was so happy. I left it on until they disconnected me from the monitor. Dr H came in to check on me to see how I was feeling and told me that I graduated from L&D and was moving to the maternity wing. Mom helped in getting everything together (my clothes and personal belongings) to make the transition easy. She went home and about 30 minutes later Noel and Nicole moved me to Room 330 (my new home). I was transferred to a new nurse named BJ who was so sweet in getting me adjusted.

Justin and Sherri came over to visit that evening, they got there before Dave did. Sherri brought me some really great cake. YUMMMY. Shortly after they got here they had to go in the hallway because it was time for me to get my second (and final) steroid shot..yeah in the butt. But the medicine was for the baby and a must. OUCH did that smart. But it was over fast. I had a wonderful visit with both Justin and Sherri and they left after some time hanging out. My evening nurse was Arlene…she was charge nurse that night and she knows her stuff. I really like her. I insisted that Dave go home again..to get some rest at home, he’s only .5 miles away and could get here fast if I needed him here. I took more ambien and I was able to get a solid 6 hours of good sleep. Only being disturbed a few times for vital signs, antibiotics and visits from resident and attending doctors

Journal Entry: Thursday, January 29, 2009

Just a normal day getting started. I woke up, took a shower, got dressed and headed off to work. On the previous day, Wednesday, I was off work due to the ice/snow storm. However I spent the whole day in bed, feeling off and rather crampy. I thought originally that I just had an upset stomach and that was all. So I just continued on with everything so when I woke up Thursday…I felt fine so I just went about things as normal. I got to work and was doing things like normal, I started getting rather crampy again…so this time I decided to call the doctor to ease my mind and let them know what I was feeling. Originally the nurse said they would call me back…I had to call back and get her to talk to the doctor. They originally said it was just probably gas and that I needed to ‘use’ the bathroom. I informed them that there was no issue with that at all and I had already ‘used’ the bathroom. I was put on hold, and they asked me how fast I could get over to Dr M’s office. I told them a half and hour, and they told me they wanted me to be monitored for an hour and have some measurements done. So I went home and waited for Dave and we went over together (I’m so glad I asked him too). We got there, I was monitored for only 30 minutes because nothing (contraction wise) showed up. So they got me into another room and told me they were going to measure my cervix and see how things were looking. So the technician came in and started and the first sound she made was “Oh?” and that was it…of course my interest was peaked at that point..and then asked what was she measuring at that point and she just nicely said “oh..that’s the amniotic sac” so I just went..”Oh, that’s nice” all the while in my mind I’m thinking ‘WTF????’ and she measured a few more things. Grabbed a few pictures from the machine, smiled at Dave and I and said “the doctor will be right in, to share the measurement results”..which they always say there..so it was nothing out of the ordinary. Dr M came in a few minutes later, shook both of our hands saying hello. Then his expression changed and he said “unfortunately there is a problem” and at that exact moment I wanted to vomit. He informed me that my ‘cervix had become severely shortened and that the amniotic sac was trying to funnel through and causing me to start dilating.’ He told me to get dressed and that he’d explain more outside at the monitor. He walked out of the room, and I literally lost it, emotionally. Dave just hugged me, feeling the shock just as hard. We walked out and Dr. M explained what the picture showed and then said “you are going to be going up to L&D” at that point my expression must’ve been crazy cuz the only thing I was thinking was ‘WHAT?!?!?!’ He said that he was calling my doctor and they were going to be admitting me directly from their office.

We were escorted upstairs to L&D and we were warmly greeted by the nurses, and my doctor just happened to walk by..I said hello to Dr. W and she looked at me (please keep in mind there are 4 doctors at my OB office) and she was shocked to see me standing there…she asked me what I was doing there and at that point, it hit me…something was wrong and I started to tear up. She came over to hug me, to which I proceeded to openly cry. She asked me “so why are you here hun?” and I told her about what Dr. M’s office told me and at that point she said “oh hunny…you aren’t going home.” (which at that point I interpreted as, I was just staying the night). She led me into my room and I changed into the fashionable gowns and such and made my way to my bed. I looked at Dave at that point and said something to the effect of “maybe I’ll only have to stay a night or two” to which he shook his head and said “the Dr said you won’t be leaving until the baby is born”. With more shock on my face I started crying again. My nurse Marylou came in and got me tissues and consoled both Dave and I and proceeded to get me fully admitted and set up on an IV and monitor. Apparently, all the cramping I was having the night before and such were Contractions. Yep..contractions. I’m only 27 weeks then..waaaaaaaay to early to deliver. So Dr H took over that evening for Dr W in L&D, so we went over a plan of treatment for what was happening to my body and the baby. I was going to be given medicine to stop contractions (or at least slow them down) and also set of steroid shots for the baby to help her lungs develop faster, so just in case she delivered early that she would have a better chance of breathing on her own. That night was a long one…I was admitted with the clothes on my back and just my purse. I sent Dave home to get me some things. He brought me some clothes, books, my laptop and my body pillow. That night I also got 2 visitors, Elyssa and Cristen. Seeing them both really helped me relax and make it through the night easier. After they left, it was just Dave and I and I sent him home to get some rest. We only live .5 mile from the hospital, so he could’ve been back in a flash. I wanted him to get some good rest at home and such. Besides there was no point to both of us being miserable. I was also given ambien (5mg, half a dosage) to help me sleep, but I only slept 2 ½ hours that night. Mostly because I was really restless and the baby was moving like crazy too. But the nurses were wonderful during the night in helping me adjust.

Journal Entry: Thursday, January 29, 2009

Just a normal day getting started. I woke up, took a shower, got dressed and headed off to work. On the previous day, Wednesday, I was off work due to the ice/snow storm. However I spent the whole day in bed, feeling off and rather crampy. I thought originally that I just had an upset stomach and that was all. So I just continued on with everything so when I woke up Thursday…I felt fine so I just went about things as normal. I got to work and was doing things like normal, I started getting rather crampy again…so this time I decided to call the doctor to ease my mind and let them know what I was feeling. Originally the nurse said they would call me back…I had to call back and get her to talk to the doctor. They originally said it was just probably gas and that I needed to ‘use’ the bathroom. I informed them that there was no issue with that at all and I had already ‘used’ the bathroom. I was put on hold, and they asked me how fast I could get over to Dr M’s office. I told them a half and hour, and they told me they wanted me to be monitored for an hour and have some measurements done. So I went home and waited for Dave and we went over together (I’m so glad I asked him too). We got there, I was monitored for only 30 minutes because nothing (contraction wise) showed up. So they got me into another room and told me they were going to measure my cervix and see how things were looking. So the technician came in and started and the first sound she made was “Oh?” and that was it…of course my interest was peaked at that point..and then asked what was she measuring at that point and she just nicely said “oh..that’s the amniotic sac” so I just went..”Oh, that’s nice” all the while in my mind I’m thinking ‘WTF????’ and she measured a few more things. Grabbed a few pictures from the machine, smiled at Dave and I and said “the doctor will be right in, to share the measurement results”..which they always say there..so it was nothing out of the ordinary. Dr M came in a few minutes later, shook both of our hands saying hello. Then his expression changed and he said “unfortunately there is a problem” and at that exact moment I wanted to vomit. He informed me that my ‘cervix had become severely shortened and that the amniotic sac was trying to funnel through and causing me to start dilating.’ He told me to get dressed and that he’d explain more outside at the monitor. He walked out of the room, and I literally lost it, emotionally. Dave just hugged me, feeling the shock just as hard. We walked out and Dr. M explained what the picture showed and then said “you are going to be going up to L&D” at that point my expression must’ve been crazy cuz the only thing I was thinking was ‘WHAT?!?!?!’ He said that he was calling my doctor and they were going to be admitting me directly from their office.

We were escorted upstairs to L&D and we were warmly greeted by the nurses, and my doctor just happened to walk by..I said hello to Dr. W and she looked at me (please keep in mind there are 4 doctors at my OB office) and she was shocked to see me standing there…she asked me what I was doing there and at that point, it hit me…something was wrong and I started to tear up. She came over to hug me, to which I proceeded to openly cry. She asked me “so why are you here hun?” and I told her about what Dr. M’s office told me and at that point she said “oh hunny…you aren’t going home.” (which at that point I interpreted as, I was just staying the night). She led me into my room and I changed into the fashionable gowns and such and made my way to my bed. I looked at Dave at that point and said something to the effect of “maybe I’ll only have to stay a night or two” to which he shook his head and said “the Dr said you won’t be leaving until the baby is born”. With more shock on my face I started crying again. My nurse Marylou came in and got me tissues and consoled both Dave and I and proceeded to get me fully admitted and set up on an IV and monitor. Apparently, all the cramping I was having the night before and such were Contractions. Yep..contractions. I’m only 27 weeks then..waaaaaaaay to early to deliver. So Dr H took over that evening for Dr W in L&D, so we went over a plan of treatment for what was happening to my body and the baby. I was going to be given medicine to stop contractions (or at least slow them down) and also set of steroid shots for the baby to help her lungs develop faster, so just in case she delivered early that she would have a better chance of breathing on her own. That night was a long one…I was admitted with the clothes on my back and just my purse. I sent Dave home to get me some things. He brought me some clothes, books, my laptop and my body pillow. That night I also got 2 visitors, Elyssa and Cristen. Seeing them both really helped me relax and make it through the night easier. After they left, it was just Dave and I and I sent him home to get some rest. We only live .5 mile from the hospital, so he could’ve been back in a flash. I wanted him to get some good rest at home and such. Besides there was no point to both of us being miserable. I was also given ambien (5mg, half a dosage) to help me sleep, but I only slept 2 ½ hours that night. Mostly because I was really restless and the baby was moving like crazy too. But the nurses were wonderful during the night in helping me adjust.

In case you didn't know

Hey there everyone...

In case you didn't know, and I know some of you don't...I'm pregnant and due in late April.

My pregnancy has been very normal and have had no major complications (until recently).

I'm now in the hospital and will remain here for the duration until the baby is born...almost 2 weeks ago I had a very uncomfortable day of cramping...and apparently a lot was happening. After some tests it was discovered that I have been having many contractions and have started to dilate but in addition to that the amniotic sac is trying to push through as well. Both baby and I are just fine...she's strong (and yes..It's a Girl!!) but still too little to be born yet, if we can help it.

Today marks 29 weeks...and it is very exciting. I've been here 11 days already and making my room as much like home as I can (because I'm going to be here a long while).

I've decided to start a journal about my stay here at the hospital, to share my experience and also use it as a form of therapy (so to speak).

I have made an outline so far about each day being here...so I'll back track and make an entry for each day I'm here, explaining the day..my visitors, the doctors the nurses and tests.


Many of you have sent some great messages of support that I really appreciate from every part of my heart and just ask please to pray for this baby to keep on cookin in there. We take all of this one day at a time and each day that goes by is one less day and one less test this little girl has to endure in the NICU.

So without further ado...I present you with my hospital stay journal, as I get it documented. (Oh and if you or someone you know has experienced what I've gone and am currently going through, please share with me. I find each story very motivating and gives me hope.)

A Very Caps Wedding

Well, if you've not seen it yet...

http://capitals.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=859&id=25323

here is the direct link to the video the Washington Capitals made on our wedding.

Enjoy. Let us know what you think.

A guilty pleasure

Well I watch the show "The Girls Next Door", yes I do.

I read the articles yesterday and saw it on the news tonight.

Holly AND Kendra have both BROKE UP with Hugh Hefner.

Which leaves only Bridget and thus the end of the show "The Girls Next Door", or atleast I hope so because I can't imagine watching the show with anyone other than the original 3 ladies. No thanks.

I must say I'm not surprised that Kendra is leaving the mansion (by the end of the year, according to Hef). But Holly leaving kinda shocked me. However I completely understand. She wants to have children and after an attempt that failed with Hef, he finally said he did want to get married (to anyone) and didn't think any more kids were in the cards for him. And from watching the show you would know that Holly really wants to get married some day and have a family. Hef has no bad feelings for the girls leaving at all, he's just really down because he cares so much about them. He said he will always care about the girls as he does all of his ex's.

God Speed ladies.

The rumor mill has been saying that Holly has been hanging out with Chris Angel ('Mindfreak') and Kendra has been rumored to be dating a Philadelphia Eagle Football player.

I do not see any problem for these ladies in the future...however I do wonder if Holly will still be a Senior Photo Editor for Playboy (i'm thinking she will, because she's good at her job).

For the Women in your life

From Christy....I just had to post this.

Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply. If you give her sperm,she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home . Ifyou give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile,she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.So—if you give her any CRAP, you will receive a TON of SHIT.

Love and appreciate all the women in your life.

Remembering 7 Years Ago

I'm sure many people will be posting something about remembering 9/11/01, and here is my posting.

It's amazing when you look back 7 years what you see. I know for me, my life was COMPLETELY different. I was on short term disability and awaiting my first back surgery. I was married at that time also to a man who is now my ex-husband. That morning I woke up and because I was having such difficulty moving my mobility was very limited, I spent most of those days crocheting and making gifts for the holidays. I usually turned on the news in the morning and watched it as I worked on a blanket I was making but that morning I didn't and was just listening to a CD on the stereo. My ex called me and asked me if I was watching the news. I told him that I wasn't and at that point he told me to turn on the news and to tell him what I saw. As I turned on the news I literally watched the 2nd plane go into the second tower of the World Trade Center. At that time I told him what I saw and he said no only 1 should be on fire and I corrected him saying no that BOTH were on fire and I watch a plane crash into the other one. At that moment I heard alarms go off at his work (keep in mind at the time he worked at a gov't building that was considered a high target but not the pentagon) and he said they were evacuating. And he had to cut the call short.

Other being worried about him, reports started coming in about a possible explosion at the pentagon. And I was worried about people I know who worked in that building too. All land lines and cell phone service for the entire area were pretty much knocked out and reserved for the emergency services. Reports from the news were saying that a plane from Dulles Airport bound for California was probably the one that crashed into the Pentagon. Then I started freaking out. My father was leaving Dulles Airport that morning for California. His plane was schedule to leave (if I remember correctly) around 9:30 or 10:00ish. I started to really freak out because I wasn't able to reach my mother to find out if Dad's plane took off or not, thanks to no phone services.

Apparently right before boarding or right after boarding had begun is when all of the flights were starting to be cancelled but a few flights had taken off already, including the one that crashed into the Pentagon. I didn't find this out until after many hours of crying and not hearing from anyone that I finally go ahold of my mom who told me my father was with her and she told me what had happened. Then when my father got on the phone I swear it was literally the sweetest sounds I had ever heard. Then shortly afterwards my ex arrived at home and I was able to breathe a little easier.

I know not everyone was as lucky as I was to have all of my family accounted for and home safely. And I've prayed for their comfort and strength in those dark days.

As a country after this day 7 years ago, we have come together with a new purpose. Because our way of life was threatened. This entire nation was held hostage and our freedom was compromised. Our brave men and women of the armed forces fight for us everyday against the very people who caused this event. I do my best to never forget that, All have given some but some have given All.

This country will Always Remember this day and we will NEVER Forget.

God Bless America.