Today's a big day!

Happy anniversary, Steve! It's been seven years since I married the man of my dreams. I could go on and on about how wonderful it is to be married to your best friend. But, I won't. I will say it has been an adventure and it has been lovely. I am so so thankful to journey through life's ups and downs with Steve by my side. Life can get downright scary and horrible, but when you have someone to love and support you, it truly makes all the difference.

Another reason today is a big day is that it's the start of the my third and final trimester {28 weeks today, baby!} This is huge considering we were under the impression a couple of days ago that I may go into labor, like NOW. It's scary stuff to say the least. But, every day that Sydney stays growing inside of me is a day to celebrate! The picture below was taken yesterday, on Father's Day. I thought I would die when my sister Erin showed me these little pink sneakers she bought for Sydney. :)

As some of your know, I am currently at home on modified bed rest. This means I am not allowed to go to work, clean, grocery shop or do anything that requires lifting or strenuous activity. Thankfully I am not on strict bed rest, which would mean I can only get up to use the bathroom and must be laying down at all other times. Just wanted to clarify that.

Last Tuesday morning I went in for a routine ultrasound, which is when they discovered that my cervix had shortened significantly since the two weeks prior. To make a long story short I was admitted to the hospital. They soon realized I was having contractions. I didn't really realize that they were indeed contractions since they were not causing me pain, and it was just a tightening feeling and heck this is my first rodeo I had no idea what to look for! So, for the next three days I was hooked up to fluids and monitors to measure contractions and the baby's heart rate. I was also given two steroid shots {one each 24 hrs apart} to give the baby's lungs a jump start in maturing in case I did go in to labor soon. I was also hooked up to an IV for 24 hours to receive a strong dose of magnesium sulfate. Let me tell you, this stuff is wicked. The nurses told me a lot of women have adverse side effects from the medicine, but I knew she meant serious business when she handed me a vomit bag as they were hooking up the IV. I am so thankful that my body handled the meds well and I never got sick to the point of vomiting. I did experience weakness, hot flashes, the shakes, and extreme fatigue. I can best describe it as a very strong buzz after drinking too much too quickly, but yet not in a good way if that makes sense. My head was spinning, my face was beet red. But, again, I am so thankful that I didn't get nauseous or throw up! The nurses praised me for being such a good water drinker and said that surely helped lessen the side effects. Anyway, the purpose of magnesium sulfate was to not only slow down contractions but also to protect the baby's brain in case I would deliver soon and has been proven to decrease chances of cerebral palsy in preemies. Can I just say thank you Jesus for modern medicine?! I'd also like to give a shout out to my husband for enduring sleepless nights on an uncomfortable hospital cot and for watching endless hours of HGTV with me with no complaint. ;) I knew there was a good reason I married this man! No, but seriously, I am so thankful that you could be there with me. Lord knows I needed you. 

It was such a whirlwind of a stay, but I felt so much peace, too. I know so many were praying for us and we could feel the support through texts, visits, and emails. Thankfully, the medication calmed my uterus down and the contractions waned. I was discharged Friday evening with orders to modified bed rest and will be taking a medication every 6 hours to keep contractions away.

I hope to use this blog as a way to keep you all updated, and I think it will also help me stay sane during the remainder of this journey! We are just taking this one day and a time. There is no way to predict what will happen or when. Tomorrow I have an appointment for another ultrasound and they will also be doing a non stress test to make sure baby is doing okay and that I'm not actively contracting. Thank you all again for your prayers, meals, flowers and messages. It means so much to Steve and I.

Here is a sneak peak at Sydney from last week when this all happened. Just looking at her adorable little face assures me that this is all worth it. She has her daddy's nose and mouth. Don't you think? :)

Holly xoxo