During my Tuesday appointments, Zoe has been passing the biophysical ultrasound with flying colors. She’s been getting 8 out of 8 points. During the non-stress test (NST), the full 2 points have been given where they make sure her heart rate is fluctuating and check to see how she is responding to any contractions I have.
It has been nice to see the same provider, a nurse practitioner, for the past three weeks rather than someone different each week like before. They said the NP is monitoring things since everything is going so well and there is not new information each appointment like there was when we were still figuring out Zoe’s differences.
This week was also the first week in a month that a mom wasn’t laboring in the main Special Care Delivery Room they like to use. I was able to look at it which was really helpful for visualizing birth and the plan. It is ultra hospital-like but obviously for valid reasons. As soon as I know I am in labor, I will call and head to the hospital, which will hopefully allow plenty of time for the team to know that Zoe is coming soon. We plan on putting up our favorite little lights and affirmation cards. The best part about the room is that it’s connected by sliding doors to a sterile private-NICU-type room where Zoe can get specialized care right away. As long as everything is going well after she is born, I will get to hold her for 10-15 minutes. Next, she will go to the other room for an evaluation. They will leave the doors open so we can see everything as they get her settled with the necessary IV’s through the umbilical cord and other monitors. Robby can go back and forth, after putting on sterile attire.
The team:
- In the delivery room:
- OB
- nurse(s)
- Waiting in the private-NICU-type room:
- Neonatologist
- Nurse Practitioner (who will come over when the baby is about to come)
- 2 NICU nurses
- Respiratory Therapist
Simple Joys
Watching her hiccup through an ultrasound during Tuesday’s appointment.
Getting loads of ultrasound photos and 3D pictures each week. There was one that she was pretty much smiling in.
Feeling Zoe move- a LOT.
Doing my first load of little girl laundry this week. The pinks, purples, and flower patterns were quite a contrast to the mix of blues, greens, and construction shirts I’m used to washing.
Enjoying a post-Tuesday-appointment lavender matcha latte from a local coffee shop.
Having the support of my doula and birth photographer and each of them being able to come to an appointment with me.
Listening to Eli (3.5 years) pray for Zoe’s hurt lung and her good lung. Watching him come over to me today, putting his face near my belly and “showing” Zoe toys as he talked in a high pitched voice. He wanted to know if she liked it and I said, “yes, she loves it. She’s kicking right now. You are already such an amazing big brother.”
Seeing Micah lift up my shirt and kiss Zoe or tell me in his crib at night “pay baby” (pray baby).
Enjoying higher temperatures which make getting out with the boys or going on walks much easier.
Having my amazing parents around to help with the boys. Whether it’s taking Eli to speech (which is 3 days a week) or to OT (once a week), watching them while Robby is flying and I’m teaching a student how to read, during the three-plus hours I’m gone for my appointment each week or insisting we go on a date. They are wonderful!
Going on a family hike and picnic last Saturday in sunshine and spring weather. The only thing that caught us off guard was not realizing that the ticks are already out and ready for a picnic of their own. Thankfully we realized it quickly, checked everyone and headed back without any bites.
