Tuesday, November 04, 2008
A Day in the Life of a Bed Rest Mama
( For Junior, from Mr. & Mrs. Hollywood)My mind is still swimming from the events that have unfolded over the course of the past few days. It still seems somewhat surreal to me that I was told a little over two weeks ago that my cervix was thinning already and that I'd be delivering my baby earlier than expected. It seems like just yesterday that I was told I would have to be on strict bed rest at home. No sitting. No walking. No going up and down stairs.
(Lucky Bamboo from GadgetGirl)
It also seems like a crazy dream that I was sent to the hospital on the island and then to the one in "the closest city" to said island...and then air lifted by air ambulance to Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. It just seems so crazy! Everything happened so quickly.
Now here we are. Week 27 of our pregnancy. Junior may be making his/her grand entrance into the world any day/week.
I've been at Mount Sinai since Thursday night. That's almost five days now. I'm starting to get used to the idea of having to stay here until the baby is born. I'm trying to be positive and I'm trying to focus on making Junior stay in longer!
(Goodies from my aunts)
AvoidEverything's wife, SillyLizard visited me at lunch. Shortly after she went back to work, AvoidEverything showed up for a quick visit. Flowers from AvoidEverything and SillyLizard.
My aunts came by to spend some time with me before they had to catch their flight back to Montreal. It was a pretty good day. 
(A piece of "home")
I spoke to some of my doctors today. I got hooked up for my morning and evening fetal monitoring. The baby is doing great and I haven't been having any contractions.
To make the days go by faster (since I'll be on hospital bed rest until the baby is born), I've devised a little "bed rest plan".
6:30- wake up
7AM- check e-mail
8AM- eat breakfast (1 serving Bran cereal, 1% milk, fruit, yogurt)
8:30- nurse takes vitals and hooks me up to the fetal monitor
9AM- read, read, read. Finished Eclipse and must start Breaking Dawn.
12PM- eat lunch
Vegetarian Dahl, rice, peas, carrots, whole wheat roll, tossed salad with Italian dressing, 1% milk, water, tapioca pudding (which I didn't eat since I'm not much of a dessert person).1PM visitors
2PM- talk to doctor
3PM- take nap
4PM-surf the internet, blog, catch up on fave blogs, try not to do too much research on preemies and possible health issues of babies delivered preterm.
5PM- eat supper
Hawaiian meatballs, steamed broccoli, whole wheat roll, vegetable soup, 1% milk, apple sauce.5:30- phone calls, text messages, etc.
6PM- visitors
8PM- shower, get ready for bed
9PM- talk to Hubby on phone
9:30PM- nurse checks vitals, listen to baby's heart beat, check for contractions
10PM- internet/work related stuff
11PM- sleep
When I break the day down into hours like this, it sounds so tedious. It really does help make the day seem like it's going by faster when I set time for different "activities". Ha! "Activities" sounds like such an odd choice of word to use since I'm not supposed to partake in anything active. *groan* If I were at least able to walk around and do things, I'd feel much better. Nope. Not allowed, lest the cervix gives way completely and Junior ends up being born too soon as a result of me not being able to stay still for a few weeks. *sigh*
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City girl moves to the country, falls in love, and marries a farmer. She tries to incorporate her city ways with her new country lifestyle and blogs to keep in touch with friends, family & students who live far, far away :) Can this city girl go country? Watch as she learns all sorts of exciting things about life on the farm and in a small rural community. *UPDATE* We are now parents! Our baby girl was born on Nov. 11, 2008 (at 28 weeks gestation- 12 weeks premature, but she's quite the trooper)!!!
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42 comments:
i know what it is like to need to have your days broken down like that. Every weekend when we have both kids home we need to have plans for every waking moment of the day or else boredom overcomes us and causes severe crankiness!
I am happy hear that you have met some new friends at the hospital-it is important that you have support of people who know what you are going through. Although friends have been visiting and such nobody can really know how you are feeling unless they have been there themselves!
I will try to get downtown again this week.
BIG HUGS
D
When you are holding Junior in your arms, these days and your routine will instantly become a distant memory. You will some day be writing a post about how good it would be to stay in bed a few moments longer!
Miracles take time... your gift to Junior is "time"!
Hi Chrissy! Just stopping by to send you lots of hugs and kisses! Wish I could come visit you there and help your days go by faster but the drive is slightly long from where I am :-))
What a wonderful attitude you have. I know how hard this is for you, but you are really dealing with it well. I love the daily routine you have going and that you have people there for you. Someday this will be a blessed time for you as you look back.
Looks like you are being well cared for :) That's nice to have someone visit you who's going through the same thing. Hang in there. xoxo
Emphasis on MUST start and finish Breaking Dawn. lol. I love how well planned and structured your day is...I don't even have that much planned out in my days. Even on bed rest you are a busy girlie gal. :)
But, yes, I am deeply in love with Rob Pattinson aka "Edward"...I will post a pic of my t-shirt I got that says "team edward"...you need one too!! But, he's mine. You can't have him. You are already married. hahaha. My friends and I always play fight for him. My friend swears she would leave her husband for Edward. Do you see what this story has done to fairly normal women??? It's crazy. But you have to love it! It's all in good fun.
I hope you are doing well today! Keep up your good spirits!
Hang in there, C!
I love that you've made a schedule for yourself! :)
Dina:
True...it's neat hearing all these moms' stories. Amazing what some moms are going through and how some miracles do happen.
Awww! When I read the last bit of your comment, I totally got excited! Thanks so much, Dina! Sooooo happy I'm in the same city as you for this! :) Really great seeing you and I enjoyed our visit on the weekend. BTW, I got in touch with Sam. I'll ttyl! xoxo
Sharon:
Oh! Your comment actually made me CRY!!! I really do mean it when I say that I really treasure all the comments and messages you leave for me.
You are so right when you say that miracles take time :)
Girlie:
I wanted to FB you, but like I told everyone else, the hospital has blocked FB! Grrr! Thanks for checking in on me. I wish we could do some serious catching up!!
HugsXOXO
Jan:
:) Thank you. Funny how everyone keeps telling me what a wonderful attitude I have and how I seem to be coping really well under the circumstances. My friends were saying how I seem so "cheerful" and "positive". To be honest, it's when everyone goes home that I kind of end up breaking down. It's really hard, but I'm trying. I wish I weren't such a cry baby...and the hormones one has during pregnancy to begin with don't help matters! LOL!
I'm on a strict bed rest too...it's a philosophy...
AM:
:) I have to thank you for all your funny messages on Twitter! You totally crack me up! Just don't make me laugh tooooooooooo hard! I may just end up popping out this baby! LOL!
Yes, it was nice to receive a visit from some other expectant mommies. My "roomie" just got discharged yesterday and I had the room to myself last night. I slept like a baby! Today I have a new roomie. She's going in for a scheduled C-section tomorrow morning, so I may end up with another new roomie soon.
Since I'll be here for a few weeks (hopefully, if Junior decides to stay put!) I wonder how many roomies I'll end up having?!
Deb:
Mmmmkay...I've gotta see that t-shirt of yours!
All this fighting and bickering over Edward/Robert reminds me of when I was a teen and my friends and I used to fight over who was going to marry Jordan Knight! LOL!
Starshine:
:) Thank you! I'll try to force Junior to hang in there longer! Tee hee! Hubby was saying how we need to hang me upside down so Junior doesn't come out until he's ready!
As for the schedule...pretty sad, eh? I've always been one to make lists (I make lists for everything!), but to plan out my days like this...crazy! Well, it must be working! The days seem to be going a bit faster when I have a "plan". I guess this is probably because this is one of the only things I actually have control over.
VE:
I really do like your philosophy! I wonder if I can apply this bed rest philosophy AFTER the baby is born too? ;p
hi C! did my package arrive yet? if and when it does, please ask your hubby to bring it to you so you can open it (if that's not too much trouble for him). plus, it's always fun opening packages, isn't it?
well, you already know 2 items in the box (the books, aka your 'extras').
word verification:
netchen
Maybe I should start breaking down my day, make me feel like I am doing more than I feel sometimes. Then again, maybe it will make me see how much I do ... ack!
Hang in there, you are doing great.
Don't read too much! The internet is a great resource, but can also cause anxiety.
I'm so glad you are getting visitors! I wish I could come hang out with you.
Canine:
I'll ask Hubby when he calls me tonight :) I still have to get him to send YOUR package to you! I have some stuff in there for Lotus too, but have no idea when Hubby will be able to send the stuff off.
He said he'll try to come on weekends :( I wanna be with my husband :( Anyway...
The word verification for this one is: rumsoc!!! LOL!
BeachMama:
Tee hee :) I'm big on making lists. I make them all the time. I've never really broken my days down like this before though. I don't know if it helps me "think" I'm actually doing things during my bed rest or if it makes me feel like I'm NOT doing anything. LOL!
Cherry:
You are so right. I really need to stop reading too much info. It does have a tendency to make one filled with anxiety sometimes. I know I was checking out all these sites on preemies and all the health issues that they can have. I think I need to steer clear of sites like that from now on.
Wish you could come hang with me too!!!! :) XO
Oh God bless you. I'm sorry to hear you're on bedrest, but I'm glad you and the baby are safe.
hi c! no worries on sending the package to me. that can wait. your hubby should concentrate on you and the baby!
btw, i just had my hair cut! just a tiny bit over the ears. yay! it's "long" enough to trim now!
word verification:
dembl
that's odd!
Gah, hospital time sucks.
Week 27 is much better than week 26. And every day inside you is equal to 2-3 days outside so another 4 weeks would be perfect. 6 would be even better.
Haven't heard from you lately. I hope you are well. It looks like you have a great support network! Keep that baby safe inside for as long as you can!!
I think you're doing a fabulous job coping. Breaking down the day is a great idea of getting through one day at a time. Because every single day counts with your precious baby inside. Hang in there! I wish I could come and keep you company...and possibly sneak you in some goodies from the outside world.
You are so busy Chris - I am glad you are keeping your good humour. Take care ...
You get dahl in your hospital? Dang, next time I need to stay in the hospital, I'm going to Toronto!
I'm sorry you're stuck there, but glad that you have such good care, and good family and friends. Looks like you're being very well taken care of.
Rebecca:
Thanks for popping by and thanks for your kind words :) Baby and I are doing well. Now, we're just trying to keep him or her "in" for as long as possible! ;p
Canine:
Cool word verification. This one is: wino!
Can't wait to see the new 'do you're sporting! E-mail me some pics, girlie!! I'm going to get Hubby to bring me a calling card so I can call you from the hospital.
Veronica:
You are so right! :) Yay for week 27! I just realized that this will be my 3rd week on bed rest for this pregnancy. Gah!
The day went by quickly yesterday. One of the other mommies on my floor visited me. My friend's wife came by around supper time and we chatted for 2 hrs. I got a new roomie and we chatted until 2AM! Before that we anxiously awaited updates on the U.S. Presidential Election.
When my Hubby called me, I think he was surprised that I wasn't bawling my eyes out. I've been weepy around bedtime since I got to the hospital. I think it's mostly because I'm alone at that time and can dwell on my thoughts and worries about the baby...and I also miss my husband. However, yesterday was a great day :) I hope all my remaining bed rest days go as quickly!
Shannon:
Thank you for checking up on us :) I have been meaning to get over to your spot in the blogosphere!!! I'll do that today :)
We're doing well. Baby's great and I haven't had any cramping, contractions or water breaking! That's a good thing!
Sandy:
Awwww! Wish you could come hang with me too! BTW, thanks for the e-mails! You totally eased my mind. It helps talking to you since you're a NICU nurse! Very reassuring!! Thanks for everything! XO
Trish:
I try! :) I'm not always in good humour though. Sometimes I feel like I've got split personality or something. One moment I'll be cheerful and very optimistic and the next minute I'll be in tears, worrying about the baby. *sigh* Hormones!!!!
I tried to leave a few comments on your blog yesterday, but for some reason I wasn't able to! :( Grrrrrr! Sucks, because a few of the comments were long! LOL!
J:
Yes...Dahl!!! I was surprised too! We also had grilled salmon one night. The food isn't "Fine Dining", but for hospital food, it's pretty good!
Oh, C. I know I keep saying I wished I lived closer to Toronto, but it is so true! I'd visit you often, we could catch up!
Your days don't sound tedious to me.. they look wonderful! There is no lists of doing laundry, cleaning, doing dishes, changing diapers, folding laundry, making beds, doing groceries,dragging unwilling kids to shop, picking up kids form school, bringing kids to school, making lunches, etc...
You even have time for a nap, lucky girl. ;) The "waiting" part of anything is always the hardest. I remember for our last one, who decided to be born late, the last 6 days were horrible. I knew he was our last one, I couldn't wait to have him in my arms. Granted, you are going through something way more difficult, and our thoughts are with you.
Sending virtual hugs your way from the TellingMom family. :)
Somehow I pictured the food choices as a little more, um, appetizing.
Rosie:
Thanks :) I guess "tedious" was a poor choice of word. I think I should have written something more along the lines of "boring"! LOL! Honestly, when I'm at home my list usually entails everything from cooking, cleaning the kitchen, bathroom, running errands, teaching, helping Hubby with something or other on the farm, taking care of the animals, doing laundry, doing paper work, doing work online, etc. I actually truly and honestly MISS doing all that stuff!
My friend was saying how "lucky" I am to be able to "relax", read a lot, go online, watch TV, nap, etc. She even said that it's like I'm away at the SPA!!! Ummmmm...no.
I guess if it were "by choice" that may be different. When you're put on bed rest and not able to do anything except get up to go to the bathroom, it really, really sucks! LOL!
I guess I should be thankful though. You are right :) When else am I ever going to be able to "rest" again? Especially after the baby is born! :)
Jeanna:
Oh, if you had seen the food at the hospital I was air lifted from before I was sent to Mt. Sinai, you would have freaked. It was HORRIBLE. One lunch they served me was perogies and sour cream. That's it, that's all. No veggies, no fruits, no nothing. It was just carbs! You'd think a hospital would be the first place to advocate healthy eating, wouldn't you? It totally didn't make sense to me at all.
At least at Mt. Sinai I don't have any complaints about the food. It's still hospital food, but at least it's a notch up from the other place! LOL!
I'll just have to get people to sneak in some "real" food for me every now and then! LOL! Last night, my friend's wife brought me some butternut squash soup and a panini filled with roasted red peppers, chicken and pesto...and a salad. It was sooooooooo good to eat real food again!
I know I've said this many times, C, but you are such a gem. Your positive attitude and way of looking at things is just so inspiring. I am glad you've been able to make some friends, even if they have some freedoms you can't enjoy at the moment... I am sure the company and interaction is wonderful for you! Hang in there, you have a huge support network behind you! XXOO
hi c - i'll definitely email u some shots of my hair. i am so glad it's growing back!
this is funny - the word verification is "outers"