1/31/14: The year of the horse

Happy new year everyone! Lunar new year that is. Its my year- the year of the horse and baby brady's too.

We've had our first round of meetings with the doctors and they feel pretty strongly that 34 weeks is the right time for baby brady to join us which is Wednesday- yikes! Baby Brady is doing fine but he is starting to notice my contractions more. I have had very mild ones on and off since I've been here and typically he hasn't noticed but they have seen some minor changes in his heart rate recently. They say its nothing to be worried about but considering my complications with the bleed and my water being broken its just one more reason to let him join us sooner rather than later. I guess their reasoning is that the difference in 34 vs. 35 is too small to risk anything happening during that extra week like an infection or the bleed causing a separation of the placenta.

I can't help but wish we could just keep going a little longer. We meet again with the doctors on Monday to make a final call so I'm hoping we may be able to eek out just a few extra days.

Whatever the decision- we are bracing ourselves for what's about to happen! Aaron has a big to do list back at the house this weekend and I'm wrapping things up with work on Monday. Also having a final cram session with our doula to get ready for the delivery. Oh and I gotta finish that bootie!

There was so much more I was hoping to blog about too! I'll leave you with a video of Baby Brady's heart rate. Its not very exciting but my nurse made a good suggestion that we should record it so that we can go back and listen to it later. So here's your first introduction to Baby Brady live and in action!

1/29/14: Stars... they're just like me!

33 weeks today! We're still doing well and are meeting with NICU docs tomorrow and then our OB on Friday to talk timing.

While we're waiting for those meetings, I have been doing some very important premature baby research. I googled "celebrity preemies" and this is what I found:

http://www.ivillage.com/early-baby-deliveries-kim-kardashian-and-other-celebs/6-a-539659

Based on my investigating, I've determined that if I had a celebrity pregnancy twin- it would be Kim Kardashian. Not only is her baby's name "North West" (which is where we live), but she was born early at 35 weeks AND we have the same stroller.

Okay, so maybe I am starting to run out of things to do... which is why its perfect timing that I just got this amazing care package of southern treats from the Greenes in Atlanta! I can't wait to read my first issue of Garden & Gun!

Also had another lovely visit from Emily Streutker who always brings me what might be the best sandwich in Seattle! And making some progress on those baby booties. One is finished and its pretty adorable.  I'll post a pic when I finish the pair!

1/26/14: Getting ready

This pic is from one of the premature baby books Aaron ordered from Amazon. We're not reading it anymore. Something tells us its not very current. We did use it to scare baby Brady into staying put though. He may never come out now.

So I mentioned that I had an ultrasound last week. BB's growth looks good and they estimate he's about 3 lbs 12 oz. I still have a visible bleed in my uterus but it looks stable and may be smaller than my last ultrasound 3 weeks ago. My doctor said he's leaning towards inducing me at 34 weeks now because the bleed is still there. Selfishly my first thought was "I'm not ready to have a baby yet!". Oh and maybe this baby should cook a little longer too. We're going to be discussing things more this week with the OBs and NICU doctors. They said ultimately the decision of when to deliver is nowhere near black and white and should be our decision. I wish someone would just tell us what to do. Of course baby Brady could choose to make the decision for us. Thankfully he seems to be happy to leave it up to us. Still waiting on more information so will be sure to share as soon as we know. In the meantime we'll be studying some more up to date baby books.

Grandma Lee left this morning after a great week. It was hard to see her go and crazy to think she really will be a grandmother next time she's back. Had visits this weekend from Tara Hinkle who is 35.5 weeks pregnant and looks great! Lisa F and Mary came by for Friday happy hour. Kristin and Erin came by for a visit yesterday, and Nicole brought us some gestational diabetic friendly and delicious zucchini bread tonight- not an easy feat!!

While things are starting to get very real again, still feeling so thankful to have made it to where we are and to have so much love and support. Never would've thought we'd have the luxury of debating whether baby Brady should join us at 34 or 35 weeks.

Fingers crossed we really do get there! 32 weeks and 5 days tomorrow!

1/23/14: Houston, we have a hat.

Okay- so I did the knitting but the actual transformation of the knitting into this adorable hat was done by Elsa, my knitting teacher/hospital assistant/one of my favorite people here. Matching baby booties are next!

We hit 32 weeks on Wednesday! I have now officially been in the hospital for a month and it still feels like its gone by really fast. Did I mention that they also do my laundry here?! I think I'm in for a super rude awakening when they kick me out and send me home with a baby to take care of. Things are still good with me and BB. I had an ultrasound on Tuesday and everything looks good. The doctors are going to sit down with me tomorrow to walk through the full report and talk about whether I should deliver at 34 weeks or not so I'll have a bigger update on what's to come soon.

Its been so great having my mom in town this week. I'm already sad about her departure on Sunday. She's established quite the daily routine. Mornings start out with watching the Australian Open, then she organizes a different area of our house each day, cooks up something Korean for us, makes a daily stop at University Village for some shopping and lunch and then arrives at the hospital around 3 pm just in time for my daily baby monitoring so she can hear Baby Brady's heartbeat. Then she squeezes in a nap, has dinner with us, ends her day with a milkshake and heads home. She even attended art class with me today and schooled me by making 3 magnets in the time that I only finished one. She has also enjoyed some good bonding with our friends impressing them with her massive amounts of sports knowledge. Here's a pic of her with Erin Breslin celebrating their love of golf and that they share the same birthday!

I had great visits this week with Kathleen and Whitney. We also had some really good dinners- sushi with Melissa Weiss and dumplings from the new Seattle location of Din Tai Fung with Carrie & Lisa! I had a great phone catch up with my college friend, Ashley. And we got 2 surprise packages delivered to the hospital- some adorable baby gifts from Glenn & Jaclyn Koepke in Chicago and some great reading from the Koplars in St. Louis! We are more amazed every day with how many ridiculously thoughtful people we know. We are truly lucky!

My last update is about Aaron's manager, Jennie Perry. She was his first manager at Old Navy over 10 years ago and they were reunited at Amazon a few years ago. Her husband passed away on Tuesday evening after many years of battling cancer. We are at a loss for what to do for her and her daughter Charlotte, other than to ask once again for your thoughts and prayers for them during this difficult time.

1/21/14: Baby Brady's Shower!

Finally posting pics from my shower on Sunday. My amazing hostesses Emily, Kristin and my sister Grace completely transformed the hospital cafeteria. I completely forgot that I was still on hospital lockdown. And thanks to all my lovely guests for giving me the most special day. It was truly the best day I can remember in a very long time. I can't stop smiling every time I think about it. After almost 3 hours I was not ready to go back to my room! Thanks to my sister for also playing the role of photographer =). I showed these to the doctor on call today and she asked if the hospital PR team could contact me for a story. Emily and Kristin- once the word gets out you might be getting requests to put on more hospital showers!

Free at last!

 Baby banner c/o my SF friends- felt like they were there too!

my perfect food theme- trashy to classy!

 Emily needs to take this baby onesie show on the road! Just wait until you see the finished products!

the craft station

Alice in action!

 All my lovely Seattle girls!

No sneaking out of the shot Ming!

Adorable!!

formal wear by Whitney 

 Sweet notes for baby brady!

 Grandma Lee & Aunt Grace!

work attire- baby brady is set

Emily Drake! 

 My lovely hostesses!

Seattle besties!

I wasn't kidding when I told the girls that I'm going to sell these on Etsy and make some serious cash!

 Eva!

 Renee!

someone knows me well!

 its Kristin!

 My Starbucks Card ladies!

Thanks for the best baby shower ever!!!

1/19/14: So much to smile about

I'll start with a medical update. Things are still status quo in a good way. Baby Brady continues to do great whenever we monitor his heart rate. I'm still feeling well too. Definitely getting bigger and my back hurts sometimes from sitting in bed so much but really my biggest complaint about this hospital stay is that they don't have Bravo. My doctor, Dr. Gravett, was gone all week at a medical conference but he paid us a visit on Saturday. He really thinks I can make it to 34 weeks. Some of the doctors have told me that the conventional approach in my case is to induce at 34 weeks because the benefit of the baby growing more doesn't outweigh the increased risk of an infection. But Dr. Gravett told us that if we're both still doing as well as we are now at 34 weeks, he's inclined to let me keep going. I didn't push him on how much more because I don't want to get greedy but I know that if I can get to even 35 weeks, the likelihood of needing any time in the NICU is a lot less and it would be so amazing if we can avoid that altogether. But I need to keep reminding myself how incredible it is that we've even made it this far- almost 32 weeks! So back to taking it just one day at a time...

Friends and family continue to fill my days with reminders of how damn lucky we are. My mom and sister got here Saturday to be here for my shower. It seemed like we'd never make it to the day they were supposed to arrive but here we are! Its been so good to see them. My sister heads back tomorrow but my mom will be here all week which should provide for some more good Grandma Lee stories so stay tuned! Earlier in the week, I got to catch up on the phone with my college friend JJ. MVP visitor Kristin came and saw us twice for dinner and a showing of "What to expect when you're expecting" care of my friend Lanie. Since I'm such a slacker when it comes to my childbirth and preemie reading, I feel like I can count watching the movie as homework credits. SF friends Kris and Peter were here for the weekend and it was soooo great to see them. They humored me by being my captive audience in the hospital while I campaigned for them to move here! Kris is on board so I was really focusing my energy on Peter. I think I have more work to do. And my team at work, Whitney, Lisa & Kathleen have been so amazing. They come to visit me all the time so we can have work meetings but also they just cheer me up when they are here and have been so wonderful and understanding since this all happened. My new manager Susie joined for a meeting this week too. Pretty exciting to have a hospital offsite in your first week at a new job =).

In exciting news for Aaron, he got a night off and went to the Amazon holiday party with Kristin and got to see Vampire Weekend, one of his favorite bands! A well deserved break for my husband =).

I cried mixed tears of joy and sorrow today when Stephanie (Sophia's mom) came to visit me. She wanted to drop off a gift for my shower and I told her I would be mad if she tried to come up here after all she's been through at this hospital. Its already hard enough that she has to come back here for doctor's appointments. I even had Aaron go out front to intercept her so she wouldn't have to walk in, but before I knew it she was knocking on my door and walked in looking gorgeous and with a huge smile on her face. She told me about how she was coming from church where the priest talked about Sophia's story. She had no idea he was planning to do that and he didn't even know she was going to be there. Another example of how little miracle Sophia continues to be with us. We talked about Baby Brady, Ozzie the dog, an upcoming trip they are planning to Mexico to get away, how she's planning to go back to work, all the amazing ideas and plans she has to keep Sophia's memory and cause alive and well, and how she's embracing support groups and therapy to help get through all of this. It was just such a normal conversation we were having. Halfway through I just looked at her in amazement and tears started streaming down my face. Before I knew it Stephanie was hugging and consoling me. It was ridiculous! I had to get my act together and stop. So many of you have been surprised at how positive and optimistic we've been since we've been in the hospital. I'm surprised too because its not really in my nature but how can I not be when I have the most amazing example of strength and resilience right in front of me. Its because of Stephanie Rodousakis. Its also because of my friend Erin Quinn who was diagnosed with MS this year and has handled it with so much strength and grace. Because of my friend Emily Drake who suffered through the loss of 2 babies before being able to experience the joy of her adorable little girl Vivi. And because of my friend Mindy Sanders whose son battled a very aggressive form of cancer and now continues to beat the odds as a healthy cancer-free little boy. Its these amazing friends who are my heroes and have taught me how to be strong. I owe them so much.

I still have happy hangover from having my first journey off the 6th floor to go down to my shower. I have too many pictures and amazing details that need to be saved for a separate post but I will leave you all with a video of my journey down to the hospital cafeteria and a photo of post-shower football watching with my awesome shower hostesses, birthday boy Kevin Molloy and our out of towners!

1/16/14: Arts & Crafts

Its show and tell time! If you were starting to think that I am living the life of a 90 year old in a retirement home, I'm about to confirm your suspicions.

Every thursday afternoon there is an art class on our floor where I get to make a new craft. Here are some of my creations.

A candle holder (complete with a battery operated votive- no flames allowed in the hospital)

A little book/card (not sure what to call it)

A picture frame to hold baby brady's picture (with an ultrasound pic from when he was about 20 weeks). Pretty handsome- don't you think?

And if you're not impressed enough by my inner artist, my new found knitting skills are advancing quickly. The bracelet I was knitting has now become a wrist band! One day it is supposed to become a hat. Another reason for Baby Brady to sit tight because this is going to take me a while. 

And you guys are worried that I might get bored =). Between all these projects and my visitors, I barely have time to fit in my rigorous workouts. Will save details of my physical therapy for a future post. Maybe I'll even make a video for you to follow along at home. 

Over the last couple of days I got to see my friends Tara, Tina and baby Zoe, Janet Wong from work, and just had another visit this evening from my friend Nicole! I also got the cutest little Auburn bib and socks in the mail  from my high school friend Susan! 

And I have a lot to look forward to this weekend! My friends Kris and Peter from SF arrive on Friday and then Grandma Lee and my sister fly in on Saturday. My Seattle baby shower was planned for Sunday and instead of canceling, my gracious hostesses Emily & Kristin have relocated it to the hospital cafeteria! I've received a special hall pass from the doctors to go. Maybe I'll even get a whiff of fresh air from the outside on my way down!

I also want to share another update about my friend Stephanie since so many of you continue to reach out and are keeping her, Michael and Baby Sophia in your thoughts. She has started a blog with photos of Sophia's life and updates on their continued journey to find out why they lost their little girl. They now have a tax deductible fund set up in Sophia's name at Seattle Children's Hospital. All donations will go directly to research for Sophia's condition. Stephanie and Michael continue to amaze me with their strength. Since I can't do their journey justice, I want you all to have the opportunity to follow them yourselves. Here's the link to their blog and to donate: http://sophiamina.wordpress.com/

1/14/14: On the eve of 31 weeks

Another good 2 days behind us and tomorrow Baby Brady will be 31 weeks! Pretty amazing and while I haven't really done anything to get here, I'm proud of our whole (little) family. Aaron continues to take such good care of me even with his crazy job and Baby Brady is a champ!

I've found lots of good ways to pass the time. I'm still working in a limited capacity, focusing on helping my team transition and am helping to onboard my new manager. Everyone at work has been super supportive and I'm grateful to work for such a great company. I also learned how to knit! Will save photos and details for when my creation looks like more than a bracelet.

Speaking of work, I got the most beautiful flowers from my friends at CashStar, an awesome company that I work closely with. I also had a chance to catch up on the phone with our good friend Melissa in SF who just had an adorable little boy, Hugo. Lanie in Houston sent me the best care package and I got a visit from my friend Erin Quinn today who brought me flowers and some delicious banana bread that I'm stuffing my face with right now! Good thing I'm done testing my blood sugar for the day =).

Another experience I had this week was attending a support group of other women in the antepartum unit- which means we're all here for pregnancy complications that require monitoring or intervention. I was expecting that people's situations wouldn't be all that different from mine and maybe there would even be someone who was dealing with exactly what I am. Boy was a I wrong. It was a very diverse group both in terms of medical situation, socio-economics, ethnicity and age. I was the only one from Seattle and in fact no one lived closer than 2 hours away. Almost all of the women already had children. One was pregnant with twins and already has 6 kids! I felt guilty sharing that I only lived a mile away and saw my husband every day. 2 women in particular have stuck with me, Tonya and Sortia. They both have major heart issues. Tonya is dealing with the effects of a bad blood transfusion and a very unmanageable case of type 1 diabetes. She's only 17 weeks and they may need to take the baby in order to save her. Sortia on the other hand is 36 weeks and her baby is doing great but she has a hole in her heart, multiple clots in her lungs and is on continuous IV medication for her heart most likely for the rest of her life. She's facing a critical 2-week period after she delivers the baby which she's being told she may not survive. I was speechless. I literally just listened in shock and nodded as they eventually turned to chit chat about bad hospital food and doctors coming in way too early in the morning. The only thing I could do was tell them that I would be thinking about them and hoped to see them next week. Afterwards I asked my nurse how they can emotionally handle situations like that. She explained that this hospital sees a lot of extremes. UW is a cutting edge research institution and anyone with  major risks in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and even Montana gets sent here. She also said they have to focus on the fact that each patient is unique and that they will get the best possible outcome for their situation because they are here. Even 5 years ago, Tonya and Sortia probably wouldn't even have made it to the point at which they are now. It still doesn't really change the fact that what they are dealing with is just flat out terrible.

So here I am again asking you guys to share your kind thoughts and well wishes for these 2 women. Sorry for the long and serious post. I will count our many blessings tonight and be so thankful for our situation and all the amazing support we have.

1/12/14: Lots of protein and a haircut

That pretty much sums up the last 2 days! Grandma Brady promised to fatten me up and she definitely delivered! She cooked up a storm including pork tenderloin, a prime rib dinner and even baked oatmeal cookies. Here we are about to feast on some of that pork, lobster ravioli and brussel sprouts- and that was just lunch!

I knew she was really concerned before she got here (and rightfully so) but I think she was also surprised to see how well I had adjusted to my new lifestyle! She got to hear her grandson's heartbeat every day and feel him kick so hopefully she's a little less worried now. We had a great visit and I'm sad to see her go but at least she's returning to a much warmer St. Louis and a house that has her car in the garage!

Another huge highlight of the weekend was getting a haircut! I had been putting it off along with many other things to get done the week between Christmas and the New Year. Since I've been here since Christmas I'm now slowly working my way through that list. My friend Rachel from work (who also arranged for my mani/pedi) scheduled her hairdresser Jeni to come cut my hair tonight! I feel like such a diva/Kardashian. It was amazing. I think she literally cut a pound of hair off my head. Now I'm ready to impress Dr. McDreamy whenever he decides to show up- still waiting.

Also had lovely visits from my friends Eva and Brooke from work this morning and Emily and Kevin this afternoon. And had a quality facetime chat with SF friends Todd, Jamie, Katie, Erik, Andrew, the Freys & the Koepkes!

Still feeling well and baby Brady is doing great. I started reading "The Premature Baby Book" which is super helpful but also a little scary. We're so thankful for the time we have behind us and every precious day we gain but I want so badly to know that we'll make it to 34 weeks or even more. That's when we would graduate from moderate to mildly premature and may not even need to go to the NICU. Hoping we'll get there but reminding myself to be thankful for 30 weeks and 5 days tomorrow!

1/10/14: TGIF!

Like it really matters what day of the week it is for me but we did kick off happy hour when I had a nice surprise visit from my former and current managers, Ben & Ryan, who have both been so supportive since I've been here!

We kept things going with the Gaspers & Carrie Zheng! Sadie & Elle Gasper really picked up the energy level in the room and tested our ability to entertain children in tight quarters. I think we did alright but they were probably just humoring us!

We also have to thank Aaron's manager, Jenny Perry, for sending the most thoughtful basket of goodies, which really came in handy with keeping everyone entertained tonight! 

I also got more fun gifts from my bestie Carolyn in SF who surprises me with something new almost every day!

I'm getting better about photos so will try to keep it up so you can just skim for pics and ignore my wordy posts! I have so many more thank yous that I realized I forgot. David, Chris & Janae from work sent me the most beautiful flowers as soon as they heard I was here. I also have had some great phone catch ups with dear friends Emily Seales, Christy Morley and David Babington. I know I keep saying it but I truly mean it when I say we have the most wonderful friends and family and will forever be indebted for the kindness and generosity you've all shown us. I feel fortunate to have this time to stop and reflect on so much and be thankful as we get ready for a pretty crazy change in our lives. 30 weeks and 2 days!

1/9/14: Grandma Brady has arrived!

Everyone can breathe a sigh of relief. Grandma Brady has safely arrived in Seattle! She and Aaron are headed back to the house now and Aaron will get to sleep in a real bed for the first time in 15 nights! Although he'll probably just end up passing out on our couch like he usually does. Its a much comfier couch than the one in the hospital though. Oh- since I'm sure you're all wondering, yes-Grandma Brady's car is still at the McDonalds. Bob and Emily are going to pick it up for her this weekend =).

Another drama-free day for me and baby Brady. He continues to overachieve when he gets monitored. The doctors are looking for 2 good heart rate spikes in a 20 minute period and he always delivers. A+! Already bragging about my kid and becoming the mom I said I would never be! I'm going to try to be more of a Tiger Mom so he knows he needs to keep it up. Maybe I should add that book to my reading list.

My BIG treat of the day was a mani/pedi from the Starbucks pizza club girls! Since I can't leave the hospital, they had a mini spa delivered to my room. It was amazing! Sorry to post a pic of my feet but I have to show off my wild decision to go with purple and glitter.

I finished off the day with art class. I've now gone to two. I'll save my creations for another post as I'm hoping to be here long enough to start running out of things to write about! Also had a visit from Carrie Zheng!

And lastly but most importantly, today was Sophia's memorial. Aaron went and I was so anxious to hear about it all day from him. When he got back, I could tell he was really affected by it and he shared more detail than I think he ever has about anything. He said the service was packed which is no surprise even though Stephanie and Michael have only been in Seattle a short time. They have such magnetic personalities. He said the service was so uplifting and that Stephanie and Michael were the epitome of strength. Both of them spoke and shared their incredible journey and how precious their time with Sophia was. Everyone sang "Your are my sunshine", the song that Stephanie would sing to Sophia every day. There were emotional speeches from family members, readings and even a poem written by their doctor who is still dedicated to understanding the cause of Sophia's passing. There wasn't a dry eye in the house- including Aaron's. The service ended with a release of balloons into the sky. So fitting for such a beautiful little soul. Rest in peace, Baby Sophia.

1/8/14: Remembering Sophia

We had a nice calm day today to ring in 30 weeks for baby Brady. The doctors are cautiously optimistic that I can keep this going. While the goal of 34 weeks still seems so far away, 31 doesn't seem so far fetched. Still doing our best to take it one day at a time. I did have a round of wonderful friends come visit- one of our amazing doulas Angie (yes we have more than one because we need all the help we can get!), Whitney & LIsa- who came for a little work and a little play, Mary who brought more beautiful lillies and took us up on a glass of happy hour wine, and Lauren Grammer who is 37.5 weeks pregnant and looks fabulous!

Many of you have reached out to tell me how much you were touched by Sophia's story. Her memorial is tomorrow so please say an extra prayer or wish for Stephanie and Michael as they face one of many difficult days ahead. Below is an update from Stephanie with information on how to contribute and honor Sophia's memory.  

Good night dear friends!

"This week has been extremely difficult for Michael and I. We are heartbroken by Sophia's loss. But we want to express our gratitude for your beautiful actions, words, and thoughts of comfort and support. Sophia touched the lives of so many.

Our quest for understanding what caused Sophia's disease and passing is not done. This new chapter in our life will be focused on finding the cause and cure of her disease so that other babies' lives can be saved in the future. We therefore ask that in lieu of flowers you support Sophia's Fund.

Please visit Sophia's Fund page to donate now. Our goal is to transfer these funds into a trust in Sophia's name that we are currently in the process of setting up. Please note: at this time, any funds that are paid into this account are not considered tax deductible for charitable purposes."

1/7/14: The Grandmothers

Well, Baby Brady's grandmothers certainly are keeping things entertaining and have us scratching our heads.

Grandma Brady (Lim-King) was supposed to join us on Sunday afternoon in Seattle. As we were awaiting her arrival, we got a call when she should have been in flight. We knew a snowstorm was coming to St. Louis that day and because she hates to drive in normal weather, we safely assumed she had arranged for alternate transportation to the airport. Side bar- Aaron would like to add that last time she drove in the snow, her car ended up sideways in the neighbor's yard. She proceeded to tell us about how she attempted to drive to the airport as snow began to dump, made it one exit past her house, and then stopped at a McDonalds. While we question the judgment that got her into this situation, there is one thing that Lim-King Brady is and that is resourceful. She befriended a police officer who finished his egg mcmuffin and then drove her home. Her second attempt to make it to Seattle is Thursday and we've already confirmed that she has arranged for a car service but it may only be because her car is still sitting at the McDonalds. Photo of snow- courtesy of Emily and Bob.

Grandma Lee (Young) had been blissfully ignorant of our predicament while she was on a Christmas markets river cruise in Europe with my Dad and my sister, Grace. I spoke to them twice on the trip from the hospital and decided the news should wait until they got home. I called my mom when she was back and just blurted it out. First words out of her mouth "What are you going to do with your football tickets?" Her second statement "Well, I'm not going to tell your Dad about this." Anyone want to guess from whom I get my good judgment? To be fair, I'm sure I shocked her and she was just processing everything I had unloaded on her so I wasn't surprised to get a more concerned phone call from her the next day. Her big concern "Janet, do you think the baby isn't an Auburn fan because he's keeping you from going to all these football games?". I said "Well, I like to think that he's such a fan that if he can't go, he doesn't think we should get to go either." Her reply "Oh, I like that much better. Okay." Click. Dial tone.

Looking forward to the day these crazy grandmothers meet their first grandchild!

In other news, the visitors and treats keep coming. I'm really not worthy. Thanks to Alice, Betsy & Katin for bringing me trophy cupcakes (i had half of one and still didn't surpass my blood sugar limit!), our most loyal visitors Kristin and Erin for bringing us a delicious Indian feast, Tara for coming for her second visit and gestational diabetes therapy session, Hana & Franni for loading us up with lots of healthy food, Emily S for bringing me a yummy lunch, Jamie & Rachel for sending homemade girl scout cookies!, Aimee for bringing me the most amazing pregnant lady pillow and Rachel who was just here with me! Photo is of Aaron proudly showing off the cutest banner that Carolyn sent me in a care package. I'm guessing its from our now canceled SF shower so thanks to the whole SF crew. It really brightens up the room and the nurses love it! Thanks to the pizza club girls for assembling for me and Aaron did a great job hanging it to Janet standards hence why he looks so proud in the photo!

30 weeks tomorrow! As optimistic as we've tried to be I really didn't think it was possible for us to make it this far. Its amazing how much better 30 sounds than 29. We love you guys so much for sticking with us! Let's make it 31!

1/6/14: oh well....

So close! Baby Brady must have known and wanted to spare us having to see the loss live. Clearly he doesn't know how badly his parents need a tan though. What a Seattle kid.

And I made it through without going into labor!  Next milestone on our calendar is Wednesday which is the 30 week mark AND  we qualify for free parking! Woo hoo!

For those of you wondering why I haven't gone to the dark side after auburn's loss, don't worry- its still me, Janet. It's amazing how the threat of a premature baby will set your priorities straight! Anything shy of that probably would not have done the trick.

Thanks to our friend Tim for joining us in his auburn gear to watch!

1/6/14: War Eagle!

We had lots of fun visitors yesterday and today so I owe updates on that but first things first, its time to get serious. BCS championship kick off is in less than 30 minutes.

We were supposed to be in LA right now for the game but someone decided that if he couldn't see things live, no one was allowed to. I'm not naming names only cause he doesn't have one yet.

Aaron brought all our game day gear to the hospital and even coordinated with our friend Tina who made us Chili's skillet queso and the best wings ever. Thank you Tina!!! So we're having ourselves a nice little tailgate. I think the staff is starting to find it odd how much we've embraced the hospital life as well.

For those of you that are worried this game is going to send me into labor, we are equally concerned. I am going to stay as horizontal as possible. We also have the nurses on call to hook up the baby monitor if circumstances call for that.

Wish us luck. Signing off for now. War Eagle!!!

1/5/14: Sophia Mina Kustermann

Another reason that I've been quiet for the last 5 days is that I've been struggling with news we received on New Year's Eve. My dear friend Stephanie and her husband Michael lost their baby girl Sophia after only 3 months of life. But those 3 months made up the most trying, tragic, powerful, beautiful and inspiring journey I've ever witnessed anyone go through. There was more meaning in those 3 months than most lifetimes.

Stephanie and Michael's journey began long before Sophia was born. Her entire pregnancy was riddled with ups and downs that Sophia wasn't going to make it, that they should terminate even though no one could tell them what was wrong. Her growth was slowing but they didn't know why and ultimately they delivered a tiny but beautiful little girl with dark hair and a fierce cry at 28 weeks and 3 days! It was right here in the same hospital i'm in now. Stephanie was even in the same antepartum unit on bed rest for a week- but a different kind where she wasn't allowed to get up at all. They also went to the same NICU where baby Brady will most likely go. They rode a daily roller coaster of calls about fevers, infections, blood transfusions, running to the hospital in the middle of the work day or night. It was scary but Sophia had proven everyone wrong and was growing and surviving. Then things took a turn for the worse. Sophia became incredibly sick. They were transferred to Seattle Children's Hospital where they were more specialized and better equipped to care for her. They spent over a month doing test after test adding more tubes and more drugs to no avail and no answers. Stephanie and Michael could no longer hold or soothe their baby girl. They had to watch as she cried but made no noise because of the tubes in her mouth and throat. Their doctor finally pinpointed a very rare liver condition and not knowing whether Sophia had it or not started treating her for it. And the week of Christmas, Sophia started to make some progress. Granted she had been through so much so she had a long way to go but there was hope. Ultimately it just wasn't enough. In her mother's words "Sophia was born too early and underdeveloped. Her spirit wasn't. Her spirit wanted to and fought to be with us. She hung on with all she had. She hung on to her life. But it was her organs that were not able to sustain her strong spirit. Sophia was and always will be our hero, our rock star, our everything. May she rest in peace and may her spirit find its way back to us when she's ready."

I share all this to say that my silly little bed rest problems are a blessing. Its a blessing that I met Stephanie and Michael and had the honor of watching them be the most amazing parents I've ever seen. Steph and I were supposed to go for walks with our babies together and bitch about Seattle weather. She was supposed to sing to our kiddos with her beautiful voice, since I can't. I had no doubt in my mind. I will never be the same because of what they went through. I will be a better mom. I will never forget Sophia and will make sure that Baby Brady knows her story.

Even with everything Stephanie is going through, she texts me every day to ask me how Baby Brady is doing and encourages me. I cry every time she does. While all of this has broken her, she's still the same crazy person that only thinks of others and not herself.

I dedicate this journey I'm on to Baby Sophia and her beautiful mom, Stephanie. So far all of you thinking about us and praying for us, please do the same for Baby Sophia and her mourning family. Thanks for bearing with me through this long and sobering post.

I promise to return to more bed rest shenanigans and updates tomorrow in the hopes that I can bring a chuckle or a smile back to Stephanie's face one day soon.

Love you all!
Janet