My doctor came to see me today (of course). She gave me the run down of what’s going on next week. 28 weeks is an important milestone for baby Gaby. It marks the time when the risk of serious long term medical problems is greatly reduced if she were born then. So there is a possibility that I will be able to go home.
Next Monday I will have a fetal fibronectin test. If it comes back negative, that means that I will not have the baby within the next week or two. I will have an ultrasound where they will check my cervical length and the size of the baby. If my cervix is in not in any worse shape than it was when I got here, and the fetal fibronectin test comes back negative, they will let me go home on Tuesday TO DO EXACTLY THE SAME THING I’M DOING HERE NOW. If I am able to go home, but have to come back she said I would be here for the duration. Her words were: “You may be let out on parole, but if you violate the terms of your parole, you are right back in the clink.” (Okay, that was a slight paraphrase, but she did use the parole analogy.) She also made sure that I understood that I might not be able to go home next week, that I was mentally prepared for that possibility, which I am.
I have mixed feelings about going home. On the one hand if I stay here I am monitored regularly, and if something were to happen, I’m right here where they can take care of things quickly. There is a certain comfort in that. On the other hand I miss Jeff (although he can come and see me whenever he wants to, more or less), I miss Rachel (although she can come and see me whenever Jeff wants (more or less), and I miss Scout (who never gets to come and see me). I hope that if I am home things will be a little easier on Jeff (although he doesn’t really think so).
I am so grateful to all of my friends and family who have helped my family, especially taking care of Rachel. My worry if I come home is that the sense of urgency that people feel that cause them to volunteer to watch Rachel during the day will be reduced. I am going to need the exact same help when I’m home that I’m getting now that I am in the hospital. I only hope that I still have friends left when all this is over. I don’t know how I can ever repay all of the kindness and generosity that I have received.
Change your vote. The only two options should be Tuesday March 31, and ha ha ha ha. You’re not going home next week. I created the poll before the doctor came. The other six options should not be there after all.
Noelle you crack me up…I just want to let you know I voted for Sunday, April 5th. ; )
It looks like not a lot of people have confidence in you coming home next week. That kind of makes me sad… until I realized I voted the same way. It still makes me sad. I’m ready for you to come home. BUT I want you to be where you are supposed to be for Gabby!
Strange, I don’t see a “whenever your doctor says” vote. You do understand that this vote is not actually going to get you home any sooner? Hang in there, “this too shall pass”
Good luck on D-day!(decision day) I think everyone knows you feel much better staying where you are.
Of course you will have friends. I hope you will still have ME, being as I haven’t visited you as I keep promising. I have the best of intentions, and then life happens. I hope you understand. As far as you going home, I know you want to, but part of me hopes you stay there, because it’s going to be WAY too tempting for you to get out of bed AND for you to try to watch Rachel on your own for an hour or two, you know? Love you and miss you and CAN’T WAIT for you to have this baby… HEALTHY of course!
I am not sure what to vote for but Since you were having Contractions every 3min the other night all I no is me and you are looking forward to the same day I will see you soon
I voted for April Fools day, because they could say It’s alright to go home and then ha ha, April Fools! Seriously, though, I’m sure everyone around you will do all they can and more no matter where you spend the duration of your pregnancy. I love you, Noelle and I really wish I could be there.
Glad to hear you got to go home but please don’t be tempted to do ANYTHING beyond what’s allowed. You are such a trooper! I really admire your positive attitude and ability to find “funny” in so much. Love you bunches and wish I could be there to help.