Addy and the Cruise-in Quad Squad

The new and old blog posts will now be at

http://cruisequads.blogspot.com/

WOOOOHOOOO!!  We have made it! We are all home.  No more driving back and forth from the hospital and home.  Chris has been saying since the day they were born "Things will get much easier once they were all home".  I know, I know...I rolled my eyes too at that statement....many times!  BUT....he was soooo right!  We finally have a schedule figured out and it is totally working (knock on wood)! Reagan and Liam came home on Sunday and all 7 of us were there as a family to pick up and drive home together (with the help of grandma and papa too). That was a surreal car ride.  Especially after it took about a couple of hours trying to figure out how we were going to fit 4 baby carseats and a toddler carseat into a Chevy Tahoe.  There was little room for anything else.  We had a second car to haul the stroller with! So Sunday we arrived home and one by one they all entered the house!  Honestly....I can't really remember how the rest of that day went...we were exhausted.  I had a wonderful baby shower earlier that day and after it was over immediately drove home to prepare for 2 more extra bodies in what seemed like our own "babiesrus" store...complete with a butt load of baby gear! We arrived home to our first feeding of many with all 4 kiddos.  That was by far the hardest feeding we have had! Trying to figure out how to feed 4 babies with 2 people at the same time was a huge learning experience...even with my 7 years of NICU nurse experience, I was having a hard time figuring it out (sleep deprivation was not helping either). We, however, have figured it out!! All 4 kids eat at the same time and we get feedings done within an hour (including burping and changing!).  We have also gotten them to a 4 hour schedule.  So they eat at 6am, 10am, 2pm, 6pm, 10pm, and 2am.  The boys would much rather wake up every 3 hours it seems a lot of the time but they are eating close to 4 ounces a piece and it is so much easier to keep everyone on the same schedule!  Chris has been able to work mostly from home since the kids have been home which has been wonderful!  My mom has also been able to take a couple weeks of leave off of work to stay and help with the babies too!  I feel so incredibly blessed that things are going well.  Addy has finally gotten into the groove of our new life as well.  The first couple weeks were rough...as anyone would expect with even 1 new baby in the mix. Throw 4 into an only childs world and yes there will be a rebellion!  All of us have finally figured out that a routine is key and Addy being able to predict how the day is going to go helps her out a lot!  Thank God she still naps too!!  We have also been able to take time one on one with her which is so needed not only for her but for us as well! Soooooo we are all adjusting well and enjoying our new life as a family of 7!  Sleep is definitely lost but it is a sacrifice well worth it! There are always cat naps! 

We had an article written in our local paper that was lots of fun to do.  It will be something for all the kids to enjoy when they get a bit older too! Here is the link: http://rosevillept.com/detail/171886.html

I can't believe these wonderful little miracles are already 5 weeks old! Time is flying by and I am trying so hard to take every moment bit by bit!  We will never get this time back and I am so enjoying the newborn stage.  Baby cuddles are my all time favorite thing ever! 

For those of you who have offered help we have again set up a website to sign up to bring meals.  Please do not feel obligated...this is only for those that have asked and would like to help out in some way. That is definitely where the help is needed right now! As far as feedings go we will be needing help once my mom goes back to work and Chris begins his busy time at work.  We are limiting the "feeding" help to family and our NICU resources.   This helps keep the routine consistent and limits the amount of germs coming into contact with us and the babies! Thank you everyone for your continued support and prayers!  We certainly owe a lot to the power of prayer and continue to thank God every day for our blessed life!  You are all greatly appreciated!

To sign up for meals cut and paste the link, input your information (you won't get any weird email stuff by signing up....promise..its just so we can track who has signed up for what days).  Thanks you so much in advance!   http://mealbaby.com/viewregistry/310675

   I apologize for not updating much sooner.  I am sure one can only imagine how CRAZY the last three weeks have been in the Cruise family! Today the kiddos are 3 and a half weeks!  Yes, they were all born, January 20th and it couldn't have been more perfect!  I will have to say that looking back on that day seems so surreal! It amazes me how a family of 3 can go so quickly to a family of 7!! Reagan -"A"  was born first and weighed 4lbs. 4ozs and 15.7in long, Patrick "B" was 4lbs 8oz. and 16.5in long, Liam "C" was 3lbs 14oz and 15.6in long, and Aubrey "D" was 4lbs 1oz and 15.9in long. (FYI - hope this doesn't make me a bad mom, but I had to look at a little cheat sheet to remember their weights and lenths...don't judge...well if you have quads and remembered their weightsand lenghts at this point then you can...but otherwise...zip it...lol)

    The C-section went off without a hitch!  And YES....MY TUBES ARE TIED!! I have already given advance warning to my doctor that if for whatever reason one little sucker gets through, all expenses will be on HIM...lol! Along with my very large psychiatric bill that will follow!  So....three weeks later I am starting to feel like I am getting my body back again!  I had a little bump in the road with some afterbirth pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure) and a uterine infection (thank goodness for antibiotics!) but now I am doing great!  I have even driven a car, by myself, to wherever the heck I want (well need) to go!  I will have to say I wasn't too bad driving for the first time in 4 months...I had a lot of practice backseat driving with Chris! Freedom never felt so wonderful!

   The babies are now up at my place of work.  It is so awesome!  And contrary to what some may have thought...I have been doing a wonderful job not making my friends/coworkers go too nuts with all of my questions and concerns.  I do have to say I work with some of the best people around! Nurses are pretty amazing people...and now that I have lived life on the other side of the fence...I have gotten an education that money could never buy!  Hmmm...Maybe I could get come CEU's (continuing education units...something us nurses need to keep educated biyearly)!

   Aubrey and Patrick came home last week.  They are both doing wonderful and yes...we are even getting SOME sleep.  We have figured out a schedule that works for us and it has been working out great! Liam and Reagan were due to come home early this week but the little buggers decided they needed to visit a little longer in the NICU and have a couple heart rate drops (normal for premature infants...they will grow out of having them hopefully soon). As for all 4 of them, they are all bottle/breast feeding wonderfully!  I have four little eating champs! I know I am biased but I do feel like an incredibly lucky mama to have these four little miracles...truly...they have been doing great since the get go!  I have seen many 32 week singletons not do as well as my four little peanuts have done...I am counting my blessing and praising God!  Life is soooooo good!  I owe all of this wonderfulness to the power of prayer!! Thanks to all who have kept us in your thoughts!

   Addy has been a complete trooper through this all! We are so greatful we have such a great 3 and a half year old.  She has definitely had her fair share of "moments", but for having 4 new babies in all of our lives...she is one heck of a trooper and little mama! This big sister can't get enough of giving kisses, hugs, diaper changes, bottle feedings (and even mimics mom with the nursing...quite hilarious!...TMI...but for those of you who know what a nipple shield is...she has to put one on to "nurse" her dollies just like mom). It has been amazing seeing her with the babies.   I can't believe that my life has been so blessed with 5 beautiful children (and I am not even 30 yet...and that thought just makes me dizzy)! I sooooo look forward to all of our family get togethers and holidays!  Oh to be a fly on our wall!

   So, for those of you who keep track of the fam through this website only I am sad to say that I will not be posting pics on this website (atleast not yet).  I have been pretty over paranoid about posting pictures and since its a public website, I don't want my pics being taken by some psychos (trust me...it has happened...not to me...but to other fellow quad moms...and I refuse to make that club). So if you are interested in getting a glimpse at these precious angels and haven't already (and I know who you are) you can email me or facebook friend me and I will send pictures. Otherwise, sorry Charlie, its my family I am protecting!

   For those that have emailed and called with wanting to help, I am in the midst of putting together something with a friend of mine for sign ups.  We will be needing help with a number of things I am sure but most of all feedings, laundry, and meals! For the feedings and baby help we are only asking that our family and NICU family be allowed.  We need to limit contact with germs and this is the best way possible.  There will be certain guidelines to abide by that our pediatrician (as we have been twice now with Patrick and Aubrey) has given us to follow for those coming into contact with our little ones.  These precious babes look big and healthy but we can't forget they were premature and 32 weeks and they still have a huge susceptibility to a numerous amount of bugs with their STILL immature immune systems!  Its a small price to pay for a huge benefit to keep us from revisiting the ICU again with whatever bugs they could catch. Thank you all for understanding! Stay tuned!  The crazy life has only just begun!

I can't believe we have scheduled a date for the C-section.  These babies birthday will be Thursday, January 20, 2011. I will be 32 weeks and 4 days.  The babies are all measuring great: Reagan - 3lbs 12oz, Patrick - 4lbs 5oz, Liam - 3lbs. 7oz, and Aubrey - 3lbs 15oz.  Liam is lagging behind and he is always the hardest to monitor.  He hides underneath everyone and plays hide and seek with the fetal monitors! My personal goal was to make it to 32 weeks...and today marks my goal!!  I even got a high five from my favorite high risk specialist and last night a nurse gave me "knuckles". I feel pretty accomplished. I am soooo incredibly excited for Thursday...I have my "Dream Team" set up!  My #1 perinatologist, my very own OB, one of my personal favorite Neonatologists (even though he thinks I give him a hard time...its all out of love and trust!) and of course the best for last...amazing nurses and respiratory therapists. Each baby has its own team of nurses, RT's, and docs.  Hard to believe all this hard work on bedrest is going to come to an end....I think now is the time to basque in the glory of boredome...since I will never have this much time on my hands EVER again.

     I have been on hospital bedrest since last Sunday, January, 9th. I came in having contractions and I was shortly thereafter admitted.  I so luckily got to experience a couple Terbutiline shots (this is what I would imagine life on crack and concentrated caffeine would feel like).  I have never been so anxious or shaky...ever.  Then I fell victim to 12 hours of Magnesium Sulfate. Now I know moms had to endure much longer periods on that horrid drug...but 12 hours was all I think I could ever handle.  I was soooo out of it, felt so helpless, and had the most dry mouth on Earth...no amount of water was helping.  I was also put on another drug called Indocin for 48 hours to help control the labor. EVer since then I have been pretty quiet...I had a slight relapse a couple of nights ago and Terbutaline came to the rescue (UUUUUGGGGGHHHH)...but it worked...so it was all worth it!  So far this has actually been the best hospital stay to date!

    The second night here my back was already starting to yell at me so my incredibly hubs went out and got a memory foam pad and nice sheets to make it a little more bearable...I actually have to say...its really comfy...I sleep really well (I guess I have to give a little credit to Ambien too). The nurses here on 2 center are incredible as well!  I have no complaints...AT ALL!! They are all so sweet and very tentative! My least favorite part of the whole stay...the monitoring by far...it completely sucks!!  They are always so quick to get Reagan, Patrick, and Aubrey...but Liam, the little stinker plays games and moves away whenever the nurses have finally found his little heartbeat!  Oh...what we have to look forward too!

  To all our incredible friends anf family:

We will never be able to express the gratitude and love we have toward you all.  We are truly humbled by everyones generosity and willingness to help in any way possible!  You have all made this roller coaster much smoother.  As the big day approaches we appreciate all of your prayers for a smooth delivery and healthy babies!  And of course, as all of you will understand we will have an incredibly busy time after the babies are here.  We sooo want to be able to call and update everyone but as you all know we will be very occupied with some very cute little beings!  We are asking that people hold off on phone calls (because we won't be calling back for a very looooong time).  We want to save the phone for the calls from doctors or immediate family members.  Chris and I will be spending the the rest of the day Thursday with he and I and the babies.  We will have family, most likely, come visit Friday through the weekend.  As far as visitors to the NICU we are saving that time for our amazing family! We promise to take lots of pictures and give updates as soon as we have some downtime! I will most likely designate someone to update Facebook for me as well. Thank you sooooo much for understanding and for all the positivity and prayers! 

  Wow, can't believe the last post was 26 weeks.  That makes the next couple weeks sound so easy in retrospect!  The last 4 weeks have gone by in a flash and so much has been done!! Christmas has come and gone...tear :roll:...but imagine being a fly on the wall for all of our Christmas's to come....MASS CHAOS!! love it!  This last week we had a HUGE undertaking of the babies room...construction and baby stuff!  Family came in from out of town and finished up the dry wall, mudding (whatever the hell that is...lol) and texturing!! Now we have to put the baseboards in and we are ready to prime and paint (well by we I mean everyone else but me).  My cousins came up also last week and the babies room went from an episode of Hoarders to operation organization!  I can't wait to put it all in the closet once its done!  I am in utter amazement at how giving and helpful my family is!!!

Appointment:

  A week and a half ago we had a growth scan of all the babies! My personal goal was to eat them fat this whole pregnancy!  Well, I think I am completely succeeding!!  At that point Reagan and Patrick were weight 2lbs 15 ozs, Liam - 2lbs 10oz, and Aubrey - 3lbs 2ozs.  As of now they have to all be well over 3lbs!!  Along with that visit came one of the conversations I was dreading most of all!! My glucose testing!! UGH!!  Since I couldn't go sit in a lab for 2 hours (thank you glucose gods), instead they sent me home with a test kit (yes, the ones you poke yourself with 100x's a day).  I have to do it 4 times a day for 2 weeks (secret: I am lucky if I remember it at all!!).  If you could all see my toddlerlike reaction when I have to prick my finger...you would think I was preparing to perform surgery....on my own body...every time...it sucks.

How am I doing:

   As far as bedrest goes...well its going! Day in and day out I lay on my left side, then my right side, then my left side, then my....well you get the idea. I get really excited when I have to pee because then I take a moment before I waddle like a penguin to sit up at the side of the bed and relish in the upright position!  As far as occupying my time...well that is the televisions job!  I have taken a huge interest in the food network (probably just to torture myself and drool over all the yummy food).  Chris made me promise once bedrest is over that I will never turn it on again...yes...that is how much I watch it...especially because you can mute it and still follow what they are doing..lol!  I am getting nervous thinking about how close we are to delivery now!  Especially because my doc decided now would be a great time to go on vacation...SERIOUSLY?...I mean he is the next most important man in my life right now next to the hubster! And its not like he is in Napa - wine tasting...think the real deal!!...FRANCE!!...wonder if he could charter a really fast jet back to the states once I am in labor? What was he thinking?  He has a life? What?...lol...so I made a promise to him that I would still be preggo when he gets back...which I just found out this morning is NEXT WEEK! Holy cow...hopefully I can keep my promise!

Visitors:

   These last weeks have FLOWN by not just because of the holidays but because sooooo many people have been stopping by to say hi!  The days go sooo quick when friends and family come to visit!  It also gives Chris a much needed break from enteraining me as well! I won't even try and mention everyone because I am so afraid of leaving someone out!  I will say though that my best friend ever came over one of the days early in the morning to "babysit" and stayed till the evening just so Chris could go into work and do some catching up!  Love her! Thanks to everyone who has stopped by and said hello, brought us yummy dinner, and put a smile on all our faces!!  You all make this journey a little more bearable to be on!

   Thank you all for your support, love, and prayers!  I will have to say this whole journey has made me more of a believer in the power of prayer!  God definitely works in mysterious ways (he is trusting us with 5 kids for goodness sakes) and every day these babies cook I know its all because of the prayers and positivity sent our way!!

 So today is 26 weeks!! I have great days where I feel like I could do this for weeks on end and then bad days where I just want my own body back.  Thank goodness I am still easily able to shove the latter to the back of my head and usualy am quickly reminded of my intentions when kicked and punched by a couple of babies (usually in the bladder...thanks Reagan!).  We had another doc appt yesterday and all looks good.  Lost a little lenght in the big C but the Doc didn't seem concerned enough to put me back in the hospital.....Thanks be to God!!   My blood pressure is a little elevated but that is usually the case with the appointments...I think anyones blood pressure elevates a little at any doctors office.  I left there actually feeling quite good about the appointment...Chris however left a nervous wreck.  The doctors office is quite a walk from the car and unfortunately we don't have a wheelchair (but that will quickly change next appointment).  I was sooooo uncomfortable walking from the car to the office...it actually hurt a little...four little bodies and gravity don't go well with walking more than 10 steps (that is how many steps I take hourly to our bathroom!). So anyway, Chris was very uneasy at how hard it was for me to get around via foot...so sweet...hates to see me so uncomfortable. Unfortunately that is just the name of the game till these babies make their grand entrance.  I am just so ecstatic I am still home!!!

  This last week I did an unimaginable amount of online shopping!! Sooooooo much fun. Now I am nervous to look at my credit card!  Among all of my online shopping I decided to do a little research for a good quad stroller.  I am determined to get out for walks and go to the park across the street.  Anything to get out of this house for any amount of time.  Consensus seems to be this stroller called the Runabout...looks hideous but compared to all the other quad strollers, this seems to be the fave among all my quad mama friends!

Then I came across a stroller that I fell in loooooooove with!!!  Unfortunately it is made in New Zealand and is quite expensive (actually the runabout is also quite expensive as well....but this one is even more). I am thinking, however, that this might be the best investment (mentally...lol) yet!

Introducing....my sanity:

The ABC quad buggy

nice huh!!!!

So that has consumed my internet frolicking the last couple of days.  Unfortunately finding the buggy used is seeming non-existent...I think I would have a better chance of finding a needle in a very large haystack!  I am pretty sure I will be able to talk Chris into it though...just have to find a very weak moment.  Maybe during the C-section?...lol

     So FYI - lately I have gotten lots of texts, emails, and phone calls saying when I get bored people would love to come visit!  I would looooooove to have visitors...makes the day go by sooooo fast!  One of my best friends Lisa came by a couple weeks ago (she is preggo too) brought lunch and we lounged, talked, and watched movies!  It was wonderful!!  I also had a good friend from my old work, Melissa, stop by with dinner and we chatted for awhile!  I am telling you...those days fly by!  A huge thank you to the friends and family who have visited and dropped dinner by...I can't even begin to tell you what a HUGE difference it makes!! Love to you all!

  Thanks everyone for your continued prayers and messages!  Keep them coming...my belly is growing and so are these wonderful little miracles!!! 

25 week belly

Today marks another week of baby cooking! Can't believe I am 25 weeks along!  Just 3 more weeks till our first goal!! Chris and I are actually convinced we are further along than 25 weeks though.  My actual due date is March 15th which makes my marker day Mondays (the perinates office has it as Tuesdays) and for a little bit of TMI, I actually ovulated on day 11 (not 14 like a normal cycle).  So if thats the case I would really be due March 11th.  Anyway...as much as I try and convince the doctor otherwise...he is sticking to his guns...25 weeks today...which is actually fine...means if we really are further along...the babies will do that much better when they are born!  So onto the events in the last couple weeks. 

   Last Wednesday I woke up with some pretty strong contractions. I didn't hesitate and Chris, Addy, and I were out the door before 7:30am.  I got into triage where they monitor the contractions and surprise...there they were...stubborn uterus! So with that I was admitted to a room and given some meds to stop those stubborn contractions.   I am always nervous now going in wondering if I am going to be admited and what kind of roommate I am going to get.  Lucky for me, this time I got a double room but NO ROOMMATE...what what! I also got a room with a view out to the front of the hospital instead of a view of a wall and rocks like on my last hospital stay. I guess being an employee of the hospital comes with perks of getting your own room (if the patient census allows for it). As soon as I got into my room the ultrasound tech was waiting to get a good look at the babies (and my cervix).  Cervix looked good (no changes) and the babies were as healthy as ever!  They even got a growth scan.  Baby A - Reagan - is 1lb 12 oz., Baby B - Patrick - is 1lb 13oz., Baby C - Liam - is 1lb 14 oz., and Baby D - Aubrey - is 1lb 13oz.  They are all still measuring almost a week ahead!  I can feel each and everyone of their little movements (although now they are quite big movements).  Reagan is definitely feisty!!  She is the lowest and is waiting for her moment of arrival!  She is the leader of the pack and definitely lets the rest know it, kicking and punching her way around! There is no way she is letting anyone else be #1 out the gate! Patrick, on my left lower side -breech, puts up a good fight though.  When he is kicked or punched he is quick to return the favor! When he gets fed up with all the kicking and punching from Reagan he pushes his little tush out as far as it will go almost to say to her...."try and get me now"!! They are the most active of the bunch...I am sure they will be the best of friends and the worst of enemies. Liam, on my upper left used to be the hardest kicker of all.  He would throw kicks that would make me almost lift off the bed.  The last couple days though he has been pretty quiet and keeping to himself.  He is the bruiser of the bunch at the heaviest weight!  Most likely he is going through another growth spurt. I think he is going to be trouble though...I kind of think of him as my quiet storm!  He builds up all his energy and then lets it all out at once. My sweet little Aubrey is soooo quiet!  I barely feel her move.  She currently resides on my upper right.  She has the most room of all!  I think we are in for another little princess here.  She seems to be my girly-girl.  She does very fluid movements and they aren't all that big! She likes her space and likes being left alone! I don't think she will mind being the last one out one bit! 

   So, I was only in the hospital till Saturday.  Thank God the contractions died down and I was sent home on double the medication I was taking before. Not a day too soon...the hospital beds are horrible...I think they will send you into labor all alone...I thought my spine was going to crawl out of my back and curse me out for all the pain the bed was causing...Tylenol is laughable for that kind of pain by the way!!

    So yes I spent the Thanksgiving holiday in the hosptial! Luckily my family came to the rescue and brought leftovers that night.  We  had a sort of do-over Saturday night once I was home.  My mom made more mashed potatoes, veges, hollandaise sauce, stuffing etc.  It was so yummy...especially because this time it was warm!!! lol.

    So, in Thanksgiving tradition, I am giving thanks for everything family and friends have done for us these past few months!  Especially for my mom!  She is over a couple times a week to take Addy for the day, cook dinner, keep me company, give Chris a little break!,  and she even showed me how to crochet! This all from a woman who is also working 3 different jobs! My mom truly is my superhero!  I do often think she could possibly walk on water as well!  

     These last 5 weeks have been the hardest on me as a mom.  As hard as it is to lay flat in bed all day long it is even harder to not be able to get up when Addy askes for help or she wants me to get up and play!  Chris is doing an amazing job keeping her entertained as often as he can! Poor guy literally has nooooo down time with work and a 3 and a half year old....and a 29 year old preggo in bed all day! So, with that I am sending lots of love and thanks to all of my friends who have come over to do the things with Addy I wish I could!!  Its amazing the support and concern for Addy's well being has been.  I can't wait for the day I can just take her to the park across the street or out shopping all by myself as a mom again!

   Just a quick little side note!  I have to get shots once a week and yesterday was a shot day.   My mom has been coming over and giving them (or I get it in the office) but yesterday, no one was around to do it.....EXCEPT FOR.....Chris!! Okay..so those of you who know Chris, know its no secret that his one true greatest fear is needles!!  Poor guy is almost worse than Addy when it comes to shots! So after much contemplation yesteray and nowhere to turn...I called Chris upstairs to do the honors.  He, unfortunately, knew there was no other choice. Now this shot is not like other shots...the needle is HUGE and you can see through the hole of it and it is 1 and a half inches long!!  While Chris was pumping himself up for his worst nightmare I was drawing up the medicine.  Chris even did a Dexter pose...anything to help him through this! So with a little coaching and a lot of courage he gave me my shot!  Immediately after he almost lost it!  God love him!!!  I NEVER EVER EVER thought he would do it, but he did and I was soooooooo proud!!!  and the best part....the shot didn't even hurt.!! Now I just feel bad for him....because now I know he can do it....lol!!!

   We are getting there!  3 weeks ago Tuesday I was told I would be on strict bedrest and I have made it through!  Next week we reach viability (where the babies will have a good chance of surviving on the outside).  This isn't so much as a goal for me but more of a worry.   I will be able to breath a sigh of "somewhat" relief at 28 weeks.  At 24 weeks, unfortunately, they can survive but the odds of them being perfect would be very slim!  So lets say our prayers and hope they are answered for 28 + weeks!!   So onto other breaking news - we had an ultrasound last Friday that would tell us how big each baby is!  Believe it or not they are all weighing in at the same weight 1lb 5 oz!!  That is measuring almost a week ahead!  That is a great weight for 22.3 week babies (that is what I was at Friday's appt).  In honor of the babies weights, I would like to thank: In and Out, Coldstone Creamery, chipotle, and Taco Bell!!  Oh and my hubbys protein shakes (milk, protein powder, and ice cream)!     

    Speaking of my wonderful husband!  I FINALLY got him to....wait for it....SHAVE MY LEGS!!! I was starting to quickly resemble the Woolly Mammoth!!  I begged him to do it since I can't reach my lovely long limbs and he finally caved yesterday.  I am sure it was torture every minute and the fact that my legs burnt out a perfectly brand new razor on the first go round just goes to show how much it was needed!!  Thank God I can still reach my armpits...imagine that funk...okay, sorry TMI...but seriously!

Wow, I just dedicated a whole paragraph to my hairy legs...I really have nothing to talk about these days.

     Well, hairy legs aside, my belly continues to grow and grow and grow!  Speaking of growing, growing, growing...We had a little bit of a blip in the road Monday night as I thought I might be having some contractions.  When my belly has the growth spurt days I can actually feel it doing so.  Monday was one of those days, and my tummy (well actually my uterus, but you get the picture) decides act like a teenager and...rebel.  These days it gets harder and harder to tell whether its a butt or a head moving or a contraction.  So many butts and heads I am getting sooooo confused!  Monday seemed a bit different.  I usually get more uncomfortable during the early evenings and that is when I noticed that my stomach was doing some tightening on its own!  We quickly decided we should just go in and get checked for peace of mind (oh if the hospital only wasn't 45 minutes away).  My brother thankfully was able take Addy with him since he was already here tiring her out (and even though he had a million and 1 things to study when he got home).  Thank goodness for family!  We got to the hospital and they hooked me up to  the contraction monitor.  The contractions had decided to go away once they put me on the monitor...go figure...and in an hour only had 1 or 2 contractions!  My cervix was still long and strong (well I had lost maybe a couple millimeters...but at this point...its still there so I am thankful).  Then I was sent home with the orders to take more of the medication that I already had (just take it more frequently...every 4 hours...yes even at night...so much for a good nights rest...just imagine an alarm clock going off every 4 hours in YOUR ear).  It could be worse, I know.  I dread the day when I am hospital bed ridden and on other medication to stop contractions...Oh the stories I have been told about magnesium....and no its not just a compound on the periodic table of elements!!  I am DREADING IT!!!  But it does great things for these babies!!!

   I am asking that through these next couple of weeks that a couple extra prayers be said to make it past this nail biting time!  I am loving all the support and positivity through this amazing, life changing journey!  There is not a day that goes by that  don't I sit (...well lay) and think that I am growing 4....YES 4...babies inside of my tummy.  Every time I think about it I get the chills!   Amazing things happen in our lives and I pinch myself when I think about the miracles inside my belly!!  Thanks to you all!

Trish

     Woohoo, I have made it to 22 weeks. Only 6 more weeks until my first goal! We certainly have had an eventful last couple of weeks but it actually has gone by quite quickly (although there are some days that dragged…those are the days I constantly watch the clock). I will have to say my favorite time of day has become the evenings. I look forward to sleep and another day closer to healthy babies! I have been home now a little over a week from the hospital and that whole “wake up call”! I had a follow up appointment last Friday and it went wonderful! The cervix is holding up well and even grew a couple fractions of a centimeter (okay that is all I will say about the cervix…to save my bros and cousins the “eww” factor). The babies are all healthy and moving around like crazy. It is the most breathtaking feeling, literally breathtaking, with them all rolling around! I have to stop and catch my breath until they find a new position to call home (for atleast a couple of minutes until they get tired of being in that position…I totally understand them though…I feel the same way). So, I have been on strict bedrest for 2 weeks now! Let me tell you, it sounds wonderful at first, but it is very challenging. Now before you roll your eyes and ask what is so challenging about laying flat for 24 hours a day and only being allowed out of bed to the bathroom and shower, let me shed some light! To most it is a time you think of to catch up on the DVR, movies, emails, reading, phone calls, sleep, blah blah blah. Okay, 2 weeks in and I am booooooooorred out of my mind! There is only so much TV, internet, etc that I can do for the 14 hours I am awake during the day. I am coming to terms with the fact this will be my life for HOPEFULLY the next atleast 6 weeks (hoping for 10 weeks, but one goal at a time). I vow to do whatever it takes to keep these little ones in my belly, promise!! With that said, it is a huge challenge being on “strict” bedrest and losing complete control of my house!

Chris is doing the best he can and he has taken on sooooo much! It is hard to give up complete control of everything though and have no part in daily household needs (cooking, cleaning, laundry, dressing Addy, getting her ready for preschool, Christmas shopping, Thanksgiving planning, etc.) We all have our own way of doing things and I am very quickly learning that I am way more of a control freak than I actually thought I was. I have always been very “go with the flow”, whatever happens-happens, not a huge worrier, and definitely not the most tidy person either. All I am doing is cooking 4 babies to perfection in the same place day in and day out! I know it is a very big job to do…but honestly, what I would give just to go fold laundry, do dishes, take out the trash, GO SHOPPING!! It’s a woman’s worst nightmare…to leave her house and EVERYTHING that needs to be done…in the hands of...”The Daddy!” dun.dun.dun. I am definitely not saying that he is doing a horrible job by any means. He is doing way above and beyond what has ever been asked of him….EVER!! and I am sooooo thankful. Its just like I said earlier…we all have our own way of doing things. So I find myself biting my tongue on many occasions (even though I definitely slip here and there) as to how or what to do next in the house! POOR GUY!! I don’t know how he is going to survive these next few months! He has already said he is going to make an appointment with the doctor and ask for some anxiety medicine. Oh Lord, I have driven him to drugs! I am surprised I haven’t smelled an ounce of liquor on the guy…I would have been on the bottle by now! Atleast this last weekend he was able to get away with the guys for a day!

Sunday, I had my family baby’s shower! It was awesome! I had a ton of fun…even if my only vantage point was sideways and from my bed in the family room! It made the day pass by soooo fast! Unfortunately, it was the only rainy day of the last couple weeks…but atleast I didn’t have to go outside right? My sis’s in law and mom in law threw a great party! I learned a lot…thanks to the quiz game on quads! What did I learn? That there way to many diapers, wipes, and bottles in my very near future! Out of 10 questions…I got 2 right…WHEW…I must have been in denial! What I loved learning though is we will give out more kisses, love, and children to the grandparents than the average mom and dad (lol). I also learned I am 1 in 3500 moms to carry 4 babies…that is pretty awesome considering the population in this country! Anyway…it was a great turn out and we have amazingly generous family and friends! My work shower will wait until after the babies are born…I think that is best considering my current condition! So I have something more to look forward to after the babies are here! I can’t wait because I miss them all soooo much!! What I would give just to go back for a couple of days to socialize and say hi to everyone!

Thanks everyone so much for your support and prayers. Its working! Keep up the good work. We appreciate you all!!

P.S. Many of you have so generously asked if there is anything you can do to help.  I was told about a meal website by good friend of mine and set it up.  This will help immensely.  Thanks. All you do is copy and paste the link below and put in your info and it will take you to the sign up page!

http://mealbaby.com/viewregistry/310675

Warning...long post ahead...

So a little update on whats been going on.  Last week on Tuesday we had our routine appointment where they check the babies heartrates and they were perfect. They also check my cervical length (that is the length from the top to the bottom of the cervix...has nothing to do with dilating).  Unfortunately, we had lost 1.5 cms in length and I was down to 3cm.  This actually isn't that bad of a length, it was just that it shortened a lot in only 2 weeks. The doctor said that it was pretty probable I would be getting a cerclage (that is where they basically take a needle and thread and sew around the top of the cervix and make a tight knot to keep it closed tight).  So Chris and I went home Tuesday and I was literally in a ball of tears.  I mean I am only 20 weeks...I have atleast 12 more weeks to go (that is our personal goal).  So I pretty much freaked out the rest of Tuesday.  I will have to say that Chris and I both have come to the conclusion that at 20 weeks into preggoness we will have some typ of hiccup in the road.  Our last pregnancy, with Addy, I had to have my gallbladder removed (that was super scary).  So this time why would we break tradition?  Why not another procedure??  Wednesday I woke up, still completely nervous and flipping out but a little bit more functionable.  I was put on very strict bedrest, only being able to get up to go to the bathroom and shower.  By the end of Wednesday I still felt a little uneasy and at about 5pm felt a huge contraction...not a braxton hicks tightening one but a cramping labor one (and it was only one but that is all it took).  I immediately called my mom (who finally got back from Europe...that was torture having her gone and not being able to call her after our appointment Tuesday (they got home Wednesday night).  My mom said I should probably go into triage and get checked.  They hooked me up to a monitor for contractions and thank goodness I wasn't having any.  They next checked my cervix to see what that was doing.  The nurse said it was not in the right place (its supposed to be posterior and it wasn't) and it was very soft.  So the doc was called and I bought myself a bed in high risk preggo world. They said that I would be scheduled for a cerclage the next morning pending an ultrasound of my cervix (its amazing how much publicity a cervix gets during a multiples pregnancy...I think I have said the word cervix, along with everyone around me, atleast 1000 times the last 5 days).  So the next morning, surprise, cerclage time.  Now let me tell you...I would have a procedure done weekly.  I had a spinal put in and got pretty numb from the belly button down (it was a great feeling to not have any feeling in my bladder for the first time in months).  But then came the goods....fentanyl and versed (THANK YOU GOD FOR YOUR GENEROSITY OF WONDERFUL DRUGS!).  I felt soooooo good and really had no care in the world at that point...I felt like I was walking on clouds and the kiddos were I am sure were feeling the exact same way (and that is awesome considering my business was open to the entire world...and let me tell you...I think the entire world was in that OR).  Thank goodness the procedure went stellar!!  Unfortunately it was back to reality once I was admitted to my shared room in high risk and along with that came the wearing off of the spinal...I got the feeling back in my legs pretty quickly but my butt felt like I had left it back in recovery (not the most awesome feeling to have to go pee but not be able to feel your a**).  So anyway, atleast my shared room was the biggest on the floor and my roommate seemed pretty quiet (first impression are sometimes quite misleading).   That night wasn't bad...I was introduced to Ambien (a sleep aide) and vistiril (a smooth muscle relaxer)...Hallelujah...I slept better than I have slept in months! The next day was pretty uneventful...that is until about 7pm when Eminem and a slew of other rappers decided to show up and put on a concert for my roommate with all of her family and friends in tow. Also, at the risk of offending anyone, I love foreign language as much as any other person.  However, when it is about 10 people speaking a different language with a sprinkle of English words thrown into each sentence it does get quite hard to listen too.  I mean all of my visitors speak to me in English...and I generously give my roommate the option of eavesdropping.  The only other language I know is Spanish (and even that is a bit shotty at this point...needless to say they weren't hispanic).  That is when Chris went out and decided it was time to get me some earbuds for my iPad (so I can have my own personal/private concert...and be respectful of others...too bad everyone else isnt as courteous).  So finally about 11pm when the concert next door ended, mostly all of her family and friends left. Her husband and son stayed, and I of course thought "how sweet" until about 12 when everyone fell asleep and all 3...yes 3 of them....started to make the room rumble...OH MY GOODNESS...I thought my husband snored loud...I had the 3 little bears as my roomates.  So, anyway, that is my roommate story.  On a positive note it could always be A LOT worse...atleast she showered daily right?  It was a great thing to be able to take my medicine at night and put in my earbuds and listen to music all night on Pandora (minus the stupid advertisements they put in now). 

    So today is Sunday and I am hoping to break out of this joint today.  I would really love to see my baby all dressed up in her costume (cinderella for the second year in a row).  Unfortunately, no wheelchair for me to tag along, but atleast I will be home where I will feel more comforable.  I can't wait to control the household from my bed in the middle of the living room.  Oh yes, that reminds me. Chris has decided that instead of bedrest upstairs in my own bed he is bringing a twin bed downstairs for me to set up camp for the rest of this bumpy journey.  It should be quite interesting to see how sleep will go....maybe I will ask for some Ambien at home?? 

    My doctor came in yesterday and already said that we had our next appointment scheduled on Friday.  I am assuming we will be going in weekly from here on out.  Unfortunately, it is almost an hour drive each way.  Guess I will be laying down in the back seat for those long car rides. 

   I wanted to also include in this post a huge Thank you to a couple people who have really saved us the last couple of weeks with Addy.

To Holly: I can't even begin to express how wonderful it is to have such an incredible sister in law.  I am in awe of your ablilty to have 4 children, run around to countless activities, school, sports and how amazing you are with adding one more into the mix like she was one of your own.  Addy loves you so much and it is so wonderful to have her come home so excited and tell me about how much fun she had at Aunt Hollys with Ty guy, Corey, Coley, and baby Abby. 

To grandma and grandpa Cruise: I know it goes without saying grandparents are always willing to help and would do anything for their grandkids but we truly are grateful for everything you have done for us and for being so willing to take Addy whenever possible.  I love that Addy is so quick to nestle up to you when she gets tired and snuggle with her grandma!  It is so wonderful to have family so close by and available if we ever are in a bind!

To Nicole: I am at a loss for words honestly.  If I had a crystal ball when we first met I think both of us wouldn't have pictured where we are today and how close we have become.  I love that our kids are so close and I love that Addy is so in love with you!  You have saved our butts on more than a bazillion accounts.  The feeling it gives Chris and I to be able to send Addy, our most prized miracle, to someone other than family who loves her just as much as we do, is more than words will ever be able to express.  Thank you soo much.

To Amanda: I am so grateful to have such a wonderful friend.  Addy is such an easy going little girl and the fact she was soooo excited to tell me about making cookies and playing dress up with Jackie made my heart sing.   Again, it is priceless, to have friends to trust enough to watch your own children.  You are such a special person and I consider you one of my closest.  Thanks again for helping out with Addy...we are forever indebted.

To my parents: Seriously, I don't know if there is ever anything I can say as to how lucky I am to have my mom and dad.  I know everyone has their ups and downs but we have always been a strong family.  Addy will grow up knowing how much she is loved by every family member and how spoiled she is by both grandparents not just by gifts but spoiled by an immense amount of love.  I know Addy will grow up being a strong, independent, and stubborn (in a good sense) just like her mom...and her dad.  I have my parents to thank you for molding me into the woman I am today. I sure am one lucky girl!

And lastly but most important my husband: I will never understand how lucky I am to have been incredibly blessed to have such a wonderful man grace my life.  I know that you were a gift from God sent to me!  You are more than I could have ever asked for and you amaze me every day at the love and pride you have for your family.  I would have never imagined having a more devoted father to my children.  The way our daughter loves you is the most wonderful and amazing thing to see everyday of my life!  You are an amazing husband, father, and my ultimate hero!  Thank you for all you do and for loving me and Addy so unconditionally!  Your mom and dad raised an amazing man!

Update:

So yesterday (Sunday) I got to come home.  They did an ultrasound before I left and my cervix is now 3.25 to 3.35cm long! The doc said its probably from the cerclage...but hey I will take it however I gain the length.  They sent me home on a drug called Nifedipine (Procardia) usually used to lower blood pressure.  Its for contractions (not that I am having any regular ones...just a precaution). The downside to the medicine is it makes my heart race (and I already have a very high heart rate this pregnancy...about 110 to 120 resting). It also makes me a little anxious.  Anyway...whatever I have to do to keep these babies in!  They might also start me on progesterone injections this week.  Just another precaution to hopefully keep babies inside longer!  I am sooooo incredibly glad to be home.  The hospital got quite depressing and lonely!  Now I that I am home I have made a permanent bedroom out of our living room (Chris did bring down the twin mattress from upstairs we had).  So I have to learn to let the disorganization of downstairs go for now!  Pillows, blankets, phones, TV controls, magazines, computers, side lying ottoman and all! So if you happen to come visit...just know the house is like this.....because I am on bedrest....and my husband has become a single working parent to a 3 and a half year old and a 29 year old! The upside...I can atleast get up to go pee instead of using a bedpan!  Please continue prayers and positive thoughts our way!! I know that they are working!!!