"...if you make it to 30 weeks," my OB said back in May as I sat in her office discussing my high risk pregnancy.
In early April, the day I saw two pink lines on a white stick, I gave up hockey, soccer, running, hiking, skiing, dancing, and sex. We anticipated bed-rest by late summer. I didn't return to my school counseling job this fall. Thought I'd be in the hospital by 24 weeks, the cusp of viability, the week Elias was born.
And yet here I am: 30 weeks. Our original goal. With Olivia Everett Jordan--little Olive--still tucked inside my womb.
Confession.
As I write I'm laying on my left side, two finger typing from bed, feeling a bit crampy, waiting to see the perinatologist at 2:00, hoping its just indigestion or Braxton Hicks, or ligaments stretching, or anything but contractions. Not premature labor. So I'm not really up and about, not posing for pictures in goofy celebration like I did on Friday.
(Thank you for all your wonderful comments by the way!)
But I'm not in the NICU. Not yet.
Maybe not at all this time.
Nick said to me this morning, "Well, we know we'll have a 30-weeker."
And the thought of it stunned me. Out of the twenties. No matter what happens we won't have another another micro-preemie, not another one-pounder with eyes fused shut.
Elias.
My first "miracle" who wasn't expected to survive.
The boy who reminded us last night that he had kindergarten homework. Who asked to do more homework after completing his worksheet, coloring the words that rhymed. And sure he struggles to hold a crayon and scribbles across the paper, instead of following lines, but he understands that block sounds like sock and that sock begins with the same letter his name ends with, and that 8 next to 2 equals 82.
He may not know the significance of 30 weeks but he can count that high. And beyond.
30 weeks.
We made it to 30 weeks!!
(And yes, I'll write again after my afternoon appointment.)
Fingers and toes crossed for Olive's continued gestation!
Posted by: Niksmom | 10/05/2009 at 12:55 PM
Here is to hoping that you are just entering the uncomfortable stage of pregnancy and no real contractions. If remembering 30 weeks is when I started to get the fun twinges of pain and the Braxton Hicks started another week or so later. I also started loving that body pillow DH had gotten me when it was time to sleep and I need something to support the belly.
Posted by: [email protected] | 10/05/2009 at 12:58 PM
I hope that you get to gestate a few more weeks, but yeah for the 30s! And I still think you made the right decision to not work right now. Rest is the most important thing, and less stress is good too. I hope we hear good news from you this afternoon. In any event, happy 30 weeks!
Posted by: Tracy | 10/05/2009 at 01:03 PM
congrats on 30! anxiously awaiting an update!
Posted by: nerissa | 10/05/2009 at 01:40 PM
yay to blocks and socks and a belly chock full of big growing baby kept in without a lock and of course yay to friends that rock! crossing my fingers for your appointment that starts in ten minutes...
Posted by: Ginna P | 10/05/2009 at 01:51 PM
Yay!! You look gorgeous in your glow. Here's to another 10 weeks! Much love to you all.
Posted by: Tina and family | 10/05/2009 at 02:41 PM
30 weeks -- hooray!
Posted by: elizabeth | 10/05/2009 at 04:20 PM
Thinking of you guys, Christy, and praying for the best.
Posted by: DeannaBanana | 10/05/2009 at 04:38 PM
Crossing my fingers that little Olive stays put for at least 6 more weeks. Your strength through this pregnancy has been amazing. Elias is full of life and the excitement that new learning brings. Here's to full term pregnancies and beating the odds.
Posted by: Kellie | 10/05/2009 at 04:48 PM
Wahooo for 30w!!! That is awesome. Like I have said before I want you to get to the point that you are BEGGING us to stop praying for your cervix to stay strong and let you have the baby already :P (38wish)
Posted by: Jessica | 10/05/2009 at 05:20 PM
Yipee!!!!! Go, Olive, go!!!
Posted by: bec | 10/06/2009 at 05:56 AM
You're making me cry!! Elias is so amazing.. and Olive.. oh sweet 30 weeks. love to all of you-
Emily
Posted by: Emily | 10/06/2009 at 05:40 PM