Hospital Gifts

I don't know about you, but before this last stint in the hospital, I had never been a patient in a hospital (except for when I was born) before.  I was always at a loss as to what to get people while they are in the hospital. 

After spending 13 days in the hospital, and receiving some really lovely and thoughtful gifts, I have some great ideas as to what people actually need in the hospital.

Food Basket With or Without Gift Card

The food in the hospital is terrible, and if the patient has a spouse that spouse will have to go to the cafeteria to by each of his or her meals because they don't deliver these items right to your room.  Also, leaving the hospital to go pick up food is challenging because you have to find your car, leave the hospital, drive somewhere, come back, re-park, and make your way back to the hospital room.

In a big city and big hospital, this can be a pain in the neck. So M and I loved it when people brought by food, but one of the things that worked really great for us was an LABite gift card.  The service is basically a delivery service.  You put in an order on the website to local restaurants for take out, and then they go and pick it up for you and deliver it to your room. The drivers are really good and professional.  They brought the food to our hospital room, not just to the hospital.  I know that in major cities across the United States they have other similar services. NOTE: before you buy this card you should check to see if the patient is allowed to eat outside food.  Although, it might still be a good gift for the family that is spending a round the clock time at the hospital.

A fruit basket, although conventional, is also really nice because as a patient you often want a snack during the day and don't necessarily want to be eating a lot of junk food as you are laying in a hospital bed all day (although baked items are also certainly appreciated).  The basket should have fruit of course that is not already cut as the patient may have no access to a refrigerator. 

Activities Basket

Games are awesome while your in the hospital.  You don't want the game to be too long or too complicated, remember these games will be played with hospital visitors who usually stay about an hour. Also, depending upon the reason the patient is in the hospital, you may want a game that does require the patient to move much.  I know for the first 3-4 days in the hospital, I really wasn't allowed to sit up except for meal time.  Two awesome games under this scenario are: cards, Monopoly Deal and Spot it.  Both of these games are easy to explain and take about 20 mins or less to play per round.

Magazines and Books.  So these of course are awesome, and I loved it when people stopped by with magazines.  I never actually got to a book because of the constant interruptions (can you say nurses, lab people, tech people, constantly in our room at random times during the day and night), I really couldn't get into one. 

However, one thing that kept happening is we would get a lot of repeat magazines. So an iTunes or Amazon gift card for this reason would be a really great idea if you know that the person has an iPad, Kindle or other such device.  Then you cut down on the possibility of repeats, and the gift recipient is going to be able to pick magazines that he or she doesn't already have.

Internet Hot spot.  Do you have an Internet hot spot just lying around?  Lend it to the person in the hospital for a couple of weeks.  Even if the hospital has wireless Internet, it is likely that the Internet will go down or not be reliable.  If you have a data limit though, make sure everyone understands this.

Hulu, Netflix, HBO Go.  If the hospital has Internet access, this is a great distraction.  In fact, if you already get these services you could let the patient use your account for a month or a couple of weeks, if they don't already have one.  The terms of service for these services often allows up to 5 devices to use the service.  If you don't want to do lending, then there is always an iTunes gift card.

Personal Gift Basket

Shower, Hair.  One of my friends purchased a really nice bath soap for me when I was in the hospital.  It was awesome. My shower in the morning was the best part of my day, and having a new scent to wash with was really nice.  Other ideas for this would be aromatherapy shampoo, conditioner and lotion.  If the patient can't get out of bed, nice dry shampoo etc. 

One friend also offered to have her mother (a hair stylist) come and do my hair one day, this was a great offer, I didn't take her up on the offer b/c I was released from the hospital shortly thereafter, but had I been in the hospital one day longer I would have!

Hand sanitizer, this is really needed when you are in the hospital.  I couldn't get up very often, but I often wanted to wash my hands. Having hand sanitizer close was really nice.

Manicure Set or Service.  I did my nails a lot while in the hospital so a little manicure set with fingernail polish would also be nice.  Even better would be to arrange to have someone you know that does nails to come to the hospital to do the patients nails.  This is definitely something I want to do for someone some day. 

P.J.'s, robe, slippers, and flip flops.  When I went to the hospital, I really wasn't thinking I would be spending the night let alone two weeks there.  My sister-in-law sent P.J.'s for me to wear while in the hospital.  Once I didn't have to wear the hospital gown anymore this was really nice to have.  It made me feel like a human again.

Flip flops and slippers.  I didn't do a lot of walking in the hospital, but flip flops for any shower that is not your own is an awesome idea!  I was surprised as to how little our bathroom was cleaned while we were in the hospital, and how dirty our hospital room floor was.  So these are always a good idea.

Other Gifts

Although conventional, flowers and plants are also really great. Hospitals are so sterile (even though I don't think they are all that clean), and when your in the hospital you really miss going outside.  I loved these gifts and your room is automatically brightened when you have plants and flowers around your room.

My sister-in-law also sent pictures that my nieces drew, and this was really nice to pin up in the hospital.  They made me smile often. 

So these are just some ideas.  Hope this helps!

Xoxo,
-A

Week 29: Bed Rest

Thursday, marked the end of my 29th week of pregnancy and one complete week being out of the hospital. :)   Since being released from the hospital, I have had three doctor's appointments and we have received nothing but good news from the doctor so that is a great comfort and relief.

Right now my biggest challenges range from normal third trimester complaints (i.e. Right now my tummy is so big that when Matt and I watch a movie together, he has to pause the movie so I can role over and not miss anything) to the challenges of bed rest.

This Thursday I will have been on bed rest for 1 month.  I thought my biggest bed rest challenge would be not being able to go anywhere, but now that I am at home, that is not really that bad.  I like being at home, and now I can do some work from home, shop from home, and visit with friends and family that come to visit without the interruptions that come with being in the hospital.

The most difficult thing for me so far is that there are so many things I want to get done at home -- decorating the baby's room, making items for the baby's room, child proofing the apartment, cleaning out under sinks, cleaning and downsizing the items we have stored under our bed etc. Its hard not to get discouraged when the things you want to do are starring you in the face everyday.  Its also hard not to feel guilty about feeling bad when you have so many things to be thankful for.

Xoxo,
-A

Baby Shower

Well before all of this bed rest started, Matt and I had just returned from visiting our family where my family through us a lovely shower.  Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the day.

My Sister-in-Law and I

I thought this was a good belly shot, since I haven't taken one for awhile

My sister and her youngest daughter

My niece

The Two Grandmas (i.e. my mom and M's mom)

Cute decorations courtesy of my sister-in-law

My Grandma and my youngest niece

My Great Aunt and my youngest niece

My Cousin and my Grandma

 

Xoxo,

 

-A

Week 2: 28 Weeks

On Wednesday, (my 13th day in the hospital) I was released from the hospital.  Although they are not completely sure if it ever ruptured, the official diagnosis was a ruptured membrane that healed.  Apparently, determining whether or not a pregnant woman's water broke is not an exact science, but either way M and I thank God that everything seems like all is well with Sam.

I am still on bed rest, but being at home has really been a huge and wonderful blessing: my own shower, bed, closet, TV, and Internet connection. I am in heaven.  The doctor said I could even make short meals in the kitchen, but I have yet to do that, as I have been too scared to stand for that long.  Maybe after a week I will feel more daring.

The doctor also informed us that we would go to the hospital every Friday so that they can listen to the baby's heart and put me on the contraction monitor for a half hour.  I also see my doctor on every Tuesday for the same tests. 

When we arrived home from the hospital, I went directly to the bedroom and laid down and looked out the window for like an hour. It felt good to be home.

That night was not so great.  I fell asleep quickly enough, but I had a nightmare in the early morning.  I dreamed that I was in labor and for some reason I knew the baby needed to be delivered by c-section.  My parents, Matt and I jumped into the car to drive to the hospital, but I couldn't convince any of them not to stop at every restaurant in town for take out, and for some reason we needed to run some errands for my baby brother.  Everyone kept on telling me I was concerned about nothing, and then I woke up.  Relieved of course. Sam furiously kicking me.  Apparently, he didn't like the dream either. 

Thursday (9/25) marked our 28th week.  To celebrate, M and my Dad were able to set up the crib:

Obviously, we still have some work to do in the nursery, but this is a start. :)




On Friday, we had our first appointment at the hospital.  Going back to the hospital was really hard. Just for the test, we had to go through admitting again, and there were a ton of people coming in who were in labor.  By the time we got back to where they were going to have the test I was really trying to fight back the tears, and was convinced I was going to go into labor any second.  Luckily, the RN that does the testing was so nice and calming.  The testing went well: plenty of fluid, Sam's heart rate was great, my blood pressure normal, and no contractions.

So today is Saturday, three days at home. We continue to pray for a safe and continued pregnancy as well as peace.  Peace is something I have struggled with throughout my life, and I am really praying that God will help me control my mind and thoughts in the upcoming weeks as we strive to create a new "normal" while I am on bed rest.

xoxo,
-A

Bed Rest: Week 1

Today marks the end of our first week in the hospital and my 27^th week of pregnancy. M, Sam and I are still here, and despite last week’s scare Sam is still snug in his little home. He is very active, I think he likes that I don’t move much – more swimming room for him.

As the days go on, every day gets a little better. Sam is doing just fine . . . so emotionally I am feeling better. Not to mention that I am not as heavily medicated anymore during the day, and getting a dose of Ambien each night doesn’t hurt. Nothing like sleep to make a person feel better.

Friday – Sunday – After 48 hours they took me off the magnesium sulfate (the drug that prevents contractions), and they changed my antibiotic from IV to oral.  No more IV! This meant that the IV machine wasn’t dinging every time I bent my arm (every 15 minutes) throughout the day and during the night. This also meant that the dreaded catheter came out, and then a day later – no more bed pan.

So the catheter ... pretty much feels like you have a bladder infection the entire time its in. If you don’t know that feeling, then good for you, I hope you never do.

Now about that bed pan. I have to say, if I had actually been in pain it would have probably been fine and preferable. However, the fact that I was perfectly coherent and in no pain made the experience borderline traumatizing. Not to mention, I am six, almost seven months pregnant, so balancing on a bed pan was not the easiest task: "Help me Jesus, help me Oprah, help me Tom Cruise." (Will Ferrell Reference) I say no more.

Onto happier topics.

Monday – like totally unbelievably amazing. The OBGYN came by to check in to see how I was doing. She was pleasantly surprised to hear that I have had no contractions, and inexplicably there had been no more leaking since I was admitted on Thursday. That is when she announced I could have one shower, and a bedside commode instead of the bed pan.

Tuesday – Came and went without event except the premier of "The New Girl" and "Mindy Project."

Wednesday – the OBGYN came back with the ultrasound. The ultrasound showed that baby was doing well and that the fluid was still in the normal range. That was the first mention of – I could be going home if things stayed the same. So now I had bathroom privileges, and was told to move from bed, to chair, to couch a couple times to see if the trend would stay the same. Sounds a little high school but what can I say five steps to the bathroom is welcome exercise, and so much more civilized.

Thursday – Started not so well . . . we had our first cranky nurse. She came in and woke me at 7:00 a.m., and then began to lecture us about how much personal stuff we had in our room, and if they had to deliver the baby, what a nuisance it would be. Notably, we were told to bring a lot of personal stuff and move right in by every other nurse and doctor that we had, had so far. Then she apparently didn’t like that after I went to the bathroom I put the baby monitor back on myself. It seemed like she felt like she was losing control, and how dare I put a strap around my stomach and find my baby’s heartbeat. Ugh. After she left my room that morning, I noticed I didn’t have a butter knife on my breakfast tray so I buzzed the nurses desk (which I rarely do) and I asked if they would bring a butter knife. Apparently this was all cranky nurse number 1 could handle.

At that point happy nurse from yesterday appeared with a butter knife and said she was taking over, and that some people were just really cranky today.

Later that morning, the OBGYN came and checked my condition around noon. Two thumbs up! She also mentioned that she wanted to send me home, but the parinatologist wouldn’t clear me to go home, and still insisted that I needed to stay until 34 weeks (7 weeks away). The Parinatologist is the high risk pregnancy specialist. Although she assured me she would get a second opinion, emotionally, I fell apart once again. The exit door seemed so close, just to slip through my fingers. I mentally imagined the trailer for that new Sandra Bullock movie "Gravity" where the spaceship is falling a part and Sandra is grasping with her fingertips to hold on, just to miss holding on to the ship by a centimeter. Let’s just say . . . no space travel is in my future.

Eventually, during the day a somewhat good attitude came back.

It’s a hard thing to realize that you are not in control of anything in your life, and as an adult, even harder to realize that you are never going to be. Throughout my life I have realized and taken note of that, but then of course, daily life and routine sets in again, and I am guessing for most of us we once again lose sight of this reality.

If this situation has taught me anything so far its how to be a blessing to people that are in the same situation. I think until you are here, its hard to understand how much little notes of encouragement, gifts, flowers and phone calls etc. are to someone that is in the hospital. Before, there was often times when I thought, oh if I visit I’ll just be a bother, or I don’t know them well enough for anything I would say to matter. Once you’re here, you realize that’s not true. And everything from the smallest gesture to the biggest gesture is much appreciated and helpful.

xoxo,

-A



　

　

　

　

　

　

　

We're In the Hospital Now

Well you know what  they say about well laid plans.  M and I are making ourselves at home here at the hospital.  We are hoping to me here (believe it or not) for the next two months.

We were admitted on Thursday night. When I came home from work on Thursday I had some unusual symptoms. I felt no pain though.  M convinced me I should call the doctor, and the doctor said I should go to nearest hospital.

We were admitted upon arrival at the hospital.  They did tests on me and the baby, and everything at first seemed fine. The last test they did showed that my water had broke or there was a tear. We were of course both shocked.  I said, but I am only 26 weeks.  The nurse assured us that they had just delivered a 23 weeker, and everyone would be in place if I started contractions.

From that point on they made it clear that we weren't leaving until the baby was born, no matter when that is going to be.

We were told that the first 24 hrs are the most critical. They started me on meds to prevent contractions, meds to prevent brain aneurism if baby was born that night, and gave me a heafty dose of steriods to jolt the babies lungs to grow faster. The second dose we were told was to occur 24 hrs later, and that would be the end of the first milestone.

At about 10:00 p.m. doctors and nurses from the micro premie nursery came in to tell us about the protocol and about what they could do if the baby was born now. "Team of 6 specialists with specials skills to incubate and put IVs in the smallest of veins, a special incubater etc." Was about all I could comprehend.

By midnight I had so many tubes in me it was hard to move.  The monitors were on most the night, dinging almost every hour.  I was told I couldn't move at all and needed to lay on my back.  Of course M and I hardly slept.

On Friday, we met with our new obgyn since my ob is through a different hospital and we will be with the new hospital for the remainder of the pregnancy.

8:00 a.m. the new OB performed an ultrasound. Relief all good news.  I had no contractions through the night and the fluid around the baby was still in the normal range. Apparently, the baby makes the fluid and can replenish what has been lost.  Baby's heartrate and vitals were also good. The doctor suggested there may be a small break in the amniotic sac, and best case scenario it could heal. However, even if it healed, I would still have to stay in hospital, but I would be given some more freedom. Meaning I could take a shower and get out of bed to use the bathroom. (Small pleasure for most... Huge pleasure for me)

Friday afternoon we spoke to the high risk pregnancy specialist from the USC Group. He performed another ultrasound. Said baby was on target for weight and size about 2lbs at this point.  He looked over my vitals and he said that the biggest thing they worry about is infection after barrier between mom and baby has been broken.  As of now, they said that there was no indication of  infection, but to prevent infection they would start me on a antibiotic cocktail for the next 48 hrs.

He gave us a printout of the ultrasound:

http://instagram.com/p/eSzw5ulEeE/

The specialist gave us a milestone timeline.  Although he reiterated that everyday from this point until 28 weeks was important. He gave us a breakdown of millstones to look forward to. 

First milestone was that night when I would get my last steroid shot for the baby.

Next milestone could be next week if all goes well, they could take me off of some of the IVs, I could take a shower etc.

Next milestone, September 26 (28 weeks) if baby born lungs would be more fully formed.

Next milestone, October 24 (32 weeks).

Next milestone, November 7 (34 wks) baby coming out, risk of coming out less than benefit being in.  Baby would only need short time in hospital.

So far no contractions still, so that is good.

Xoxo,

Ahttp://instagram.com/p/eSzw5ulEeE/

Glider

For a few months now I have been looking for rockers and gliders.  I wanted to get something that would last a long time, would look great in our living room, and would be used after we are no longer rocking the little one.  Whenever that will be.

Well, we actually bought one!  On Friday night M and I went out to dinner at the LA Farmer's Market for a delightful French dinner. Yummy.  It was actually very good even though I couldn't have any wine.

After dinner we headed over to Pottery Barn Kids.  My purpose was just to test out a few of their gliders that I had looked at on line.  But after testing four. M's mind was made up, he had found the perfect one for our living room. Which, I was very happy about because it was the best one I had seen and it will fit perfectly in our living room décor (navy and orange).

So here it is PB Kids Comfort Grand Swivel Glider  (we didn't get the ottoman, but the gray and white piping is what we got). 



The slipcover can be removed and dry cleaned. So that was a plus as I am sure we will need to do that, and eventually after our kids get older and if we want to keep it, we can order another slip cover. 

And can't you just see it with this pillow from Etsy.



Or this one (also on Etsy).



XOXO,
-A

Our Babymoon: Yosemite

This last week M and I went on our babymoon to Yosemite.  We both had a wonderful time and baby and I made it on a few trails :)

The highlight of the trip was watching the Perseid Meteor Shower from Glacier Point.  I have never seen anything like it.

Here are a few pictures from the trip.

Yosemite Valley

Tree Roots from a fallen Sequoia

Merced River

  

Mariposa Grove

Glacier Point

Coyote

Just driving through a tree in the Sequoia National Park

The General Sherman - Largest Tree in the World!



The General Sherman

 

Wild Life!

XOXO,
-A

Our Baby Nursery

So I have been working on getting together items for the baby's room.  My plan was to get items that could grow with the baby as he gets older.  I hate the idea of buying something that I will only use for a year or two.  So I found furniture that was versatile.  With regard to the bedroom linens, I chose to register for crib sheets and changing pad covers that were more babyish since I would only use them for the first two years anyway.  I chose curtains and lamps that were more adult so they could be used for years to come.  Here it goes.


Baby Dresser (and perfect size for a baby changer) - Amazon:



Changing Pad Cover (Land of Nod):


I love this idea, the peg board, for over the changing table (This picture is from Better Homes and Gardens):




Delta Four-in-One crib (toddler, day, and full) (Amazon):

Crib Sheet (Land of Nod):


Crib Skirt (the green stripe side) (Land of Nod):



Mobile for Over the Crib (Amazon):



Blanket for over the side of the crib (Target):



Curtains (Land of Nod):



Lamp (Land of Nod):



Banner (the picture is from Land of Nod, but I thought I would try to make this):



We have a futon now in the baby's room that we plan to keep, so I thought throwing a couple of these pillows on the futon would bring it in step with the rest of the room:

Childrens Pillow Cover Nursery Pillow Green Pillow Elephant Pillow 16x16 Cushion Cover



Green Pillow Covers Throw Pillows Lime Decorative 20x20 Set of 2 Cotton Home Decor



Can't wait to get everything and put it all together!

XOXO,
-A

I'm Back or Should I say We're Back!

So its been about a year now since I posted last... but I think I needed a break for awhile to get my life in order.  You know the basics -- eating right, exercising, spending time with friends and family. 

However, now that I'm back as some of you may already know, M and I are expecting our first child, a boy.  We both couldn't be more thrilled or excited.

So... today, I will leave you with some bump pics.

Three months:

Five months:

 

 

 

XOXO,

A