Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Day 12

Mook supplying today's installment.

Today was filled with anticipation, pressure and pain in the gut...

We were hoping today would resolve the debate of Ron's worldly debut. First of all, I go into work today at 1am in hopes of getting my normal stuff done and leaving in time to make it here for the amnio. Yeah, so I'm 3 minutes late to the procedure. So here I am sprinting through the hospital, like that old OJ Simpson commercial in the airport; only I was dodging and diving around pregnant chicks or family that was lost in hysterics rather than passenger luggage.

From the east end of the parking lot to the far west end of the building, only to find the room empty... a random nurse sees me in panic and mentions that JJ has gone to ultrasound; before she could finish, "I know where that is!" and off I darted back to the east side of the hospital. Luckily I ran into one of the nurses that has been so helpful since we came to our new vacation spot. She ran right with me and got me into the Fort Knox that is ultrasound... Just in time!!!

I could see the concern on JJ's face and I did what I could to calm her and keep her from looking at the procedure. Granted I didn't feel the pain and pressure, but I witnessed it up close and personal, and I tell you, JJ is freakin' awesome! I'm no wimpy white boy but damn, they would have needed to tie me down. One glimpse at that bad boy needle coming at me and it would have hit the fan... No way I would have been up for that. (Not to scare anyone who may have this on the roster for future endeavours, but holy crap...) if I did, my bad...

Finally the procedure is over and we head back to the room. Let me interject with how dark it is in these ultrasound rooms... Our ultrasound tech was nice but once we got out into the light of the hallway, I was caught staring... chicky had her eyebrows drawn on... Seemingly with a thick permanent marker. I know this is no big deal, but these resembled furry caterpillars that were navy blue. An obvious shade navy blue!?!?! Completely natural looking... for smurfs... Regardless of Smurfette and her new eye-do, we get back to the room and JJ is in serious pain. The nurses assured us, that this was all natural and gave some pain meds to calm her nerves.

Finally, at 6:30 this evening, we get some results. Little Ron showed that his lung capacity and maturity measured out to a 28.6 where the docs like to see at least a measurement of 40 before they are comfortable with delivery. JJ was devastated. I reminded her how fragile these little people are and how each day in the womb makes him stronger. And please believe we BOTH know that this extra time just makes Ron stronger--but the best way JJ describes how it is for her: It's not like being the hospital to get well when you are sick; each day is getting harder for her as she experiences more pain and the threat of heavier bleeding. We had a good hug session and talked out our options. Though, not the results we wanted, we are both thankful that these test exist and that little man is doing well in his current habitat. We hope to have a good chat with our doctor in the AM.

We both want to thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, comments, and gifts through this time. All of these mean more than the world.

-Mook out-

71 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry the results didn't come back with a higher level. But that is what the test is for, right? It sounds like your doctor is on top of things and is guiding you toward making the best decisions for all three of you. Tell JJ to hang in there. It must be really scary, but she is being so brave for Ron.

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  2. I am so sorry that the results did not come back higher for your two, well, three. I know it must be terrifying- either way.

    It's not fair but you two have come such a loooong way. Hang in there with Ron and as always sending ~love and prayers~ for the safest delivery possible-- and of course comfort for you JJ.

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  3. I wish the results could have been different.

    JJ - in a few days, they will be.

    And Mook - I heart you. Your eyebrow story is priceless.

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  4. At least you know now that Ron needs to bake awhile longer. With Quinn, we found out later, after he was born. And that's something you surely don't want to do. I realize this is easy for me to say, especially since I'm not the one sitting in the hospital with a sore butt and back. But hang in there. Lots of people in your computer are thinking about you and praying for a safe and happy delivery for you and Ron.

    Mook, smurfs??? Really??? Too bad you couldn't have just snapped a picture of her on your phone for posterity.

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  5. I'm sorry that the results were less than fabulous.

    lol at the blue eyebrows. And "mook out" made me chuckle too.

    Thinking of you. Prayers and hugs your way. Hang in there.

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  6. Mook - thanks for the update - hang in there, you've been through so much all of you. Thinking of you and wish I had something to say that would help

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  7. Thanks Mook for the update!

    I am sorry the results were not what you guys wanted, but it does sound like everything is still going well.

    Just hang in there! You guys know it is worth it. It will be and all this pain and agony will be so worth it.

    Love your descriptions Mook. You should have your own guest blog segment...maybe every Wednesday! :-)

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  8. Mook needs a BLOG! Smurfette! I snorted up my drink! Honest to goodness pure entertainment

    I know you are taking sweet care of JJ for us. Sending you warm and sunny thoughts. a Few more days and Ron will be all the more mature. Hang in there

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  9. Mook: thanks for the update!

    JJ: I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time. Hang in there and know I'm thinking of you.

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  10. I am sorry to hear that Ron is not ready.... I can't even imagine how hard and painful this waiting must be. I said you were strong JJ, and I'm even more convinced of that now. You & Ron will be in my prayers. I know in the end everything will be fine, but it sounds like the wait is excruciating.

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  11. Thank you for the update. Sorry the results were not what you wanted but I am so glad you decided to go through with the amnio so you know that Ron should cook a little longer.


    The eyebrow story was hysterical!

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  12. Thank you for the update Mook!

    I hope the pain gets no worse. Keep up the good fight! (((hugs)))

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  13. Mook-
    If I'm not mistaken, I may be close by. If y'all need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. I am just an email away and I will send the cell number.

    Hang in there you three!
    Katrina

    klfrye AT nc DOT rr DOT com

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  14. glad they are at least keeping very watchful eyes on both jj and ron. you know every day is a blessing.

    and you're right, those needles look really scary!

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  15. I am sorry JJ is in such pain. I pray that she will find some relief and that Ron will enter this world without any drama whatsoever. The medical care that you are receiving sounds excellent. Hugs to all of you and God bless!

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  16. Thanks for the update Mook! I'm sorry that the results didn't show that he was all ready but they will show it soon. Hang in there, I hope the pain is bearable and that soon he'll be here.

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  17. I'm sorry that the results were not what you were hoping for. In just a few short days they will be. Hang tough mama!

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  18. I'm so sorry that this is so hard for you guys, the unfairness of it all just males me want to weep. It's hard but at least you know now and one day at a time will do it, I'm sure that your wonderful doctors will help you make a decision that is safe you both JJ and Ron. Please give JJ a huge hug for me Mook, I wish I could do it in person but please know that you are in my prayers.

    Much love xxx

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  19. Sending my thoughts and prayers to JJ, Mook, & Baby Ron. I'm sorry they day was so rough for you both. Praying for Ron's system to develop quickly so that he will be strong & healthy when he does make his much awaited arrival.

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  20. I hope that the pain has lessened by now. Hoping Ron continues maturing and that y'all hang in there. What a journey this is!

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  21. Clearly you have made a nice cozy home for Ron in your belly even despite the previa and it seems like he just needs to keep cooking for a bit longer.

    I know it doesn't feel like it, but you're doing great! I know your butt hurts, you're scared, frustrated, exhausted, in pain and just ready for good answers and ready to get home with a healthy baby boy and get your life back. But despite all of that, you are still getting through your days with your hubby beside you and your son growing at his own pace inside you. I know you probably don't feel like it, but you should be proud of yourself. Ron is doing well right where he is and that is priority #1 for now.

    If I could, I'd bring you some warm LA sunshine and an ocean breeze on your face to try and bring you some happy thoughts, but for now you will just have to try and imagine it.

    Hang in there!!

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  22. Hi Mook - thanks for keeping us updated and providing the OJ/Smurf visuals. And it doesn't surprise me that JJ faced down the needle like that...from reading her story I can definitely tell what strength she has.

    I'm so sorry to hear that the test results didn't provide the comfort that I know you all need so badly. I'm keeping all 3 of you in my thoughts.

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  23. Thank you so much for the update. Let's hope little Ron gets ready to make his much anticipated debut soon!

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  24. Thanks for the update Mook! I love the visual of you running through the hospital like OJ!

    JJ I am so sorry you had such a rough day. Ron must really like it in there!

    We're keeping all of you in our prayers! xxxx

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  25. I'm glad Ron is doing ok where he is, but this must have been disappointing news anyway. JJ, you are so brave, and you are being a warrior for your baby. I'm praying for all of you.

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  26. So sorry Ron can't make his appearance now. But he needs to incubate a little bit longer to make it easier on him and his little body. ((HUGS))

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  27. Guys, I'm so sorry the results were not what you were hoping them to be. I know this is not the ideal situation, but you are right that the longer he does stay in there the better off he will be. Your wife is a real trooper!

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  28. I'm so sorry Ron isn't ready for his big debut. I hope he continues to grow big and strong and am sending you both lots of love and prayers as you hang in there. XOXO

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  29. "Smurfette" made me LOL! Too funny.
    This has got to be trying on you both. You are both so much in my thoughts and prayers.

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  30. Thanks for the update Mook!
    I can't imagine how hard this is for her, she is so strong.

    Hang in there JJ. Just think, after you conquer this the teenage years won't seem so daunting, right?!

    Maybe that is why Smurfette choose a "dark" occupation?

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  31. Thank you for the update! Thinking of you all! ((HUGS))

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  32. Gah, blogger ate my comment. :(

    Thinking of you all the time. Very soon Ron will be able to show you how strong his lungs really are as he comes screaming into the world! *hugs*!

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  33. I know 28 seems so far away from 40. But one nurse told me while on bedrest that you need to look at it like this -- each day inside your belly is worth 3 days of NICU time. So even if Ron only stays another couple days, it is worth nearly a week of saved NICU time.

    Hang in there.

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  34. Thanks for the update Mook. I'm sorry the results weren't as high as they would have liked. Hang tight and know that we're all thinking of you three. This too shall pass!

    And the smurf story - HILARIOUS!

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  35. I'm sorry things didn't go quite as you had hoped. I know this is really hard for you and I am sending you hugs.

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  36. You are in the best place for you right now. I know that doesn't make these results any easier, but take comfort in the fact that you are safe and sound at.this.moment. Each one that passes makes Ron stronger. I'm sorry, and it probably doesn't mean much, but hang in there. Lots of people thinking about you guys.

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  37. ugh. I'm keeping you in my thouhts!

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  38. JJ, I just wanted to let you know I've followed you from the beginning and you are in my thoughts and prayers. I can’t wait to finally meet “Ron!”

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  39. I'm sorry that Ron's only up to medium well so far instead of well done. He'll get there soon. We are pulling for you!

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  40. Also, my comment verification was Arson Cat and that was so weird I had to share it. I have mental pictures of a kitten running around with a lighter, setting things on fire.

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  41. I'm sorry there have been so many challenges in this pregnancy. I wish it could be easy and wonderful. This DOES mean that the rest of your lives will be easy and wonderful and that he'll potty train in one session though, right? Seriously, hoping that everything is smooth sailing from here on out. Sending you good wishes from Washington!

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  42. Sending you all my best wishes. Thanks for the update, and I'm sorry it didn't go as you had hoped. The three of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

    [hugs]

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  43. I can so relate to the stress of prenatal hospital stay, when mom would be helped by delivery but baby might be hurt by it. This was my situation with threat of pre-eclampsia. I can imagine JJ's life so vividly right now and my heart goes out to all 3 of you so much. It's terrifying and stressful. It's so wonderful that you have each other and it sounds like really good care. Am keeping close tabs on you and you're all very much in my thoughts these days.

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  44. Praying that both JJ and Ron hang in there for the needed time.

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  45. Mook - you are a funny guy. I nearly spit coffee onto my computer...Smurfette!!

    Hang in there, JJ, you rock. Give Ron a few more days to let them lungs cook. We here in internet-land have everything crossed for the three of you.

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  46. I know this is hard, but you guys have overcome so much. You are the heroes that I aspire to be! Hang in there.

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  47. Thanks for the update, Mook. Good job.
    I am sorry that the results did not show lung maturity for little Ron and that that means longer pain and discomfort for JJ.
    Hang in there!
    jp

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  48. Sorry to hear that the results werent what you wanted.

    All three of you are in my thoughts.

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  49. I'm sorry the news wasn't more encouraging. I'm glad you're getting good care. Hang in there and be strong for each other until Ron gets here safe and sound!

    Navy blue eyebrows? What is she thinking?

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  50. You're all in my thoughts, tell JJ to hang in there...she's a strong woman, she can do it!

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  51. Apparently Ron really likes his cozy baby apartment right now! Sorry that you didn't get the results we were all hoping for. I guess Ron will appear when he's good and ready!
    Wish you were in less pain, JJ--what a bummer. Hang in there.

    Uh, Mook? You made me spit water all over my computer with the navy eyebrows visual. Too funny!

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  52. So sorry that things didn't turn out the way you wanted. Hang in there, and I'll be thinking of you.

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  53. just hoping for good news and the wait is bearable.

    And just be thankful you don't have drawn on blue eyebrows. Although, maybe that would pass some time in the hospital!

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  54. in a matter of weeks this time that is so incredibly stressful and probably dragging so slowly right now is going to seem to have flown by. can't wait to meet little ron!

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  55. We are rooting for you from the Santa Cruz mountains....I am so so sorry to have little man bakin causes you so much pain. But him roasting away is a good think. You are such an amazing Mom already doing such a great Mom job. You go girl!
    I will be out of town this weekend but I will be thinking of you. While I would love for you to deliver on my birthday (31) or my DH's (1) uh NO! You need to stay put little Ron, stay put.

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  56. Oh, darnit. I'm sorry the results weren't what you wanted and glad that JJ is, you know, in the hospital as she needs to be though sorry she needs to be there.

    Here's hoping Ron can keep cooking safely for a bit longer, and wishing JJ and Mook strength to hold on while he does.

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  57. Good job at being braver than Mook, JJ:-) But good job at Mook for making us all giggle at the eyebrow story.

    Both of you hang in there. You're doing great and there are tons of prayers being sent up for you.

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  58. Major hugs! SOON you will hold your little man in your arms with a nice glass of wine in the other hand. Can you tell where my brain has been all week? Truly sending hugs and prayers!

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  59. So sorry the numbers aren't better, but I know you're tough as nails, JJ. One badass mama! Ron will get bigger and stronger every day. Hang in there, friend.

    Mook - My DH had a hernia repair in 2002. His last thought before they turned the lights out via the happy little mask was, "Damn, that woman has some bushy eyebrows. Wait. It's not even two separate eyebrows... It's an.. EYESbrow.

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  60. Thank you for the update Mook. I'm glad you were there with JJ:-) I'm keeping you all in my prayers.

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  61. Dang.

    Just hope Ron keeps growing and strengthening for the big arrival, whenever that may be.

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  62. I'm so sorry the results were not as good as you both would have liked.

    Praying and thinking about the three of you...

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  63. I agree with Farah, Mook needs a blog. You and JJ are perfect for eac hother. Hang in there a litlle longer guys. Soon little Ron will be ready. Hugs for both of you

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  64. Mook, you're a treasure. JJ has a great partner. I'm sorry the results weren't different and that JJ has gone through so much pain. I hope that Ron gets his business in order pretty soon so that you an all begin your sweet life as a threesome.

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  65. I am so sorry the results weren't the best. You are all in my thoughts!

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  66. Just catching up on what's been going on with you and little Ron...sorry about the amnio results, BUT you're doing a great job, and each day longer for Ron to cook is even longer for him to become big and strong. This last leg of the pregnancy journey sucks. And you're stuck in an environment which isn't exactly homey. Keep your eyes on the prize...soon you'll have little Ron in your arms! Sending you tons of good thoughts and prayers.

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  67. Ugh-sorry to hear things are going so rough. Will be praying for a healthy baby and healthy (and soon pain free!) mom.

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  68. Hoping you are feeling better JJ. I'm sure that wasn't the number you both were looking for. Hope your chat with your doctor went well. Take care and I'm still thinking about you 3 often.

    Very soon!

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  69. Hi JJ,

    I hope all of you are doing well.
    When you or Mook gets a chance maybe you can give your cyber friends a very quick update - it's
    been 3 days and we are anxiously
    awaiting how you are doing!!!
    Sending positive thoughts your way!

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