Week 24

First Milestone: Week 24

This week came with many mixed emotions. We feel a sense of relief for reaching our first milestone but know it is just one stop in a long journey. As we are processing and praying we have decided that we will post a weekly update on Sundays. This allows us to give you a summary of the week instead of every up and down (because there are many). We love that you are invested in this journey with us and have felt your prayers and support over the past 11 days. 

We started the morning off with a sparkling cider toast to celebrate our  first milestone and praying for many more. We then celebrated week 24 by Abby's family bringing us lunch in the gardens at the hospital. Abby was so excited to take her first trip outside in 11 days. 

Maggie, Max, and Miller Update

As of 24 weeks all babies are looking great. Maggie weighs in at 1 pound 2 ounces, Max weighs 1 pound 4 ounces and Miller weighs 1 pound 3 ounces. Our daily heart tone checks have all sounded great and all doctors assure us that as of  now the babies are not in distress. Babies have been very active the past couple of days; especially Ms. Maggie:) Maggie is no longer head down and she just finds whatever position is most comfortable for her. 

On Wednesday we will receive another ultra-sound and weights to learn more about their progress. 

Abby's Thoughts

Where do  I begin? I have honestly thought about what I would write and every day it's different. Each new day comes with new emotions, heartache, but also celebrations. Some days are full of laughter and others are full of tears. I have had to "remove" myself a little from the numbers. I started to find myself having anxiety over cervical lengths, heart tones, contractions counts, baby weights, and much more. My Specialist decided to not check my cervix weekly  because he said that it would just add to my anxiety. The doctors have told me, "Abby, you are petite and pregnant with triplets. Your cervix is going to shorten and you are going to have contractions. There is no need for you to be worried about the numbers." This was a sense of relief for me. From now on, once a week they won't measure the cervix they will just check for dilation.

The nursing staff has been AMAZING at the hospital. As I spend most days by myself, they have shared stories, encouraged me, and prayed with me. I know God has chosen this amazing staff and I am beyond blessed. The doctor comes in once a day to check in and ask for any updates. Updates are daily :). In the past 11 days, I have had four really great days in a row! The doctors are still encouraged and keep telling me we are in the "yellow" zone. The doctors will start setting two week milestone goals, but each new day is a win for me and I will celebrate each one. Some of you have asked if I will get to go home or what the ultimate "milestone" would be...I will be in the hospital on bed rest until the birth of the babies and the milestone the doctors will do everything in their power to reach is week 30. 

Emotionally I haven't felt alone which is crazy to me. I also haven't felt defeated or angry. I mostly find myself still trying to control the situation. I want to know exactly what to do to be the "best" bed rest patient. My doctors have told me over and over again that there is no secret. All I have to do is lay here. Lay here? AHHH!!!! If you know me you know this is DEAD opposite of my personality. This season has taken the verse, Exodus 14:14 to a whole new level, " The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Ouch. There is seriously nothing I can do but be still. I am trying but it's dang hard. Please pray for contentment to be still. 

Ryan's Thoughts

This has been a long week. Waking up each day for work and having to leave your wife in a hospital bed is a hard thing to do. Sitting at school trying to be present when your mind drifts to room 18 and hoping that everything is alright makes the day drag on. As we reach our first milestone of 24 weeks I am excited and relieved to have made it here. When Abby was put on bed rest and the doctors told us that we needed to make it one week for our babies to be viable it made a week feel like a year. But we made it. 

Monday night was the hardest night. Abby was having consistent contractions and had to be put on magnesium. The magnesium did not kick in until after midnight and going to school the next day was difficult. But shout out to Mrs. Brown for sticking it out with us too. The rest of the week consisted of mentoring after school and being at the hospital with Abby. Sleeping on a couch with nurses coming in through the night has been an adjustment, but I am getting used to it. Energy has been in short supply and I admittedly have been a little cranky at times. Abby and others have told me to make sure I am taking care of myself because I can't be there for Abby is if I am not looking after me. I did take a short break and sleep at home Friday and Abby's mom stayed the night at the hospital.

I continue to be amazed by Abby's strength and resolve. Her entire focus is on Maggie, Max, and Miller and these kids don't even realize the great mother they have. It has been a scary week and an emotional one for me. I don't like being away at work and I tend to worry, but I take comfort in knowing that the community God has provided us with has stepped up and Abby has rarely been alone. I know this will be a long road and we have just begun, but we serve an awesome God that provides comfort (and energy) when I most need it. I can't wait to meet you Maggie, Max and Miller. You are already loved by so many.

Praises/Prayers

Praise God for all the calls, texts, cards, and visits.

Praise for Week 24!

Praise that all babies are still healthy.

Prayers for Ryan's last 8 days.

Prayers for our next ultrasound, Wednesday May 17th.

Prayers that Abby will rest and be able to calm down.

Prayers that God will be known through this journey. 

-Ryan and Abby