Want to know something that doctors and nurses take pretty seriously? Leaking fluids while pregnant. This may be TMI- but hey- this is my website. So here goes…
Yesterday I became increasingly concerned about some weird leaking I was experiencing, and when I called the doctor I was first told, “don’t worry,” then “well, we should do a test,” and then, “go to labor and delivery, NOW!” So I called John and then my Mom and we all headed over to the hospital. It wasn’t until we had almost gotten there that I realised that if I were leaking something vital…I wouldn’t be leaving. I’m not sure they can just stop your water from breaking when it’s started…Well, John had grabbed the mail on his way to pick me up at work, which included a package I ordered containing a pair of nursing pj’s. I sat in the front seat and thought to myself, “If this plastic package constitutes my hospital bag, I’m going to be pissy.”
We got up to the room, which was even nicer than the LAST time we had to go to labor and delivery, and started the checks. Well…quicker than I knew what was happening a happy little mountain view room became a human torture chamber/human jiffy lube. The bed was broken away, interestingly angled ceiling lights turned on, and scary tools used on parts of my body I didn’t know I had. It was scary, it was a little traumatizing, and although I didn’t cry…I really really wanted to. In the end we found out that both Camper and I are fine. Which was good. And the nurses were really, really nice, which was good. But I came home just…terrified. Not ready for birth at all. And I could see that John was shaken up a bit, too. It was emotional, but a day later I think we’re both doing better. It’s probably better than we know a bit what to expect. And honestly…I can do this. I know I can- even though it is possibly the scariest thing I’ve ever, ever had to do. The only thing worse than laying there on your back attached to a bed with all your most private parts out there for the world to investigate is seeing the faces of your loved ones as they’re not really sure where to look, what to do, or how to react. It just all happened so FAST. Again…probably good to have a trial run.
So last night I had to kind of…remember…what all this is for. I was up most the night because Camper decided to practice for the opening ceremony of the Olympics whilst still in utero…and I just laid and felt him kick around and thought about him. We also put together his play yard- which was the last thing we had in a box waiting to be put together. I just felt him living inside of me and looked at the things we have prepared for him to come, and willed myself to be braver than I am. Sometimes the joy just takes over, but every so often the fear comes, too. Tis natural I guess. But we will have a son. That is the most important part.
As for the rest of me and how I’m feeling lately…I think the prednisone is really helping my stomach, which is good. The iron is making me a little little bit sick- but nothing like I thought it would be. I seem to be tolerating it rather well. I have enough energy to work a little more than half days, I can go swimming and get some exercise…and yeah…thanks to my Mom and John everything else seems to be taken care of. As long as I can stay out of the stirrups for another month or so…I’ll be happy.
You will be braver than you can imagine when the time comes. You’ll just be so happy he is finally here! Oh, and if you didn’t already know it, you have already been very brave! I am sending you a package, something I had for Kayla that always made me think of you while you were on your mission. I love you and I am glad you are feeling better.