New Address for Christmas and Beyond?!?!

As of Sunday evening, Joelee now resides at Spectrum Butterworth hospital.

Joelee was feeling pressure and back pain most of the day on Sunday, which we figured was a side effect of the steroid shots from Thursday and Friday. Around 6:00pm on Sunday we called Dr. Jelsema to find out what we should do. He instructed us to go to the ER for an evaluation.

During the evaluation, they did another ultrasound to see how the babies were doing. Immediately, Joelee and I noticed that the babies were much lower than all previous exams. Everything looked fine for the babies and they continue to have strong heart rates. However, they looked to measure Joelee’s cervix and realized it was open. She was dilated (about 3-4 cm’s) so they admitted us to the Labor and Delivery unit.

They started Joelee on Magnesium Sulfate to relax her muscles and reduce any contractions she was having. This basically was an attempt to buy as much time as possible….as everyday counts!

As of Monday morning, the contractions stabilized and they moved Joelee to the maternity floor for further monitoring. They continued to keep her on the Magnesium Sulfate as a pre-caution. Dr. J made a visit in the morning to discuss what’s going on with the pregnancy and what the next steps are. He wants Joelee to remain in the hospital for the remainder of this pregnancy, which we all hope is for a long time. He explained what we could expect if things continue to progress and need to deliver the babies much sooner than we would like.

In the afternoon, a doctor from the NICU visited Joelee. He explained what we could expect with a pre-term delivery between 23 and 25 weeks. During this time period; the babies typically do not have fully developed eyes, brain, lungs, and the ability to eat. Everyday counts to assist this development!

Quin made her first visit to the hospital in the evening to see Joelee. She was so excited to see “mommy” and was talking about her all day. In typical Quin fashion, she found the hospital room to be a perfect dance floor. After some dinner and fun with mommy it was time to go, but not without a few kisses for “mommy and the babies”.

When I arrived this morning to see Joelee, they had just taken her off the Magnesium Sulfate and are no longer continuously monitoring her for contractions. This is HUGE news….as things have once again stabilized for her and the babies. Dr J does not want to keep her on the MS if it not necessary, as it does have some side effects.

We remain positive and realize how blessed we are. We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers - as this, along with our faith, gets us through each day!

I will do my best to keep this blog updated daily or weekly depending on how things are going.
Jason