What a Weekend!!

Patrick and I had an eventful weekend, to say the least!

I have been SO busy with school the last six weeks - working 65-75 hours a week, on my feet all day long. Saturday, when I got off of work, I was so excited to have Saturday night and all of Sunday off!

On Saturday evening, something just didn't feel right. I was super, super tired. We had planned on going over to some friends houses, but decided to get take-out and go home instead. When we got home, our friends Emily and Matt decided to stop by. While they were over, I started hurting, like a lot! I tried laying in bed and going to sleep, but that was impossible. I was cramping, and they were extending around my back. After spending 4 weeks on the labor hall in January for school, I knew what these were. They were contractions!!!

So we started timing them. They were regular and consistent, coming about 6 minutes apart. This is where we started FREAKING out!! Thinking - "I am 32 weeks pregnant. My baby weighs 3.5 pounds! I can't have my baby this weekend!!"

We drove to the hospital immediately. Didn't call the doctor, didn't pack a bag, didn't even think...just drove. By the time we got to the hospital, my contractions were 2-3 minutes apart.

When we got there, I was immediately started on IV fluids. We hoped that it was simply dehydration causing these contractions. The fluids didn't work.

Then I got a shot of terbutaline. Terbutaline is a drug that stops contractions. And makes you feel like you have had about 6 cups of double shot coffee. It's awful! But...praise the lord...it worked. Usually, they will give you 3 shots before they start working you up for labor. Luckily, I only needed 1.

After my shot, I went an hour without having another contraction. So they sent us home.

I woke up Sunday morning, still feeling a little crampy. So I drank A LOT of water. Really, a lot is an understatement. I probably had about 8 liters throughout the course of the day. And it really did help. I didn't feel anything at all. Until Sunday night. I started having contractions again. This time they were further apart and less strong. But, they were regular. So I called the doctor, and he had us go into the hospital.

We took our time before we left. I took a bath to try and relax. Patrick packed a bag. Bless his sweet heart, he asked if we should bring the carseat. I knew that if Declan came, he would not be going home with us anytime soon, so I told him we wouldn't need the carseat yet!

Once we got to the hospital, they put me on IV fluids. This time the fluids worked. No terbutaline needed! But they still wanted to check my cervix - it was closed! I was officially not in "real labor." After an hour of no contractions, and another cervix check, they sent us home.

Today, other than being exhausted from being at the hospital the last two nights, I am feeling much better. I haven't had a contraction all day. I went to my doctor today, and she said this is all probably from the stress I have been putting on my body at school. She did not put me on bedrest, but did say I was going to have to drink a lot of water and be a "lazy med student" for the next 6 weeks. She also gave me some medicine to take at home if I am getting regular contractions again.

While this weekend was the scariest I've ever had, I am thankful for the experience. I now know what to expect when I actually go into labor. I know that I am married to the most supportive man I could ever hope for. I know that no matter what happens, we will get through it!

My Little Miracle: 30 Weeks

How far along? 30 weeks

Baby's size? 18 inches, 3.2 lbs

Weight gain? 24 lbs

Sleep? Still ok! Going to sleep can sometimes be difficult because I'm so sore, and I often feel like I can't breathe, but once I'm asleep, I sleep fine. I do have weird dreams, though!

Foods I am loving? Ice, clementines (I eat like 5 a day), cupcakes

Foods I am hating? Nothing!

Best moment this week? Watching my belly move when he's moving around in there

Symptoms? Rib pain - OMG, it hurts sooo bad! Shortness of breath. Multiple trips to the bathroom.

Gender? A sweet baby Declan

What I miss? Right now, I'd love to just go for a run. However, since I haven't been working out through this pregnancy, I can't just jump out there and do it.

What I'm looking forward to? Meeting this little boy in 10 weeks!!

Emotions: Stressed about school, but so happy to have this little ray of sunshine in my life!