10 Things I've Learned While On Bed Rest

Well, I'm going on my 41st day of bed rest and my 28th day on hospital bed rest.  Let's just say I'm becoming a PRO at this and these are a few things I've learned along the way...

1.  Bedrails are a SAVIOR when you are 26 weeks pregnant with triplets.  I really don't know how I would roll over or sit up without them.  Pathetic, I know, but at least they are helping keep my upper body strength while my abs waste away.

2.  I don't really have as much free time as I thought I would.  With all of the nurses, aids, meals, visitors, and baby monitoring... there is not much time left for me to check off all of those things on my "Bed rest To Do List".  Plus, I get tired really easily so just getting a little nap here and there takes up time as well.

3.  Back jets in a shower are AMAZING!  When I sit down to shower, I continuously get a flow of hot water on my back and that is a definite perk when trying to shower sitting down.  May seem something silly to eww and awe over but sometimes just getting up to get in the shower is the highlight of my day.  I love those back jets!

4.  If someone offers to bring you food, take up the offer!  After being here for almost 4 weeks, I've grown a little less fond of the hospital food.  They surprise you here and there, but after you eat eggs for almost every breakfast, they can get boring and gross.  Its always nice to get an outside meal to remind myself what I'm missing outside this hospital room I'll be fortunate enough to have again once these baby girls make their presence in this world.

5.  Your nice firm muscles that you have had all your life will turn to mush.  Yes, I'm mushy... all over.  No exercise + eating whatever I want = untoned, flabby, mush.  I do some stretches and theraband exercises but definitely not enough to make up for the couch potatoe lifestyle I'm living.  Don't get me wrong... I'm really good at being lazy, but it is frustrating to watch my muscles go bye-bye.

6.  Chapstick and lotion are must-haves in the hospital.  And make sure they are within reach.  Nothing worse than chapped lips and seeing the chapstick across the room, yet you can't get up to get it.

7.  Game shows make me envious.  At 10 AM its The Price Is Right, 6:30 PM is Wheel of Fortune, and sometimes in between I'll catch Let's Make a Deal.  It would be so awesome to be on a gameshow but what I'm most envious about are the vacations they are giving away.  If you know Brian and I, you know we love to travel.  I'd give up traveling forever for these girls, but when they show the resorts with the crystal clear water, it just makes me want to walk right outta here and jump on the next plane.  I've got the travel-bug.  But I suppose right now I'd trade traveling to an exotic place for just getting some fresh air downstairs...

8.  I've learned that DVR at home spoiled me.  Having to watch TV live and only being able to use the TV Guide channel to see what is on is almost TORTURE.  It seems like I only turn on the tv now if I know a show is on a certain channel.  Otherwise, I watch shows on my Kindle.

9.  Take advantage of any time you are allowed out of the room.  I was able to go to "Bed Rest Boogie Break" a couple weeks ago which allowed me to go in the wheelchair down the hall to the Great Room.  I got to meet other Moms-to-be and do some crafty things.  Also, just getting wheeled out to get an ultrasound could be the highlight of my day.

10.  Follow the doctor's orders.  I'm here for a reason... to create and grow beautiful baby girls.  Gestating is my job and I will follow the 'rules' if it means having healthy babies.  I stay in bed and only get up to use the restroom or shower.  I know I control the destiny for our babies right now and I want to give them the best opportunities I can.  I love them :)