Beating Bed Rest

Not to brag, but I have to say I was a champ when it came to bed rest.  I followed the doctor's orders, only got up to use the restroom and shower, didn't cry or b*tch to the nurses, and was a generally nice person to be around (so they tell me) even though I was carrying 3 babies in my little body.  I kept my self occupied with making photo books, watching TV, writing thank you notes, and reading books about how to raise babies. 

 

Something I was lacking was a humorous, yet informative, book about what I was experiencing at that exact time.  Something to tell me others were experiencing the same things as I was, but with a tad of humor to help get me through it all.  This something now exists and it is called "Beating Bed Rest" by Angela Bickford.  I was fortunate enough to have Angela come visit me while I was in the hospital.  A stranger at the time, but someone who had experienced what I was going through. She too had a triplet pregnancy and was on bed rest in the hospital a couple of years prior to me.  She brought me a gift from the multiples group I am apart of and visited a second time where I got to meet her wonderful family.

 

A couple of months ago she contacted me for help on this new book she wanted to write to help women get through bed rest.  In the midst of dirty diapers and no sleep I managed to give her a little input.  She is releasing her e-book "Beating Bed Rest" on September 15 and guess who made the cover??? 

Yep, that would be me!

 

 

 So, if you are currently preggo, want to become pregnant, are on bed rest, or just want a clever and funny read head over to Angela's website to pre-order your copy of "Beating Bed Rest".  By pre-ordering you will also receive a free printable and a free personal note from the author. 

 

Bed rest was a tough 3 months of my life.  Although, there were some lows, you have to have a sense of humor to make it through.  This book would have made me smile and possibly helped me get through one of those rough days.  I highly recommend it.  Enjoy!

 

 

“It got to the point where I swore if I sneezed, that was it; my water would break and the baby would be halfway out.” ~Rachel W.

 



Bump Day: Week 40

How far along? 40 weeks... and the girls are 5 and a half weeks old.

Sleep? Ha Ha... Actually we are getting more sleep than expected thanks to grandparents :)  Definitely still sleep deprived though.

Maternity Clothes? Somewhat.  I'm still shrinking so I need a little extra room in my clothes.
 

Stretch Marks? Yep.  I'll thank the girls for them when they are older.

Best Moment this week?  Cuddling my girls.  I'm so lucky I get to hold a baby whenever I want.

Miss Anything?  Its so nice to be home.  Not much to miss now.

Movement? I sure hope not... that would be very scary.

Size of the Babies? Three Watermelons! Can you imagine if I was still pregnant, yikes!
Samantha: 7 lbs 1.5 oz
Taylor: High 6 lbs
Mallory: 7 lbs
They are growing way too fast.

Food Cravings? Chocolate and sweets... having more cravings than when I was pregnant.  I guess I actually have room for food now.

Morning Sickness? No.

Gender? Three girls.

Bed Rest? No, 14 weeks was enough of that.

Limitations?  Nope, no more restrictions.  However, I'm still very weak, but lifting these babies is helping with that.

Labor Signs? No more.
 

Weight Gain? 13 pounds.  And it is still coming off.

Pregnancy Symptoms?  No more here.

Belly Button In or Out? In.

Wedding Rings On or Off?  A little snug still but I can definitely wear them again.

Mood?  Happy and tired.  Every time I look at one of their faces, I can't help but smile.

Looking Forward To?  Getting some more continuous sleep.  It might be a while before this happens though.

What Brian is Saying: "I love my girls".

Bump Photo:

 

Welcome Patterson Triplets

Brian and I are pleased to announce the arrival of our 3 baby girls on June 7, 2013.

 

Samantha Elizabeth Patterson
8:05 AM

4 lbs 6 oz

17 1/4 in
 

  

Taylor Rene Patterson
8:05 AM

4 lbs 8 oz

17 1/4 in
 

 

Mallory Ann Patterson
8:06 AM

4 lbs 3 oz

17 1/4 in

We are so in love and spending as much time as we can with them right now.  They are in the NICU but doing so much better than we ever expected.  Soon I will post their birth story and update on their NICU status.  For now we are soaking up every minute we can with them. 
 

Me right before the Delivery on Friday morning.  I know I look huge but I still can't believe all three of them fit inside of me.
 

 

Our first family photo together.

 

 

I'm being discharged tonight.  Twelve total weeks in the hospital.  This will be such a bittersweet moment... I can't wait to go home for the first time but to leave my girls here in the hospital will be very difficult. 

 

Thanks for all of the support throughout my pregnancy.  I feel so fortunate to have so many friends, family members, and complete strangers encourage me through this journey.  That definitely helped me make it through this whole experience which ultimately gave my girls the best opportunities for a healthy delivery and a start to their wonderful lives.  Thank you!

 

Last Day as a Family of Two

Well... tomorrow is the big day.  It has been a long journey for us during this pregnancy, and even though I am delivering 5 weeks earlier than a singleton pregnancy, it feels like I have been pregnant for a LONG time.  I am so thankful for the support of my husband and family through all of this.  Over 2 and a half months in a hospital room can get to ya, but I've managed to 'accept' it with everyone's love surrounding me... From the tons of visitors, to the nurses, to the volunteers and strangers that send nice things, to the Chicken telegrams (Don't know what I'm talking about?  See here)... it has all helped me stay sane.  I thank everyone for that.

Tomorrow I become a Mom.  A MOM.  Wow.  I can't believe it.  Brian and I are so ready to be parents and at the same time, so not ready.  Can you ever be fully prepared?  Like did we read enough books, do we have enough stuff, are they going to be healthy?  I figure every soon-to-be parent feels this way.

Right now, I just look forward to seeing their faces for the first time and touching their little hands.  I can't wait to name them and start seeing their personalities outside of my pregnant belly.  I look forward to braiding their hair, watching their first steps, hearing their first words, going shopping with them, and watching them succeed.  I know Brian looks forward to teaching them things.  He loves to share his knowledge and he can't wait for them to soak everything up.

We have looked forward to this day for a very long time.  I would say that 3 weeks ago, I was super nervous about having surgery... but now, I feel more prepared for the surgery.  Maybe its because I'm ready to not be preggo anymore or maybe its because I've had plenty of time here laying in bed to think about it.  I've asked my nurses and doctors all the questions so I feel like I'm pretty educated on the procedure.

We are getting down to the last hours.  Our lives are about to change forever and I couldn't be happier about it.  I know parenthood comes with its difficulties and sleepless nights (especially with TRIPLETS!) but I have no doubt that Brian and I can handle it.  We are so grateful for our friends and family offering their help in this crazy journey we are about to embark on.  We are ready to expand our "Team".
 

A few statistics from my stay here at the hospital:

 

  3... Number of babies I grew in my belly

13... Pounds of babies I am carrying right now

12... Baby limbs wiggling around in my stomach

44... Number of visitors I have had at the hospital

80... Number of nights I've slept in the hospital

52... Pounds that I have gained during pregnancy (33 lbs since I've been in the hospital)
50... Miles round trip Brian drives to the hospital (He averaged coming 5 times per week)

49... Inches around my waist

6... Sticks for an IV

5... Holidays/Events I've spent in the hospital (Easter, Our 5th year Anniversary, Brian's 30th birthday, Mother's Day, Memorial Day)

4... Days until I get to go HOME!

 

The next post on my blog will be the announcement of our girls.  But for now, I leave you with a collage of my "transformation" over the past 7 months.  Wow, I've changed.

The Freeaakinnnn' Chiiiiickeennn!

I have received many cards, gifts, and nice words since being on bed rest.  However, nothing quite compares to this gift I received a few weeks ago.  Enjoy!

 

 

This "gift" was from a good college friends of ours.  You can take a visit to his blog at Cooking with Nester.  I hope you enjoy his sense of humor.



My Typical Day on Bed Rest

I figured since I have spent so many days on bed rest that I would educate those that are interested or that are going to be on bed rest soon how it all works... at least for me.  Things have changed daily and weekly but this is currently my schedule.

 

5:30 AM: Nurse comes in to give me medication and monitor babies and contractions for 1

                hour.  Try to sleep but most of the time I can't.

7:00 AM: Nurse's Aid comes in to check vitals.  Try to continue sleeping.

8:30 AM: Order breakfast.  Try to continue sleeping.

9:00 AM: Nurse comes in to give me my morning medications and do assessment.

9:15 AM: Eat breakfast

9:45 AM: Housekeeping comes in to clean my room.

10:00 AM: Monitor babies and contractions for 1 hour.

11:00 AM: Nap, watch TV, or use the internet

12:00 PM: Nurse comes in to give medication.  Nurse's Aid comes in to check vitals.

12:30 PM: Order lunch.

1:00 PM: Nurse comes in to give medication.

1:15 PM: Eat lunch

2:00 PM: Time to monitor babies and contractions again for 1 hour.

3:00 PM: Nap, watch TV (Ellen mostly), or use internet.

4:00 PM: Nurse's aid comes in to check vitals.

5:00 PM: Nurse comes in to give medication.

6:00 PM: Time for monitoring... already, yep.  Another hour on my left side.

6:30 PM: Brian, my parents, or other visitor normally comes.

7:00 PM: Shift change for the staff.  Nurse's aid comes in to take vitals. 

7:30 PM: Night nurse comes in to do her assessment.

8:00 PM: Eat dinner.

9:00 PM: Nurse comes in to give night medications.

9:15 PM: Shower and get ready for bed.

9:30 PM: My doctor comes to see me.  This time frame varies anywhere from 7-11 PM.

10:00 PM: Monitor babies and contractions for 1 hour.

11:00 PM: Hopefully, fall asleep... not always very successful.

1:00 AM: Nurse comes in to give medication. 

5:00 AM: Resident comes in to check on me.

5:30 AM: Start over again.

 

As you can see, I haven't had continuous sleep in months.  I am able to get in naps during the day but overall I'm tired most of the time.  Ooh, and you can add pee breaks in there about every hour and a half (even through the night).

 

I've gotten to know my nurses, who are all so great and take good care of me.  They know I like to sleep in so they sometimes will allow me to before waking me up.  Also, there might be visitors throughout the day that stop by.  The point of this is, there is not much "me time" to sleep or catch up on things.  I am eternally grateful for the care I have received here and I 100% believe that being here is what has protected my babies from being delivered too early.  But now, we are getting so close to our final goal and I'm thinking more and more about how nice it is going to be to go home.  It will be close to 3 months by the time I get in a car and walk in my house.  Whoah.  It is all worth it though.  I can't wait to meet my girls next week.  What blessings I will have.

Here are some photos of my stay here at the hospital...

The day I arrived... March 19, 2013

Skyping with Brian to my babies' shower. (Like the coordinating clothes I have on, haha)

They all say its freezing in here, however most of the time I am hot.  This is how my Dad looks every time he comes here.

Skyping with Brian to my last babies' shower

How I look (just bigger now) with the monitors on.

Wheelchair privileges and my special talent.

How I look after 10 weeks in the hospital.

The Final Countdown

Yes, I'm almost afraid to say it... The Final Countdown.  I'm a total mix of emotions right now.  31 weeks and 4 days preggo with triplets and we are getting so close to meeting these 3 girls.  It could be 1 day or it could be 2.5 weeks, but they are keeping a closer eye on me and the girls with more frequent monitoring.

 

The mix of emotions consists of excitement, fear, exhaustion, nervousness, joy, anticipation, confidence, optimism, and many others that change throughout the day.  I have to say that I have handled this pregnancy and especially bed rest with confidence and not much emotional struggle, but I think the anticipation of being a Mother any day now scares me to death.  Am I prepared?  Did I read enough?  Are my girls going to be okay?

 

I don't have any doubts that Brian and I won't be amazing parents but the road to parenthood happens in an instant.  Yes, there are 9 months... and in my case about 7 months... to "prepare", but it seems like the moment you go from just a couple to a family of 5, you can never be 100% prepared.  I can't wait for that moment!  Its just a reality check of how soon that moment will be here.

 

It has been incredible the amount of support that we have received throughout my pregnancy.  The kind and uplifting things that people say to me, put on cards, comment on this blog, and post on facebook always put a smile on my face.  These things keep me going and keep me confident that I can make it longer in this pregnancy.

 

I've been on bed rest now for 10.5 weeks and in the hospital for 8.5 weeks which most people assume is horrible.  It really hasn't been for me.  I think I'm really good at being lazy :)  Yes, there are times where I just stare at the walls trying to figure out what I want to do next, but overall I have kept busy.  I have occupied my days with blogging, making digital photobooks, keeping up with insurance/medical stuff, making baby mobiles, online shopping, reading, watching tv shows/movies on Amazon Prime, eating, sleeping, taking meds, and monitoring babies.  Now, there are still things on my "bed rest To-do list" that I have not completed but I'm hoping I still have a little more time to get some of them checked off my list.  After the essentials (eating, sleeping, monitoring babies, taking meds) there is actually not much time left in my day for other things.  Two months in the hospital has gone by surprisingly fast.

 

I also want to say (in this ramble of a post) thank you to all of my visitors.  I have had a visitor EVERY SINGLE DAY since I was admitted to the hospital.  Can you believe that? To me, that is amazing and I couldn't be more thankful for everyone that has come to keep me company or bring me a meal.  I appreciate it so much and I owe my sanity on bed rest to all of you.  You make me feel so loved. 

 

My husband has been so amazing through all of this.  He makes it up here about 5 times per week all while working his 40+ hour job, getting our house ready for the babies, and running our Photo booth business.  I know he is stressed, tired, and worried (every time he sees me calling), but he is doing an incredible job.  He is amazing and I am so proud of all of his hard work.  He is going to be such a Bad Ass Dad.  I can't wait for us to all be a family under one roof again.  Me, him, our girls, and Ryley dog.

 

Also, my parents have been incredible throughout all of this.  They try to trade off days with Brian so I have someone here to help me with dinner and getting ready for bed.  My Mom has done more of my laundry and cooked/brought me more meals than she has since high school.  My parents are amazing and I will use them as role models for raising our girls.  I love them so much and appreciate all that they do for me.

 

I think the point of this blog post was to get out some things I have been thinking and things that I am thankful for.  I know once the girls arrive, that I will be super busy and I want to make sure I remember my time on bed rest and all of the support we received throughout my pregnancy.  Thanks again to everyone for their love and support.  I truely appreciate every comment, visitor, hug, and gift that we have received.  You have made this so much easier for me.  So, thank you!

Maternity Pictures... Bed rest style

I've always been excited about getting professional maternity pictures... like the ones you see on Pinterest and in magazines.  I did have a maternity session scheduled but bed rest took priority over those pictures in a meadow with the perfect lighting of my babies bump that I had imagined.  I since decided that I didn't have to give up on taking these pictures just because I was in bed at a hospital all day.  So I made a few calls and set up for my secretly talented (one arm in a sling) sista-in-law to take some maternity pics.  With the help of Brian and my little brother, Beau... I believe the photo shoot was a tremendous success.  More than a few of these could be framers.

 

 

 



I'm so happy with these pictures.  I'm glad I didn't give up on maternity pictures just because I was in the hospital.  We were able to make due and give me breaks to catch my breath and they turned out beautifully. It is not every day you are preggo with triplets... and we have been able to capture this moment forever. 

Bump Day: Week 28

How far along? 28 Weeks... this is a HUGE milestone for us. Yay!
 

Sleep? Good days and bad days.  The better I sleep, the better I feel the next day.

Maternity Clothes? Pajama pants and XL t-shirts.

Stretch Marks? None

Best Moment this week? There were two. 

Numero Uno: Friday was our 5 year anniversary.  Brian arrived to the hospital close to 7 PM and suggested we go for a ride (in the wheelchair).  We were gone about 30 minutes and when we got back, he said, "Since we weren't able to go anywhere this year, I brought Italy to us".  There was a table set with a checkered table cloth, 2 dozen roses, italian food, italian music, and pictures from Italy playing on my tv.  What a great surprise! 

Numero Dos:  Ryley got to come see me on Sunday.  It had been 5 weeks since I saw her last and we were so excited to reunite.  I miss my puppy.

Miss Anything? Walking like a normal person.  I like a 90 year old woman walking the 5 steps to the bathroom.
 

Movement? Yes and I have felt them have hiccups a couple of times.

Size of the Babies? Three Cabbages!  Ultrasound on Sunday said...
Baby A: 2 lbs 3 oz
Baby B: 2 lbs 4 oz
Baby C: 2 lbs 2 oz

Food Cravings? Naw...
 

Morning Sickness? Nope.

Gender? Three girls.

Bed Rest? Still in the hospital.  Its been 5 weeks.

Limitations?  You know it!

Labor Signs? None this week besides the occassional contraction.

Weight Gain? 37 lbs.

Pregnancy Symptoms?  I feel like I have a basketball in my stomach pushing up on my lungs and heart.

Belly Button In or Out? Slightly out.

Wedding Rings On or Off?  They fit just fine for some maternity pics I took on Saturday.
 

Mood?  Pretty good most of the time.
 

Looking Forward To?  Starting to see the nursery come together.  Carpet was put in on Monday so now Brian can begin moving furniture in there.

What Brian is Saying: "This new carpet is so squishy between my toes"... I can't wait to feel it myself :)

Bump Photo:

 

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 :)



Bump Day: Week 24

How far along? 24 weeks!  This is very exciting considering our obstacles this past week.

Sleep? So so.  With vitals being checked every 4 hours, contractions monitored every 6 hours, and medication at 3 AM it can be pretty hard to sleep sometimes.

Maternity Clothes? Right now... mostly large t-shirts and pajama pants.

Stretch Marks? Still no, but getting bigger each day.

Best Moment this week? There have been a couple.  1.  Watching my sweet husband go in my place to my babies' shower.  I was able to be skyped in but I was so proud of him for facing a room full of women and opening baby gifts with a smile on his face.  Thanks, Brian!  2.  This milestone of 24 weeks... Let's keep cookin' girls.

My friend Marion came to the hospital to help me get ready for the shower.  Here I am skyping to the shower.

Miss Anything? My puppy dog, Ryley.  She is having a blast at Brian's parents but I miss her moans, craziness, and seeing her face at the edge of my bed when I wake up in the morning.

Ryley as a puppy.

 

Movement? Yes, I can even just watch my belly move sometimes.

Size of the Babies? Three Ears of Corns.

Food Cravings? Still craving the apples and nutella combo.  Trying to eat as much as possible these days.  Need to gain some more weight.

Morning Sickness? Still glad its gone.

Gender? Three girls.

Bed Rest? Yep and in the hospital.  They are taking good care of me here.

Limitations? No getting up except to go to the bathroom and shower. 

Labor Signs? Contractions have stopped but they continue to monitor for them every 6 hours.

Weight Gain? 19 lbs... have lost a couple lbs since coming to the hospital.  I blame it on the magnesium I was on for a couple days when I didn't have an appetite.  Also I'm losing all those muscles I have. 

Pregnancy Symptoms? Uncomfortable in any position after about 30 minutes so I have to constantly change positions.

Belly Button In or Out? Its finally Out.

Wedding Rings On or Off? Don't have them on in the hospital but they still fit.  No swelling yet... knock on wood.

Mood? Optimistic that I will stay pregnant for a LOT longer.

Looking Forward To? Watching Brian attend my last babies' shower this weekend and STAYING PREGNANT.

What Brian is Saying: "Now you look REALLY pregnant"  Guess its because at 24 weeks with triplets, I'm equivalent to a full-term woman pregnant with one baby.

Bump Photo:

Here is an additional bump photo since I don't think the ones of me in bed do me justice of JUST HOW BIG I AM.  Brian snapped this picture on my way to the bathroom.