Friday, November 20, 2009

Ups and Downs

As of 15 minutes ago I am officially 26 weeks :) Definitely feeling the highs and lows of the experience as we go. It is true when they say things can really change day to day.

The appointment with the specialist tonight showed my amniotic fluid levels were lower relative to last week, but still a positive that I have some. They also tried to get a weight estimate but Braden was being rather uncooperative and elusive so she said we could try again next week.

These past few days have been harder as I sit here each day and anxiously await each moment of reinforcement he is doing fine and find myself frustrated when he seems to not move as much or my body shows signs of inconsistency. Braden goes on monitor a few times a day and everything shows he is still in there happy as a clam, which is all that matters. I just have to remind myself this is just as much a mental/emotional test at times as it is physical. While I wish I could do more as his mom, I have to rest assured I am doing all I can. So we remain positive and the nurses doctors are quick to remind us not to get discouraged as this process will have its ups and downs.

Thank you all again for your emails, comments, visits, meals, and other creative distractions. You all are doing more than you know to pull us through this and your support and prayer is felt each and every day.

Love,
Julia, Brian, and Braden

9 comments:

  1. Hang in there! It's an amazing thing to think how much a mother's body can do for her baby. Everytime I think I want to quit nursing I am always reminded that I'm the only one that can do that for them and that I was made to do that work. You're doing a fabulous job and you were made for this journey of carrying little Braden!

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  2. Congratulations on 26 weeks!

    You have been amazingly strong for making it this far without getting discouraged . . Give yorself credit for being unfailingly positive and hopeful 99.9% of the time. You deserve to have a little "down" too. You can't keep going at "up" 24/7.

    You are doing everything you possibly can to nurture baby Braden, and it's working, just think how much stronger and more developed he is now, than he was at 22 wks 5 days. Don't forget for a second how amazing you and this entire process are.

    Hang in there. We love you.

    P.S. (I love his little stubborn streak (sounds a little like his daddy.)

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  3. Julia, you're an inspiration. I'm constantly amazed and humbled by your positive outlook. Hang in there. We're all rooting for you guys.

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  4. Sweet girl! I find the holidays are always a bit of a emotional roller coaster, so your added hormones, stress, hospital bed, etc. I bet can be overwhelming. You ARE an inspiration. I love you terribly and know you are going to be the best momma ever (once you are done punishing him for this!) ;) Love you to pieces. I'm guessing a full-on butt-kicking by Texas on Saturday will lift you some. I'll see if Wyoming can brew up a big loss for your Horned Frogs too. :)
    xxoo

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  5. Hang in there. We're with you all the way. You're an inspriration.

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  6. Just blame it on the rainy, gray day. You really are doing an amazing job of staying up beat and positive. Looking forward to my next visit. Planning to find the room in record time, but still realize that I will probably get lost once again :)

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  7. 26 weeks! thats great news, does that mean the wheelchair? haha.

    thanks for your honesty, its great to hear how many people you have in Austin to support you.

    This seems like a spiritual journey for you, its not always easy, but you sound like you are relying more and more on prayer and God's love and grace.

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  8. Julia, you are doing so great considering the circumstances. You are strong, and so is your little baby boy. You are already such a wonderful mother!

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  9. I'm so proud of you, Julia. Thanks for being such a loving, patient mother. I appreciate your spirit, your determination, and your loving sacrifices for your unborn child. I'm so thankful to have you as a daughter-in-law and also thankful for your precious friends who come to cheer you up!

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