While we stayed at the hospital, we were scheduled to meet with various specialists. First it was the ultrasound technician who checked thoroughly on our little one while we watched and marveled. Turns out he was, at the time of the ultrasound, 1 lb., 15 oz. Wow, that is tiny. She also found that my cervix was shortened to 2.1 cm. which is cutting it close. But, we got a healthy report on the baby.

Then I had a visit from the physical therapist who taught me some exercises that I should do in my bed. They are super simple but, they are better than nothing. My whole being is craving yoga and dance. The plan was for me to be strong and supple to guide this baby out of my body and deal with the labor with ease and as naturally as possible. I wonder how being on bed rest for some time before I deliver will affect the deliver process.

A neonatal specialist came to see us next, she described how they would care for the baby if he was born pre-term and many of the things that can go wrong, the risks and statistics, and the technology and experience they have to deal with it. I liked her, she was smart, confident, caring. Even though the information was hard to hear and think about (both emotionally and the fact that I was doped up), she made me feel a ease somehow.

There were two other specialists who deliver babies gave us information on what to expect and what services they provided. Luckily Billy was there because I was not able to take all they had to say in. So much information, so little clear thinking available at the time.

Now I am adjusting to my temporary life on bed rest (which will very well last until I deliver). Such an interesting turn of events, I tell you! The baby’s health is a powerful motivator. He is way too young to leave his womb-y nest, so, I told the little fellah he is not to come out yet. In fact I have believe I have inspired him to stay inside his until week 40! At this point, the doctors just want me to get to week 29 where his chances and lung development will be much better. I actually was given 2 injections of steroids to boost his lung development “just in case”. I don’t feel good about the drugs that have been put in my body, but if they give the baby the best possible chance at a healthy life because he was able to stay inside of me, his natural incubator, then I accept them.

Not only am I going to miss the sweet baby shower that friends in Portland had planned for me this weekend, I will also miss celebrating my birthday and Mother’s Day with my family on the 11th, but here’s the hardest one of all… and this one can only ever happen once: I am going to miss Lenny (my youngest brother) and Haley’s (his fiancée) wedding in mid-July. But, I believe that a fair trade off will be that I am able to present them with a healthy nephew to make up for it!