Friday, January 29, 2010

26 weeks and double digits!

I started counting down at 260 days, back then double digit day felt like a mirage but like any parched traveler I continued the hike. Now I'm here at the brief oasis along the way: double digits. It doesn't mean much viability-wise but it means a lot psychologically for me.

Speaking of viability, I read some amazing stories of preemies that were born very early and survived against all odds, including Amillia whose mother had to lie to doctors about her gestational age because had they known she was only 21 weeks they wouldn't have tried saving her. She's now a preschooler! Or Will Goddard who was born at 23 weeks and doctors refused to treat him until they saw him struggling to survive without any assistance for 36 hours after his birth. He is now 11 years old, plays the sax, has his own website and has authored two books. My uterus has been acting a little irritable lately, I think I have had a few Braxton Hicks and some wonky discharge which Dr. Google tells me is normal. Still, I hold these stories close to my heart, they give me hope when I feel a little scared. I thought I'd share incase they give you hope too.

Jack shared our news to his co-workers today. He went to Dunkin Donuts beforehand and brought in a few boxes of Munchkin Donut Holes to announce the impending arrival of our own munchkin. It tells me how happy Jack is since getting up thirty minutes early and just thinking to do this is so unlike him! He has changed so much this past year. It's amazing to see and it makes me wonder what he will be like as a father. I anticipate good things.

Incidentally, I'm fully convinced Sunflower reads my blog because after penning my post about my nerves about evil eye, he decided to mess with my head and go totally silent for two days. No pokes, no nudges, nothing. It even took me five minutes to find him on the doppler last night. I slept fitfully, worried sick. This morning I managed to force him out of hiding by eating some cereal, a glass of OJ and some tea with plenty of sugar in it. My stomach suddenly became a bowl of shaky jello as he wiggled out of hiding. I kindly asked him to hold off on hide-and-seek until he's safely out!

26 weeks. I was never a girl scout but I wonder what kind I would have been. Probably the kind obsessed with collecting merit badges. I say this because tiny milestones like hitting 26 weeks, double digits, make me so excited, I could see myself getting beat up in a dark alley by other girlscouts after announcing my 20th cookie box sale. Oh well- Yay to 26 weeks as I hunker down to the next goal: Week 28 and officially entering the third trimester!

11 comments:

  1. 26 weeks is a great place to be and it gets better and better every day that passes! I am just beyond thrilled that things are going so well, that both of you finally feel comfy being happy and joyful.

    And I think we would have been the same kind of girl scout. :)

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  2. Yay!!! 26 weeks! I'm so happy for you! I cant wait until you hit your next goal!

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  3. Fab job in making it to 26 weeks. Every week is better and better. I love that it is time to celebrate each milestone. Sending much love for 28 and beyond!

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  4. Hiya! Its fab to think how much time has passed and how close we are to due days now isn't it? Only 4 more weeks til 30 weeks! Thats how I'm counting it. After 30 weeks, I expect the last 10 weeks to whizz by.
    My friend just gave birth to two twins at 28 weeks. They are tiny and in special care but both doing really well. Its amazing to think how strong they are.

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  5. Woo hoo for 26 weeks! And those are some amazing stories...

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  6. I've loved reading the inspirational stories too. Glad sunflower stopped messing with your head, and that you're safely to 26 weeks. That's miles better than 24 weeks. Next up, 28 weeks - it'll be here before you know it!

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  7. It's the milestones that make all the waiting and wondering worth it, so you should indulge and embrace them. I have never heard about those miracle survival stories and the ones you mentioned really are touching, thanks for sharing them. I'm so glad Jack is so excited and thinking outside the box. I know what a monumentally great sign that is. Being the one in the couple who wanted kids more, I cling to every inkling I get that DH is developing his own independent excitement about this process. It's thrilling when it happens. I can't believe sunflower scared you like that. Not cool little dude. But it sounds like all is well! Congrats!

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  8. i'm so happy that you've come this far and i know you are going to continue to do well, sunflower is gestating safely in your belly and will be ready to blossom very soon! it's not far away now but probably still seems like a lifetime to you!

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  9. so fun! congrats on double digits and munchkins...that's such a cute story about jack and dunkin donuts. a memory worth jotting down for your sunflower, for sure!
    i also have days when my baby is quiet and i feel nervous and all, but then i guess we have low energy days, so why can't a baby in utero? that's what i tell myself to calm down anyway.
    i'm so happy for you......congratulations!!!

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  10. Yay! So happy for you sweetie! 28 weeks will be here before you know it! :)

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  11. 26 weeks is a HUGE milestone honey. I'm so happy for you.

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