Heather went in for monitoring yesterday. We’d hoped to make it until Friday (today), so the time between her appointments wouldn’t be as long, but Heather said she was feeling “off” yesterday. She was having contractions in her back, plus she said the normally very active Acrobat was sluggish. I remembered that she’d felt similarly on the day Annabel was born, and when we were put in the same room in Labor & Delivery that Heather had been prepped (and passed out) in on that January 22nd, I had déjà vu.
Heather and I were happy to have her sorority sister Staci as her nurse. Staci had been planning to be one of Heather’s nurses if the C-section had gone on as scheduled (as she’d been for Annabel’s delivery), but since it hadn’t it was still nice to see her. Staci assessed the situation and quickly got to work making sure Heather had immediate attention. She talked to the attending and had the chief OB resident give Heather an exam. It’s nice to have “someone on the inside.”
Staci also got to the bottom of the whole heparin vs Lovenox thing, because all the residents and the attending asked why Heather wasn’t on heparin. Dr. Risky said that, for Heather, she didn’t think it would be as effective as Lovenox, and that it’s harder to control. Heather and I were still uneasy about it, but Staci and the chief resident did a lot to make us feel better. The resident told us that should Heather go into labor, they’d likely slow it down long enough to let the Lovenox leave her system, assuming it was safe to do so.
The Acrobat’s heart rate was excellent, and while Heather’s monitor showed some contractions, the baby responded well. The ultrasound showed good blood flow and “perfect” amounts of fluid. I was very relieved that The Acrobat looked so good. Heather was relieved, too, but I could tell she is totally emotionally and physically exhausted. She’s being a trooper but I know she can’t wait until the baby is here. I can’t wait either, but am happy to have him stay in a few more days if it means his lungs will be more mature.
Annabel was thrilled to see her mommy when we got home, and it was nice to see her and Heather snuggling on the couch. I forced Heather to go to bed early after she mentioned her vision was bothering her. It was a long day and I’m going to make sure she gets an abundance of rest this long weekend. It’s going to be busy next week.
Thank you everyone for checking in on us – Heather (and I) really get a lot of strength from all of your kindness.
Sarah G says:
Glad to hear that all was well. You guys must be pretty exhausted! Sending love XOXO
Jenn says:
Hi Mike,
I got up in the middle of the night to check on Heather – thanks for the update. I had texted her a couple of times but heard nothing back which is not like her, so I was getting worried too be honest. I AM SO VERY HAPPY TO HEAR HEATHER & BABY BOY ARE DOING WELL!!!! WHEW!!! You’re a GREAT Caretaker Mike but don’t forget to take care of you too. You’re right….next week is going to be CrAzY busy but in the BESTEST kind of way (YAY!!! She writes FULL of excitement!!!). I’ll check in on you guys later but for now please know I’ve been praying for and thinking of all of you and wishing for the VERY BEST!!!
Please give Heather a big but gentle hug from me and tell that baby boy this….”Baby boy (or insert name if you guys picked his name out yet), you just relax in there and have a “Stay-cation” for just a couple of more days, then you can come on out and play with Annie”.
Take Care My Friend & Thank you so very much for the update!!! xo
Susana says:
I’m up on the east coast feeding my 4-month-old and send you positive vibes and blessings. Much strength to all of you and congrats on the monitoring results.
What an emotional, exciting time for you all! Wishing you the best and much joy for cuddling and prenatal love. Soon enough you’ll be holding one more. Congrats again.
Chessie says:
I know it’s best for baby to stay in as long as he can, but I still get hopeful for a “he’s here!” post every time I check your blog. All my love & prayers to your family!!
Satchi Nitay says:
All our love and prayers for you all. I’ve been one of your blog’s lurkers for over 3 years but never posted before.
All the best!
Lynn Kellan says:
I agree with Chessie – looking forward to seeing a birth announcement soon!
Sue says:
My very, very best to all of you,Mike, and I can’t wait ’til the little guy makes his arrival!!!
Molly says:
I’m so sorry this has been so hard and I can only imagine how disappointing and scary it is to have to wait even longer than you guys anticipated. Just one more (long) weekend and he’s yours!
Elizabeth says:
Thinking of you guys often! Many thoughts and prayers sent your way. I’m am eagerly waiting the birth announcement of the acrobat!
amourningmom says:
Sending more “don’t lose your mind, Heather” vibes. Also sending hope and hugs to you all. Take care. xo
Leslie says:
Soon!
Is Heather taking Reglan (spelling?) for the gerd that goes with hyperemesis? My daughter is 36 weeks with her third and has severe hyperemesis. She’s on Reglan, along with a myriad of other meds, and it does have vision impairment as a side effect. She doesn’t drive these days, but on her way to her dr apt last week – walking – she misjudged a curb and took a nasty fall. I was there with my two and a half year old granddaughter, and it was so scary. My daughter instinctively protected the baby, and ended up with bloody scrapes on her arm and knee and face. I have to admit, I wasn’t as cool and calm as I would have wished to be. Will be so happy when this new (third) little girl baby is safely here.
Heather says:
Hi Leslie,
No, I’m not on Reglan. I was on it five years ago and had a terrible reaction to it. Are they monitoring your daughter for depression? I ask because that’s a known side effect of Reglan and that’s the problem I had with it – terrible, terrible depression. We’re talking bad, dark thoughts. I’m SURE they are watching her for it, and it definitely doesn’t happen to everyone, but I always warn people when I hear they are on it! I hope your daughter is recovering well from her fall and that they baby is here soon!! xo
Leslie says:
That’s so interesting – especially since my daughter has suffered with depression in the past … unrelated to pregnancy, though. Fortunately, she doesn’t appear to have that side effect – I think the Reglan has helped with the effects of hyperemesis on her esophagus, but the vision impairment is strange. Luckily, along with taking Zofran, she seems to be feeling better as the end is nearing. She says she is only sick in the mornings now, instead of all day and night, as earlier. Her spirits are good, but it’s obvious she is tired and ready for the new baby to be here. Today she is 37 weeks, so it will be soon! (She delivered about 10 days early for the last two). Tomorrow is the oldest one’s fifth birthday … my daughter says anytime after that will be fine with her. And although she still has the remnants of the scrapes from the fall, after a half-day of monitoring in the hospital, it appears all is well. So much to be grateful for!
Heather says:
You’ll have a great number of people pulling for your family this weekend.
stay well!
Terri says:
SO glad you guys got some extra reassurance heading into the weekend. Thinking of you all! Hang in there Heather, you are almost to that finish line!
TamaraL says:
Continuing to keep you all in my thoughts. So sorry you are having a rough time…but I am getting so excited for your family!!
Becca says:
Thinking of you guys! I know this end stage is stressful and exhausting for you both – get some rest and I can’t wait to see him! So exciting for you all!! (even if it doesn’t feel like it at the moment )
Julia says:
Sending you both love and best wishes for these final few days xxoxx
AmyG says:
Glad everything checked out OK. Praying for an easy, quick delivery & for Heather & baby to be strong & healthy.
Nellie says:
The second I read your words about Heather being emotionally and physically exhausted (and rightfully so!), the tears started flowing. Sending you, Heather, Annabel and Super Acrobat Extraordinare lots of virtual warm hugs and uplifting, peaceful and happy thoughts and wishes!
You are an amazing family and have lots of wonderful love surrounding you!!
Sarah says:
Just wanted to say that you guys have been in my thoughts (and that little boys are awesome!) I know you can’t wait to hold your little guy.
Ninabi says:
Wishing your family a quiet, uneventful weekend and a smooth delivery. Those last few days of pregnancy and waiting are so difficult- but I can’t imagine how much more so with a high risk pregnancy. I admire you, Heather, for all that you have gone through to make sure your baby is healthy. You’ve done an amazing job.
Madeleine says:
Wishing you a restfull weekend. Lot’s of prayers headed your way.
Kate says:
I will definitely be thinking of the Spohrs this weekend. Sending love and healthy baby thoughts!!
Gwen says:
I’m so glad to hear that Heather and the baby are both doing well, although I know it has to be extremely hard on Heather. I’ll be thinking of you this weekend. Hoping baby boy’s lungs mature, and this doesn’t drag on much longer, for Heather’s sake. Excited to hear of his safe arrival!
Maris says:
Glad all is well. Rest up, heather
Jackie says:
Thinking of you all this weekend. I’m so glad you have such a good team of doctors and nurses and health care professionals who are taking good care of you all. Mike you have been such a great support for Heather, make sure you take some time for yourself.
Debbie A-H says:
So many good thoughts and love being sent to the Sphors from Chicago.
michele bertolini says:
Wishing you the best as you prepare for your son/brother!
Jill says:
I have a continual prayer going for Heather and the Acrobat.
Thanks for updating us!
Judy says:
As you know it’s all worth it Wishing you the best!
Sarah Q says:
I’m a long time reader and very infrequent commenter. I just want you to know that there are so many people pulling for you guys and for your little guy. I’m giving all of my wishes right now to the four of you, and a happy, safe, awake delivery.
Steph says:
Thanks for the update. Sending “lung-maturing” and restful vibes to the Spohrs. Much love!
PattyB says:
Yes, thank you for the update. I hope Heather can rest this weekend and that you can enjoy the Memorial Day weekend. My thoughts and prayers and hugs are going to all of you!
Dale says:
Sending love from Boulder. I’ll be thinking of you a lot this weekend.
Kendra says:
Thinking of your family and sending love from Tampa, FL.
Natalie says:
So happy to hear that Heather and the Acrobat are doing well. Love and best wishes for a restful weekend.
Annalisa says:
Maybe he’s pulling for showing up on Memorial Day? And yeah, the fact that he’s slowing down but he’s doing good means he’s just realizing he might need newer accommodations (poor Heather can’t really stretch them any further).
He’ll be here any day now! Hang in there!
Molly says:
Glad to hear you are at home and resting. Sending you peace and comfort and trust that all will be well and a robustly healthy Acrobat will be in your arms when he is good and ready!
Christina says:
Thank you for keeping all your fans updated! You guys just need to hang in there for a few more days!! Keep baking away nicely, Acrobat!
Mommy says:
Sending you all lots of love and prayers and support. What an amazing family this little guy is being born into!!
ps. My boys slowed waaay down at 37 weeks too. It freaked me out both times, but the dr assured me it was just due to their growing size and less space to move around in. I have a feeling that acrobat of yours is going to be a big boy!! xoxo
Leslie K says:
Glad to read that The Acrobat checked out fine. Continued thoughts and prayers until your big, healthy boy is safely delivered!
Rebecca says:
Another 24 hours of lung maturity down and …..well, who knows how many more to go but he’s getting bigger and stronger by the second. Keep on growing a strong baby boy.
Glenda says:
Mike,
Thanks for the update! I hope and pray that the Acrobat’s lungs are getting stronger as each minute passes.
Thinking of you and Heather… and best wishes for a safe and smooth delivery. Will keep checking in!
Have a great “restful” weekend.
Alexis says:
Prayers for rest and peace! You are all so loved. Hang in there!
Jennifer W says:
I’ve been lurking and following for years, and I’m glad you’ll meet your baby boy soon. Can’t wait to hear the announcement and I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts.
Amanda says:
Love and restful vibes to you all. Well, everyone except Annabel, wishing her giggles and fun.
Alexis says:
Thinking about you guys so much — my son turns 7 tomorrow, so baby boys are on my mind anyway, and I’m looking forward to hearing how joyful his arrival is. All the Spohrs are held in the hearts of so many, because you’ve opened up yours so beautifully to all of us. Hoping for a peaceful weekend!
Paula says:
I am so glad everything was ok. I continue to keep you all in my thoughts and can’t wait until I see the blog post that reads Acrobat Has Arrived…and find out what his real name will be.
Jeanie says:
Love the way you take care of Heather! I know she appreciates it.
Angela B says:
Lots of love and positive vibes to the Spohr family from Portland, OR! Can’t wait to hear when the Acrobat has safely arrived! Be well and rest. You’re in the home stretch!
Linda says:
Thanks for the update. Sending positive thoughts. Heather has been amazing throughout this pregnancy, and you’ve supported and helped her through it all. You have this little guy in your arms soon.
Norma says:
I check in every few minutes expecting to see a picture of the new baby! I’m so excited for all of you. Love and God’s blessings to you!
Sonya says:
Hang in there thoughts to Heather, good job Dad to you! Praying for safe delivery for the Acrobat and Heather!
Patsy says:
hang on heather, you’ve almost crossed the finish line.. winner of a million loves from many people and a little man. just a little story. when i was preggers with my daughter she decided to test my parent skills while in utero. i had false labor for three nights, geez was i tired when true labor started. the hospital i was in believed in natural childbirth, okay, done it before but i was sooo tired as they wheeled me down to delivery i was screaming at the top of my lungs “it hurts”. my “kind” husband leaned over, patted my hand and said shhhhhhh. wrong word! i looked at him, spoke in a very loud voice that i was going to pull this baby out and stick it up his “you know what” and he could finish the pregnancy. ah, childbirth can bring out the best in some. do a little belly budda rub with a mantra, each moment changes every second. helen reddy “i am woman, hear me roar”
Auntie_M says:
Sending you and Heather (Annie too!) love and thoughts of peace and hope…
Glad to hear that baby & Mommy are doing so well. Hope you all get a lot of rest and sweet family time together.
But if Heather’s vision doesn’t improve, please head back to the hospital!
Maybe the Acrobat will be born June 1st-my sister’s birthday.
Miriam says:
Thank you for the update. Glad everyone looks good and I hope Heather is doing OK, but the finish line is in sight.
Tina says:
Warmest wishes and so much excitement for you this weekend!
Ciara says:
Hope things went well at the monitoring. Weirdest thing, last night I had a dream that you and Heather called over to my house with Annie and the acrobat, he was about ten months old and crawling everywhere while Annie was dancing up a storm, you said that you were in the neighbourhood but I live on Ireland! Hope that doesn’t freak you out!
Tami says:
Hugs and prayers are being sent. Take care of your self Heather, I cant wait to hear when you have that little guy!!
Karen says:
I hope that you are all having as restful of a weekend as possible. Sending many positive thoughts your way!
Molly says:
Hello Spohrs,
I’ve been a reader & follower of your story for a few years now. I’ve been thinking of Heather (all of you, really) throughout the weekend & saying prayers for peace & a smooth delivery of a healthy Acrobat. You have so many people in your corner rooting for you. I’m among that number.
warmly,
molly
nicol says:
This really is a loooooonnngggg weekend for you all. Sending lots of good vibes your way. Hang in there and know that we’re all thinking about you!
Crista says:
Thinking of all of you and sending good vibes your way.