The Nugget Story ... with Pictures! Updated: 6/17/2008 ... She's officially all ours!

I can't remember what I've posted where, or what updates have already been made. So I thought I'd take the time to post it all in one thread - along with some pictures! I know this was long, but it was nice to write it all out in one place.

In summary, my "Nugget" is now also called Gwendolyn Ann!

For those that don't know, I was on the road (in CA) for work this past week. I flew from MN to CA for work on Sunday evening (the 11th), was scheduled to fly from CA to AZ Thurs. (the 15th) and then home to MN on the 18th.

On Wed. evening when I wasn't feeling well and hadn't been all week, I decided to go into the Emergency Room in the middle of the night on Wed. night. I was 31 weeks and 3 days pregnant. In summary, they checked me out, decided I was in labor and having frequent contractions. At first we thought they could stop the labor and send me home. But upon further examination, they saw that my membranes had ruptured and that I had a "leak" in my water. This means I was VERY open to infection, and not only could I not go home but they weren't letting me leave the hospital, OR the bed! I was put on immediate bed rest and told that I’d be delivering my baby in CA in the foreseeable future. WOW! I quickly made some phone calls, most importantly to Paul, who was in FL for the weekend on a golf trip. He was able to join me in the hospital the next day, so I only spent one night alone.

After meeting with various specialists to discuss what is happening, and what the risks and possibilities are it was determined that we'd try to hold me from delivering for at least the next 48 hours (hence the bed rest), and keep a close eye on me for signs of any distress or infection. The 48 hours allowed for 2 steroid shots to take affect, these helped the baby's lungs mature faster which was crucial to success of a premature delivery. They also out me on meds to prevent me from going into labor any further. I continued to have contractions, but they never really intensified or progressed. If they could get me to hold off for 48 hours, then they'd consider that a huge milestone. However, they also said they wouldn’t let me go past 34 weeks pregnant, just because of the infection risk – so I was either going to deliver that day, or by June 2, which was my 34 week marker.

The next milestone was to make it to 32 weeks, which is today! After 4 days on bed-rest I was holding strong but not really progressing. Sunday morning they saw some signs of distress with the baby, and some more frequent contractions so they moved me to labor and delivery early in the morning. There I sat. They wouldn't let me eat since they thought I might be delivering, so I was starving, which I think made me nauseous so they gave me meds for that and let me contract away.

I really think there was a debate between various doctors; on one hand the longer I waited to deliver, the better the chances for the baby. Every day counts! On the other hand, there was risk for infection, and I was obviously in labor and suffering.

Around 10:30 pm I had been having enough serious and regular contractions that they finally decided to help me along. I was so relieved, I can’t lie. Of course I wanted the best chance for my baby, but I had this fear of being in labor for 2 weeks! So they started some pitocin and my epidural around 10:30 pm. I immediately felt better, and actually decided to catch a nap. Paul and I dozed off for a little while, and nurses were checking on me constantly.

Around 12:30 am I called the nurse in to tell her I felt a “different†pressure down by my tailbone. She checked me out and said the baby’s head was “right there†and that we needed to call the doctors in. From there it all happened kind of fast! Once they prepped the Operating Room, and called all of the necessary docs and specialists (routine for a premature birth, prior to 32 weeks) they wheeled me in and instructed me how to push.

I started pushing a little after 1am, and Gwendolyn Ann was born at 1:53 am! She was 5lbs even, and about 18 inches long. Not a bad size for a 8 week early baby! She had her cord wrapped around her neck twice, AND a knot in her cord. Crazy. My doctor said she was a smart baby to come early because those 2 things could have been serious if left alone. All of the NICU docs took her away and looked her over. We were warned this would happen right away, regardless. They thought she’d need immediate help breathing, but turns out she didn’t! They put her on oxygen, but just for about 30 secs until they saw she was fine. She’s been on room air ever since.

Paul got to go with her while I was tended to after the delivery (2nd degree laceration – OUCH!). After I was done, we got to go see Gwendolyn in the NICU – and my mom got to come too. She is beautiful, if I do say so myself! She’s very alert and doing especially well for her gestational age. We’re not out of the clear yet, but we’re very hopeful, as are all of the doctors. We were told that they hold all premie babies until 36 weeks – so we’re assuming that at best, we can take her home on June 16th. This will depend on any complications or issues they find with her. And then there is the issue of flying, and if she’s safe for that, so it might be longer.

I’ve started pumping, since she’s so young she isn’t quite up to breastfeeding yet. Though they’ve had me try to put her on the breast a couple times now and each time she actually grabs right on. She doesn’t do much after that, and I am not realy producing anything to speak of – so ti’s not too productive, but it’s a very good sign.

We can go see her and hold her anytime we want, so we do that frequently. I will be in the hospital until Wed. (2 more nights) and then Paul and I are homeless! We plan on finding a hotel close by, most likely an extended stay or something. We’re somewhat familiar with the area since we’ve worked here off and on for a few years so it shouldn’t be an issue. There is also a social worker who will meet with us to give us some options too – at least a hospital discount at some of the hotels. Not an expense or situation we’re excited about – but well worth it to be close to Gwendolyn! There is a Ronald McDonald House in San Fran but it’s so far away, I don’t think we’ll do that. That’s our job tomorrow – to fund a home for the next 1+ month!

I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone on here that kept Nugget (now known as Gwendolyn Ann!) and I in their thoughts. We truly, truly appreciate everything you all have done. I don’t know that I could have made it though this without some of you. I mean that. Both Paul and I feel so blessed that we have all of you, and the rest of our family and friends who continue to support us during these crazy times.

What an amazing story. I'm glad she is here & healthy!

Look at how beautiful she is!!! I'm so happy everything turned out as it did! Congrats on a gorgeous and healthy daughter!!

I also have to add you are an amazing BDWer. After all you have been through you manage to post pictures!

Awww she's beautiful!!! Gorgeous girl!!! I'm so glad everything turned out great for you. And glad little nugget is here. Congratulations MAMA!!!

Oh Ann, thank you for sharing your story! I love all your pics...Gwendolyn Ann is beautiful.

Let me know if you need anything.

Congratulations to you and Paul. Gwendolyn is beautiful! And that is quite the head of hair on her. I guess you'll have to fix your baby ticker. I'm glad you and baby are doing well. I'm sorry to hear that you are stuck so far from home for the next month. Just let us know what you need.

awesome ann! i was going to call you today, i just got back to the us, but after getting pauls email this morning figured you probably had better things to do than talk to me! so glad to hear things are progressing and going so well. i have a wedding up that way at the end of june but sounds like you may be gone by then. if so i will fly up one day to hang out and see baby gwendolyn if you have time for me.

you must have named her after me right? my mom has always called me gwen. not sure where or why that came about but she just does! anyway now that i see you are back on the computer i will shoot you an email. congrats again!!!

when i come should i bring my camera?

Maybe you can find someone renting their house while on summer vacation.

If you give use the hospital name some google savy BDWer can probably track something down.

san francisco bay area sublets & temporary classifieds - craigslist

Oh Ann, you have no idea how happy I am to know that you to are so happy and healthy. We were scared to death when we got the news but looks like everything turned out perfect. She is so beautiful!! Thanks for being a fabulous BDWer like Morgan said. There isnt many people with that much dedication to be on BDW while in a hospital after delivering their baby!!

Congrats again, Im so happy for you guys!