Another Good Day

I want to start today's post with a thank you to everyone for all your care and concern. So many people are doing so many nice things for us. It really makes a difference and helps keep our spirits up. We can't even imagine how many people are praying for us, thinking about us, and sending positive thoughts our way - all of it must be working because we are still here with no baby and no labor!

Yesterday continued to be uneventful. We had our Friday ultrasound in the afternoon. We learned that the Cubby is still looking good, but he is now pretty cramped up. We went from an AFI (amniotic fluid index) of 45 on Tuesday to 3.5 on Friday. For those of you familiar with low amniotic fluid levels, you'll recognize that 3.5 is really low. However, it's not unexpected given ruptured membranes, and we've been assured that the Cubby is better off inside the womb with low fluid than outside the womb at such an early gestational age. They monitor him every 4 hours, so if he appears to be in distress, they will be able to take action. Our ultrasound technician told us that she has known several women in my condition with this level of low fluid who went another 4-5 weeks, so we are hoping that will be us. Last night brought on some more cramping but no contractions. I think Jeff and I both got some of the best sleep we've gotten in several days.

Today my mom flew back to Indianapolis (a huge thank you to her for all of her help this past week). Jeff and I toured the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) this morning, and we found it reassuring. The OBs have told us that if we make it to 34 weeks, they will induce labor. Even at 34 weeks, the Cubby will go to the NICU at least for a little while. It's somewhat comforting (even if it's scary at the same time) to see where the Cubby will be next. The NICU charge nurse said that the rule of thumb they use is to tell all parents that their baby will go home/leave the NICU on their due date (August 13 for us). Of course, it could be earlier or later depending on how well he does.

Thanks again to everyone! We're hoping for another uneventful night...