After last weeks visit, Brian and I both had a feeling this was going to be the week. I had a feeling something wasn't right and Brian said if they find something this time, he pretty much guarantees we will be delivering by this weekend. Looks like our gut instincts were right on...
This morning at 8:30, we had a NST and everything checked out great. Afterwards was our normal visit at 9:45 with Dr. Phillips. She said everything looked great--nice strong heartbeat and good measurements. We then went over to Dr. Goodrum at 11:00 for another ultrasound. The tech started and things looked ok from what he said. However, when Dr. Goodrum came in, she said Landon had pretty much plateaued on his growth and there were some issues with the umbilical cord. There was blood flowing to the baby just fine but not enough was coming out so his heart was having to pump really hard. So, she said she was going to talk to Dr. Phillips but was certain we would be going to the hospital to have our baby. At this point, the only food I had was breakfast at 7:15.
So, around 1pm, we checked into the hospital and they start all the initial tests, IVs, and blood work. They informed me that I cannot have anything to eat because of the induction. I can have clear liquids but who are they kidding...jello and broth cannot fill a person up.
At 5pm, Cervidil is started. Insertion of it hurts. Because of everything going on, I have to have continuous monitoring. There is this nice jet tub in the bathroom and I can't even use it due to the monitoring. So far, contractions have started but are very light. In the beginning, I had no idea I was even having them except it showed on the monitor.
April 25, 2008:
At 5am, Cervidil is taken out and my cervix is checked. I am still only 1cm and still 50% effaced. So far, the drug has done nothing. At 7am, another round of Cervidal is started. Still nothing to eat except clear liquids--still more jello and broth.
7pm, Cervidil is taken out and cervix checked. I am now 1 1/2cm and still 50% effaced. The Dr. came in and told me I could have an hour off of the monitors(ie, now I can get in the jet tub). He also informed me that because things have not progressed enough yet, I can have a real dinner. So, Brian goes downstairs and gets me a Subway sandwich and a cookie. First real food since 7am Thursday morning.
8pm, Cervidil inserted again. Dr. said that at 9am tomorrow morning, they would start Pitocin
April 26, 2008:
8am, Cervidil taken out. 2cm dialated and a little more than 50% effaced.
9am Pitocin started. Contractions start in increase and get stronger. At this point, I am still going to try this without an epidural. So far, the pain is not bad. It's like a less severe menstrual cramp.
10:30am Prepped for surgery. Brian was given his cool blue scrub set to wear. 
I am wheeled on back to the operating room and the epidural/spinal block in given. That hurt a lot. It also had a weird sound when being inserted. The sound was awful. I never expected it to take effect so fast. What a strange feeling. NICU and regular nursery staff were all present just in case. Apparently, Landon has to weigh at least 2000 grams to be able to go to the regular nursery. If he weighs any less, he automatically goes to NICU even if nothing else is wrong. 
He was also struggling with breathing. His breaths per min. were up in 120s-130s and somewhere around 30-60 is normal. I got to see him briefly before they took him to NICU. Brian left with him and took a few pictures. I got finished and they took me back to the room. On the way back, they did wheel me into the NICU and put my bed up to his so I could see him one last time for the day. One of the nurses did tell me that later they could put me in a wheelchair and take me down there but when I asked later that night, they told me no, that I have to remain laying down for 12 hours after surgery.
I did make Brian continue to go see him every few hours and take pictures for me. Landon was on oxygen to stabilize his breathing.
April 27, 2008:
I got to go and see my baby this morning. 
Landon was taken off of the oxygen today. Luckily, he is not on a feeding tube which a lot of babies are at first. He is on bottles/formula though. He will be on formula until I can get enough milk to come in to switch him over. I am not able to try breastfeeding though until a while from now because it takes too much energy for him to do it. The drs. want him to conserve as much energy as possible so he can gain weight to leave. He cannot go home with us until drs. are satisfied with a steady weight gain. It is very frustrating but we are very thankful that nothing serious is wrong with our little boy. We are able to go for each feeding and feed him (which is every three hours around the clock).
He has to take the whole bottle within 30 mins. and once he is done, we have to put him back in bed. We are not able to sit and hold him any longer because doing so would cause him to use more energy and he needs all the energy to grow. It is really hard leaving him when he is awake. I feel so bad walking away when he is looking at us with those eyes. I feel like I need to be there holding him.April 28, 2008:
Weight is 4.0 I know all babies loose weight soon after birth but since weight gain is critical to him leaving here, it is very discouraging seeing that flash on the scale. My milk also came in this afternoon. So, now Landon will be completely off of formula and totally on mommy's production.
April 29, 2008:
Today we have to leave the hospital. I have been crying off and on all day at the thought of going home without my baby. But, I do know he is in good hands and has wonderful nurses looking after him. Plus, I don't want him home too soon and something happen at home. The nurses let us check out at 11pm instead of early in the afternoon because of the circumstances.
April 30, 2008:
The Dr. has increased his intake from 25mL to 34mL. This is a very good sign.
Today would also have been 37 weeks pregnant.
We have decided to go to the hospital for as many feedings as possible. This means 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm, and sometimes we make the 11pm. We skip the 2am and 5am feedings. It is exhausting but seeing him once we get into the room reminds me that it is all worthwhile. I know it does him good by having us feed him. We all get into a routine and he gets used to our scent.
May 1, 2008:
Weight: 4lbs 2.3 oz.
Brian's mom and dad have arrived for a visit. I feel bad that the only way they can see their new grandson is in the NICU but they did not want to wait till he was out. It is a struggle going back and forth. There are only 2 people allowed at a time in the NICU so we all have to take turns. I hate missing a feeding but it does give Brian and I a chance to rest every few turns. Grandpa David, Grandma Sheryl, and Aunt Laura all got to feed him. They will be in town until May 4. They are also helping around the house by cleaning and cooking.
May 6, 2007:We are leaving today! Landon had to take a car seat challenge. He is put in his car seat for an hour and the nurse monitors all of his vitals every 15 mins. and makes sure he can keep his head up the entire time. He passed the test.
He also got his hearing test done and passed that. He has his first round of HepB. We checked out of the hospital and got into the car at 6:45pm. It is such a wonderful feeling.
Thank you everyone for praying for us.
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