Wow, what a week we’ve had this last week or so.  Last Tuesday I ended up in the hospital having contractions and we found out my amniotic fluid levels were very low. The doctors gave me fluids to help hydrate me, to get the fluid levels back up to a safe range, they also gave me steroid injections to get Addison’s lungs mature since we were only 34 weeks pregnant at that point. I was also given antibiotics just incase I had any type of infection. The doctors also put me on medicine that helps to slow/stop contractions in pre-term labor. It didn’t stop them, but definitely helped slow them down.

I was in/out of the hospital every day last week, and sent home on strict bed rest. The doctors were hoping to be able to buy as many more days of this pregnancy as possible. Looks like their efforts have paid off so far, as I’m still preggers! We turned 35 weeks yesterday (which is how far along I was when Bianca was born). I’m still on bed rest, taking it very easy because we’d still like to get another week out of this pregnancy if we can.

I’m not due until the end of June, but the doctor has decided that if I don’t go into labor beforehand, that they will induce me next Thursday (the 29th).  I’ll be exactly 36 weeks at that point, and since I’m already dilated and technically in early labor, I guess they don’t want to put it off too long.  I will be really surprised if I make it to next Thursday, but we shall see.

Bianca turns 1 tomorrow… can you believe that? I keep praying that Addison doesn’t decide that tomorrow is the day. Many of you know about our “birthday curse”. Rob and my dad have the same birthday, Damian and his cousin Nessi have the same birthday, Kadence’s birthday is one day after another of their cousins and is on the same day as one of my Aunts.  My brother and step sister have the same birthday… it just seems to never end.  Damian and Kadence’s birthdays are exactly 2 years and 3 days apart… and at most Bianca and Addison’s birthdays will be 1 year and 5 days apart.  Nothing like keeping all the birthdays close together!

Rob is doing well in Iraq. He’s staying very busy, working very long days, but is enjoying his job out there. We all miss him terribly and can’t wait until he comes home in the fall. The kids are also all doing well, growing like weeds and getting smarter every day (good thing they take after their mother).

That’s our update for now, I’m sure I’ll have another within a week or so that will include pictures of little Addison! Until then, everyone have a great Memorial Day weekend.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone. I can’t believe it’s been almost a year since I’ve updated this website – I’m terribly sorry for the slacker on my part! But please know that it’s not for lack of wanting to keep you informed, but rather being super busy taking care of 3 children – and being pregnant again. Yep – if you hadn’t heard yet, I’m pregnant again. I found out when Bianca was 3 months old – I’m now 6 months along (and Bianca is 9 months old). I’m due June 26th, but we’re going to induce me early – the first week of June (which will put me at 37 weeks). It is going to be another girl – Addison Jennifer Nielsen. 1 boy and 3 girls, do you feel sorry for Rob and Damian?

For those that haven’t heard, Rob left for Iraq at the beginning of February, and is supposed to be there probably until September. We miss him terribly, but we are so very proud of him for serving his country and the sacrifices he makes to ensure our freedom!

Damian will turn 5 next month, Kadence 3. Where does the time go? It truly flies when you’re having fun. They are both doing excellent in school, learning lots and really blossoming into very smart little people. They love having Bianca around, and they are excited about Addison joining the “zoo” in a few months.

My mom has moved out here with us to help me while Rob is away, and the kids are getting to know her and having a great time with her. We are certainly adjusting to alot of changes over here, Rachel and Casey also moved out – as they are awaiting orders to Japan, so the kids have seen alot going on in the last month.

Unfortunately I have no new pictures for today – as I have misplaced my card from my camera, but as soon as I find it I promise to get the website updated with new pics. You won’t believe how much the kids have grown!

Until next time…

We have definitely had a very busy week. Bianca went in for a weight check on Monday, weighing in at 4lbs and 8oz. That was her first real gain since she’s been home from the hospital. We were very excited about this. After returning from the doctor in the morning though, Bianca started throwing up, and it was a lot! So she went back to the doctor Monday afternoon, this time she had actually gained an ounce (even while throwing up). Weight was 4lbs and 9oz. The doctor was concerned that she might have a urinary tract infection, so he put in a catheter and tested her urine. That came back clean, no infection. So then he had us take her over to the lab to have blood work done. That was horrible,  watching them stick a needle in her poor little arms. All the labs came back normal though, so the doctor diagnosed her with just a stomach virus. She went back to the doctor on Tuesday morning, because she was vomiting again, and low and behold she had gained another ounce – now at 4lbs 10oz. He is still convinced she just had a bad stomach virus. By Wednesday she seemed to be doing much better, and is finally able to eat and keep down the food. We’ll be taking her back to the doctor on Monday for her 1 month checkup – I certainly hope she’s put on even more weight by then. The doctor had me wait to start supplemental feedings since she was throwing up – and since she gained 2 ounces in 2 days (which is wonderful), he’s going to have me wait until we see how she gains by Monday.

Bianca Elizabeth Nielsen was born Thursday – May 24th at 5:24pm. She was 17 inches long and weighed 4lbs and 11oz.  I went in to have my cerclage removed, and before I could get into the hospital my water broke! Contractions were very light, really never felt them (or much pain), and the delivery was very easy (from the first push to the time they put her on my chest was less than 2 minutes!).  She came out breathing normal, on her own, and was very strong – doing great. Because she was 5 weeks ahead of schedule, they did send her to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). In the NICU she received antibiotics (as a caution in case she had any infection, which turned out that she doesn’t) and also received fluids and vitamins. I came home Thursday afternoon – but went back every few hours for feeding. She started breastfeeding Thursday – which the doctors didn’t think she’d be able to do because of her size, but she really is a strong baby and latched on very well. By Sunday she was down to 4lbs and 2ozs. This is not what we wanted to see, but it is common for babies to lose weight after birth. She had her first “gain” yesterday, and now weighs 4lbs and 3.7ozs. Rob and I had expected her to go home on Monday – but starting Sunday night she started having episodes of what they call “periodic breathing”. This is normal in preemies, and basically means she forgets to breath, or takes very long pauses between breaths.  So they have started her on caffeine, to stimulate her, and also performed a sleep study Monday night. Unfortunately the periodic breathing has gotten worse, and she had two instances where she quit breathing for almost 20 seconds each (not breathing for over 20 seconds can be life threatening). They will be keeping her in the hospital until Saturday.  She will stay on the caffeine for a few months. They will be repeating the sleep study on Friday night. If she passes, she does go home Saturday with just her daily dose of caffeine – but if she fails then she’ll come home on caffeine and an apnea monitor which she’ll probably remain on for 1-2 months. We are hoping she passes on Friday night… but either way this is something that they grow out of by a few months old, so there is no need to worry. I am spending my time making trips back and forth to the hospital for feedings (and of course bonding time). Life is hectic!

Things are going well in our world.  Damian turned 4 last Tuesday, and Kadence 2.  I can’t believe how fast they are both growing.  Rob’s mom and step dad were able to come spend last weekend with us and we had a birthday party for the kids.  They really had a great day – went to the aquarium in La Jolla in the afternoon, and then had their party in the evening.  Thank you to all the grandparents for the wonderful gifts for the kids.  We wish you could have all been here!  I have added new pictures today from the birthday party as well as some previously taken.

I also finally finished our baby registry this morning, you can check it out too.  I’ll be 31 weeks along on Friday, so we have at most – only 9 weeks left.  But they’ll be removing my cerclage at about 35 weeks, so we really could have Bianca here with us in as soon as 4 more weeks!  We’re getting excited!