27 and 5

We're still pregnant and only a few days short of that critical 28 week mark (at which point Miss Annalee will no longer be considered a micro preemie.)  Based on the ultrasound we had Tuesday, I'd estimate her weight to be around 2 lbs 4 oz.

It's been a better week.  I continue to have contractions throughout the day, but they aren't as painful or frequent as they have been.  After having some bad days last week, I began taking Procardia - a medication that relaxes the uterus and eases contractions.  It seems to have helped a lot.

I also received the steroid shots that help the baby's lungs if she is born early.  We had been holding off to make sure we didn't give them too early (since they lose their effectiveness over time), but when we learned that my cervix had shortened another half of a centimeter, everyone decided it was better to be safe than sorry. Apparently they can give me a booster shot later on if we've gone too long since the last round of shots.

So for now, we're just hanging out.  It's hard to believe I've been here over three weeks.  I'm finally beginning to feel a little less anxious and my days have a predictable pattern.  The mornings are easier...with fewer contractions and generally less excitement.  As the day goes on, the contractions pick up.  By about 7:00pm, I begin counting down the minutes until my bedtime dose of meds.

NST (Non Stress Test) - a form of torture.  I'm sure of it.

A lot of people ask me if I'm bored or if I'm ready to leave.  I'm not.  Sitting in bed all day is exactly what I want to do.  The doctors may be sending me back to CAMP on Monday if everything is stable.  I realize that this is a good sign, but I'm not all that thrilled about leaving now that the contractions are a bit better.  I worry that all the activity involved in moving might break the good spell we've had.

Samuel is doing well.  I miss him like crazy and it's been strange to see him grow up so much while I've been away.  His vocabulary and grammar have taken a huge leap forward.  Unfortunately his eating has regressed a bit, but we have all tried to keep in mind that he is dealing with a lot of change right now.  Regardless, he weighed a whopping 28 lbs (25th percentile!) at his check-up a few weeks ago so he's not exactly starving!

Thank goodness for FaceTime!  Isn't he the cutest!  :)