One month

It has been one month since being in the hospital. I can't say it has gone by fast, but it hasn't gone that slow either. I have 6 more weeks to go. I do hope the next 6 weeks will fly by. It is hard as I get bigger and I'm not comfortable in most positions. I have to move around a lot. But despite that, Dr. Kirshon is very optimistic about everything and is positive I will make it. Dr. Kirshon did say that I am almost to the point the babies would be viable (23-24 weeks). That is good news, but of course I want to make it further than that. I'm sure I will. It will get harder, but I will have to be tough and keep going each day. The nausea has gone away some. I still have a touch of it, but I definitely feel better than yesterday. It is getting harder to eat big meals. I have to eat little at a time as my belly continues to grow.
This weekend will be good as my parents are coming to visit. I haven't seen them in a month. It will be a nice visit. I wish they could visit more often.

Hanging Strong

This morning Dr. Kirshon came in to see me like usual, He decided to lower my Magnesium Sulfate from 2 grams to 1.5 grams, I was so happy because I thought it would lower my Nausea symptoms, but guess what it didn't; Not even Zofran completely takes away the nausea. I have decided to except it and move forward. I am in good hands here at the hospital, I absolutely love one of the nurses here her name is Renee. She has been so caring and loving towards me. I really feel like she would do anything for me and these babies. I have my discouraging moments but she always seems to brighten my day with her enthusiasam and her positive attitude. I owe her so much for all that she has done for me to this point in my pregnancy. This evening I have had a few contractions so they decided to bump up the Magnesium Sulfate back to 2 grams. Thomas and I were on Fox News at 9pm this evening, it was a follow to the first interview we had back in june. I have made it through another day, I am please with that. I am trying to keep these babies cooking for as long as possible. Here is the interview http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/health/090730_humble_sextuplets

Week 22!!!

It is official, I am 22 weeks along today and counting. I was wondering if I was going to make it to the 22nd week, after last night, but here we are. The babies and I are hanging strong, after all that ruckus yesterday. We will continue to take it one day at a time until I can't hold those little rascals any longer. I am striving to stay positive through all of this. I know this is a very special occasion for Thomas and I. We are creating life, what a sacred and glorious opportunity. To me there is no greater thing I could be doing at this time in my life. With all the challenges that I know will come, I am doing a great work, and that is what motivates me more than anything else. We are so excited to bring these beautiful children into the world. Thomas and I often discuss what will they look like, who will each one of them look like. We are getting more and more excited as each day passes.

Magnesium Sulfate!

Lat night was not the best of nights for me. I was having contractions almost all night, finally around 3:00 am Dr. Kirshon said to put me on Magnesium Sulfate. I was Leary of going on the medication because of all the horror stories I have heard. I was given an exceptionally high dose at first. They call it a loading dose, which was 6 grams. I was shocked with how well my body has handled it. The only side effects I have felt is my face got extremely hot, kind of like hot flashes. I also have been very jittery, but other than that I have been ok. I was worried more about how the babies are doing, so this morning the MD decided to do an ultrasound. The Ultrasound went amazingly well. All the babies are growing and seem to be as healthy as can be. Found out that 2 of the babies weigh 1.2 lbs, three are at 1.1 lbs, and one is at 14 ounces. We feel pretty good about that. The average weight for one at 22 weeks is 1 lb. My cervix is doing ok after all those contractions. I have not dialated, and it is still closed. I will continue to move forward trusting in the Lord.

Media Comes For A Visit

Late this afternoon the local Fox news came to visit us in the hospital. They came to do a follow up visit to see how everything is going with Amanda and the pregnancy. We had about a 20 minute interview with one of the anchors (Melissa Wilson). She was very nice and friendly to us. I felt a little awkward simply because I could not put make up on or do my hair. Thomas always tells me why does it matter if you have make up on or do your hair, you are beautiful to me and that is all that matters. We had a good interview today I felt.

Mom & Dad Stansel!

Today was a very rough day on my blood sugars. Dr. Kirshon decided to put me on a different drug to help stop contractions. I started to have more contractions. The contractions were not very painful, but my doctor was being cautious. He decided it was time to start Terbutaline.

(Terbutaline is a β₂-adrenergic receptor agonist, used as a fast-acting bronchodilator (often used as a short-term asthma treatment) and as a tocolytic to delay premature labour. The inhaled form of terbutaline starts working within 15 minutes and can last up to 6 hours).

This medication has really had an effect on my Blood Sugars. It has made them high. So that has been a little discouraging today. We shall see if my body ajusts to this medication like they say it will.

I was excited to see my Mother and Father In-law this eveing, they helped brighten my day. They are about to embark on a full time mission tomorrow. They have been called to serve in the louisiana, Baton Rouge Mission. So we won't see them for a year and a half. It was so nice to be able to see them and visit with them before they left for their mission. I wish them the best.

Brother and sister-in-law

My brother (Darren) and sister-in-law (Tracy) came to visit me today. We had a great visit. I enjoyed talking to them and catching up on things. My brother and sister-in-law are great people and I love them very much. I'm grateful they took the time to come visit.

Great week

I have made it through the 3rd week here in the hospital. I have to say it was a good week and it went by fast. Thank you to all who visited me this week. I know it helped pass the time for me and I enjoyed seeing everyone. I do feel cut off from everyone so again thank you for visiting.

Tonight two couples from our church came to visit with Thomas and I for a "Date night". We played the game Canasta and ate some yummy cheesecake and fruit. It was a good night and we all had fun. Best of all the girls won the game.

I found out after meeting my night nurse tonight that I had met her before. I met her at my work (Texas Children's Hospital - Gastroenterology clinic). Her daughter sees a doctor there and I happened to help them at their last appointment in April. Now the nurse is taking care of me. It's so interesting how peoples lives cross each others paths.

Deseret News Article

Once again we have hit the newspaper this time in Salt Lake City Utah (Deseret News's Mormon Times), I believe it came out in yesterdays newspaper. I have found the article on their website. If you would like to read it, here you go. http://www.mormontimes.com/people_news/people_church/?id=9809

One More Day Down!

One day closer to our goal of 30 weeks. I feel so blessed up to this point in the pregnancy. everything seems to be going pretty smooth for now. I know the road ahead is a long one, but I will do what ever it takes, and with the Lord's help we will make it through. Today I had a good friend come to the hospital and bring frenchy's. It was so awesome, I will have to have Thomas pick it up more often for me. I am getting stir crazy in here at times, but I am going to fight to the end.

21 Weeks

I've made it another week. I'm now 21 weeks. It feels so great to have made it another week. How blessed we are to have made it this far. I measured my belly and I am 43 1/2 inches around. Wow I've gone from a 28 inch waist before pregnancy to now 43 1/2 inches. My belly sure has stretched and will continue to stretch. I've got lots of stretch marks already. Oh well it doesn't bother me that much. I knew it would happen.





Last night was not good. I have been getting really itchy and it keep me up all night. I was given Benadryl, but it didn't really help. I'm tired and ready to go to bed tonight. I hope I sleep through the night tonight even though I'm still itchy. My doctor says its the pregnancy that is making me itch.

Today I was having pain and I thought for sure I was having more contractions, but after they monitored me there was not any. I took some Tylenol and now I'm feeling better. It was just that ligament pain again. It's really sore to walk.

Thomas is such a wonderful husband! He is so thoughtful and cares so much for me. Today he surprised me and brought me flowers. They are so beautiful and brightens my room. Thank you Thomas!!

Another Day

I continue to have friends come visit me. I am so grateful for everyone that has taken the time to come visit. It really helps. Today my co-workers came and they brought me some fun games (Scrabble and Uno). I look forward to playing those game with Thomas. I really enjoyed the visit. Also some friends from church stopped by today.

Yesterday I had friends from church visit me. They brought me some coloring books. I have not colored in a long time and I really enjoyed doing that today.


Tonight I took another wheel chair ride. It's always good to get out of my room. Well another day is done and I'm still doing good. Hope each day continues to go well.

FHE & Games!

Tonight we had some great people come to visit us here in the hospital. One family brought me some coloring books and coloring pencils. I was amazed because I love to color, I don't know how they knew that. They also brought beautiful flowers for me, it was so nice of them. We also had a family from our ward come to do Family Home Evening with us. They read a great story to us, and the children sang to us. It was touching. We are so blessed to have so many good people who care about us. After all left Thomas and I decided to play a game that a good friend brought the other day for us to play. The game is called Sequence. I had never heard of it until they brought it to us to use. It is a pretty fun game. We played and Thomas beat me, but that's ok I had fun. It helps me to take my mind off the stresses of this pregnancy.

Hospital room decor

A wonderful friend from church brought me a beautiful plaque that says "Family a gift that lasts forever". She hung it up in my room so I could see it. It really makes my room a little more like home. Well this hospital room is my home for now. I really appreciate her thinking of doing this for me.




This evening Thomas and I watched out my hospital window the thunderstorm that rolled through. It was nice to see the rain and lightening, something we have not seen in a while down here in the medical center. This was our entertainment for the day as we were bored with being in my room all day.

Houston Chronicle update

Last night we talked to the Houston Chronicle via the phone. They wanted to get an update on my status. Just got the word from them that they posted the update on their website. You can find it here.

2 Weeks Down

Today marks 2 weeks since I have been in the hospital. All has gone very well so far. I am now only being monitored 2 times a day for contractions since I'm doing well. My doctor said this morning that I am doing surprising well. He told me that he admitted me so early due to the twins I lost at 18 weeks. He was just being cautious. He didn't say anything about letting me go home. I'm for sure I am here until delivery at 28-30 weeks. I wish I could go home, but it's best to be here in the hospital just in case something starts to go wrong. I have to admit it's so hard to be here at the hospital in bed and knowing how long I still have to go (8-10 weeks). I pray many times a day to help get me through. I really do appreciate all the wonderful visits from friends and family. It does help pass the time and its nice to have the company. Thanks to all for your prayers!

Babies Update!

I am always a little nervous/ excited when we have an ultrasound, because I really don't know what to think or what to anticipate when we look at the ultrasound. Although I do know that I have had strong impressions through out this whole pregnancy that all will be ok with Amanda and these six babies. I think the best part of the ultrasound is to be able to actually hear the little ones heart beats It just is so awesome to know that my two boys and my four little beautiful angel girls are growing and developing as scheduled. I can not begin to explain the feelings that I have for these little precious souls that a loving Heavenly Father has entrusted me with. I will love and provide for them to the best of my ability. I can't wait to get them here so I can love on them and play with them. They will add so much joy and happiness to our family.

Ultrasound

This evening Dr. Kirshon did an ultrasound. We are so happy to say that all the babies are doing wonderful. All the babies are growing well. Two of the them are 11oz, two are 12oz, one is 13oz and another is 14oz. It is always such a relief to know that my children are doing great at each ultrasound. I always get a little nervous before each one, simply because I don't know exactly what to expect. It is so amazing to see the babies and how they develope each time we do one. I feel so grateful to be able to bring these six precious souls into the world.

20th Week

Today I reached 20 weeks! It feels like I still have a long way to go, but I've also come along way. I'm so happy to have reached 20 weeks. It means I am closer to the target of 28-30 weeks. Now that I am at 20 weeks, I have been feeling the babies move around more. It's a neat feeling. My belly is also growing and It feels like I'm getting bigger every day.

Wonderful Husband

I've got to say my husband is the BEST! He constantly does whatever he can to make me more comfortable. This evening he brought me food (Firehouse Subs) since I'm getting tired of the hospital food. He took me on another wheel chair ride as well. I appreciate his willingness to stay with me in the evenings so I am not all alone. I love him very much and he is going to be a great father.

Typical day

It's been just another ordinary day. Nothing really exciting happened today. I spent the day laying in bed (of course I do that everyday- I know you are jealous!). At times the day passes fast, especially in the morning when I either shower or take a sponge bath. The afternoons drag. I usually watch TV or whatever to pass the time.

Church!

I had the opportunity to attend the Herman Park Ward today, since my ward is kind of a ways up there to go. I have decided to attend a ward closer to the hospital while I am here. I will probably attend my ward on occasion while I am down here, but for the most part I will attend near the hospital. The building that this particular ward meets in is the exact building I went to when I was single for the Young Single Adult dances. It brought back many memories of the good old times.

Monitoring

Every day 3 times a day for one hour I wear a monitor for contractions. I don't really like to wear it because I worry it will show a lot of contractions and I will have to advance to stronger anti-contraction medications. I was told the stronger medications (terbutaline, Magnesium sulfate) cause annoying side effects. Currently I am taking an oral medication (Procardia) to keep the contractions from occurring . It's side effects are tolerable, but I'm afraid it won't be strong enough as I get farther along. I have had some contractions, but not enough to advance to the stronger medications just yet. I pray to be able to go longer before having to go on the stronger meds.

At My Post!

I have been staying in the hospital with my beautiful wife every night except for one to this pointin the pregnancy. I know we have a long road ahead, but we will move forward with faith. I will do my best to be here for her each day, to ease the burden, the worries, and the discomforts associated with being in the hospital. I have a little designated area I am assigned to. I will do what ever it takes to get these children here save and sound, and make it as bearable as possible for Amanda.

Shower!

I asked my doctor this morning when he was checking up with me if I could take a shower every other day. He said YES! I was so happy he let me. Sponge baths are just not the same as a good shower. So I took a shower this morning and it felt so good! I will be doing a sponge bath tomorrow. I really appreciate the techs help with that. I really do appreciate the techs and nurses here at Woman's hospital for all their help. They are nice and do help this time away from home better.

Visitors

Today I had some visitors. Physical therapy came by to help me learn what kind of leg and arm exercises I can do to help my muscles while on bed rest. Also a woman from the march of dimes came to visit and talked to me about a family support program for parents of future premature babies. I received a book and some information of what to expect with premature babies. The third visitor was a good dear friend who I love very much who drove all the way from her work in the Woodlands to visit and bring me lunch (Burger King Whopper). She is such a wonderful person and I appreciate her kindness. I really do appreciate visitors as it helps pass the time and keeps me from getting extremely bored. I also always look forward to my husband getting here after work as I miss him when he is gone.

19th Week / Wheel chair ride

I have made it another week. I am now 19 weeks and holding strong. I'm excited and relieved to have made it this far. I will be celebrating each week I get past.


I was so happy tonight to get out of my hospital room for a wheel chair ride around the hospital. My doctor allowed me to take a ride in the wheel chair after I told him I really needed some time out of my room. It was so nice to get a change of scenery and really see what the hosptial is like. We rode up to the newborn nursery and saw some brand new babies. They were so cute. I look forward to seeing our 6 babies when we hopefully reach 30 weeks. I look forward to another outing outside of my room later this week.

Women's Hospital of Texas!

I have had a good experience thus far with the Hospital and staff. They have taken great care of me. They all have been so kind and patient with me. I am in the new wing of the hospital which opened back in February 2009. I do have a private room. They have made me as comfortable as possible and best of all Thomas does not have to pay to park. Thank you Woman's Hospital of Texas for your great service and patient care.

Day 4 and counting...

So today was day 4 in the hospital (Woman's Hospital of Texas). Today was OK. I continue to have the round ligament pain at times which are so painful. They monitor me for contractions frequently to make sure the pain is not contractions. Eating is hard. I think all the medications I am on are making me lose my appetite plus I am running out of room in my stomach. I'm trying though. I had some visitors today. I met with the CEO of the hospital. She is nice and even filled up my water jug for me. I was so glad to see my husband when he got here from work, but he is leaving again to go eat a nice steak dinner at Vic and Anthony's for his work. How lucky he his! I would love to go with him, but I know I need to stay in bed to keep these babies safe in me. Well I've made it another day here in the hospital. I know I have many more to go, but hopefully time will fly by.

Got to Love the Hospital Food!

I have always heard hospital food is not exactly gourmet food, and that is not a far stretch from the truth. I am only allowed 2600 calories to this point by my physician, so I am limited on what I can order and eat. I will probably go through the menu several times over, as I will be here for a long time (well that is the goal). My wonderful husband Thomas has brought me some of my favorite foods from the outside. I find it increasingly hard to eat because of limited space in the belly due to all the babies growing within. I will continue to plug along and we will make it.

Husband Is A Trooper

Thomas survived the first twenty four hours in the hospital with me. He has been such a huge help thus far. He continues to take care of me as much as he can. He rubs my legs and feet, he holds me when I get discouraged to calm me down. He always is smothering me with kisses, and he is just so darn loving, kind and compassionate and patient with me. I couldn't ask for a better husband. He is so determined to be with me in the hospital as much as he can, but he has to endure the sleeping quarters in our room.

New Home - The Hospital

I work up at 4am this morning in pain. I was so scared thinking I was having contractions and so I woke up my husband. I took some Tylenol and the pain stopped. I was able to go back to sleep then I woke up again at 6am and the pain started again. This time is lasted longer and was more painful. I really thought I was going to lose these babies. Good thing my doctor's appointment was this morning. We called the doctor and he advised to come in earlier than my scheduled appointment. About 15 minutes after speaking with the doctor the pain stopped. Thank goodness! We left the house on our way to the doctor after that.

We got to the doctors office and he did an ultrasound and exam. All looked well with the babies! They are all growing well and are on target. They are approximately 9 oz each. Still little, but growing. According to the doctor, the pain I was having was due to ligaments (muscles) stretching around my uterus. It's normal and can be very painful, but the doctor wanted to start monitoring me closer since we are in uncharted territory. He decided to admit me to the hospital. So now my new home is the hospital. I will be in the hospital until I deliver these babies (around 10-12 weeks). I miss home and I miss my own bed, but this is the best to make sure these babies stay in the womb as long as possible. They will monitor me twice a day for contractions and do more frequent ultrasounds. The monitoring will increase as time goes on. I hope I can sleep in this new environment. My husband will attempt to sleep here with me in the hospital as well. Dr. Kirshon came to visit me this afternoon before he went home for the day, he seems to think everything is ok right now.

Ready to See the MD

I am excited to see the doctor tomorrow, it has been three weeks since we last saw Dr. Kirshon. I am so curious to see the babies on the ultrasound. I want to see how they have grown and to also double check the sex of each baby. We should also get a better idea on when I will be admitted to the hospital. I hope I won't have to be admitted just yet. I love my own bed and the independence to get up once in a while. Home is much more comfortable than the hospital. I know I will also get so lonely at the hospital. I do hope I will have many visitors. We will give everyone an update tomorrow following the appointment.

18th Week!!!

I'm so relieved to have made it to 18 weeks. I lost my twin boys (September 2008) just right before the 18th week. I am so glad to have made it this far with these 6 babies. I know prayers are being heard and I am so grateful for everyone's prayers, love, support and concern. I know I still have a long road ahead with this pregnancy, but I know the Lord will continue to watch over me and the babies. My husband and I would appreciate continued prayers on our behalf.

Hospital Basket

A sweet dear friend of mine surprised me with a basket full of necessities for when I go into the hospital. The basket contained razors, shaving gel, toothpaste, soap, nail polish/nail file, facial cleansing cloths and over the door hangers. These necessities will be so useful. It was so nice of her to bring these items for me. I really appreciate her thoughtfulness and kindness.