Friday, November 19, 2010

31 Weeks 5 Days

As of 4:24 am this morning I am now farther along in this pregnancy than I ever was with Janessa. She passed away when I was 31 weeks 4 days & was born the following morning.

Yesterday it ran through my mind a few times early in the day. I thought to myself "If I was pregnant with Janessa right now she would only have a few hours left to live." I wondered how I would have felt knowing that. How if only I knew something wasn't right we could have saved her life. I went on about my day but as late afternoon came I caught myself glancing at the clock. I would think what I was doing at that time on the day of her death. Around 4 pm I was taking our son to his after school activity...At 5 we were heading home...This went on until 7 p.m. when I realized that this was around the time the abruption occurred. Around 8 we were at the hospital & since I am not really sure of what time everything happened I got a flood of random flashbacks. I thought of the nurses trying so desperately to find her heartbeat & them lying to me about her possibly being in a tough position. But they knew. I knew. I remember the doctor finally getting there to do the ultrasound. Seeing our daughter so very still on the screen. Looking at her heart, motionless. The doctor not speaking just looking at us and shaking her head "no". My husband sobbing in his chair. The pure shock I felt after. The physical pain. I don't talk about the abruption pain very much because it was truly indescribable. I can't find the words to do it justice. The rest of the night played through my mind as well. But that is nothing new. I still occasionally wake up in the middle of the night & have the flashbacks play before my eyes. I still have some residual effects of post traumatic stress syndrome. It almost destroyed me in the beginning. It continues to fade over time but can easily be summoned back.

I did not do this to myself on the one year anniversary of her death. I think it was because I was so preoccupied on planning for her memorial that weekend.

I have made it past this mile marker. Now what? Nothing has changed. I never really thought it would. I'm not in a safe zone. I never will be. No one ever is. I sometimes just cry because I am tired of the panic feeling. Tired of the worry, of the stress. Of the "what ifs?".

The baby has been somewhat "sluggish" these past few days. I lay down quite a bit & make sure he is doing ok. I constantly worry that something is wrong. I also know he is growing and from what I have read their movements due slow a bit. He was so active I was hoping that it wouldn't happen. He has been active enough to pass his kick counts but the stress toll its taking on me is huge. I wish I had some type of monitor strapped to my belly all day checking on him.

I have anywhere between 5 & 7 weeks left of this pregnancy. To the old me that would seem like nothing! To me now it feels like an eternity.

7 comments:

brigette said...

You are getting so close! I dont blame you though. We all know to much. Try not to stress I know easier said than done! Sending much love your way

*Laura Angel said...

Your story of the PTSD is so much like mine...I still have side effects. I am thinking o you and baby! Its horrible when they slow. Just keep track of his kick counts...and remember go in anytime you need reassurance...after all its priceless :)

Lisette said...

I wish I could just hug you right now. PTSD is hell, those vivid flashbacks are hell.
We should invite a monitor that we can wear to help us with the stress. I know the next few weeks are going to feel like an eternity but you hang in there and keep telling yourself that this baby is going to be in your arms in no time. Love ya!

Shannon said...

I really feel for you. My husband and I have been talking about having another baby and after hearing all the stories and seeing what people go through,it really scares me.But I guess that's a chance we have to take if we want to have more children. It's kinda selfish of me to feel this way but I couldn't imagne going through what you and all those people on your website:( But I really want my son to grow up with a sibling, I have 6 siblings and I can't imagne my life without them. Justine is my best friend.
I am glad you are doing well and you look great. I hope everything continues good and soon we can see pictures of your beautiful baby. Good luck with everything and remember you are an amazing person to do what you have done on that website. You have helped so many people I am sure.

Holly said...

Lainey moved less toward the end and it scared me. I kept worrying that something was gonna happen to her. Those last few weeks do feel like forever!

Lana said...

Hang in there Malory, your little man needs you to stay strong and your beautiful Janessa will be watching over the two of you i have no doubt about that.
Lana
xx

Anonymous said...

I am playing catch up here. I have been awat from the blog world for so long. Congrats to you my friend. Sending you love and prayers.

xoxo
betty

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