I was looking forward to writing a post filled with good news about week 24, but unfortunately things have quickly changed for the worst.
I woke up on Tuesday morning feeling great and excited about tackling 24 weeks.
I had a doctors appoimtent that afternoon to check the status of my cervix and make sure things were good.
Shortly after the ultrasound began, we got bad news.
My cervix had shortened to a .9 cm at it’s shortest, which is way too short for 24 weeks.
I was put into a hospital room to monitor and check for contractions. I was also given a dose of steroids to help mature the baby boy’s lungs incase he makes an early appearnce.
Luckily, no contractions were detected so I was sent home for the night and came back in early the next morning for another check-up.
When I returned my cervix was down to .5 and I was immediately admitted to the hospital.
Yesterday was a little rough, my head was tilted below my stomach, I was pumped full of medications to stop dilation, and I was on strict bed rest.
Today has been much better. My cervix has stayed the same and I am much more stable.
I am off of most of the medications that make me feel horrible, and I get to have my bed tilted up a little…best news ever.
I can’t help but feel disappointed about how things are turning out.
Before getting pregnant, I consulted with many specialists about the possibility and likelihood of carrying a baby full-term.
With several recommendations we felt confident that this was good choice for us. Our doctors have been great and given us the best care, I think everyone is as disappointed as I am.
So what’s the plan?
I will be living in the hospital on bed rest until this baby boy makes his appearance. Obviously the longer the better, so I hope to be here a while.
I am currently only 24 weeks & 1 day so baby boy must stay in.
We are struggling with a name but would love to have it selected soon.
We are open to all and any suggestions you may have, so feel free to leave some cute baby boy names in the comments, plus I would love to read them!
You can also follow me on Instagram @danielleoakey if you want daily updates.
Much love,
Danielle
Thoughts and prayers for you, your family and your sweet baby boy!
I can’t imagine how hard it is right now for you and your family! Praying that baby boy stays put and keeps cooking a while longer! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Asher James!
Bless your heart! I’ll say a little prayer for you.
So sorry to hear this! Stay strong and keep that baby safe and in your belly. Praying for you!
I wish you all the best of luck! I was hospitalized on bed rest and we were able to keep my guy in for two additional weeks before he was born at 33 weeks. He’s now a totally healthy, happy four year old. My nephew was born around 30 weeks at 2 lbs 10 oz and is a perfect walking, talking 18 month old.
Bed rest sucks (especially the strict hospital kind) but it really will help. I pray you are there for a long, long time while your baby grows and gets stronger! You and your husband and the baby are in my thoughts and prayers.
How scary. I’m so sorry that you have to go through this 🙁 Definitely sending tons of thoughts and prayers your way. Regarding names I think David is fitting… I like the symbolism of the name. David was against all odds, but ended up being strong enough to slay the adversary and opposition.
I can’t even believe this D. So Sorry to hear it. I’m praying for you.
Saw a cute one today – Holden! Adorbs!
Thinking of you and your family!
So sorry to read this, but sending prayers your way!
Here are some names, though (of people I know and their kids):
Andrew, Owen, Liam, Bennett, Benjamin, Ethan, Ewan, Lane, Pierce, Paul, Nicholas, Aaron, Nathan, Seth, Ryan, James, Thomas, Brent, Keith, Heath, Samuel, Simon, Christian, Phillip, William, Kurt, Laith, Peter, Thomas
Henry or Joseph
I’m so sorry. You must be so nervous. I will be praying mr.man can hold on.
On the subject of names our little guys name is Mac. He was a preemie and a fighter. In my mind Mac’s are tough little guys! And now at 19 months old he is the strongest child i’ve ever met. Hoping your little man is tough as nails too!
Praying for you and baby boy, Danielle! On the bright side…more time to blog from the hospital 🙂 Hehe. I love baby names…can’t wait to hear which one you choose! My favorite are Caden, Noah, Rylan, & Micah. See you on instagram! 🙂
You are in my thoughts……I have not be able to get pregnant and maybe never will but my favorites that I have been holding onto are Cole, Kellen, Liam and Kade. Can’t wait to hear your pick!!
so sorry to hear this news! wishing you and your baby boy the best. Gabriel/Gabe? I don’t have little ones but have always liked the name!
Prayers for you and your little one.
Prayers for you and your little one.
Danielle, my fingers are crossed for you and your family and that the little one stays put. And that you get to have your head above your toes for the next 16 weeks.
Baby names I have used and loved: Jackson, Jameson, Harrison, Gabriel, and Liam. (I haven’t used all of them, just Jackson. I also have a Henry but he was named after my grandfather 😉
Danielle, I’m a new reader and just wanted to say I’ve got my fingers and toes crossed that your little one will stay in as long as possible. Sending positive vibes your way! Oh, I love Will, Arthur and Collin, for boys names.
Danielle, I am so sorry for the recent complications with your pregnancy but we will all be thinking of you and praying that little one stays in for as long as possible! Wishing you the best. Now off to follow you on Instagram… 🙂
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your baby boy stays put for many more weeks! My favorite names are Patrick and James. Best wishes.
Oh dear, sorry to hear it, Danielle! Best to you as you make your way through the rest of this pregnancy. I have two girls so didn’t get to use any of my boy names – my favorites were Sam, James, and Luke. My husband really liked Ryan and Tyler. Good luck with that too, names are hard!
Sorry to hear this… Hope you the best!
(and sorry I can not help with the names… I guess names in Spanish won’t sound OK in this case 🙂
I am in the preemie mom club too! My daughter was born at 32w and my son at 33w after 3 weeks of bedrest. Are you getting progesterone (17p)shots weekly? I received the (very owie!) shots the second time around after our daughter’s early birth and credit them to me holding off til 33w after I went into labor at 30 weeks. Hopefully he stays a-cooking for awhile longer!
Fave names: Callan, Brecken, Beckett, Bennett, Grady, Brody, Easton, Kieran, Knox, Elliott, Tyce, Jace, Brenham, Grayden, Reed, Keaton, Hayes, Hudson, Preston, Graham, Fletcher, Griffin, Harrison
Praying for you and that sweet baby boy! I know all too well about preterm labor and hospital stays. (My first son was born at 35 weeks after preterm labor at 30 weeks and 5 weeks of bedrest, he had RDS and was jaundiced. We stayed in the hospital with him for the first week. He contracted RSV two weeks later and had to be hospitalized again. My second son was born at 39 weeks and was healthy, thank God. We just had baby boy # 3 in June. He had to be delivered at 38 weeks because I had extreme preeclampsia. When he was born the Dr.s discovered he had a hole in one of his lungs and had air in his chest cavity. He was in the NICU for 11 days but finally made a full recovery.) It is really hard but having gone through it already you are wiser and calmer than the first time (I definitely was by # 3!). It is such a blessing to have wonderful Dr.s, which it sounds like you do! Keep us updated and God bless!
Oh and my boys names’ are Jude Ezra, Phinehas (Phin for short) Isaiah and Isaac Asher. 🙂
Oh Danielle I’m so sorry to hear 🙁 keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and that little baby boy too! I have two boys names Isaac and Ethan other boys names I love Asher, Kade, Kolton, Cole, Blake, and my fave is Cohen. Good luck with everything sweetheart!
So sorry to hear! I will keep you in my prayers. Here are some names of little boys I know…Amos, Nash, Blake, Brady, Jack, Finn, Brooks, Camden, Davis, Dawson, and Landen. Have fun pre-occupying yourself with choosing a name 🙂
My thoughts and prayers are with you and sweet baby boy. As a new grandmother to a Will, I can’t think of a name I love more!
I’m so sorry but it sounds like you are in excellent care. All my prayers and positive energy that you’ll be in the hospital for a long time. Well…you know what I mean. 🙂
Danielle, I’m so sorry to hear your news ~ sending thoughts and prayers your way for you both. I know you’ll have an amazing attitude and take great care of yourself. I have a Connor, but also love Ayden, Caden, Brandt, and Max.
My son was born at 36 weeks and 6 days. I can imagine how you feel right now. Think positive! My son’s name is Hudson and he’s now in the 85th percentile for size. These boys grow so fast. I’m sure yours will to 🙂
Sending lots of love and positive thoughts your way. Stay strong and pass the same advice onto your little one 🙂
My son’s name is Beckett (Beck for short).
Praying for you and your sweet baby boy. I am sure that you are feeling overwhelmed right now. I’ll come visit you if you get bored and want a visitor! 🙂 I have an Asher, but our second choice was Cohen. I’ll be waiting for instagram updates!
Prayers coming your way! Let’s hope your little guy stays in for a while longer! You can do this!!
what a tough situation..sending positive thoughts your way! and I know its a little ridiculous, but I love the name Wolf 🙂
Oh, My
Sending you positive thoughts. I know you must be so scared and worried, about your baby and your sweetie at home; but it will all be worth it. My son’s name is Jackson (his dad is John, and it means son of John!) and we love it.
Sending good vibes your way; hopefully they won’t need to do a circlage! I’m glad you’re off most of the yucky meds.
I was on bedrest with my first two for most of my pregnancies, but with my third (a few years later) my OB told me that half of preterm labor was caused by infection. I was on antibiotics soooo many times; apparently my immune system decided to take the pregnancy off. But I got through with no ER visits and no hospitalizations, although I did end up with a C-section.
Jenson (or Jensen) was our boy name. We had a girl instead, though. I like old fashioned names like Oliver, too.
So sorry! Keeping you in my prayers!
saying a prayer. so glad you are at the hospital under good care. how is the food? the hospital where I delivered my 2 had great food..it makes all the difference 🙂
Prayers for you and your family.
Baby Name:
Reiland
Laken is my fav boys name. Keep being strong and I am sending love your way.
Oh Danielle, thinking of you. You can do this!
How about Parker? As in, hey little dude, Parker right there and stay and grow awhile 😉
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your precious boy xx
I was in tears reading your blog! I am praying for you and baby boy :). I like the name Tristan (that is my son’s name). Liam is cute too!
So sorry; sending postive vibes your way. Stay strong!
Boy names are difficult. We just named our son Liam James.
Danielle, I’m wishing you the best. I hope you can cook this baby as long as possible and that your little girl is well taken care of too. I have 3 girls and I’m due a couple of weeks after you. We decided not to find out what we are having this time since it’s probably our last chance to be surprised (we’re just figuring it’s another girl). We have a boy name pick out (Jeffrey after my dad) but need girl name suggestions if you have any to send my way 🙂 I’ll be staying tuned to see how you’re doing.
Karin Smith (from the Taylorsville girl bedroom designs)
Oh man. I’ve been following you on instagram and it sounds horrible! What is Emory doing during the days? If you’re ever in need, and feel comfortable asking, call me. Or if you’re feeling desperate for yummy food or someone to bring you something and the people close to you are busy, call or text.
I hope baby boy comes safely to the world.
Eight oh one six five four two one seven one. )
Oh, Danielle … I’m so, so sorry. I know you must be discouraged, and bedrest is really hard. But if it will keep you and baby healthy, it is absolutely for the best! Sending many prayers your way!
Hi Danielle, this is Traci Hansen (Brad’s wife). We heard about what’s going on through the Rexburg grapevine (and I love your blog). I just wanted to let you know that we’re hoping for the best for you all (with your baby, with residency interviews, and everything else). What a crazy time for you. You’re in our prayers.
P.S. My parents live across the street from the 50’s house your in-laws just bought. I’ve been inside many times and it is awesome! I’m excited to see what they do with it.
Sending positive vibes your way.
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I was on bed rest with our little man for a month and I know how difficult it is. Hoping your little guy can stay in a bit longer.
We named our son Larkin Henry.
I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this right now. But you are so strong and things are looking up! Get plenty of rest and think positive! Everything will be ok! 🙂 For boy names, I love Bennett, Christian and Julian. Baby names are so fun to think about! 🙂
Hope you are in there for a long time! I was sympathaizing with you about the shots in the belly – this is my 3rd pregnancy doing it. Yuck! I’ve had 2 boys and I am cooking up another one! Our two guys are Spencer and Graham. We like their names:-)
Love your blog and wish you lots of luck.
Shelly
So sorry. I hope all goes well and that baby stays put for a long while. And hopefully you are getting lots of entertainment while in that bed.
🙁 I’m so sorry….. I love the names Liam, Ethan, Grant. My son’s name is Caleb. Wishing and praying for the best for you and your baby boy!
oh how terrible danielle! My first was a preemie, but due to my pre-eclampsia and HEELP syndrome instead of pre-term labor. I have two beautiful boys. Perron and Grayson. I am also particular to Miller too.
I hope things go well and you get to stay pregnant for quite some time longer. 🙂 It’s not fun being in the hospital. Our 2 boys names are Thomas Paul and John William. I just love both. Strong, honorable and maybe even presidential names, I think. I love the classics. They aren’t used as often any more. So, I guess they are becoming unique. Best of luck!
I have only been following your blog for a short amount of time, but was so sad to see you have been hospitalized. Good luck my friend. I hope you have a long comforable stay in the hospital. My sister in law is about to have her baby boy and she is going with Chase or Jax. I thought they were both cute. Good luck!
oh good luck with your bedrest! it’ll all be worth it! my son’s name is Charlie and I also like Henry, William, Sam.
Best of luck Danielle; so many people are thinking of you and hoping the very best outcome possible. Hang in there.
The journey of getting kids here is always awe inspiring to me. Sometimes it feels like an uphill climb, but when you reach the summit and get to meet your baby for the first time you know it was all worth it…cheesy but that is why i love the name Everest. My sons name is Beckett but we also love the name Daxton (we like our names to be outside the norm). Best wishes your way!-loyal follower
Praying for you and your little one! Keep him cookin’
Joanne @ Homestyling101
Praying for you!
Oh Danielle, so very sorry. We’ll be praying for you from Iowa. I have 4 boys & hopefully a few more one day. I have a Kaden, Parker, Xander, & Maddox. Names on my boy list are Sawyer, Lennox, & Lennon.
I hope he stays in there another 16 weeks for you 😉
My thoughts and prayers are with you and baby boy- praying that he stays put for a few more weeks!
Oh, D, I’m so sorry to hear this! I’ll send up a bunch of prayers for y’all. Just rest up and relax as much as you can!! xo
That’s it! I’m really going to have to start pumping otu some entertaining blog posts. Back with boy names soon enough.
stay strong and positive..lots of prayers going out to you and your bub…as for a name i love jimmy!x
Praying for you & sweet baby boy!!! Finn , Palmer , or Ryan like my sweet boy:)
I can’t imagine the stress, worry and anxiety all this is! We’re expecting our third (girl) next month, it’s nerve wrecking as it is without the extra issues. Thankful they were able to stabilize the situation, hang in there one day at a time! Will be keeping you and your family in my prayers 🙂
Kasia
http://www.kasia.labocki.com
Praying peace over you, your bitty boy, and your family!
For a little guy I love the name Tate.
I’m so sorry you are going through this, but, keep praying, God is on your side – for some reason the name Andrew came to me very loud and clear – stay safe and keep calm, you are in good hands! xoxo
Long-time reader of the blog and finally felt compelled to comment. I really wish you all the best and commend your positive attitude despite this tough spot. Sending prayers your way!
p.s. For boys I like Adrian, Ezra, Adam, Noah, and Ben! Boy names are harder to pick than girls, I think.
My prayers are with you and your growing family. So sorry that you are going through this trial. Best of luck to you and the baby. Stay positive and keep the faith.
Boy names are so hard! I have 4 girls and 1 boy and his name was by far the hardest to decide on. His name is Everett. I love it but I am biased because he is so awesome. I’m sure you’ll have some extra time to give the name some thought:) Get a good book and keep that baby in!
Keeping my fingers crossed for a looooong hospital stay. And my favourite boys name is Alfie (of course I’m biased…that’s what I named my number 1 son).
You’ll be included in my prayers. Be strong and have faith. May you go through this pregnancy safe and may God’s graces be with you!
Eagan Fitness Center
My heart just sank for you. I am a 25 weeker Mom and I can’t imagine the roller coaster of emotions that this must bring back. Prayers coming your way and praying that sweet boy stays in there a long time!
Hope you have a long hospital stay 😉 I like Matthew or Lucas (my boys names, of course!).
Love your blog! What a trooper you are posting while all drugged up on icky stuff and with your bed all wonky. Praying your little one stays in there for a long, long time! Praying your stay will be easy…and that you can have that bed tilted up a bit more :-). Names are so much fun! We have no kids (we’ll are looking at adoption) but I love the thought of names…my husband and I never agree :-). I love old fashioned names like Oliver and Henry. But I’m also sucker for family names and names that mean something. Take care.
Sweet Danielle — I’m thinking about you and hoping for a long, long hospital stay!! I’m so glad you have great doctors and a wonderful suppport system. I love the boy name Gavin. 🙂
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You are a trooper! You hang in there and just know that many people are praying for you!
Good Luck! Hope things continue to look up. I’m quite fond of the names Greyson and Nash for little boys. Can’t wait to see what you guys pick!
lots of love and patience to you all. nice boy names: william, michael, ryan, roman…
praying for you, your little baby boy, and your family! hang in there and rest!
Praying for mom and baby! I love the name Cohen for a boy! -Kandace
I will be sending positive thoughts & prayers your way! I am expecting also {17.5 wks} and can only imagine what you must be feeling. Hopefully that sweet baby boy will stay in there for much longer than expected 🙂
Gosh, that stinks! Magnesium Sulfate is the worst! (I’m guessing that’s what they’re using. I went in at 23 weeks with my daughter and we held her in for another four weeks (her foot was outside my cervix, still in the bag of waters, when I went in! If they haven’t offered, ask for a fan when you’re on the mag, it does help somewhat. Also ask about the special menu that they keep for the long term patients. They don’t always tell you about either. I was also allowed to have hard candy while on one of my 3 (THREE!) rounds of mag. Ask about that too. Our hospital also has in-room salon services. Those were a nice break during the day. I’m keeping you in my thoughts. Robin
I’m sending lots of prayers and warm wishes to you. Glad to hear that you are doing well and thus far staying pregnant. My first child was born at 32 weeks so I unfortunately know the reality of early arrival and the concern regarding the next pregnancy. Seems you are doing great and being watched continuously and I feel confident this course of action gives you great odds and getting that baby bigger and keeping him in longer. I’ll keep sending loads of prayers.
PS. Love the name Benjamin for a little guy 🙂
Danielle, I’m so sorry to hear this! I’m 15 weeks pregnant and can’t imagine what your going through. Hoping you have a nice, long hospital stay 🙂 It sounds like you have a great support system, so hang in there. I know the days will probably seem MUCH longer cooped up in a hospital bed, but it’s for a good cause 🙂 I have a terrible time picking out names (I have a huge family so most names are already taken!) but some of my all time favorites are: Spencer, Sawyer, Parker, Myles (Miles), Maddox, Tate, Cash, and Knox. Have fun picking, can’t wait to see what you end up with!
Oh, Momma! What a tough cookie you are. I admire your attitude.
I cannot relate, all of my babies made their appearance at week 41! I am exhausted just thinking about it. However, I wouldn’t trade a single day. Sacrifice for ones child is the most ennobling act, your work and your glory! Hang in there baby.
So, I have three girls, (Talia, Ruby and Skye.) and I cannot resist sharing the boys names on my list. Maybe I will get to use one someday. Alma, Zane, Martin, Marshal, Miles, Blake, Kellen, Calvin, Tad, Beau, Charles and Rhodes. (My mothers maiden name. I think it’s rad.)
Good luck love. Keep a smile on!
Hang in there on this journey! Keep positive and talk to your baby/body to just keep tight for a while. When this is all over and you are holding your healthy baby, it will all be worth the mental and phyiscal struggles like you did with your duaghter. I am sending you thoughts and prayers that this will get easier for you and your baby. Some names that I like lately are Ryder, Wade, Wyatt, Zane, Henry, Owen, and Reed. Caprice
Poor you sweetie – thoughts are with you and think positive. Wishing you all the best for a healthy few more months.
Rachie xo
My baby names for you are Freddy, George and Charlie which are my gorgeous nephews! x
Dont worry dear all are praying for you..every thing will be all right.
Hang in there Momma!! Been praying for you. I’m so glad you’ve now made it another week 🙂 My boys are Hudson and Avery… I think that Hudson and Emory go together well. Just an idea to throw out there. I’m sure you’ve narrowed down your list by now.
Good luck Danielle, I have read your blog for a long time and I absolutely love it. Look after yourself and rest up. You will be in my thoughts. As for names, my son Harry was early at 32 weeks and he is now 5 and one of the happiest and funniest people I know!