Bed Rest Days 1-4

Last Thursday, my high risk OBGYN said the words I had dreaded for my entire pregnancy. I knew that they were probably inevitable, but I maintained a blind hope and optimism that it wouldn't come to this. "I'd like you to stop working and take bed rest for the next three weeks."

I immediately started negotiating.
"Can I work from home?"
"Yes, if you can type flat on your back."

Harrison, voice of reason, beat me to the next question. "She probably shouldn't be walking every day, should she?"
"No, you need to be in bed as much as possible."

Cue tears. Big, salty, "I don't wanna" tears. "I'd also like you to go to the hospital and start another round of betamethasone shots for baby's lungs." Cue despair. I didn't want the crazy shots. The painful, make you sweat through the night and eat like an NFL lineman shots.

I would do anything for my baby. But that doesn't make it easy to give up everything that makes you "you." Even if only for a short period of time. First I had to give up all exercise just 3 months in. Now it was my presence at work and my self sufficiency. It's a tough pill to swallow.

So now, here I am, trying to make the best of this 21 or more days of sitting still. I'm trying to remember that 21 days is the best AND worst case scenario. If I'm in bed for 21 days, it means that my body is doing its job and my baby is safe (best case). If my body does its job and keeps my baby safe, I'll be sitting on this couch and in my bed watching my body atrophy for 21 days (worst case). I know it's what's best for him, but I can't pretend that it's all sunshine and rainbows and the miracle of life over here.

The first five days have been interesting, and surprisingly productive. Here's what I've done so far:

Friday, July 11, Day One

• I showered! Huge accomplishment. 
• Perfecting the art of maximizing every bathroom trip - did I get everything I needed while I was up? 
• My dad and step-mama drove in to hang out with me - huge boost to the spirit. They brought us pizza and coffee, and my step-mama painted my toe nails (she's a saint), and they took me to get my second steroid shot to the bum. I'm lucky.
• Dad and Harry install the car seat. Reality sets in for all of us.

Saturday, July 12, Day Two

• I'm on a shower roll.
• I discover that early access to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is open. This is terrible timing. I'm a captive audience with a need for postpartum leggings and lounge wear. I did a lot of damage. I'm excited to try out this legendary "blardigan" I've heard so much about (google it). That, and three pairs of leggings. And some booties. And some new PJs. You know, bed rest essentials.
• I also ordered a tv tray for my laptop, and an extra fan. Have I mentioned that it's July and I'm pumped full of steroids at 8 months pregnant? Night sweats, be gone.
• Harrison builds the pack n play with the newborn sleeper, and inflates the birthing ball. More reality checks.

Sunday, July 13, Day Three

• Look at that, I took another shower.
• The dogs don't seem to mind this situation. I don't think they have figured out that they won't be getting their daily walks anymore.
• Totally caught up on my mystery steotch-along patterns. WHAT AM I GOING TO DO NOW?
•  I sneak in chores when I get up and Harrison isn't looking. I managed to clean the kitchen without him noticing.

Monday, July 14, Day Four

• I showered!
• WORKY WORK BUSY BEE! Just kidding, I finished most of my work by about 1 PM.
• I rebelliously cleaned old food from the fridge during a trip to the bathroom.
• I started a new Steotch Pattern, which will be a gift for the Education team at work. I predict many gifts resulting from this bed rest prescription.
• I rediscover daytime television. Did you know that Jerry Springer is still on? And women are still fighting each other on it? 

Today! Tuesday, July 15, Day Five

• I am a master of bed rest - I have placed an order from Costco via Google Shopping Express. By end of day, I will be receiving my industrial sized nutella, rice cakes, almond milk, and backup toilet paper supply. And various snacks. The 'roids are making hungry, guys.
• With Harrison's blessing I broke the rules a bit and drove two minutes to get bagels and cream cheese. I NEEDED them. It's cool though, round trip it was 15 minutes.
• The dogs are PISSED. They won't even talk to me. They are pouting in the bedroom.

What will I do tomorrow? Stay tuned...