I am too tired and giddy to write much, but let me tell you just a little about my day:
This morning I spiked a fever and started contracting every 2-4 minutes. It was determined that I had an infection, and would have to deliver. I was given a very kind sponge bath. The doctor, who commutes here to the Twin Cities from LAGUNA BEACH CALIFORNIA (yes, really) and looks like a Grey’s Anatomy character, all tanned muscular arms and gleamy teeth (McGleamy?), came in to discuss what seemed to be a fast-approaching C-section. Then Simone had a horrible, prolonged decel, they put me on Oxygen, and my room filled with people. Simone’s heart stabilized and ultrasound revealed that she had turned head down. It was decided it would be better for me give birth vaginally, though I was still not allowed food or water, just in case. What was certain was that I would give birth, and soon. Depending upon my temperature and contractions, they might decide to do something to “promote delivery,” which sounds harmless, like a leaflet campaign, but I assure you is not. My bed and belongings were wheeled to labor and delivery, Simone remained on constant monitoring, I contracted, they took my temperature every hour and told me I would not be allowed an epidural because of infection, families were called, survival rates were sobbed over, and then, tonight…
My temperature went back down. My contractions slowed. Simone remained stable. My latest white blood cell count came back normal. And the doctor walked in an hour ago and told me Gleamily that I had developed a bacteremia, but that my body had cleared it.
My immune system smacked that bitch down. And so Simone gets to stay in for another day.
“We are in a data-free zone,” they tell me. I could get another week, or more, or I could deliver tomorrow. They are keeping me here in Labor and Delivery overnight, but if I am stable in the morning I will move back to the antepartum unit to resume my grateful waiting.
I couldn’t make this shit up.

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holy holy balls. smack that shit down, with all of our collective thoughts/force behind you. woo!
Wow, Alexa. What a relief! So glad your immune system handled that crisis so well. Here’s hoping for a long, long stay in the antepartum unit.
Wow, Alexa. I am so glad to her about your wonder immune system, it’s amazing. Hoping hard for you and your daughter.
Still thinking of you around the clock. Go immune system of steel!!
Keep smacking this shit down… no, you couldn’t make it up. This was not the boring update I was hoping for, but thanks for keeping the cyberworld posted. We’re all hoping the bestbestbest for you!
I’m thinking that you’ve set an official record for all the roller coaster riding you’re doing! I’m so glad you were able to stop that infection in its tracks. Still keeping you, Simone, and Scott in my thoughts, of course.
You do have a kick ass immune system! Keep it up! I like to think Ames was watching over his mom and sis…keeping you all together for a (loonnnggg) while longer
Well that is good news! And I’m still praying. Wishing you all the best.
Eh, what’s a little infection? I simply flick it away. You rock. Now if you could just roundhouse kick your to an internet connection. Chuck Norris has nothing on you. Hang tight, Simone.
Keep ‘goin Alexa. I’m glad you beat that infection into submission. Thinking of you, and sending positive thoughts your way.
That’s great news! I think Simone must have smacked your immune system upside its…uh, spleen…and said “Get working! I need to stay in here longer!” Way to go little girl!
I am very happy to hear that she’s still in there and not out here yet.
You don’t know me from a hole in the wall, but I’m thinking and praying for you and your little girl. Keep fighting, keep strong.
Katherine
Woohooo!! Damn straight you smacked that bitch down! And right after that horribly profane sentence I will say that me and my ladies spent a considerable amoutn of time at church praying for you and Simone yesterday morning and I am SO GLAD a miracle was delivered on your behalf. We are still praying and will keep on. Hang in there, both of you. You are incredible!
xoxo
I’m generally not one for prayer, but I am here, girl. Continued happy situational up-turns.
Badass, lady. Keep it up. Glad to hear you are all still doing well (enough.) I still just cannot believe that you have to go through all of this. You’re absolutely right, you couldn’t possibly make this shit up.
alexa how utterly terrifying.
Alexa/Scott if you’re reading this, do read the email that Kay sent you, it has lots of suggestions for keeping the baby in there as long as possible -eg get the docs to use prophylactic antibiotics, drink lots to keep risk of infection low, potentially use antibacterial wipes when you go to the loo etc. Very much hoping Simone can keep cooking for a while more.
WOW. You are very brave. I hope Simone stays put for a while longer and gets strong and healthy before she makes her grand debut.
Come on Simone! Ladies are fashionably late, so please finish your makeup inside. Thank you!
Nice job immune system! Keep up the asswhooping! It’s too damn cold to be born this week, little Simone.
Yea, as Jeanette said, noone could make this stuff up!! So glad yesterday is done and Simone is still all warm inside.
Also, I love Dr. McGleamy-he was our L&D doc. Love the description-you nailed it!!
Keep up those smackdowns, Alexa. Nicely done!
And I LOVE the soap opera-esque McGleamy getting in on the action now, too.
Touchdown for immune system!
Oh, Alexa. I’m crying for you right now. You are going through more than a human should have to go through. Oh, how I want Simone to hang on for as long as she can. Hang in there, hon.
Thanks God, only you could do that.
Thank goodness for small miracles!
Thinking of you, Alexa.
You motherfucking badass you. Damn. Keep thinking bedsores.
Wow! I was absolutely holding my breath while reading this and I cannot believe the big ending! If you are making this up, I don’t care anymore. As long as it has a happy ending. (Just kidding. A little).
Keep up the incredible work. Apparently, all that bed rest is making for an immune system to battle Godzilla. I’m gonna go take a nap now.
Oh my stars and garters! (read: fuck!) Amazing!
That’s incredible! “I can’t make this shit up”- how do you stay so funny during such a stressful time? I know you said its your coping mechanism, but you are just amazing…
So happy to see an update from you! Hearing that your body is an awesome piece of work—and little Simone is a real fighter! Wow!!! Jeanette is right, you cannot make up something like this!
Keep it up ladies!!!! You make a fantastic team! GIRL POWER!
Simone is gonna be the coolest little person. Think of the stories she’s already got under her belt!
Bravo, immune system! Praying for another day, and then another, and then another, and as many as you and Simone need.
Alexa, your immune system kicks ass! May it give you much time in the date free zone.
Hang in there, Simone!
Ummm….I meant data free zone. Not date, DATA. Although it may be best if you aren’t out dating, right now, either.
I swear I come here with my hands over my eyes, terrified of what latest hell at you the world has wrought. And today I was reduced to saying out loud, “What The Fuck?!” You are doing all the right things, even when it seems you’re doing nothing at all. Microscopically, you’re kicking ass!
Holy crap, that is all I can say. You girls rock!
OK, excuse the language, but way to bitch slap that motherfucker. You are the boss dammit. Stay put Simone. You’re one tough cookie.
You are simply amazing Alexa. That you can still be so funny (McGleamy!) through everything is fantastic. I’m so glad that your immune system kicked bacterial butt and Simone gets to stay put for another day. Or hopefully quite a bit longer!!!
fwiw – I pray for you and simone daily, many times a day.
You did it! You did it! You did it! Yay!
NOW STAY PUT SIMONE. STAY THERE.
I cried when I read this post.
I’m sorry you have to go through all of this. so sorry.
YAY!!
I’m so glad for some good news!
No, you can’t make this stuff up. I am so glad your body did the right thing and kicked the infection.
Simone, stay inside for as long as you can. You need time to grow and be healthy.
Take That Immune System! Nicely Done – sending you good vibes!
GO Alexa’s immune system! Way to kick in and kick ass!
GO Simone! GO GO GO!
You kick ass!
Also, brand spanking new study out about halving the cerebal palsy risk in preemie births (Intravaneous solution of epsom salt to the mom during delivery, basically):
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/31/AR2008013101672.html
Tell your doctor!! :)
Oh honey, you are a rock star! I’m so glad you’re getting this all down for Simone to read some day.
Whoo, tits! Way to go, Alexa’s immune system.
Still pulling hard for you and Simone over here. Take care!
I’m just speechless. Thinking about you. Hang in there, what can I say. This is unbelievable. I hope and pray you and Simone can hang in there one more day, one day at a time.
Let it never be said that your life is boring. Sounds like your daughter is going to be a drama queen. I am so glad things slowed and you have more time, even if that amount is unknown. GL and God Bless
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