Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Home Sweet Home

Hey everyone,
Thanks for all the well-wishes, prayers and compliments! I was able to go home from the hospital today and am SO happy. Billy is working at Quiktrip tonight and Becky left for Wichita after she got off work this morning, so Billy's cousin, Mark, came and picked me up from the hospital. Not only that, but he also got me food from Boston Market! He has been such a lifesaver for us and we thank Aunt Laverna for raising such an awesome person!
The RN from Matria Home Health met with me in the hospital today to go over home uterine monitoring and the Terbutaline pump. I now have a small subcutaneous catheter in my upper thigh that is giving me scheduled doses of medication to control contractions (it works alot like an insulin pump). So far, everything is going well with it, but it does make me really jittery and kicks my heart rate up to about 115-120 bpm. The Matria RN also got me hooked up with the uterine monitor. I'll put this on at least 2 times a day (morning and evening) and any time I feel I might be having contractions. I lay with it on me for 1 hour and then transmit the data to Matria, who then interprets it and gives me a call back. Talk about peace of mind!
I'm pretty tired, so I think I'll wrap this up and get a little sleep. Just know that Billy and I really do appreciate all the love, support and prayers. We miss everyone back home and can't wait for our visitors. Karen, keep trying to think of games that don't involve beer - I know you may hurt yourself racking your brain. Good night!
Moni

40 comments:

The Nanny said...

I'm so glad you're home :-) keep resting & relaxing, you won't be able to after the babies are born!!!

Auntie Lainie said...

Hey Billy and Moni!! It was really good to hear from you! But for some reason, today when I looked at your site, it hit me that I have not seen you guys in almost a month and it definitely brought waterfalls to my eyes! I really cannot wait to see you over Thanksgiving! Billy-it sucks that we won't get to go to Carlos O'Kelly's for our birthday this year and wear the sombrero...I don't want to do it without you!! I hope you like the new job! And don't forget about J.D.'s game "Dirty Minds!" That's a fun one that you two would definitely enjoy! Monica- you look as beautiful as ever!! But you should be happy that you are down in Phoenix right now, because if you were here, you know that I would take full advantage of the fact that you couldn't go anywhere and I would come and talk you ears off until you couldn't take it anymore!!! But don't you worry, I will have plenty of time for that in November!! I love you guys more than anything!! And I miss you tons!!

Anonymous said...

Hey Billy and Monica-
I am so glad to hear that you are home. We have been praying for you daily. Just listen to the docs and stay off your feet. It may suck now but think of the reward, four beautiful babies. Keep in touch and remember you are always in our prayers.
Love, The Peterson's
Kevin, Lachelle, Rylea, and Reese

Budda said...

Hi Guys!
Moni, I am so glad that you are a nurse and all that medical talk is familiar to you. I am so proud of you both...it takes a load of courage to go through what you two are going through. I miss you so much! About three more weeks and I'll see you! Yea!
Love ya!
Mama Budda

Anonymous said...

Hey Guys, glad things are going well. We keep you in our prayers every night. Our four praying for your four, works out well, huh.

I know you have more important things on your mind right now, but we play Kapaun tonight. They are all jacked up since they beat East and think this is their year. I hope their wrong.....again. God Bless and take care of them yungins. Bob, Janeen and crew

EMO said...

Wonderful news about being home! I miss Boston Market, that sounds good! Have you had any pregnancy cravings? Have a nice relaxing day!
Love
Erin

Andria said...

I'm such a blog stalker! I'm so glad you are home and have your own monitoring devices. Wow! That's high-tech and is such "peace of mind". What a great supportive network you have already. Rest up and take care!
~Andria (Sacramento)

Anonymous said...

It is time for the annual Holy War. BC going to bring it home again. They haven't beat us since 99 and hopefully it will continue. Anyways call me Bill and I will keep you updated. Hopefully it is a blowout. But you know as well as I do when these two teams tangle you can throw the records out the door...its going to be a blood bath. Thought I would pop in and say hello. Go BC. Monica keep up the good work hefty lefty! Sounds like you are doing awesome. Later all, Ryno. Bill give the Cubs some midwest Karma would ya!

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you are home and keeping those babies inside there. Just let them bake a few weeks longer. I felt just sick when we heard that you had started having contractions. My whole NICU experience came rushing back to me. At least you have all the medical knowledge so know what is going on, I am sure that helps. Well stay off your feet and we are thinking of you. Ronin is excited to have some new cousins soon.
Love You tons,
Tracy

Anonymous said...

Hi guys. I assume this means they were able to get the contractions stopped. I am so glad. I have been checking for updates and praying for you. I have a request. Do you mind keeping us updated on what week you are? I was guessing you were at 26 weeks or so, but on the Haag clan website said you were at 23 weeks. That seemed like an important difference in my mind for the development of the babies. What is the goal to be able to carry them and what is the average for quads? I know you told me, but I can't remember for sure.

Keep resting Monica and take care of those babies. Carrying one is making me tired. I can't imagine carrying four.

GO BC!

Janeen Smith

Billy Graf said...

We are at 24 and a half weeks. She is doing her contraction monitoring right now. She is still having contractions, but they have a baseline that they are looking at. Whenever she goes over her baseline we are going to have to go in. I hope that answers some of the questions.

Billy Graf said...

Oh yeah...the goal is still 34 weeks. Sorry i forgot that question. As for what our story is...we got married 7 1/2 years ago at the age of nineteen. These are going to be our first children, and we are excited as most of you can tell.

Billy Graf said...

Oh yeah...national average for carrying quads is 28 weeks.

EMO said...

Oh my gosh! It has been 7.5 years since you got married? Crazy! I remember it like it was yesterday :) I know that you will go past 28 weeks Monica, since you are "above average" I think we should get to see a picture of you while doing your testing. Really I just want to see more pictures of you guys, I don't really care what you are doing in the pictures...

Anonymous said...

I agree Erin I want more pictures a you can't ever have too many pictures.

Anonymous said...

Oh that last blog was from Mama Vicki

Budda said...

Yes! Please take more pictures!! I even want to see your wheelchair!
I think I'm losin' it!
Mama Budda

Jac Tubre said...

So glad you got to go home! Everything in your post sounds soooo familiar! You will get used to the terb and it will have less of an effect on you soon - I promise. And yes, the contraction monitor is great for peace of mind. It is nice to know you can monitor anytime you want!

Lay down, keep your feet up and those babies put! If you need anything let me know. I am getting around much better now and would be happy to help any way I can!

Jaclyn

Anonymous said...

(Keith posted this under the wrong date...I'm reposting it to make sure that you get it!)

You have web watchers from Ithaca, New York -- we try to check in once a week and see how you and the little ones are doing. We are so happy for you and wish you the best. You are in our prayers and thoughts. 40 little fingers and 40 little toes coming your way -- it's going to take some time just check them all.

Best to you and to all your terrific family in Wichita.

Love, The Kaisers -- Keith, Jen, Andrew and Baby A and Baby B (due in May) -- your 40 fingers and toes definitely trumps our 20

Anonymous said...

Glad you r home, keep up the good work.get all the rest u can. So ask your mom how many these four and Janeens will make on our family tree. She's the only one I know who knows the count! We are praying for you all. A good game you can play with the 3 of yiu is FARKLE. It is only 6 dice and you keep score and it is really easy. Maybe Becky can bring one back with her. Will call Aunt Cathy, and see if they can find one 2 send with her. It is made in Kansas and sold in most stores here.
take extra care,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

thinking of you and praying for you daily.

love all six of you!! take care..

Anna :)

Anonymous said...

DEAR MONI AND BILLY, WE CHECK ON YOU EVERY DAY. WE ALL TALK ABOUT READING YOUR BLOGS AND WHAT IS GOING ON WITH YOU. NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS WOULD WE FORGET ABOUT YOU. WE MISS YOU TERRIBLY. AGAIN I SAY YOU ARE ABSOLUTLEY BEAUTIFUL, I MEAN YOU, MONI!!!! THE TAN LOOKS GREAT. STRETCH MARKS BRING A SPECIAL CHARACTER, SO REMEMBER THAT. KING SAYS HI! AND TAKE CARE OF THOSE BABIES AND YOURSELF, I HAD HIM READ YOUR BLOGS AND HE SAYS YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL ALSO!!!!!

WE LOVE YOU AND MISSIN YOU AND PRAY FOR YOU EVERY DAY. IF YOU ARE UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AGAIN AND CAN'T SLEEP, YOU KNOW WHO YOU CAN CALL!!!!
LOVE----ANITA

Anonymous said...

Hey, Bill and Moni! Just thought I'd check in with you, since I have been a blog voyeur, but not a contributor as of late. I got back from Atlanta and had a really good time - sold lots of planes, so everyone was in a great mood. I have never seen so much money spent on marketing/advertising/customers in one place! The kids are doing well - Eason turned four this week and has been sneaking bites of cake every morning for breakfast. I busted him this morning which of course he denied because "his hands were clean"; however, he failed to notice that his mouth was blue! Tegan went to a classmate's birthday party (High School Musical) and said that she "hopes my birthday party rocks" when she got into the car. I'm in so much trouble!! Addie had an asthma attack earlier this week which was scary, but I knew what to do and will just deal with it every time she gets a cold. Hopefully, she'll grow out of it. Cole and I made our own set of Washers - we colored them blue for KU and crimson for OU. They look flippin sweet. Moni, maybe you could play washers from the bed, as long as you had someone to fetch them for you! We're throwing a huge Oktoberfest party this weekend - I'm making Apples and Dumplings, German Potato Salad and little Kuchen (cakes). We're grilling brats, lots of sauerkraut, pretzels, German bier on tap and Riesling wine. It's going to be so much fun - Cole has lederhosen and I have a little beer frau outfit :) I'll take pictures - I sure do wish you were here to enjoy it, but am so thankful you are getting the care you need in Phoenix. We'll have a big blowout return party for you and the Quads, and if you want me to make apples and dumplings, I will. Heck, I can make them for you in a few short weeks!!!!! Kel and I are so excited to be able to see you - don't be afraid to ask for anything - we are at your beck and call. Well, I'm sure I've taken up enough space for now. Miss you and love you lots. Steph, Tegan, Eason and Addison

PS) 40 Fingers and Toes! That really puts things into perspective :)

Anonymous said...

Maybe you guys could post an address that we could send gifts to for you guys and the beeebieees!!! Glad your both home again! Gas on pump 4! I used to work at QT billy!!! I loved it, I love all the updates!!!! katie strunk

Anonymous said...

Billy and Monica- I am so excited for you guys! Monica you look absolutely beautiful! I heard the news a couple months ago and am glad that I finally have a way of congratulating the 6 of you:) Take care!
Katie "Williams"
PS Billy were you at the Cubs/Dbacks game last night because I swear it was you on tv!

Kel Kel said...

Still thinking of and praying for you. Although Louis was a finalist in the Woofstock photo contest put on by the Wichita Eagle, he did not win. How sad. Here's a link to his picture - he is slide 19. http://www.kansas.com/static/slides/093007dogsgrumpy/
He vows to look even grumpier the next time I take a picture of him so we can take home the gold next year! Life is good down here. Doing a lot of planting with my boyfriend. We're almost finished with the side flower bed and then I'll probably have to start weeding. :( Going to the KU-K-State Football game tomorrow. ROCK CHALK!!! I'm stoked. Moni - keep your feet up and let me know if you want me to bring down some Miracle Grow. Billy - thank you for taking such good care of Moni - you guys will make a great parenting team. Love and Hugs and Kisses and Prayers!!! Kel & Louis & Said Boyfriend

Kel Kel said...

The end of the link is dogsgrumpy/ Good thing I have my Masters degree and know how to work a puter.

Anonymous said...

I am sure you heard by now that BCCHS rocked last night!! The score was 26 BCCHS KMC 7 !! Monica I was just thinking this time last year you were Providing us with medical care. I am so happy for you that things are going well for you even if I don't get my AVON fix anymore this is more fun watching your blog. I pray for you daily and try to humor your mom.
Take Care Janet

Anonymous said...

Hey dudes whats happenin? How bout dem golden eagles puttin it to our brothers in Christ! Gotta love it! Bill seriously need some help with the Cubbies they are struggling. I sure miss you guys and hope everything is going well. Monica, don't worry I know all about them stretch marks...hell I think they are better than any tattoo you can get! I will holla soon. Miss you all a bunch. Ryno

Bucko 43 said...

Hi all I have a good card-game for you. London Rummy Bill 2 decks of cards: 3 decks after 4 players. Deal 13 cards. 1. two sets of three 2.1run of3 1set of 3 3.two sets of 4 4. One run of 4 one set of four 5.two runs of four 6.Three sets of three 7.one run of seven one set of three 8.one run of four two sets of three 9.four sets of three 10. Two runs of fiveruns of five. two's and Jockers wild count20. K through 9 counts 10 Aces count 20.eights-three counts five. Aces play high or low. Good luck hope you can figure this all out. I am so happy Monica is doing better. Tell those little ones they better wait until GG Bucko gets back from her trip.They are putting my daylight window in. It's a mess in my yard but I'm really getting anxious. All is well here hot and windy though. I miss you guy so much but so happy for you. Take one day at a time and enjoy life as it comes. Today is Papas birthday. I know he is looking after us all. I'm about all packed for my trip. hugs an kisses to all.

Anonymous said...

Hi there from the Tuesday night 3 Hers & 1 Him. Mike gave me your address to write you two. Hope everything is going good, sure miss Billy on Tuesdays. Frances, Sharyn & Max & I just wanted to say hi & wish you the best & send prayers. I know everybody is anxious for the new teams arrival. As far as you grounding them after there arrival I don't think that is going to be a problem for a few days/week.Ha
Normae Sullivan

Anonymous said...

Grandma Vicki cracks me up. All you have to do is say "Quads" and she breaks out with a huge grin. And the way she glows, you'd think she's pregnant. Vicki ??????? xoxoxoxoxoxo, Aunt GGr

Anonymous said...

OK! I need an update fix (with pictures)!!!!! Sorry to be so impatient, but I just can't help it.
Mama Budda

Anonymous said...

I'm with Mama Budda, I want some pictures. I miss you tons. Some new sono pics maybe, anything. Love Mama Vicki

EMO said...

I thought for sure that with yesterday's plea from BOTH grandma's that we would get some more pictures! I think us posters deserve some in thanks for the last 2 posts having 30 or more comments! :) Love you both and I hope things are going great!
Erin

Anonymous said...

no diggity no doubt....I concur you all are slackin!!! WE WANT MORE. WE WANT MORE. WE WANT MORE!!!

Ryno

Anonymous said...

testing 1..2..3..Aunt DD is not too computer literate!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Okay, now I know how. (thanks to budda) I wanted you to know that I think about you every day and love you very much. Do you remember how much David John loved babies? He is in charge of making sure our four new ones arrive happy and healthy! LOve you.... Aunt Deedee

Anonymous said...

It's Papa's birthday. We are over at Bucko's celebrating and we really miss you. I know Papa is looking out for all 6 of you. Love, Mama Vicki

Stacey Faber said...

Hi Moni, Billy & Babies-

I'm so glad that you're all doing better. I can fully understand how those babies might be just a tad bit anxious and slightly impatient about things--I seem to recall their father being that way once or twice (or a few thousand times)! :o)

Take good care of each other. I enjoy reading your posts and your pictures are beautiful. Isn't the Internet awesome?

We'll keep saying prayers for all of you. We miss you and hope that you know how often we think a happy thought just for you. We love you!

Stacey