Well, Hell

I asked Steve to get something up here yesterday but since he has been busy doing everything else (quite literally) I think some blog neglect can certainly be forgiven.

The short version is that I was admitted to L&D on Thursday afternoon with two skinned knees, lots of contractions, a positive fetal fibronectin, and a rather impressive resistance to drugs intended to stop contractions all together. The longer version is up at REDBOOK. I only had Word, I say apologetically, no internet; so once Steve brought my laptop I was able to type something up for them but not here. Sorry.

I am home now after a really scary night that involved getting THIS CLOSE (twice) to boarding an ambulance for immediate transfer to a facility with a Level Better NICU (I don't know if that would be a Level I? I was at a Level II) and a really long day in hospital (I love how the British drop the article with that word. it's so... cozy). I am on strict bedrest and I have a fucking tube in my leg that is administering a steady dose of the Devil's favorite nectar - terbutaline. I now know how consumptives felt: my lungs ache and it has only been 2 days.

Huh. I find that my arms are beginning to ache too. I will need to get a better bed setup here but right now the laptop is on my lap but I am reclined with short arms and some babies (fortunately) still in the way.

More later. Actually I assume MUCH more later. What the hell else is there to do? At least for another week until my next doctor's visit when she might relax the resting.

In the meantime I need so much advice it isn't even funny, so if you have a minute or two I would love your thoughts:

*I JUST finished several months of re-reading the delightful Aubrey-Maturin series. Now I could cry because I have nothing to read. Anything you can suggest with a few caveats: nothing depressing, depressing-but-redemptive, intensely thoughtful, or nonfiction unless it is funny. Bill Bryson, I could do. Calvin Trillin I would welcome. I hear whats-his-name is good, um, me talk.. Sedaris. Yes. Worth reading? I favor the 19th and early 20th century stuff and have read prodigiously of it - but if it is your field and you know something lovely and obscure (say you just discovered a George Eliot manuscript in your attic - just toss it in an envelope and I would be happy to return it). Ouch. Shoulders. Um, fun trash is great too, just not TOO badly written. Isn't there some kind of genre that features legs-in-shoes on the cover? Young adult fiction can be charming: Princess Diaries I liked, Potter naturally. That sort of thing. Is the Amber Spyglass series worth a look? Anyway, just... help. I would be grateful

*Steve probably COULD cook in much the same way that armed with the manual I probably COULD start the lawn tractor and drive it around. Neither of us want to learn. And I am cool with that. Can you think of very, very easy things he can do that resemble real food? Crockpot chicken covered with Campbell's soup is ok, we don't need anything featuring searing and or lardons - I don't mind carryout but it would be nice to have options.

I have more but I really must stop now.

13s, on the very best of the bright side, seem to be doing well. And I am 25 weeks today. So... onward. 

Comments

[Laura]

Diana Gabaldon is excellent. Each book is about 1000 pages and there are five or six. If you are on bed rest for the rest of your pregnancy, you should check these out.

I'm glad you are all okay and home!

[beth]

If you just want comfort reading, maybe try the Miss Read series about a school teacher in a small English town. All the books are by Miss Read and have names like "The Village School" or "At Home at Thrush Green."

I second the Diane Wynne Jones (especially the Crestomanci books -- I think Patrick would like Cat) and the Novik books. I can't read two Galbadon's in succession but I like her in smaller doses (the books are big, so even a single dose is a lot!).

[Olya]

I'll second Jennifer Crusie ("Welcome to Temptation," "Faking It," "What the Lady Wants," "Anyone But You," etc.) and Jasper Fforde (Thursday Next series). Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel's Legacy novels (historical fantasy). Anything by Guy Gavriel Kay ("Fionavar Tapestry" trilogy, "Tigana," "A Song For Arbonne," "Last Light of the Sun," etc, though his books are often sad, so maybe others can offer opinion on whether or not it falls under "depressing.") and Robin McKinley ("The Blue Sword," "Beauty," "Sunshine," etc). J.D. Robb's "In Death" series are a good read (romance and police work in a futuristic setting).

Wish I could offer food suggestions, but my idea of cooking is "We can have cereal! Out of the box! With Diet Coke, because we are out of milk!" Thank God my husband cooks.

You and the 13s are in my thoughts. Stay put for another 10 weeks, babies!

[Madeleine]

Good quality bottled bbq sauce, frozen meatballs (I use chicken meatballs), heat and serve over rice. Frozen broccoli florets (or your family's favorite vegetable) in the microwave.

And best wishes . . .

[Stephanie]

'The Stork Reality' is freakin' hilarious......and rather fitting, given your current situation. I can't remember the author, but a quick search on your local library's web page should give you the info. Also, anything in series of three by Nora Roberts - well written romance with a brain. She started out as a 'smut' book writer and matured into major releases. Her books are always about three people--each series is of three--who end up with the happily ever after, although getting there is not always thru the direct route. Her series with 'Heart of the Sea' in it (can't remember the other two) was fantastic, set in Ireland with just a little magic (believable at the time of reading. really.) thrown in.

I wanted to mention that *if* your local library does have a web site (I'm just west of you across the border to Packer country and ours does) you may be able to request some of these books that everybody has recommended and have your loving husband pick up for you. No thinking or choosing on his part required. (Which I can only imagine he will be thankful for as this week moves on!)

Keeping my fingers crossed for the 13's and for your sanity.....three rounds of bed rest+one pregnancy ='d one crazy me.

[Emmie (Better Make It A Double)]

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this, but so glad the cervical length is good. V, v important. I had a similar situation at 20.5 weeks, but my cervical length was about 2, and I ended up staying in the hospital for about 7 weeks before coming home on a terb pump at 26 weeks. Made it to 35 with my twin boys. 2 things that may be helpful:
1. the terb reaction gets better. The hand shaking especially.
2. those Matria nurses don't know everything, and their "good counsel" can be highly variable at a time when you're very vulnerable. Your relationship with your Dr. and what she makes of it all is what's important. Some of them are wonderful.
3. don't just find a level 1, find one where you can room in or at least stay in the hospital if you want to breastfeed. Fairview Riverside is excellent that way. Not fancy looking, but the NICU is top notch, and they have a rooming in wing for bfing moms, and co-bed twins, which was important to us. Forget the subdued colors and nice wood tones -that's for the folks who'd be home-birthing if they weren't coming there. You're having twins, and in your case, that stuff doesn't matter as much as what happens after the birth. I was able to have a vag. birth there too - though with an epi and in the OR.
Please feel free to ignore all that, really just wishing you all three to stay put for a while longer.

[Katy]

Philip Pullman series is great. Also Jasper Ffordes Thursday Next series ("The Eyre Affair", etc.). I like Sedaris but can't read too much at a time. Essays by the other NPR groupie, Sarah Vowell, are pretty good too. And "The Thirteenth Tale" is a pretty good gothic-type read.
Hang in there!

[Lisa]

Hey Julia, I'm sorry to hear about the turn things have taken but I'm sending all my best thoughts and wishes your way. In terms of David Sedaris, YES. Me Talk Pretty One Day is the best, but Naked is also good and Dress Your Children in Corduroy and Denim is also good.

[Heidi]

Have you ever done cross sums? Similar to Soduku, but more difficult. I LOVE them, and they're great for passing the time. If you're interested, I can email you a few. If you love them, I can send you a bunch of 'em.

[Mandee]

Tried to comment on the other site yesterday and couldn't suffer through the registration process, but glad to hear you are home.

My mom's pot roast could not be easier. In one of those Reynold's oven bags, dump:

1 can beef broth
1 can cream of mushroom soup
some baby carrots
whatever cut of roast you prefer

Make a few slits in the bag so that it doesn't blow up and cook for 2-3 hours on 325-350. You could also add some potatoes to the bag if you prefer.

Rice consumme to go with it--

About an hour before you are ready to eat, dump 1 cup of long-grain, white rice into a casserole dish. Add a pat of butter (my mom used 1/2 a stick, but a tablespoon or so is plenty) and put in the oven with the roast until the butter is melted. Stir the rice in the melted butter. Add 2 cans beef consumme and mushrooms if you'd like (canned are fine), cover and cook for 45 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.

If Steve can brown hamburger, my mom's "stroganoff" looks disgusting, but tastes great. We usually serve it over baked potatoes topped with cheese.

1 lb hamburger--browned and drained
1 can cream of mushroom soup
8 oz. sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all over medium heat until warmed. Serve over potatoes or egg noodles or rice.

Finally--my mom's chicken pie (my mom was a fan of fast and easy) so long as Steve is willing to pick a rotisserie chicken and stir just a little bit.

1-1 1/2 cups chicken
1 can cream of chicken soup
3/4 can of chicken broth
1 cup Bisquick
3/4 can of milk
1/2 stick of butter

Line bottom of casserole with chicken. Combine soup and broth; pour over chicken. Combine Bisquick and milk; pour over chicken and soups. Melt butter and pour over Bisquick mixture. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes- 1 hour until brown and bubbling.

Can you tell we're from the south?

Babies, stay put. My thoughts are with you all.

[KatS]

I am so sorry, but glad to hear the babes have so far stayed put.

Books!

I LOVE DOrothy Dunnett, Lymond series first, then Niccolo. The first book in Lymond is The Game of Kings. You are MUCH smarter than me, but you still might start reading these and think I (and others) were smoking crack to recommend. The author is incredibly smart and you have to plod through half the first book before you start to "get" it. Plus, the FRENCH (maybe you speak French. I don't). There are actually two companions to aid in reading these books, but I find them more a perk, not necessary. I highly recommend.

Also, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon and subsequent series.

Excellent, excellent adult fantasy is Robin Hobb, the first called The Assassin's Apprentice. You will be amazed by these books (total series of nine, please read them in order- people tend to skip the middle three).

The Amber Spyglass is totally worth it, I believe the order is The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass.

Please email me if you decide to read any of these. I love discussing books!

[jonniker]

The best book I've read in the last 15 years, no kidding, is Mark Helprin's Winter's Tale. It's wondrous -- magical, uplifting, perfectly, and I mean PERFECTLY, written. I can't recommend it enough. It's a few years old (1983 maybe?) but ridiculously timeless, yet modern. Oh, Julia. I can't recommend it enough.

[May]

I re-read the entire Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon while on hospital bedrest. She has a PhD in ecology (unrelated to the books) and writes very smart, slightly sexy, historical fiction. The first 3 books are the best. They are all very very long.

[april]

julia,i've been reading your blog forever, it seems (since pregnancytoday, anyway)and have everything possible crossed for you and the 13s.

on the book front, have you read Mr Darcy Takes a Wife? a Pride and Prejudice sequel, but well written and witty (also a little trashy, but so much fun). it's huge, and should eat up at least 2 days of bedrest.

[jb]

thank you for posting. have been checking regularly. hang in there. can't imagine.
have you read harry potter? if not, do try. its really great. and I know Patrick will be a huge fan when he gets there.
good mystery series (nothing too scary I promise) is the Richard Jury series - british author -Martha Grimes - library should have them. I'll see what else I can think of.
as far as food: spagetti with good sauce from a can - Rao's sauce is great - and if you have trader joes they have decent frozen meatballs - the party size is perfect for kids.
buying a roasted chicken & then making the rice & a salad is pretty easy.
I apologize if I am repeating other ideas...
There is always frozen cookie dough to get you through the tougher patches.
Well, I am here on the west coast sending out my vibes for those babes to stay put. Your doc sounds great. And every single day you make it helps. So when it gets awful, just know that in this case, hours, minutes, days - they all count.

[jb]

ok, oopps. you mentioned potter already. ok. I'll try to do a better job actually reading your post next time.

[bw]

Good luck with the bedrest and the babies.

Highly recommend just about anything by Terry Pratchett.

Since you asked about YA, I'd start with his Tiffany Aching stories, the first of which is "The Wee Free Men." If you like that, then pick up "Hat Full of Sky" and "Wintersmith."

Pratchett's collaboration with Neil Gaiman, "Good Omens," is a great book. Watch out that you don't laugh too much.

[L]

I'm writing with book recommendationsm, since I know what it is to be bored with nothing new to read. I wrote these on your last post, but it may have been overlooked with all the excitement (btw, I'm so glad you're ok). A great series that I love is the Diana Gabaldon "Outlander" series. It's a time traveling/adventure/love story and is very well written. It is also very long (the series spans over 20 years) so it might last you through to your doctor's appointment next week. Another book I really enjoyed is Sun at Midnight by Rosie Thomas, which I picked up in an airport in London, not expecting much, and ended up loving. One warning is that there is a pregnancy in this book, and there is a bit of drama associated with it, if that affects your choice. A good chick lit series that I liked is one by Mirian Keyes following a bunch of sisters and their various life traumas. Hopefully you end up liking one of these book :-). Good luck with everything.

[Dara]

I am sending positive thoughts your way...
Cooking= Lasagne is easy now with the no cook noodles and jar sauce. Bertoli frozen meals are yummy. Chili, crock pot is always easy. Anything crock pot...
Books= Something totally different, "Middlesex" by Jeffery Eugenides.
Take care, stay in bed. Stay well, babies!!!

[jd]

The Horatio Hornblower series. Equally nautical, a bit more action packed (though less pychologically dense), and they go down pretty easy. Plus, there's a ton of them. I actually enjoyed them more than the O'Brian series.

Sorry about the troubles with fetal hosting. Fingers crossed.

[Kelly]

Along with many others here I'll put in my vote for the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon, as well as the Black Jewels trilogy (plus a few extra short stories) by Anne Bishop. The Philip Pullman books are good, as are Christopher Paolini's books (Eragon). If all else fails there's always puzzles (sudoku, crossword, logic problems) to entertain you.

I have loads of personal recipes that're easy, but the best suggestion for least work is send him to the freezer section of the grocery. They have loads of pre-bagged dinners where you just toss it into a pan or a pot or the crock, add some water and you've got a whole dinner done in very little time. They're pretty darned good, too. There's always frozen pasta things (lasagna, pierogi's, etc), too. Kraft foods is great for easy to make but good foods. Try here: http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/EverydayDinner/Top10OnePotWonderRecipes?sa_campaign=internalad/EverydayHomePage/OnePotMenu/TopRated_ONe_Pot_menu (simple recipes that he should be able to handle). They also have a pretty nice magazine (free) they'll send you if you want to sign up to their site (it's called Food & Family).

I hope everything continues better and you're off bedrest very soon.

[txmama]

First--my goodness, we're thinking about you! Glad you are home now.

Can you get decent tortillas up there? Hmm, I don't know. If so, these are easy, fairly healthy, and delicious:

Soft Tacos

flour (or corn or whole wheat, if you prefer) tortillas
1 lb ground beef
2 cans black beans (drained)
1 C green tomatillo salsa (Herdez is our fave)
1 T cumin
1 t chili powder
1 T garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 C grated cheese (cheddar or jack, prob.)
Any taco toppings you like (we use lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, more cheese, and sour cream)

This makes a lot; enough for 4 adults and 2 kids (or you'll appreciate the leftovers)

Brown 1 lb ground beef over medium heat; add the spices, then the beans and salsa. Let it heat through for several minutes. Serve and eat! We find this is also great for our picky kids since everyone makes their own (and black beans are one of the healthiest additions to tacos ever!).

[Kate]

I actually re-read the Potter series to my then-6 year old while on bedrest with my twins. It was actually really good the second time around. That, Jane Austen, and Sex and the City on DVD got me through to 35 weeks. Also, the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth, mmmmmm....)

[Shelley]

Good heavens, Julia. So sorry. I hope reinforcements (family & friends) are on the way.

I'll think on the book recs -- sounds like our tastes are kinda similar so hopefully I can come up with something.

[Ashley]

Have you ever read VC Andrews? I love her stuff, starting with Flowers in the Attic. I would be more than happy to send you some of my collection...just email me if you want them. Oh and I swear I'm not a stalker...I had to give it up...being a med student, mom, wife, and business owner leaves me very little spare time for stalking :-) Do I sound like I'm bragging? Because I'm not trying to...I'll shut up now.

[Laura in L.A.]

Julia, I am so glad you and the babies are home in ONE piece! You can have Steve rent DVDs of entire TV series-- when I had bad strep, I watched 37 episodes of "The Sopranos," in order, over about 6 days. Best week of my life so far!:):) I wish we could all come over and help take care of you! Sending you love and prayers.

[Geohde]

Oh how damn stressful, I am so sorry to hear that things have taken a dramatic turn.

I hope that all goes smoothly from this point, I think this pregnancy has had enough drama for several already,

J

[Febe]

I second Winter's Tale. I am a crock-pot neophite, so I just throw a whole chicken in (breast side down) and cook it on high for 4.5 hours - and I know you're not 'supposed' to do it, but it comes out great everytime. Throw some rosemary and lemon in the cavity if you're feeling gourmet.

And I was thinking about your contractions (house is dirty, bills need paid, but damn those contractions) and it reminded me of my pregnancy (single) - a little something I like to try to forget about. Contractions started at 20 wks, fetal monitor confirmed said contractions in L&D at 22wks and bedrest until 36 weeks. Delivered at 37 weeks, just enough time to properly do the laundry and caulk the shower. Terb, nifedipine and massive doses of Advil were completely ignored by my unruly uterus. However, my cervix never moved a centimeter - good cervix.
Maybe run placenta accreta by your OB, given your uterus' history, it might be what's pissing the old organ off? I'm not a doctor, but I do enjoy watching them on TV.

Hope those little ones stay in there for many more weeks.

[Stace]

Sheeet, girl, you scared the f%#k out of me.

Books:
Kate Atkinson, esp. Emotionally Weird (Scenes from the Museum might be a bit too rousing right now).
Alison Habens, Dreamhouse (fun and oh so English)
Phillipa Gregory, everything

Young Adult:
Sarah Dessen (very soothing)
Carol Plum-Ucci (less soothing but good reads)
Chris Crutcher (I recomment Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes)

Hoping you're on the mend.

[Marsha]

First, to the extent that one can consider someone that one has never met and will likely never meet and whom one couldn't pick out of a line-up a friend, I *do* consider you a friend and...well, everything that comes with that.

Do you like light mysteries? I find Diane Mott Davidson's Goldy Bear mysteries quite distracting when I need to get my mind off stuff and I just discovered another series that I think starts with a book called "Carpe Demon". And I also like Jasper Fforde and Katie Fforde (I don't think these two are related). Oh! And a series of books by Marne Davis Kellogg about a jewel thief - quite fun - called "Brilliant", "Friends in High Places", and there are two more.

Has anyone posted about Literature Map yet? www.literature-map.com You enter the name of an author you like and it shows you other authors liked by people who also like the author you entered in the first place. Coupled with Amazon (to provide additional reviews), it's a wonderful tool.

[MoCo]

so sorry to hear about the bedrest - am thinking positive thoughts for you and the 13s.

book recs:
~Neil Gaiman (I'm not into the graphic novels, so no opinion there)
~Connie Willis
~Amber Spyglass books.
~Eragon books
~Jennifer Crusie
~Janet Evanovich - the Stephanie Plum series is good, and up to 12 books or so by now so would keep you busy for a while.

if you want specific recs in the fantasy genre, I can rattle off probably hundreds if you email me (I read a lot, and quickly)

[Marsha]

Forgot to add....I keep a variety of those Indian simmer sauces on hand for times when I can't cook. All my husband has to do is heat cook cubed chicken, maybe adding some onion if he's feeling sparky, and pour the sauce over to warm through. Serve with rice and done.

The Barilla dry tortelini are good, too. They come in a bag in the pasta section and bulk up nicely. Tossed with sauce (red, pesto, cream, whatever from the refrigerator section) they're lovely and only require a bit of steamed broccoli on the side.

[Marsha]

Oh! THouht of another book...a woman named Judy Corbett and her husband bought a Tudor (I think) castle in Wales and restore it. Hilarity, ghosts and bizarre townies ensue. Totally gripping. The book's called "Castles in the Air" or something similar.

[becky]

I have a great love Julia Quinn and Jennifer Cruise. Both authors write light romance but it's lovely for distraction. Quinn writes regency and Cruise writes contemporary. Also, I know you have liked Elizabeth Peters. Her other pen name is Barbara Michaels and while she tends more towards gothics under that name, she is still quite enjoyable. Also, for the Harry Potter fan in you, have you tried the "So You Want to Be a Wizard" series by Diane Duane or Dianna Wynne Jones' cannon is wonderful (bonus points if you can understand the puzzling but somehow satisfying ending to Fire and Hemlock). Also, if you find you're on a Tam Lin kick after Fire and Hemlock, you can try Tam Lin by Pamela Dean. She has written a number of other fantasies that are also quite nice. I'm in the middle of Spice: The History of Temptation which is non-fiction about the history of the spice trade and it's fairly well done.

[emily]

Delurking to offer a recipe.

No-Peek Chicken

In a greased 2 qt. casserole mix 1 pkg of Uncle Ben's Long Grain and Wild Rice (both rice and seasonings), 1 can crm of mushroom soup, 1 can crm of chicken soup (you can really use any cream soups you prefer), 1 can of water. On top lay four boneless skinless chicken breasts, each cut in half. Sprinkle chicken with 1 package of onion soup mix, a dash of curry powder, and a little dried parsley. Cover casserole tightly with foil and bake at 350 for 2.5 hours. It should look caramelized on top, and the chicken should be falling apart tender. Tasty and EASY.

I'm glad that the babies and you are doing well. I hope that it all continues to go smoothly. Stay in little ones - you're not done cooking yet!

[victoria]

Wait a minute. Julia, you've posted about everything but your cervix. We heard about the very first ultrasound that reported it was long and closed. It's still not effacing, right? Right?

Sorry to be so demanding but I'm trying to get an appellate brief done and I can't concentrate on it until I know your cervix is ok. Please reassure us when you get a chance.

[Kim]

A couple of book recommendations that fall in the teen light-read literature category: The Jessica Darling series by Megan McCafferty: Sloppy Firsts, Second Helpings, Charmed Thirds, and Fourth Comings. Here's a link on Amazon.

(http://amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/102-7696728-2257722?initialSearch=1&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=megan+mccafferty)

They are fun reads, very easy, very distracting and I think pretty good.

Another series that is teen chick lit is the Georgia Nicolson series by Louise Rennison. They are seriously hilsrious.

Have you thought of renting some box-set DVDs to watch?

Praying and hoping and wishing that your bedrest is relaxed soon and that those 13s stay in there for at least 10 more weeks!!

[Kim]

Oh, the link for the Georgia books:

http://amazon.com/s/ref=pd_sc_1/002-9051515-4679238?ie=UTF8&search-alias=aps&field-keywords=georgia%20nicolson

[bethanyactually]

At least some of these have been mentioned, so consider these more votes:

Traveling Pants series. Little House series.

Jennifer Crusie is freakin' hilarious; her latest with Bob Mayer is really good.

Diane Farr (not the actress) is a wonderful Regency writer, if you're open to those. Ditto Mary Balogh.

There is a series of books about the Melendy family, set in New York (city and upstate) in the 1930s-40s, about a family of four kids, by Elizabeth Enright that's absolutely charming. I discovered it as a second-grader or so, and was mesmerized by this world that contained things I knew (buses, actresses, cars, skyscrapers, going to the circus, family vacations) but was far-removed from my own (Central Park, going to the opera, canning your own vegetables, scrap drives for the war, making your own swimming hole) I own all four books and re-read them every year or two.

Be well! Stay in, babies!

[tgsdmom]

Hi Julia,
I strongly recommend the Bartimaeus Trilogy. Start with "The Amulet of Samarkand". They have fantasy, action and great humor woven with talent together.
And get well. Soon.

[jody]

My thoughts and prayers are with all 4 of you!

One thing.....ask your doc about using Procardia for your preterm labor. It has been shown to work better than Mag or terbutaline with less side effects. It works WONDERFULLY. Stops the ctx dead in their tracks.

[Tricia]

I second Jasper Fforde's Eyre Affair as well as others in the series. Maeve Binchy is light brain candy. As for teen series, The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants is also light reading.

Sending you positive pregnancy vibes for the 13s!

[Laurie A.]

Sorry about the bed rest...as someone due with a singleton on the same day you're due, I can' t imagine being on strict bedrest right now!

I highly recommend Susan Kay's "Legacy" about Queen Elizabeth I. I mostly read fiction/non-fiction crime tomes, but this historical novel was recommended to me and was so fascinating I gave copies to all my female friends/family (including my future mother-in-law) as a Christmas gift the year I read it. It takes a few pages to get into it, but it was a great read.

No help here with the mealtime...with a two year old fusspot, we alternate between grilled cheese and PB&J. If Patrick was ever even in that stage, I'm sure he's well beyond it now!

Keeping you and the 13's in my thoughts and prayers.

[leah]

From a fellow bedrest-with-twins'er (20-34 weeks): The two best books I've read recently are Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl (especially amazing considering it's her first novel) and The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls (autobiographical tale of the MSNBC contributor's crazy childhood with next-to-homeless parents).

All best wishes.
Leah

[Dara]

Julia - I am so sorry you are on lockdown. I did 4 months of hard time starting at week 20 when I went into labor (with the evil terb pump - although that was light years better than the magnesium sulfate). I don't have any great ideas for how to keep busy - I kept working from bed which was a life (and sanity) saver. If you do end up doing long time - make sure they keep an eye on you for blood clots. A big clot was nearly my undoing and I would hate to see you have that struggle. Keep those toes wiggling!!

[martine]

I'm so glad you still have those 13s still in place. Here is one of my favorite easy recipes. It should be good for a non-cook since all you have to do is slice an onion, mix things, and layer. Also, you can modify the ratio of ingredients and it will still come out tasty:

8-10 chicken thighs
2 cans onion soup (French onion works)
2 cans whole cranberry sauce
1-2 large white onion, sliced (1/4 - 1/2 inch thick is fine)
salt, pepper, garlic powder (maybe 1/2tsp each)
wine/sherry (optional, start with 1T, add more if you want)

1. Preheat oven to 375F
2. Distribute onion into bottom of roasting pan and place chicken pieces on top of onion.
3. In separate bowl mix onion soup and cranberry sauce (and wine, if using).
4. Pour half of soup/sauce mixture directly onto chicken and sprinkle with seasonings.
5. Cook ~30min until chicken begins to crisp. Then, pour remaining sauce onto chicken and cook another 15-20 minutes until chicken is done. (If Steve is unsure, he can just cut into a piece and see if the juices run clear.)
6. Serve with rice and veggies.

[Sarah]

I'd say the oven is Steve's friend if it gets too cold to grill. (not that the midwest has been exactly predictable this year). Costco has some nice prepared options. And I'd also recommend a turkey breast. Defrost (2 days in fridge), sprinkle spices/salt/pepper, roast for 20 minutes a pound until 175 degrees internal. (we usually get a 7 pound breast, done in just over 2 hours).

Jennifer Crusie is fun. Vonnegut is always nice.

Fingers crossed and best wishes.

[Melissa]

Wow, that was scary! Glad you are home and everyone is resting.

Books -- I agree wholeheartedly with Connie Willis, but think you should stay away from most of her stuff in your delicate condition. BUT "To Say Nothing of the Dog" is perfect for you.

Young adult -- Meg Cabot (Princess Diaries series author) writes prolifically for both YA and adult, so you might like some of her other stuff, too. "Avalon High" was good. I highly recommend anything by Susan Juby -- hysterical and very well written -- try "Alice, I Think" or "Miss Smithers".

[Kath]

Le Divorce by Diane Johnson
and explore some Canadian writers:
Alice Munro, Carol Shields, Margaret Atwood, Timothy Findley, Jane Urquhart, Ann-Marie Macdonald, Margaret Laurence, Roberston Davies ... you will not be disappointed.
Shameless plug for our great writers.
Good luck with those babes and as for cooking, the freezer section will get you through.

[Ann]

Since you love the Aubrey-Maturin series (as do I), have you considered trying Horatio Hornblower? It's set a bit earlier. I confess - I haven't read any Horatio Hornblower myself, but I did very much enjoy the BBC miniseries that covers the first several books.

Are you set up to watch DVDs from your bed yet? I don't care how much you prefer reading, you're going to need as many options as possible to keep yourself sane. A guided meditation CD for relaxation is something you might want to seriously consider.

That said, I second the recommendations already made for both Philip Pullman and Georgette Heyer.

Oh, and "A Suitable Boy", by Vikram Seth really is amazing. It's an epic, though, and if you want to read something that long, maybe you should just start "War and Peace". Seriously, if you haven't read it, perhaps this is the time. Excellent book, it *will* keep you absorbed...

Oh, and "Possession", by A.S. Byatt is also excellent (and not nearly so long, a mere several hundred pages).
------------------------

As to the NICU, you would have been transferred up to a Level III or IV (the highest level).

The difference is in the ages (insofar as age implies severity of patient) the NICU is set up to handle. I don't know the exact cut-off, but I *think* a Level II generally handles ages 30 weeks and up. They might be comfortable with babies needing CPAP, but not long term intubation. A Level III will take any baby 24 weeks and up, but is not set up to handle hard-core surgery, neurological damage, or ECMO (extra corporeal membrane oxygenation). For that, you need a Level IV.

I'm a nurse in a Level III NICU, or I was until I went on leave to have my own set of IVF twins (am typing this one-handed while holding a stubbornly non-sleeping baby in the other arm).

If there is anything I can tell you, any questions you were thinking, "Hey, I wish I had a NICU nurse to bounce this one off of", feel free to email me, I'll do my best to help.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that your 13s hang in there, and that YOU stay sane.