This blog post contains a lot of past and recent events that have lead us to today and we greatly appreciate all of the support that has been given to us along the way and for everyone who will step up along this journey of ours to help bring our son into this world. Jessica is writing this post as it is a lot of her story to share.

To set up this story we would like to share how our son was a complete miracle and surprise. When Austin and I first started thinking it was time to have a child we did not anticipate the journey that we would be embarking on. Shortly after having some pregnancy symptoms it was discovered that I have polycystic ovarian syndrome and hypothyroidism. After quite some time of trying to conceive, Austin and I met with an infertility specialist who told us that likely due to my medical history we would not be able to conceive a child without infertility treatments. This was devastating news for the both of us and it took us quite some time to process the information. After a while, Austin and I decided that we weren’t quite ready to try infertility treatments as we were struggling to accept the fact. Instead, we decided to wait until the time felt right. 

At the end of March, I decided that I was about 2-3 weeks late for my period, which was not uncommon, and that I should maybe get a pregnancy test. I bought a pregnancy test and it sat in the bathroom for two weeks before I decided what the heck I’ll take it. On April 6th, we got a positive pregnancy test and immediately called my doctor who brought me in right away to confirm due to the length since my last menstruation. She told me that I was 8 weeks along and we were baffled. 

We told our parents and siblings and thought we were better secret keepers than to tell the whole family until after the first trimester, alas we were not, and we told them when I was almost 11 weeks. The pregnancy was going fantastically with no complications up until last week. 

Last week I had experienced some concerning symptoms while in Utah for my sister’s wedding. Not wanting to spoil her day I quietly contained the news and waited until I flew home and immediately went to my doctor who wanted to check on things. She was slightly concerned but told me to watch things and check back in with her at our next appointment in a week. On Monday morning though I woke up to blood, never a good sign for a pregnant woman no matter how far along. We quickly rushed to the emergency room, thinking it was probably nothing and that we were crazy. Upon arrival, they did an ultrasound and ran a series of tests which told us that my water had broken, far too early. 

So, this leads us to today, I am 27 weeks and 2 days with a ruptured membrane and pre-term labor. The doctors are fervently trying to keep our sweet baby boy inside as long as possible but have already given him all of the necessary drugs he would need, via me, to survive in this big world. As of now, I will be on bed rest at the hospital until our baby decides to make his grand entrance or for 7 more weeks when they will induce me to prevent any complications he may have. Doctors have reassured us many times that our baby will be okay and that it is a good thing that we came in when we did. Once he arrives he will reside in the NICU in Fargo very close to our home until he is ready to come home a strong healthy baby boy. 

As for now, we are still trying to figure things out. We are very grateful to be home and have my parents close by to help us out with our house and dog children who have no clue what is going on. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support we have received from our family and friends, we really don’t know what we would do without you guys. Currently, we don’t know what our plans are for the Fargo baby shower or really a whole lot of anything right now. We promise to keep everyone in the loop as much as we can. As I am on bed rest there will be lots of time for waiting and writing so that is my plans. If you want to stop by or help please let myself, Austin or my mom know. I want to stress that myself and the baby are doing just fine for now, but things are up in the air. We appreciate the support from everyone and we love you all!

From Austin:

We are at Essentia Health on 32 Ave S in Fargo. Jessica is on bed rest, and if you know Jessica, you know that these next 7 weeks will be her own personal hell. She is healthy and keeping a good outlook so far. The baby is happy, healthy, and active. He has received the medications he needs to quicken the development of his lungs and his neurons.

If you would like to help, Jessica would like puzzles and other things to do. You could also send an iTunes gift card. A movie rental is $6 on iTunes. Items off of the registry are always appreciated. Please don't send flowers or balloons, the hospital may deny them if they smell strong or they contain latex.

Visiting

Jessica is open to visits, just be sure to call her or Austin first. You will need to come to the top floor and go to the nursing center. There is a desk, and if it is staffed, you need to stop by and get a visitor sticker. If not, continue on. Ring the doorbell of the secure doors to the birthing center. When asked, say you are seeing Jessica Pullan, and give her room number and patient code, which we will give you over the phone or by text. You can enter when the card scanning light flashes green. There are no formal visitation hours. If it is after hours for the general hospital, you can enter through the emergency room doors.

Essentia Health-Fargo

(701) 364-8000

3000 32nd Ave S
Fargo, ND 58103