J.B.
T. I have been in your shoes two times. The first time my son was almost 2 when I was put on bed rest and the second time my son was 3.5 and my daughter was 18 months. I pray that you have someone to care for him while you're supposed to be resting but understand that that isn't possible all the time, so... since bed rest isnt easy with kids. I would try to make a schedule for yourself, say from 7-8am you read him books, or watch his fav. tv show. then eat a snack or breakfast, or play a game, keep him busy and make each day a game for him, if possible. Now if you have someone who's watching him most of the time so you dont have to get up (keep in mind you are the only one that can care for your unborn son & it's your job (your only job) to listen to the doc/midwife & keep that baby in as long as you possibly can! As you probably know the NICU isn't much fun & it's really any fun when you have another kid at home to take care of and your heart wants to be in 2 places at once. But you can do some fun things while on bed rest (just try to make and keep a schedule or you'll go crazy). Take up a new hobby, www.knittinghelp.com learn to knit, read books, organize photo albums, organize your recipe box/books, make a list of things that you'd like to have done before this little bundle of joy comes and as long as you can do it sitting or laying down (depending on how strict your bedrest is) then go for it! Also if you're having lots of contractions be sure you're drinking at least 1/2 gal of water a day & lay on your left side. Your muscles need water, if they dont have enough & you're getting dehydrated (even a little bit) the contractions will begin-something I learned the hard way.