This week with Casey being out of town and kids not sleeping well I had some help from 2 very eager Grandmothers. Also had the help from 1 of my aunt's who came with my mom when she came to spend a few hours. Some things I have found kinda comical while seeing how they react to different things.
First funny was when my Mom and Aunt got here, my Aunt was VERY excited to hold the baby. She promptly asked me if she could get Willa out of her bouncer to "hold" her. I said she could, after struggling for a minute to get the baby out (I'm guessing she didn't realize there were 2 clips not just one) she finally got her out and took her to the couch...... Where she sat down and laid the baby on the couch next to her. Wait, I thought she wanted to HOLD her!
Funny 2. Grandma decides to change her diaper, after her being upstairs a few seconds I hear "oh now thats cool! A notch in the diaper for the umbilical cord!". Ok So I'm figuring those are new within the last 18yrs since my mom's last kid was born. I want to note here that recently we were given a big box of pictures and a few other items from Casey's mom. One picture the diaper looked huge, or not put on right or something and I was asking Casey about it. Shortly after in that same box was one of his old Diapers (un used of course) that explained why it looked so funky. I'll have to take pictures of it, pretty much just a rectangle no shape no way to form to a baby period thing. Shows how far disposable diapers have come.
Funny 3. Same diaper change I hear Grandma "Oh no don't do that!" Or something of that nature. Pretty much Willa was tooting and I think even pooping before Grandma got the new diaper on. This parts a little fuzzy I was pretty tired! LOL
Funny 4, one I just remembered although it happened over a year ago. Eli was just a infant then, I had met my mother someplace to go to dinner. We decided to take my car and I clipped Eli into the car and hopped in. For those that haven't had kids within the last I don't know how many years now the infant car seats now days have a "base" that you install in the car and leave it there. The car seat clips into the base making it simple to just put the car seat in and listen for the click, to take it out you just squeeze the little handle and lift. Well I guess those weren't around 18yrs ago either cause my mom was like "Don't you need to buckle him in??" I was like "I did!" She says "Huh?" I was like "Didn't you hear the click? The seat just clips into the base its that easy". She looks at me and then says "Oh cool!"
Funny 5, Grandma Steph comes over to play for a couple hours. Always comical when she comes over cause she gets down on the floor and really PLAYS with Eli. Anyway it was a little early to put Eli down for a nap so I tell her in about an hour or so he should be ready for a nap. He will normally go to the gate if you ask him if he's ready for a nap and he's tired he will almost RUN to his bed. I did tell her that after she actually PUTS him in bed he will fuss for a VERY short time but thats ok. So I take a nap, when I come down I notice Eli is still up and she tells me that she couldn't get him to take a nap. She says that when she put him in bed he fussed (it wasn't even really a fuss it was more a whine) so she picked him back up and brought him down thinking he wasn't ready.
Funny 6, Grandma Steph saying that in the 2hrs that I took a nap she had to change 3 dirty diapers! Wow thats a lot of dirty diapers in her mind! I told her I normally change about 10 a day! Willa is a STINKER!
Final funny (that I can remember right now) Is seeing the results of both Grandma's diaper changes. I don't know if Willa just seems to small for them or what but both times I changed Willa after they had the diaper was barely on! We'll blame it on the tabs though for their sake. ;)
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Late nights with the kids
"God is not here to be a part of our story, we are here to be a part of HIS story"- Max Lucado
This week has been trying for me, while last week Willa did GREAT over night only waking every 3-4hrs to eat really quick and going back to sleep right away, this week has been the complete opposite. Staying awake for hours on end at night and then not able to keep her awake during the day it has left me quite exhausted. To make it worse Eli has come down with a fever and hasn't been feeling good which has made him more clingy and fussy and more wide awake. Top it all off with Casey being out of town and well you have one very stressed and overwhelmed young family.
Last night was the worst we've had so far, Willa wanting to eat every 1-2hrs and then only taking a tiny bit before falling asleep just to wake up and scream if I tried laying her down. Eli waking up during that time and ending up in our bed with us while he drank some milk and waited for the Motrin to kick in to reduce his fever and help him feel better. Finally Eli was asleep around 4am, Willa on the other hand was wide awake anytime I'd lay her down. I finally got her to sleep around 7am and of course Eli woke up. Its just been one of those days. While I am exhausted and yes I'll admit I've been begging the kids (and God) for them to go to sleep. I still have to be thankful that aside from the fever and not feeling well I have healthy kids. That I at least have my baby I can hug and wish she'd go to sleep.
Recently a friend of mine had a miscarriage, I can't imagine the pain that must cause. Her grace about it and the way she told everyone was so admirable. I don't know that I would be able to be as Graceful about something like that as she has been. I know she loved that baby so much and it was hard on her yet she has dealt with it far better then I could ever hope to if something like that would happen to me. It reminds me to take a minute to hug my babies (no matter how worn out I am because of them at the moment) and to be thankful for every minute I have with them. Casey will be coming home sometime tomorrow and I can't wait! I am going to SLEEP, that is after he rests up from working long hours and driving the 4hr drive from St Louis. Thankfully I found out last night that it looks like they won't have to go back next week like originally thought because they should finish up this week! If he does have to go back it will be for 1 day. Drive there, do the job and come home. Although we are thankful he at least has a job when so many people don't right now.
So while I'm worn out physically and emotionally I am thankful to have a God who loves and cares for us and to be a part of HIS story. Knowing that I am a part of his story means I don't have to worry about what will happen because whatever happens is part of his master plan and that some day (even if its after the kids are grown and gone) I WILL sleep again. If nothing else I will get plenty of rest when God decides to call me home. :)
This week has been trying for me, while last week Willa did GREAT over night only waking every 3-4hrs to eat really quick and going back to sleep right away, this week has been the complete opposite. Staying awake for hours on end at night and then not able to keep her awake during the day it has left me quite exhausted. To make it worse Eli has come down with a fever and hasn't been feeling good which has made him more clingy and fussy and more wide awake. Top it all off with Casey being out of town and well you have one very stressed and overwhelmed young family.
Last night was the worst we've had so far, Willa wanting to eat every 1-2hrs and then only taking a tiny bit before falling asleep just to wake up and scream if I tried laying her down. Eli waking up during that time and ending up in our bed with us while he drank some milk and waited for the Motrin to kick in to reduce his fever and help him feel better. Finally Eli was asleep around 4am, Willa on the other hand was wide awake anytime I'd lay her down. I finally got her to sleep around 7am and of course Eli woke up. Its just been one of those days. While I am exhausted and yes I'll admit I've been begging the kids (and God) for them to go to sleep. I still have to be thankful that aside from the fever and not feeling well I have healthy kids. That I at least have my baby I can hug and wish she'd go to sleep.
Recently a friend of mine had a miscarriage, I can't imagine the pain that must cause. Her grace about it and the way she told everyone was so admirable. I don't know that I would be able to be as Graceful about something like that as she has been. I know she loved that baby so much and it was hard on her yet she has dealt with it far better then I could ever hope to if something like that would happen to me. It reminds me to take a minute to hug my babies (no matter how worn out I am because of them at the moment) and to be thankful for every minute I have with them. Casey will be coming home sometime tomorrow and I can't wait! I am going to SLEEP, that is after he rests up from working long hours and driving the 4hr drive from St Louis. Thankfully I found out last night that it looks like they won't have to go back next week like originally thought because they should finish up this week! If he does have to go back it will be for 1 day. Drive there, do the job and come home. Although we are thankful he at least has a job when so many people don't right now.
So while I'm worn out physically and emotionally I am thankful to have a God who loves and cares for us and to be a part of HIS story. Knowing that I am a part of his story means I don't have to worry about what will happen because whatever happens is part of his master plan and that some day (even if its after the kids are grown and gone) I WILL sleep again. If nothing else I will get plenty of rest when God decides to call me home. :)
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Is that Gas I smell?
The title could be taken any way! Having 2 kids in the house in diapers it seems like someone is ALWAYS poopy! Or at least I am ALWAYS thinking I SMELL a poopy diaper. I truly feel I have some of the gassiest kids on the planet at times! Ah the life of a mother of 2 kids under the age of 2. Although I have to admit I am LOVING it!
I can finally post this as he will be home this evening, but this week my husband has been out of town. Its been something I was dreading as we knew this was coming up. Originally it was supposed to be the 3rd week of July and just keeps getting pushed back. I was worried when they said it would be this week about 3wks ago what with my official due date being Oct 5 and being worried I would go early. God worked all that out, but then it was he was leaving me alone with 2 kids under the age of 2 and one being a newborn would I get any sleep? Well as it turns out I actually am! At least for now, Willa eats about every 3 to 4hrs and that has allowed me to get some rest at night. Even yesterday I was able to coordinate her feedings to nap time and get a 2hr nap in! I don't know how that happened considering most of yesterday she was wanting to nurse every hour or so... Can we say "Oww?" Or maybe "MOOO"
So this morning we get up at 8:30am and I actually feel pretty rested! We didn't do to bad overnight, she woke up twice to eat and was quick (like 20 min) and then back asleep. Thank you Jesus for amazing kids! I let the dogs out into the backyard and shortly after hear excessive barking so went to check on them and tell them to quiet down. While outside I smell gas, I dart back inside for a minute and then back out to see if I still smell it. Yep I do, (thus the double meaning of the post). So I called the gas company and they came out. Turns out we had a small (very small) leak in the pipe leading from our basement outside. He was able to tighten the nut there where it was leaking and got it fixed. Wow what a huge sense of smell if I smelled it OUTSIDE! LOL Glad its fixed and now I don't have to worry about me and my wonderful kids blowing up! :)
I forgot to ad that when I called the gas company these were the directions I was given while waiting for someone to come check it out.
1. Someone over the age of 18 has to be present for them to do the inspection.
2. After this phone call don't use the phone, don't turn on (or off) any lights. Don't use any appliances or turn on any other electronics not already in use.
3. Put out any open flames and don't light any. (Um DUH)
and 4 just killed me. Evacuate the area, ok which is it? Number 1 or number 4? So I asked her. She kinda sighed and just said "Stay out of the backyard". LOL
I can finally post this as he will be home this evening, but this week my husband has been out of town. Its been something I was dreading as we knew this was coming up. Originally it was supposed to be the 3rd week of July and just keeps getting pushed back. I was worried when they said it would be this week about 3wks ago what with my official due date being Oct 5 and being worried I would go early. God worked all that out, but then it was he was leaving me alone with 2 kids under the age of 2 and one being a newborn would I get any sleep? Well as it turns out I actually am! At least for now, Willa eats about every 3 to 4hrs and that has allowed me to get some rest at night. Even yesterday I was able to coordinate her feedings to nap time and get a 2hr nap in! I don't know how that happened considering most of yesterday she was wanting to nurse every hour or so... Can we say "Oww?" Or maybe "MOOO"
So this morning we get up at 8:30am and I actually feel pretty rested! We didn't do to bad overnight, she woke up twice to eat and was quick (like 20 min) and then back asleep. Thank you Jesus for amazing kids! I let the dogs out into the backyard and shortly after hear excessive barking so went to check on them and tell them to quiet down. While outside I smell gas, I dart back inside for a minute and then back out to see if I still smell it. Yep I do, (thus the double meaning of the post). So I called the gas company and they came out. Turns out we had a small (very small) leak in the pipe leading from our basement outside. He was able to tighten the nut there where it was leaking and got it fixed. Wow what a huge sense of smell if I smelled it OUTSIDE! LOL Glad its fixed and now I don't have to worry about me and my wonderful kids blowing up! :)
I forgot to ad that when I called the gas company these were the directions I was given while waiting for someone to come check it out.
1. Someone over the age of 18 has to be present for them to do the inspection.
2. After this phone call don't use the phone, don't turn on (or off) any lights. Don't use any appliances or turn on any other electronics not already in use.
3. Put out any open flames and don't light any. (Um DUH)
and 4 just killed me. Evacuate the area, ok which is it? Number 1 or number 4? So I asked her. She kinda sighed and just said "Stay out of the backyard". LOL
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Loving her some food!
Yesterday we were supposed to have Willa's weight check after leaving the hospital. When I got there though the nurse came out and told me that Dr Nash had to run and deliver a baby.... The nerve seriously? What was that woman thinking having a baby in the middle of clinic?? Oh wait, I guess what goes around comes around right? Seriously though I was more then understanding considering that less then 2wks ago I caused the same thing to happen. Thats what happens when you have an OB Dr as a family care Dr as well and if people get upset that she has to leave to deliver they should get a Dr that doesn't do OB care.
Anyway, I was slightly concerned about Willa though at the time, she had done well eating in the morning but I was having trouble rousing her to get her to eat in the afternoon. Even though it had been 4hrs since she last ate there was no waking that child. Her appointment was for 3pm and at that point I had only gotten her to take 10cc from a bottle since 10:15am. Finally right when we got home she took the rest of that bottle when had about 40cc in it. I had told the nurse of my concern and she had made sure we got an appointment for today with Dr Nash's husband the OTHER Dr Nash.
Of course after her not eating all afternoon, then last evening she was HUNGRY. She went less then 2hrs before wanting to eat and then she acted like she was STARVING and never been fed. Then of course she ate really well over the night. She is starting to get a sleeping schedule I think which is good. I was worried I'd never sleep again but overall I think I'm getting more sleep then I did with Eli...... At least for now, ;)
So today we got see Dr Nash's husband Dr Nash, he is great we don't mind seeing him if Dr Nash isn't available. Anyway he had gotten the message from the nurse that Willa hadn't eaten well yesterday so when we get there they weigh her and then tell me to feed her and then they would weigh her again. Of course I had recently pumped so I didn't have much milk to offer her other then the bottle of expressed breast milk I had packed for her. Today she has decided she doesn't WANT bottles anymore, which is GREAT considering the first 9 days of her life that was her main way of getting food. I finally got her to take about 30cc which isn't much for her but she wasn't to thrilled with the bottle. They did another weight check after eating to see if they could tell a difference. However she wouldn't eat much so it didn't show any change. Her weight when she was born was 5lbs 7.8oz, today her weight was 5lbs 13.5oz so Dr Nash was very pleased with her weight. He said they don't look for newborns to regain the weight they lost in the hospital till around 2wks and the fact that she was at such a higher number was great! He looked at her discharge sheet to see how much she weighed when we left the hospital and said that she has gained about 1.3oz a day since she's been home which is really really good! He said normally after the 2wks they look for them to gain about 1/2oz a day and she was already doubling that! He said she's going to catch up quick to where she should be and that he thought her not eating yesterday was just her crashing and needing more sleep then food. He said a lot of newborns do that and its only something to worry about when they it happens several days in a row or they start losing weight. He said he thought she was trying to make up for her low birth weight and then he leaned over and said "Ok Willa you are doing good you don't have to work so hard to catch up you can relax" LOL Was so cute, I really love our husband and wife Dr team that we have and I thank the Lord every day for their wisdom. They have really been great for us and we trust them both greatly.
Today's poopy count: To many to count its crazy! Eli: 2, Willa: at least 5 if not more. I feel like all I do is change diapers ha
Anyway, I was slightly concerned about Willa though at the time, she had done well eating in the morning but I was having trouble rousing her to get her to eat in the afternoon. Even though it had been 4hrs since she last ate there was no waking that child. Her appointment was for 3pm and at that point I had only gotten her to take 10cc from a bottle since 10:15am. Finally right when we got home she took the rest of that bottle when had about 40cc in it. I had told the nurse of my concern and she had made sure we got an appointment for today with Dr Nash's husband the OTHER Dr Nash.
Of course after her not eating all afternoon, then last evening she was HUNGRY. She went less then 2hrs before wanting to eat and then she acted like she was STARVING and never been fed. Then of course she ate really well over the night. She is starting to get a sleeping schedule I think which is good. I was worried I'd never sleep again but overall I think I'm getting more sleep then I did with Eli...... At least for now, ;)
So today we got see Dr Nash's husband Dr Nash, he is great we don't mind seeing him if Dr Nash isn't available. Anyway he had gotten the message from the nurse that Willa hadn't eaten well yesterday so when we get there they weigh her and then tell me to feed her and then they would weigh her again. Of course I had recently pumped so I didn't have much milk to offer her other then the bottle of expressed breast milk I had packed for her. Today she has decided she doesn't WANT bottles anymore, which is GREAT considering the first 9 days of her life that was her main way of getting food. I finally got her to take about 30cc which isn't much for her but she wasn't to thrilled with the bottle. They did another weight check after eating to see if they could tell a difference. However she wouldn't eat much so it didn't show any change. Her weight when she was born was 5lbs 7.8oz, today her weight was 5lbs 13.5oz so Dr Nash was very pleased with her weight. He said they don't look for newborns to regain the weight they lost in the hospital till around 2wks and the fact that she was at such a higher number was great! He looked at her discharge sheet to see how much she weighed when we left the hospital and said that she has gained about 1.3oz a day since she's been home which is really really good! He said normally after the 2wks they look for them to gain about 1/2oz a day and she was already doubling that! He said she's going to catch up quick to where she should be and that he thought her not eating yesterday was just her crashing and needing more sleep then food. He said a lot of newborns do that and its only something to worry about when they it happens several days in a row or they start losing weight. He said he thought she was trying to make up for her low birth weight and then he leaned over and said "Ok Willa you are doing good you don't have to work so hard to catch up you can relax" LOL Was so cute, I really love our husband and wife Dr team that we have and I thank the Lord every day for their wisdom. They have really been great for us and we trust them both greatly.
Today's poopy count: To many to count its crazy! Eli: 2, Willa: at least 5 if not more. I feel like all I do is change diapers ha
Monday, September 19, 2011
Home alone with the kids today.
Today is my first day home alone with both babies and it has gone really well. Eli has actually been leaving his little sister alone finally! We were struggling with him wanting to really shake her pack n play which would make her bounce all over. Or when I was holding her he'd try to grab her hand, foot or whatever he could get a hold of. I really think he was just trying to touch her but was being to rough. Today he's been very respectful of her and even shown concern when she cries. Often times quickly running over to her to check on her when she cries. He's just tall enough he can stand on his tip toes and look over the rail into the pack n play so its cute to see him running over and looking in on her at every little peep.
Today Willa had her Dr's appointment for weight check since leaving the hospital, Grandma Steph came to watch Eli so I could just have the baby. Eli was down for a nap when we left by Grandma Steph told me that as soon as he came downstairs he ran to the pack n play and looked in and when he couldn't see her he started looking around for her. Sadly when I got to the Dr's office the Dr had to rush out to deliver a baby so we will have to go back for Willa's appointment. I understand that happening, after all it was just a couple weeks ago I caused the same problem for the office and so I totally understand.
Today Willa has not wanted to eat much, she ate fine several times this morning then around 10am she did ok but she wouldn't eat much after that, they said to feed her on demand but don't let her go over 4hrs. So around 1pm I tried to wake her up to feed her and she just was not interested. I finally got her to take a few sips but then we had to leave for the Dr. Finally got her to take a full bottle at 3pm which was way over the 4hrs. But I couldn't get her to wake up, I know that was the problem they had with her on Fri that kept her from coming home so I'm fully anticipating that tonight she will chow down and want to eat like every 2hrs and then some. I HOPE thats what she does, even though I will be very tired tomorrow. As long as she continues to gain weight and stuff. Right now she is wide awake which is good cause she's been zonked all day. I don't think we will end up back in the hospital but I'm going to keep an eye on her for sure. I'm pretty sure she's just tired from being awake so much yesterday and last night.
Last but not least I did a short photo shoot of Willa last night. Here are my favorites, she looks so much like her brother did when he was newborn. Except of course the hair, Ha
One thing I keep thinking when I look at this last picture is this. Willa means "Protector" those are her Fathers hands. So I think of how this is her Father protecting her, she is in her Fathers hands. It reminds me that her heavenly Father holds her with as much love and protection as her early father. I'm so thankful for a loving husband who is such a great father, and I'm even more thankful for a heavenly father who loves and holds us in HIS hands.
Today Willa had her Dr's appointment for weight check since leaving the hospital, Grandma Steph came to watch Eli so I could just have the baby. Eli was down for a nap when we left by Grandma Steph told me that as soon as he came downstairs he ran to the pack n play and looked in and when he couldn't see her he started looking around for her. Sadly when I got to the Dr's office the Dr had to rush out to deliver a baby so we will have to go back for Willa's appointment. I understand that happening, after all it was just a couple weeks ago I caused the same problem for the office and so I totally understand.
Today Willa has not wanted to eat much, she ate fine several times this morning then around 10am she did ok but she wouldn't eat much after that, they said to feed her on demand but don't let her go over 4hrs. So around 1pm I tried to wake her up to feed her and she just was not interested. I finally got her to take a few sips but then we had to leave for the Dr. Finally got her to take a full bottle at 3pm which was way over the 4hrs. But I couldn't get her to wake up, I know that was the problem they had with her on Fri that kept her from coming home so I'm fully anticipating that tonight she will chow down and want to eat like every 2hrs and then some. I HOPE thats what she does, even though I will be very tired tomorrow. As long as she continues to gain weight and stuff. Right now she is wide awake which is good cause she's been zonked all day. I don't think we will end up back in the hospital but I'm going to keep an eye on her for sure. I'm pretty sure she's just tired from being awake so much yesterday and last night.
Last but not least I did a short photo shoot of Willa last night. Here are my favorites, she looks so much like her brother did when he was newborn. Except of course the hair, Ha
One thing I keep thinking when I look at this last picture is this. Willa means "Protector" those are her Fathers hands. So I think of how this is her Father protecting her, she is in her Fathers hands. It reminds me that her heavenly Father holds her with as much love and protection as her early father. I'm so thankful for a loving husband who is such a great father, and I'm even more thankful for a heavenly father who loves and holds us in HIS hands.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Our first night at home
So it was interesting having Willa actually home with us last night. She has been nursing good considering she was only given the chance to nurse twice a day and the rest of the time was given bottled expressed breast milk. Last night she wasn't always taking a full feeding at the breast. Of course by the time I had figured this out I had been up to feed at 12am, 2am, 3am and 6am. At the 3am I actually asked Casey to just feed her a bottle as I wasn't feeling well. I'll spare you the details but I think I am staying away from Burger King for awhile as this is the 2nd time in a row its upset my stomach. She ate about 50cc's and thats when she slept till 6am.
Today she has been doing better about getting more of her feedings at the breast, she ate at 8am and I went ahead and supplemented her a little with a bottle. She lasted till 12pm that feeding went really well and she lasted this last time for 3 1/2hrs. So I think we're doing great considering she wasn't allowed to nurse let alone eat for the first several days. I'm really excited to have her home.
Eli is taking this all like a champ! He is very interested in her, he wants to play with her and doesn't understand that she's to little. He currently thinks its very funny to shake the pack n play as hard as he can while she's in it and watch her bounce around in her bouncer that is in the pack n play. We are having a power struggle over that, we keep having to spank him and move him after giving him the option of stopping or being spanked. He also figured out to push his toy piano against it and then push his little rocking chair next to that and climb to be able to reach her. Thankfully that one was easily corrected and I think that was because once he got up he got stuck and that scared him a little. Another thing we had was he tried to bite her foot! That earned him a spanking! Thankfully her newborn Jammie's are to big and her foot wasn't to the end of the footie and he just got the Jammie and not her foot. Hmm I seem to remember one of my brothers biting one of his siblings right after the baby was born. I can't remember which one though. Overall we're happy to be home! My challenge starts tomorrow when Casey goes to work and leaves me alone with both babies.
Todays dirty diaper count: 7 I think, might be more then that! Hummm just dub us "Poopy Palace"
Today she has been doing better about getting more of her feedings at the breast, she ate at 8am and I went ahead and supplemented her a little with a bottle. She lasted till 12pm that feeding went really well and she lasted this last time for 3 1/2hrs. So I think we're doing great considering she wasn't allowed to nurse let alone eat for the first several days. I'm really excited to have her home.
Eli is taking this all like a champ! He is very interested in her, he wants to play with her and doesn't understand that she's to little. He currently thinks its very funny to shake the pack n play as hard as he can while she's in it and watch her bounce around in her bouncer that is in the pack n play. We are having a power struggle over that, we keep having to spank him and move him after giving him the option of stopping or being spanked. He also figured out to push his toy piano against it and then push his little rocking chair next to that and climb to be able to reach her. Thankfully that one was easily corrected and I think that was because once he got up he got stuck and that scared him a little. Another thing we had was he tried to bite her foot! That earned him a spanking! Thankfully her newborn Jammie's are to big and her foot wasn't to the end of the footie and he just got the Jammie and not her foot. Hmm I seem to remember one of my brothers biting one of his siblings right after the baby was born. I can't remember which one though. Overall we're happy to be home! My challenge starts tomorrow when Casey goes to work and leaves me alone with both babies.
Todays dirty diaper count: 7 I think, might be more then that! Hummm just dub us "Poopy Palace"
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Our Family is all together at last
Today we got to go pick up our little Willa! She has been in the NICU for 9 days, at times it felt like a really LONG time and yet it seems to have gone by in a flash. Maybe its the little sleep I've been getting, who knows. Parts of this past week are just a blur to me, hopefully now we can back to some sort of routine. Although I know that it won't be the exact same.
I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has been praying for us and will continue to pray for us. I was very ready to have her home. Part of my concern was that she would be in at least another week, with the job Casey has coming up next week I was worried that I wouldn't get to go see her as much as I had been. But God worked all that out too.
We got home with Willa around 1pm, we ate lunch and then she was ready to eat again too. I fed her and we all were able to take a nap. Willa slept for about an hour and a half before waking up. Eli slept about 2 1/2 despite having a crying baby in the house.
After nap and feeding Willa again we came downstairs, Eli just kept looking at her not sure what to think. When I laid her in the pack n play he cried and cried. So I picked her up and sat on the couch. I encouraged him to come sit with me on the couch and finally after avoiding direct contact with her began to come closer saying "Baby" and or "Willa" finally he crawled up onto my knee and sat there looking at her and grinning. He's still a little rough with her but I know he'll learn we just have to be patient. Daddy went and got the camera and took a few pictures. Just in time too because as Eli was getting ready to get off Mommy's lap I asked him "Can you give Willa a kiss?" he quickly leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss! Was so sweet and Daddy caught it on camera! I think he's going to be a GREAT big brother!
I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has been praying for us and will continue to pray for us. I was very ready to have her home. Part of my concern was that she would be in at least another week, with the job Casey has coming up next week I was worried that I wouldn't get to go see her as much as I had been. But God worked all that out too.
We got home with Willa around 1pm, we ate lunch and then she was ready to eat again too. I fed her and we all were able to take a nap. Willa slept for about an hour and a half before waking up. Eli slept about 2 1/2 despite having a crying baby in the house.
After nap and feeding Willa again we came downstairs, Eli just kept looking at her not sure what to think. When I laid her in the pack n play he cried and cried. So I picked her up and sat on the couch. I encouraged him to come sit with me on the couch and finally after avoiding direct contact with her began to come closer saying "Baby" and or "Willa" finally he crawled up onto my knee and sat there looking at her and grinning. He's still a little rough with her but I know he'll learn we just have to be patient. Daddy went and got the camera and took a few pictures. Just in time too because as Eli was getting ready to get off Mommy's lap I asked him "Can you give Willa a kiss?" he quickly leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss! Was so sweet and Daddy caught it on camera! I think he's going to be a GREAT big brother!
Last nights visit looks promising for today
Its amazing to me how the few times I've felt weary physically and emotionally on the way to the hospital to visit Willa that right then several songs in a row come on the radio as if they were just for me! Songs about God being our strength when we are weak, songs about God never leaving etc. Always made me cry just a little as I would begin to feel better about our situation. Through out this ordeal I've just been remembering how so many other people in the NICU are dealing much more sick babies that might not even survive. As I think about those I'm thankful that we at least know that she isn't that sick and will be coming home at some point. It also reminds me to pray for them.
Spending all the time in the NICU just feeding and holding her gave me opportunities to pray for other people. Like the other night a Code Blue was called and I knew that family needed prayers. As did the person coding in case they didn't know Jesus. So I took the time to pray for them all, I've enjoyed my little girl holding her and feeding her when I can.
Yesterday her issues with not being able to be released was that she had lost weight the night before, not eating as well and her bili levels had gone up. Last night she gained weight, she was eating like a champ and this morning her bili went down! Yay!
So all that being said as I'm typing this blog I get a call from the neonatal Dr and he said she can come home today! So we are heading out now shortening this post to go pick her up! Yay thank you Jesus!
Spending all the time in the NICU just feeding and holding her gave me opportunities to pray for other people. Like the other night a Code Blue was called and I knew that family needed prayers. As did the person coding in case they didn't know Jesus. So I took the time to pray for them all, I've enjoyed my little girl holding her and feeding her when I can.
Yesterday her issues with not being able to be released was that she had lost weight the night before, not eating as well and her bili levels had gone up. Last night she gained weight, she was eating like a champ and this morning her bili went down! Yay!
So all that being said as I'm typing this blog I get a call from the neonatal Dr and he said she can come home today! So we are heading out now shortening this post to go pick her up! Yay thank you Jesus!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Keeping the Faith
So after waiting all morning long and finally giving in and putting Eli down for a nap and several calls to the nurse later. I get a return call from the nurse that she just talked to the Dr taking care of Willa and they have decided not to release her today.
The nurse had told me this morning that her biliruben levels had gone back up to 13. Said its not to bad for a 9day old and she didn't think it would matter on her going home. Early this afternoon when I called she also told me that Willa had decreased how much she was eating back down to the bare minimum and with her biliruben levels and decreased eating they wanted to watch her a couple more days just to be safe. She did say that they are still planning on releasing her this weekend at some point so I am very hopeful. Casey on the other hand says he doesn't think she will be coming home till middle of next week sometimes. Just a "feeling" he has, I hope he's not right.
I did call around 5pm to check on how much she had eaten and to plan my next trip to feed. She had been fed at 3pm and took 51cc's (which is what they want her to take if she goes 4hrs and it had only been 3). That was at 3, when I called at 5 she said that Willa had just woken up and was wanting to eat again so they are not going to tell her no. Said they would go ahead and feed her again and for me to plan on being there around 8 or 8:30 as she figured thats when she'd eat again. Its good news that she was so hungry, maybe she is going back to eating well. I'm wondering if the Hep B shot they had given her late last night (about when the feeding decrease began) made her not feel good for awhile and now she is back to eating. I know Eli normally is a little tired and groggy after shots so maybe thats what it was with her. Regardless I am praying for her to come home this weekend.
The nurse had told me this morning that her biliruben levels had gone back up to 13. Said its not to bad for a 9day old and she didn't think it would matter on her going home. Early this afternoon when I called she also told me that Willa had decreased how much she was eating back down to the bare minimum and with her biliruben levels and decreased eating they wanted to watch her a couple more days just to be safe. She did say that they are still planning on releasing her this weekend at some point so I am very hopeful. Casey on the other hand says he doesn't think she will be coming home till middle of next week sometimes. Just a "feeling" he has, I hope he's not right.
I did call around 5pm to check on how much she had eaten and to plan my next trip to feed. She had been fed at 3pm and took 51cc's (which is what they want her to take if she goes 4hrs and it had only been 3). That was at 3, when I called at 5 she said that Willa had just woken up and was wanting to eat again so they are not going to tell her no. Said they would go ahead and feed her again and for me to plan on being there around 8 or 8:30 as she figured thats when she'd eat again. Its good news that she was so hungry, maybe she is going back to eating well. I'm wondering if the Hep B shot they had given her late last night (about when the feeding decrease began) made her not feel good for awhile and now she is back to eating. I know Eli normally is a little tired and groggy after shots so maybe thats what it was with her. Regardless I am praying for her to come home this weekend.
Waiting for good news...
I feel like maybe now God is trying to teach me Patience as I wait for word on if little Willa will be allowed to come home today or not. Do I go to the hospital and wait hoping to hear a yes? Or do I wait at home with Eli, oh the decisions of a parent sometimes. I think I'll wait awhile at home and blog a little. :)
Yesterday I went for one of Willa's feedings, since I got there early I just held her till time to do her temp check and diaper change that they do before every feeding. Finally I was able to feed her and after she was done we snuggled for a bit. I actually fell asleep sitting in that chair snuggling with her, I woke up feeling a little less tired and went to pick up Eli.
Last night when I got there for her 8pm feeding she was starting to wake up and fuss. I picked her up and soothed her. The poor nurse was running ragged as she had 4 babies to attend to (all the others were boys!) She came rushing over cause she had heard Willa fussing and then was like "Oh good your here! If you can keep her happy I'll be over as soon as I can to do her check I'm so far behind" So we just rocked in the chair till the nurse was ready. I guess pretty much all 4 babies needed to eat around the same time, thankfully for the nurse 3 of the 4 parents were there to help with the feeding. But they still have to do health assessments and so on before the baby is fed. Finally it was Willa's turn, and she was getting hungry. She protested her health assessment and finally was allowed to eat. I Love the fact that she is quick! She latches on quick and eats quick. I can't wait to have her at home for every feeding! I think it will be faster to nurse her then to pump. When the nurse went to take the milk I had brought back to the fridge she came back and said "Wow you have enough back there to feed the whole unit!" I have to say I've been happy with how well the milk has come in this time as with Eli it didn't come in well at all.
Last night they also told me that Willa passed her Car Seat test. Yay for her! For those who don't know what that is pretty much you have to bring your car seat (and base) in and they will put the infant in the car seat for an hour and a half to see if they can handle sitting on the incline without letting their butt slide forward. If that happens then their chin gets pushed toward their chests and it can cut off their air supply. So they make sure the baby can sit in the car seat without that happening. The car seat test is just another step to her coming home. They were going to also do her hearing screening last night too.
This morning I called for a status update, said she's doing well and they are just waiting for a Dr to come and give the all clear. They did say that her lab work to check on her jaundice came back a little higher again 13 but since she is 9days old it shouldn't matter. To be honest last night I thought she looked a little more jaundiced. But the nurse didn't think that would effect her coming home. So now we just wait, and trust that even if they don't let her go today that its in God's hands. However the nurse did say that the plan is to release her today as long as nothing changes. So looking forward to that call! :)
Yesterday I went for one of Willa's feedings, since I got there early I just held her till time to do her temp check and diaper change that they do before every feeding. Finally I was able to feed her and after she was done we snuggled for a bit. I actually fell asleep sitting in that chair snuggling with her, I woke up feeling a little less tired and went to pick up Eli.
Last night when I got there for her 8pm feeding she was starting to wake up and fuss. I picked her up and soothed her. The poor nurse was running ragged as she had 4 babies to attend to (all the others were boys!) She came rushing over cause she had heard Willa fussing and then was like "Oh good your here! If you can keep her happy I'll be over as soon as I can to do her check I'm so far behind" So we just rocked in the chair till the nurse was ready. I guess pretty much all 4 babies needed to eat around the same time, thankfully for the nurse 3 of the 4 parents were there to help with the feeding. But they still have to do health assessments and so on before the baby is fed. Finally it was Willa's turn, and she was getting hungry. She protested her health assessment and finally was allowed to eat. I Love the fact that she is quick! She latches on quick and eats quick. I can't wait to have her at home for every feeding! I think it will be faster to nurse her then to pump. When the nurse went to take the milk I had brought back to the fridge she came back and said "Wow you have enough back there to feed the whole unit!" I have to say I've been happy with how well the milk has come in this time as with Eli it didn't come in well at all.
Last night they also told me that Willa passed her Car Seat test. Yay for her! For those who don't know what that is pretty much you have to bring your car seat (and base) in and they will put the infant in the car seat for an hour and a half to see if they can handle sitting on the incline without letting their butt slide forward. If that happens then their chin gets pushed toward their chests and it can cut off their air supply. So they make sure the baby can sit in the car seat without that happening. The car seat test is just another step to her coming home. They were going to also do her hearing screening last night too.
This morning I called for a status update, said she's doing well and they are just waiting for a Dr to come and give the all clear. They did say that her lab work to check on her jaundice came back a little higher again 13 but since she is 9days old it shouldn't matter. To be honest last night I thought she looked a little more jaundiced. But the nurse didn't think that would effect her coming home. So now we just wait, and trust that even if they don't let her go today that its in God's hands. However the nurse did say that the plan is to release her today as long as nothing changes. So looking forward to that call! :)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Our Willa Hope
"Your grace is sufficient for me
Your strength is made perfect
When I am weak
All that I cling to I lay at Your feet"
Its been a week since our little Willa Hope was forced to be born early at 36wks and 1 day, due to low fluid which could have caused some major problems if not death.
She had under developed lungs, she had problems breathing at first and had some fluid on her lungs. She also wasn't digesting well at first. Ever since this whole thing started I've been peaceful about everything, even when they first told me the fluid was low and we needed to go to the hospital to decide what to do. Originally she was supposed to be in the NICU unit for 4hrs after born just standard care procedures. But her problems meant she would have to be in longer.
Over the course of this whole thing I keep remembering the verse "Your Grace is Sufficiant for me" the lyrics above are from a song by Shane and Shane. For the most part I've been upbeat, for me the hardest part came when I was discharged from the hospital on Sat. I had gotten use to being able to just slowly make my way up 1 floor from my room to visit my little girl as long as I wanted every couple of hours. When I left on Sat I felt like I was abandoning her. It worried me that SHE might think I had abandoned her, what if she cried and no one picked her up? But on the other hand I was ready to be home, I missed Eli and Casey so much and I REALLY needed some time to sleep without nurses and staff coming in at all hours of the day or night. Sun morning I was to tired to get up early to go visit her and I felt terrible, I felt like a bad parent. But I knew that I wasn't, I went to visit after taking a little class on bringing home a premie. After the class I was able to go visit her.
Shortly after feeding her I went into the parents room there to wash the pumping equipment and there was another lady in there. We got to talking, her son has been in the NICU for 2 1/2mo due to being born at just 25wks. She was so sweet and started offering advice to me about how to coup with a baby being in the NICU. She told me not to worry if I couldn't make it to the hospital several times a day, the nurses understand and I am NOT being a bad parent. She said to just make sure I CALL a couple times to check on her. She said believe it or not some people never go and never call to check on the baby and the nurses actually have to call them to update them. Thats so sad! She also told me not to worry about feeling like I was abandoning my baby because I wasn't. Its like she knew my fears without me even verbalizing them to her. Made me feel much better.
Its been work to re adjust our schedule to be able to visit her twice a day. My goal has been to be there at least twice a day for feedings so she can get used to breast feeding. She's done very well with it considering she gets more bottles then she does breast fed! I have come to realize while doing this that maybe the problems I had with Eli not being able to latch on and nurse could have been God's way of preparing us for having the next child in the NICU. See with Eli I refused to just give up and give him formula, I used my Aunt's breast pump and would pump and then feed him a bottle of breast milk. With this pregnancy we decided to buy our own pump as my Aunt was also pregnant and would be needing hers. We went ahead and got one just in case Willa couldn't latch on. If we hadn't had that problem with Eli I wouldn't have been prepared with the pump and it could have delayed the milk coming in or made it near impossible to nurse her period. With my having my own pump I was able to pump within hours of her being born and pump every 3hrs. I could have used hospital pumps but they said they were busy and had several moms using them and didn't know if I could have used their pumps every 3hrs. So since I had my own I just used it instead. :)
So today is Thurs Sept 15 and Willa is already a week old. Hard to imagine! Since she's been admitted we have seen improvement nearly every day. Sat she didn't do as well and actually went backwards a little, she had to be back on oxygen for the day. Sat night our Pastor came and prayed over her, meant so much to us. Almost as soon as he left it seemed she started doing better. The nurse came in and was looking at her and said she though Willa was about to turn a corner. She was right, Sun I was able to nurse her for the first time and she just seems to be doing better and better every day.
Yesterday I got a surprise when I walked into her little "room" and saw that she had been removed from her isolet (warmer). I about cried! Then the nurse said she had removed the feeding tube and her IV. She said the Dr had been to visit her that morning and said they needed to get her home! Said if she can just take a little more milk then what she had been during feedings she would be cleared to go home! They told me to make an appointment with her Dr for Monday because she would either be coming home on Fri or Sat depending on how quickly she ups her eating.
Last night we get to the hospital and as we're in the parking lot I get a call from the hospital that they knew I was going to try and be there for her 8pm feeding but she had started taking more and going 4hrs instead of 3 so now her next feeding wouldn't be till 10pm unless she woke up early and was hungry. They felt bad that we had arrived so early but I was glad she was doing better! They said she is eating really well and its holding her over to the 4hr mark which hey if I can go 4hr between feedings at night AWESOME!
Today I called and they said she was doing well, that they were going to do her car seat and hearing tests today which is the beginning of discharge. :)
Over all of this I'm so thankful to have so many people praying for us. Not just for Willa to recover but for our family to be able to handle the emotions that go with this sort of thing. We have been doing pretty well, Casey and I have discussed how we're feeling about everything almost every night which has helped. We have prayed a lot and just really trusted God for everything. We see this as part of Gods plan for our lives and while we may not see what the purpose is right now he DOES have a purpose for all this. Whatever it is we trust him completely. :)
Your strength is made perfect
When I am weak
All that I cling to I lay at Your feet"
Its been a week since our little Willa Hope was forced to be born early at 36wks and 1 day, due to low fluid which could have caused some major problems if not death.
She had under developed lungs, she had problems breathing at first and had some fluid on her lungs. She also wasn't digesting well at first. Ever since this whole thing started I've been peaceful about everything, even when they first told me the fluid was low and we needed to go to the hospital to decide what to do. Originally she was supposed to be in the NICU unit for 4hrs after born just standard care procedures. But her problems meant she would have to be in longer.
Over the course of this whole thing I keep remembering the verse "Your Grace is Sufficiant for me" the lyrics above are from a song by Shane and Shane. For the most part I've been upbeat, for me the hardest part came when I was discharged from the hospital on Sat. I had gotten use to being able to just slowly make my way up 1 floor from my room to visit my little girl as long as I wanted every couple of hours. When I left on Sat I felt like I was abandoning her. It worried me that SHE might think I had abandoned her, what if she cried and no one picked her up? But on the other hand I was ready to be home, I missed Eli and Casey so much and I REALLY needed some time to sleep without nurses and staff coming in at all hours of the day or night. Sun morning I was to tired to get up early to go visit her and I felt terrible, I felt like a bad parent. But I knew that I wasn't, I went to visit after taking a little class on bringing home a premie. After the class I was able to go visit her.
Shortly after feeding her I went into the parents room there to wash the pumping equipment and there was another lady in there. We got to talking, her son has been in the NICU for 2 1/2mo due to being born at just 25wks. She was so sweet and started offering advice to me about how to coup with a baby being in the NICU. She told me not to worry if I couldn't make it to the hospital several times a day, the nurses understand and I am NOT being a bad parent. She said to just make sure I CALL a couple times to check on her. She said believe it or not some people never go and never call to check on the baby and the nurses actually have to call them to update them. Thats so sad! She also told me not to worry about feeling like I was abandoning my baby because I wasn't. Its like she knew my fears without me even verbalizing them to her. Made me feel much better.
Its been work to re adjust our schedule to be able to visit her twice a day. My goal has been to be there at least twice a day for feedings so she can get used to breast feeding. She's done very well with it considering she gets more bottles then she does breast fed! I have come to realize while doing this that maybe the problems I had with Eli not being able to latch on and nurse could have been God's way of preparing us for having the next child in the NICU. See with Eli I refused to just give up and give him formula, I used my Aunt's breast pump and would pump and then feed him a bottle of breast milk. With this pregnancy we decided to buy our own pump as my Aunt was also pregnant and would be needing hers. We went ahead and got one just in case Willa couldn't latch on. If we hadn't had that problem with Eli I wouldn't have been prepared with the pump and it could have delayed the milk coming in or made it near impossible to nurse her period. With my having my own pump I was able to pump within hours of her being born and pump every 3hrs. I could have used hospital pumps but they said they were busy and had several moms using them and didn't know if I could have used their pumps every 3hrs. So since I had my own I just used it instead. :)
So today is Thurs Sept 15 and Willa is already a week old. Hard to imagine! Since she's been admitted we have seen improvement nearly every day. Sat she didn't do as well and actually went backwards a little, she had to be back on oxygen for the day. Sat night our Pastor came and prayed over her, meant so much to us. Almost as soon as he left it seemed she started doing better. The nurse came in and was looking at her and said she though Willa was about to turn a corner. She was right, Sun I was able to nurse her for the first time and she just seems to be doing better and better every day.
Yesterday I got a surprise when I walked into her little "room" and saw that she had been removed from her isolet (warmer). I about cried! Then the nurse said she had removed the feeding tube and her IV. She said the Dr had been to visit her that morning and said they needed to get her home! Said if she can just take a little more milk then what she had been during feedings she would be cleared to go home! They told me to make an appointment with her Dr for Monday because she would either be coming home on Fri or Sat depending on how quickly she ups her eating.
Last night we get to the hospital and as we're in the parking lot I get a call from the hospital that they knew I was going to try and be there for her 8pm feeding but she had started taking more and going 4hrs instead of 3 so now her next feeding wouldn't be till 10pm unless she woke up early and was hungry. They felt bad that we had arrived so early but I was glad she was doing better! They said she is eating really well and its holding her over to the 4hr mark which hey if I can go 4hr between feedings at night AWESOME!
Today I called and they said she was doing well, that they were going to do her car seat and hearing tests today which is the beginning of discharge. :)
Over all of this I'm so thankful to have so many people praying for us. Not just for Willa to recover but for our family to be able to handle the emotions that go with this sort of thing. We have been doing pretty well, Casey and I have discussed how we're feeling about everything almost every night which has helped. We have prayed a lot and just really trusted God for everything. We see this as part of Gods plan for our lives and while we may not see what the purpose is right now he DOES have a purpose for all this. Whatever it is we trust him completely. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)