Haven't had much time online, at least enough to dedicate to updating my blogs. But I have stolen a few minutes while Chris has Alison and Carter is watching some Mickey.
Things have been going well. It's stressful, of course, but overall, we are doing well. Alison is a great nurser, but she seems to want more than I can offer her. The whole process is going better than it did with Carter, but it's still tough. She is a great sleeper though. Just last night was amazing. She ate around 11pm and then was out for the late evening. Around 2:30am, I had to wake her up to nurse. She went right back to sleep and slept until about 6am. After nursing again, I must have fallen asleep with her in bed with us. Carter woke us up around 7:30am and we all rested some more until about 8am. That's how it's been most nights. So, hopefully, our daughter will be like our son and will be a good sleeper for the most part.
I have my two week check up on Monday. I'm hoping I will get cleared to drive then because I'm getting cabin fever and with Chris going back to work next week, it would be nice to have the option to get out and walk around the mall or something. Chris leaves for his three week trip next Monday and I'm really not looking forward to it. We are taking Carter up to Delaware next Sunday for a week. I know he'll have a blast with Pop and Coco but I'll miss him again. But I just don't think I'm up for being a single mom of two plus a doggie for three weeks. For the next two weeks, I still am not sure just what the plan is. My parents would like to go down to North Carolina, but that really depends on several things. If my mom needs to be around for things for my aunt, then we can't go. If my doctor doesn't release me to drive until 6 weeks post-op, then I can't help drive and we probably won't go. As much as I would love to go down there as there would be a million people to help out with the kids, I'm starting to think a 12 hour drive would not be good for me or Alison. If we don't end up going, my dad will come to pick Carter up for daycare most mornings. I'm sure they wouldn't mind keeping him a few nights either.
But all in all, it's great having our family complete. Each time I get stressed out or overwhelmed, I think of the fact that this is my last time with an infant. Later on in life, when I get the baby bug biting, I'll just go visit a friend that has a baby to get my fill. But, we are done!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Alison's story!!
Well, at least I am going to try to tell the story. I haven't had too much computer time these last two days due to an extremely hungry infant!
Okay, so Sunday, Chris and I went to Kobe for dinner and I gorged on yummy yummy Japanese steakhouse food. I ate it ALL! Then we headed home and I finished packing for the hospital. Monday morning, after a night of really not sleeping too much due to nerves, we headed for the hospital around 6:30am or so. We got there, got registered and eventually asked to come back to the prep room. We had to call our parents to tell them to hold off on coming to the hospital because no one would really get to see me until I got to my room around noon. I changed into the robe and the most adorable hair net (heehee). I laid down on the bed and the nurse started monitoring Alison and took my history. After doing all the pre-op, we waited just a little bit for the OR to open up. They had had an emergency section so we were pushed back just about ten minutes or so. The anesthesiologist came in and told me that instead of a normal epidural, they were going to do a spinal block on me to completely numb me. I walked into the OR and got up on the torture device, oh I mean the operating table. They did the block and immediately, my legs felt like warm water was being poured down them. It was the strangest feeling! I'm sure it felt similar last time, but I didn't remember it. They laid me down and set up the drape. It couldn't have been more than five minutes when they were then poking me to make sure I was numb. I was, so they brought Chris into the OR. The drape at GBMC was MUCH lower than at St. Joe's so Chris kept his head right down by my head so he couldn't see anything on the other side. The surgery itself wasn't bad. I was nervous, but it wasn't bad. They started everything at 9:15am and at 9:38, we heard the sweetest sound a mother ever can hear. The doctor held Alison up so I could see her and then the nurses took her to get cleaned up.
Chris was called over and he got to cut the cord this time since it wasn't an emergency and he got to put on her first diaper. They weighed her and Chris brought the camera over to me so I could see the pictures. They finished up the surgery and the tubal on me as Chris and Alison went to the recovery room to wait for me. The doctor complimented me on my anatomy. Yeah...weird!
While in recovery, Chris brought back my parents one at a time to see me. After a while of them monitoring me, they finally wheeled me back to my home for the next few days. I was starting to feel weird then but just thought it was the drugs. Chris' parents came back then along with my parents and Carter. The nursery took Alison for her evaluation and ended up having her for like two hours! But during that time, I got the full side effects from the spinal block. I got these waves of nausea and would retch. Which really didn't feel too good after the numbness started going away. Over the next day and a half, I would get these bouts along with EXTREME itchiness. Ugh, it was horrible! But having Alison to hold was worth it all.
From the get-go, Ali was a great nurser. She latched well and seemed to get the whole thing. Tuesday was a good day after some of the side effects started to wear off. Then, Tuesday night, the nurse brought Alison back from her nightly evaluation. She had lost 8.2% in weight. That just depressed me so much. I knew she would lose some, but I really was hoping it wouldn't be enough to worry about. I lost it. I think then everything just crashed down on me. The stress of the surgery, the pain, and now the fact that my baby was losing weight. I hadn't stayed ontop of my pain all day and by the evening was in excruciating pain. Chris had been out doing something and came back to me in tears. The night nurse came in and saw the breakdown I was having. She got me the full amount of pain meds and suggested to me to send Alison to the nursery for the night. They would supplement her for the night and I could get some much needed sleep. After debating it, I decided it needed to happen. And after another crying round, I went to sleep. I woke up feeling a lot better and called to bring my baby back to me. We decided to try doing the supplementing through the syringe while she was nursing just to get her to stay at me longer. I also started pumping. Wednesday was better and it didn't hurt AS much to get up to walk around. Thursday was even better and I probably could have gone home. But Chris had to go into work and I didn't know what time he would be back, so we stayed until Friday.
Overall, it was a stressful and painful experience, but my daughter is the sweetest thing ever! Carter is doing great with her and is going to be a great big brother. The nursing is going much better. I am trying not to stress about it because that doesn't help things along at all. Yesterday and today she has been cluster feeding and I feel that my milk is finally coming in. We'll see on Tuesday if she's gaining or losing weight. I nurse her as much as I can and if she's still hungry after me nursing her more than twice in an hour, we give her a bit of formula. I'm trying to hold the formula until I absolutely cannot take anymore nursing for a bit. So, hopefully, in a few days we will be on a good schedule and she will be getting at least most of her milk from me.
I'm sure there will be more updates about these first few weeks, but right now, it's time for me to wrap this up. I have to pump and then rest a bit. It's been a long day. I'll update again when I get a chance! But as most moms know...these first few days are always so hectic.
Okay, so Sunday, Chris and I went to Kobe for dinner and I gorged on yummy yummy Japanese steakhouse food. I ate it ALL! Then we headed home and I finished packing for the hospital. Monday morning, after a night of really not sleeping too much due to nerves, we headed for the hospital around 6:30am or so. We got there, got registered and eventually asked to come back to the prep room. We had to call our parents to tell them to hold off on coming to the hospital because no one would really get to see me until I got to my room around noon. I changed into the robe and the most adorable hair net (heehee). I laid down on the bed and the nurse started monitoring Alison and took my history. After doing all the pre-op, we waited just a little bit for the OR to open up. They had had an emergency section so we were pushed back just about ten minutes or so. The anesthesiologist came in and told me that instead of a normal epidural, they were going to do a spinal block on me to completely numb me. I walked into the OR and got up on the torture device, oh I mean the operating table. They did the block and immediately, my legs felt like warm water was being poured down them. It was the strangest feeling! I'm sure it felt similar last time, but I didn't remember it. They laid me down and set up the drape. It couldn't have been more than five minutes when they were then poking me to make sure I was numb. I was, so they brought Chris into the OR. The drape at GBMC was MUCH lower than at St. Joe's so Chris kept his head right down by my head so he couldn't see anything on the other side. The surgery itself wasn't bad. I was nervous, but it wasn't bad. They started everything at 9:15am and at 9:38, we heard the sweetest sound a mother ever can hear. The doctor held Alison up so I could see her and then the nurses took her to get cleaned up.
Chris was called over and he got to cut the cord this time since it wasn't an emergency and he got to put on her first diaper. They weighed her and Chris brought the camera over to me so I could see the pictures. They finished up the surgery and the tubal on me as Chris and Alison went to the recovery room to wait for me. The doctor complimented me on my anatomy. Yeah...weird!
While in recovery, Chris brought back my parents one at a time to see me. After a while of them monitoring me, they finally wheeled me back to my home for the next few days. I was starting to feel weird then but just thought it was the drugs. Chris' parents came back then along with my parents and Carter. The nursery took Alison for her evaluation and ended up having her for like two hours! But during that time, I got the full side effects from the spinal block. I got these waves of nausea and would retch. Which really didn't feel too good after the numbness started going away. Over the next day and a half, I would get these bouts along with EXTREME itchiness. Ugh, it was horrible! But having Alison to hold was worth it all.
From the get-go, Ali was a great nurser. She latched well and seemed to get the whole thing. Tuesday was a good day after some of the side effects started to wear off. Then, Tuesday night, the nurse brought Alison back from her nightly evaluation. She had lost 8.2% in weight. That just depressed me so much. I knew she would lose some, but I really was hoping it wouldn't be enough to worry about. I lost it. I think then everything just crashed down on me. The stress of the surgery, the pain, and now the fact that my baby was losing weight. I hadn't stayed ontop of my pain all day and by the evening was in excruciating pain. Chris had been out doing something and came back to me in tears. The night nurse came in and saw the breakdown I was having. She got me the full amount of pain meds and suggested to me to send Alison to the nursery for the night. They would supplement her for the night and I could get some much needed sleep. After debating it, I decided it needed to happen. And after another crying round, I went to sleep. I woke up feeling a lot better and called to bring my baby back to me. We decided to try doing the supplementing through the syringe while she was nursing just to get her to stay at me longer. I also started pumping. Wednesday was better and it didn't hurt AS much to get up to walk around. Thursday was even better and I probably could have gone home. But Chris had to go into work and I didn't know what time he would be back, so we stayed until Friday.
Overall, it was a stressful and painful experience, but my daughter is the sweetest thing ever! Carter is doing great with her and is going to be a great big brother. The nursing is going much better. I am trying not to stress about it because that doesn't help things along at all. Yesterday and today she has been cluster feeding and I feel that my milk is finally coming in. We'll see on Tuesday if she's gaining or losing weight. I nurse her as much as I can and if she's still hungry after me nursing her more than twice in an hour, we give her a bit of formula. I'm trying to hold the formula until I absolutely cannot take anymore nursing for a bit. So, hopefully, in a few days we will be on a good schedule and she will be getting at least most of her milk from me.
I'm sure there will be more updates about these first few weeks, but right now, it's time for me to wrap this up. I have to pump and then rest a bit. It's been a long day. I'll update again when I get a chance! But as most moms know...these first few days are always so hectic.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Four more days!
Since I'm quite positive I won't be going early, the countdown is at four days to go. I was supposed to go to the doctor's today at noon, but around 11am or so, I got a call from the office saying the the doctor I was scheduled to see had an emergency and would not be able to keep her appointments for the day. It's all good and I rescheduled for tomorrow and will actually be seeing the doctor who will be doing this surgery so it all works out.
I'm getting a bit antsy for it all to be over, well at least this part of it. I'm tired of the pain and discomfort of having this weight pressing down on me. And while I know that when she's out, it's a whole new ball game as far as rest and pain goes, at least this part will be over.
I have made it a point to get out of the house for the past two days. Yesterday I went to Wal-Mart, a place I hate to go, and treated myself to a lunch at the sub shop in Carroll Island. Then I came home and rested a bit before having to pick Emily up from school. My parents were at the hospital visiting Edith so I had to step in. They all came back to my house and I made spaghetti for dinner. Then today, I took Pfeiffer to PetSmart to get a pedicure. While in the area, I stopped in Home Depot really quick. My cousin had installed a toilet seat that had a kid's seat intergrated into the lid. Since Carter's current removable seat is quite disgusting and needs to be replaced, we decided to just splurge and get this one. So, I ran in and bought that while Pfeiffer was in the van. Luckily it isn't a very hot day and she was fine for the five minutes it took.
But, all in all, I think I'm ready. I finally got my bag almost fully packed. Of course there are some things I can't toss in until the morning of. I have to get Carter's bag together, but considering he only has a limited supply of shorts, I may have to wait a day or so. The boy has grown so much this past year that most of his shorts from last year are too tight. I'm trying to only buy him elastic waist pants to make it easier for him to get in and out of for potty time, so we have about a week's supply now. Sucks in the laundry department, but oh well.
I think I'm starting to get a little anxious about the whole surgery thought as well. I mean, last time, even though I was completely open for whatever happened, the c-section was just a means to an end. I didn't have time to worry about it. Plus, I was so scared that everything was okay with Carter that I didn't even think about the pressure and all. Now, that's all I can think of. At least I won't be having the pain of contractions at the same time, most likely. I'm sure everything will go just as smooth and just as fast as before. I just know I'll feel better when all of this is said and done with.
It's also a different hospital than before and while I hear nothing but good things about GBMC and I have had several good experiences with other things at the hospital, it's still the unknown.
I have told Chris that he has to take me out for a "last meal" on Sunday night. Considering I know this time that I won't be eating anything at least all of Monday, I want something good to end with. He is going with the daycare to a free O's game that afternoon with Carter so, hopefully it won't be a long game. When he gets back, we'll take Carter to my parents house to spend the night and then head out to Little Italy. I had mentioned the other day that I would like to head down there again as it's been years since I've eaten anywhere down there. So, Chris now wants to go so we are using this occassion as and excuse!
On Monday, my parents will take Carter to daycare and I'm assuming they will be stopping by the hospital at some point. Parts of me wonder if we should have Carter there, but then again, that's not the best place for a three year old and who knows how long they would have to wait in the waiting room before coming back to see me. I think if they just brought him up later in the evening it will be better. He'll stay at my parents' until I'm released. I know he'll love that. Especially since Emily is off school and all. They may not take him to daycare, I really don't care. We have to pay no matter what, so why not use it!
Well, I think a nap is in my future before I have to pick the Boy up. I think Chris has to work tonight so it will be my first night of giving a bath in a week or so! We'll see if this big ole preggo can lean over to wash her son off.
I'm getting a bit antsy for it all to be over, well at least this part of it. I'm tired of the pain and discomfort of having this weight pressing down on me. And while I know that when she's out, it's a whole new ball game as far as rest and pain goes, at least this part will be over.
I have made it a point to get out of the house for the past two days. Yesterday I went to Wal-Mart, a place I hate to go, and treated myself to a lunch at the sub shop in Carroll Island. Then I came home and rested a bit before having to pick Emily up from school. My parents were at the hospital visiting Edith so I had to step in. They all came back to my house and I made spaghetti for dinner. Then today, I took Pfeiffer to PetSmart to get a pedicure. While in the area, I stopped in Home Depot really quick. My cousin had installed a toilet seat that had a kid's seat intergrated into the lid. Since Carter's current removable seat is quite disgusting and needs to be replaced, we decided to just splurge and get this one. So, I ran in and bought that while Pfeiffer was in the van. Luckily it isn't a very hot day and she was fine for the five minutes it took.
But, all in all, I think I'm ready. I finally got my bag almost fully packed. Of course there are some things I can't toss in until the morning of. I have to get Carter's bag together, but considering he only has a limited supply of shorts, I may have to wait a day or so. The boy has grown so much this past year that most of his shorts from last year are too tight. I'm trying to only buy him elastic waist pants to make it easier for him to get in and out of for potty time, so we have about a week's supply now. Sucks in the laundry department, but oh well.
I think I'm starting to get a little anxious about the whole surgery thought as well. I mean, last time, even though I was completely open for whatever happened, the c-section was just a means to an end. I didn't have time to worry about it. Plus, I was so scared that everything was okay with Carter that I didn't even think about the pressure and all. Now, that's all I can think of. At least I won't be having the pain of contractions at the same time, most likely. I'm sure everything will go just as smooth and just as fast as before. I just know I'll feel better when all of this is said and done with.
It's also a different hospital than before and while I hear nothing but good things about GBMC and I have had several good experiences with other things at the hospital, it's still the unknown.
I have told Chris that he has to take me out for a "last meal" on Sunday night. Considering I know this time that I won't be eating anything at least all of Monday, I want something good to end with. He is going with the daycare to a free O's game that afternoon with Carter so, hopefully it won't be a long game. When he gets back, we'll take Carter to my parents house to spend the night and then head out to Little Italy. I had mentioned the other day that I would like to head down there again as it's been years since I've eaten anywhere down there. So, Chris now wants to go so we are using this occassion as and excuse!
On Monday, my parents will take Carter to daycare and I'm assuming they will be stopping by the hospital at some point. Parts of me wonder if we should have Carter there, but then again, that's not the best place for a three year old and who knows how long they would have to wait in the waiting room before coming back to see me. I think if they just brought him up later in the evening it will be better. He'll stay at my parents' until I'm released. I know he'll love that. Especially since Emily is off school and all. They may not take him to daycare, I really don't care. We have to pay no matter what, so why not use it!
Well, I think a nap is in my future before I have to pick the Boy up. I think Chris has to work tonight so it will be my first night of giving a bath in a week or so! We'll see if this big ole preggo can lean over to wash her son off.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Yeah, I'm still here...still pregnant
Sorry I haven't updated this in a while. It's been a crazy, stressful and busy few weeks.
As of Friday, I am 38 weeks. I am officially done with work until August. Last Tuesday, I was at work and had a very strange dizzy spell. My left ear had been ringing for a day or so and all the sudden, I couldn't even see straight. My boss drove me over because I couldn't even walk straight let alone drive! Chris got there right when I got back into the room. The doctor basically said that she had no clue what the dizziness was, but it could have been a cold or something. I mentioned that I hadn't felt the baby move quite as much that morning so she decided to monitor me for a while. Because of her positioning, the only way we could get the monitor to work was for Chris to just hold the little sensor at an odd angle for 15 minutes. But, everything was fine. Later, after eating, she woke back up and started practicing for her kickboxing medal again. But, considering all the stress that I've been dealing with lately, I asked the doctor if she could write me out for the rest of the pregnancy. Since I'm not technically using disability or anything, she was fine with it.
We went back to the office to wrap up some final things. It felt odd walking out knowing I won't be back for so long!
But, the stress that I've been having is a long story, but for the few that read this that don't read my other journal, I'll just summarize it.
My aunt, the only aunt that I really know, had a massive stroke last Saturday. Luckily, she was in the hospital due to having lots of fluid in her lungs so they were able to begin treating her immediately. She has a huge clot on the left side of her brain so that means her entire right side is paralyzed. They hoped they could operate and try to get the clot out, but it turned out to be WAY too large. So, a week later, she's been in University of Maryland Hospital. She's had some good days and some bad days. One day she's awake and looking around and responding to questions and commands, but then the next, she's back to sleeping a lot and not responding correctly. I think that she at least recognizes people because she responded the best with her mother. My granny, two aunts and an uncle all drove up from North Carolina on Monday to be up here. Then, my other uncle came in from Florida yesterday. So, for the first time that I can ever remember, all of my Granny's children and their spouses (well, Roy's wife didn't come I don't think) were all together. My mom said when Edith saw Roy, she teared up. I think she realized that things were as serious as they are since only an emergency would bring him up here. It's sad that tragedies like this usually is the only thing that get families all together.
But, I think with all the stress of worrying about Edith contributed to my little "episode" on Tuesday. But, I'm relaxing now. I'm taking advantage of the quiet for now. One more week, most likely. I have not made ANY progress down there so I'm sure it will be right up to the 15th. At least I have an end date...no going well past my due date this time!
I'll try to update this more...I won't promise anything though! :)
As of Friday, I am 38 weeks. I am officially done with work until August. Last Tuesday, I was at work and had a very strange dizzy spell. My left ear had been ringing for a day or so and all the sudden, I couldn't even see straight. My boss drove me over because I couldn't even walk straight let alone drive! Chris got there right when I got back into the room. The doctor basically said that she had no clue what the dizziness was, but it could have been a cold or something. I mentioned that I hadn't felt the baby move quite as much that morning so she decided to monitor me for a while. Because of her positioning, the only way we could get the monitor to work was for Chris to just hold the little sensor at an odd angle for 15 minutes. But, everything was fine. Later, after eating, she woke back up and started practicing for her kickboxing medal again. But, considering all the stress that I've been dealing with lately, I asked the doctor if she could write me out for the rest of the pregnancy. Since I'm not technically using disability or anything, she was fine with it.
We went back to the office to wrap up some final things. It felt odd walking out knowing I won't be back for so long!
But, the stress that I've been having is a long story, but for the few that read this that don't read my other journal, I'll just summarize it.
My aunt, the only aunt that I really know, had a massive stroke last Saturday. Luckily, she was in the hospital due to having lots of fluid in her lungs so they were able to begin treating her immediately. She has a huge clot on the left side of her brain so that means her entire right side is paralyzed. They hoped they could operate and try to get the clot out, but it turned out to be WAY too large. So, a week later, she's been in University of Maryland Hospital. She's had some good days and some bad days. One day she's awake and looking around and responding to questions and commands, but then the next, she's back to sleeping a lot and not responding correctly. I think that she at least recognizes people because she responded the best with her mother. My granny, two aunts and an uncle all drove up from North Carolina on Monday to be up here. Then, my other uncle came in from Florida yesterday. So, for the first time that I can ever remember, all of my Granny's children and their spouses (well, Roy's wife didn't come I don't think) were all together. My mom said when Edith saw Roy, she teared up. I think she realized that things were as serious as they are since only an emergency would bring him up here. It's sad that tragedies like this usually is the only thing that get families all together.
But, I think with all the stress of worrying about Edith contributed to my little "episode" on Tuesday. But, I'm relaxing now. I'm taking advantage of the quiet for now. One more week, most likely. I have not made ANY progress down there so I'm sure it will be right up to the 15th. At least I have an end date...no going well past my due date this time!
I'll try to update this more...I won't promise anything though! :)