Hey, look at my baby brother! And my just-for-the-camera grin!
OK now, can anybody here say, "CHEESE"???!!!
She loves that baby so much.Friday, June 27, 2008
More Cuteness . . . I just can't help it!
Hey, look at my baby brother! And my just-for-the-camera grin! OK now, can anybody here say, "CHEESE"???!!! She loves that baby so much.
Pictures and Stuff
I'll be calling the baby Butter Bean, in keeping with the Tasty Names Family tradition. No, he doesn't eat Butter Beans, but he looks like a little Butter Bean. Butter Beans are cute, and so is he.
Noodle sure does love her baby brother! She is always hugging him and kissing him and patting his soft head. She is fascinated. And he is such a good baby.
We are doing well. A little sleep deprived, but that's par for the course. It is amazing how much better I feel. I don't miss bed rest at all, and I'm recovering well from the C-section. I've even cooked a meal or two! Our Sunday school class called to see if we needed meals, and I said no. I felt horrible pre-delivery. My parents took great care of us the first week post-delivery, and by that time, I was feeling great. Now, I'm not even minding doing laundry and cooking a little. And Buffalo Wings is great to do anything that needs to be done. I am SO glad he's home with me this summer.
Right now, we are looking very forward to the wedding of my brother! This will take place in a couple of weeks. I am so excited, I can't even stand it. We have been waiting for Matt to find his someone special for a very long time.
OK, so here's something Anita and Zalo in Peru tagged me on. Ten random facts about myself:
1. I do not like doing my hair. I don't like doing my girls' hair. I don't have time to mess with it, so that's why I keep us all in as short as possible hairdos.
2. I like my fingernails. I've always had great fingernails.
3. I do not like seafood, except red snapper.
4. My favorite show is House. I haven't had a real, honest-to-goodness favorite show in a long time. I just started watching House this year. I lose interest in most other series; I lost interest in Lost.
5. I think that most people don't know that my favorite actor is Ethan Embry.
6. If I'd had another baby girl, I would have wanted to name her Camille Renee.
7. My favorite vacation area (besides San Francisco, of course) is Savannah, Georgia.
8. I was once almost run over by a car when I was in first grade. It happened as I was getting off the school bus to go home.
9. I once stole crackers off the salad bar at Pizza Inn. It was humiliating, because I got caught, even though it was only a joke.
10. I collect VWs and VW items (books, symbols, etc.), stamps, keychains, and magnets. Am I a party animal or WHAT????
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
More Pictures
Our only picture from the hospital. Partly because we didn't bring it the night we went in, partly because our camera is stupid and after this picture was taken, the camera stopped working.
Our wonderful, amazing Dr. F!!!!!
Just looking around - first week at home. All of the following pics are from Baby's first week at home.
Grandma and Pappa with all of the grandkids
Chicken Nugget gets to know her new baby brother.
Noodle loves spending time with her new baby brother!
After his first bath at home. He was pretty relaxed at this point, but didn't enjoy the actual bath so much.
Cute chubby cheeks!
Banana loving his new baby brother . . . Baby Brother's not sure how he likes being loved on!
I just think this is the cutest picture!
The proud Dad with his new son.
Chillin' with his paci
Even fussy, he's such a cutie!
So peaceful . . .Thursday, June 19, 2008
One Week Ago . . .
Last Wednesday, I had my regular doctor's appointment. It was also the day that I got my terbutaline pump out. Yay! I knew I was feeling some contractions at the doctor that afternoon, but later that evening they became regular. I was talking to my mom on the phone and I kept feeling them; this was about 6PM. I asked Buffalo Wings for the stopwatch so that I could time them; this was about 7PM. The contractions were coming about 4 minutes apart, so I called my doctor and she told me to come on up to the hospital. I was sure that the minute I got to the hospital, they would stop, but they didn't. They actually increased! I have never had such regular contractions without pitocin, so I was really surprised. Our nurse (who was really fun, by the way! She was great.) checked me and went to call my doctor. A few minutes later, she came back in and said, "We're having a baby tonight!"
I was totally shocked! But Dr. F had told me not to wait if I started having lots of contractions. That's because the ultrasound earlier that day had showed that Charlie was still footling breech, with lots of cord bunched up under his legs. If my water were to break, things could get really dangerous. So Dr. F wanted to proceed while things were still safe.
We had a good time talking, laughing, and relaxing with our nurse and Dr. F. I was lucky that Dr. F didn't have any other deliveries that night, so she had time to just hang out with us before the surgery. I got my IV and BW got his scrubs and we just waited to be taken to surgery. I got into the OR at about 11:30PM or so.
My nurse, Kimberly, went with me to the OR and helped me while I got my epidural. It was the easiest epidural I've ever had administered. There was very little pain and the weird feelings in my back went away really quickly. I don't remember a lot of things about the surgery, at least, I don't remember everything exactly in sequence. But I do remember that I kept thinking, this is it? No waiting, no pushing? Hm . . . maybe I should have done this before! I also felt lots of tugging and pulling, and then Charlie was out at 12:04AM! I started crying and asking if he was ok. I heard something about him maybe not weighing enough to go to the regular newborn nursery. I heard his little squeal and all I wanted to do was touch him and hold him. I thought he might be cold or scared and that he needed his mommy. I told BW to go over and see him, and I just kept asking over and over again if the baby was ok. Everyone in the room kept telling me how great he was, but I had to see him to believe it. Finally, BW brought Charlie over to me and I got to hold him a little bit. BW went with him as they took him to the regular nursery - he weighed enough after all!
I guess I was getting sewed up and everything after that. I remember some more tugging and my doctor talking to me and my anaesthesiologist helping me out with nausea. Kimberly was then taking me to recovery and getting me warmed back up and comfortable. BW was with me then, though I am not exactly sure when he got to the recovery area. BW was wonderful throughout the whole thing. He was perfectly calm and helped me be calm. He kept assuring me that everything was fine and that the baby was great. I don't remember exactly what time I got to my room, but on the way to my room, Kimberly stopped at the nursery and held Charlie up for me to see. All I wanted was to hold him, and I was thrilled when they finally gave him to me a few hours later. He just had to get his temperature regulated.
Charlie was so tiny and absolutely perfect. He never had a bit of trouble breathing. He was lazy at eating at first, but that's just sort of status quo for a preemie. He looked to me like a miniature baby, like a doll. My other babies had been at least two pounds heavier and an inch longer than he was. Charlie was just a sweet little cuddler and I was overwhelmed with love and thankfulness that after everything, he had come out perfect and healthy, even though he was small.
After awhile, BW went home to get a little bit of sleep and to get a few things from home. We didn't even bring our camera (I was sure I would be going home the night before!)! After BW left, the nurses wanted me to get up to go to the bathroom. The first few times, I wasn't sure how I'd be able to do it. But by the time the day passed, BW came back and spent the day with me, and the night crew came on, I was getting out of bed alone. 24 hours hadn't even passed by that time, so I was pretty proud of myself! My doctor told me that if I continued to do well and could tolerate food till lunch the next day, I could go home. So, I did! Charlie was born at midnight on the 12th; we went home at about 5PM on the 13th! My parents were already at our house and though I was in pain right when I got home, things got better and I was so happy to be home early and recovering there.
My parents left yesterday. We are all doing well. Charlie is the sweetest, and a really good baby. I am so relaxed this time around, and also very aware that this will be our last newborn. I have been enjoying this little boy more than I can say. I hold him too much, I spoil him, the kids hold him and kiss him while BW and I ooh and ahh . . . I keep remembering how uptight and scared I was when Chicken Nugget was born nine years ago. I was so worried about so many things that I missed out on enjoying lots of things with her. Not so with Charlie. I am probably doing things that would curl the hair of baby experts everywhere, but I am having so much fun, and I think Charlie is too. We are blessed beyond blessing to have this sweet baby boy join our family. I can't wait to share him with all of you! I hope we can see you soon. Much love to you all -
I was totally shocked! But Dr. F had told me not to wait if I started having lots of contractions. That's because the ultrasound earlier that day had showed that Charlie was still footling breech, with lots of cord bunched up under his legs. If my water were to break, things could get really dangerous. So Dr. F wanted to proceed while things were still safe.
We had a good time talking, laughing, and relaxing with our nurse and Dr. F. I was lucky that Dr. F didn't have any other deliveries that night, so she had time to just hang out with us before the surgery. I got my IV and BW got his scrubs and we just waited to be taken to surgery. I got into the OR at about 11:30PM or so.
My nurse, Kimberly, went with me to the OR and helped me while I got my epidural. It was the easiest epidural I've ever had administered. There was very little pain and the weird feelings in my back went away really quickly. I don't remember a lot of things about the surgery, at least, I don't remember everything exactly in sequence. But I do remember that I kept thinking, this is it? No waiting, no pushing? Hm . . . maybe I should have done this before! I also felt lots of tugging and pulling, and then Charlie was out at 12:04AM! I started crying and asking if he was ok. I heard something about him maybe not weighing enough to go to the regular newborn nursery. I heard his little squeal and all I wanted to do was touch him and hold him. I thought he might be cold or scared and that he needed his mommy. I told BW to go over and see him, and I just kept asking over and over again if the baby was ok. Everyone in the room kept telling me how great he was, but I had to see him to believe it. Finally, BW brought Charlie over to me and I got to hold him a little bit. BW went with him as they took him to the regular nursery - he weighed enough after all!
I guess I was getting sewed up and everything after that. I remember some more tugging and my doctor talking to me and my anaesthesiologist helping me out with nausea. Kimberly was then taking me to recovery and getting me warmed back up and comfortable. BW was with me then, though I am not exactly sure when he got to the recovery area. BW was wonderful throughout the whole thing. He was perfectly calm and helped me be calm. He kept assuring me that everything was fine and that the baby was great. I don't remember exactly what time I got to my room, but on the way to my room, Kimberly stopped at the nursery and held Charlie up for me to see. All I wanted was to hold him, and I was thrilled when they finally gave him to me a few hours later. He just had to get his temperature regulated.
Charlie was so tiny and absolutely perfect. He never had a bit of trouble breathing. He was lazy at eating at first, but that's just sort of status quo for a preemie. He looked to me like a miniature baby, like a doll. My other babies had been at least two pounds heavier and an inch longer than he was. Charlie was just a sweet little cuddler and I was overwhelmed with love and thankfulness that after everything, he had come out perfect and healthy, even though he was small.
After awhile, BW went home to get a little bit of sleep and to get a few things from home. We didn't even bring our camera (I was sure I would be going home the night before!)! After BW left, the nurses wanted me to get up to go to the bathroom. The first few times, I wasn't sure how I'd be able to do it. But by the time the day passed, BW came back and spent the day with me, and the night crew came on, I was getting out of bed alone. 24 hours hadn't even passed by that time, so I was pretty proud of myself! My doctor told me that if I continued to do well and could tolerate food till lunch the next day, I could go home. So, I did! Charlie was born at midnight on the 12th; we went home at about 5PM on the 13th! My parents were already at our house and though I was in pain right when I got home, things got better and I was so happy to be home early and recovering there.
My parents left yesterday. We are all doing well. Charlie is the sweetest, and a really good baby. I am so relaxed this time around, and also very aware that this will be our last newborn. I have been enjoying this little boy more than I can say. I hold him too much, I spoil him, the kids hold him and kiss him while BW and I ooh and ahh . . . I keep remembering how uptight and scared I was when Chicken Nugget was born nine years ago. I was so worried about so many things that I missed out on enjoying lots of things with her. Not so with Charlie. I am probably doing things that would curl the hair of baby experts everywhere, but I am having so much fun, and I think Charlie is too. We are blessed beyond blessing to have this sweet baby boy join our family. I can't wait to share him with all of you! I hope we can see you soon. Much love to you all -
A Few Pictures
Our homemade "basinette." Our friend Kelly called him Baby Moses. :o)
Charlie with our friend T
My dad loves Baby Charlie.
So does my mom. He's hard not to love!Friday, June 13, 2008
ANNOUNCING!
Announcing the arrival of
Charles Edward Sickle
"Charlie"
Born June 12, 2008
12:04 AM
5 pounds
12 ounces
18 inches
All of that and cute as can be!
Pictures to come.
Charles Edward Sickle
"Charlie"
Born June 12, 2008
12:04 AM
5 pounds
12 ounces
18 inches
All of that and cute as can be!
Pictures to come.
Monday, June 09, 2008
A Few New Summer Pics - Sprinkler Day!
After the sprinkler
Sisters!
Funny Face!
Big smile
Sprinkler Fun!
Monday, June 02, 2008
Oh, I C!
Today at my dr. appt., Baby Boy was still breech. And in the middle of the ultrasound, he leaned his head back and was almost transverse . . . and then he re-breeched himself. He's footling breech, actually. So Dr. F went ahead and scheduled my C-section.
I really am OK with it. When I first heard of the possibility, I was a little scared. It wasn't my ideal. I didn't know what to expect. But I have since been educating myself and talking to my friends that have had C-sections. Actually, most women I know have had C-sections. And they survived! And across the board, every single one of my friends whom I have consulted regarding the subject had this to say:
"It is really not that bad."
No horror stories. No moans and groans. Just helpful advice and lots of encouragement.
I've also been comforted by the articles I've read. I think it would be more silly of me to just sit around and be scared and wonder about it, rather than find out all I can about what to expect. I know that my experience will be somewhat different from everyone else's, but learning about the basics has made me feel lots better.
Baby Boy still has a chance to flip, but if not, we'll be meeting him in three weeks!
I really am OK with it. When I first heard of the possibility, I was a little scared. It wasn't my ideal. I didn't know what to expect. But I have since been educating myself and talking to my friends that have had C-sections. Actually, most women I know have had C-sections. And they survived! And across the board, every single one of my friends whom I have consulted regarding the subject had this to say:
"It is really not that bad."
No horror stories. No moans and groans. Just helpful advice and lots of encouragement.
I've also been comforted by the articles I've read. I think it would be more silly of me to just sit around and be scared and wonder about it, rather than find out all I can about what to expect. I know that my experience will be somewhat different from everyone else's, but learning about the basics has made me feel lots better.
Baby Boy still has a chance to flip, but if not, we'll be meeting him in three weeks!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Getting Just a Little Tired of This . . .
I went back to the doctor today for spotting, contractions, pressure, and pain.
My cervix has not changed, but the baby has moved. He's no longer breech . . . he's transverse! Well, it's a little bit of progress, but his position seems to be what is causing the increase in symptoms. He's moving like crazy, and this includes kicks, punches, and somersaults. The movement and position of the baby is putting pressure on certain . . . *ahem* . . . key areas of my body, which is increasing the intensity of my contractions, as well as causing pain in between.
I'm so confused! I've never been one to go into labor on my own. The closest I came was with Noodle; I went to the hospital with mild contractions, had my water broken, and got to 4cm on my own . . . that was after about 6 or 8 hours or so. Then, it was the pitocin. Always the pitocin. So any pain, bleeding, or other symptoms I've had when it's come to having my babies has taken place in the hospital. In light of that, it's been hard to discern what symptoms do or do not require a call to the doctor. But especially because all of the symptoms with this pregnancy are happening pre-term.
I want Baby Boy to be ok, and I'm so worried about him being in the NICU if he is born now. Though I've been assured that he'll be fine, all I can think about is delivering a premature baby. My babies have always been big and healthy, with no problems. They come home from the hospital the same time I do. This may not happen this time.
I really do try not to worry. I try to take all my symptoms and trips to the doctor and uncertainty with a good attitude. But I have my days and my moments when it becomes overwhelming. I know that God really is in control, and I know how many, many prayers are going up on our behalf. But I'm human, and my humanity sometimes wins out.
Thanks for reading and for praying. Please keep praying! God is bigger than this.
Much love to all of you -
My cervix has not changed, but the baby has moved. He's no longer breech . . . he's transverse! Well, it's a little bit of progress, but his position seems to be what is causing the increase in symptoms. He's moving like crazy, and this includes kicks, punches, and somersaults. The movement and position of the baby is putting pressure on certain . . . *ahem* . . . key areas of my body, which is increasing the intensity of my contractions, as well as causing pain in between.
I'm so confused! I've never been one to go into labor on my own. The closest I came was with Noodle; I went to the hospital with mild contractions, had my water broken, and got to 4cm on my own . . . that was after about 6 or 8 hours or so. Then, it was the pitocin. Always the pitocin. So any pain, bleeding, or other symptoms I've had when it's come to having my babies has taken place in the hospital. In light of that, it's been hard to discern what symptoms do or do not require a call to the doctor. But especially because all of the symptoms with this pregnancy are happening pre-term.
I want Baby Boy to be ok, and I'm so worried about him being in the NICU if he is born now. Though I've been assured that he'll be fine, all I can think about is delivering a premature baby. My babies have always been big and healthy, with no problems. They come home from the hospital the same time I do. This may not happen this time.
I really do try not to worry. I try to take all my symptoms and trips to the doctor and uncertainty with a good attitude. But I have my days and my moments when it becomes overwhelming. I know that God really is in control, and I know how many, many prayers are going up on our behalf. But I'm human, and my humanity sometimes wins out.
Thanks for reading and for praying. Please keep praying! God is bigger than this.
Much love to all of you -
Sunday, May 25, 2008
New Pictures
I thought it ws high time for some NEW pictures!!!! So, since the doctor said that I could go to church this morning (ONLY to church - and ONLY if I promised to just sit there, and go home and go straight back to bed), I thought this morning before church and all dressed up would be a good time for some photo ops.
Banana's pic - not so into looking at the camera.
Chicken Nugget's pic - I cannot believe how much of a little lady she is growing into. She is really growing up.
Noodle's pic - she loves to cheese it up!!!!
Dad and the kids - what a nice-looking crew!
My pregnantness. I hadn't taken any belly pics yet, so I thought I'd have Buffalo Wings take one of me. Don't blame him for cutting off my head. Blame our crappy camera. Oh, there is a pic of me and all the kids, but again . . . my head was cut off. Pretty severely. This pic was just for my belly, so I thought it would be ok.Thursday, May 22, 2008
Disappointed
At my doctor's appointment yesterday, Dr. F did my 34 week ultrasound. Guess what? Baby's breech. Dr. F and I were both a little upset. She said, "Mrs. Donut! You were supposed to be my ONE non-C-section!"
There is a possibility, however small, that he could flip. He's not engaged in the birth canal yet, so he's got some flipping room. I'm praying!
I have to admit, I am afraid of having a C-section. I know many, many people who have gone through it and they are fine. I've just never had surgery. I know, however, it could be much worse.
As for the bed rest, I thought I'd be off the hook after tomorrow. But Dr. F said I have to stay on bed rest till the end of the month. She did give me permission to go to church on Sunday! I'm so happy about that. I've been missing it and seeing everyone.
I also got a call from the school with the results of my job interview. They went with another candidate. However, there's a good possibility that another teacher may be leaving. If so, the principal wanted to know if I'd still be interested. I of course said yes. But I'll still be sending out resumes in the meantime.
So, I'm a little disappointed about these things, but am still trying to stay positive and look at the bright side of things. Please say a little prayer for us at this time. This too shall pass . . .
There is a possibility, however small, that he could flip. He's not engaged in the birth canal yet, so he's got some flipping room. I'm praying!
I have to admit, I am afraid of having a C-section. I know many, many people who have gone through it and they are fine. I've just never had surgery. I know, however, it could be much worse.
As for the bed rest, I thought I'd be off the hook after tomorrow. But Dr. F said I have to stay on bed rest till the end of the month. She did give me permission to go to church on Sunday! I'm so happy about that. I've been missing it and seeing everyone.
I also got a call from the school with the results of my job interview. They went with another candidate. However, there's a good possibility that another teacher may be leaving. If so, the principal wanted to know if I'd still be interested. I of course said yes. But I'll still be sending out resumes in the meantime.
So, I'm a little disappointed about these things, but am still trying to stay positive and look at the bright side of things. Please say a little prayer for us at this time. This too shall pass . . .
Gimme an N!
Saturday was Noodle's birthday! As usual, I'm a loser and didn't take any new pictures. Also adding to my loserness is the fact that it is now five days past her birthday and I'm just NOW posting about it!
Noodle woke up Saturday morning, saying, "Is it my birthday?" Chicken Nugget was adding to Noodle's excitement, having a greater understanding of birthdays and all. So Noodle was getting very, very excited!
Noodle was happy with her gifts - a Tinkerbell costume, new church dress, pink tights, and $4 from Grandma and Pappa; a pig Webkinz from Chicken Nugget; a Dora bigwheel from Buffalo Wings and me. She could hardly wait for Daddy to get that big wheel put together! She was out in the driveway with it before 9AM!
We didn't really get to do a birthday party for her, but it worked out ok. We knew a little girl who was having a birthday party that day, so BW took all three kids. It was great, because it was at the park and everything. The kids had cake and hot dogs, there was a pinata, and they all came home with sombreros and pinata prizes. They were also exhausted and took some good naps!
BW made Noodle a great birthday cake while she was napping. It was the cutest thing to watch her as the family sang "Happy Birthday" to her. She grinned and looked at the floor. She was so happy that all attention was on her, and she was so, so cute about it. I just wanted to squeeze her and kiss her with all her cuteness! She loved blowing out her candles and making a wish. She also loved eating the cake!
I just don't know what our family would be like without Noodle. Finding out about her pending arrival was a very big surprise very early in our marriage! But we were thrilled. Chicken Nugget had prayed for a baby sister from the day that BW and I got married. Noodle was such a good baby, just content and happy to be in the world. She loved to lay under her baby gym and talk and squeal. Noodle is now a busy and happy and bubbly little girl! She loves to laugh and to make other people laugh. Last night she was entertaining all of us with a frog puppet she had made. She took Mr. Frog to each family member and addressed them in a deep voice, "Hello, Mr. Mamma! Hello, Mr. Daddy! Hello, Mr. Banana! Hello, Mr. Chicken Nugget! I am Mr. Frog!" It was so cute and we laughed and laughed. Noodle is always entertaining us, but getting hugs and kisses from Noodle is a very, very special thing. She doesn't dole them out very freely. You know you've done something to make Noodle feel very special if she gives you some of her very special hugs and kisses.
Noodle, we love you so much!!!!! We're so glad that you are part of our family. You are a great gift from God and we don't know what we'd do without you. We're so happy that you had a wonderful fourth birthday!Friday, May 16, 2008
That Test . . .
Remember that test I wrote about in a previous post? The one that took five hours? I must say, I fretted and fretted over that test. I was really, really worried. But . . .
I PASSED!!!!!!!!!!
Woo-hoo!!!! I just found out!
Also, about the job interview last week - I felt really good about it. I think it went great.
I PASSED!!!!!!!!!!
Woo-hoo!!!! I just found out!
Also, about the job interview last week - I felt really good about it. I think it went great.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
What's in a Name?
Buffalo Wings told me that I could go ahead and share the name that we have FINALLY chosen for Baby Boy!!!!!!!!
Here it is:
Charles Edward
Charles - meaning: Free Man; origin: German
Edward - meaning: Wealthy Guardian; origin: English
Charles is a name I had picked out long ago for Chicken Nugget, if she had been a boy. Edward is BW's middle name and was his father's name. We thought they sounded good together! We'll call him Charlie.
Here it is:
Charles Edward
Charles - meaning: Free Man; origin: German
Edward - meaning: Wealthy Guardian; origin: English
Charles is a name I had picked out long ago for Chicken Nugget, if she had been a boy. Edward is BW's middle name and was his father's name. We thought they sounded good together! We'll call him Charlie.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Home, Again . . .
I had another hospital stay last night, though it was only for an hour or so. I was contracting like crazy yesterday and had to monitor about four times. The last time I monitored, my nurse called me and told me to go straight to the hospital. I was checked at the hospital and there had been no changes (I have not dilated past a one, thankfully!), so Dr. F let me go home. I have to go to the doctor again today. The contractions have slowed WAAAAYYYY down, and I know it is because we had so many people praying for us last night. Our Sunday school class is a great little network, and word got around really fast that I was headed to the hospital again.
Now, I'll tell you where I'm going again right now . . . back to bed to try to catch up some sleep I missed due to all those contractions . . .
Now, I'll tell you where I'm going again right now . . . back to bed to try to catch up some sleep I missed due to all those contractions . . .
Monday, May 12, 2008
Home . . .
. . . from the hospital, that is! That was my best Mother's Day present. That I got to come home from the hospital!
On Friday afternoon, somewhere around 2-2:30, I started noticing that pressure way down in my lower back (and other areas, *ahem*). It was that pressure that concerned my doctor at my last appointment, the pressure that she told me not to sit around at home and feel. Instead, I should get myself to the hospital if I feel it.
I called Dr. F and she told me to get to the hospital ASAP, so as soon as Buffalo Wings got home, I went. The nurse checked me and I was dilated to a one. I hadn't been dilated before this. The pressure was getting stronger, with a little pain. Dr. F wanted me to spend the night, and she gave me lovely cocktail which included Demerol. That helped me rest and relax and slowed the contractions.
Saturday morning, Dr. F came in to see us (some great friends from church kept the kids overnight so that BW could be with me) and said she wanted me to stay the day and get some steroid shots to help develop the baby's lungs. I was disappointed, because I had really counted on being able to go home that morning. But I knew it was the best thing for the baby to hang out a little while longer, especially since my contractions had picked up again and I'd gotten another Demerol cocktail at about 4AM Saturday morning.
I was on the monitor off and on during my stay, having some mild contractions and some minor irritability of the uterus (which basically means really short contractions). Dr. F came in Sunday morning and said I could go home, but that I am now on strict bed rest. I can get up to go to the bathroom and to eat, but that's it. She said if I can make it to 34 weeks, she will let me deliver. I'm still worried about delivering at 34 weeks; I hope to make it to 36 weeks.
I'm still contracting, still with a little pain, but am really trying to hang in there. Friends are taking the little kids during the day for the next two weeks, so that I really can do bed rest. Bed rest plus a three-year-old and a two-year-old at home equals no bed rest at all. So this is really helping us out. I can't say enough about how our church family has really taken over for us.
So, I'm home and hope to stay here for awhile.
On Friday afternoon, somewhere around 2-2:30, I started noticing that pressure way down in my lower back (and other areas, *ahem*). It was that pressure that concerned my doctor at my last appointment, the pressure that she told me not to sit around at home and feel. Instead, I should get myself to the hospital if I feel it.
I called Dr. F and she told me to get to the hospital ASAP, so as soon as Buffalo Wings got home, I went. The nurse checked me and I was dilated to a one. I hadn't been dilated before this. The pressure was getting stronger, with a little pain. Dr. F wanted me to spend the night, and she gave me lovely cocktail which included Demerol. That helped me rest and relax and slowed the contractions.
Saturday morning, Dr. F came in to see us (some great friends from church kept the kids overnight so that BW could be with me) and said she wanted me to stay the day and get some steroid shots to help develop the baby's lungs. I was disappointed, because I had really counted on being able to go home that morning. But I knew it was the best thing for the baby to hang out a little while longer, especially since my contractions had picked up again and I'd gotten another Demerol cocktail at about 4AM Saturday morning.
I was on the monitor off and on during my stay, having some mild contractions and some minor irritability of the uterus (which basically means really short contractions). Dr. F came in Sunday morning and said I could go home, but that I am now on strict bed rest. I can get up to go to the bathroom and to eat, but that's it. She said if I can make it to 34 weeks, she will let me deliver. I'm still worried about delivering at 34 weeks; I hope to make it to 36 weeks.
I'm still contracting, still with a little pain, but am really trying to hang in there. Friends are taking the little kids during the day for the next two weeks, so that I really can do bed rest. Bed rest plus a three-year-old and a two-year-old at home equals no bed rest at all. So this is really helping us out. I can't say enough about how our church family has really taken over for us.
So, I'm home and hope to stay here for awhile.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Small Update
I went to the doctor yesterday. Things are status quo. As long as I rest, rest, rest, I have lots fewer contractions. My monitoring sessions have been good. I wake up every morning saying, "Yay! I'm still pregnant!"
I was feeling lots of pressure this weekend, mainly in the middle of the night, and was in some pain. My doctor told me that if I feel those symptoms again, that I should go straight to the hospital. My home health nurse increased my terbutaline after I called her and told her I was feeling; the increase seems to have helped.
I have my job interview TODAY!!!!!!! I'm excited and nervous. I'll let you know how it goes.
I was feeling lots of pressure this weekend, mainly in the middle of the night, and was in some pain. My doctor told me that if I feel those symptoms again, that I should go straight to the hospital. My home health nurse increased my terbutaline after I called her and told her I was feeling; the increase seems to have helped.
I have my job interview TODAY!!!!!!! I'm excited and nervous. I'll let you know how it goes.
Friday, May 02, 2008
More Baby Stuff
I had a dr.'s appointment yesterday. I have still not dilated - YAY!!! But the contractions are getting more frequent and more painful. They are accompanied by lots of pressure sometimes.
Dr. F said, "I want you to super rest this weekend!" She's going out of town and she doesn't want to come back with me in the hospital. She also said, "I mean, seriously, come on. What is up with you? I give you two drugs, I make you rest, what is going on? Work with me here!"
Dr. F is great!
I told her that I'm not an ornery person, and that I'm trying to work with her!
I asked her how Baby Boy would do if he were to be born within the next few weeks. She said he'd do well, since he is over two pounds by now. She said after 34 weeks, he'd do even better. He would have to be intibated and put in the NICU, but that he would do pretty well. That was comforting, but still, the thought of a preemie in the NICU . . . not something I want to think about.
My drugs: Terbutaline - relaxes the smooth muscles, makes me shaky, increases my heart rate; Procardia - relaxes the smooth muscles, makes me dizzy, decreases my blood pressure. Summary: I'm a doped-up mess, but the baby stays in the belly!
I've been doing a pretty good job at looking on the bright side. I could have given birth already to a very sick baby; I could be stuck in the hospital on an IV! There are so many things that could be going on, that aren't, from which I know God is protecting us. I know God's hand is on this situation. So many people are praying for us. In the end, He will be glorified when we are all able to say, "God has done this thing!"
Our church family has gone above and beyond caring for us. It is difficult to be parents of small children; it is even more difficult when one of the parents is unable to cook, clean, or otherwise get up off the couch! Poor Scott comes home from work and then does the work of two people in order to take care of the house and the kids. Our Sunday school class has brought food and helped with laundry and childcare. It's been amazing to see, and humbling. We are more than grateful.
I had a dream about Baby Boy last night. He was beautiful and healthy and content. Also, he didn't look like Buffalo Wings - he looked like ME!!!!
We're still having trouble picking a name for this kid! We were talking about it last night and still couldn't agree on anything! Actually, in my dream, we had him at home and were STILL trying to figure out a name for him! Isn't that sad?
Thanks for reading my blog and for praying. We love you all -
Dr. F said, "I want you to super rest this weekend!" She's going out of town and she doesn't want to come back with me in the hospital. She also said, "I mean, seriously, come on. What is up with you? I give you two drugs, I make you rest, what is going on? Work with me here!"
Dr. F is great!
I told her that I'm not an ornery person, and that I'm trying to work with her!
I asked her how Baby Boy would do if he were to be born within the next few weeks. She said he'd do well, since he is over two pounds by now. She said after 34 weeks, he'd do even better. He would have to be intibated and put in the NICU, but that he would do pretty well. That was comforting, but still, the thought of a preemie in the NICU . . . not something I want to think about.
My drugs: Terbutaline - relaxes the smooth muscles, makes me shaky, increases my heart rate; Procardia - relaxes the smooth muscles, makes me dizzy, decreases my blood pressure. Summary: I'm a doped-up mess, but the baby stays in the belly!
I've been doing a pretty good job at looking on the bright side. I could have given birth already to a very sick baby; I could be stuck in the hospital on an IV! There are so many things that could be going on, that aren't, from which I know God is protecting us. I know God's hand is on this situation. So many people are praying for us. In the end, He will be glorified when we are all able to say, "God has done this thing!"
Our church family has gone above and beyond caring for us. It is difficult to be parents of small children; it is even more difficult when one of the parents is unable to cook, clean, or otherwise get up off the couch! Poor Scott comes home from work and then does the work of two people in order to take care of the house and the kids. Our Sunday school class has brought food and helped with laundry and childcare. It's been amazing to see, and humbling. We are more than grateful.
I had a dream about Baby Boy last night. He was beautiful and healthy and content. Also, he didn't look like Buffalo Wings - he looked like ME!!!!
We're still having trouble picking a name for this kid! We were talking about it last night and still couldn't agree on anything! Actually, in my dream, we had him at home and were STILL trying to figure out a name for him! Isn't that sad?
Thanks for reading my blog and for praying. We love you all -
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
I GOT AN INTERVIEW!!!!!
I got a job interview!
It's for a ninth-grade English position!
The interview is next Thursday at 4:30! PLEASE PRAY!!!!!!!!!
It's for a ninth-grade English position!
The interview is next Thursday at 4:30! PLEASE PRAY!!!!!!!!!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Baby Boy Name Delimma Solved!
Noodle came up with a fabulous name!
"I think we should name him Sunshine Rainbow. That sounds like a happy name," she said.
What do you think?
"I think we should name him Sunshine Rainbow. That sounds like a happy name," she said.
What do you think?
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