Yesterday was the big ultrasound at Memorial Hospital. After a less-than-restful weekend, I was extremely nervous to get there. Of course, there was drama with getting the proper paperwork transferred between hospitals, but I was granted an ultrasound at 2:45pm.
Chris was able to get off of work and a neighbor came to watch Amelia during and after nap.
I nearly threw up on the way there from nerves.
Once there, the tech did an hour-long ultrasound. Of course, we knew which measurements to look for and once a few came up as "31w" or "32w, 2d", my heart sank. I knew the baby had some issue and it wasn't just a discrepancy based upon technician prowess. Baby never woke during the ultrasound and would not show her face!
The tech estimated her weight to be 4 pounds, 10 ounces - negligible growth since Friday, but she didn't regress at all. Memorial Hospital and Evans Hospital use different growth charts. According to Evans (the Army hospital), she was at the 17th% and we will deliver at 10% or below. According to Memorial Hospital, she is in the 3 or 4% and they deliver at 3%. The doctor estimated that on Evans' chart, she'd be around 10-11%. NOT what you want to hear.
After much discussion and more ultrasound, the doctor recommended delivering within the next week and no later. This immediately put me into shock and I barely remember riding home. This morning, I have my regularly scheduled non-stress test. If my blood pressure has risen (and I can't imagine why it would have...haha), they will induce Wednesday or Thursday at 36 weeks. If my BP is stable enough, they'll let me go a few more days.
Baby was diagnosed with IUGR, intrauterine growth restriction. It is the asymmetrical type, as her stomach measurement was lower than all other measurements. She was consistently 3 weeks behind, except her stomach was a full month behind.
The IUGR was caused three-fold in my case: 1) placental breakdown, 2) cord abnormality, and 3) chronic hypertension. My placenta and cord are not processing 100% of the nutrients to baby and she has adapted to less nutrients. This doesn't mean she isn't getting any nutrition, just that she is so small because she's used to less.
Thankfully, the doctor suggested no long-term issues for baby. In the short term, we will have to monitor/deal with respiratory maturity, hypoglycemia, and temperature regulation. It is too late for steroid shots (thank goodness), as I am past 34 weeks. It is unknown whether she would need oxygen or a CPAP in the short term. It will be based upon her scores and early test results. With the hypoglycemia, it will be a little more difficult to establish nursing and many doctors will push to supplement. I truly hope this isn't the case, as nursing is dear to my heart, but I am preparing to do what it takes to fatten this peanut up.
I think the worst is the unknown at this point. They will study my placenta and cord once she is out to determine other factors they can't see on an ultrasound. Towards the end, the doctor noted she might have a loose knot in the cord and to not be surprised if that was the case. He didn't think it had any bearing on this case, just wanted to let me know.
It mostly depends on who the OB on call is this morning and how my pressures are doing. They have not been stellar on my at-home cuff, so Chris and I are both preparing for a delivery this week. Thankfully, everything is set up, washed, installed, etc... We have wonderful neighbors and friends who can take over the Amelia shift until my parents can get here.
Whew.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Sunday, August 11, 2013
35 1/2 weeks
At Friday morning's appointment, we passed our non-stress test (baby movement and heart acceleration over time), but my pressures were higher. Consistently 130s/95 or so. The nurses let me go with a grumblegrumble since I had an afternoon appointment with the OB.
At the afternoon appointment, my BP was up a little higher (145/106). I had gained a pound, which they were happy about, but for the 3rd week in a row, my uterus size (aka fundal height) had not increased. This quite concerned the OB and, it being a Friday afternoon, she quickly left to make some phone calls. She was able to catch an ultrasound tech in radiology and immediately sent me over for a growth scan. It being a "stat" order, I wasn't allowed to see the screen in case something was wrong. I was able to learn Betsy is still a girl and has hair (thank goodness the heartburn has a reason). Unfortunately, based on measurements, she is about 2-3 weeks behind. According to the ultrasound, which can be off, she is 4lbs, 6 ounces and in the 17th percentile for growth. This is worrisome because she was 50th% at 20 weeks and 33% a month ago. Something is causing her to trend lower and lower on the growth charts.
Radiology sent me up to Labor and Delivery to talk to the OB on shift, since it was now after 4pm on a Friday. The OB referred me to the big hospital (non-Army) downtown for an HD ultrasound early next week. They want to try to identify the cause of the slowed growth. Is it from the placenta not getting her enough nutrients? Something else? They didn't want to discuss those types of options with me yet, instead waiting to see more ultrasound results next week.
Apparently, our new goal is getting to 37 weeks. I still want to make it to 39 weeks. My weeks "roll over" every Wednesday. I am currently 35 weeks, 4 days and quite scared. If she dips below 10% for growth, they will induce me. I am afraid of a NICU stay, especially since that would mean being away from Amelia for an extended period or leaving Betsy at the hospital to care for Amelia at home. Last delivery, my BP spiked and I had to stay for 5 days.
So now, we wait. Is it placental breakdown due to chronic hypertension? Is she just a small baby?
They won't put me on any sort of BP medication (beta blocker) because its side effects include lowering baby's weight.
I am eating, but not sleeping much.
I will call first thing Monday morning to schedule my ultrasound at Memorial Hospital. From there, I will have my regularly scheduled non-stress tests on Tuesday and Friday, as well as my 36 week appointment on Wednesday morning.
At the afternoon appointment, my BP was up a little higher (145/106). I had gained a pound, which they were happy about, but for the 3rd week in a row, my uterus size (aka fundal height) had not increased. This quite concerned the OB and, it being a Friday afternoon, she quickly left to make some phone calls. She was able to catch an ultrasound tech in radiology and immediately sent me over for a growth scan. It being a "stat" order, I wasn't allowed to see the screen in case something was wrong. I was able to learn Betsy is still a girl and has hair (thank goodness the heartburn has a reason). Unfortunately, based on measurements, she is about 2-3 weeks behind. According to the ultrasound, which can be off, she is 4lbs, 6 ounces and in the 17th percentile for growth. This is worrisome because she was 50th% at 20 weeks and 33% a month ago. Something is causing her to trend lower and lower on the growth charts.
Radiology sent me up to Labor and Delivery to talk to the OB on shift, since it was now after 4pm on a Friday. The OB referred me to the big hospital (non-Army) downtown for an HD ultrasound early next week. They want to try to identify the cause of the slowed growth. Is it from the placenta not getting her enough nutrients? Something else? They didn't want to discuss those types of options with me yet, instead waiting to see more ultrasound results next week.
Apparently, our new goal is getting to 37 weeks. I still want to make it to 39 weeks. My weeks "roll over" every Wednesday. I am currently 35 weeks, 4 days and quite scared. If she dips below 10% for growth, they will induce me. I am afraid of a NICU stay, especially since that would mean being away from Amelia for an extended period or leaving Betsy at the hospital to care for Amelia at home. Last delivery, my BP spiked and I had to stay for 5 days.
So now, we wait. Is it placental breakdown due to chronic hypertension? Is she just a small baby?
They won't put me on any sort of BP medication (beta blocker) because its side effects include lowering baby's weight.
I am eating, but not sleeping much.
I will call first thing Monday morning to schedule my ultrasound at Memorial Hospital. From there, I will have my regularly scheduled non-stress tests on Tuesday and Friday, as well as my 36 week appointment on Wednesday morning.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
jun29
1.85 miles in 42 min
visited rossine's
petting zoo in g'town
mark and maria's
cameron's
trader joe's grand opening
whole foods
visited rossine's
petting zoo in g'town
mark and maria's
cameron's
trader joe's grand opening
whole foods
Thursday, June 28, 2012
the new "journey"
i hate people who are into fitness, snooty people who run, fat people who don't. there are a million different reasons or excuses for not being interested in being healthy - but mainly, i am afraid that i won't "take" to it like everyone else seems to have.
thanks to my temporary move to kentucky, my stress level is beginning to lower, i'm able to sleep more, and my mom cooks/has a plan most nights for dinner.
so instead of a plan plan, i am just going to go with what works for now. i enjoy watching west wing and sex and the city episodes. one west wing is 42 minutes, two SATCs are about that long. so either during nap or once she goes to bed, i will walk on the treadmill. i have a number in mind - but not publishing it. it'd make it too real.
ha. this song just came on my itunes shuffle
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/teitur/rougharoundtheedges.html
- i don't like most vegetables but i can drink homemade smoothies that have them in it.
- i don't like to run and can't swim, but can power walk/yoga/zumba/tread water til the cows come home.
- i don't like candy.
- i have a toddler that stays in bed when she's supposed to and has a regular nap and bedtime.
- my parents have a treadmill in the basement that faces a tv.
thanks to my temporary move to kentucky, my stress level is beginning to lower, i'm able to sleep more, and my mom cooks/has a plan most nights for dinner.
so instead of a plan plan, i am just going to go with what works for now. i enjoy watching west wing and sex and the city episodes. one west wing is 42 minutes, two SATCs are about that long. so either during nap or once she goes to bed, i will walk on the treadmill. i have a number in mind - but not publishing it. it'd make it too real.
ha. this song just came on my itunes shuffle
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/teitur/rougharoundtheedges.html
Little little seeds grew into troubled trees
A sorry sorry sight between my ears.
I need to settle down and eat my troubled fruit
The sweetness of the taste will do me good.
A sorry sorry sight between my ears.
I need to settle down and eat my troubled fruit
The sweetness of the taste will do me good.
anyway. so tonight's specs:
42 mins
1.75 miles
42 mins
1.75 miles
22.13 mi/hr
how the in WORLD do people do an 8 minute mile? holy cow...
how the in WORLD do people do an 8 minute mile? holy cow...
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
may day.
amelia is obsessed with "Mary Poppins" and we must listen to the soundtrack during every trip in the car. today, amelia and i made kites. i cut out the pieces and she helped by coloring and "taping" the tail on. when we were finished and i put the song on, i thought she was going to burst she was so excited. i hung the kites in our entryway, so she can see them while playing or eating.
we also made pumpkin muffins today. we've been making banana ones, but i was in the mood for fall. i cannot wait for fall, normally, but this year i am especially looking forward to fall. like seriously, bring it on. anyhow, amelia is quite the little helper in the kitchen. she sits up on the counter and helps pour ingredients into the mixer and is an accomplished taste tester. today, she tasted flour, sugar, and pumpkin. i hope i am beginning to sow the seeds for a love of baking in my little munchkin.
lately, she has become a handful around 4pm each day. it's like she turns into a different kid. she's had a snack, is well rested, and isn't being ignored. today, she ran into the street twice, then threw her rice all over at dinner, then sat in a not-for-toddlers baby chair. i'm really struggling with the street thing because i know she doesn't understand danger yet. i shall do some research on the matter, but i'm not sure there's much i can do beyond explaining to her over and over again.
as it stands she gets two chances of running in the street before we go inside as punishment. she knows to hold my hand and can repeat back - hand, dangerous, car, street, no-no - each time we talk about it. sigh. toddlerhood.
so glad it's a new month. one month down and bring on christmas!
we also made pumpkin muffins today. we've been making banana ones, but i was in the mood for fall. i cannot wait for fall, normally, but this year i am especially looking forward to fall. like seriously, bring it on. anyhow, amelia is quite the little helper in the kitchen. she sits up on the counter and helps pour ingredients into the mixer and is an accomplished taste tester. today, she tasted flour, sugar, and pumpkin. i hope i am beginning to sow the seeds for a love of baking in my little munchkin.
lately, she has become a handful around 4pm each day. it's like she turns into a different kid. she's had a snack, is well rested, and isn't being ignored. today, she ran into the street twice, then threw her rice all over at dinner, then sat in a not-for-toddlers baby chair. i'm really struggling with the street thing because i know she doesn't understand danger yet. i shall do some research on the matter, but i'm not sure there's much i can do beyond explaining to her over and over again.
as it stands she gets two chances of running in the street before we go inside as punishment. she knows to hold my hand and can repeat back - hand, dangerous, car, street, no-no - each time we talk about it. sigh. toddlerhood.
so glad it's a new month. one month down and bring on christmas!
Monday, April 30, 2012
waiting to exhale.
"[Army wives] are called the silent ranks but it’s never said why we are silent.
I’m here to tell you it’s because we are waiting. We are holding our
breath. It’s easy to be silent when you’re afraid to exhale."
--From this website.
This quote is so true. I have a new "symptom" of deployment this time, nighttime hallucinations. It is hard to fall asleep and, most nights, I end up hallucinating that there is someone at the door or there are people in my room. It's pretty frightening and is severely cutting into my sleep time.
I think this is partly caused because Chris' missions this time are more dangerous than those from his time in Iraq. I'm the type of person that wants to know things, so he tells me about them and I read a lot of information and articles. Lately, my dreams have involved C.J. Cregg (a character from the West Wing). She talks to me, but I can't ever hear what she's saying. Last night, I thought she was next to my alarm clock and I reached out for her. I was still awake, but delirious, I think.
I also always think "those" guys are at my house to tell me Chris is dead. Every night for 4 straight nights, I've gotten up to check the front door. It seems like the people who are dying over there just get their lives taken in an instant, without circumstance or regard. And I DON'T want that to be me.
I hope this goes away once I am settled in Kentucky. A change of scenery will be so, so, so nice and I'll have more to look forward to than quiet days - or as quiet as they can be with a toddler.
--From this website.
This quote is so true. I have a new "symptom" of deployment this time, nighttime hallucinations. It is hard to fall asleep and, most nights, I end up hallucinating that there is someone at the door or there are people in my room. It's pretty frightening and is severely cutting into my sleep time.
I think this is partly caused because Chris' missions this time are more dangerous than those from his time in Iraq. I'm the type of person that wants to know things, so he tells me about them and I read a lot of information and articles. Lately, my dreams have involved C.J. Cregg (a character from the West Wing). She talks to me, but I can't ever hear what she's saying. Last night, I thought she was next to my alarm clock and I reached out for her. I was still awake, but delirious, I think.
I also always think "those" guys are at my house to tell me Chris is dead. Every night for 4 straight nights, I've gotten up to check the front door. It seems like the people who are dying over there just get their lives taken in an instant, without circumstance or regard. And I DON'T want that to be me.
I hope this goes away once I am settled in Kentucky. A change of scenery will be so, so, so nice and I'll have more to look forward to than quiet days - or as quiet as they can be with a toddler.
Friday, April 27, 2012
tup-a-tuppy's injury
this morning, amelia and i went to toddler storytime at the library. i like this library because it's in a different part of town than our usual one and the people are more welcoming. it's also close to the "quiet" target store.
during the storytime, they do songs, chants, read books, and get stickers. amelia is quite an outgoing child, but during the entire 20 minutes, she just sits there. doesn't smile, doesn't frown, doesn't sing, etc. i put her on my lap to do hand motions and such, but no true participation. at first, i thought she was nervous because of all the people and other kids, but we've gone to storytimes quite often.
on our way out of the room, she kept saying "tup-a-tuppy" - which is similar to her word for strawberry, but not quite. she kept saying it over and over and i put her down to show me what she meant. she went over to humpty dumpty (who was not put back together) and frowned and said his name over and over. i had never read humpty dumpty to her before, but we said the chant several times during storytime and the librarian reenacted it with a paper mache egg. she was so worried about him and his condition.
the whole way home, she talked about humpty dumpty and i assured her he just had a owie and would be better in a few days. when we got home, i had the bright idea to reenact the story with some big kitchen bowls and paper eyes. we did it a couple of times, then she started crying and flew into my arms. she was so upset that he was hurt! hilarious! i promised to put him away and that he was ok and just sleeping.
i guess she understands more at storytime than i thought!
during the storytime, they do songs, chants, read books, and get stickers. amelia is quite an outgoing child, but during the entire 20 minutes, she just sits there. doesn't smile, doesn't frown, doesn't sing, etc. i put her on my lap to do hand motions and such, but no true participation. at first, i thought she was nervous because of all the people and other kids, but we've gone to storytimes quite often.
on our way out of the room, she kept saying "tup-a-tuppy" - which is similar to her word for strawberry, but not quite. she kept saying it over and over and i put her down to show me what she meant. she went over to humpty dumpty (who was not put back together) and frowned and said his name over and over. i had never read humpty dumpty to her before, but we said the chant several times during storytime and the librarian reenacted it with a paper mache egg. she was so worried about him and his condition.
the whole way home, she talked about humpty dumpty and i assured her he just had a owie and would be better in a few days. when we got home, i had the bright idea to reenact the story with some big kitchen bowls and paper eyes. we did it a couple of times, then she started crying and flew into my arms. she was so upset that he was hurt! hilarious! i promised to put him away and that he was ok and just sleeping.
i guess she understands more at storytime than i thought!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
april 26.
today, amelia woke up at her normal time, around 6:45am. she lazed in bed before breakfast, then we skyped with chris afterwards.
we are in the process of trying to rent our house. it's been on the rental market since early february and, while we've had a lot of showings, no contracts yet. this has been very frustrating for several reasons.
1. once the house rents, i can go home to kentucky - where we'll be surrounded by family and friends and i can finally get a small break.
2. it's hard keeping the house clean with a toddler running around and i don't expect her to not get things messy.
3. our property managerial company is not the best at communication. emails go unanswered and when i try to call, i tend to get passed around. i believe in their abilities, but wish i would get an after-showing report telling me what the renters thought.
4. we are hoping to have another baby before we leave colorado, but our current layout isn't super conducive to this. we only have 2 bedrooms upstairs and 3 downstairs. i don't want the kids to share (if they don't have to) and i'm not putting one of them downstairs or in our room. thus, we need a different house with a different layout. in order to get a different house, we have to rent this one.
all in all, not renting wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. i enjoy the (general) quietness of our neighborhood, have met some good people, and really really like all of our storage space. i'm not too fond of being so far from the city, though, and if I get pregnant again, it'll be quite a haul to go to the doctor all the time with amelia in tow.
to cheer up, i got some chinese food for lunch. i'd been craving it for about a week, but didn't want to fix a full meal of it since chris isn't here.
mm cashew chicken. off to check the baby monitor and settle in with my daily dose of The West Wing.
we are in the process of trying to rent our house. it's been on the rental market since early february and, while we've had a lot of showings, no contracts yet. this has been very frustrating for several reasons.
1. once the house rents, i can go home to kentucky - where we'll be surrounded by family and friends and i can finally get a small break.
2. it's hard keeping the house clean with a toddler running around and i don't expect her to not get things messy.
3. our property managerial company is not the best at communication. emails go unanswered and when i try to call, i tend to get passed around. i believe in their abilities, but wish i would get an after-showing report telling me what the renters thought.
4. we are hoping to have another baby before we leave colorado, but our current layout isn't super conducive to this. we only have 2 bedrooms upstairs and 3 downstairs. i don't want the kids to share (if they don't have to) and i'm not putting one of them downstairs or in our room. thus, we need a different house with a different layout. in order to get a different house, we have to rent this one.
all in all, not renting wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. i enjoy the (general) quietness of our neighborhood, have met some good people, and really really like all of our storage space. i'm not too fond of being so far from the city, though, and if I get pregnant again, it'll be quite a haul to go to the doctor all the time with amelia in tow.
to cheer up, i got some chinese food for lunch. i'd been craving it for about a week, but didn't want to fix a full meal of it since chris isn't here.
mm cashew chicken. off to check the baby monitor and settle in with my daily dose of The West Wing.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Hello muddah.
I am back from the depths. I was recently reminded that I had a blog, so here I am. Much has changed in almost a year. Chris came back and is gone again. Amelia is now 19 months old. And I'm still here, spinning plates, trying to keep from losing my mind.
Days are filled with mealtimes, playtimes, and (hopefully) sleep times.
It seems so many of my friends' lives are filled with jobs, more kids, and a predictable flow. My life, however, is in stutter-start mode and it'll be that way for quite some time.
On the plus side, I have my health, my daughter, and Skype.
Hoping to update this a little more often than once a year...
Days are filled with mealtimes, playtimes, and (hopefully) sleep times.
It seems so many of my friends' lives are filled with jobs, more kids, and a predictable flow. My life, however, is in stutter-start mode and it'll be that way for quite some time.
On the plus side, I have my health, my daughter, and Skype.
Hoping to update this a little more often than once a year...
Thursday, June 23, 2011
9 month baby Amelia
it has been ages since I last wrote on this blog, but so much has been happening. chris' homecoming, 4 day pass, 1st block leave, san francisco, home, paternal leave. chris went back to work today, so I hope to use this blog as a quick break from the day-to-day of being a housewife/mom.
yesterday was Amelia's 9 month birthday. hard to believe she'll be a year in 3 short months (that's about how long chris has been home and that has gone in a flash).
her stats were:
weight: 22 lbs, 15 oz (90%)
height: 28 in (77%)
head circumference: 46.something
shots: none
questions/concerns:
main only mode of transportation is rolling/scooting backwards. today, she flopped from her crib, across her room, and ended up in her closet. it takes her awhile, but she gets there. she tries to get on hands and knees, but normally ends up on hands and toes. no interest in pulling up, standing, or walking. talk, talk, talks all day long. can look/point to kitty and dada when prompted, but not mama. says a, b, d, g, m, n, s, w, y sounds. loves quickly moving things, like puppies and when chris zigzags towards her. still loves to jump, use her walker, and take walks. she is a very good traveler and loves being around people. gets bored in the car easily and loves throwing her toys down.
her favorite toys are: dolly, stacking cups, stacking pots/pans, links, a funnel, paci, books, and teethers. during leave, chris changed most diapers, put her down for most naps, and did all baths. our next plans include installing a baby gate, raising her car seat straps, and setting up the baby pool.
(blogger isn't letting me post pics.)
yesterday was Amelia's 9 month birthday. hard to believe she'll be a year in 3 short months (that's about how long chris has been home and that has gone in a flash).
her stats were:
weight: 22 lbs, 15 oz (90%)
height: 28 in (77%)
head circumference: 46.something
shots: none
questions/concerns:
- mouth rash (drool rash, has almost cleared in a day using hydrocortisone)
- teething progress (none erupting right now): 2 total
- labial adhesion: totally healed
- not at risk for autism based upon current mental milestones (babbling, mimicry, etc.)
- developmental milestones: scooting backwards, plank position, tries to sit up, babbles constantly, points, squeals to show delight, 2 teeth almost all the way up, bangs toys, empties toy bucket, peek-a-boo, pat-a-cake, starting to turn pages in book
- food: breastmilk 5x/day (morning, after both naps, before bed, middle of night), oatmeal & fruit for breakfast (about a shot glass portion), fruit or veg & cheese for lunch, fruit or veg and puffs for dinner.
- sleeping: consistently takes 2 naps per day, ranging from 40 mins-2 hours (never know when it'll be long or short, though!). wake time about 3hrs, 15 mins in between naps - sometimes longer. still swaddled but is comfortable sleeping without it if she keeps breaking out. 0-1 wakeups per night - nurses and right back down. generally wakes b/t 615-7. bedtime generally 6-8 (depends on how naps were)
her favorite toys are: dolly, stacking cups, stacking pots/pans, links, a funnel, paci, books, and teethers. during leave, chris changed most diapers, put her down for most naps, and did all baths. our next plans include installing a baby gate, raising her car seat straps, and setting up the baby pool.
(blogger isn't letting me post pics.)
Friday, March 11, 2011
the calm
this is the calm before the best storm ever.
chris is between germany and here and i cannot sleep.
i am excited for him to truly meet his daughter. she is so much like him, his mannerisms, his facial expressions. he will do so well with her. he will calm my second-guessing of myself. i really pledge to get out of the way sometimes and let him do it. it will definitely be difficult, though, because it's been only me as her parent.
at diaper changes this week, i've been showing her the daddy pillow and saying dadadada. she'll get the biggest grin on her face, pull the pillow into her head, and lick it. that's the best form of affection she can show. i was a little worried she wouldn't remember him since we haven't skyped, but i truly believe she will.
i worry that he will have some lingering effects. that he'll feel inadequate, like he wasn't here to do enough. he is the most caring husband, though, and i know it will translate into his parental role.
the sausage balls, no bakes, hashbrown casserole are all made. beer's in the fridge. now back to killing time. i hope this is the one and only time i'll be the portrait of a waiting wife.
chris is between germany and here and i cannot sleep.
i am excited for him to truly meet his daughter. she is so much like him, his mannerisms, his facial expressions. he will do so well with her. he will calm my second-guessing of myself. i really pledge to get out of the way sometimes and let him do it. it will definitely be difficult, though, because it's been only me as her parent.
at diaper changes this week, i've been showing her the daddy pillow and saying dadadada. she'll get the biggest grin on her face, pull the pillow into her head, and lick it. that's the best form of affection she can show. i was a little worried she wouldn't remember him since we haven't skyped, but i truly believe she will.
i worry that he will have some lingering effects. that he'll feel inadequate, like he wasn't here to do enough. he is the most caring husband, though, and i know it will translate into his parental role.
the sausage balls, no bakes, hashbrown casserole are all made. beer's in the fridge. now back to killing time. i hope this is the one and only time i'll be the portrait of a waiting wife.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
2/18/11
i wrote this list on feb 18 - but apparently, time got away from me. this is all she can do at 5 months:
2/18/11
She is beginning to bat at toys and can bring them to her mouth.
Laughing
Smiling
Tracking cats & birds
Rolls onto side both ways
Pulls feet up into happy baby (not holding feet yet)
Clasps hands together
Can hold toy, but not for long
Still swaddled for every sleep time
4 short naps + 0-1 nightly wakeup
sleep ~730 til 5ish til 8ish
tries to sit up in boppy and bath
ebf
persistent yeast rash since nov, so in disposables for now
loves standing, jumping
can sit up when I put her in the position
recognizes faces
smacks lips
cher tongue (on top lip)
puts hand on head
doesn’t reach for people yet
still afraid of loud noises
no teeth
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
4 month checkup
- stats:
16 lbs, 1 oz (95%)
25 inches long (75%)
41.5 cm head circumference (65%)
- cradle cap:
should be washing her hair daily. apply shampoo at beginning of bath, use fine tooth brush with shampoo still in hair, then rinse. did this last night and it's already looking much better!
- bald spot:
totally normal.
- skin care:
she has some bumpy stomach skin and dry patches on her legs/knees. dr said it is "winter skin" and i should use a cool mist humidifer (already doing this) and use more lotion.
- teething:
she's still teething. can use teether rings (cold, vibrating, etc.). tooth could pop through next week or in two months. tylenol as needed for sleep issues.
- labial adhesion:
this was the only hiccup in the physical. dr found this issue and decided to treat right then. after i got home, i found out that, generally, the course of treatment doesn't initally involve puncturing the labia as he did. this caused me great concern because of the pain amelia endured. however, what's done is done and i now know for next time. i will have to apply vaseline to the area several times daily until she's out of diapers to ensure it doesn't reclose.
- rice cereal:
dr does not recommend rice cereal or solids until at least 6 months. this was pleasing to my ears because i don't feel she needs any supplementation (especially with her weight always being 95-97% her entire life). starting too early can affect iron absorption, can effect food allergies later on, and can irritate an immature digestive system.
- shots:
she did better with these shots than the 2 month shots. i did not give tylenol before and she stopped crying within a few minutes. she was NOT a fan of the roto "drink" (probably because she likes the grape taste of tylenol). i tried to nurse her afterwards, but she wasn't having it. she sucked on her paci most of the way home, before talking a little towards the end of our ride.
- shot post-effects:
she's had two 2-hr naps in the last two days, but every other nap has been her normal 45 minute ones. she didn't want to bear weight on her left leg yesterday, but was fine today. she wasn't nearly as boisterous as normal in her jumperoo and has been very whiny this afternoon. i've given her tylenol twice today.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
sick sickly
Amelia has been sick this week and boy has it been a difficult process. I've never been on this side of the sick process (even Chris has never really been sick around me) and it's very hard to watch her suffer.
She woke up on Saturday sniffling and it went downhill from there. She was clammy and by Sunday, she was coughing and sneezing every 3 seconds. Her condition continued to worsen and, on Tuesday, I took her to the pediatrician. I hate feeling like one of those worrisome moms, but she could barely breathe and I was having to aspirate her nose all the time.
Dr Wilkes said she had a severe chest cold. Since her lungs aren't matured yet, she is unable to bring up the mucous and she had the potential to develop bronchitis or pneumonia if left untreated. He prescribed her a baby z-pack and recommended she sleep upright.
She's improved since then -- she even went in her jumperoo last night for a bit. Her poop is slowly going from orange back to normal.
Words cannot describe the helpless feeling I have when she's hacking up a lung and all I can do is hold her. I think the best thing for her (aside from the killer antibodies & antibiotics) has been holding her constantly. I wish I could give her crackers and Sprite.
She woke up on Saturday sniffling and it went downhill from there. She was clammy and by Sunday, she was coughing and sneezing every 3 seconds. Her condition continued to worsen and, on Tuesday, I took her to the pediatrician. I hate feeling like one of those worrisome moms, but she could barely breathe and I was having to aspirate her nose all the time.
Dr Wilkes said she had a severe chest cold. Since her lungs aren't matured yet, she is unable to bring up the mucous and she had the potential to develop bronchitis or pneumonia if left untreated. He prescribed her a baby z-pack and recommended she sleep upright.
She's improved since then -- she even went in her jumperoo last night for a bit. Her poop is slowly going from orange back to normal.
Words cannot describe the helpless feeling I have when she's hacking up a lung and all I can do is hold her. I think the best thing for her (aside from the killer antibodies & antibiotics) has been holding her constantly. I wish I could give her crackers and Sprite.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
disposable dilemma
amelia has had a yeast diaper rash for 8 weeks now. we have tried nystatin, oral nystatin, active yogurt (both by mouth and slathered on her parts), sun, bleaching the diapers, tea tree oil on the diapers, and airing it out, but the rash keeps coming back.
overnight last night, her rash got even worse, so i put her in disposables this morning. i think i died a little inside and i'm having a really hard time adjusting to the change. so far, she hasn't shown any discomfort. i had really hoped to not have to use disposables, but i fear the yeast just keeps multiplying in the cloth diapers. until i can get rid of the rash and properly treat EVERYTHING her parts come into contact with, she'll have to stay in disposables.
both chris and my family are supportive of this move, but i can't help but feel like i've failed a little. sigh.
overnight last night, her rash got even worse, so i put her in disposables this morning. i think i died a little inside and i'm having a really hard time adjusting to the change. so far, she hasn't shown any discomfort. i had really hoped to not have to use disposables, but i fear the yeast just keeps multiplying in the cloth diapers. until i can get rid of the rash and properly treat EVERYTHING her parts come into contact with, she'll have to stay in disposables.
both chris and my family are supportive of this move, but i can't help but feel like i've failed a little. sigh.
what i carry
my lovely husband wrote a post about what he carries each day. looking over our lists, i don't think our daily lives could be any different.
i carry a 15 lb, 12 oz baby around.
i normally carry chapstick in my pockets.
in the diaper bag:
wallet
napkins
granola bar
hand sanitizer
phone
rash cream
chapstick
more hand sanitizer
change + a few dollars
hair ties
bobby pins
1-2 snappis
camera
bandaids
changing pad
disposable changing pad
disposable wipes (just in case)
baby headband
change of baby clothes
2-3 prefolds
extra cover
1 fitted diaper
4-5 wipes
wet bag
water spritzer
nursing cover
nursing rag
baby jacket, hat, mittens (when it's cold)
camelbak water bottle
baby tylenol
teether
musical snail (when we'll be out for awhile)
extra paci (when i can find one)
in the car seat:
paci
2 blankets (one MUST be the white/swaddler one)
baby
linking rings with teether + mr cow attached
in the car:
moby wrap
extra mom shirt
extra toy
stroller
extra blanket
i wonder if he's ready to pack this darn thing up everyday?
what do you carry?
i carry a 15 lb, 12 oz baby around.
i normally carry chapstick in my pockets.
in the diaper bag:
wallet
napkins
granola bar
hand sanitizer
phone
rash cream
chapstick
more hand sanitizer
change + a few dollars
hair ties
bobby pins
1-2 snappis
camera
bandaids
changing pad
disposable changing pad
disposable wipes (just in case)
baby headband
change of baby clothes
2-3 prefolds
extra cover
1 fitted diaper
4-5 wipes
wet bag
water spritzer
nursing cover
nursing rag
baby jacket, hat, mittens (when it's cold)
camelbak water bottle
baby tylenol
teether
musical snail (when we'll be out for awhile)
extra paci (when i can find one)
in the car seat:
paci
2 blankets (one MUST be the white/swaddler one)
baby
linking rings with teether + mr cow attached
in the car:
moby wrap
extra mom shirt
extra toy
stroller
extra blanket
i wonder if he's ready to pack this darn thing up everyday?
what do you carry?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
15 weeks
weight: 15 lbs, 12 oz
height: 24 2/3 inches
milestones:
laughing
teething - drooling, crankiness, tugging on ear, decreasing feedings
hands in mouth
attempting to roll hips to side (when on back)
this week, i took amelia to the pediatrician in lexington. we saw dr wilkes and i really liked him. she still has a yeast diaper rash - 8 weeks now - and we were re-prescribed nystatin cream again. i've tried this cream before, as well as active yogurt, oral nystatin, bleaching my diapers, and airing out, but nothing has gotten rid of this annoying issue. i asked dr. wilkes to check her mouth for thrush and he announced that she was teething! i didn't get any teeth until 12 months, so this is pretty surprising. he said it's hereditary, so i'm guessing chris got his teeth early.
amelia is loving her jumperoo that papaw bill got her for christmas. she'll be in it for 10-15 minutes at a time. she's also loving playing with a musical snail. i've taught her how to hit it to activate the music and she loves looking in its mirror or watching the blinking lights. her favorite thing ever, though, is bathtime. she will splash and splash. i can't wait until chris is able to take her to the pool this summer. they will enjoy being water babies together. (i don't know how to swim, but love to bob around.)
during the wedding this past weekend, she slept a LOT and ate very little. this week, she's back to 30-45 minute naps, but still is showing a decrease in feedings. all i can do is offer to her and she has to do the rest. dr. wilkes said she is likely to show a decrease due to gum pain.
we are anticipating chris' return in the next few months. he's been expressing some reservations about reintegrating within our new family, but i really think our track record shows that we will be able to get things under control fairly quickly. i look forward to getting him in the loop and getting me out of the house more :)
this week, she's been vocalizing some consonant sounds, especially "ma" and "ba". she's very vocal and loves telling stories to everyone.
tomorrow, amelia is having her first "date" with caedmon, a new friend. we may even get scandalous and take them to target.
height: 24 2/3 inches
milestones:
laughing
teething - drooling, crankiness, tugging on ear, decreasing feedings
hands in mouth
attempting to roll hips to side (when on back)
this week, i took amelia to the pediatrician in lexington. we saw dr wilkes and i really liked him. she still has a yeast diaper rash - 8 weeks now - and we were re-prescribed nystatin cream again. i've tried this cream before, as well as active yogurt, oral nystatin, bleaching my diapers, and airing out, but nothing has gotten rid of this annoying issue. i asked dr. wilkes to check her mouth for thrush and he announced that she was teething! i didn't get any teeth until 12 months, so this is pretty surprising. he said it's hereditary, so i'm guessing chris got his teeth early.
amelia is loving her jumperoo that papaw bill got her for christmas. she'll be in it for 10-15 minutes at a time. she's also loving playing with a musical snail. i've taught her how to hit it to activate the music and she loves looking in its mirror or watching the blinking lights. her favorite thing ever, though, is bathtime. she will splash and splash. i can't wait until chris is able to take her to the pool this summer. they will enjoy being water babies together. (i don't know how to swim, but love to bob around.)
during the wedding this past weekend, she slept a LOT and ate very little. this week, she's back to 30-45 minute naps, but still is showing a decrease in feedings. all i can do is offer to her and she has to do the rest. dr. wilkes said she is likely to show a decrease due to gum pain.
we are anticipating chris' return in the next few months. he's been expressing some reservations about reintegrating within our new family, but i really think our track record shows that we will be able to get things under control fairly quickly. i look forward to getting him in the loop and getting me out of the house more :)
this week, she's been vocalizing some consonant sounds, especially "ma" and "ba". she's very vocal and loves telling stories to everyone.
tomorrow, amelia is having her first "date" with caedmon, a new friend. we may even get scandalous and take them to target.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
bottles
amelia will NOT take a bottle.
i could use a break from her every once in a while, so my parents and i have been trying to get her to take a bottle of my expressed milk. i know she's capable of it b/c we had to use (expressed milk) bottles to augment her feedings when she had jaundice. she had nipple confusion after that, so i've held off on bottles until now.
she WILL take her pacifier with no trouble, but won't even take the same brand of bottle.
here is what we have tried so far:
i've heard to try nuk bottles.
it's ridiculous that people have to rush out and purchase all these types of bottles to try and find the one that works. they should have a system (similar to ones with cloth diapers) where you can pay to try out 10 different bottle types, then get some partial store credit back when you return them.
i could use a break from her every once in a while, so my parents and i have been trying to get her to take a bottle of my expressed milk. i know she's capable of it b/c we had to use (expressed milk) bottles to augment her feedings when she had jaundice. she had nipple confusion after that, so i've held off on bottles until now.
she WILL take her pacifier with no trouble, but won't even take the same brand of bottle.
here is what we have tried so far:
- changing temperatures
- changing personnel (me, mom, dad)
- changing rooms
- changing positions
- changing type of milk (freshly tapped, refrigerated & bottle warmer, frozen)
- changing when she gets it (hungry, 1/2 full, full, when playing, when sleepy)
- changing types of bottles
- medela, playtex (slow & fast), breastflow, soothie
i've heard to try nuk bottles.
it's ridiculous that people have to rush out and purchase all these types of bottles to try and find the one that works. they should have a system (similar to ones with cloth diapers) where you can pay to try out 10 different bottle types, then get some partial store credit back when you return them.
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