Monday, November 16, 2009

Seven Weeks Old

So this week was a very good week. I started with a few other women a new moms walking group. On Wed. we walked 6 and a half miles and on Friday we walked about 3 miles.

Friday night was a tough night for my husband. Kirsten just did not want anything to do with him. This was tough for him. Sunday though, the two of them danced and laughed all afternoon. He said it was one of the best days he's spent with her since she was born. This made me really happy and it made him even more happy.

Now for the fun part...some photos of her :)

Dancing with Daddy

Deep in thought...
Chilling in the rocker

Happy at seven weeks
Relaxing/almost sleeping in the jumper. Notice where her arm is....
....in the leg hole.


Saturday, November 7, 2009

What a week

So after our ordeal in the hospital this week, Joe then had a huge work visit (which went very well). This visit though left me home alone with the dog and the baby from Wednesday right after we got home from the hospital until Friday afternoon. This was tough for me because I felt like I have been holding my daughter (as much as I love to) nonstop from Sunday night until Friday afternoon. I really needed to have someone else hold her. Of course, since Joe has been home she has been great. She has smiled tons (see below pictures) and allowed someone else to hold her and allow both of us to put her down. She's had a great routine of eating, playing/awake time, and sleeping. Needless to say our week is ending much better than it started. Today we are getting ready for the 3:30 OSU v. PSU game (so much has changed since last year's game when Meg and Scott were here and we were a pitcher or two of Bloody Marys in at this time of the day). Its also much warmer this year than last. We took advantage of the pretty day by taking some family pictures. Enjoy:Six weeks has really gone by quick!
Bear hasn't thought its gone quick...here he is eating the six week sign
She is really starting to look like a real person And smiling!
I made her a hat for the cold days that we go for a walk outside in the baby wrap. She seemed to like it!

And now the family just watches the game.

On another note....I started gentian violet this week for my thrush....what an improvement. Now I realize nursing isn't supposed to hurt!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Our Hospital Stay

So here is the whole story about what happened this week with us.

On Monday Kirsten was very fussy. She just was very irritable and not herself. I'd been worried about her stool for awhile and so I decided to take her temperature. I took her temp twice under her armpit and the temps were 99.7 and 99.9. I had Joe reading the directions for the thermometer and he said that it recommended a rectal temp so we did that and it read 102.2. I immediately freaked out and called our pediatrician who told us to go immediately to the Children's Hospital ER.

Just where you want to be - an ER during Flu season. So within 15-20 of our arrival they took us into Triage and took her temp and it was 99.7 - much better but because of our temp at home, they were still worried. The nurse explained to us that we were in for a long night. They would probably have to do a catheter so they could take a urine sample, a blood sample and spinal tap to check for meningitis. She said we might also be admitted for observation for a few days. They then put us into a private waiting room and told us to wait for a room to be available in the ER. This took at least 2 hours and seemed like forever. She was a trooper for the whole thing. Mind you I left the house with nothing - I left her diaper bag at home as well as her pacifier. Things I never normally leave without. What a mistake!

Once in the ER room, we waited for another 45 min at least to meet with the doctor. He again told us about the three procedures that they would do and what they would be testing for. The nurse first inserted the catheter and that was no problem. Then they called in a tech. and the nurse and the tech looked for good veins to run the IV with. They looked in each foot and each hand and found what appeared to be a good vein. The nurse poked and couldn't get the vein and tried some more. Then the tech tried another vein in that same hand and got enough blood for the tests but couldn't get a line in the for the IV. Then the doctors came in for the lumbar puncture.

The doctor started by saying that he gives parents a choice to be in the room or not. Well, for the other two procedures I got to be right there with my baby and soothe her cries. So of course I thought this would be the same. Well when I said I was staying, he said then you need to sit down. This is when I really started sobbing because it sounded like they were torturing her. She did not like the crouch position they were putting and holding her in. They did the first attempt - nothing, then the other doctor tried - nothing. At this point they told me, through my sobs that they would try one more time and then that would be it. I couldn't sit in the room and watch anymore. I needed to get out of that room. I was too worried that it was her spine we were dealing with! You mess up you can do permanent damage. I just couldn't watch anymore. So I paced the ER hall until the doctor told me that they were successfully able to do the puncture.

They then let me hold her again told me that they were indeed going to admit her. She had more abnormalities in her urine that may indicate a urinary tract infection. Once in our room in the infectious disease ward of the hospital the doctor told us that there was protein in the spinal fluid as well, but this may be because of the "traumatic puncture."

By the time they left us to go to sleep it was 2 or 3 in the morning. Around 9AM the doctors came to do rounds. They proceeded to talk in doctor speak to one another about what tests they were running and what they were testing for. I didn't really understand it all, but what I was hearing that all preliminary tests were negative....they just wanted to rule everything out.

They day was pretty uneventful. I wanted nursing students fumble over everything from blood pressure to heart rates. I was told she had a heart murmur that today I was told can no longer be heard. I saw many different nurses...all of which were extremely nice. The only thing that we were waiting on was for a stool - they needed to do a test. This didn't come until 1 AM. Ugh! Its like she knew we were waiting for it!

So this morning during rounds I yet again heard them say that all tests were negative and they thought we would be able to go home today and follow up with my pediatrician tomorrow. And that is exactly what happened. Now she lays upstairs, sleeping in her swing and Joe is off at a work event. All is back to normal and its like none of this happened. Except that it did and I will never forget it! I am just glad my little girl is OK. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and love.

Our little one sleeping in mommy's lap at the hospital with the IV in her right arm.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Trick or Treat

Halloween in photos - and a few words!

It wasn't Halloween yet...we were just getting ready :)

Five weeks old and ready for bed

On our way out into the neighborhood to go Trick or treating

Mommy's little pea pod

Trick or Treat!

No body's home at our first house.

Oh good, Maria's home!

We borrowed the Thompson's pumpkin as a photo prop.

Daddy dressed as a football player

Our family self portrait

Time for a story before bed :) Thanks for the book Nana and grandpa Hooke

Friday, October 30, 2009

Back to Running

So today I did something I haven't done in 10 or 11 months. I RAN...well actually it was more like a jog, but I got on the treadmill for 30 min. I was slow and only ran 2 miles but I did it and it was good. Now to just find the time to do this 3 times a week with a newborn. That will be tough :)

Thursday, October 29, 2009

A mom date?

So a mom from one of the groups I am in exchanged numbers with me today so we could get together to walk or something. Its kinda like mommy dating. I haven't dated in 8 years. Do I wait 3 days to call? Do I send a text? Not quite sure what the etiquette is on this one....

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Its been a while


So since my mom left a few weeks ago I was diagnosed with Thrush - which I still have three weeks later. Its like fire runs through my boobs and makes my nipples fairly tender. I feel like they will never heal. I hope this isn't my daughter and I passing it back and forth to one another. I think I might try this Gentian Violet stuff next week if my OB and her Ped. have nothing to say.
The Hooke's also came to visit for a week. Joe Sr. was great about taking care of Bear as he always is whenever he comes to visit. I wished he had felt more comfortable holding Kirsten. I know he wanted to based on his love for her, but he expressed to my husband that he was a bit afraid. I wish guys weren't so afraid. They aren't really that fragile as long as you you don't drop them :) Mary helped me with the household chores as well as cleaning up my garden. This was a huge favor. I hate the part of gardening that requires hard labor and she does such a great job of it. I really can't thank her enough for getting all that cleaned up and thrown out.

We've gone to Rudner's wedding and Kirsten got to meet her cousin's for the first time. They were beyond loving to her and it warmed my heart to see them with her. They couldn't stop touching her and loving her. It was so nice to see - especially Thomas. Boys always seem so afraid of babies and it was nice to see him not afraid what so ever.



Kirsten seems to be developing OK. She holds her head up great and this allows her to sit up a bit. She had some crazy poop today that was foamy. I don't just mean a little foamy - it was like it had been made in a restaurant by a designer chef foamy. Both her Ped. and the LC think it had to do with the fact that I ate broccoli with dinner last night. There goes that vegetable for a bit :)
Mentally I'm doing pretty good. I am amazed at how much we sleep and how well she is doing. We tried something new tonight which is at her typical 7pm fussy time - put her to bed (which I must note is still in her swing - but exclusively her swing). Which worked. We then had a peaceful dinner and after she woke up at 9:15 for her next feeding, she went right back to sleep and we are watching the game. If this can be a routine - that will make me very happy. Now to just transfer her from the swing to the crib - I think I might wait until after Thanksgiving or even Christmas. Swaddling though works like a charm.


On a totally different note - I have a new dessert love - Pumpkin pudding - YUMM-O! Getting ready for Halloween!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Thank You for Everything MOM!


This afternoon I drove my mom to the airport and as I watched her walk into the terminal with tears in her eyes, I wished there was more that I could do or say to tell her how incredibly grateful I was for all that she did for me. On a hurt ankle she went up and down the stairs, carrying laundry, the baby, everything. She made my bed, changed my sheets, cooked me meals, did the dishes. Everything.

Not only did she work like crazy while she was here, she was also my emotional rock at all times. She held my hand, rubbed my back, gave me hugs, wiped my tears and supported me throughout all the struggles a new mom faces. I have now become a mom and I hope that over the next 30 years I can grow to become half the woman and the supportive mother that she is to me and my sister.

Mom, I can't tell you how much I love you and thank you for being here. I know I told you over and over, but it was so incredibly special to me that you were here. I can't express how grateful I am for all you did. I just hope for the birth of my next baby, that we won't have to worry about flights home and that you can just drive home :) Cross your fingers.

Love you, Em

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Reflections on week one - warning - lots of info...more a spot for me to reflect than to share


So we have had the baby home for exactly a week today. It was a really tough week for me but in the end, I think I am in a much better place because of the events. When I came home from the hospital my nipple were incredibly cracked and very sore. I felt like watching my daughter latch on, I was trying too hard and in the end I think I was passing on my stress. It hurt - EVERY time. I was told it shouldn't hurt, but it did. So I just let it hurt and figured that this too shall pass.


By Tuesday, I could tell my nipples were in worse shape. I had tried to call a LC, but their return calls were while I was at the pediatrician. I went to do an afternoon feeding and my nipple started bleeding into my daughters mouth. Watching my daughter have blood coming out of her mouth caused me to break down incredibly. I had to feed her so I switched her to the other side, but I was a mess. I tried to return the LC's phone calls in whatever way I could. I was finally instructed to pump for the night and come in to the office in the morning to figure out what my next steps were.


I was told I had the Grand Canyon of cracked and bleeding nipples. I was put on a hospital grade pump, told to feed my daughter using a paced feeding method using bottles and apply Jack Newman's nipple ointment after every pumping. I was also told to let my boob get some air drying and sun whenever possible.


Here I sit, Sunday evening and my nipples are as good as new. I am producing anywhere from 2-3 oz. at each pumping. My daughter is sleeping great and gaining weight. My husband seems to enjoy the fact that he can bond with her. I have 4 bottles stored in the freezer and three in the fridge and I am able to leave her at home and go run errands. Overall, things are going REALLY well! I certainly had the baby blues for a few days this week, but if anything this has been very helpful to that recovery. I think when I go back to nursing - hopefully gradually tomorrow - I will be more calm and relaxed, knowing I have alternatives.


I would love to be an exclusively breast feeding mommy, but if I have to be a pumping mommy that is OK too. I just want what is best for her and I know that the milk she receives from me is exactly what she needs. I can't wait to go back to that mommy, baby bonding time that comes with nursing, but then again, I get lots of that at night and during the day - like right now :)


... A funny side note story from this week, on Wednesday night, I pumped 2 full oz. and was incredibly proud. We read we could leave the bottle out for 4 hours and after around 3 I got nervous so I had my husband put it in the bag of ice next to me. In both of our extreme exhaustion, the bottle tipped over, losing over an ounce of milk. Once J noticed this he went into panic mode, thinking how am I going to tell her about this. He thought of a way to separate the milk from the water - to no avail. So he told me...instead of breaking down, I just said, OK...I gotta pump! While pumping he realized that the bottle was leaking and so I didn't have to make up for the 1 ounce that was lost but the entire 2 ounces since she really got only about a 1/4 of an ounce. I was glad I held it together and this probably was the turning point.


I am proud that I can type about the challenges of this week and not cry. That's a first. I guess I really just realized that as my parents always say - God only gives you what you can handle - obviously he believes in me quite a bit, because I think he gave me a lot this week. Most of all - he gave me someone I love so much and I treasure every second with her. I can't wait to watch her everyday as she continues to grow and change!

Monday, September 21, 2009

My attempt to make Christmas more green

So after making the kids PJs last week, I had fabric left over and thought it would be cute to wrap the presents in the fabric. I thought that the wrapping needed to be useful, so I made them each a cinch sack backpack and put the PJs in those. I put a few other surprises in each bag. Christmas is awhile away...
PS - I don't make a good model for this, but you should have seen this little backpack try to fit on J's big shoulders. It was not good!

I can't make it for someone else...

...and not make it for my little one. So here are some things that I have made her.

A taggie blanket:
A diaper/wipes case:
Some barrettes:

J likes the football one the best. I thought the colors were good. She can wear it with her OSU gear or her Giants gear. I have to make a green one also for her Jets gear!

Baby gifts

For an upcoming baby shower, I made a series of gifts all with a cute non gender specific monkey fabric that I purchased early on in my preganancy. I love this little set. It includes a taggie blanket, a burp cloth, a diaper/wipes case, a pair of booties and a bib. Hopefully the new mommy will like it. Want me to make one for a little one that you know...just let me know. It was a fun set to make!

T-Shirt Quilt

Here is the T-shirt quilt I made with my shirts from training/running for the marathon last year. I had been saving them in hopes that Ammi would make me a quilt, but in the end, I thought I could do one myself and I did. Hers would have looked a lot better, but I am proud of my first try at something this big!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

The kids PJs for Christmas

Another sewing project complete :)

Monday, September 14, 2009

Video tour of Nursery

Here is a tour of the nursery...

Photo Tour of the Nursery

Walking into the nursery. The tall dresser is on the left and my rocking chair that I got from my birthday... The crib with the monkey hooks hung from the tall dresser.

The crib and the small dresser. The afghan that Debbie, Mary and Beth made for me hung over the side.
The view of the entire room...

Its small space but we have everything we need in this small space. Now we just need our baby to live in this space. One more week until my due date :)