Yesterday I successfully spent a day home with Zoey. I was able to shower! I read my email, but have not responded to anyone!!! I DROVE! I took Zoey to the doctor and I picked up Ella from school.
Everyone was excited to see Zoey. I'm not thrilled to take a 10 day old into the petri dish of daycare, but you do what you have to do! The teachers were all so sweet and everyone agrees she looks like Ella!
The kids in Ella's class were cute. Miss Lexi (3 years old) told me Zoey was so cute and then asked me why my tummy was still big and if I was having another baby. She continued to encourage me to have another baby because 2 babies are better than 1. She's crazy! Ella was so proud and it just melts my heart! She was on her best behavior leaving school and I hope it continues!
Today is my first day home alone with both girls.
Ella has watched too much TV!
I successfully fed Zoey while Ella dressed me as a surgeon including Hat, mask, stethoscope, and princess crown! I performed surgery on Ella and her frog a few times!
Ella colored with permanent marker on her sheets. I NOW understand how kids color on walls, etc!
Joe called during lunch and I told him I think Ella will go to school 3 days a week instead of 2 if they'll let me add her!
It's not even 1PM and Ella's curled up on the couch with a movie and I'm ready to begin the next cycle of feeding and pumping!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Hangin' In There!
We came home yesterday. Zoey was discharged despite a > 10% weight loss since birth. I'm devastated! I thought she had been nursing so, so well! The hospital stay was AWESOME! It was great to enjoy and cuddle my sweet girl while recovering! It was an experience I was so sad to miss the first time and I'm so blessed this one was so positive! We had awesome visitors and the care was outstanding! My heart just melted every time Ella proudly walked into my room!
It has been a struggle to get Zoey to eat! Overnight was challenging and this morning was full of tears and phone calls to her doctor and mine! A visit to the pediatrician included good news with a weight that is up from yesterday (despite different scale, still good news)!!! We can continue nursing and supplementing with bottle if she isn't peeing! Newborns are SCARY! I don't understand why I make children that don't like to EAT! Ella didn't eat well for the first 18 months and it was a ROUGH road. I'm paranoid for a repeat and I just cried and cried this morning at the thought of hauling Zoey and Ella into the pediatrician's office constantly for weight checks!!!! Today has gone better and we'll just keep trying!
I'm in great pain! My doctor thinks it's a stitch on the inside that is too close to a nerve and it will get better when the stitch dissolves. He told me I need to "REST" and he feels I'm likely doing too much. Well, sitting and standing is vital to my life right now and I can't stop doing that! Sometimes it just brings tears to my eyes! I have ice on the site most of the time and it's helping in addition to the pain pills!
Ella is doing GREAT! She's so proud and happy to hold and talk about her sister! She has fits, but they are no different that the fits before Zoey! I'm so proud of her! I feel like Ella doubled in size while I was in the hospital. She snuggles me and she feels so darn big!!! It has to be the large contrast in weight between the two, but so funny! It's crazy!
My Mom and Joe are dealing with me! I'm trying hard to follow the rules and it does hurt to bend and I shouldn't lift things. It's an adjustment for me to ask for help and then I'm frustrated when it isn't done my way or fast enough! My Mom is cooking for us which is not typical for her! She's providing most of the Ella entertainment and finding time to snuggle Zoey too! She's doing great and I'm very thankful I have both of them on my side right now!
Ella is LOVING the attention! Ella asked Nana how many more days she will be here and Ella said she's going to cry and cry when she has to leave!
Dorothy is coming over tomorrow and doing most of the Thanksgiving meal! We have plans to eat a big traditional lunch followed by the Cowboy game.
We are so blessed and have a huge list of things to be thankful for! I will count my blessings and enjoy a fabulous day with family!
Many, many pictures to come!
It has been a struggle to get Zoey to eat! Overnight was challenging and this morning was full of tears and phone calls to her doctor and mine! A visit to the pediatrician included good news with a weight that is up from yesterday (despite different scale, still good news)!!! We can continue nursing and supplementing with bottle if she isn't peeing! Newborns are SCARY! I don't understand why I make children that don't like to EAT! Ella didn't eat well for the first 18 months and it was a ROUGH road. I'm paranoid for a repeat and I just cried and cried this morning at the thought of hauling Zoey and Ella into the pediatrician's office constantly for weight checks!!!! Today has gone better and we'll just keep trying!
I'm in great pain! My doctor thinks it's a stitch on the inside that is too close to a nerve and it will get better when the stitch dissolves. He told me I need to "REST" and he feels I'm likely doing too much. Well, sitting and standing is vital to my life right now and I can't stop doing that! Sometimes it just brings tears to my eyes! I have ice on the site most of the time and it's helping in addition to the pain pills!
Ella is doing GREAT! She's so proud and happy to hold and talk about her sister! She has fits, but they are no different that the fits before Zoey! I'm so proud of her! I feel like Ella doubled in size while I was in the hospital. She snuggles me and she feels so darn big!!! It has to be the large contrast in weight between the two, but so funny! It's crazy!
My Mom and Joe are dealing with me! I'm trying hard to follow the rules and it does hurt to bend and I shouldn't lift things. It's an adjustment for me to ask for help and then I'm frustrated when it isn't done my way or fast enough! My Mom is cooking for us which is not typical for her! She's providing most of the Ella entertainment and finding time to snuggle Zoey too! She's doing great and I'm very thankful I have both of them on my side right now!
Ella is LOVING the attention! Ella asked Nana how many more days she will be here and Ella said she's going to cry and cry when she has to leave!
Dorothy is coming over tomorrow and doing most of the Thanksgiving meal! We have plans to eat a big traditional lunch followed by the Cowboy game.
We are so blessed and have a huge list of things to be thankful for! I will count my blessings and enjoy a fabulous day with family!
Many, many pictures to come!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Welcome Baby Zoey!
Zoey Ann
8 lbs 6 oz
20.5 inches
Healthy and happy with pouty lips and curly brown hair!
She's keeping me busy and awesome at nursing.
Proud Daddy even crossed the barrier and went to be with Zoey while they were finishing with me.
Ella shrieked with joy, excitement, and can't wait to hold her! Awesome to feel love and we are all so proud and relieved!
I love my girls!!!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Almost a big sister
Life is good when mom goes shopping and lets you have ice cream for lunch because I slept!!!!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
She's ALMOST here!
Tomorrow is the big day! Ella is super excited for Baby Day! The hospital called today to confirm my appointment. My surgery is scheduled for 5PM. Nothing to eat or drink after 9AM! Seriously going to be a long, challenging day!
I have to call the hospital before I leave home to make sure they really have a bed for me! If I starve all day and they delay my SCHEDULED date I may lose it....but I'm sure I bumped someone when I had to urgently have a c-section with Ella. I will have a baby at some point!
WARNING: it's going to be late before you here from us! Remember 5PM in Salt Lake is 6PM in Iowa and 7PM on the East Coast. I'll be in the OR for an hour or so and we'll update when we can after that!
I'm hoping and praying all goes well and I'm excited to experience being a mom within minutes of birth instead of having to wait a week! Joe and I keep saying, "what will it REALLY be like to have a baby in our room and have her be our responsibility right away?". We are praying for the opportunity! Still can't wait for the moment Ella meets her baby sister!
My mom came in a night early and we had a relaxing day. Ella is thrilled with the extra attention! We'll have 2 Grandma's to keep Ella entertained at the hospital and to be there to greet our precious baby girl on arrival!
I have to call the hospital before I leave home to make sure they really have a bed for me! If I starve all day and they delay my SCHEDULED date I may lose it....but I'm sure I bumped someone when I had to urgently have a c-section with Ella. I will have a baby at some point!
WARNING: it's going to be late before you here from us! Remember 5PM in Salt Lake is 6PM in Iowa and 7PM on the East Coast. I'll be in the OR for an hour or so and we'll update when we can after that!
I'm hoping and praying all goes well and I'm excited to experience being a mom within minutes of birth instead of having to wait a week! Joe and I keep saying, "what will it REALLY be like to have a baby in our room and have her be our responsibility right away?". We are praying for the opportunity! Still can't wait for the moment Ella meets her baby sister!
My mom came in a night early and we had a relaxing day. Ella is thrilled with the extra attention! We'll have 2 Grandma's to keep Ella entertained at the hospital and to be there to greet our precious baby girl on arrival!
My Girl
Oh how I do love this little girl! I had a major failure at buying drugstore lipstick! At least the other one works. It's a lip crayon and it STAINS your lips.
When I realized out of the fluorescent light that it was a no go and Ella wanted to try it I told her she could have it! WHOA!
At least I love the nail polish and I'll be sticking with the Lancome counter for help!
When I realized out of the fluorescent light that it was a no go and Ella wanted to try it I told her she could have it! WHOA!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Manicure Time
Ella's at school today. I made a risky appointment to get my nails done knowing it was very possible to cancel if baby arrived early.
The nail tech was AWESOME. I call it the best non-color (very faint pinkish called bubble bath) ever and will be natural for photos with baby.
I left with her business card and a deal to repeat my Groupon special price on return ($15 for shellac is a steal).
I was all smiles until I returned to my car.....PARKING TICKET! Are you kidding me? I put the wrong space number in the automatic meter. I suck! I tried to call the number to fight it, but it's just an automated message and I'd have to appear in person to tell them I'm an idiot, so I guess I'll just pay it! I guess I have to support the community every once in a while.
So....not quite as good of a deal when you factor in the ticket, but at this point I'm lucky to not forget my head!
I blame it on the fact that I've been up since 3:30AM (Ella is too excited to sleep) and I haven't had a FULL NIGHT of sleep in weeks! I realize life will get harder before it gets easier, but I will appreciate not having a tiny human hanging off my front and pushing on my bladder every 5 minutes! I'm ready to have my lung volume back and for the heartburn to be gone! I'll remember these things when my stitches are hurting and I now have a baby who is crying and I don't know why!
The nail tech was AWESOME. I call it the best non-color (very faint pinkish called bubble bath) ever and will be natural for photos with baby.
I left with her business card and a deal to repeat my Groupon special price on return ($15 for shellac is a steal).
I was all smiles until I returned to my car.....PARKING TICKET! Are you kidding me? I put the wrong space number in the automatic meter. I suck! I tried to call the number to fight it, but it's just an automated message and I'd have to appear in person to tell them I'm an idiot, so I guess I'll just pay it! I guess I have to support the community every once in a while.
So....not quite as good of a deal when you factor in the ticket, but at this point I'm lucky to not forget my head!
I blame it on the fact that I've been up since 3:30AM (Ella is too excited to sleep) and I haven't had a FULL NIGHT of sleep in weeks! I realize life will get harder before it gets easier, but I will appreciate not having a tiny human hanging off my front and pushing on my bladder every 5 minutes! I'm ready to have my lung volume back and for the heartburn to be gone! I'll remember these things when my stitches are hurting and I now have a baby who is crying and I don't know why!
The Nursery
Baby, we are ready for your arrival! Your room is done! It wasn't a complete remodel, but it did require some modifications! This room is just off our bedroom. We relocated our closet, "gym" and storage. We hung french doors, installed white blinds, a rug and it's a nursery! We have 2 bedrooms downstairs, but I want both girls on the first floor for now and we'll re-evaluate as times goes on!!!
It's COZY and functional! A HUGE thanks to Joe for all of his hard work!
It's COZY and functional! A HUGE thanks to Joe for all of his hard work!
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| The wardrobe works fine as a closet |
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| Animals above the new doors |
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| Her name hangs above her crib, but I'm saving that announcement for when she make her arrival! |
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| The chair I'll be spending many more nights in! LOVE this rug, but with a loving large dog, it may be greyish all too soon! |
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Blog Test
Testing my iPad keyboard and hoping to blog more easily from the hospital. My netbook bit the dust and I use a desk top at home! Only a left shift key is sure an adjustment, but nice to type on my iPad!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Best Buds!
YESSSSS!
Ella has developed the strong and excited, "YESSSS!" and it's adorable!
Ella: Is football on tonight?
Joe: Yes
Ella: YESSSSS
Ella: Is today a stay home day?
Laurie: Yes
Ella: YESSSS
Laurie: Daddy brought home donuts!
Ella: YESSSS
Ella: Is football on tonight?
Joe: Yes
Ella: YESSSSS
Ella: Is today a stay home day?
Laurie: Yes
Ella: YESSSS
Laurie: Daddy brought home donuts!
Ella: YESSSS
Gymnastics Meet
We traveled through a blizzard, but we made it to the gymnastics meet! We were a little late and I missed the "sign your child in" part so her name was never called for a group and I had to fill out her paperwork so she could begin! Oops!
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| Stand still... |
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| She's READY! |
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| The warm up - they make a game of it and it's awesome to see the kids really stretch and so cooperative! |
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| She was thrilled! |
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| Waiting for floor |
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| Forward roll |
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| Gallop |
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| Cartwheel |
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| Hop on one foot |
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| She can run! |
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| The vault |
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| Bars - Ella's favorite |
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| True play by play - different room with better lighting and more cooperative camera! |
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| She LOVES the leap to the big bar! |
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| Her upper body strength has come a long way! |
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| Can you spot my pirate??? |
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| Miss Antsy waiting for Beam I'm impressed it took over 90 minutes before she got antsy! |
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| The awards! |
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| Ta Da! |
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| She won the GOLD (just like all the kids)! |
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Saturday Fun
It began snowing yesterday and it's STILL snowing! No baby, yet! I am looking daily at activities I want to accomplish and hope to make it to!
This morning Ella has her first tumbling meet! There will be a judge, parents and grandparents as spectators, and a gold medal!!!
We have a list of errands and a few projects at home!
Ella wants to play in the snow!!!
I'm hoping for a few days off before baby arrives!
This morning Ella has her first tumbling meet! There will be a judge, parents and grandparents as spectators, and a gold medal!!!
We have a list of errands and a few projects at home!
Ella wants to play in the snow!!!
I'm hoping for a few days off before baby arrives!
Friday, November 9, 2012
We are getting so close!
Today is my last day of work! I'm technically working until I deliver, but the next 6 days are my 6 days off in my schedule! It's a bonus....but I've paid the price of working very long hours the last 3 weeks!
A storm is rolling in! We were in the 70's yesterday and predictions of snow and 20's by tomorrow night! When I covered High Risk Labor and Delivery in Denver a busy night could be predicted by storms and the full moon! A drop in pressure brings babies so we'll see if I make it through the weekend! It was cool and rainy the day Ella was born!
I'm feeling pretty good. Sleep is hard! I'm having contractions and she could really arrive at any time! I'm big, she's big and even my doctor thinks I'll go earlier than planned! He's in town and promised me he will come in to do my c-section any time! I'm hoping that taking it easy the next week will allow her to arrive as scheduled! My mom is flying in next Thursday night and I'm hoping it will all work out for her to take care of Ella! I typed up an Ella schedule and it's almost funny to realize how import our chauffeur role is! She's a busy kid!
I work for and I'm delivering at an Intermountain Healthcare facility! Intermountain has had a lot of press, especially during the election! It's a unique healthcare system that insures the majority of Utah. They have established strict protocols that have proven to be cost-effective! I even recorded and watched a PBS documentary where Intermountain was featured. One of the biggest changes they've made is to enforce a 39 week gestation rule to any scheduled c-section! We live in the baby capital so it had a huge cost savings impact! ZERO chance of anyone scheduling a c-section before a very conservative 39 weeks. My due date has been a challenge to determine and estimated anywhere from Nov 10th - 22nd.....so we'll see if I make it to the 16th!!!
One more long day and then a relaxing week at home before our lives change drastically!
Ella is getting excited! She's even saying, "who is she going to look like?"! She's been borrowing some of the baby clothes to put on her dolls/stuffed animals and practicing rocking them in the swing. She was lecturing Joe about washing his hands before holding her baby and told him he had to sit so he had a lap if he wanted to hold her baby! The kids at school are very interested in my large belly and Ella proudly tells them they can see her baby after she is born!
The nursery is done. Joe has worked so hard! I bought a bottle of Dreft and I've washed all the tiny baby clothes, blankets, and necessities! I have a long list of things I'd like to accomplish next week, but if she arrives sooner, we are ready to welcome a baby girl into our lives and fill our hearts with more love and joy! I can't wait to see what she looks like! I'm most excited to see Ella's face the first time she sees her sister! The thought brings tears to my eyes!
Ella's birth was full of challenges and drama! I pray for an easier experience and we were laughing about how different it will be to have a baby in my hospital room! We had the buffer of the NICU nurses the first week to guide us through everything! Joe is hoping he isn't driving between 2 hospitals this time! We've done this before, but we haven't!!!
A storm is rolling in! We were in the 70's yesterday and predictions of snow and 20's by tomorrow night! When I covered High Risk Labor and Delivery in Denver a busy night could be predicted by storms and the full moon! A drop in pressure brings babies so we'll see if I make it through the weekend! It was cool and rainy the day Ella was born!
I'm feeling pretty good. Sleep is hard! I'm having contractions and she could really arrive at any time! I'm big, she's big and even my doctor thinks I'll go earlier than planned! He's in town and promised me he will come in to do my c-section any time! I'm hoping that taking it easy the next week will allow her to arrive as scheduled! My mom is flying in next Thursday night and I'm hoping it will all work out for her to take care of Ella! I typed up an Ella schedule and it's almost funny to realize how import our chauffeur role is! She's a busy kid!
I work for and I'm delivering at an Intermountain Healthcare facility! Intermountain has had a lot of press, especially during the election! It's a unique healthcare system that insures the majority of Utah. They have established strict protocols that have proven to be cost-effective! I even recorded and watched a PBS documentary where Intermountain was featured. One of the biggest changes they've made is to enforce a 39 week gestation rule to any scheduled c-section! We live in the baby capital so it had a huge cost savings impact! ZERO chance of anyone scheduling a c-section before a very conservative 39 weeks. My due date has been a challenge to determine and estimated anywhere from Nov 10th - 22nd.....so we'll see if I make it to the 16th!!!
One more long day and then a relaxing week at home before our lives change drastically!
Ella is getting excited! She's even saying, "who is she going to look like?"! She's been borrowing some of the baby clothes to put on her dolls/stuffed animals and practicing rocking them in the swing. She was lecturing Joe about washing his hands before holding her baby and told him he had to sit so he had a lap if he wanted to hold her baby! The kids at school are very interested in my large belly and Ella proudly tells them they can see her baby after she is born!
The nursery is done. Joe has worked so hard! I bought a bottle of Dreft and I've washed all the tiny baby clothes, blankets, and necessities! I have a long list of things I'd like to accomplish next week, but if she arrives sooner, we are ready to welcome a baby girl into our lives and fill our hearts with more love and joy! I can't wait to see what she looks like! I'm most excited to see Ella's face the first time she sees her sister! The thought brings tears to my eyes!
Ella's birth was full of challenges and drama! I pray for an easier experience and we were laughing about how different it will be to have a baby in my hospital room! We had the buffer of the NICU nurses the first week to guide us through everything! Joe is hoping he isn't driving between 2 hospitals this time! We've done this before, but we haven't!!!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Prayers for Keri and family
I know she was term and I don't know what happened, but I know they need prayers! Please say a prayer for this beautiful family and Baby Henry!
I'm checking FB constantly for updates!!!!
Update: BEST possible outcome thus far! They were given good news from the EEG and brain MRI. They are hopeful to take him home soon and it will be years of watching and waiting as he grows and develops.
I have no love for daylight savings!
Somehow the "extra hour" has lead to much LESS sleep for everyone in our house! Let's just get through this day and move on to my last 5 days of work!!!!
At least my FB friends who posted are half and half, but I can't say I wasn't frustrated to read how many people did get to really SLEEP their extra hour!!!
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