Do you see a resemblance?
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Glow worm
I had one of these Glow Worm toys back in the '80's when I was a kid. I loved it!
Do you see a resemblance?
Do you see a resemblance?
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Birth experience
I can't believe how much our lives have changed in the last month! Our son is here and we are just so blessed and thankful for him. After 12 hours of labor and about 45 minutes of hard pushing, we were rewarded with Boyd Ulys Patrick!
After a fairly sleepless night on the Monday prior to Valentine's Day, D and I awoke very early in order to arrive at the hospital by 6:30 a.m. for my scheduled inducement. We headed straight up to Labor & Delivery where the nurse got us settled in the room. After I changed into the ever so lovely hospital gown, we sat down to wait for things to happen. I had an IV started for fluids and two monitors strapped to my belly: one for contractions and the other to monitor the baby's heartbeat. The IV needle was huge and I got a little woozy as the nurse inserted it into my arm.
The IV also served as a conduit for the drug Pitocin, which initiated my contractions. I was about 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced going in, and the contractions weren't too uncomfortable until I hit 5 cm or so. At 6 cm I was in a lot of pain and opted for the epidural. The anesthesiologist arrived about 20 minutes after that and inserted the catheter in my back. I sat upright at the side of the bed while she started the process, pausing when a contraction would hit. And holy moly they were excruciating without the epidural. Afterwards I felt no pain, only pressure when a contraction would hit. Labor was painful - I knew that going in, but I wasn't sure how much it would hurt even with an epidural. More power to those women who can go through the experience without pain medication.
Our families had arrived earlier in the morning and we were able to spend time with them in our L&D room. However, as soon as the contractions started to roll in and I got the epidural, it was just me and D in the birthing suite. One side effect of the epidural is uncontrollable shaking - I couldn't stop! Everyone thought I was freezing but it was just the medication. And earlier in the day, since my water wouldn't break naturally, my doctor decided to go ahead and do it. THAT was a weird sensation. Throughout the morning I remember shuffling back and forth to the bathroom (darn my small bladder) with D's help, and having to unhook the IV (D got very good at that) for each trip. My nurse let me have fluids and jello (since I was concerned about my hypoglycemia - low blood sugar) but the Pitocin really slowed down my appetite.
I have to say that one of the best parts of the birthing experience was our L&D nurse, Mary E. She was AMAZING and so wonderful throughout the whole process - I'm not sure I could have done so well without her. We were so disappointed when she had to leave at the end of her shift. She stayed as long as she could but alas, missed our baby by about 30 minutes. Also a rockstar? My husband. He was so sweet and attentive during the long hours of waiting, and a great partner during active labor.
After a fairly sleepless night on the Monday prior to Valentine's Day, D and I awoke very early in order to arrive at the hospital by 6:30 a.m. for my scheduled inducement. We headed straight up to Labor & Delivery where the nurse got us settled in the room. After I changed into the ever so lovely hospital gown, we sat down to wait for things to happen. I had an IV started for fluids and two monitors strapped to my belly: one for contractions and the other to monitor the baby's heartbeat. The IV needle was huge and I got a little woozy as the nurse inserted it into my arm. The IV also served as a conduit for the drug Pitocin, which initiated my contractions. I was about 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced going in, and the contractions weren't too uncomfortable until I hit 5 cm or so. At 6 cm I was in a lot of pain and opted for the epidural. The anesthesiologist arrived about 20 minutes after that and inserted the catheter in my back. I sat upright at the side of the bed while she started the process, pausing when a contraction would hit. And holy moly they were excruciating without the epidural. Afterwards I felt no pain, only pressure when a contraction would hit. Labor was painful - I knew that going in, but I wasn't sure how much it would hurt even with an epidural. More power to those women who can go through the experience without pain medication.
Our families had arrived earlier in the morning and we were able to spend time with them in our L&D room. However, as soon as the contractions started to roll in and I got the epidural, it was just me and D in the birthing suite. One side effect of the epidural is uncontrollable shaking - I couldn't stop! Everyone thought I was freezing but it was just the medication. And earlier in the day, since my water wouldn't break naturally, my doctor decided to go ahead and do it. THAT was a weird sensation. Throughout the morning I remember shuffling back and forth to the bathroom (darn my small bladder) with D's help, and having to unhook the IV (D got very good at that) for each trip. My nurse let me have fluids and jello (since I was concerned about my hypoglycemia - low blood sugar) but the Pitocin really slowed down my appetite.
I have to say that one of the best parts of the birthing experience was our L&D nurse, Mary E. She was AMAZING and so wonderful throughout the whole process - I'm not sure I could have done so well without her. We were so disappointed when she had to leave at the end of her shift. She stayed as long as she could but alas, missed our baby by about 30 minutes. Also a rockstar? My husband. He was so sweet and attentive during the long hours of waiting, and a great partner during active labor.
My temperature was very high so that's when the decision was made by my doctor to start pushing right away once I hit 10 cm, because an elevated maternal fever along with an epidural can signify risks for the baby. I didn't have a rigid birth plan in place - basically I wanted an epidural, a natural birth (no c-section), and for my husband to be up near my head (NOT my legs). Well, I got 2 out of 3. My doc and nurse had D holding one of my legs within full view of the action. Ah well, it worked out okay in the end!
I remember being SO thirsty during labor and especially right after Boyd was born. Lots of pushing but I feel lucky that it was only for 45 minutes. I did work hard though - when my doctor said "push," I PUSHED! Prior to going in, my friend told me to give it all I had because holding back just prolongs the experience. I was overwhelmed with emotion when they laid our baby across my chest. He had a very healthy cry and it was a wonderful sound. I couldn't believe that I had done it! Due to the whole high temperature issue, they brought in a NICU nurse to check Boyd out. We laughed when he swatted away the bulb syringe. Only a few minutes old and he already had an attitude.
I remember being SO thirsty during labor and especially right after Boyd was born. Lots of pushing but I feel lucky that it was only for 45 minutes. I did work hard though - when my doctor said "push," I PUSHED! Prior to going in, my friend told me to give it all I had because holding back just prolongs the experience. I was overwhelmed with emotion when they laid our baby across my chest. He had a very healthy cry and it was a wonderful sound. I couldn't believe that I had done it! Due to the whole high temperature issue, they brought in a NICU nurse to check Boyd out. We laughed when he swatted away the bulb syringe. Only a few minutes old and he already had an attitude.
He latched on right away, but we later had problems nursing. Breastfeeding was a difficult process for us in the beginning (not to mention painful) but I'm glad I persevered because it really is the best for him.
I had forgotten about the things that need to happen immediately after birth - namely, expelling the placenta. It HURT. Especially since my epidural had long worn off by that point. I also realized later that I had lost more blood than was normal, so my doctor was concerned with that. I just recall being so incredibly exhausted by the whole process. You know how some women look picture-perfect after giving birth? Yeah, not me. Not that I really cared if I looked a mess, but it would have been nice to have some decent looking photos with Boyd afterward.
So let's see - we checked in at 6:30 a.m., birth was at 7:48 p.m., and we finally got to the Mother/Baby unit around 10:30 p.m., I think? Boyd stayed in the room with us 99% of the time, leaving only to get weighed and checked a couple times a day. I can't recall why I had to have an IV with antibiotics inserted postpartum - it was something to do with my high temperature, blood loss and an increased risk of infection. Anyway, the nursing staff was great, although they did wake me at midnight on both nights of my stay to do a vitals check.
After 2 nights and 3 days, we were finally discharged from the hospital. I was SO ready to go home. It took us a few days to decide on the little one's name, but we finally settled on Boyd Ulys Patrick. D and I wanted a unique first name and of course his middle name is in honor of my dad. I think it's grown on everybody!
I had forgotten about the things that need to happen immediately after birth - namely, expelling the placenta. It HURT. Especially since my epidural had long worn off by that point. I also realized later that I had lost more blood than was normal, so my doctor was concerned with that. I just recall being so incredibly exhausted by the whole process. You know how some women look picture-perfect after giving birth? Yeah, not me. Not that I really cared if I looked a mess, but it would have been nice to have some decent looking photos with Boyd afterward.
So let's see - we checked in at 6:30 a.m., birth was at 7:48 p.m., and we finally got to the Mother/Baby unit around 10:30 p.m., I think? Boyd stayed in the room with us 99% of the time, leaving only to get weighed and checked a couple times a day. I can't recall why I had to have an IV with antibiotics inserted postpartum - it was something to do with my high temperature, blood loss and an increased risk of infection. Anyway, the nursing staff was great, although they did wake me at midnight on both nights of my stay to do a vitals check.
After 2 nights and 3 days, we were finally discharged from the hospital. I was SO ready to go home. It took us a few days to decide on the little one's name, but we finally settled on Boyd Ulys Patrick. D and I wanted a unique first name and of course his middle name is in honor of my dad. I think it's grown on everybody!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Baby update
Hi everyone! Everyone is doing fine here at the Patrick household. D and I are settling into life with a newborn who sleeps, poops and cries in cycles - but makes us so incredibly happy. I am working on writing down the whole birth experience and will try to post some of it this weekend. So much has happened and I want to remember it all.
We are just really thankful to our families (my mom and D's parents Don & Mim) for being here to help out as we transitioned into parents. Thanks to them we had hot meals, a clean house & laundry, groceries and time to sleep!
Out little man Boyd is doing so well now. At his first doctor's appointment, he weighed a little over 7 pounds - which meant he had lost some of his birth weight and that is normal. At the next doctor visit a few days later, he was back up to 8.055 pounds and I'm sure he is very close to his birth weight now.
The pediatrician was a little concerned about Boyd's jaundice levels since his blood work tested at 20 (normal range is 16-18), but after a follow-up lab test and in-office visit we're happy to report that he's in the clear.
I think both Boyd and I have finally gotten the hang of breastfeeding - it certainly wasn't easy those first couple days in the hospital. Now he eats like a champ!
Here are a couple photos my friend Susan took when she visited last Sunday...
We have a newborn photo shoot scheduled for this Sunday - a gift from my friend Charlyn at work. If the images turn out well, I'll use them for baby announcements.
We are just really thankful to our families (my mom and D's parents Don & Mim) for being here to help out as we transitioned into parents. Thanks to them we had hot meals, a clean house & laundry, groceries and time to sleep!
Out little man Boyd is doing so well now. At his first doctor's appointment, he weighed a little over 7 pounds - which meant he had lost some of his birth weight and that is normal. At the next doctor visit a few days later, he was back up to 8.055 pounds and I'm sure he is very close to his birth weight now.
The pediatrician was a little concerned about Boyd's jaundice levels since his blood work tested at 20 (normal range is 16-18), but after a follow-up lab test and in-office visit we're happy to report that he's in the clear.
I think both Boyd and I have finally gotten the hang of breastfeeding - it certainly wasn't easy those first couple days in the hospital. Now he eats like a champ!
Here are a couple photos my friend Susan took when she visited last Sunday...
We have a newborn photo shoot scheduled for this Sunday - a gift from my friend Charlyn at work. If the images turn out well, I'll use them for baby announcements.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
40-week appointment
All systems go for a Valentine's Day baby! My favorite obstetrician is on call this weekend and on Tuesday - I feel like we will be in good hands for the delivery.
My blood pressure was slightly lower with no excess protein so the doctor was happy. Baby's heartbeat was strong at 139 and my belly measured at 40 cm. Gained just a little weight too.
I plan on finishing a few little projects this weekend and then taking it easy/resting up for the big day!
My blood pressure was slightly lower with no excess protein so the doctor was happy. Baby's heartbeat was strong at 139 and my belly measured at 40 cm. Gained just a little weight too.
I plan on finishing a few little projects this weekend and then taking it easy/resting up for the big day!
Baby bump - 40 weeks
I have begun to feel a few Braxton-Hicks contractions here and there - nothing on a regular basis though. My hip pain has subsided slightly so I am hoping this is a good sign for labor! Another positive sign - I lost my mucous plug this morning, which means labor could start anytime. Had a bit of back pain the other day that went away with some walking around.
The doctor moved my appointment this morning to 2 pm this afternoon, so we'll all have to wait a little longer to see how my BP and protein levels are doing. Not sure if she will check my dilation/effacement too. I hope to get my blood work results back as well.
Today is officially my last day in the office! I feel like I have done what I can to prepare everyone for the 14 weeks during which I'll be gone. However - if my boss needs me, I'm willing to come back in periodically for short visits during maternity leave to work for a bit. PAID of course!
The doctor moved my appointment this morning to 2 pm this afternoon, so we'll all have to wait a little longer to see how my BP and protein levels are doing. Not sure if she will check my dilation/effacement too. I hope to get my blood work results back as well.
Today is officially my last day in the office! I feel like I have done what I can to prepare everyone for the 14 weeks during which I'll be gone. However - if my boss needs me, I'm willing to come back in periodically for short visits during maternity leave to work for a bit. PAID of course!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
39 1/2-week appointment
I'm going to be honest - I think I have hit my pregnancy limit! My due date is this weekend and hopefully baby boy Patrick will make an appearance naturally before my doc decides to induce me next week.
Appointment stats:
* dilated: still 3 cm
* effaced: still 80%
* blood pressure was a little high at 140/87
* baby's heartbeat was150
* belly measurement 40- he has definitely dropped and in a good position for birth
* weight is still going up slightly - he's a big baby!
Due to my elevated blood pressure, the doc ordered blood work (3 tubes but no passing out - yes!). I have to go back for a blood pressure check on Friday morning and if it's high again, they'll induce me this weekend. Otherwise, I'm scheduled for a February 14 induction! So we could possibly have a Valentine's Day baby.
I'm excited and nervous at the same time. Holy ****, we're going to be parents next week!
Appointment stats:
* dilated: still 3 cm
* effaced: still 80%
* blood pressure was a little high at 140/87
* baby's heartbeat was150
* belly measurement 40- he has definitely dropped and in a good position for birth
* weight is still going up slightly - he's a big baby!
Due to my elevated blood pressure, the doc ordered blood work (3 tubes but no passing out - yes!). I have to go back for a blood pressure check on Friday morning and if it's high again, they'll induce me this weekend. Otherwise, I'm scheduled for a February 14 induction! So we could possibly have a Valentine's Day baby.
I'm excited and nervous at the same time. Holy ****, we're going to be parents next week!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Baby bump - 39 weeks
Pregnancy insomnia is real and it's awful. I'm pretty sure I've complained about this aspect of pregnancy before but I just get so frustrated by it, especially since I'm still working full time. I was up at 4:30 this morning and decided to clean up my office/craft room a little and then watch a little TV before falling asleep again at 7 a.m. Thank goodness today is a slow day at the office.
Some days I still feel pretty good but on others I just want to meet our baby already! My belly is huge and heavy, I can barely walk at the end of the day and the HIP PAIN! Ladies, please tell me this will disappear when I give birth?!
It's official - the torpedo belly is in full effect! I'm running out of clothes to wear - even my maternity shirts aren't long enough anymore.
Some days I still feel pretty good but on others I just want to meet our baby already! My belly is huge and heavy, I can barely walk at the end of the day and the HIP PAIN! Ladies, please tell me this will disappear when I give birth?!
It's official - the torpedo belly is in full effect! I'm running out of clothes to wear - even my maternity shirts aren't long enough anymore.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
38 1/2-week appointment
About a week and a half until my due date. Car seat bases have been installed in both vehicles, hospital bag is packed, nursery is ALMOST done and teeny tiny baby clothes have been washed and put away! My mom took me to Babies R Us last weekend and she bought us much of the extra things we needed (crib sheets & pads, swaddlers, diapers, changing pad covers, washcloths, etc.) Plus we've received so many great new and hand-me-down items like clothes and toys, plus a swanky breast pump (thanks Angie!) and a couple swing/seats from friends. We've been so lucky.
Ok, on to my appointment stats:
* dilated: 3 cm
* effaced: 80%
* blood pressure was: 138/81
* baby's heartbeat was 140
* belly measurement is 39 (he has dropped a little into the birth canal)
* weight is a little higher than I wanted, but that's what happens with afternoon appointments - it takes my breakfast, lunch and snack into account
Ok, on to my appointment stats:
* dilated: 3 cm
* effaced: 80%
* blood pressure was: 138/81
* baby's heartbeat was 140
* belly measurement is 39 (he has dropped a little into the birth canal)
* weight is a little higher than I wanted, but that's what happens with afternoon appointments - it takes my breakfast, lunch and snack into account
Friday, January 27, 2012
Baby bump - 38 weeks & appointment
Two weeks until my due date! Doc says I am 2.5 cm dilated and 75% effaced. It's possible that this baby could be born this weekend but I've heard of women dilated to 7 cm walking around for weeks before giving birth, so who knows. Everything just feels heavy and once in a while I get these twinges down below. Doc also says that if the peanut does not want to make an appearance by his due date, the latest they will let me go is 1 week past my due date. After that I'll be induced.
* blood pressure was121/69
* baby's heartbeat was 140
* belly measurement is 40 cm
* weight is good
My hospital bag is pretty much packed and the nursery is squeaky clean after the carpet cleaners came on Monday. We're starting to get that room all put together. Definitely need more diapers!
Everyone I know has a miserable cold and somehow I got it too - coughing, stuffiness, sore throat and itchy, watery eyes. It's a little frustrating to be sick at the end of my pregnancy after evading it for so long. Plus I'm not allowed to take any medication beyond Ricola cough drops, Emergen-C and Tylenol for pain. I feel like the baby has dropped a bit because I can breathe a little easier but then sleeping at night is still a struggle because I'm sick and hip pain.
* blood pressure was121/69
* baby's heartbeat was 140
* belly measurement is 40 cm
* weight is good
My hospital bag is pretty much packed and the nursery is squeaky clean after the carpet cleaners came on Monday. We're starting to get that room all put together. Definitely need more diapers!
Everyone I know has a miserable cold and somehow I got it too - coughing, stuffiness, sore throat and itchy, watery eyes. It's a little frustrating to be sick at the end of my pregnancy after evading it for so long. Plus I'm not allowed to take any medication beyond Ricola cough drops, Emergen-C and Tylenol for pain. I feel like the baby has dropped a bit because I can breathe a little easier but then sleeping at night is still a struggle because I'm sick and hip pain.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Baby bump - 37 weeks
I'm at 37 weeks, which means I've been pregnant for 259 days. It also means this baby is now considered full-term and can safely live outside the womb. Yay for making it this far! I have not felt any contractions (real or otherwise) as of yet.
Been working on getting the hospital bag ready. The other day on my lunch hour I ran a few errands in the below-zero weather and stopped by the grocery store for some fairly embarrassing feminine stuff (for after delivery) and Dreft detergent for baby laundry. The checkout lady looked at my basket of items, then my bulging stomach and just smiled.
After much research, I finally ended up buying a car seat - the Graco Snugride 35. It's the #1 infant car seat out there. Originally I wanted a Britax, but they're a bit more expensive, heavier than the Snugride and bigger. The size is what finally discouraged me - it wouldn't have fit in my CR-V, although it would have been perfect in D's truck. I think when the peanut has grown out of the Graco we will look at the Britax brand again (maybe I'll have a larger car by then). The company is rated very high for safety and all my friends have Britax toddler and booster seats.
We wanted to check out the strap placement and see how the BundleMe would sit in the seat, hence the baby stand-in! The BundleMe is basically an insulated sleeping bag that flips up and keeps the baby warm - a necessity here.
Been working on getting the hospital bag ready. The other day on my lunch hour I ran a few errands in the below-zero weather and stopped by the grocery store for some fairly embarrassing feminine stuff (for after delivery) and Dreft detergent for baby laundry. The checkout lady looked at my basket of items, then my bulging stomach and just smiled.
After much research, I finally ended up buying a car seat - the Graco Snugride 35. It's the #1 infant car seat out there. Originally I wanted a Britax, but they're a bit more expensive, heavier than the Snugride and bigger. The size is what finally discouraged me - it wouldn't have fit in my CR-V, although it would have been perfect in D's truck. I think when the peanut has grown out of the Graco we will look at the Britax brand again (maybe I'll have a larger car by then). The company is rated very high for safety and all my friends have Britax toddler and booster seats.
We wanted to check out the strap placement and see how the BundleMe would sit in the seat, hence the baby stand-in! The BundleMe is basically an insulated sleeping bag that flips up and keeps the baby warm - a necessity here.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
36-week appointment
From here on out I'll be seeing my doctor every week until the peanut makes his appearance. We scheduled me out until February 8th - hopefully he won't be late! Stats from today's appointment:
* blood pressure was 131/78 ( I took the stairs again)
* baby's heartbeat was 140
* belly measurement was 38 cm
* weight is on track
I also had to do the Strep B test. Glad that''s over. The peanut moved around quite a bit when my belly was getting measured - the doc was impressed!
The steam carpet cleaners are coming next Monday, January 23rd - they'll do the nursery, upstairs hallway and both the living and dining rooms. Pretty good for $69! I got the deal on Groupon a couple weeks ago.
* blood pressure was 131/78 ( I took the stairs again)
* baby's heartbeat was 140
* belly measurement was 38 cm
* weight is on track
I also had to do the Strep B test. Glad that''s over. The peanut moved around quite a bit when my belly was getting measured - the doc was impressed!
The steam carpet cleaners are coming next Monday, January 23rd - they'll do the nursery, upstairs hallway and both the living and dining rooms. Pretty good for $69! I got the deal on Groupon a couple weeks ago.
Monday, January 16, 2012
It's cold
The snow dump has come and gone - now we're left with very chilly temperatures. In our area the lowest I saw was 16 degrees BELOW zero. I didn't leave the house all weekend! When it gets that cold the windows start to ice over and we have to thaw them out. It is crazy. Hope it warms up this week - I have another baby shower on Wednesday and a dinner party on Friday night.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Baby bump - 36 weeks
Woo hoo - I've entered the 9th month! According to the baby countdown widget on this blog, I've been pregnant for 252 days.
The painful sciatica is always present. I can feel my hips widening and the cartilage loosening up. Seems to be harder on my right side than the left for some reason.
The painful sciatica is always present. I can feel my hips widening and the cartilage loosening up. Seems to be harder on my right side than the left for some reason.
D and I attended a 4-hour birthing education class last Saturday. It was a good session and we learned quite a bit. Saw 3 videos of actual births and I do feel more comfortable with the whole process now. At one point the instructor showed a diagram of the internal organs of a pregnant vs. non-pregnant woman and I turned to D to say, THIS IS WHY I HAVE TO PEE EVERY 15 MINUTES! Everything is squished into oblivion by the growing baby.
This has been one of the snowiest winters that I can remember - the term "snowpocalypse" has been used quite a bit. Cordova and Valdez are in states of emergency because of the FEET of snow they've received in just the last few days. It is crazy out there in Prince William Sound, but the rest of us in Southcentral are getting dumped on too.D is constantly outside shoveling the driveway and sweeping the porch.
This has been one of the snowiest winters that I can remember - the term "snowpocalypse" has been used quite a bit. Cordova and Valdez are in states of emergency because of the FEET of snow they've received in just the last few days. It is crazy out there in Prince William Sound, but the rest of us in Southcentral are getting dumped on too.D is constantly outside shoveling the driveway and sweeping the porch.
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| At the end of our driveway - that's our black mailbox to the left, peeking out from a mountain of snow. |
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| Drift taking in the winter wonderland. |
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