Estelle at 9 weeks with Emilie at 7 weeks.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Vaccinations
Estelle just had her 2 month checkup at the pediatrician and had to get her first set of vaccinations. Not fun. I felt terrible when she cried while getting the shots. Poor thing sounded so pathetic. On the way home though, she fell asleep and napped for a few hours after we got home. I thought maybe I was lucky and wouldn't have to deal with a crabby baby as I'd heard many do. After she woke up though, it was a different story. She nursed as usual but suddenly started screaming. Not her normal crabby cry but an "i'm in pain" scream. Her poor little leg was all red and swollen. After 10 minutes of her screaming, I called the pediatrician and asked if this was normal. They said it was, but that if she were to continue crying for a full hour, that I should call them back. The poor thing cried for 30 minutes before I was finally able to calm her down by laying her on my bed and letting her nurse. That was the only position I could get her in and hold her legs down so she wouldn't pull them up and irriate the spots where she got her shots. As long as her legs were securely down she would calm down, but if she moved them it was back to the screaming. For the rest of the evening she didn't have much of an appetite and would cry anytime she moved her legs.
Then I made the mistake of reading scary vaccination stories on the internet. You know, the ones that talk about babies dying the day after they got their vaccinations. NOT a good idea! For the next 24 hours I wouldn't let Estelle out of my sight. If she so much as whimpered, I was there to soothe her. Who cares if I might be spoiling her. At least this way, if something terrible were to happen, I would have no regrets about what I did. I can't imagine the guilt felt by those mothers who let their babies "cry it out" only to find them dead in the morning. Even though the crying isn't what killed them, just to think that the babies last moments were alone, crying in a crib is enough to bring tears to my eyes.
I've decided that since Estelle is in the age bracket the most at risk for SIDS, I'm going to love on her as much as I can because there's no guaruntee that I'll have her tomorrow.
Then I made the mistake of reading scary vaccination stories on the internet. You know, the ones that talk about babies dying the day after they got their vaccinations. NOT a good idea! For the next 24 hours I wouldn't let Estelle out of my sight. If she so much as whimpered, I was there to soothe her. Who cares if I might be spoiling her. At least this way, if something terrible were to happen, I would have no regrets about what I did. I can't imagine the guilt felt by those mothers who let their babies "cry it out" only to find them dead in the morning. Even though the crying isn't what killed them, just to think that the babies last moments were alone, crying in a crib is enough to bring tears to my eyes.
I've decided that since Estelle is in the age bracket the most at risk for SIDS, I'm going to love on her as much as I can because there's no guaruntee that I'll have her tomorrow.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Roll with it!
I have yet to catch her on video, but Estelle rolled over last night. She's only 2 months old, so it really came as a surprise to me. I didn't know the could do it that early.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Co-Sleeping
I can only guess how many people have read the title of this post and are already shaking your heads. Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but it's true and, honestly, I'm perfectly happy with this arrangement. For the first five weeks of Estelle's life we tried to get her to sleep in her bassinet. However, spending 3 or more hours each night trying to get her to sleep only to have her awaken crying only one or two hours after we put her down is not my idea of healthy parenting. All of us were loosing sleep and were reaching the ends of our ropes. I thought she had colic with all the crying she was doing each night. And it was more than frustraiting that I often had to be the one to put her down because nursing was often the only thing that could calm her down. So, one night, grumpy and tired, instead of sitting up in bed to feed her like I usually did, I just laid down next to me and let her nurse while I drifted back to sleep. To my amazement she and I both slept for three full hours before she wanted to nurse again. Her next sleep stretch was just as long.
So, the next night, instead of battling her for hours as we had been, I simply took her directly to my bed and let her nurse until we both fell asleep. She didn't fuss and instead went right to sleep for three full hours. And that sealed the deal. Since then I've been getting restful nights of sleep and feel great. I think that with more sleep, I'm able to function better as a parent, which, in the end, works out better for all of us.
And for those of you who believe co-sleeping is terrible, here are a few co-sleeping facts you probably didn't know.
*Co-sleeping is century's old and was always considered to be the only natural thing to do. Only recently has it become taboo. Like breastfeeding... it's making a comback.
*Co-sleeping actually reduces risk of SIDS because the baby usually rolls onto it's back after nursing and the back is the safest way to sleep. And because baby's breathing is more regular when she sleeps next to mom. (SIDS is often caused by baby failing to breathe when in deep sleep)
*Co-sleeping allows both mother and baby to get more restful sleep... especially if the mother is breastfeeding.
*Co-sleeping babies have fewer stress hormones and cry considerably less.
And finally, food for thought:
If you were a newborn baby brought into this strange new world. Would you rather learn to fall asleep in a big, lonely, dark crib or comfortably cuddled next to your favorite person in the world?
So, the next night, instead of battling her for hours as we had been, I simply took her directly to my bed and let her nurse until we both fell asleep. She didn't fuss and instead went right to sleep for three full hours. And that sealed the deal. Since then I've been getting restful nights of sleep and feel great. I think that with more sleep, I'm able to function better as a parent, which, in the end, works out better for all of us.
And for those of you who believe co-sleeping is terrible, here are a few co-sleeping facts you probably didn't know.
*Co-sleeping is century's old and was always considered to be the only natural thing to do. Only recently has it become taboo. Like breastfeeding... it's making a comback.
*Co-sleeping actually reduces risk of SIDS because the baby usually rolls onto it's back after nursing and the back is the safest way to sleep. And because baby's breathing is more regular when she sleeps next to mom. (SIDS is often caused by baby failing to breathe when in deep sleep)
*Co-sleeping allows both mother and baby to get more restful sleep... especially if the mother is breastfeeding.
*Co-sleeping babies have fewer stress hormones and cry considerably less.
And finally, food for thought:
If you were a newborn baby brought into this strange new world. Would you rather learn to fall asleep in a big, lonely, dark crib or comfortably cuddled next to your favorite person in the world?
Friday, June 08, 2007
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Early Bird
It is currently 4:49 AM. Estelle decided to be an early bird today. She woke up at 4:15 to nurse and is wide awake and not looking like she's gonna go back down. That's ok with me though. Perhaps her getting up earlier will mean an earlier bedtime tonight. We shall see...
Monday, June 04, 2007
Sleep
Last night I got a terrible migrane shortly after we got home from church. At first it was just a headache, but after an hour or so it turned into a full blown migrane, complete with nasuea and sensitivity to noise and light. I took a couple tylenal then nursed Estelle before lying down to rest. TJ, bless his heart, took Estelle downstairs because she was fussy. He rocked her and took care of her so I could get some sleep. I woke up four hours later and felt completely better. I felt fully rested at 2:30 am. Who would've known that only four hours of sleep could do so much good.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
She Smiled!
I know that babies aren't supposed to smile until around 6 weeks, but I really think she smiled today (at three weeks). I've seen her grimace from gas before, and that looks kinda like a smile, but this was different. She seemed excited and made a happy noise while she busted out the biggest smile. Then, when I smiled and talked back to her, she did it again! I got like three or four smiles out of her. If only I could have caught it on camera....
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Breastfeeding
My issues with breastfeeding started immediately. At the hospital, Estelle was too sleepy after birth and wouldn't stay awake for a full feeding. (I blame the drugs) We kept trying and only ended up frustraited. Finally, before leaving the hospital, the lactation consultant gave me a "game plan" to use until breastfeeding was established. The plan was for me to offer the breast at each feeding. If she took it, great. If not, I would feed her expressed milk and then I would pump and store new milk for the next feeding if she refused again.
When I got home, the plan worked and soon enough Estelle was taking the breast only. However, a new problem arose in place of the old one. Engorgement... which is supposed to last only a day or two after the milk comes in. Well... it didn't. Turns out, I have what's known as "overabundant milk supply"... meaning I produce too much milk. Every time I want to feed her, I have to express some milk BEFORE I feed her in order to soften things up so she can latch. Otherwise, the breasts are too hard for her to get a good latch. In only a couple minutes of expressing, I'm usually getting a few ounces per side. I know it doesn't seem like much... but when you consider how often this happens during they day, you will see that it adds up... fast. I've only been home from the hospital for a week and I've already stored 17 5oz bags of milk. That's more than 2 bottles full per day! I've now started just dumping the extra milk as there's no more room in my freezer and I've already got enough frozen to last though quite a few babysitting feedings.
I'm now trying to decrease my milk supply by avoiding expressing whenever possible. I let her try to latch before I pump now.. although it rarely works. And I've given up pumping between feedings... which I occasionally did for rellief. (engorgement hurts!) I'm just hoping my supply decreases soon. I leak all the time an it's gotten to be quite annoying.
When I got home, the plan worked and soon enough Estelle was taking the breast only. However, a new problem arose in place of the old one. Engorgement... which is supposed to last only a day or two after the milk comes in. Well... it didn't. Turns out, I have what's known as "overabundant milk supply"... meaning I produce too much milk. Every time I want to feed her, I have to express some milk BEFORE I feed her in order to soften things up so she can latch. Otherwise, the breasts are too hard for her to get a good latch. In only a couple minutes of expressing, I'm usually getting a few ounces per side. I know it doesn't seem like much... but when you consider how often this happens during they day, you will see that it adds up... fast. I've only been home from the hospital for a week and I've already stored 17 5oz bags of milk. That's more than 2 bottles full per day! I've now started just dumping the extra milk as there's no more room in my freezer and I've already got enough frozen to last though quite a few babysitting feedings.
I'm now trying to decrease my milk supply by avoiding expressing whenever possible. I let her try to latch before I pump now.. although it rarely works. And I've given up pumping between feedings... which I occasionally did for rellief. (engorgement hurts!) I'm just hoping my supply decreases soon. I leak all the time an it's gotten to be quite annoying.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Monday, April 30, 2007
Getting Close?
I hate to get my hopes up, but last night and today I've been having the faintest cramps. So far I've seen no pattern in my BH contractions, but I wonder if the cramps means something is about to happen. I sure hope so.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Maniac With a Broom
These past couple days I have been absolutely insane with my desire to clean.
Tuesday I mowed the lawn, although it hurt like crazy even walking so I'm insane for mowing. I must have looked pretty pathetic out there waddling around my front yard because Rose, our elderly neighbor came over to help. She actually took the mower from me and finished the lawn while I swept up the clippings. Such a sweetheart. When that was finished, I fertilized the grass. Don't worry I used the dry kind in the spreader... no harsh chemicals in the air that way.
Wednesday I got out the weed-wacker and did all the trim in the front yard until my arms were killing me, then swept the sidewalks and driveway.
Today has been the worst though. I've been working like a maniac cleaning inside the house. So far I've washed all the sheets and blankets, finished three loads of regular laundry, washed the living room windows, vaccumed the living room, swept and mopped the kitchen and bathroom, washed the dishes, re-organized the laundry room, dusted the living room furniture, and mopped the front portch. There is still much to be done, but progress is slow. I'm still in pain so it's a killer going up and down the stairs. But, I'm determined to get this place in tip-top shape before baby Estelle arrives.
Tuesday I mowed the lawn, although it hurt like crazy even walking so I'm insane for mowing. I must have looked pretty pathetic out there waddling around my front yard because Rose, our elderly neighbor came over to help. She actually took the mower from me and finished the lawn while I swept up the clippings. Such a sweetheart. When that was finished, I fertilized the grass. Don't worry I used the dry kind in the spreader... no harsh chemicals in the air that way.
Wednesday I got out the weed-wacker and did all the trim in the front yard until my arms were killing me, then swept the sidewalks and driveway.
Today has been the worst though. I've been working like a maniac cleaning inside the house. So far I've washed all the sheets and blankets, finished three loads of regular laundry, washed the living room windows, vaccumed the living room, swept and mopped the kitchen and bathroom, washed the dishes, re-organized the laundry room, dusted the living room furniture, and mopped the front portch. There is still much to be done, but progress is slow. I'm still in pain so it's a killer going up and down the stairs. But, I'm determined to get this place in tip-top shape before baby Estelle arrives.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
PAIN
No, I haven't started labor yet, but I have been suffering from extreme amounts of pain in my pelvis. Basically it feels like somebody took a hammer and whacked me in my crotch causing shooting pain anytime I walk or lift a leg. This started a couple weeks ago and has gotten progressively worse. It is to the point now where I can hardly roll over in bed, dread the thought of going upstairs, and walk so slow that elderly folks with walkers pass me up at the grocery store. If you placed a plate full of delicious chocolate cake in front of me but told me I'd have to get up and walk over to get it, I very well might skip the cake just to avoid the pain involved with getting to it. That's how bad it is. And anyone who knows about me and my love for chocolate knows it's serious business when it surpasses my desire for chocolate.
At first, I assumed this was a normal part of pregnancy, but after a little online research, I found that this condition has a name... Simphisis Pubic Dysfunction. Here is one article I found....
http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3785/Pelvic-pain-during-pregnancy-SPD-symphisis-pubic-dysfunction/
And, just so you can know how serious this is, here is a picture of the chocolate cake I would deny myself:
At first, I assumed this was a normal part of pregnancy, but after a little online research, I found that this condition has a name... Simphisis Pubic Dysfunction. Here is one article I found....
http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3785/Pelvic-pain-during-pregnancy-SPD-symphisis-pubic-dysfunction/
And, just so you can know how serious this is, here is a picture of the chocolate cake I would deny myself:
Monday, April 23, 2007
Still Pregnant?
Every week I lead songs in the three-year-old Sunday school class. Yesterday, in class, little Josiah gave me an odd look before saying "Hey, your tummy is really big!". I smiled and asked him if he knew why my tummy was so big. When he shook his head "no", I went on to tell him that there was a baby growing in there. At that, his eyes got really big. I think he thinks I ate a baby. Lol.
I can't walk through church without being people saying "You're still here?" or "Haven't you had that baby YET?" or "Still hanging in there I see". I bet if I counted how many remarks like that I've recieved it would be close to 15 yesterday alone. It's getting a little old. Obviously I'm "still here"... you can see me can't you. And of course I haven't had that baby yet, I'm still fat aren't I? And no, I'm not "hanging in there"... the baby is. And there is one lady, I'm not going to mention names, who finds the need to laugh every Sundy morning when I first walk in, then she'll make some gesture indicating that she's laughing at my large belly. I can't quite figure out what's so funny. Ok. Vent over.
In other news, I have lost a couple pounds this past week. I forgot to mention it in my last post, but when I went to the doc on Friday I was back down to 159. It had been 161 the week before. So, that was pretty exciting. Maybe I won't explode afterall!
Oh, and I got to talk over details of my birth plan with my doc too. There was only one point that she didn't agree on and that was use of IV drip for hydration. I'd rather avoid being tethered to a metal pole and bag of sugar water but she really feels it's neccessary. I guess I can tolerate that. She is the doctor afterall. On the bright side, it was encouraging to hear that she has delivered babies to couples who have used the Bradley Method before, so she is familiar with the techniques.
I can't walk through church without being people saying "You're still here?" or "Haven't you had that baby YET?" or "Still hanging in there I see". I bet if I counted how many remarks like that I've recieved it would be close to 15 yesterday alone. It's getting a little old. Obviously I'm "still here"... you can see me can't you. And of course I haven't had that baby yet, I'm still fat aren't I? And no, I'm not "hanging in there"... the baby is. And there is one lady, I'm not going to mention names, who finds the need to laugh every Sundy morning when I first walk in, then she'll make some gesture indicating that she's laughing at my large belly. I can't quite figure out what's so funny. Ok. Vent over.
In other news, I have lost a couple pounds this past week. I forgot to mention it in my last post, but when I went to the doc on Friday I was back down to 159. It had been 161 the week before. So, that was pretty exciting. Maybe I won't explode afterall!
Oh, and I got to talk over details of my birth plan with my doc too. There was only one point that she didn't agree on and that was use of IV drip for hydration. I'd rather avoid being tethered to a metal pole and bag of sugar water but she really feels it's neccessary. I guess I can tolerate that. She is the doctor afterall. On the bright side, it was encouraging to hear that she has delivered babies to couples who have used the Bradley Method before, so she is familiar with the techniques.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Progress Update
I had a doc appointment today. Looks like everything is going well so far. Estelle is still head down and I'm 1 cm dialated. I know it's not much, but it's progress! At least I can know all these braxton hicks contractions aren't being wasted. Lol.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Late Night Scare
Last night little Estelle gave us a scare. She hadn't been moving as much during the day as she usually does, so when I laid down for bed, which is her favorite time to move a lot, and she still didn't move I started to get worried. I tried changing positions, which normally get's her going, but that didn't work. I tried to hear her heartbeat on my fetal heart monitor, as unreliable as it is, and couldn't find her heartbeat. Finally, I laid back and TJ and I tried moving her around but still couldn't get movement. At that point, we started to get worried, so I called the hospital. They told us to come in so they could do a non-stress test to make sure everything is ok.
After what seemed like forever, we finally got to the hospital where they hooked me up to an external fetal monitor. What a relief it was to hear her heartbeat good and strong. I was then instructed to mark whenever I felt movement. She did finally end up moving a bit. The test lasted an hour and everything looked good so they sent us home.
Although it turned out to be a long night for us, I did feel a lot better after hearing her heartbeat and being confirmed that all was well. I wouldn't have been able to sleep had I not gone in, so I guess it's good that we made the trip out to the hospital, even if it didn't turn out to be neccessary. Better safe than sorry.
After what seemed like forever, we finally got to the hospital where they hooked me up to an external fetal monitor. What a relief it was to hear her heartbeat good and strong. I was then instructed to mark whenever I felt movement. She did finally end up moving a bit. The test lasted an hour and everything looked good so they sent us home.
Although it turned out to be a long night for us, I did feel a lot better after hearing her heartbeat and being confirmed that all was well. I wouldn't have been able to sleep had I not gone in, so I guess it's good that we made the trip out to the hospital, even if it didn't turn out to be neccessary. Better safe than sorry.
Friday, April 13, 2007
36 Week Belly Pics
A photographer friend of mine was looking to try out some new maternity poses for display. TJ and I were obliged to help. Here are the pics....
Photos by: Gerry Frierdich of Crafty Eye Photography (www.craftyeyephoto.com)
Photos by: Gerry Frierdich of Crafty Eye Photography (www.craftyeyephoto.com)Thursday, April 12, 2007
A Birth Plan
I met with, Angela, the nurse practitioner, yesterday because the doc is out of town. The appointment went well and I got to hear Estelle's heartbeat again. That's always fun. Angela said I haven't started dialating yet, so I guess my soreness yesterday was just tired muscles.
I measured myself around my belly again... 44 inches now. And I weigh something like 159 lbs!
Also, I think I'm starting to come up with some idea of what I want for my birth. I've been reading a book about pain relief that lists all of the pros and cons of each pain relief method including side effects and possible complications of all the drugs. This has basically solidified my desire to have an un-drugged birth. I've always got the option of an epidural but I hope not to need it. There are just too many negative side effects and possible complications. So, instead TJ and I are learning the Bradly method of natural childbirth. I'm also going to ask if my doctor might be able to use a local anesthetic when I start the pushing stage. I figure I'd probably tear and need the local anesthetic during stitches anyways, so I'll just ask if she can give me the shot at the beginning of the pushing stage to ease some of the pain in pushing and tearing. I know it won't kill the pain of contractions, but I figure that small amount of relief might make a difference. I am not going into this foolishly optimistic. I know that my birth will be one of extreme pain and physical strain. That's why I am working so hard right now to prepare myself with coping methods. I also know that epiduarals and other medications have many, many longer lasting side effects that I simply do not want. I would rather endure a few hours of extreme pain than risk the potential problems involved with drugs. Not to mention, women who have natural childbirth expriences feel a whole lot better after birth and recover more quickly than those who used drugs. So that's the plan for now. It is subject to change.
I measured myself around my belly again... 44 inches now. And I weigh something like 159 lbs!
Also, I think I'm starting to come up with some idea of what I want for my birth. I've been reading a book about pain relief that lists all of the pros and cons of each pain relief method including side effects and possible complications of all the drugs. This has basically solidified my desire to have an un-drugged birth. I've always got the option of an epidural but I hope not to need it. There are just too many negative side effects and possible complications. So, instead TJ and I are learning the Bradly method of natural childbirth. I'm also going to ask if my doctor might be able to use a local anesthetic when I start the pushing stage. I figure I'd probably tear and need the local anesthetic during stitches anyways, so I'll just ask if she can give me the shot at the beginning of the pushing stage to ease some of the pain in pushing and tearing. I know it won't kill the pain of contractions, but I figure that small amount of relief might make a difference. I am not going into this foolishly optimistic. I know that my birth will be one of extreme pain and physical strain. That's why I am working so hard right now to prepare myself with coping methods. I also know that epiduarals and other medications have many, many longer lasting side effects that I simply do not want. I would rather endure a few hours of extreme pain than risk the potential problems involved with drugs. Not to mention, women who have natural childbirth expriences feel a whole lot better after birth and recover more quickly than those who used drugs. So that's the plan for now. It is subject to change.
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