Well, today is the first day I've thought about having to send Phil back and man does that stink! He encouraged me to get out of the house for a pedicure, so I uploaded some pictures and had Walmart do the one hour processing thing. I bought him a brag book and a frame so he can have a picture of his family either on his desk at work or in his room. Then I spent a few minutes filling the pages of his brag book with pictures from the past couple of weeks. Of course, I was crying the entire time, in the Walmart parking lot.
I am really going to miss having him around. He's been great about burping her, feeding her bottles when I need to sleep, doing laundry, holding her, doing dishes, cooking dinner, bringing me water, basically being my cabana boy. It's been wonderful! I don't remember him having been so helpful before, since he was working all the time, but I do know he did a lot of stuff around here that I never gave him enough credit for.
Anyway, mom is leaving Nebraska to come here tomorrow. She'll be driving and will make it sometime on Saturday. I think part of Phil wants mom to take him to the airport, so we don't have a mushy goodbye in the terminal, and so he can keep up his tough Army guy thing while in uniform. I don't blame him at all - I know if he says his goodbyes at home, he'll have the drive to the airport to let it all go..... in fact, when he left last November, he left the house like normal in the morning, and so did I. It wasn't until I went to pick up his car from the airport that it sunk in that he was gone. And then it really sunk in. This is the hardest part, but once we get through it, we'll be on the downhill slide for this deployment. Instead of counting down the days until leave, we'll be counting down the days until he's home for good.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Busy, Busy!
We have been super busy the past couple of days, and all I can say is, thank goodness Mackenzie is such a good baby!
Friday, we went to the Dr. for our 2 week visit. She is only measuring 20.2 inches long (she shrunk like they said she might - where the top of her head was swollen when she came out)but now weighs 8 lbs 9.7 oz. She's a growing girl!
She also has a cyst on her right arm, which the pediatrician thought was some type of calcification, maybe from how she was resting in the womb or something. Anyway, we have to keep an eye on that!
Yesterday Terri and her husband Mike came over and took some naked baby pictures and some family photos, since we're all here together. Of course Mackenzie took every opportunity to wet on the soft, fluffy blankets we were using as her backdrops. :) Other than a few pee pee tricks, she was very good.
After that, we went to Lumberton and had dinner at the Outback Steakhouse - and then spent 5 hours buying a new car. Ok, a "new to us" car. Phil made a great point about needing to transport the dogs, groceries, kids, etc. so we bought a Honda Pilot - very nice. Great room, will cost a fortune in gas, but that's ok. It'll get us from point A to B with all of our gear.
Friday, we went to the Dr. for our 2 week visit. She is only measuring 20.2 inches long (she shrunk like they said she might - where the top of her head was swollen when she came out)but now weighs 8 lbs 9.7 oz. She's a growing girl!
She also has a cyst on her right arm, which the pediatrician thought was some type of calcification, maybe from how she was resting in the womb or something. Anyway, we have to keep an eye on that!
Yesterday Terri and her husband Mike came over and took some naked baby pictures and some family photos, since we're all here together. Of course Mackenzie took every opportunity to wet on the soft, fluffy blankets we were using as her backdrops. :) Other than a few pee pee tricks, she was very good.
After that, we went to Lumberton and had dinner at the Outback Steakhouse - and then spent 5 hours buying a new car. Ok, a "new to us" car. Phil made a great point about needing to transport the dogs, groceries, kids, etc. so we bought a Honda Pilot - very nice. Great room, will cost a fortune in gas, but that's ok. It'll get us from point A to B with all of our gear.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Growth Spurt for sure!
Mackenzie is definitely having a growth spurt - we changed a diaper this morning and had to leave behind all the Newborn sizes.... it's amazing that she's already outgrown them. Granted, size 1 diapers are for 8 lbs and up, so technically, she should have missed the newborn size, but we had a couple packages that we needed to us.
I think I will take the rest to the ALMS House around the corner from us, and donate them there, along with a couple of formula samples I recieved.
Baby slept long hours during the night last night. I think she ate at 10:30, then at 2:30 and then again at 6:00 and 7:45 this morning. Which means that Mom and Dad got to sleep a little. The 2:30 feeding was kind of challenging - she get's really frustrated when the milk comes out of the breast so slow and she is starving, so Phil took her and fed her an ounce from a bottle, just to calm her down. Then, she latched right on.
At the 6:00 a.m. feeding, the situation was similar, so he fed her 1/2 an ounce from the bottle, and then latched right on to me. I am obviously trying to avoid the stress of a crying fest, but when she's all wound up like that, we get nothing accomplished and mom gets just as frustrated as baby. I know she needs to learn that milk from me comes out a lot slower and she's going to have to be patient with it, but when her blood sugar is obviously low, her hands get in the way, she can't latch, etc.
So, we are making slow progress, but we are definitely making progress in the nursing dept.
And yes, I got out of the house yesterday. It was 9:30 p.m. but Phil and I took an outting with the sleeping baby to Walmart - not terribly exciting, but we accomplished something at least.
I think I will take the rest to the ALMS House around the corner from us, and donate them there, along with a couple of formula samples I recieved.
Baby slept long hours during the night last night. I think she ate at 10:30, then at 2:30 and then again at 6:00 and 7:45 this morning. Which means that Mom and Dad got to sleep a little. The 2:30 feeding was kind of challenging - she get's really frustrated when the milk comes out of the breast so slow and she is starving, so Phil took her and fed her an ounce from a bottle, just to calm her down. Then, she latched right on.
At the 6:00 a.m. feeding, the situation was similar, so he fed her 1/2 an ounce from the bottle, and then latched right on to me. I am obviously trying to avoid the stress of a crying fest, but when she's all wound up like that, we get nothing accomplished and mom gets just as frustrated as baby. I know she needs to learn that milk from me comes out a lot slower and she's going to have to be patient with it, but when her blood sugar is obviously low, her hands get in the way, she can't latch, etc.
So, we are making slow progress, but we are definitely making progress in the nursing dept.
And yes, I got out of the house yesterday. It was 9:30 p.m. but Phil and I took an outting with the sleeping baby to Walmart - not terribly exciting, but we accomplished something at least.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Happy Birthday Jordan! (Updated)
Jordan is 4 today! Yeah! He got to go to the zoo to celebrate.
We're still just hanging out here. We got a package from Uncle Chris and Aunt Linda for the baby - Piglet and the bathtub - thanks Chris and Linda! (We also got a package from Miss Christine - CUTE purple outfits that she might be wearing when Christine comes to visit in October.)
Phil had to go to Ft. Bragg to take care of some stuff today. It amazes me that while he's on leave he has all these things to do for work. It happens every time.
Meanwhile, baby and I chilled at the house. She's been up most of the day, wanting to eat about every 1 1/2 hours - Aunt Carla said she's about 10 days old, so her first growth spurt. Well, let's just say, I haven't had to pump today once. I also haven't napped today, either. Which I really need.
I am finally well enough to sleep in the bed without feeling like I will split apart my incision again. I guess that means things are on the mend. YEAH! Now, if only I could get out of this fog - I feel like I'm in an altered state of mind - either fatigue or a dreamlike state. Maybe I need to leave the house. :)
We're still just hanging out here. We got a package from Uncle Chris and Aunt Linda for the baby - Piglet and the bathtub - thanks Chris and Linda! (We also got a package from Miss Christine - CUTE purple outfits that she might be wearing when Christine comes to visit in October.)
Phil had to go to Ft. Bragg to take care of some stuff today. It amazes me that while he's on leave he has all these things to do for work. It happens every time.
Meanwhile, baby and I chilled at the house. She's been up most of the day, wanting to eat about every 1 1/2 hours - Aunt Carla said she's about 10 days old, so her first growth spurt. Well, let's just say, I haven't had to pump today once. I also haven't napped today, either. Which I really need.
I am finally well enough to sleep in the bed without feeling like I will split apart my incision again. I guess that means things are on the mend. YEAH! Now, if only I could get out of this fog - I feel like I'm in an altered state of mind - either fatigue or a dreamlike state. Maybe I need to leave the house. :)
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Life with baby
Daddy and Mackenzie - just chillin'
Mommy and Mackenzie - before bedtime
Mackenzie's first bath - she wet on the towel!Saturday, August 18, 2007
Baby Magic!
Wow - so we both just hold little Mackenzie and stare at her all the time. It is as if having this child has somehow erased the rest of the world, and it's just the three of us left. All the bad stuff is gone, and only the innocent and pure remains. I wonder if that's what heaven is like?
We've discovered a thing or two about our little princess. She has Phil's blood type, so she is definitely related to him. She has this little dimple on her tailbone that is identical to his, and when she has her pacifier (she is a suckling fool, I've seen her grab her thumb a few times, too!) in her mouth, her eyes definitely come from her dad! She has his long, skinny toes, too!
Phil is enjoying every moment he can with her. He is such a wonderful, hands on daddy, that I am sure going to miss the involvement when he has to travel back to never never land. I've got a couple more weeks to enjoy it all.
As for the nursing, we tried really hard in the hospital to begin the process, and I think had everyone and their nurse trying to tell us how to do it. The morning that they noticed her bilirubin (jaundice) level was elevated from the previous day, they came into our room at around 2 a.m. to relocate us to a different room, just as I was going to try to feed the child. At 6:00 a.m. we had 6 people in our room, the child was screaming and there was no way we would be successful, so I began to pump (and pump and pump and pump) and we started syringe feeding the child, so she would be nourished. I decided at that moment that I was going to wait until I was home and all the interupptions ceased, and I was able to rest and relax.
So, starting yesterday morning, when I was taking the graveyard shift (Phil takes 2nd shift so I can sleep, I take 3rd so he can), we were all alone and it was before she was actually starving to death, so we gave it a shot! I guess the pumping has helped extract my lazy nipples and she was able to latch on at least a little bit - long enough for me to know it worked!
We tried a total of 3 times yesterday and once today. I am still pumping, but we're getting the hang of it, and we'll have a stockpile of milk if nothing else! Keep your fingers crossed that we continue to progress in this area. It's something I really want to do, and think it's the best thing for her.
We had our first and second outtings yesterday with the baby. First, we went to the pediatrician, her weight gain is good, she's almost back to her birthweight. Her bilirubin level is continuing to go down (yeah!) and she doesn't have any noticeable defects or illnesses (yeah!). So, we go back next Friday. After that, we headed to the AHA to meet Terri. She's going to come over next weekend for some family photos. Just around the corner from the AHA, we went to her new pediatrician to try to establish her as a new patient. Not a success story there, yet.
Last night, we made the first trip to Target. I had to buy some granny panties so that I could continue to wear underwear and not have to worry about being on top of my incision or smushing my still pudgy belly (Uh, Marlene, I lost 13 lbs as of yesterday and still am losing all the fluids they pumped into me. I keep telling everyone that my legs and ankles look like they belong to a 500 lb. woman). And then, we decided it was time for some additional nursing bras, daddy got some stuff for her, etc. We also bought a couple more baby bath towels, since yesterday's bath created a little yellow puddle on one of her towels, and so once we used the second, we were out!
This child has done little aside from eat and sleep, poop and occasionally pee. I know it's normal to sleep a lot, but I think she got in about 22 hours yesterday. Man, what I would give for that much sleep.
Today is more of the same..... eatting, pumping, sleeping, eatting, pumping, sleeping....
We've discovered a thing or two about our little princess. She has Phil's blood type, so she is definitely related to him. She has this little dimple on her tailbone that is identical to his, and when she has her pacifier (she is a suckling fool, I've seen her grab her thumb a few times, too!) in her mouth, her eyes definitely come from her dad! She has his long, skinny toes, too!
Phil is enjoying every moment he can with her. He is such a wonderful, hands on daddy, that I am sure going to miss the involvement when he has to travel back to never never land. I've got a couple more weeks to enjoy it all.
As for the nursing, we tried really hard in the hospital to begin the process, and I think had everyone and their nurse trying to tell us how to do it. The morning that they noticed her bilirubin (jaundice) level was elevated from the previous day, they came into our room at around 2 a.m. to relocate us to a different room, just as I was going to try to feed the child. At 6:00 a.m. we had 6 people in our room, the child was screaming and there was no way we would be successful, so I began to pump (and pump and pump and pump) and we started syringe feeding the child, so she would be nourished. I decided at that moment that I was going to wait until I was home and all the interupptions ceased, and I was able to rest and relax.
So, starting yesterday morning, when I was taking the graveyard shift (Phil takes 2nd shift so I can sleep, I take 3rd so he can), we were all alone and it was before she was actually starving to death, so we gave it a shot! I guess the pumping has helped extract my lazy nipples and she was able to latch on at least a little bit - long enough for me to know it worked!
We tried a total of 3 times yesterday and once today. I am still pumping, but we're getting the hang of it, and we'll have a stockpile of milk if nothing else! Keep your fingers crossed that we continue to progress in this area. It's something I really want to do, and think it's the best thing for her.
We had our first and second outtings yesterday with the baby. First, we went to the pediatrician, her weight gain is good, she's almost back to her birthweight. Her bilirubin level is continuing to go down (yeah!) and she doesn't have any noticeable defects or illnesses (yeah!). So, we go back next Friday. After that, we headed to the AHA to meet Terri. She's going to come over next weekend for some family photos. Just around the corner from the AHA, we went to her new pediatrician to try to establish her as a new patient. Not a success story there, yet.
Last night, we made the first trip to Target. I had to buy some granny panties so that I could continue to wear underwear and not have to worry about being on top of my incision or smushing my still pudgy belly (Uh, Marlene, I lost 13 lbs as of yesterday and still am losing all the fluids they pumped into me. I keep telling everyone that my legs and ankles look like they belong to a 500 lb. woman). And then, we decided it was time for some additional nursing bras, daddy got some stuff for her, etc. We also bought a couple more baby bath towels, since yesterday's bath created a little yellow puddle on one of her towels, and so once we used the second, we were out!
This child has done little aside from eat and sleep, poop and occasionally pee. I know it's normal to sleep a lot, but I think she got in about 22 hours yesterday. Man, what I would give for that much sleep.
Today is more of the same..... eatting, pumping, sleeping, eatting, pumping, sleeping....
Thursday, August 16, 2007
SHE'S HERE, HE'S HERE! (Updated)
After a week of drama, in the hospital and out, I am happy to report that Mackenzie Clare arrived on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 10:45 p.m. weighing an astounding 8 lbs. 5 oz. and a tall 21 1/2 inches long!It was a long ordeal and after 4 or 5 hours of hard pushing, we went to the Operating Room for a C-section. Not the original plan, but nothing I wasn't prepared for.
When I have a chance to upload pictures I will. In the meantime, just picture a beautiful little angel!
Phil arrived safely to the hospital on Tuesday afternoon, tired, but looking great! He fell madly, instantly in love with his little girl and hasn't put her down since he got here!
We are laying low for a bit and will make contact with everyone, but keep checking back here, because you never know what you'll find!
When I have a chance to upload pictures I will. In the meantime, just picture a beautiful little angel!
Phil arrived safely to the hospital on Tuesday afternoon, tired, but looking great! He fell madly, instantly in love with his little girl and hasn't put her down since he got here!
We are laying low for a bit and will make contact with everyone, but keep checking back here, because you never know what you'll find!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Canine Intelligence
Dogs are amazing creatures. I am amazed at their intelligence sometimes. Not like they are geniuses or anything, but I’ve noticed recently how they communicate and what they understand.
For instance, when I get ready in the morning, the last thing I do before walking out of the bathroom is spray my perfume. Once I spray my perfume, both dogs run out of the bathroom into the living room. I also spray hairspray earlier in the routine, but neither one reacts to that.
When I flush the toilet, especially when I’m upstairs, usually I go downstairs because I’m done checking email. This is a cue to head toward the stairs. There are actually a couple of them for heading downstairs – if I turn on/off this little fan up here or if the computer “dings” like a program is closing, they understand that business upstairs is done.
I believe Rudy thinks that when I sit down on the couch and get comfortable it is her cue to want to either play or go outside, unless she desires love and affection, which will cause her to jump on the couch and lay down nearly on top of me so that I can pet her more easily.
They are also very in tuned to the time of day that it is. Miraculously, they both know when it’s about 6:30 or 7:00 a.m. Bradley starts wagging his tail, rather, he thumps it on the floor or the footboard of the bed and Rudy comes out from her under the bed “cave” and shakes and props herself up on the side of the bed so that I know, that she knows that it’s time to eat. And if I don’t look at her or notice that she’s up, she’ll do her little whining thing, which is really more of a whimper. If I say no, she’ll go back under the bed for another 30 – 45 minutes and wait patiently for me, OR if she’s feeling cuddly and she can see a spot on the bed where she can land safely, she’ll jump up, start kissing me and then crawl under the blankets and cuddle with me.
A similar thing happens around 4:00 p.m. (which is weird, I don’t feed them until 5:00). They both look at me like we’re ready to go for a walk, their tails start wagging, Rudy starts running back and forth like she just won the lottery and they look at me until I ask if they are hungry or want to eat.
It’s as if feeding time is their favorite time of day. It’s funny because when I ask if they want to go for a walk, you’d think that was their favorite time of day. And before I put the infant seat in the car, I would take them both to get ice cream (for me, not them) and now I can only take Rudy, but when I ask if they want to “go”, it’s like that is their favorite thing to do today. I guess they just like to be involved and get out of the house and eat. I do feel a little bad for them when they are stuck in the house all day. Rudy wants to go outside so bad, but it’s been too hot for them.
Oh yeah, and when I leave the house and tell them to "be good" it's like they completely understand that they are not coming with me. Rudy will not even make an attempt to go into the garage, which she normally does to sniff around the dog food.
I just looked at Bradley and asked "is it time?" and his ears perked up, tail started wagging and he flew down the stairs, knowing that I plan to feed him any minute now.
For instance, when I get ready in the morning, the last thing I do before walking out of the bathroom is spray my perfume. Once I spray my perfume, both dogs run out of the bathroom into the living room. I also spray hairspray earlier in the routine, but neither one reacts to that.
When I flush the toilet, especially when I’m upstairs, usually I go downstairs because I’m done checking email. This is a cue to head toward the stairs. There are actually a couple of them for heading downstairs – if I turn on/off this little fan up here or if the computer “dings” like a program is closing, they understand that business upstairs is done.
I believe Rudy thinks that when I sit down on the couch and get comfortable it is her cue to want to either play or go outside, unless she desires love and affection, which will cause her to jump on the couch and lay down nearly on top of me so that I can pet her more easily.
They are also very in tuned to the time of day that it is. Miraculously, they both know when it’s about 6:30 or 7:00 a.m. Bradley starts wagging his tail, rather, he thumps it on the floor or the footboard of the bed and Rudy comes out from her under the bed “cave” and shakes and props herself up on the side of the bed so that I know, that she knows that it’s time to eat. And if I don’t look at her or notice that she’s up, she’ll do her little whining thing, which is really more of a whimper. If I say no, she’ll go back under the bed for another 30 – 45 minutes and wait patiently for me, OR if she’s feeling cuddly and she can see a spot on the bed where she can land safely, she’ll jump up, start kissing me and then crawl under the blankets and cuddle with me.
A similar thing happens around 4:00 p.m. (which is weird, I don’t feed them until 5:00). They both look at me like we’re ready to go for a walk, their tails start wagging, Rudy starts running back and forth like she just won the lottery and they look at me until I ask if they are hungry or want to eat.
It’s as if feeding time is their favorite time of day. It’s funny because when I ask if they want to go for a walk, you’d think that was their favorite time of day. And before I put the infant seat in the car, I would take them both to get ice cream (for me, not them) and now I can only take Rudy, but when I ask if they want to “go”, it’s like that is their favorite thing to do today. I guess they just like to be involved and get out of the house and eat. I do feel a little bad for them when they are stuck in the house all day. Rudy wants to go outside so bad, but it’s been too hot for them.
Oh yeah, and when I leave the house and tell them to "be good" it's like they completely understand that they are not coming with me. Rudy will not even make an attempt to go into the garage, which she normally does to sniff around the dog food.
I just looked at Bradley and asked "is it time?" and his ears perked up, tail started wagging and he flew down the stairs, knowing that I plan to feed him any minute now.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
The hottest day of the year - so far
Thank you Megan F. for taking this picture today. I promise, this is the last one. I don't know if I've grown any more or not, I feel like I have, but who knows. She definitely has not dropped. We've had record temps, as has 1/2 the country. I had to venture out today to do a little last minute shopping for some birthday gifts, thank you gifts, milk and of course, lunch with my friend.
As for my "condition", I noticed that the baby moved a little and I have had more contractions today than I've had, and they are getting slightly stronger. I'm still not sure if they are real, but I figure now is the time to get everything done anyway, just in case. :)
I still need to bake some cookies for Phil and vacuum the house for the guests. It won't be perfect, but it will be done!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Phil Called!
Yeah - Phil called last night! He sounded both exhausted and ready to come home for a rest.
I am always amazed at how he can keep going, day in and day out working the crazy hours and keeping his sanity. Let's just say by 3 a.m. or whatever time it was for him, he's a little cynical and cranky. He told me he laid into someone and made them cry.... I know he has no patience for stupidity, and I'm sure that is what had been exhibited by whomever.
We didn't get to talk long, just enough for him to let me know his flight on Sunday is from Kuwait, so I expect him to be in Fayetteville sometime on Monday the 13th. Depending on what time they have an available bed for the labor induction, and how long that process takes, I think he stands a really good chance of witnessing her birth.
My friend Kristen told me that it took about 12 hours for the cervix softening thing to work before they gave her the pitocin went into labor, so, not that I want to sit there for that long waiting, but I won't be in a huge hurry if he's not here.
I'm amazed at how things just seem to be falling in place. Like I told Mom tonight, I obviously have had to plan for many things, including having several plan B's, C's and D's (which are still in place) and no matter what I did or didn't do, things just divinely continue to fall into place, which gives me just an ounce of serenity. Even though I have woken up with several stress dreams lately. Couldn't be because there's a lot going on right now, huh?
I am always amazed at how he can keep going, day in and day out working the crazy hours and keeping his sanity. Let's just say by 3 a.m. or whatever time it was for him, he's a little cynical and cranky. He told me he laid into someone and made them cry.... I know he has no patience for stupidity, and I'm sure that is what had been exhibited by whomever.
We didn't get to talk long, just enough for him to let me know his flight on Sunday is from Kuwait, so I expect him to be in Fayetteville sometime on Monday the 13th. Depending on what time they have an available bed for the labor induction, and how long that process takes, I think he stands a really good chance of witnessing her birth.
My friend Kristen told me that it took about 12 hours for the cervix softening thing to work before they gave her the pitocin went into labor, so, not that I want to sit there for that long waiting, but I won't be in a huge hurry if he's not here.
I'm amazed at how things just seem to be falling in place. Like I told Mom tonight, I obviously have had to plan for many things, including having several plan B's, C's and D's (which are still in place) and no matter what I did or didn't do, things just divinely continue to fall into place, which gives me just an ounce of serenity. Even though I have woken up with several stress dreams lately. Couldn't be because there's a lot going on right now, huh?
Monday, August 6, 2007
Nonstress Test #1 and Doris Ann, my doula
Today I went in for NST #1 this week. I have another scheduled on Thursday morning. Basically, when a baby goes past it's due date they make sure the baby is ok in there. They hook us up to monitors to check heartbeats, movements, etc. (She's doing great!)
Then they do an AFI, which is something about measuring the amniotic fluid. At first, they didn't think she had much, so I asked the question..... if there's not enough in there, would I be induced earlier (answer is yes!) but they found some.
I also asked, since I currently do not have an appointment in the clinic (I was in Labor & Delivery today and Thursday) if she could check my cervix. Still nothing happening there either. Whatever I felt yesterday must have been my imagination, dehydration or constipation. (not really, but it rhymes....)
And finally, the answer to literally the biggest question I have, "is she really 8 lbs?" And the answer to that is "YEAH, she's about 8 lbs" and the answer to the follow up question about whether or not she'll fit coming out, "no one knows until you try".
The beautiful thing is that next Monday at this time, instead of writing on my blog, I will be in some form of labor or another. There is a light at the end of this LONG, LONG, LONG tunnel!
Not to close on a down note, but my doula, Doris Ann lost her mom last night. I believe she had some form of cancer (maybe lung cancer?) and fought for a long time. I called her after my appointment this morning to tell her that I am fine and hanging in there, and I could tell something was wrong. She's been staying in the hospital with her around the clock (when she's not helping with a birth) to be there for her. Please remember her and her family in your prayers. The funeral is Wednesday. She did say, "Don't worry about me. I have to do this for you guys, it will really help me a lot".
I keep thinking that little Mackenzie is something of an angel. I mean, of course she is, but she was conceived when no one thought she would or could be, she has helped keep her mommy and daddy both close and positive throughout an unexpectedly long deployment, she was conceived within days of one of my grandmothers' passing away, AND she seems to understand that she needs to wait just a little longer for Daddy and even Doris Ann. She's just a little miracle in so many ways, and certainly a gift from God. I hope I can always remember that.
Then they do an AFI, which is something about measuring the amniotic fluid. At first, they didn't think she had much, so I asked the question..... if there's not enough in there, would I be induced earlier (answer is yes!) but they found some.
I also asked, since I currently do not have an appointment in the clinic (I was in Labor & Delivery today and Thursday) if she could check my cervix. Still nothing happening there either. Whatever I felt yesterday must have been my imagination, dehydration or constipation. (not really, but it rhymes....)
And finally, the answer to literally the biggest question I have, "is she really 8 lbs?" And the answer to that is "YEAH, she's about 8 lbs" and the answer to the follow up question about whether or not she'll fit coming out, "no one knows until you try".
The beautiful thing is that next Monday at this time, instead of writing on my blog, I will be in some form of labor or another. There is a light at the end of this LONG, LONG, LONG tunnel!
Not to close on a down note, but my doula, Doris Ann lost her mom last night. I believe she had some form of cancer (maybe lung cancer?) and fought for a long time. I called her after my appointment this morning to tell her that I am fine and hanging in there, and I could tell something was wrong. She's been staying in the hospital with her around the clock (when she's not helping with a birth) to be there for her. Please remember her and her family in your prayers. The funeral is Wednesday. She did say, "Don't worry about me. I have to do this for you guys, it will really help me a lot".
I keep thinking that little Mackenzie is something of an angel. I mean, of course she is, but she was conceived when no one thought she would or could be, she has helped keep her mommy and daddy both close and positive throughout an unexpectedly long deployment, she was conceived within days of one of my grandmothers' passing away, AND she seems to understand that she needs to wait just a little longer for Daddy and even Doris Ann. She's just a little miracle in so many ways, and certainly a gift from God. I hope I can always remember that.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Free Coffee
FREE FOLGERS SAMPLE (It was their idea- Proctor & Gamble- to post this link on my blog)
So, today I decided to go online and get a free sample of coffee. It looks good, and I've already bought some to send to Phil. But before I buy it for me, I want to try it, so if you're a coffee drinker, I've included the link so that you can get a free sample too.
Otherwise, today has been kind of boring. I'm having a few contractions, nothing major, probably just dehydrated, since it's like 700 degrees outside today. I've also felt some weird sensations "down there" and am thinking maybe my cervix is actually starting to soften and perhaps dilate. She hasn't dropped yet, though, although I do feel like someone has kicked me in the pelvic bone and bruised me pretty good - must be the bones moving around to make room - it's been the most painful ever for the past 2 days.
I did get to enjoy reading the Sunday paper and having my 1/2 caff coffee. It's been a rather relaxing kind of day. I still need to get out and run to Walmart for some milk and a couple other things, but I've got plenty of time for that!
So, today I decided to go online and get a free sample of coffee. It looks good, and I've already bought some to send to Phil. But before I buy it for me, I want to try it, so if you're a coffee drinker, I've included the link so that you can get a free sample too.
Otherwise, today has been kind of boring. I'm having a few contractions, nothing major, probably just dehydrated, since it's like 700 degrees outside today. I've also felt some weird sensations "down there" and am thinking maybe my cervix is actually starting to soften and perhaps dilate. She hasn't dropped yet, though, although I do feel like someone has kicked me in the pelvic bone and bruised me pretty good - must be the bones moving around to make room - it's been the most painful ever for the past 2 days.
I did get to enjoy reading the Sunday paper and having my 1/2 caff coffee. It's been a rather relaxing kind of day. I still need to get out and run to Walmart for some milk and a couple other things, but I've got plenty of time for that!
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Which Way is Out?
How cool would it be if there was a flashing neon sign next to the placenta in the womb with a huge arrow, pointing the way out into the world? BIRTH CANAL EXIT HERE or LIFE OUTSIDE THE WOMB 12 INCHES. Do you think that would freak a kid out? I suppose it probably would, since holding a flashlight to your tummy makes them move a little.
Of course, if we had that, we’d probably all be born able to follow directions and I know for a fact that following directions is learned behavior. And some people learn that the hard way. Oh yeah, and the whole reading thing. There would be no reason for school if we came out reading signs….
Of course, if we had that, we’d probably all be born able to follow directions and I know for a fact that following directions is learned behavior. And some people learn that the hard way. Oh yeah, and the whole reading thing. There would be no reason for school if we came out reading signs….
Friday, August 3, 2007
Thank God I'm not an Elephant!
Today's post is for Megan, since she insisted that I do one every day! :)
I just read that if I were an elephant, I'd only be 1/2 way done with gestation! Can you imagine? 18 months of carrying a baby?
So, the only 2 ways to naturally induce labor yourself are walking and sex. I've been walking, and well, the other is quite out of the question until my husband is home.... so I guess walking it is!
The Evening Primrose Oil might actually be working to soften my cervix. I've felt a few little new sensations in that area, so hopefully that's a good sign. But, when I got out of the shower and saw my belly in the mirror, I could tell her little head was still way out in front on the right side - since there was a head shaped bulge at the bottom of my belly. Looks like I've got that Dunlap's syndrome - you know, when your belly "dun lapped over your belt".
Thursday, August 2, 2007
No Wonder....
It's no wonder I am getting impatient and antsy and frustrated and kind of depressed all at the same time.... I feel like time is standing still, waiting for the two most important things that are supposed to happen to me this year.
It's like when you are a little kid and you are waiting for Christmas, the first day of school, a booster shot, a trip to the dentist, having a 20 page paper due tomorrow that you haven't even done the research on, moving to a new place and your birthday party all at one time!
It's funny how both events are so wonderful, and yet there is an excrutiating amount of pain associated with each. I'm excited to have this baby and to see my husband, but I am dreading the pain of both childbirth and having to send him back for another 8 1/2 months. (At least with childbirth, they can give me drugs.)
There is a column in the Fayetteville Observer each week in the Military Section (which most papers don't have, I realize) written by an Army Wife who lives here. Today's column was her account of the seemingly simple trip to the airport and their goodbye as her husband deployed on July 4 to join a unit that is already gone. Of course, hearing about and imagining other people's goodbye's are sometimes just as tough as living your own. During your own you have to put one foot in front of the other and just make it through each moment. During someone else's you can feel the emotions that go along with it, not just for them, but for yourself.
When Phil and I were heading back home from our honeymoon, there was a family in the Honolulu airport that was sending Dad back after his 2 weeks of leave. Watching them all hugging and trying to be strong gave me a glimpse into my own future and helped me to understand what I would someday experience. You know, I cried for probably 15 minutes for those complete strangers as we watched them say their goodbyes and him board the plane. I'll never forget the little girl waiting and waving the airplane goodbye, standing in the window until she couldn't see it anymore. Phil had just watched them silently.....
It's like when you are a little kid and you are waiting for Christmas, the first day of school, a booster shot, a trip to the dentist, having a 20 page paper due tomorrow that you haven't even done the research on, moving to a new place and your birthday party all at one time!
It's funny how both events are so wonderful, and yet there is an excrutiating amount of pain associated with each. I'm excited to have this baby and to see my husband, but I am dreading the pain of both childbirth and having to send him back for another 8 1/2 months. (At least with childbirth, they can give me drugs.)
There is a column in the Fayetteville Observer each week in the Military Section (which most papers don't have, I realize) written by an Army Wife who lives here. Today's column was her account of the seemingly simple trip to the airport and their goodbye as her husband deployed on July 4 to join a unit that is already gone. Of course, hearing about and imagining other people's goodbye's are sometimes just as tough as living your own. During your own you have to put one foot in front of the other and just make it through each moment. During someone else's you can feel the emotions that go along with it, not just for them, but for yourself.
When Phil and I were heading back home from our honeymoon, there was a family in the Honolulu airport that was sending Dad back after his 2 weeks of leave. Watching them all hugging and trying to be strong gave me a glimpse into my own future and helped me to understand what I would someday experience. You know, I cried for probably 15 minutes for those complete strangers as we watched them say their goodbyes and him board the plane. I'll never forget the little girl waiting and waving the airplane goodbye, standing in the window until she couldn't see it anymore. Phil had just watched them silently.....
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