Phew, today has been a busy day. It started with Elise waking up every three hours all night. She's normally been sleeping for about 3 hours and 30-45 minutes between each feeding at night so this was rough on my system. In addition, we had two doctors' appointments today so all night I kept thinking about how I wouldn't be able to sleep in at all so the lack of sleep became even more as I was lying in bed thinking about how I wasn't going to get enough sleep. Lame.
Since Elise woke up more frequently than usual, the plan to feed her right before we left was a bit muddled so I fed her a smaller amount an hour before I had planned to and then fed her more right before we left. Luckily, it worked and she made it through her appointment without getting hungry.
Her first appointment was with the pediatric nephrologist (kidney doctor) for her high blood pressure. She managed to stay awake for the whole drive there, the whole appointment and the walk to the car. Her blood pressure was stable (though still high). For now he's leaving her on the same dose of medication and will see her again in a month. He said that it's extremely common for premature babies born between 24 and 29 weeks (like Elise) to have high blood pressure and that it's also common when there was a placental problem (like in our case). Normally the blood pressure will even out about 3-4 months before the baby's first birthday so we'll be seeing him every month for a while.
After that appointment we went to McDonalds for vanilla iced coffees (or however you call it when it comes from a machine at a fast food restaurant...still trying to figure that one out but they seem to get it much more easily than my drink at Starbucks :)). If you haven't tried them, I recommend doing so. While Elise was in the hospital, I went to McDonalds for lunch quite a bit, and one day they were handing out punch cards for free coffees after you buy a few so we've gone there a couple of times when we've been exhaused and need a little boost.
With our coffees in hand, we came home, put Elise down for a short nap, ate leftovers for lunch, pumped (me, not Kit :)), fed Elise and then left again an hour after we got home for her next appointment - with the pediatrician.
The appointment with the pediatrician went well. I've never really understood when mom's have talked about going to appointments with a huge list of questions. Last week I had maybe two questions that were quickly answered, but I think that was only because we had just brought her home from the NICU where I had just asked all my final questions. This week I had my list - with eight questions - and I even came up with a couple more questions while we were there.
We have a wonderful pediatrician who is very focused on answering all of your questions and not having you leave still wondering about anything. She answers each question very well, even when they're the kind of stilly questions that you'd never ask your own doctor because they would act like you were dumb.
The most exciting part of the visit? Not only is Elise an even 7 pounds, she's almost on the growth charts for her weight!!! That's really, really good news in the world of preemies! After her weight comes on the charts, I believe it's length next and then head, but I might have those backward. Our baby girl is growing fast, we're loving every moment!
She's started grasping and using her hands a lot in the past few days. She grabs blankets, wash cloths during feedings, our clothes, and has even managed to grasp at daddy's chest hair through his shirt. Although it was completely accidental on her part, in the car today she grabbed onto her pacifier holder (a cute pink flower that the pacifier pops into) and put her own pacifier almost in her mouth (went straight for her mouth but forgot to actually open said mouth so that it could go in).
She's also started focusing more on whatever she's looking at, which means she's focusing a lot more when she looks at us. It's precious!
Well, I need to be off to go help Kit give Coco a bath while Elise is sleeping. Sorry for the lack of photos, but don't worry, you'll get plenty of looks at our cutie soon enough!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
A Day of Firsts
This morning Elise had her first big spit up since being home. She had a few smalls ones, but this one involved her spitting up what I would estimate to be nearly all of the 50 cc (1-2/3 ounces) that she had already eaten. It was a feeding involving her vitamins so I think that the flavor (which Kit informed me yesterday is supposedly "cherry" according the the bottle - yeah right, maybe rotten cherries mixed with cod liver oil) just didn't sit right with her. And guess where the spit up went...all over my tank top and shorts. Yum. Luckily I hadn't actually showered or dressed for the day.
Initially this post was going to just be about the spit up adventure. Because what adult doesn't wish that their mom had documented the day in which they had their first large, projectile vomiting experience at home? But Elise had other plans.
Following the spit up, I put Elise down for a nap to get some things done around the house while Kit went to work on a school project. When she awoke, she helped me get her bottle ready (aka fussed while pooping in my arms as I got her bottle ready). Then I went to change her while her milk warmed. It was clear as I took her diaper off that she was probably still working on filling said diaper so I attempted to hurry. However, the substance already in the diaper was rather persistent and difficult to remove from her bum so it was taking longer than I wanted.
It was during this time that she had a huge blow out. Huge as in all over both her dirty and clean diapers, all over the wipe I was holding, all over my hands and nearly up to my elbow (no exaggeration), all over the receiving blanket I had under her on the changing pad to swaddle her with and to keep the changing pad cover from getting dirty in just such a situation, and even a little on the actually changing pad cover.
Many wipes, another diaper, lots of Purell (for my hand and arm), clean clothes (she didn't actually get it on her other clothes but was due for an outfit change), a clean changing pad cover and a clean receiving blanket later, she feels much better. Oh, and I wish I had my camera handy right after she did her deed because she had the cutest look on her face. Her eyes were wide open and darting around and her little mouth was in the shape of a small "o" as if to say, "Oh, well, hmm, that felt surprisingly good."
In bed awaiting new clothes while I cleaned up the mess on the changing table.
All clean!
How fun are those ruffles?
I know this is blurry, but her little pouty face is just too darn cute!
Initially this post was going to just be about the spit up adventure. Because what adult doesn't wish that their mom had documented the day in which they had their first large, projectile vomiting experience at home? But Elise had other plans.
Following the spit up, I put Elise down for a nap to get some things done around the house while Kit went to work on a school project. When she awoke, she helped me get her bottle ready (aka fussed while pooping in my arms as I got her bottle ready). Then I went to change her while her milk warmed. It was clear as I took her diaper off that she was probably still working on filling said diaper so I attempted to hurry. However, the substance already in the diaper was rather persistent and difficult to remove from her bum so it was taking longer than I wanted.
It was during this time that she had a huge blow out. Huge as in all over both her dirty and clean diapers, all over the wipe I was holding, all over my hands and nearly up to my elbow (no exaggeration), all over the receiving blanket I had under her on the changing pad to swaddle her with and to keep the changing pad cover from getting dirty in just such a situation, and even a little on the actually changing pad cover.
Many wipes, another diaper, lots of Purell (for my hand and arm), clean clothes (she didn't actually get it on her other clothes but was due for an outfit change), a clean changing pad cover and a clean receiving blanket later, she feels much better. Oh, and I wish I had my camera handy right after she did her deed because she had the cutest look on her face. Her eyes were wide open and darting around and her little mouth was in the shape of a small "o" as if to say, "Oh, well, hmm, that felt surprisingly good."
In bed awaiting new clothes while I cleaned up the mess on the changing table.
All clean!
How fun are those ruffles?
I know this is blurry, but her little pouty face is just too darn cute!Update 5/28: I realized I forgot to mention another first of Elise's from this day. She watched her first movie - Top Gun. Much like her friend Anthony who recently watched his first movie at home, she slept through the whole thing.
I Am Remiss
As a proud aunt, I have fallen down on the job. My sister-in-law had her beautiful baby girl, London Elizabeth, on Friday. Both mom and baby are doing well. Kirsten and I were due one day apart so London is about the age Elise should have been were she to have been born full term.
Congrats, Kirsten and Benji! Boston, welcome to the whirlwind that is being a big sister! London, welcome to thecrazy family!
And speaking of my due date, today is it. Or today was it. It's strange to think about having an 11.5-week-old on your due date. We know quite a few people who are due right around now and who have just had their babies, and I will say that there's a mourning process for me in not getting to experience having an identifiably pregnant belly (strangers had really just begun to finally say something to me about being pregnant when I had Elise) and actually going even close to full term. When/if we have another baby, if I do go full term, I'll have no idea what I'm even doing. We never even went to childbirth classes. :) (For those who have gone full term with babies, no need to explain the discomfort, readiness to be done, etc. I do know that going full term isn't necessarily the most pleasant experience, but it is something I missed out on so I'm a bit bummed. But having my beautiful, healthy baby girl is completely worth it!)
For those of you inclined to look at a calendar closely, the due date I had been given and the one the hospital used were slightly different. I'm not actually sure where the hospital got their date or even how they count in the hospital since everyone seems to have their own way, but I do know that at one point the NICU doctor said that Elise actually seemed a week younger than they were estimating so I guess it really does all come out in the wash anyway.
And because I'd be doubly remiss to neglect posting photos of my adorable baby girl. Here she is after our walk this evening.
This walking business is tiring.
Enjoying some tummy time. And discovering that it's a great way to get out some of her gas. When she's 13, she's going to love that I blogged about that discovery.
Congrats, Kirsten and Benji! Boston, welcome to the whirlwind that is being a big sister! London, welcome to the
And speaking of my due date, today is it. Or today was it. It's strange to think about having an 11.5-week-old on your due date. We know quite a few people who are due right around now and who have just had their babies, and I will say that there's a mourning process for me in not getting to experience having an identifiably pregnant belly (strangers had really just begun to finally say something to me about being pregnant when I had Elise) and actually going even close to full term. When/if we have another baby, if I do go full term, I'll have no idea what I'm even doing. We never even went to childbirth classes. :) (For those who have gone full term with babies, no need to explain the discomfort, readiness to be done, etc. I do know that going full term isn't necessarily the most pleasant experience, but it is something I missed out on so I'm a bit bummed. But having my beautiful, healthy baby girl is completely worth it!)
For those of you inclined to look at a calendar closely, the due date I had been given and the one the hospital used were slightly different. I'm not actually sure where the hospital got their date or even how they count in the hospital since everyone seems to have their own way, but I do know that at one point the NICU doctor said that Elise actually seemed a week younger than they were estimating so I guess it really does all come out in the wash anyway.
And because I'd be doubly remiss to neglect posting photos of my adorable baby girl. Here she is after our walk this evening.
This walking business is tiring.
Enjoying some tummy time. And discovering that it's a great way to get out some of her gas. When she's 13, she's going to love that I blogged about that discovery.Monday, May 25, 2009
A Beautiful Time
We are loving having Elise home! I cannot tell you how amazing it is to have your baby girl with you 24/7 after 75 days of not having her home. No long drives, to elevator rides, to calling to be let into the NICU, no waiting in line to wash your hands, no nurses to ask permission of, no screens to roll around and maneuver in attempts to have some privacy, no phone calls from the doctor to both look forward to and dread, no wires, no machines - just a beautiful baby girl.
She's slept fairly well through the night (waking every 3-4 hours to be changed and eat), and we're getting used to all her grunting and fussing due to gas/pooping throughout the night so that we can sleep through the sounds that don't require our attention.
She's had a few spells since being home, mainly during feedings where she's having her medicine or vitamins. Tonight I had a bit of a scare during a feeding without medicine or vitamins and had to yell across the house for Kit because she wasn't responding, but the sounds of me yelling actually helped stimulate her to breath. There's not really anything we can do about the bad tasting vitamins and medicine other than what we're already doing, which is adding them to some milk. However, the pediatrician recommended asking the nephrologist whether it might be possible to change her to a once-a-day dose rather than twice-a-day so that it at least limits the amount of times she might have a spell. In general though, she's not having them all that frequently and should grow out of them with time.
We've been able to get out for walks around the neighborhood the last three evenings. We put Ellie in the sling my aunt Laurie bought us as a baby shower gift, which holds her perfectly and is also very comfortable for me. Coco's been glad to be back out in the neighborhood and has been piddling lots in various yards to make up for lost walking time.
Speaking of Coco, he's is adjusting well. To avoid germs while she's still so susceptible to everything, we aren't letting him get very close to her other than to occasionally sniff her bum (through a blanket and/or her clothes, of course) or her feet. When she cries and is near enough for him to try to reach her, he tries to lick her face to comfort her. It's precious.
The wonderful thing about having Elise in the NICU is that most noises don't phase her at all. So when she's sleeping, nothing wakes her up. Some noises bother her a bit (like the loose board on the floor near one end of her bed), but most things don't. I'm not sure if it's from being around so many noises in the NICU or because she heard it a lot before she was born, but Coco's bark (he's an alert barker and likes to let us know if anyone is walking by the house) doesn't bother her. I had read that often noises baby's hear frequently before being born aren't as bothersome after they are born. Regardless of why, we're glad she doesn't wake up every time he barks.
My parents and youngest brother came to visit yesterday. My dad hadn't seen Elise since she was born, and Jonny hadn't seen her at all since he's not old enough to be allowed in the NICU. It was wonderful to see my family and to just hang out at home with them and Elise.
Tonight we gave Elise her first at-home bath. We used her adorable pink tub complete with a net to help keep her comfy that my friend Martha gave us. Thanks, Martha! It works wonderfully! I'm pretty sure a bit more of Elise's hair came off the top of her head. It's hard to believe she's old enough to start loosing some of her newborn hair.
Oh, and starting a couple of days before she left the NICU, I began noticing that it appeared that Elise was getting the normal little bald spot on the back of her head from lying on her back. Sure enough, it's been gradually growing. Since she's 11 weeks old, I think this is probably the normal time to start getting it; however, since her head is just now getting to be newborn sized, it's a tiny spot. I'll have to get a photo sometime soon.
All dolled up for her first appointment with the pediatrician. Unfortunately, no one actually saw her outfit other than Kit and I...but it was fun getting her dressed up! The headband is another one from Trish.
Swaddled in her sleep sack on the floor for a minute while I changed the sheets from her first spit up in bed.
Looking cute after eating.
Cuddling with mommy.
Her first time being held by grandpa. She loved being held by him and slept soundly (with a few grunts here and there).
Enjoying meeting Uncle Jonny.
He did a fantastic job holding her and was a good comforter when she was a little fussy from gas.
Our first while family picture. Not the best, but a memory nonetheless. :)
Cuddling in her bouncy seat from our neighbor Colleen. The upright position is great for keeping her reflux from bothering her if we need to put her down for any reason soon after a meal. (Her bed is elevated, but she does better if she's held or in her seat for at least 15 minutes after a meal.)
Where she is now. Can you see the cute drool on the right side of her mouth? She had a good dinner. And I think she enjoys being home.
She's slept fairly well through the night (waking every 3-4 hours to be changed and eat), and we're getting used to all her grunting and fussing due to gas/pooping throughout the night so that we can sleep through the sounds that don't require our attention.
She's had a few spells since being home, mainly during feedings where she's having her medicine or vitamins. Tonight I had a bit of a scare during a feeding without medicine or vitamins and had to yell across the house for Kit because she wasn't responding, but the sounds of me yelling actually helped stimulate her to breath. There's not really anything we can do about the bad tasting vitamins and medicine other than what we're already doing, which is adding them to some milk. However, the pediatrician recommended asking the nephrologist whether it might be possible to change her to a once-a-day dose rather than twice-a-day so that it at least limits the amount of times she might have a spell. In general though, she's not having them all that frequently and should grow out of them with time.
We've been able to get out for walks around the neighborhood the last three evenings. We put Ellie in the sling my aunt Laurie bought us as a baby shower gift, which holds her perfectly and is also very comfortable for me. Coco's been glad to be back out in the neighborhood and has been piddling lots in various yards to make up for lost walking time.
Speaking of Coco, he's is adjusting well. To avoid germs while she's still so susceptible to everything, we aren't letting him get very close to her other than to occasionally sniff her bum (through a blanket and/or her clothes, of course) or her feet. When she cries and is near enough for him to try to reach her, he tries to lick her face to comfort her. It's precious.
The wonderful thing about having Elise in the NICU is that most noises don't phase her at all. So when she's sleeping, nothing wakes her up. Some noises bother her a bit (like the loose board on the floor near one end of her bed), but most things don't. I'm not sure if it's from being around so many noises in the NICU or because she heard it a lot before she was born, but Coco's bark (he's an alert barker and likes to let us know if anyone is walking by the house) doesn't bother her. I had read that often noises baby's hear frequently before being born aren't as bothersome after they are born. Regardless of why, we're glad she doesn't wake up every time he barks.
My parents and youngest brother came to visit yesterday. My dad hadn't seen Elise since she was born, and Jonny hadn't seen her at all since he's not old enough to be allowed in the NICU. It was wonderful to see my family and to just hang out at home with them and Elise.
Tonight we gave Elise her first at-home bath. We used her adorable pink tub complete with a net to help keep her comfy that my friend Martha gave us. Thanks, Martha! It works wonderfully! I'm pretty sure a bit more of Elise's hair came off the top of her head. It's hard to believe she's old enough to start loosing some of her newborn hair.
Oh, and starting a couple of days before she left the NICU, I began noticing that it appeared that Elise was getting the normal little bald spot on the back of her head from lying on her back. Sure enough, it's been gradually growing. Since she's 11 weeks old, I think this is probably the normal time to start getting it; however, since her head is just now getting to be newborn sized, it's a tiny spot. I'll have to get a photo sometime soon.
All dolled up for her first appointment with the pediatrician. Unfortunately, no one actually saw her outfit other than Kit and I...but it was fun getting her dressed up! The headband is another one from Trish.
Swaddled in her sleep sack on the floor for a minute while I changed the sheets from her first spit up in bed.
Looking cute after eating.
Cuddling with mommy.
Her first time being held by grandpa. She loved being held by him and slept soundly (with a few grunts here and there).
Enjoying meeting Uncle Jonny.
He did a fantastic job holding her and was a good comforter when she was a little fussy from gas.
Our first while family picture. Not the best, but a memory nonetheless. :)
Cuddling in her bouncy seat from our neighbor Colleen. The upright position is great for keeping her reflux from bothering her if we need to put her down for any reason soon after a meal. (Her bed is elevated, but she does better if she's held or in her seat for at least 15 minutes after a meal.)
Where she is now. Can you see the cute drool on the right side of her mouth? She had a good dinner. And I think she enjoys being home.
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