Almost 2 months

What you're up to

You like to try and push up on your feet when we hold you.  When I nurse you, you do the cutest thing where you move your hand across my chest.  You can sometimes be very wiggly while I am nursing you.  I wonder if it is because you are not getting enough.  I am totally fine nursing you twice a day. You eat about 6 times a day at this point. So I would like to nurse you at least three of those times so that you are getting 1/2 of your food from me.

You have had a rash on your face for a few weeks now.  It sometimes makes your skin quite red.  Now the redness has subsided for the most part, but your skin on your face is very dry and rough.  We put Aquaphor on your face once a day.  You started developing cradle cap earlier this week.  Your Auntie and Uncle came to take care of you Thursday and they bathed you and tried baby oil.  I used Coconut oil based on Dr. Stone (the chripractor)'s suggestion that baby oil could not be absorbed by the skin.  It is looking much better now.

You are awake quite a bit more during the day.  You were quite fussy during the day for a few weeks.  You had your first full chiropractic adjustment on Friday.  On Saturday during the day you were quite a bit more content.  You have also started making sweet baby noises and talking to us.  You will often look people in the eyes when they hold you and talk to you.  You like to stare at our fans.  I am not sure you can see that far away though.  I joke that you are staring at your guardian angel.

What you like

You still love to be bounced.  That is often what you want when you cry.  Sometimes you just want to be held.  Sometimes you are content to be awake in the swing.  It sometimes helps you get to sleep.  You love your soothie pacifier.  It will often halt your crying unless you are very hungry.  You also like vibrating.

Sleeping

We try to give you your last feed around 10 pm.  You usually will go until around 4 am if it is a bottle feeding.  Last night I nursed you, so you only made it to 2 am.  On a normal night you will then go from 4 am until 8 am or so.  I am supposed to get up at 7 am to go with our schedule (7am, 10 am, 1 pm, 4 pm, 7pm, 10 pm, and as long as possible at night).

Since Joshy's mom stayed with us for a few weeks, you have been sleeping in bed with us.  She had you sleep up high on her pillow next to her head.  I had a hard time with that because you would slide down or roll a bit.  I have had you sleeping in the brown boppee pillow.  It works quite well.

Medicine

You have been taking your Xantac now for a few weeks.  I have noticed your reflux doing better, especially at night.  We give you your Xantac before bed.  We had been just putting it into your mouth.  But it tastes and smells bad.  Your Noni had a good idea to put it in 1 ounce of formula, so we have been doing that since Christmas Eve.  It has been working well.

After going to KC for Christmas you started developing some congestion. I have done steaming with you a few times.  That is from my Natural Remedies book.  It involves boiling water and adding tea tree oil, peppermint, and eucalyptis.  I put the towel over the two of us for a bit.  I have also put you in your bouncy seat next to the stove so you breathe in the steam for a bit. This seems to have helped some.  We also have been using a humidifier in our room at night.

eating and pooping

You usually have 1 poop a day.  You will often blow out you outfit if we do not catch it quickly.  You had been eating 3 oz at each feed.  In the last day or two we have gone up to 3.5 or 4 oz at a feed.

My Health

I gained about 1 pound over the Christmas holidays due to the tasty Christmas cookies etc.  So I was 134.4 when I weighed myself the other day.  I am now officially back to Weight Watchers Points Plus! We will see how it goes.  I was able to work out last night, and once earlier this week.  It is a bit harder with you around. I hope to lose 10 - 15 pounds.

I am quite healed otherwise.  I feel like myself, aside from my tummy area.  There is still a bit of extra skin and fat.

Here are a few cute pics of you lately!

This was your first time wearing a bow!

Christmas

Kansas City

My Cousin Kelli and her daugther Kami have been living with your Noni and Grandpa.  Kami was a bit sick so  I was afraid of us staying there.  Your grandpa has also been sick with bronchitis.  They assured me that the house had been well cleaned.  So, we went down there on Friday December 20th.  You only woke up 1 time on the trip.  Your grandpa took some pictures of you.

We had Christmas with my Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Royce, and Aunt Cindy, Kelli, Kami, and Noni and grandpa on Saturday morning.  We then had food and hung out the rest of the day.  There was some ice coming down.  We had thought about taking you to see the plaza lights.

On Sunday morning we went to my grandma's church and met her friends.  We then went to her house for some lunch.  We had very tasty brisket and ham.  Then we went to my dad Phil's house for you to meet him, Maribeth, and my little sisters Nicole and Natalie.  You also met my Aunt Ceci.  They all spoiled you with presents. You were very good on our drive home and did not wake up at all! You did have a blow out though, so I gave you a bath as soon as we got home.

Nebraska

We came home on Sunday December 22nd because your Daddy was off.  We spent some time with him on Monday and Tuesday.  Your Noni and Grandpa came up for Christmas on Christmas Eve.  We went to our church St. Joseph's on Christmas eve for the 4:30 service.  We got there at 3:45 and the the place was packed! We had to sit in the hallway area where they had set up chairs.  We may have to get there at 3:30 next year.  Your Auntie Daisy and Uncle Kevin went to mass with us too.  We then came home to a Christmas dinner of tasty soups, sweet potatoes, and ham.  Your daddy opened presents because had to go to work at 4 am on Christmas day.

On Christmas Day we got up early and made breakfast for your Noni and Grandpa.  We watched some Christmas movies.  We finally got around to presents in the afternoon . We ate lots of Christmas cookies! That is why I am on a diet now :).

What a great first Christmas with you!  You were a very good traveler.

1 month

I can't believe you're one month old now! We are about 1/2 breastfeeding, 1/2 formula.  For some reason I have not been able to pump.  I don't seem to be able to "let down" for the pump.  We have been giving you 3 oz of formula at a time.  We are trying to do a schedule of every 3 hours during the day and 4 at night (or as long as you will sleep :)).  You have had some "reflux" issues where it sounds like you are spitting up, but you swallow it again.  Apparently we were feeding you too much!  The doctor does think you might have some reflux so we are going to give you some medications.  Hopefully we will only have to give it to you until you are 4 months old and can start having rice cereal and pureed big people foods.

You will usually sleep for usually at least one 4 - 5 hour stretch a night now.  Luckily your ummuchi has been in town to watch you during the week until daycare starts.  She has even taken the nights during the week! So, I am pretty well rested right now.

We took you to the doctor today.  You are 10 pounds 5.5 ounces.  You are 22 inches long.  You are in the 87% percentile for your height and weight! You're a pretty healthy baby girl.  You are able to hold your head up for longer periods of time.  You can turn your head from side to side when you do tummy time.

You really love bath time! You don't cry at all during the bath...just afterwards when we have to dry you have.  You just started into your size 1 diapers too!

Thanksgiving and Week 4

I can't believe you're already 3 weeks old plus baby Rose! Your reflux seems to be getting a bit better.  We have been trying to keep you close to 2 ounces when we feed you formula. Breast feeding is going well.  It is still a bit painful at times.  As of now we are doing at least half of your feedings as breast feedings.  I still have not been able to get the breast pump to work.

But, my nipples are in good shape.  You are still a bit fussy in the mornings.  You are still sleeping most of the time.  Yesterday you had your first bout with baby acne! I think it might have had something to do with the chrism oil they used at your baptism.

You got to meet your daddy's parents! They were so excited to meet you.

Thanksgiving

My grandparents, your Noni and Grandpa, cousin Kelli and Kami all came to stay with us from Thanksgiving through your baptism which was on Sunday 12-1.  We had a great time bonding.  Everyone loved holding you and taking care of you.  It was so nice having everyone in the house all together.  Your Ummuchi and Uppachen also came into town last Wednesday, as well as Auntie Dainy.  All of your dad's family came over to the house most of the 4 days too.  So we had a full house! We really enjoyed it though.

Fitness and Health

I was down to 135 pounds as of before Thanksgiving.  I am not sure what it is now! There was a lot of good food over Thanksgiving.  I was able to walk 3 miles before all of the family came.  I have not walked any since then though.  I have been trying to sit up straight and do some ab tightening.  My abs, and especially my lower abs, have so much more flabbiness now!  It is all worth it to have you ;).  But I do wonder if my abs will ever look the same.  Not that they were wonderful before, but I would like to get some of this flab gone.  It is not healthy to have fat there.  I came across an interesting article about fitness.  I need to be sure to teach you that it is good to be strong and healthy.  Working out should be fun.  Part of the goal should be health at least.

Work

It has been a bit tough to not have real maternity leave.  I had to get an item on file the day we came home from the hospital with you! I have had a few actual work days now for meetings.  I am heading back to BNI next week.  I do miss you while I am away from you. But, I find that I enjoy my work and my professional relationships.  My work helps me treasure and enjoy the time that we do have together.

Week 2 and start of Week 3

Week 2

We had our first day with just you and me! Daddy had to go back to work.  I missed him so much! It was great spending time with just the three of us.

Breastfeeding started going much better.  My nipples were healed and my milk seemed to come in.  I still have not been able to pump any milk though.  I seem to have a very strong letdown that you are able to get through.

We went to the doctor about your indigestion/reflux.  You make throat clearing noises a lot.  We were worried the acid was hurting you! We met with our neighbor Dr. Althouse.  He let us know that we are only supposed to be feeding you 2 ounces at a time right now! We had been breastfeeding you PLUS giving you 2 ounces, or juts giving you 3 - 4 ounces of formula.

Week 3
 This week you have been a bit more cranky!  We are still trying to figure you out.  You seem to really like being walked and bounced.

So far you have been sleeping for a few longer stretches at night (from 10 pm through 3:15 last night).  You were sleeping on my chest though.  I have a hard time leaving you sleeping on your back.  You make weird noises clearing your through.  Soon I will just have to put you on your back or side though!

Your daddy thinks maybe you are allergic to milk.  So I guess I have to give up milk for awhile and see if that helps your indigestion at all.

Birth Story

Dear baby Rose,

I am holding you in my lap right now as I type this.  You are such a sweet baby.  I thought this day would never come.  Here is our birth and labor story.

Things Get Started

You did make it though, and a few days early! You were due to be born yesterday 11-14.  You were born instead on Saturday November 9th.  I actually had a lot of contractions on Friday November 8th, but they never became regular.  On Saturday morning about 2 am they started becoming more painful.  I started timing them.  They finally got closer together and were about 3 - 4 minutes apart by around 6 am.  We were taking our time getting ready to head to the hospital.  We knew it would still be awhile before you came. Your daddy sure took his time making special tea with almond milk....it seemed to take him at least 20 minutes! We were lucky that you had started your entry into the world early that morning, so he was able to call into work and be with me all of that day.

The Hospital 

We arrived at the hospital (Saint Elizabeth's in Lincoln, NE) around 6:30 AM.  Unfortunately I was only 1 - 2 cm dilated.  I needed to make it to 10 for you to come! They told me that they would call my midwife but I would likely need to go home to labor there unless I progressed a bit.  Your dad went to run an errand and I started walking the halls of the 4th floor of St. Elizabeth's Hospital.  I would slow down and stop when a contraction came, and kept track of when they were coming, how long they were lasting, and how far apart they were.  Luckily after an hour of walking the floors we made it to 4 cm dilated! We got to stay!

Things Get Real

I had hoped not to get an epidural for various reasons.  But, I knew that I could change my mind.  Joshy was a very good helper once things got going.  The contractions got to be fairly painful from 5 - 6.  We would stand and I would lean on a table in the room.  He would massage my back, or use a massage truck we found out about in our labor and delivery (Lamaze) class through St. Elizabeth's.   Here is a link to one option you can find through Amazon.

I started to feel a lot of pain, and was re-considering my decision on not getting an epidural.  Joshy suggested we try the birthing jacuzzi tub in the birthing suite.  We got that filled up and I got in.  We went through quite a few contractions in there.  It did help slightly but the contractions were getting much stronger.  I was definitely not able to just relax my way through them and "go to a happy place."  I got very scared about dealing with many more hours of this.  We decided to go ahead with the epidural.

Around 4:30 your Auntie Daisy and Uncle Kevin came to the hospital.  Uncle Kevin wanted to give us privacy.  But it was so nice to see Auntie Daisy.  They went to church then, because they had to work the next day.

My midwife (Jill Dolberg) was out of town that weekend, so one of her associates Carol came in to evaluate me.  She had stopped in a few times as I was laboring.  I was at 7.5, and I really wanted the pain to go down.  The anesthesiologist did a good job.  It seemed to take a bit to get all of the fluid in me that I needed.  But I was SO happy to be in no pain.  Luckily my contractions continued to come quite closer together.  A few hours later by 7 pm I was ready to push and was at 10 cm dilated.   Around 7:30 we officially started pushing.  Around this time your Auntie Daisy came by again.  She and your daddy were great helpers coaching me through pushes.  We moved positions often and tried to get as many good pushes out of each contraction as we could.  My epidural had worn off some, so I was able to move myself.  We tried getting on my hands and knees.  By this point your heart rate was dipping a bit during pushing.  So we would push only on every other contraction.  My contractions were very close together.

Labor and pushing seemed to be going well but you got stuck in the birth canal. After 2.5 hours of pushing your heart rate was not doing well when we would push.  And you were not moving.  So we decided to head into the surgery room to see if they could do a vacuum assisted delivery, or do a c-section. Unfortunately you were so high up still a vaccum would not help. We didn't want to do any damage to your head!  Your Auntie Daisy said our doctor back up to midwife would do a good job.  His name was Doctor Gregory Heidrick.  I have to say that I agree with her thoughts.

I was praying very hard that you and I both would come out of this safely.

The c-section process was very odd.  I could still feel and move  my toes just before the surgery. I kept asking them if that was ok.  I did NOT want to feel them cut into me.  Your daddy was standing right next to me holding my hand.  He wanted to stand up to see the action though! It was a very odd feeling when they took you out, and some of my other organs! Your daddy said they took out the uterus to stitch it up.  And it was the size of a basketball! I felt pressure and pain even in my chest.  Your daddy said they were messing with things all the way up there.  My arms and legs were strapped down during the surgery.

I cried when they pulled you out and I heard you crying.  I praised GOD and thanked him for our safety.  I asked your daddy if you were ok and he said you were.  They cut the cord and measured you. You were 8 pounds 11 ounces! Then, you pooped, TWICE.

Your Auntie Daisy was there after the surgery too.  They put you on my chest in the recovery room and you started nursing.  I could not even hold you on my chest I was so tired.  Auntie Daisy and the nurse helped though.

 The c-section was a success. They gave me a binder thing I have been wearing ever since the surgery. It has really helped things move back into place. The incision has healed very nicely. Nothing has come out for several days now. I am starting to feel like myself again! 

So that is how you got here! We are so thankful that you are healthy and here.  Praise the Lord!

First diaper change without crying! - Week 1

You were born on Saturday November 9th at 10:23 pm.  You were 8 pounds 11 ounces! That is pretty big for a person with narrow hips like me.  I had to have a c-section.  You can read our labor and birth post here.

In the Hospital (Sunday, Monday, and part of Tuesday)

The first few days in the hospital went pretty well.  We started working on breastfeeding.  You did very well.  I used lanolin to protect my nipples.  Then, the last night at the hospital (Monday night) you started wanting to feed more often.  I believe they call this cluster feeding.

Tuesday

On Tuesday we headed home from the hospital.  You were down to 7 pounds __ ounces.   When we got home we noticed Uncle Kevin had made a welcome home banner with sweet graphics and crepe paper.  I will have to add a picture of that.

Unfortunately I had taken on a project that needed to be filed with the court on Tuesday. So Tuesday was not a good day.  I was stressed out about getting home to get the filing done.  That day my stress must have affected you.  My nipples ended up getting torn up, so feeding you became very painful.  We did have an appointment set up at Lincoln, OBGYN with Dr. Anderson (a lactation specialist) to work on breast feeding for Wednesday.  Your Auntie Shea in Ireland made a call to me to see how you were doing.  I got the filing done.  But, it was a stressful day.  Adding to the stress, the breastfeeding was not going well.  I was feeling a lot of pressure to feed you all on my own.  That first time home was quite rough.  We put your moses basket on the floor in our room.  It was not fun crawling down on the floor with my incision.  It also was not fun laying flat or getting out of bed.  So I decided to take you downstairs and stay in the livingroom.  Sleeping on the cough worked well.  I could sleep sitting up.  As you woke up through the night it became clear my nipples were a mess.  I was afraid this was happening because you were hungry and not getting enough to eat.  My milk had not fully come in yet.  You were 3 days old at this point.  So I decided to give you some Similac formula the company had sent us.  I tried pumping a few times to keep my supply up, but nothing came out! The third time pumping a tiny bit of colostrum came out.  Around 4:30 I had to take you to your daddy because I was worn out.  He took care of you the rest of the night.

Wednesday

On Wednesday we made our first trip out into the world.  We went to see Dr. Anderson.  We found out that you had gained some wait, but it might have just been the formula.  Then we did a feed at the appointment.  You fed for about 30 minutes and did get 1 ounce of milk out!  So I was encouraged that you were getting milk out, even if our breast pump could not get anything.  We got a prescription for "triple nipple" cream.  It has neosporin, anti-fungal, and antibiotic elements.  This is supposed to help avoid mastitis and other infections due to the open wounds.  I tried this  and then we fed you with formula most of the rest of the day.  I did try a few feeds, but they were quite painful.

Your daddy has been so helpful.  He had changed most of your diapers up to this point at the hospital and at home.

On Wednesday night I was sleeping on the couch to be with you, but my uterus started contracting and I felt chilled and sweaty.  So, your daddy took you most of the night.  I took over about 4:30 a.m.

Thursday

On Thursday we tried feeding with a nipple shield, and pumping.  You did feed for about 15 minutes with the nipple shield and were quite satisfied.  I also tried pumping.  Unfortunately I got NOTHING and there was also breast tissue in the pump.  It had got nothing out and damaged my nipple.  So I was quite annoyed.

Your Auntie Daisy and Uncle Kevin came over to spend some time with you.  They brought over breakfast casserole that was quite tasty.  They loved holding you while you slept.  Uncle Kevin is so good with you.

I had an appointment for breastfeeding, but Dr. Anderson was out of the office.  So we met with a Nurse Practitioner.  She checked you over.  You had gained 2 ounces since Wednesday.   She said we must be doing things right for you to gain weight like that.  We then had a feeding and you gained .5 ounce, but you also peed.  So you might have actually gained another ounce.  I decided to give my breasts a break and we fed you with formula the rest of the day for the most part.

Through all of this you have been such a good baby! You only cry when there is something wrong.  We actually had to start checking your diaper more often than when you cry because we were worried that you were getting a diaper rash.

I slept upstairs with your dad, and you were in the pack and play.  We tried to get you settled in around 1:30, that was not happening.  Your dad took you so that I could get some sleep.

Friday

Your daddy  brought you back at 3:30 or 4:30.  Around 4:30 you started moving around.  I went and changed you and tried to feed you with the nipple shield.  Unfortunately there was quite a bit of blood in the shield! This was with my left breast.  You still fed for 20 minutes and then slept for 4 hours.  You obviously got some good nourishment.  I decided to wait a few days to try on my left again.  I might try with my right again today.  We will see if I end up using a shield, or just my breast.

Today you had your first bath.  You actually didn't cry too much! We had to wash your hair, as you have so much of it.  You also had your first diaper change, after your bath, that you did not cry during! We had a good day.  Generally you would cry every time we would change your diaper.  I started putting one of the small spit up rags over your tummy when we change you to keep you warm.

Here is you all bundled up after your first bath!



Our sweet neighbor Angie and her husband Doug and daughter brought over soup and cookies!  As I write this we are cuddled up in my Sakura Bloom sling.  It is so handy to be able to be close to you, and still have both of my hands free.

Tomorrow your Great Grandma and Great Grandpa are coming to pick up my mom your Noni!  I am so excited to see them.  They are such a great part of my life.  It is actually Great Grandpa's birthday tomorrow.  He is going to be 87! Grandma is still ever the helpful lady and is bringing lots of tasty food with her.

We love you baby Rose! We are so excited to see what the future holds for us.  We are so thankful for your good health so far.  We pray our Heavenly Father will continue to bless you and our family.