Wednesday, July 30, 2008
"my baby"
I've come to realize that I'm just the surrogate mom to Emerson. To Sofia he is "my baby". She tells me when he's hungry, needs a diaper change, needs to sleep, where to put him to sleep. She asks "is my baby awake?" And wants to hold him a lot! Emerson, are you ready for two mamas?
sofia's perspective
Yesterday when Sofia was drawing, she drew two lines, and said "mommy and daddy". Then she drew a tiny line, and said "baby". Finally, she drew a great big line, and said "Sofia". This is a great insight to how she sees the world right now. She is the BIG sister!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
thoughts
Some thoughts I wanted to write while I was in the hospital, but didn't get a chance...
* Poor Emerson - it took me a full week to get his name straight! I think I have called him every name of every baby boy we know! He has been Dominic, Sebastian, Milo, Russel, Logan, etc. I think I've finally got it down!
* While sitting with Emerson in the hospital, I felt llike I was in an altered state of reality. It was difficult to realize that while I was having a similar experience to what I had when Sofia was born - that being in the hospital, holding my new born baby, and having only that responsibility - it wasn't the same, because in reality I did have a three-year-old at home waiting for me!
Now, being home, it is a push-pull of wanting to give Emerson the attention I gave to Sofia when she was a newborn, but I also want to give Sofia the attention she needs as a young child.
* Poor Emerson - it took me a full week to get his name straight! I think I have called him every name of every baby boy we know! He has been Dominic, Sebastian, Milo, Russel, Logan, etc. I think I've finally got it down!
* While sitting with Emerson in the hospital, I felt llike I was in an altered state of reality. It was difficult to realize that while I was having a similar experience to what I had when Sofia was born - that being in the hospital, holding my new born baby, and having only that responsibility - it wasn't the same, because in reality I did have a three-year-old at home waiting for me!
Now, being home, it is a push-pull of wanting to give Emerson the attention I gave to Sofia when she was a newborn, but I also want to give Sofia the attention she needs as a young child.
Monday, July 28, 2008
good report!
Friday was Emerson's first visit to the doctor. He has regained his birthweight, which is great, and his lungs sound clear. At 9lbs and 21 3/4", he is 95% for weight, and off the charts for height! Dr. West kept referring to him as a "big dude". Who knew we had such genes!?
Dr. West requested another chest x-ray to see how his lungs were looking. That's Emerson's 4th in his young life, which I'm not so happy about, but when it's necessary, I guess I'm glad we can do it... His lungs are still a little hazy, but because they sound so clear, Dr. West wants to move forward with weaning him off the oxygen. We'll start Monday. Our oxygen company will come out and place a monitor on Emerson, we'll turn the oxygen level down from 1/16 to 1/32, and monitor him while he sleeps. If his O2 stays above a certain level, we'll keep him on 1/32nd and repeat the test later to see if we can turn off the O2 completely.
Emerson continues to be a mellow guy! He was a little bit fussy after the x-ray, just making faces and little fusses, and once he got comfortable, he slipped easily to sleep! He is a very opposite personality from his big sis!
Sofia just loves to snuggle him. She is really doing a great job, though we have had to work really hard on getting rid of the whinies! It is, for sure, a huge adjustment for her, and I'm relieved her frustrations are not directed towards Emerson. She is a real sweetheart, and always curious as to what "my baby" is doing.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
babymoon begins!
Emerson was discharged from the hospital yesterday - on his due date - July 22nd! There was a huge sigh of relief in our home. We were all so happy to leave the hospital! He did come home on oxygen, but it is a very small amount. We will see our family doctor on Friday, and may have a better feel for the duration after that, but it sounds like it is really unpredictable, and each baby has their own way. Meconium is apparently very nasty stuff in the lungs. In the meantime, I will take Emerson to my much-loved chiropractor and see if she can help to stimulate his respiratory system to help him on his way!
It was a beautiful, yet hectic day, our first day at home. I felt a bit like a new mom all over again! I was changing his diaper on our bed, thinking I don't need a changing pad - I'll be quick! Well, I was putting on a cloth diaper, which is pretty bulky for a newborn and their little wiggly legs, and was just so out of practice, that it took a bit longer to get it on him, and he snuck one in - he peed on the bed! Ah well... life with a newborn!
Sofia is such a good big sister! She was on cloud 9 all morning as we prepared to bring Emerson home. She wanted to call everyone to tell them Emerson he was here!
She had a tough time in the afternoon, though (made worse by not getting a nap) and grumbled and grumbled. Of course I thought she and needed attention from me, so that's what I offered her, but she didn't want it. Finally, I put Emerson down for a minute and walked away, and she went right over to him! Then, she asked to hold him. Once she had him in her lap (on top of the boppy!) she immediately cheered up! She stroked him, sang to him, and just adored him! She wasn't jealous - she wanted to help her brother! She has held him many times since, and is so precious with him. I am so proud of her!
I am trying my best to stick to the bedrest recommended by my midwife. Sena asks that all of her clients snuggle up in bed with their babies for 7 days after birth. This is to assist healing as well as bonding. I didn't get those 7 days, so she suggested I try to take some of that time now. The problem is, I can't sit still when I'm not feeling bad! So, Emerson and I are snuggling up on the couch. But I am really trying hard to do the minimum work possible! In any case, Emerson is always with me, which is the point of the bedrest.
It was a beautiful, yet hectic day, our first day at home. I felt a bit like a new mom all over again! I was changing his diaper on our bed, thinking I don't need a changing pad - I'll be quick! Well, I was putting on a cloth diaper, which is pretty bulky for a newborn and their little wiggly legs, and was just so out of practice, that it took a bit longer to get it on him, and he snuck one in - he peed on the bed! Ah well... life with a newborn!
Sofia is such a good big sister! She was on cloud 9 all morning as we prepared to bring Emerson home. She wanted to call everyone to tell them Emerson he was here!
She had a tough time in the afternoon, though (made worse by not getting a nap) and grumbled and grumbled. Of course I thought she and needed attention from me, so that's what I offered her, but she didn't want it. Finally, I put Emerson down for a minute and walked away, and she went right over to him! Then, she asked to hold him. Once she had him in her lap (on top of the boppy!) she immediately cheered up! She stroked him, sang to him, and just adored him! She wasn't jealous - she wanted to help her brother! She has held him many times since, and is so precious with him. I am so proud of her!
I am trying my best to stick to the bedrest recommended by my midwife. Sena asks that all of her clients snuggle up in bed with their babies for 7 days after birth. This is to assist healing as well as bonding. I didn't get those 7 days, so she suggested I try to take some of that time now. The problem is, I can't sit still when I'm not feeling bad! So, Emerson and I are snuggling up on the couch. But I am really trying hard to do the minimum work possible! In any case, Emerson is always with me, which is the point of the bedrest.
more pictures!
"hockey player?" emerson had this splint on to hold his arm straight. ge had a PICC line running from his hand up to his shoulder, which adminstered the IV antibiotics.
getting ready to go! a kiss from big sis!
a proud sister.
sleepy sofia, after a big day!
good morning sleepyheads!
hands
Sunday, July 20, 2008
pregnancy pics
Thanks to my friend and fellow book-reader Kjirsten's skill as a photographer, we documented my belly 1 month before Emerson's birth! (Thank you Kjirsten!)
mastitis meltdown
Since Monday, Kent and I have been at the hospital. He has been going to work, home, etc. but I've been there all the time. Since I'm not a patient, we've been "bunking" in whatever empty room is available. Emerson is in the Special Care Nursery, and cannot leave, so I have to go to him. This means, during the day I am in the nursery with him, except for meals, which have been in our room or in the cafeteria, and at nights I'm in our room, but go to him about 3 times to nurse him. It has been a really hard 5 days, and has taken a toll on my own recovery.
Yesterday afternoon while at the hospital I suddenly came down with chills and a high fever. My midwife (Sena) came to check me, suspected I was developing a mastitis (blocked milk duct that becomes infected) and really insisted I go home and rest. Kent and my mom both agreed.
It was hard to think of leaving my new baby! I was heartbroken, and feeling horrible! But, I guess it was a good choice, as I am feeling MUCH better today after rest, fluids, lots of pumping, cabbage leaves, mastitis tincture, and - though I really hate it - motrin and antibiotics. But, with Emerson in the hospital, I felt I couldn't take a risk, and didn't want to prolong an infection.
Kent wins the amazing daddy award! He took my pumped milk up to the hospital at 11pm, and stayed all night with Emerson so he could feed him! I felt much better that Emerson had someone with him! Otherwise I don't think I could have rested last night.
I'm hoping to go back this afternoon, maybe staying overnight if I can get a room, but Kent is really wanting to get me to stay at home. Sena will be checking in on me soo, so We'll see what she says, and what we decide is best to do.
The positive side is, I've had a lot of snuggle time with Sofia, which she really needs right now. She has been great, but I know she wonders why mama isn't coming home.
Yesterday afternoon while at the hospital I suddenly came down with chills and a high fever. My midwife (Sena) came to check me, suspected I was developing a mastitis (blocked milk duct that becomes infected) and really insisted I go home and rest. Kent and my mom both agreed.
It was hard to think of leaving my new baby! I was heartbroken, and feeling horrible! But, I guess it was a good choice, as I am feeling MUCH better today after rest, fluids, lots of pumping, cabbage leaves, mastitis tincture, and - though I really hate it - motrin and antibiotics. But, with Emerson in the hospital, I felt I couldn't take a risk, and didn't want to prolong an infection.
Kent wins the amazing daddy award! He took my pumped milk up to the hospital at 11pm, and stayed all night with Emerson so he could feed him! I felt much better that Emerson had someone with him! Otherwise I don't think I could have rested last night.
I'm hoping to go back this afternoon, maybe staying overnight if I can get a room, but Kent is really wanting to get me to stay at home. Sena will be checking in on me soo, so We'll see what she says, and what we decide is best to do.
The positive side is, I've had a lot of snuggle time with Sofia, which she really needs right now. She has been great, but I know she wonders why mama isn't coming home.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Our boy has arrived!
Emerson David Mitchell was born at 5:07pm on Monday, July 14th. Everything went well, and he was born at home as we had hoped. He's a strapping 9lbs, 21" - a big boy compared to Sofia! He looks just like his big sis, but more boyish. :) Sofia is a very proud big sister.
About 2 hours after his birth, he started having respiratory problems, which we suspected was due to aspirating meconium during labor. What happens is, it causes swelling in the lungs and is sort-of like having pneumonia. We brought him to the hospital around 11pm Monday, and have been camped out in the Special Care Nursery at the hospital until Tuesday. His breathing and oxygen are much improved since our arrival, but since the doctors cannot confirm whether he has an actual infection or if it is the myconium causing the problems, they want him to complete a 7-day course of antibiotics. He's doing really well, and we have no reason to be concerned that he won't be fully recovered when we leave. We're just trying to snuggle him as much as we can!
Sofia is doing great. She's a proud big sister. Luckily Nana is here to keep her occupied. She comes up to visit 1-2 times each day, and we try to have some special time with her. She is a little sad to leave us, but seems to do just fine at home.
I'll post some pictures soon!
About 2 hours after his birth, he started having respiratory problems, which we suspected was due to aspirating meconium during labor. What happens is, it causes swelling in the lungs and is sort-of like having pneumonia. We brought him to the hospital around 11pm Monday, and have been camped out in the Special Care Nursery at the hospital until Tuesday. His breathing and oxygen are much improved since our arrival, but since the doctors cannot confirm whether he has an actual infection or if it is the myconium causing the problems, they want him to complete a 7-day course of antibiotics. He's doing really well, and we have no reason to be concerned that he won't be fully recovered when we leave. We're just trying to snuggle him as much as we can!
Sofia is doing great. She's a proud big sister. Luckily Nana is here to keep her occupied. She comes up to visit 1-2 times each day, and we try to have some special time with her. She is a little sad to leave us, but seems to do just fine at home.
I'll post some pictures soon!
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