Thursday, March 29, 2012
Three Week Update
Well, our little Weston is three weeks old today and let me just say this...mommy and daddy are completely in love, but utterly exhausted! We have been adjusting to "life with baby" these past few weeks and each day is getting a little easier as we TRY and establish some kind of routine. We had our follow up appointment with the cardiologist and he said that Weston looks great! The PDA has closed and although the PFO is still open, he said it had gotten smaller and that he is confident it will close on its own. He did say he heard a very small murmur, but that it should also go away on its own by Weston's first birthday...so one doctor, CHECK. Next, we visited the ENT and had Weston's tongue and lip tie snipped. It was BRUTAL hearing him cry, but we are happy that we did it when he was this young...doctor two, CHECK. We also have had a lactation specialist come to the house twice to help me with nursing because of Weston's latch. Misti was incredibly helpful and sweet and now that we have had the lip and tongue snipped he seems to nurse A LOT better. We had his newborn photos taken last week and they turned out AMAZING! I can't wait until we get all of the images so I can share them on the blog. Erin and Aaron also used the photographer and the twins photos are BEAUTIFUL! I can't wait to see the images she creates as the kids get older! Weston is spending most of his days looking around at objects in the house and it's amazing to see him grow each day. He is already SO strong and holds his neck up on his own. I'm hoping he will like/flourish at tummy time...which I need to start. :) We will write again within the next few weeks with hopefully lots of pictures and his one month updates!!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Welcome to the World Weston Michael
I can't believe our little boy is a week old today! Here is a glimpse into our first week as a family of three...
At 6:48 p.m. on March 8, 2012 after a long and eventful 17 hours, Weston Michael made his arrival into the world. Ryan and I have completely been overwhelmed with every emotion possible over the last week. I was scheduled to be induced the morning of the 8th, but during that night I started bleeding and was having contractions so we went into the hospital. I'm glad we decided to go because there were SO many babies born that day the nurses told me I would have been told to reschedule the induction. Anyway, we got to the hospital around 2:00 a.m. and I was in SO much pain. Come to find out however, I was only at 1 cm dilated. I could not imagine my pain getting any worse and I knew it would. By 7:00 am my new nurse came in and she immediately calmed me down. Dr. Smith came in around 9:00 am and was mad that I hadn't started the pitocin yet. (The night nurse had not relayed the message to my new nurse that Dr. Smith had told her to start) Dr. Smith checked me and I was in between 2-3 cm dilated and she broke my water. Instead of starting the pitocin right away, I got my epidural and after that LIFE WAS GOOD! :) Shortly after the pitocin started and they were expecting a relatively uncomplicated labor and delivery, but our little Weston had other plans. As they increased my pitocin Weston's heart rate dropped several times, so they had to put the oxygen mask on me and pull back on the meds. As the day slowly passed on I was getting more and more anxious to meet Weston. Around 4:30 pm Dr. Smith came in and checked me again and I was still at 8 cm dilated. She told me that he was also face up at this point, which meant longer pushing. She told me that if the next time she checked me I had not fully dilated, she would suggest a C-Section. Luckily, little Weston turned on his own and I was fully dilated when she checked again. I started pushing and by this point I was EXHAUSTED. I really felt like I couldn't do anymore, I just wanted sleep! Forty-Eight minutes later, Weston was here! He was absolutely beautiful and so alert!
The next morning at his newborn screening and assessment, the doctor noticed he had an irregular heart beat so they ordered an EKG on him. When those results came back, they ordrered an eccocardiogram. Those results found that his PDA artery hadn't closed at birth and he also had a PFO, along with the irregular heart beat. I was shocked to find out that by little boy, who I thought was perfectly fine, would be admitted to the NICU for monitoring. The news broke my heart. I had only had a short time with my sweet boy and then all of a sudden he wasn't with me anymore. Ryan was so helpful during this time because he is so positive and calm, where as we know...I am not. As the days passed on in the NICU, his PDA artery closed and his irregular heartbeat seemed to have corrected itself. On top of everything going on with Weston, I was put on two blood pressure medicines while in the hospital. Talk about stressful! Finally, on Monday we were told the good news that we were able to bring our sweet boy home. Talk about excitement!
Each day has been an adventure since then. Weston is so alert during the day and is finally starting to master nursing. He is such a joy to watch! Everyday he is growing and of course, getting spoiled! We are still working on establishing a routine and hopefully we will get the hang of night time sleeping soon! Today, we had our follow up appointment with the pediatrician who looked after him while at the hospital. He now weighs 7.5 lbs and is looking great! We did find out today that there was another hurdle to overcome, Weston seems to have been born tongue tied and lip tied. We had the tongue tie corrected today at the pedi surgeon, but we are going to get a second opinion on the lip tie. The doctor and pedi surgeon suggest not doing anything right now, but I can't imagine correcting it when he is older and will remember the experience.
If I could sum up parenting thus far I would say it is...unpredictable, incredible, rewarding, and it has blessed us with an unconditional love. Here are a few pictures from our first week. I will update soon! (When I can sit down for a few minutes)
At 6:48 p.m. on March 8, 2012 after a long and eventful 17 hours, Weston Michael made his arrival into the world. Ryan and I have completely been overwhelmed with every emotion possible over the last week. I was scheduled to be induced the morning of the 8th, but during that night I started bleeding and was having contractions so we went into the hospital. I'm glad we decided to go because there were SO many babies born that day the nurses told me I would have been told to reschedule the induction. Anyway, we got to the hospital around 2:00 a.m. and I was in SO much pain. Come to find out however, I was only at 1 cm dilated. I could not imagine my pain getting any worse and I knew it would. By 7:00 am my new nurse came in and she immediately calmed me down. Dr. Smith came in around 9:00 am and was mad that I hadn't started the pitocin yet. (The night nurse had not relayed the message to my new nurse that Dr. Smith had told her to start) Dr. Smith checked me and I was in between 2-3 cm dilated and she broke my water. Instead of starting the pitocin right away, I got my epidural and after that LIFE WAS GOOD! :) Shortly after the pitocin started and they were expecting a relatively uncomplicated labor and delivery, but our little Weston had other plans. As they increased my pitocin Weston's heart rate dropped several times, so they had to put the oxygen mask on me and pull back on the meds. As the day slowly passed on I was getting more and more anxious to meet Weston. Around 4:30 pm Dr. Smith came in and checked me again and I was still at 8 cm dilated. She told me that he was also face up at this point, which meant longer pushing. She told me that if the next time she checked me I had not fully dilated, she would suggest a C-Section. Luckily, little Weston turned on his own and I was fully dilated when she checked again. I started pushing and by this point I was EXHAUSTED. I really felt like I couldn't do anymore, I just wanted sleep! Forty-Eight minutes later, Weston was here! He was absolutely beautiful and so alert!
The next morning at his newborn screening and assessment, the doctor noticed he had an irregular heart beat so they ordered an EKG on him. When those results came back, they ordrered an eccocardiogram. Those results found that his PDA artery hadn't closed at birth and he also had a PFO, along with the irregular heart beat. I was shocked to find out that by little boy, who I thought was perfectly fine, would be admitted to the NICU for monitoring. The news broke my heart. I had only had a short time with my sweet boy and then all of a sudden he wasn't with me anymore. Ryan was so helpful during this time because he is so positive and calm, where as we know...I am not. As the days passed on in the NICU, his PDA artery closed and his irregular heartbeat seemed to have corrected itself. On top of everything going on with Weston, I was put on two blood pressure medicines while in the hospital. Talk about stressful! Finally, on Monday we were told the good news that we were able to bring our sweet boy home. Talk about excitement!
Each day has been an adventure since then. Weston is so alert during the day and is finally starting to master nursing. He is such a joy to watch! Everyday he is growing and of course, getting spoiled! We are still working on establishing a routine and hopefully we will get the hang of night time sleeping soon! Today, we had our follow up appointment with the pediatrician who looked after him while at the hospital. He now weighs 7.5 lbs and is looking great! We did find out today that there was another hurdle to overcome, Weston seems to have been born tongue tied and lip tied. We had the tongue tie corrected today at the pedi surgeon, but we are going to get a second opinion on the lip tie. The doctor and pedi surgeon suggest not doing anything right now, but I can't imagine correcting it when he is older and will remember the experience.
If I could sum up parenting thus far I would say it is...unpredictable, incredible, rewarding, and it has blessed us with an unconditional love. Here are a few pictures from our first week. I will update soon! (When I can sit down for a few minutes)
Daddy's lil' buddy
Hello World!
one of the greatest moments of my life
hanging out in the transition nursery
Weston had to have a feeing tube, but luckily he never had to use it!
all wired up, but all smiles for this little boy
Daddy and our big boy on the day his tube came out!!
sweet angel in the car ready to go home
our snuggle bear
trying out his bunny bouncer...he loves it!
Hug Magnet indeed ;)
Poppy and Weston
Friday, March 2, 2012
A Feel Good Moment
Yesterday a friend from work texted me and told me that an 8th grade teacher in the district had emailed her and told her that her students had done a writing assignment in her class on their favorite teacher and that two students had mentioned my friend and I. I eagerly got on the internet and searched the teacher's blog where the assignments were and I found the sweetest, heartwarming post from a former student. I can remember this student clearly, even though it was from my second year of teaching. Here is what her blog read:
"Over the years, I have had many great teachers that have made an impact in my life. The one that stood out the most to me was my third grade teacher, Miss Richardson(currently Mrs.Snider). She made me enjoy reading and learning. Miss Richardson always believed in me and made me feel like I stood out. Even though I don't like to play favorites, Miss Richardson has always remained in my mind throughout the years. She prepared us for anything. For us, it seemed like nothing was impossible. She always treated us with great respect and like a family. I have always tried to look for a teacher just like her, but no one could ever compete."
Wow! Can you believe that?! To know that I have had that effect on a student is just amazing. There are days when I am so frustrated, tired, or sick of work and hearing this and knowing that I have that ability to influence a child is so rewarding. If I could see this student I would give her a HUGE hug and tell her, "thank you" for renewing my love of what I do, can do, and want to do!
"Over the years, I have had many great teachers that have made an impact in my life. The one that stood out the most to me was my third grade teacher, Miss Richardson(currently Mrs.Snider). She made me enjoy reading and learning. Miss Richardson always believed in me and made me feel like I stood out. Even though I don't like to play favorites, Miss Richardson has always remained in my mind throughout the years. She prepared us for anything. For us, it seemed like nothing was impossible. She always treated us with great respect and like a family. I have always tried to look for a teacher just like her, but no one could ever compete."
Wow! Can you believe that?! To know that I have had that effect on a student is just amazing. There are days when I am so frustrated, tired, or sick of work and hearing this and knowing that I have that ability to influence a child is so rewarding. If I could see this student I would give her a HUGE hug and tell her, "thank you" for renewing my love of what I do, can do, and want to do!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
39 Week Update
With our due date quickly approaching (this Sunday) I was so excited to head out to our appointment this morning. I've been having minor cramping and doing a lot of walking and such so I just knew things were starting to progress. Well, after a long day at the doctor's office and ultrasound office my doctor has scheduled me for an induction on 3-12-12 (41 weeks 1 day) if Weston decides he's too cozy inside mommy. Today I was the same as last week, 50% effaced and still closed. She said with no dilating going on and my outside measurements already putting me at 41 weeks she wanted me to have another ultrasound to check his size, so we headed downstairs to the ultrasound place. After 3 1/2 hours we got in and the radiologist said everything looked great and that he was measuring in the 51st percentile and an estimated weight right now of 7.1 lbs. We are probably looking at an 8 lb baby, which I'm a little nervous about but I'm glad to know everything is ok. We talked a lot with Dr. Smith about a c-section today after the appointments on the phone, but after the results came from the radiologist there is just not a medical need to plan a c-section. I am however very sad to know that if he is that late Dr. Smith will not be delivering me. She is going to be out of town the week of Spring Break. It's comforting to know though that at least there is an end date in sight just in case he decides to nestle up a bit more :) The next post will be the HAPPIEST post we've made so far; until then we will just "patiently" wait :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)