So, here we are. Our new family of four. Kieran continues to amaze me. Even though I know his sleep is disrupted he's still very doting on Amelia. When she's awake, he makes sure she knows he's there and that he loves her. He's been active (mostly) by playing in his room because I'm still working on the feeding thing. Hope to get that a bit more squared away this week as we have some serious mom/Mia bonding time when Kieran goes back to school and Ken goes to work.
Still weird, but we're adjusting. She wouldn't sleep in her bassinet last night but she did sleep on me and we both slept for about 3 hrs. It was great, though I don't like doing that.
OK, off to the real world. Love to all will try to keep blogging more since I'll be home and all.
Monday, July 04, 2011
Saturday, July 02, 2011
The New Normal
It's been an exciting few days. Came home from the hospital on Thursday, had a relatively sleepless night feeding kiddo. Because her weight was very close to the 10% of birth weight, we had to go in for a pediatrician appt yesterday. She went from weighing 5 lbs 9.8 oz on Thurs to 5 lbs 13 oz on Friday. They want to see us again next week just to ensure that Mia's weight is trending in the right direction.
So, Thursday night Amelia had "cluster feedings" nearly every hour so I got near to zero sleep. Ken figured out that when she got way too fussy we could "prime the pump" by giving her a little formula or pumped milk via syringe to calm her down enough to eat. We were so proud on Friday when they told us how much she had gained. I was doing everything right, very little to no formula, mostly breastmilk and mostly from me. We even had to feed her at the drs office (which took an hour). We got her home, however, and things went downhill.
Right around dinnertime was her feeding time, she got so angry and screaming that Kieran went upstairs to his room without finishing his dinner because he couldn't take the noise. It took nearly 1 1/2 hours to get her to eat calmly (formula from a bottle) and I was in tears by the end. We had another episode like that last night (though I only let her get really cranked for about 15 mins because I didn't want to wake Kieran - I'm still hanging out on the first floor because of the c-sec). But this morning it's so far so good. Mostly we have to get in front of her feeding cues and to get her woken up enough to eat before she gets too hungry. She is also semi-lazy and doesn't like to work so hard to get the milk so I definitely don't want her getting used to the bottle - though we specifically have a system that still makes her work for her food.
Anyway, last night went (mostly) better and I got Ken to come down and help me twice, she's fed once this morning. We'll see how the rest of it goes. I'm operating well on little sleep. Thank goodness Ken insists that I get some shut eye or I'd probably "soldier through" and then regret it later.
For my own healing, that seems to be going well. I am being very good about using the stairs sparingly though I would dearly love to sleep in my own bed, probably won't be doing that for a few weeks. I still hurt and have ridiculous elephantine feet, but this too should pass. I am not allowed to drive for another 2 weeks (frustrating but does make me glad we live in the city), stairs are roughly the same - only once up and once down for about a week and then I can start increasing my usage. I've already broken that rule but I still take it slowly and am ensuring that I also get healing as Ken reminds me that I need to be well in order to take care of our little bundles of joy.
Kieran has been (mostly) amazing. I feel bad because we are cooped up at home - with Mia feeding every 2 hours she eats for about 15-30 mins of that which means going anywhere for a bit may be difficult until we've got this whole thing down. Way too much TV and video time are going on, I am ashamed to admit, but I am hopeful that once things get back to normal (next week after the holiday Kieran goes back to school, I'll get a better handle on getting out with an infant who needs to feed) we'll be able to do more trips. Thank goodness I have a been-there, done-that mom in Katie (my cousin's wife) who has a little boy a little younger than Kieran and a baby girl who is just about 7 months.
For all those who want photos - most are up on Facebook right now. Hopefully we'll get those moved here but it takes a bit to blog and now I have to go and wake her up for her next feeding.
So, Thursday night Amelia had "cluster feedings" nearly every hour so I got near to zero sleep. Ken figured out that when she got way too fussy we could "prime the pump" by giving her a little formula or pumped milk via syringe to calm her down enough to eat. We were so proud on Friday when they told us how much she had gained. I was doing everything right, very little to no formula, mostly breastmilk and mostly from me. We even had to feed her at the drs office (which took an hour). We got her home, however, and things went downhill.
Right around dinnertime was her feeding time, she got so angry and screaming that Kieran went upstairs to his room without finishing his dinner because he couldn't take the noise. It took nearly 1 1/2 hours to get her to eat calmly (formula from a bottle) and I was in tears by the end. We had another episode like that last night (though I only let her get really cranked for about 15 mins because I didn't want to wake Kieran - I'm still hanging out on the first floor because of the c-sec). But this morning it's so far so good. Mostly we have to get in front of her feeding cues and to get her woken up enough to eat before she gets too hungry. She is also semi-lazy and doesn't like to work so hard to get the milk so I definitely don't want her getting used to the bottle - though we specifically have a system that still makes her work for her food.
Anyway, last night went (mostly) better and I got Ken to come down and help me twice, she's fed once this morning. We'll see how the rest of it goes. I'm operating well on little sleep. Thank goodness Ken insists that I get some shut eye or I'd probably "soldier through" and then regret it later.
For my own healing, that seems to be going well. I am being very good about using the stairs sparingly though I would dearly love to sleep in my own bed, probably won't be doing that for a few weeks. I still hurt and have ridiculous elephantine feet, but this too should pass. I am not allowed to drive for another 2 weeks (frustrating but does make me glad we live in the city), stairs are roughly the same - only once up and once down for about a week and then I can start increasing my usage. I've already broken that rule but I still take it slowly and am ensuring that I also get healing as Ken reminds me that I need to be well in order to take care of our little bundles of joy.
Kieran has been (mostly) amazing. I feel bad because we are cooped up at home - with Mia feeding every 2 hours she eats for about 15-30 mins of that which means going anywhere for a bit may be difficult until we've got this whole thing down. Way too much TV and video time are going on, I am ashamed to admit, but I am hopeful that once things get back to normal (next week after the holiday Kieran goes back to school, I'll get a better handle on getting out with an infant who needs to feed) we'll be able to do more trips. Thank goodness I have a been-there, done-that mom in Katie (my cousin's wife) who has a little boy a little younger than Kieran and a baby girl who is just about 7 months.
For all those who want photos - most are up on Facebook right now. Hopefully we'll get those moved here but it takes a bit to blog and now I have to go and wake her up for her next feeding.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Welcome Amelia Elizabeth Gauvey
On Monday, June 27, at 11:06 am, we welcomed our little Mia. She was 6 lbs, 4 oz and exactly 19 inches long.
For those keeping track, no, I did not go into labor. I went to the drs on Monday and was told I had very low amniotic fluid. Do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars, go directly to Labor and Delivery. One of two things would happen - they would double-check me, give me fluids and send me home or they would deliver the baby. Obviously, they delivered.
Thankfully my mom was with me to keep me calm, I called Ken who I swear panicked just a bit. We both sat in the OR Recovery room saying "This is just weird." But, this time a much better experience in terms of being awake for what was happening (no, I did not wail about her hair) and I managed to get the IV in quickly and (mostly) quietly. Still at the hospital not sure when we'll head home, it's been an eventful week.
Kieran and Ken are definitely already in love with Mia. And so am I.
For those keeping track, no, I did not go into labor. I went to the drs on Monday and was told I had very low amniotic fluid. Do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars, go directly to Labor and Delivery. One of two things would happen - they would double-check me, give me fluids and send me home or they would deliver the baby. Obviously, they delivered.
Thankfully my mom was with me to keep me calm, I called Ken who I swear panicked just a bit. We both sat in the OR Recovery room saying "This is just weird." But, this time a much better experience in terms of being awake for what was happening (no, I did not wail about her hair) and I managed to get the IV in quickly and (mostly) quietly. Still at the hospital not sure when we'll head home, it's been an eventful week.
Kieran and Ken are definitely already in love with Mia. And so am I.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Nearly There
I'm a little less than 3 weeks to my due date. I now have to go every week for check-ups and sonograms. They will do what is called a BPP (Bio Physical Profile) of the baby because I am of AMA (Advanced Maternal Age). Or, as the sono tech said yesterday "Ancient". She was allowed because she's either my age or older. And she said it with irony/sarcasm, not in any way intended to be mean.
The baby was sucking her thumb as we watched yesterday, took a few practice breaths and should now weigh about 6 lbs. She's in the 40/50 percentile right now in terms of weight and all seems well.
I still have a few bits and bobs to do to get ready (like pack my bag for the hospital in case I pop before my c-sec), but we're mostly done. I desperately want to clean house but I run out of steam fairly easily at the end of the day. I don't get tired (oddly, because I'm not sleeping great) but I just don't have energy to do one more thing. Frustrating because I really wanted the house to be in better shape by now. Oh well - I'll have plenty of time in July for that, I expect.
Kieran continues to expand his vocabulary and tell some great stories. His sense of humor is... shall we say Lipshultz-esque? Mostly fart jokes and saying the word "butt". I hope to take a few pictures soon and post here of all the changes we made to the house. Kieran's room is great and he voluntarily goes to his room to play (now that he has plenty of space to do so) for HOURS. He was upset to learn that he won't be at school for a month, but I've got him looking forward to doing day-trips with me and the baby to local farms, to our library for story time, to the science center (oh, yeah, that's another thing I have to do....), to the zoo, etc. He wanted to know if he could come visit his old school too, I checked with the administrators and they said he would be welcome to come for a visit (and they wanted to see the baby).
Still a bit freaked out at the idea of being home with 2 kids, but I think it will be great for all of us. Kieran's ready for the baby to be here so is Ken (now that the carseat is coming) but I can stand to wait a bit longer... not by much because DANG is this uncomfortable. OK, back to work for me. Love to all blog again later.
The baby was sucking her thumb as we watched yesterday, took a few practice breaths and should now weigh about 6 lbs. She's in the 40/50 percentile right now in terms of weight and all seems well.
I still have a few bits and bobs to do to get ready (like pack my bag for the hospital in case I pop before my c-sec), but we're mostly done. I desperately want to clean house but I run out of steam fairly easily at the end of the day. I don't get tired (oddly, because I'm not sleeping great) but I just don't have energy to do one more thing. Frustrating because I really wanted the house to be in better shape by now. Oh well - I'll have plenty of time in July for that, I expect.
Kieran continues to expand his vocabulary and tell some great stories. His sense of humor is... shall we say Lipshultz-esque? Mostly fart jokes and saying the word "butt". I hope to take a few pictures soon and post here of all the changes we made to the house. Kieran's room is great and he voluntarily goes to his room to play (now that he has plenty of space to do so) for HOURS. He was upset to learn that he won't be at school for a month, but I've got him looking forward to doing day-trips with me and the baby to local farms, to our library for story time, to the science center (oh, yeah, that's another thing I have to do....), to the zoo, etc. He wanted to know if he could come visit his old school too, I checked with the administrators and they said he would be welcome to come for a visit (and they wanted to see the baby).
Still a bit freaked out at the idea of being home with 2 kids, but I think it will be great for all of us. Kieran's ready for the baby to be here so is Ken (now that the carseat is coming) but I can stand to wait a bit longer... not by much because DANG is this uncomfortable. OK, back to work for me. Love to all blog again later.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Quick Update
Went in for my final sonogram today. Everything is good, bloodflow is good, baby currently weighs in around 5 lbs 6 oz (estimated based on measurements they took). Still a girl - yes, I made them double-check.
Ken laughed at me for doing the double-check. I was freaking out about it this morning (had a hard time sleeping last night which left my brain WAY too much time to worry on things). I was worried because I knew my mother-in-law has gone and bought everything pink or purple within 3 states of her. Because we have so many baby clothes for a girl, because I don't have a back-up boy name. So many 'becauses'.
Anyway, the tech swore I asked her last time to double-check (I don't remember that - I do remember asking to confirm there was only one), but hey, I'm the one operating on low sleep so I guess I should take her word for it.
Crib is set up, monitor is set up, bringing up our glider and ottoman from the basement tonight. Mostly done with the Great Gauvey Move of 2011. Kieran went into the baby's room last night asking "is she here yet"? I know how you feel, kiddo, I truly do.
Ken laughed at me for doing the double-check. I was freaking out about it this morning (had a hard time sleeping last night which left my brain WAY too much time to worry on things). I was worried because I knew my mother-in-law has gone and bought everything pink or purple within 3 states of her. Because we have so many baby clothes for a girl, because I don't have a back-up boy name. So many 'becauses'.
Anyway, the tech swore I asked her last time to double-check (I don't remember that - I do remember asking to confirm there was only one), but hey, I'm the one operating on low sleep so I guess I should take her word for it.
Crib is set up, monitor is set up, bringing up our glider and ottoman from the basement tonight. Mostly done with the Great Gauvey Move of 2011. Kieran went into the baby's room last night asking "is she here yet"? I know how you feel, kiddo, I truly do.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Great Gauvey Move of 2011
The upstairs bedroom was finished this past week by our contractor. Ken moved us upstairs (bed and one dresser) on Saturday. Sunday we mostly ran around and finished moving ourselves out of what would soon be Kieran's room.
Yesterday, Ken moved Kieran into our old bedroom - which is really 2 rooms in one. He now has a playroom as well as a bedroom. It's supercool. Oh, and Ben 10 stickers for his walls. Kieran was so excited by his new room he played in there for 3 hours (at least 1/2 of that by himself). He even slept just fine without his nightlight on and in a completely new room. We'll see if the trend continues.
The nursery is last on the list. This coming weekend, I'm going to finish going through the clothes that Kieran has in there, figuring out what is giveaway (or sell) of things too small for him, emtpy his old dresser and basically just clean. We'll be cleaning the upstairs library and bathroom as well (and by we, I mean me), doing huge donations to Goodwill and the Library and basically just getting it ready for the crib to be set up (Ken has decreed I am not to set up the crib myself).
Now, onto the doctor's report. I went today for my checkup and was pleasantly surprised to see I had gained only 1 pound since my last visit (2 weeks ago, but I'll take it). I have a final sonogram on the 10th and then another drs appt on June 13th and from there I go each week until I deliver.
The Girl Has TurnedI was anticipating another c-section. Every time we went in for a sonogram (and I've had 5 or so now), she was sitting breech, just like Kieran. I even explained to Kieran how he was born, just getting him ready for the thought that I would have a line on my belly again.
But lo and behold, the girl moved around and is now head-down. What this means is that I can go into labor and not have a c-section, but the doctors will not induce me. I looked at the stats/risks on doing what is called VBAC (for those interested, you can look it up) and have decided that if I go into labor, I'll let it happen. Working on scheduling my c-section now and I should have that date shortly. But, if I go into labor before that, we'll let her come the way she wants to. OK, enough for now. I knew it had been awhile so wanted to blog for all those die-hard blog readers. Love ya. Blog again... uh, eventually.
Yesterday, Ken moved Kieran into our old bedroom - which is really 2 rooms in one. He now has a playroom as well as a bedroom. It's supercool. Oh, and Ben 10 stickers for his walls. Kieran was so excited by his new room he played in there for 3 hours (at least 1/2 of that by himself). He even slept just fine without his nightlight on and in a completely new room. We'll see if the trend continues.
The nursery is last on the list. This coming weekend, I'm going to finish going through the clothes that Kieran has in there, figuring out what is giveaway (or sell) of things too small for him, emtpy his old dresser and basically just clean. We'll be cleaning the upstairs library and bathroom as well (and by we, I mean me), doing huge donations to Goodwill and the Library and basically just getting it ready for the crib to be set up (Ken has decreed I am not to set up the crib myself).
Now, onto the doctor's report. I went today for my checkup and was pleasantly surprised to see I had gained only 1 pound since my last visit (2 weeks ago, but I'll take it). I have a final sonogram on the 10th and then another drs appt on June 13th and from there I go each week until I deliver.
The Girl Has TurnedI was anticipating another c-section. Every time we went in for a sonogram (and I've had 5 or so now), she was sitting breech, just like Kieran. I even explained to Kieran how he was born, just getting him ready for the thought that I would have a line on my belly again.
But lo and behold, the girl moved around and is now head-down. What this means is that I can go into labor and not have a c-section, but the doctors will not induce me. I looked at the stats/risks on doing what is called VBAC (for those interested, you can look it up) and have decided that if I go into labor, I'll let it happen. Working on scheduling my c-section now and I should have that date shortly. But, if I go into labor before that, we'll let her come the way she wants to. OK, enough for now. I knew it had been awhile so wanted to blog for all those die-hard blog readers. Love ya. Blog again... uh, eventually.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days
I've been a bad blogging mom. And by that, I mean I realize I haven't blogged in nearly a month. Not much is new or changed, but we've finally made some progress. Our 3rd floor bedroom should be move-in ready this coming weekend. That means Ken and I get to move upstairs, Kieran moves to our room next weekend and we can set up the nursery after that. WHEW. Then, hopefully, we can finish getting rid of all the junk piled around our house everywhere.
I tried to make headway on that front this past weekend. Signed us up for a community yard sale (since we technically have no yard, this was more like a "park sale" where people in the neighborhood came to a park to sell their wares). We only broke even (spent $10 to rent a table) because of the rainy weather but we did get to go to Goodwill afterwards and dump everything that didn't sell, so a little progress made.
Other than that, things aren't much different. Work is crazy, Kieran is awesome (though alternatingly frustrating as well), Ken is doing better - his foot is healing and he can cycle and swim again.
Kieran did have his first camping trip and loved it. He is insisting that he get to go fishing on his next trip and we'll see if we can't invite any and all relatives to make it a cousin-extravaganza in addition to camping fun. I will still keep my tush at home and "rough" it by cleaning house while they're gone.
Finally, I do not yet have a due date for Girl Gauvey. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow and may get a date then. Either way, I'm a little less than 2 months from the original due date - 7/11/11. I can't wait to be done being pregnant, but I don't know that I'm ready to have a baby in the house again.
I tried to make headway on that front this past weekend. Signed us up for a community yard sale (since we technically have no yard, this was more like a "park sale" where people in the neighborhood came to a park to sell their wares). We only broke even (spent $10 to rent a table) because of the rainy weather but we did get to go to Goodwill afterwards and dump everything that didn't sell, so a little progress made.
Other than that, things aren't much different. Work is crazy, Kieran is awesome (though alternatingly frustrating as well), Ken is doing better - his foot is healing and he can cycle and swim again.
Kieran did have his first camping trip and loved it. He is insisting that he get to go fishing on his next trip and we'll see if we can't invite any and all relatives to make it a cousin-extravaganza in addition to camping fun. I will still keep my tush at home and "rough" it by cleaning house while they're gone.
Finally, I do not yet have a due date for Girl Gauvey. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow and may get a date then. Either way, I'm a little less than 2 months from the original due date - 7/11/11. I can't wait to be done being pregnant, but I don't know that I'm ready to have a baby in the house again.
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