Just catchin' some ZZZs!
She really does open her eyes from time to time...and even cries on occasion!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Delivery - Part II
I headed back to the hospital after a short night's rest. It was so hot!! I planned to be there with Lindsey while Joe ran home to shower and feed the dog. Turns out we got a visit from the lactation nurse while Lindsey was eating breakfast. Though Linds thought she was 'weird', she was very informative.
Lindsey started pumping soon after that, knowing that anything she produced could be given to Kylie. The nurse showed how to use the machine and the manual pump and Lindsey got a little bit to take up to the NICU. She felt so much better after resting some the night before, and she managed to get back and forth to the ice machine down the hall and back and forth to the bathroom on her own. I helped her change clothes, then we called for a wheel chair to go upstairs to the NICU. Though I am sure Lindsey would say I am not much of a 'driver', we got there and scrubbed up just in time for Kylie's feeding...and the nurse gave her Lindsey's donation via a syringe in her mouth. Good Stuff!! I was watching Lindsey holding Kylie, so hard to believe my baby girl had her own baby girl! Then I said, "Do you think I could hold her?". Lindsey hesitated just a minute, then I told her, "If you just hand her to me, there's nothing they can do about it"...so she handed her over! Precious baby~perfect in every way! I got in a few sweet little kisses on her head and sang a little song to her, then all too soon, it was back into the isolettete, and Lindsey back to the room. Mom came up to the hospital at noon and went back with Lindsey to see Kylie. She was thrilled.
When we got back Joe was just about back from home and I headed out about 3, hoping Lindsey would get some rest. I think she was a little anxious to hear from the doctor, as everyone was. Karen sent a sweet "Prayer Bear" with balloons that sat in the room and eventually went up to the NICU in Kylie's bed. Several more friends visited and Lindsey's spirits seem to improve.
On the way home, I had car trouble and called a tow truck. I am lucky that the car stopped where I could coast into the Whataburger parking lot - so at least I had a cool place to wait. I called Lindsey & Joe - and Joe said his brother Daniel could probably fix it. So he went to pick up Daniel and headed my way after about 30 minutes, where I gave them the credit card to go to the auto parts store. About 30 minutes later, the tow truck arrived and we took the car to the house where Joe and Daniel were waiting. Turns out the driver knew Joe's dad, Johnnie, and worked with him. After two hours, the guys had the car working - a shredded accessory belt was the problem - that controlled my a/c and power steering.
Joe needed another shower, then headed back up to the hospital. Jim stayed with Lindsey while Joe was out. He managed to get some good pictures of Kylie in the NICU, then had them developed so I could fill my 'brag book' and take them to church. Lindsey and Joe visited the NICU as much as possible, feeding Kylie as much as they could. The doctor on call over the weekend said Kylie would have to stay another 5-7 days in the NICU, as her heart was still transitioning with a small slit causing a slight murmur. Again, common in newborns born Cesarean.
Friday morning I stayed home until afternoon, then went back up to the hospital. Jenna came back again and was so excited for Lindsey getting to hold Kylie. I don't know who's smile was bigger. She took a picture with her camera and posted it on Facebook. Later I was on the phone out in the hall and came back to find Lindsey asleep and Joe nodding off while sitting on the couch. I told him to lay down, which he did, then I eventually snuck out and went home.
Saturday, Lindsey was a little more successful with pumping, and I was so proud of her for continuing to try. The NICU had Kylie on a little feeding tube and a pacifier so she would know she had to suck to feed. She like that paci! The feeding tube didn't stay in too long, but then she became jaundiced. These days jaundice is treated with a 'beli-blanket' - they get the belirubin meds via a bright blue blanket instead of a light. Lindsey was released to go home Saturday, which was difficult for the new Mommy. She did well, got home to open mail and eat lunch - where I treated her to Bush's chicken. This was the first chicken she had eaten in 9 months since her pregnancy aversion. She enjoyed it very much. A little after lunch, Joe fell asleep on the couch, Lindsey in the recliner, and I took a little nap on Lindsey's chaise lounge. I helped Lindsey pump a couple of times - using the manual pump and the electric pump. They wanted to get back to the hospital, so I headed home.
I planned on an early evening for the 4th of July - watching a few fireworks on TV - thinking I might catch "yankee doodle dandy" in between. I talked to Rick and invited him over since he was in town to work on his Mom's yard, and we watched the movie "1776" until just after midnight ~ so much for an early night! He has a great memory for movies - both characters and script.
Sunday was filled with showing off Kylie's pictures at church. Lindsey & Joe trekked back and forth to the hospital, stopping at my house for pumping or resting a minute. They were looking forward to hearing from the neo-natologist on Monday and planned to get back to the NICU by 9:45 on Monday morning.
Kylie continued to improve - no sign of infection - they backed off her antibiotic and kept her under the beli-blanket. After the doctor checked her Monday, Lindsey called me at work to let me know she'd be coming home Tuesday! Wow! Not as long of a stay as expected. They took her 4th of July outfit for her to wear in her hospital pictures, which they took before she went home. Her head was too small for the little headband/bow combo, but she is a cutie nonetheless! Her pictures were soon posted on Hillcrest.net, so I got to share them with all my family and friends via the Internet. Thank goodness for sweet family and friends who prayed throughout the pregnancy and delivery of Kylie Jo!
Lindsey started pumping soon after that, knowing that anything she produced could be given to Kylie. The nurse showed how to use the machine and the manual pump and Lindsey got a little bit to take up to the NICU. She felt so much better after resting some the night before, and she managed to get back and forth to the ice machine down the hall and back and forth to the bathroom on her own. I helped her change clothes, then we called for a wheel chair to go upstairs to the NICU. Though I am sure Lindsey would say I am not much of a 'driver', we got there and scrubbed up just in time for Kylie's feeding...and the nurse gave her Lindsey's donation via a syringe in her mouth. Good Stuff!! I was watching Lindsey holding Kylie, so hard to believe my baby girl had her own baby girl! Then I said, "Do you think I could hold her?". Lindsey hesitated just a minute, then I told her, "If you just hand her to me, there's nothing they can do about it"...so she handed her over! Precious baby~perfect in every way! I got in a few sweet little kisses on her head and sang a little song to her, then all too soon, it was back into the isolettete, and Lindsey back to the room. Mom came up to the hospital at noon and went back with Lindsey to see Kylie. She was thrilled.
When we got back Joe was just about back from home and I headed out about 3, hoping Lindsey would get some rest. I think she was a little anxious to hear from the doctor, as everyone was. Karen sent a sweet "Prayer Bear" with balloons that sat in the room and eventually went up to the NICU in Kylie's bed. Several more friends visited and Lindsey's spirits seem to improve.
On the way home, I had car trouble and called a tow truck. I am lucky that the car stopped where I could coast into the Whataburger parking lot - so at least I had a cool place to wait. I called Lindsey & Joe - and Joe said his brother Daniel could probably fix it. So he went to pick up Daniel and headed my way after about 30 minutes, where I gave them the credit card to go to the auto parts store. About 30 minutes later, the tow truck arrived and we took the car to the house where Joe and Daniel were waiting. Turns out the driver knew Joe's dad, Johnnie, and worked with him. After two hours, the guys had the car working - a shredded accessory belt was the problem - that controlled my a/c and power steering.
Joe needed another shower, then headed back up to the hospital. Jim stayed with Lindsey while Joe was out. He managed to get some good pictures of Kylie in the NICU, then had them developed so I could fill my 'brag book' and take them to church. Lindsey and Joe visited the NICU as much as possible, feeding Kylie as much as they could. The doctor on call over the weekend said Kylie would have to stay another 5-7 days in the NICU, as her heart was still transitioning with a small slit causing a slight murmur. Again, common in newborns born Cesarean.
Friday morning I stayed home until afternoon, then went back up to the hospital. Jenna came back again and was so excited for Lindsey getting to hold Kylie. I don't know who's smile was bigger. She took a picture with her camera and posted it on Facebook. Later I was on the phone out in the hall and came back to find Lindsey asleep and Joe nodding off while sitting on the couch. I told him to lay down, which he did, then I eventually snuck out and went home.
Saturday, Lindsey was a little more successful with pumping, and I was so proud of her for continuing to try. The NICU had Kylie on a little feeding tube and a pacifier so she would know she had to suck to feed. She like that paci! The feeding tube didn't stay in too long, but then she became jaundiced. These days jaundice is treated with a 'beli-blanket' - they get the belirubin meds via a bright blue blanket instead of a light. Lindsey was released to go home Saturday, which was difficult for the new Mommy. She did well, got home to open mail and eat lunch - where I treated her to Bush's chicken. This was the first chicken she had eaten in 9 months since her pregnancy aversion. She enjoyed it very much. A little after lunch, Joe fell asleep on the couch, Lindsey in the recliner, and I took a little nap on Lindsey's chaise lounge. I helped Lindsey pump a couple of times - using the manual pump and the electric pump. They wanted to get back to the hospital, so I headed home.
I planned on an early evening for the 4th of July - watching a few fireworks on TV - thinking I might catch "yankee doodle dandy" in between. I talked to Rick and invited him over since he was in town to work on his Mom's yard, and we watched the movie "1776" until just after midnight ~ so much for an early night! He has a great memory for movies - both characters and script.
Sunday was filled with showing off Kylie's pictures at church. Lindsey & Joe trekked back and forth to the hospital, stopping at my house for pumping or resting a minute. They were looking forward to hearing from the neo-natologist on Monday and planned to get back to the NICU by 9:45 on Monday morning.
Kylie continued to improve - no sign of infection - they backed off her antibiotic and kept her under the beli-blanket. After the doctor checked her Monday, Lindsey called me at work to let me know she'd be coming home Tuesday! Wow! Not as long of a stay as expected. They took her 4th of July outfit for her to wear in her hospital pictures, which they took before she went home. Her head was too small for the little headband/bow combo, but she is a cutie nonetheless! Her pictures were soon posted on Hillcrest.net, so I got to share them with all my family and friends via the Internet. Thank goodness for sweet family and friends who prayed throughout the pregnancy and delivery of Kylie Jo!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Delivery - Part One
Wow, what a whirlwind the past few days have been! I went to the hospital to meet Lindsey & Joe at 6AM on Wednesday, July 1st. She was in a 'triage' room, prepped and ready to go into the surgery suite for her epidural and the c-section. She was nervous, as was Joe, who donned his scrubs in preparation for his entry into the room on the nurse's cue. Lindsey allowed one picture before she went in. Her Dad, my Dad and our Pastor also came, then out to the lobby/waiting room we went. Lindsey's uncle John and cousin Jenna, along with Grammy came too. Before too long, Joe appeared, beaming. Kylie Jo was born at 7:47 a.m. and weighed in at 7 pounds 8 ounces - less than Dr. Wang predicted! What can I say - she's perfect!! She has a little hair - dark on the back and light on the top, and of course, has her Daddy wrapped around that little finger already. We went back to the nursery to take a peek of the precious little girl who will call me YaYa.
Lindsey had to go from a recovery room back to a labor/delivery room because the other rooms were full, and Kylie stayed in the nursery. Lindsey only caught a glimpse of Kylie's little cheek when Joe held her briefly. Anxiously waiting to see the baby, family arrived in the L/D room to chat. Still no Kylie in the room. After the nurse's explanations that the other rooms were full and that the doctor was coming at noon to see Kylie, Lindsey got some pain medication and tried to relax. Joe and I were joined by little cousins at the nursery window, then Dr. John came in and examined Kylie.
Kylie was breathing rapidly, which I understand is common in c-section babies as they transition from the womb to the world. Dr. John was further concerned that her lungs could be 'wet' and even though Lindsey tested negative for any infections on the previous Monday, he thought it best to rule out any possibility and send her to the NICU. It was a scary thought, although we all knew this was what was best for Kylie. Joe kept a stiff upper lip and I headed back to Lindsey's room to be there when Dr. John arrived. He beat me there and Joe soon followed. He explained everything very well, but of course it was overwhelming to Lindsey. There was little consolation as she had not yet really seen, let alone held, her baby.
We began to focus on the neonatologist arriving and visiting, to be followed up by Lindsey and Joe going to the NICU to see Kylie. Hours went by, visitors came and went, and construction began on what seemed to be in an area directly beneath the room! The jack hammers and drills caused loud noises, certainly not fit for a young Mom trying to rest/recover. The nurse could not believe that Lindsey had to be in that room. She called to see if there was a room available yet. While most everyone else had left or gone to grab a bite to eat, I stayed with Lindsey and Joe. The next thing we knew, the neonatologist came in and explained basically the same thing Dr. John had said. He was very cordial and assured Lindsey that this happens to 'a lot of newborns' and this was 'precautionary' more than anything. Next thing we knew, she was on her way to a room, thank goodness.
The room had a great view of the fountain, green grass, trees and a walkway. The temperature was well over 100 degrees out there, and the a/c was so nice. Lindsey was still dealing with some pain and the nurses were attentive, but still, no word from the NICU on when they could come up. The neonatologist said it would be a few hours to get Kylie set up on the IV and other monitors. The afternoon crept along and a few more visitors stopped by, well expecting to see Kylie. Initial text messages sent did not mention the NICU situation, although phone calls had explained those details later. Oh, the phone calls we made. I am sure my bill will reflect Kylie's birthday announcements!!
It was really great that Jenna could stay as long as she did at the hospital. She is so positive and outgoing, keeping everyone in stitches most of the time. She is Lindsey's 'girl cousin' on her Dad's side and they are great friends.
Lindsey & Joe got word that they could go up to see Kylie, but probably not hold her just yet. So while they were elated, Lindsey and Joe were both a little distraught. If Kylie's rapid breathing continued, she could end up having to stay another 7+ days! Joe took Lindsey up in a wheelchair to the NICU later that night and finally got to see Kylie. I knew that would raise her spirits and of course, it did. We are so blessed to have a new hospital with a NICU right upstairs and some great doctors. More phone calls were made with updates, and this YaYa did not know how tired she was when her head hit the pillow at home @ 11 p.m. What a day! I am glad I only live a few minutes from the hospital.
Lindsey had to go from a recovery room back to a labor/delivery room because the other rooms were full, and Kylie stayed in the nursery. Lindsey only caught a glimpse of Kylie's little cheek when Joe held her briefly. Anxiously waiting to see the baby, family arrived in the L/D room to chat. Still no Kylie in the room. After the nurse's explanations that the other rooms were full and that the doctor was coming at noon to see Kylie, Lindsey got some pain medication and tried to relax. Joe and I were joined by little cousins at the nursery window, then Dr. John came in and examined Kylie.
Kylie was breathing rapidly, which I understand is common in c-section babies as they transition from the womb to the world. Dr. John was further concerned that her lungs could be 'wet' and even though Lindsey tested negative for any infections on the previous Monday, he thought it best to rule out any possibility and send her to the NICU. It was a scary thought, although we all knew this was what was best for Kylie. Joe kept a stiff upper lip and I headed back to Lindsey's room to be there when Dr. John arrived. He beat me there and Joe soon followed. He explained everything very well, but of course it was overwhelming to Lindsey. There was little consolation as she had not yet really seen, let alone held, her baby.
We began to focus on the neonatologist arriving and visiting, to be followed up by Lindsey and Joe going to the NICU to see Kylie. Hours went by, visitors came and went, and construction began on what seemed to be in an area directly beneath the room! The jack hammers and drills caused loud noises, certainly not fit for a young Mom trying to rest/recover. The nurse could not believe that Lindsey had to be in that room. She called to see if there was a room available yet. While most everyone else had left or gone to grab a bite to eat, I stayed with Lindsey and Joe. The next thing we knew, the neonatologist came in and explained basically the same thing Dr. John had said. He was very cordial and assured Lindsey that this happens to 'a lot of newborns' and this was 'precautionary' more than anything. Next thing we knew, she was on her way to a room, thank goodness.
The room had a great view of the fountain, green grass, trees and a walkway. The temperature was well over 100 degrees out there, and the a/c was so nice. Lindsey was still dealing with some pain and the nurses were attentive, but still, no word from the NICU on when they could come up. The neonatologist said it would be a few hours to get Kylie set up on the IV and other monitors. The afternoon crept along and a few more visitors stopped by, well expecting to see Kylie. Initial text messages sent did not mention the NICU situation, although phone calls had explained those details later. Oh, the phone calls we made. I am sure my bill will reflect Kylie's birthday announcements!!
It was really great that Jenna could stay as long as she did at the hospital. She is so positive and outgoing, keeping everyone in stitches most of the time. She is Lindsey's 'girl cousin' on her Dad's side and they are great friends.
Lindsey & Joe got word that they could go up to see Kylie, but probably not hold her just yet. So while they were elated, Lindsey and Joe were both a little distraught. If Kylie's rapid breathing continued, she could end up having to stay another 7+ days! Joe took Lindsey up in a wheelchair to the NICU later that night and finally got to see Kylie. I knew that would raise her spirits and of course, it did. We are so blessed to have a new hospital with a NICU right upstairs and some great doctors. More phone calls were made with updates, and this YaYa did not know how tired she was when her head hit the pillow at home @ 11 p.m. What a day! I am glad I only live a few minutes from the hospital.
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