What a blur this week has been. Now that it's calming down a bit, I have a moment to reflect. Last Saturday night Baby M started sounding a little congested. It shouldn't have been a big surprise, her sister had yet another cold and kept putting the binky in her mouth. Sunday Baby M had a stuffy/runny nose, and Monday she just cried and cried (which isn't like her). Monday afternoon, I made an appointment for her to see the Dr. I just wanted to get her looked at and make sure she was okay. In the office, her temperature was 100.3 The Dr. said that if it got over 100.4 I needed to take her into Primary Children's. That kind of freaked me out. This is my 4th kid and you'd think I would know that, right? Wrong. I guess I've never had a sick baby before.
That night was a birthday party for my cute niece. We went and had a good time, but I was worried about Baby M. We came home, she ate and slept and then woke up at 12:30. The second I picked her up I could tell her temperature was up. I got out the thermometer and it was 100.7 I debated on what to do, wait until morning to take her in or go now. There was an on-call nurse at her Dr.'s office and she advised us to take her in then. So at 1:30 in the morning, Baby M and I made the 35 minute drive up to Primary Children's Hospital. I have to admit I had a good cry on my way up there (good thing there wasn't much traffic). It's a very helpless feeling when a child is sick and there's nothing you can do. I feel like I'm turning them over to the Lord and putting my trust in him that they'll be okay.
We spent the first 3 1/2 hours in the E.R. at PCMC. They collected a urine and blood sample, put in an IV and did a spinal tap. Quite the workup for such a little girl. I guess it's standard for babies this young. They want to test for everything. As I watched them put in her IV, I literally felt nauseous. This same thing happened as I watched Little Man get staples in his head. I would rather be the one going through the pain than watch my own children do it. I stepped out when they did the spinal tap. After all the tests were run, they started her on antibiotics. We had to be admitted to wait for all the test results to come back. So we moved upstairs to a room and I got about 40 minutes of sleep for the night.
From the time the test were submitted we had to stay 36 hours. Everything ended up coming back negative (which is good), except for the Roto Virus. Which is basically the common cold virus. I'm glad it was nothing serious, but it ended up being the longest few days of my life. Jeff took two days off to stay with the other kids. It was hard not being home for them. We've had a few behavior issues as a result. They're still adjusting to having a baby take all of mom's time and attention, and then this.
I learned a lot of lessons through this experience. One is that I have amazing family, friends, and neighbors. Everyone was so willing to help. A friend brought Jeff and the kids dinner while I was gone, which was very thoughtful. Another friend watched the kids for a few hours before I was able to come home. It's always hard for me to accept help, but sometimes you have to. I realize how truly blessed I am to be surrounded by such great people. I also learned how precious these little people are. I am so blessed to be their mom. I also have an amazing husband. He's a wonderful father and my best friend. I've definitely cried on his shoulder a ton this last month (or more). The last thing I learned was that I could have things so much worse. There are so many sick kids at PCMC. I was amazed as I saw what some of them have to go through. I definitely need to count my blessings. I'm looking forward to some uneventful times ahead.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
One Day at a Time...
This is my new motto-just take it 'one day at a time'. Some days are better than others, but each one is an adventure. I can't believe baby M is already 12 days old. She's the cutest little thing and such a joy to have in our lives. I felt bad I hadn't taken any pictures of her since I've been home, so today we had a little photo shoot. She's not too thrilled about the headband. She keeps knocking it down over her eyes and then she gets really MAD.
Her brothers adore her. They always want to hold her. Even if it's just for a minute. Little Princess tolerates her. She's taking more interesting in her now. When Baby M first came home, Little Princess was sick and she was not happy about having her around. Now she's my little helper. Whenever we change diapers, she'll get the diaper and wipes. She hands me creams, plays with the binkeys and so much more. I have the cutest little family.
Her brothers adore her. They always want to hold her. Even if it's just for a minute. Little Princess tolerates her. She's taking more interesting in her now. When Baby M first came home, Little Princess was sick and she was not happy about having her around. Now she's my little helper. Whenever we change diapers, she'll get the diaper and wipes. She hands me creams, plays with the binkeys and so much more. I have the cutest little family.
Friday, March 11, 2011
She's Here
Happy Birthday to my newest Little Princess. Baby M was born on March 11th at 5:00 p.m. She weighed 7 lbs 6 oz. and was 19 inches long. She's perfect in every way-and stinking cute. I had Big Man take this picture the night before I had her.
I had to call the hospital the morning I was scheduled to be induced. Once I got the go ahead, we headed in. I got to the hospital around 7:40. By the time I got changed and my nurse came down it was closer to 8:30. She took forever doing the history and getting my IV started. The Doctor stopped by around 9:15 to break my water. It didn't quite break the first time. The nurse started the pitocin after that. I was hoping to get going on it before 10 in the morning. Oh well. Because the Dr. had appointments all morning, he didn't get back down until noon to break my water again. This time it worked and things really picked up. Around 1:30 or 2 the contractions started hurting. Around 3:00 I got my epidural. I was only at a 3 when I got the epidural. I was thinking at that rate she wouldn't appear until evening or later. The epidural was awesome. Immediate relief. I was able to rest for a while. Jeff arrived at this point and hung out for a while. I told my nurse I was starting to feel some pressure. She checked me again and I was at a 6. Half hour later, an 8, and half hour later again I was fully dilated. It was the best epidural I've ever had because I didn't feel a thing. The Dr. was called down and I started pushing. Two contractions later she was out. It was the best delivery.
7 lb 6 oz is my largest baby yet, even though she still looks pretty teeny. She's got chubby little cheeks and is perfect in every way.
All the kids came to see their new sister about an hour later. They couldn't wait. You'll notice the two masked ones. They caught my cold. They loved their sister and couldn't get enough of her. It was cute.
I love how babies look after their first bath. They're so clean and pretty.
I think Baby M looks like her sister in this picture. Jeff was sure this one would be dark haired and dark eyed. We'll have to wait a while on the eyes, but I'm hoping she gets blue just like the rest.
Ever since she came out, all she's wanted to do is eat. She caught on pretty quickly and is nursing well. I'm a little sore, but hanging in there and loving every minute with my newest Little Princess.
I had to call the hospital the morning I was scheduled to be induced. Once I got the go ahead, we headed in. I got to the hospital around 7:40. By the time I got changed and my nurse came down it was closer to 8:30. She took forever doing the history and getting my IV started. The Doctor stopped by around 9:15 to break my water. It didn't quite break the first time. The nurse started the pitocin after that. I was hoping to get going on it before 10 in the morning. Oh well. Because the Dr. had appointments all morning, he didn't get back down until noon to break my water again. This time it worked and things really picked up. Around 1:30 or 2 the contractions started hurting. Around 3:00 I got my epidural. I was only at a 3 when I got the epidural. I was thinking at that rate she wouldn't appear until evening or later. The epidural was awesome. Immediate relief. I was able to rest for a while. Jeff arrived at this point and hung out for a while. I told my nurse I was starting to feel some pressure. She checked me again and I was at a 6. Half hour later, an 8, and half hour later again I was fully dilated. It was the best epidural I've ever had because I didn't feel a thing. The Dr. was called down and I started pushing. Two contractions later she was out. It was the best delivery.
7 lb 6 oz is my largest baby yet, even though she still looks pretty teeny. She's got chubby little cheeks and is perfect in every way.
All the kids came to see their new sister about an hour later. They couldn't wait. You'll notice the two masked ones. They caught my cold. They loved their sister and couldn't get enough of her. It was cute.
I love how babies look after their first bath. They're so clean and pretty.
I think Baby M looks like her sister in this picture. Jeff was sure this one would be dark haired and dark eyed. We'll have to wait a while on the eyes, but I'm hoping she gets blue just like the rest.
Ever since she came out, all she's wanted to do is eat. She caught on pretty quickly and is nursing well. I'm a little sore, but hanging in there and loving every minute with my newest Little Princess.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Things I've Learned...
Today is day #9 of being sick. It's been a long 9 days, but I've learned a few things. First of all, let me just say this is not your average typical cold. That I can handle-life goes on. This is knock you out flat, no energy, can't stop coughing, can't breathe, or talk, can't sleep, tired beyond belief sick. I feel like I've been on bed rest for most of it.
So here are a few of the things I've learned:
1. Sometimes you have to accept help from others. My parents have been great to take the kids while Jeff has been working long hours, and they even brought us dinner last night. It is greatly appreciated. I also ran into a neighbor and friend up at the elementary school last week. We talked for a second and she felt so bad because I sounded so awful. About 1/2 hour after I got home she showed up with a Papa Murphy's pizza dinner for us. I was so touched at her kindness. It was definitely nice to not have to worry about dinner.
2. Sometimes you just have to take it easy. Not that there was a lot that I needed to do last week, but I like to keep up on the housework, dishes, etc. so it doesn't get too out of hand. Feeling the way I did, nothing got done. Looking back that's okay. I had to learn to listen to my body. It needed rest and relaxation above all.
3. That I shouldn't take my good health for granted. Overall, I'm a pretty healthy person. I get occasional colds, but nothing major. The last time I felt this sick was when I was at the MTC back in 1999. I had pneumonia. I remember feeling like I was going to die. This ranks right up there with that.
4. Heavenly Father knows best. Last week was my 38th week for this pregnancy. I have never gone past 38 weeks with either of the previous three, so I assumed (and hoped) that this one wouldn't either. Although I was disappointed that I didn't go into labor, looking back I am very grateful. There was no way I could've gone through labor and caring for a newborn when I felt as crummy as I did.
5. I have a great husband and kids. I of course already knew that, but I was reminded again at their goodness. The kids were troopers while I laid around doing nothing. They entertained themselves and didn't even fight quite as much. Jeff had a busy week at work, but Saturday and Sunday he took on full responsibility for meals, entertainment, etc. for him and the kids. It was nice to have a break. He's such a good dad and the kids adore spending time with him. He even spent three nights on the couch because I was coughing too hard for him to sleep by me.
The good news is that for the last two days I have felt a tiny bit better. I was kind of hoping for a miraculous overnight recovery, but I see now that it will be gradual. I just hope that by Thursday I am feeling a LOT better. I just talked to my Dr.'s office and I'm on the schedule to be induced. I will be 39 weeks that day. I really wanted to go into labor on my own, but I decided on the induction for a couple of reasons: 1-my Dr. will be going out of town after that. 2-the next weekend, Jeff has a trade show he has to be at. 3-I'm a little worried she won't go into labor on her own. With as much back labor as I've had I'm wondering if she's turned funny. I could be wrong, but I guess we'll see.
So stay tuned to Thursday to meet the newest Hansen addition. I know I'm excited to meet her.
So here are a few of the things I've learned:
1. Sometimes you have to accept help from others. My parents have been great to take the kids while Jeff has been working long hours, and they even brought us dinner last night. It is greatly appreciated. I also ran into a neighbor and friend up at the elementary school last week. We talked for a second and she felt so bad because I sounded so awful. About 1/2 hour after I got home she showed up with a Papa Murphy's pizza dinner for us. I was so touched at her kindness. It was definitely nice to not have to worry about dinner.
2. Sometimes you just have to take it easy. Not that there was a lot that I needed to do last week, but I like to keep up on the housework, dishes, etc. so it doesn't get too out of hand. Feeling the way I did, nothing got done. Looking back that's okay. I had to learn to listen to my body. It needed rest and relaxation above all.
3. That I shouldn't take my good health for granted. Overall, I'm a pretty healthy person. I get occasional colds, but nothing major. The last time I felt this sick was when I was at the MTC back in 1999. I had pneumonia. I remember feeling like I was going to die. This ranks right up there with that.
4. Heavenly Father knows best. Last week was my 38th week for this pregnancy. I have never gone past 38 weeks with either of the previous three, so I assumed (and hoped) that this one wouldn't either. Although I was disappointed that I didn't go into labor, looking back I am very grateful. There was no way I could've gone through labor and caring for a newborn when I felt as crummy as I did.
5. I have a great husband and kids. I of course already knew that, but I was reminded again at their goodness. The kids were troopers while I laid around doing nothing. They entertained themselves and didn't even fight quite as much. Jeff had a busy week at work, but Saturday and Sunday he took on full responsibility for meals, entertainment, etc. for him and the kids. It was nice to have a break. He's such a good dad and the kids adore spending time with him. He even spent three nights on the couch because I was coughing too hard for him to sleep by me.
The good news is that for the last two days I have felt a tiny bit better. I was kind of hoping for a miraculous overnight recovery, but I see now that it will be gradual. I just hope that by Thursday I am feeling a LOT better. I just talked to my Dr.'s office and I'm on the schedule to be induced. I will be 39 weeks that day. I really wanted to go into labor on my own, but I decided on the induction for a couple of reasons: 1-my Dr. will be going out of town after that. 2-the next weekend, Jeff has a trade show he has to be at. 3-I'm a little worried she won't go into labor on her own. With as much back labor as I've had I'm wondering if she's turned funny. I could be wrong, but I guess we'll see.
So stay tuned to Thursday to meet the newest Hansen addition. I know I'm excited to meet her.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
38 weeks...
And all is still well. My vitals all look good, she's still growing, so we continue to wait. I was a little bit more dilated and effaced. I had the Dr. strip my membranes so we'll see if that will jump start things. If not, my Dr. said I could be induced next Thursday. I'll have to think about that one. I'm really crossing my fingers that it happens naturally on it's own before that. I know that officially I have two more weeks, but I've NEVER gone past 38 weeks, so to me this is full term.
The worst part is that I have a cold. I started coming down with it last Sunday and the last two days my lungs have felt like they're on fire. Every time I cough, my stomach hurts. I'm hoping I get over this cold soon.
The worst part is that I have a cold. I started coming down with it last Sunday and the last two days my lungs have felt like they're on fire. Every time I cough, my stomach hurts. I'm hoping I get over this cold soon.
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