Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Ryan in the pool!
Ryan got a kiddie pool for his birthday this year from Uncle Scott and Sarah - here are some pictures of him playing in it yesterday!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Doctor checkups
Emily had her checkup today (she turned 2 weeks old yesterday) and everything is looking GREAT! She is gaining weight like a champ. If you remember, she was born at 6 lbs, went down to 5 lbs and 7 oz, last week was 5 lbs 13 oz, and today weighs an astounding 6 lbs, 8 oz! YAY! I'm so relieved. She is also more energetic and is acting more and more like a newborn. She actually has outgrown one of her preemie hats! The doctor said it is not unusual for preemies to kind of "sleep" until their due date so we are not as worried about that. She sleeps most of the time. She has short periods of quiet alertness (my favorite is the 1 am bout of "alertness") and otherwise is really only awake for eating. And for some reason when I feed her I have to constantly wake her up in the middle of eating! I think she just gets too comfy and cozy. Unless something else comes up between now and then, she won't have to be back at the doctor until she is 2 months!
I had my checkup yesterday with my OB and everything is looking good. The incision is healing nicely and I am feeling a lot better, too. I'm down to taking Tylenol only once a day. I'm ready to be off of Tylenol! I don't like taking meds everyday so I'd really like to decrease anything that I can. I actually went shopping yesterday at Target and then went back today. It was so fun to see everything that has changed! Today I actually drove myself! I felt so empowered! I have not been able to drive since the middle of January so it was great to actually get behind the wheel! Anyway, I couldn't stay out long - I got tired very quickly and I am still experiencing a lot of back pain. I will just keep trying - I'm sure I'll be back up to a full day of shopping soon! (But the baby shouldn't go out until she's at least 6 weeks old so that might cramp my shopping habit just a bit!)
I had my checkup yesterday with my OB and everything is looking good. The incision is healing nicely and I am feeling a lot better, too. I'm down to taking Tylenol only once a day. I'm ready to be off of Tylenol! I don't like taking meds everyday so I'd really like to decrease anything that I can. I actually went shopping yesterday at Target and then went back today. It was so fun to see everything that has changed! Today I actually drove myself! I felt so empowered! I have not been able to drive since the middle of January so it was great to actually get behind the wheel! Anyway, I couldn't stay out long - I got tired very quickly and I am still experiencing a lot of back pain. I will just keep trying - I'm sure I'll be back up to a full day of shopping soon! (But the baby shouldn't go out until she's at least 6 weeks old so that might cramp my shopping habit just a bit!)
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Emily Update and Grandfather Sir Update
Emily went for her first post-hospital checkup today and the pediatrician said she was doing "perfect." She weighs 5 lbs, 13 oz which is fantastic news! (She was born at 6 lbs and went down to 5 lbs, 7 oz when she left the hospital - that might sound scary but it is very normal to lose up to 15% body weight after delivery and then the baby should regain that weight in 10-14 days.) She's right on track! (Of course we have to realize that all the scales could be slightly different so the real measure will be when she goes for another checkup next week.)
Also, the "substitute" pediatrician (our regular pediatrician is on maternity leave) said that it is so good that the hospital does the Car Seat Tolerance Test because there are many "miracle" babies that are born at 2 lbs or whatever and finally get released from the hospital after doing so well and then die on the way home from the hospital because of the car seat! Who knows what might have happened had they not tested Emily and sent her home earlier or in a different car seat! We're glad she is in a better car seat. The pediatrician also said that when Emily gets to the age where she would have been "full-term" we no longer have to worry about her breathing/oxygen levels in the car seat. Until then we will limit her trips strictly to the doctor's office and back. She is just too fragile although you can't tell by looking at her - she looks and acts like a normal newborn! We were so happy to get a good report from the doctor. The doctor was very pleased at how much Emily is eating and says she's right on track. The "substitute" doctor was not the same doctor we saw in the hospital but she will see her again next week for consistency. We have been so pleased with the pediatrician's practice that we have - they are always better than we expect. Either we have low expectations or they really stand out in the health care industry.
Grandfather, Sir has finished his radiation treatments! He is in San Antonio with us for the weekend and then will be returning to Midland on Sunday. The doctors have warned him that this next week will be the hardest on him and he is already starting to feel that today. He is extremely tired and in physical pain at the site of the radiation. The radiation actually burned the hair off on the side of his head and his neck and shoulder look like they have been badly burned as well. The skin looks almost raw - I can't imagine the pain associated with that. He said it is a burning sensation. In addition, his tastebuds have been dramatically effected. Nothing tastes good, even water is almost unbearable. But he has to drink more water than usual because he had one salivary gland removed in surgery a few months ago and the other has been "blitzed" by the radiation. We take saliva for granted - you NEED saliva to be able to chew and swallow and digest food properly. Think of eating a biscuit that is already dry by itself and then not being able to produce enough saliva to break it down. It would be a big doughy ball in your mouth. Everything feels like eating a big doughy ball. Except most things taste really really bad. He says the best thing to eat is anything with some kind of broth base like wonton soup. How much wonton soup can one person eat? I don't know. I can't imagine going through this if he was a picky eater. I'm sure picky eaters would automatically have to get a feeding tube just to get enough energy to make it through the day. Thankfully he hasn't had to have a feeding tube but this has been really really hard on him. His discipline and faith I'm sure have helped him through his worst days - I hope they continue to support him in what lies ahead.
My mom is planning to go back to Midland with Dad (if Ryan will let her go - he's pretty attached - probably because he sees a pair of arms that are not too busy or too tired to pick him up!) for this most challenging week and then hopefully will be back here to help take care of us next week when Shane gets back to work. She is going to be SO EXHAUSTED by the time this is all said and done - she's going to need a vacation! (But she'll probably want to take a vacation in her own home where she can sleep in her own bed! It's been a long time since she's had much time there! Her golfing buddies miss her a lot I'm sure! Margaret?! Margaret who??!) We'd like to keep her for the rest of the summer but we'd settle for anything she wants to give. There's nothing like having your mommy to take care of you.
Anyway, I'm recovering as well as possible, I guess. I had a regular delivery with Ryan so I don't have anything to compare this c-section to. I hoped recovery would be quicker and less painful - shows how much I know. I don't know what those celebrities are thinking when they "elect" a c-section. IDIOTS! Abdominal surgery is right up there with medieval torture for me! (Okay, in medieval torture they probably don't offer pain pills afterward or a spinal or epidural of which I had both - but you get my drift.)
Mom and I want to thank everyone (again) for all of your prayers and thoughts and time and everything else that you all have been so generous with. Our friends and family have helped us through this very difficult time (you know who you are) so thank you thank you. I hope that we will recognize the opportunities to "pay-it-forward" to you or to other people that need us as much as we have needed you all. Thanks again. We are truly blessed. We will keep adding to this blog - hopefully with all things light and cheery from here on out. No more dangerous pregnancies, no more cancer or radiation, no more sadness. It will be all things bright and beautiful. :) Much love...
Also, the "substitute" pediatrician (our regular pediatrician is on maternity leave) said that it is so good that the hospital does the Car Seat Tolerance Test because there are many "miracle" babies that are born at 2 lbs or whatever and finally get released from the hospital after doing so well and then die on the way home from the hospital because of the car seat! Who knows what might have happened had they not tested Emily and sent her home earlier or in a different car seat! We're glad she is in a better car seat. The pediatrician also said that when Emily gets to the age where she would have been "full-term" we no longer have to worry about her breathing/oxygen levels in the car seat. Until then we will limit her trips strictly to the doctor's office and back. She is just too fragile although you can't tell by looking at her - she looks and acts like a normal newborn! We were so happy to get a good report from the doctor. The doctor was very pleased at how much Emily is eating and says she's right on track. The "substitute" doctor was not the same doctor we saw in the hospital but she will see her again next week for consistency. We have been so pleased with the pediatrician's practice that we have - they are always better than we expect. Either we have low expectations or they really stand out in the health care industry.
Grandfather, Sir has finished his radiation treatments! He is in San Antonio with us for the weekend and then will be returning to Midland on Sunday. The doctors have warned him that this next week will be the hardest on him and he is already starting to feel that today. He is extremely tired and in physical pain at the site of the radiation. The radiation actually burned the hair off on the side of his head and his neck and shoulder look like they have been badly burned as well. The skin looks almost raw - I can't imagine the pain associated with that. He said it is a burning sensation. In addition, his tastebuds have been dramatically effected. Nothing tastes good, even water is almost unbearable. But he has to drink more water than usual because he had one salivary gland removed in surgery a few months ago and the other has been "blitzed" by the radiation. We take saliva for granted - you NEED saliva to be able to chew and swallow and digest food properly. Think of eating a biscuit that is already dry by itself and then not being able to produce enough saliva to break it down. It would be a big doughy ball in your mouth. Everything feels like eating a big doughy ball. Except most things taste really really bad. He says the best thing to eat is anything with some kind of broth base like wonton soup. How much wonton soup can one person eat? I don't know. I can't imagine going through this if he was a picky eater. I'm sure picky eaters would automatically have to get a feeding tube just to get enough energy to make it through the day. Thankfully he hasn't had to have a feeding tube but this has been really really hard on him. His discipline and faith I'm sure have helped him through his worst days - I hope they continue to support him in what lies ahead.
My mom is planning to go back to Midland with Dad (if Ryan will let her go - he's pretty attached - probably because he sees a pair of arms that are not too busy or too tired to pick him up!) for this most challenging week and then hopefully will be back here to help take care of us next week when Shane gets back to work. She is going to be SO EXHAUSTED by the time this is all said and done - she's going to need a vacation! (But she'll probably want to take a vacation in her own home where she can sleep in her own bed! It's been a long time since she's had much time there! Her golfing buddies miss her a lot I'm sure! Margaret?! Margaret who??!) We'd like to keep her for the rest of the summer but we'd settle for anything she wants to give. There's nothing like having your mommy to take care of you.
Anyway, I'm recovering as well as possible, I guess. I had a regular delivery with Ryan so I don't have anything to compare this c-section to. I hoped recovery would be quicker and less painful - shows how much I know. I don't know what those celebrities are thinking when they "elect" a c-section. IDIOTS! Abdominal surgery is right up there with medieval torture for me! (Okay, in medieval torture they probably don't offer pain pills afterward or a spinal or epidural of which I had both - but you get my drift.)
Mom and I want to thank everyone (again) for all of your prayers and thoughts and time and everything else that you all have been so generous with. Our friends and family have helped us through this very difficult time (you know who you are) so thank you thank you. I hope that we will recognize the opportunities to "pay-it-forward" to you or to other people that need us as much as we have needed you all. Thanks again. We are truly blessed. We will keep adding to this blog - hopefully with all things light and cheery from here on out. No more dangerous pregnancies, no more cancer or radiation, no more sadness. It will be all things bright and beautiful. :) Much love...
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Yay! Emily is home!
Emily passed the Car Seat Tolerance Test and is home with us now! She passed the test using the preemie car seat and it just seems SO big for her little tiny body. She has lost weight (always happens in the first week after birth) so she is down to 5 lbs 7 oz. She was born at an even 6 lbs. She needs to return to her birth weight in 10-14 days. She has a checkup at the pediatrician's office on Friday.
Meanwhile, Ryan is going for his 1 year checkup this afternoon. He will have immunizations and we will be told the changes we can make to his diet (i.e. we can introduce whole milk, etc).
We are SO happy to have both of our kids safe and healthy and HOME. Thanks for all the extra prayers.
Love,
Becca, Shane, Ryan, and Emily
Meanwhile, Ryan is going for his 1 year checkup this afternoon. He will have immunizations and we will be told the changes we can make to his diet (i.e. we can introduce whole milk, etc).
We are SO happy to have both of our kids safe and healthy and HOME. Thanks for all the extra prayers.
Love,
Becca, Shane, Ryan, and Emily
Mommy's home; Emily's not
I was discharged from the hospital last night but Emily had to stay because she failed the Car Seat Breathing Tolerance Test again. The pediatrician on-call (our pediatrician has a 2 week old baby and is still on maternity leave) recommended that we purchase a "preemie" car seat and try that to see if it would help. It didn't. So the pediatrician ordered that Emily go into the NICU to see the car seat "specialist." She had to stay overnight in the regular nursery and then transfer to the NICU this morning. There are two things that could happen if she fails the test again. First, she could stay in the hospital until her breathing improves while she is strapped in the car seat. They will continue to test her and then will release her when it is safe. The interesting thing is, we thought this had to do with lung maturity, a common problem with a baby born at 35 weeks. The charge nurse from the NICU came to visit us before we left the hospital last night and she said that it probably has nothing to do with lung maturity and more to do with positioning in the car seat. Her little body probably has a hard time keeping her head up and her chin probably drops down to her chest, cutting off her oxygen supply. (The nurse we spoke to had not been there for any of the tests that Emily had failed but gathered that from the fact that Emily doesn't seem to have any other breathing problems except in the car seat.) The other thing that could happen is the NICU could recommend a "Car Bed." Nobody could give us too many details about the Car Bed I guess because it is pretty rare for a baby to have to go home in one. Most babies in the NICU that would require a Car Bed have other health issues that have to be resolved before they can be discharged. It appears as though this is the only problem that Emily is having so nobody that we spoke to can really explain what might happen. The Car Bed is like a car seat, the baby gets strapped in and everything, but is in a completely horizontal position, from what I understand. Car Beds are not available for regular purchase and would have to be cleared by the pediatrician before they would let a baby leave the hospital in one. I guess the hospital provides one if they decide that it would be the best way to go? We don't really know the answer to that.
I called the hospital a few minutes ago and Emily has already transferred to the NICU and they are conducting the test as I am typing this. They were using the preemie car seat for the initial test. I am to call back in an hour to get the results of the test.
It was nearly impossible to leave Emily at the hospital last night. We knew prior to delivery that a stay in the NICU was possible but then they said everything was fine and she was able to sleep in my room and it appeared that she was going to be able to come home with us and there would be no more chance of her needing extra medical attention. We had no idea that there was a Car Seat Tolerance Test (they call it a "study" and I recommended they change the name to something that would convey to parents that the successful passing of the "study" would be required before the baby would be released from the hospital). We thought it was a safety test, to make sure the baby was buckled in correctly, etc. As it turns out, I'm glad they do this kind of test - it would be horrible if we were driving Emily home and something tragic happened because she couldn't breathe properly and we had no idea that anything was wrong. So, I'm glad they do this test - they require it for any baby that is born less than 37 weeks gestation. I just wish that our little one was a bit stronger and didn't have to be put through all of this. And I wish that insurance would have let me stay in the hospital as long as my baby girl had to stay there. Alas, that is not the case. I have never had to do anything as difficult as leaving my newborn baby behind in the hands of strangers. I completely trust the caregivers in the nursery and especially in the NICU but it still was SO HARD to leave her there. I'm anxious to get back to the hospital to hold her and love on her. I really enjoyed coming home, showering in my own shower, sleeping in my own bed (haven't been home in 2 weeks and a day) but I'd trade that to be with Emily in a heartbeat. Funny how motherhood changes your perspective on things. Please pray that Emily is strong enough to hold her head up in one of the car seats so she can come home soon.
For those of you wondering about my dad... after today he has 3 more treatments of radiation and will be done on Friday. He is really having a hard time eating and has lost a lot of weight because of it. I hope that he has seen the worst of it, but we can't be sure until everything is said and done. (I've been told it will probably get a bit worse before it gets better.) He is incredibly strong and I can't imagine going through that kind of treatment. I hope everything heals as quickly as possible.
Thanks for all the extra prayers for our family. We'll keep in touch.
I called the hospital a few minutes ago and Emily has already transferred to the NICU and they are conducting the test as I am typing this. They were using the preemie car seat for the initial test. I am to call back in an hour to get the results of the test.
It was nearly impossible to leave Emily at the hospital last night. We knew prior to delivery that a stay in the NICU was possible but then they said everything was fine and she was able to sleep in my room and it appeared that she was going to be able to come home with us and there would be no more chance of her needing extra medical attention. We had no idea that there was a Car Seat Tolerance Test (they call it a "study" and I recommended they change the name to something that would convey to parents that the successful passing of the "study" would be required before the baby would be released from the hospital). We thought it was a safety test, to make sure the baby was buckled in correctly, etc. As it turns out, I'm glad they do this kind of test - it would be horrible if we were driving Emily home and something tragic happened because she couldn't breathe properly and we had no idea that anything was wrong. So, I'm glad they do this test - they require it for any baby that is born less than 37 weeks gestation. I just wish that our little one was a bit stronger and didn't have to be put through all of this. And I wish that insurance would have let me stay in the hospital as long as my baby girl had to stay there. Alas, that is not the case. I have never had to do anything as difficult as leaving my newborn baby behind in the hands of strangers. I completely trust the caregivers in the nursery and especially in the NICU but it still was SO HARD to leave her there. I'm anxious to get back to the hospital to hold her and love on her. I really enjoyed coming home, showering in my own shower, sleeping in my own bed (haven't been home in 2 weeks and a day) but I'd trade that to be with Emily in a heartbeat. Funny how motherhood changes your perspective on things. Please pray that Emily is strong enough to hold her head up in one of the car seats so she can come home soon.
For those of you wondering about my dad... after today he has 3 more treatments of radiation and will be done on Friday. He is really having a hard time eating and has lost a lot of weight because of it. I hope that he has seen the worst of it, but we can't be sure until everything is said and done. (I've been told it will probably get a bit worse before it gets better.) He is incredibly strong and I can't imagine going through that kind of treatment. I hope everything heals as quickly as possible.
Thanks for all the extra prayers for our family. We'll keep in touch.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Baby Details
Gosh! I didn't realize I hadn't updated this with baby info! Emily Grace Siebenaler was born on Thursday, April 30th at 2:52 pm. She was 6 lbs and 19 inches long and came out kicking and screaming! It was such a relief to hear her crying in the operating room!
Because she was premature, she did have to go the Transition Nursery in the NICU but only had to stay about 6 hours. Then, Emily was able to join me in the Post-Partum room and has been doing very well. We were supposed to go home on Sunday but Emily had some trouble breathing in the car seat. Here at Methodist they have a policy to conduct what's called a Car Seat Study on all babies that are born before 37 weeks. They place the baby in his/her car seat and check oxygenation, breathing, and heart rate. Emily took the test twice and failed both times so they want to try to take the test again tomorrow (Monday) to see if that was just a fluke or if we need to get a special car seat designed specifically for premature babies. We're crossing our fingers that she will pass the test today - I'm not sure that a different car seat will fit in our car with Ryan's new toddler seat!
Other than the car seat study, Emily has been doing great. Ryan doesn't realy know how to act around her but watches very intently if anyone in the room is giving her attention. He just stares at her - it's pretty cute. He's not sure what to think. :)
My Mom was able to come down to San Antonio on Thursday and went back to Houston to be with my Dad on Saturday. I'm glad she got to meet Emily. Mom thinks Emily looks like me as a baby - but I can't tell. We'll have to look at my baby pictures when we get home.
Thank you to everyone that has come for a visit and/or helped with Ryan. Scott and Sarah have helped us with Ryan A BUNCH and Fran was able to spend the night with me on Saturday night so Shane could take care of Ryan at home. We are so lucky to be surrounded by people that are so willing to give up their time.
Here is a picture of Emily. She has strawberry-blondish hair and lots of it! It looks like it will be curly or wavy. Her eyes are blue-gray right now but they probably won't stay that way. Her face is nice and full and in pictures she looks like a full-size newborn but if you see her hands and legs your realize that she is premature. Her legs are teeny tiny as are her ankles and feet. Her head is also very very small - I'm sure she'll grow into everything soon. :)
Update on Nurse Paula - after the 8 hour surgery, it seems like everything is going well. Shane ran into her on the elevator yesterday. She is still in the hospital but she was going to check on her friends in the Antepartum Unit. She probably tried to make rounds and help patients - I wouldn't be surprised.
My Dad is doing okay. He has really lost his appetite and strength. I suspect it will get a little worse before it gets better. Thankfully, he only has one more week of treatment and then will be coming up to San Antonio on his way home to Midland.
Lots of love to you all,
The (bigger) Siebenaler Family
Because she was premature, she did have to go the Transition Nursery in the NICU but only had to stay about 6 hours. Then, Emily was able to join me in the Post-Partum room and has been doing very well. We were supposed to go home on Sunday but Emily had some trouble breathing in the car seat. Here at Methodist they have a policy to conduct what's called a Car Seat Study on all babies that are born before 37 weeks. They place the baby in his/her car seat and check oxygenation, breathing, and heart rate. Emily took the test twice and failed both times so they want to try to take the test again tomorrow (Monday) to see if that was just a fluke or if we need to get a special car seat designed specifically for premature babies. We're crossing our fingers that she will pass the test today - I'm not sure that a different car seat will fit in our car with Ryan's new toddler seat!
Other than the car seat study, Emily has been doing great. Ryan doesn't realy know how to act around her but watches very intently if anyone in the room is giving her attention. He just stares at her - it's pretty cute. He's not sure what to think. :)
My Mom was able to come down to San Antonio on Thursday and went back to Houston to be with my Dad on Saturday. I'm glad she got to meet Emily. Mom thinks Emily looks like me as a baby - but I can't tell. We'll have to look at my baby pictures when we get home.
Thank you to everyone that has come for a visit and/or helped with Ryan. Scott and Sarah have helped us with Ryan A BUNCH and Fran was able to spend the night with me on Saturday night so Shane could take care of Ryan at home. We are so lucky to be surrounded by people that are so willing to give up their time.
Here is a picture of Emily. She has strawberry-blondish hair and lots of it! It looks like it will be curly or wavy. Her eyes are blue-gray right now but they probably won't stay that way. Her face is nice and full and in pictures she looks like a full-size newborn but if you see her hands and legs your realize that she is premature. Her legs are teeny tiny as are her ankles and feet. Her head is also very very small - I'm sure she'll grow into everything soon. :)
Update on Nurse Paula - after the 8 hour surgery, it seems like everything is going well. Shane ran into her on the elevator yesterday. She is still in the hospital but she was going to check on her friends in the Antepartum Unit. She probably tried to make rounds and help patients - I wouldn't be surprised.
My Dad is doing okay. He has really lost his appetite and strength. I suspect it will get a little worse before it gets better. Thankfully, he only has one more week of treatment and then will be coming up to San Antonio on his way home to Midland.
Lots of love to you all,
The (bigger) Siebenaler Family
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