So its been a loooong time since I've written, but rightfully so as Oliver is home now and he and his laundry consume most of my day. :) What a blessing he truly is, now that he is home for us to take are all the time parenthood truly has begun. There have been many times I wish that the wonderful NICU nursing staff was right around the corner but we are doing pretty well on our own I think. At least Oliver seems to be eating more and growing at that. We'll see just how much as we go to the pediatrician for a weight check tomorrow morning. He was 6 pounds 2 ounces last Tuesday an I am hoping for at least 6 and a half if not 7, that's probably a little high end but hey what the heck.
Where to start.... Well we came home last Sunday and it was an amazing feeling to finally leave Boone Hospital Center with Kevin's hand in one and Oliver in his car seat in the other!! Boy how I have been envisioning that day for a long time and it felt just as I imagined. We do have him home on a monitor for his apnea, but it does present some peace of mind for when you aren't "airplane mommying" him. However, in the dead of the night when it beeps, no matter what for, your heart literally stops! Everyday Oliver seems to be growing just a little further out of his apnea. I look forward to that day! But until then there is comfort in the little monitor.
Oliver was also sent home on a couple medications to help with his reflux. Sometimes I think it helps and other feedings not so much, but then again maybe I don't want to know what he would be like without it right now. :) Needless to say I am glad we have a lot of hand-me-down clothes Grandma Ruthie got for him, because he goes through the outfits like no body's business. I never thought you could be so proud of a poop and so surprised either. Last week during am morning change I was just getting ready to close up the diaper he decides to start pooping more, I went through 3 more diapers before he finally finished and I got him closed. Wow, I was spent! I've been peed on at least 3 times and even pooped on, what a boy Oliver is!! :) He has a little projectile vomiting and I've been caught in the face with that. :) Even though an average person would be grossed out by these events, each one brings a smile to this mothers face!! I am so thankful for each one of them!
Yesterday Oliver received his first bath at home, he didn't seem to like it nearly as much as the one in the hospital, maybe it was not being in the warmed isolette or the cute blonde nurse wasn't there, but the next one will be better!! And of course promptly at his next feeding he spit up all over and down his neck and over his face it went. Oh well!! I was combing his hair to dry it out and he had a natural fohawk going on. I seriously don't know if there is anything that he does or look he gives that isn't absolutely adorable!!
Grandma Pam (my mom) was here to give us some helping hand through the weekend. I wish her and my family were closer. She was so helpful in helping us get the house organized, laundry done, nursery a little more ship shape, taking some Oliver time - which I KNOW she was in heaven with!! She also cooked us meals and cleaned several rooms in the house. Next time I just want mom/grandma time and but I know she can't help but do things as she wants to be a helper!! I'm excited as Oliver gets older the more the three of us will be able to do and even with the rest of our family!! My mom is an absolute inspiration to me! I hope that I can be as hard working, loving, caring, helpful, selfless, dedicated mother to Oliver as she has been for me over the last 29 almost 30 years!! I know I forgot a descriptive out but amazing I think covers it. I am looking forward to her coming back this weekend for a baby shower.
Two weeks ago Thursday the faculty and staff at school had an shower for Kevin and I. They went above and beyond in giving such wonderful, useful gifts. As most of them are mothers they knew what we would need as we are kind of going into this blind. We cannot thank them all enough for all the kind words and prayers, actions, and thoughts over the course of this journey (as it begins). A special thanks to Jen for the daily cards to Oliver and her family for the welcoming home of Oliver! That is a day Kevin and I will never EVER forget. Your friendship is much appreciated! We have another shower this Saturday and I am excited to see many people I haven't in the past couple of months!! Many special people will be there and Oliver may or may not make a BRIEF appearance as he;s still out from his due date I don't think it is a good idea to overexpose him to people! Sorry in advance to those of you coming expecting him there, it just may not work.
IF any one has had a baby that spits up A LOT please send me a note - et_two3@yahoo.com - He's on enfamil AR and a couple of medstv, and Oliver. I struggle with leaving him alone in a room, even if its to pee! I think I took the fastest shower known to man this morning to get back to him. He's so darn cute and when he smiles its a new level of love and compassion. I've received some great advice as the journey of parenthood has begun, but none better than enjoy every moment! No matter if it is good or bad or just a moment as they grow up SOOO fast.
It's all about state of mind at this point.I know that eventually he will grow out of the things that make us uneasy and him uncomfortable! All too soon he will be crawling, talking, and walking! It is going to be so much fun to watch him continue to reach milestone after milestone. I think the short term goal for now is to go half of his feedings without spitting up he seemed to be on the way to this but the last 24 hours have been a little harder on him and our laundry. :) Oliver seems to like his new home and room. He's pretty wide-eyed and checking things out when he is awake. We've been having our tummy time too and he is SOO strong!! Not only lifting his head, turning side to side, raising his legs - kind of doing a super man, but his arm and leg strength. His grip is pretty unbelievable and when he straightens those legs WOWZER!!
There are definitely challenges, like feeling helpless still when he is uncomfortable and seems almost inconsolable. But then he smiles or giggles (or so it seems to us) and everything else seems secondary. Our love for Oliver supersedes everything and it runs deeper than I thought humanly possible. Still watching Kevin be such a good daddy strengthens our bond and love. It amazes me that we created such a beautiful little person and that God blessed us with him. I know I can never say enough thanks for what we have been given!
Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep If I should die before I wake I pray the Lord my soul to take
Please continue to pray for our little family in the steps we take and the path we walk hand in hand guided by the light of the Lord.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Oliver over the past 3 weeks
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Two Weeks!!
How fast a boy can grow!!
So I've been swept away by motherhood and there is no looking back! It is truly the greatest thing anyone can experience! There are so many sides to it that make it so wonderful! I thought I knew what love was, but seeing this little man that is part Kevin and part me, whom God blessed us with leaves an unbelievable feeling! NOW I KNOW WHAT LOVE IS!
So Oliver turned two weeks old on Tuesday September 20th and is growing so fast! I keep telling him he can slow down, but I do believe that he is in a hurry to come home!! He is now over 4 pounds - as of Sunday! He is actually 4 pounds 5 ounces as of his Wednesday night weighing. They also do his measurements every Sunday night and this past Sunday he had grown 3/4 of an inch up to 17 3/4" and his head is 12cm. This is what it was when he was born, but he had a large bruise on the back of his head so there was some swelling and that had gone down so his head actually had shrunk in the first week, but in his second week it grew back up to 12cm. Our son is ever so amazing and god has blessed him with an inordinate amount of strength!!
Our little man has achieved so many milestones since I last updated. Let's see.... Well he has started feeding a little out of a bottle! The first time her tried I didn't think he would do anything beyond holding the bottle in his mouth, but boy did he surprise us, yet again! It was pretty amazing as both sets of grandparents were there to share in mine and Kevin's joy of this big success! We were also blessed with one of our favorite nurses, whom pulled the curtain and let us have more than the 2 allowable guests, so that we could all witness this moment in time! Oliver knew he was on stage too! He was wide awake and his precious eyes were searching the room, gazing at both mommy and daddy and even grandma Pam and grandma Ruthie! He'd suck away fro a little bit and then get this BIG grin and smile at us, just hamming it up for everyone! Out of 10cc's he took 5, which was 5 more than I thought he would do!! So the next day He tried again in the morning and they put 20cc's in his bottle and he took 12!! WOW!! Again I was blown away! Over the past four days he has continued to try the bottle and has had some more success and some days where is uninterested! But we are on the right track - just last night he took 30 of his 42cc feeding. :) He has also started to breastfeed a little and what an amazing connection that is, what a bond we now share!! Again, he hadn't shown interest in this activity yet and I was shocked that he latched on for over 15 minutes or so!! He really is growing up so fast for as little as he is.
Let's see.... Saturday daddy got to hold his son for the first time and he is so sweet with him! Words cannot describe the love for my husband watching him father our son!! He is beyond amazing and Oliver and him are going to have endless stories and memories together as father and son. Mom had to leave them alone as I was starting to make Kevin nervous about how he was holding Oliver, he was doing just fine and I should have just kept my mouth shut. I'll learn. :)
He has several dirty diapers and even peed on one of the nurses, which was quite comical and he even smirked. He's got his father's sense of humor I can see. I never thought one could be so excited over a poopy diaper, but boy have I been on several different occasions.
Last week they took out his PICC line and he no longer has an IV, he actually only has his NG (feeding) tube and the monitor attachments. He is also no longer under the photolights or using the biliblanket. I better buy him some Nike's as he is obviously going to be walking out of the NICU. :)
Last Wednesday and Thursday were probably his two worst days thus far as he was having some episodes of apnea and dropping his heart rate - but they have him on caffeine and it seems to have stopped those completely. He has two more doses of that, one today and one tomorrow, and then the doctor is going to see how he does without it. So we are praying that he has outgrown his A's and B's.
Right now digestion is still his most pressing concern. He has been spitting up a lot and not consistently absorbing all of his feedings. He had become quite uncomfortable with the spitting up and so they had tried several different courses of action to try and relieve this and it seems they may have finally found something. He has been on tow previous medications that really didn't help but for a day, they have changed his formula - which they have been mixing with my milk as I am not making as much as he is needing at this point. That really didn't make a difference so they have decided to try a 3rd medication, which over the pat 3 days has alleviated his spitting - knock on wood!! So he is resting much more comfortably at this point and has been over the past 3 days. We are hoping and praying that when they wean him off of all his medications it has given Oliver's systems enough time to mature more and enough to handle where he is at. Everything that he is going through is common for a baby his age - he is only 34 weeks and 1 day and would still have 6 more weeks in the womb, which is when so much growing and maturing takes place, so he is doing awesome by all accounts.
Since he seems to be holding steady I am probably going to head back to work to save some days for when we get to bring uor son Oliver home! I can't say his name enough or "our son." I know it is going to be hard not to be down there as much as I have but I'll go down for the weekends and a couple of evenings a week and he is in great hands of nurses and doctors so I feel better about not being there as much as I want to be! I'm sure I've forgotten something but I'll remember it next tiem!
Lord,
Thank you for all the blessings you have brought into our lives and the moments you have given to us! Without the strength of your love and your hands holding us this journey would be close to the impossible. You are an amazing savior and if anyones's faith has ever wavered it would be times like these where it reaffirms all that you are and all that you give to us!! Thank you for Oliver and the opportunity to be his parents and raise a one of your children, there is no greater gift than the gift of life!!
Amen
So I've been swept away by motherhood and there is no looking back! It is truly the greatest thing anyone can experience! There are so many sides to it that make it so wonderful! I thought I knew what love was, but seeing this little man that is part Kevin and part me, whom God blessed us with leaves an unbelievable feeling! NOW I KNOW WHAT LOVE IS!
So Oliver turned two weeks old on Tuesday September 20th and is growing so fast! I keep telling him he can slow down, but I do believe that he is in a hurry to come home!! He is now over 4 pounds - as of Sunday! He is actually 4 pounds 5 ounces as of his Wednesday night weighing. They also do his measurements every Sunday night and this past Sunday he had grown 3/4 of an inch up to 17 3/4" and his head is 12cm. This is what it was when he was born, but he had a large bruise on the back of his head so there was some swelling and that had gone down so his head actually had shrunk in the first week, but in his second week it grew back up to 12cm. Our son is ever so amazing and god has blessed him with an inordinate amount of strength!!
Our little man has achieved so many milestones since I last updated. Let's see.... Well he has started feeding a little out of a bottle! The first time her tried I didn't think he would do anything beyond holding the bottle in his mouth, but boy did he surprise us, yet again! It was pretty amazing as both sets of grandparents were there to share in mine and Kevin's joy of this big success! We were also blessed with one of our favorite nurses, whom pulled the curtain and let us have more than the 2 allowable guests, so that we could all witness this moment in time! Oliver knew he was on stage too! He was wide awake and his precious eyes were searching the room, gazing at both mommy and daddy and even grandma Pam and grandma Ruthie! He'd suck away fro a little bit and then get this BIG grin and smile at us, just hamming it up for everyone! Out of 10cc's he took 5, which was 5 more than I thought he would do!! So the next day He tried again in the morning and they put 20cc's in his bottle and he took 12!! WOW!! Again I was blown away! Over the past four days he has continued to try the bottle and has had some more success and some days where is uninterested! But we are on the right track - just last night he took 30 of his 42cc feeding. :) He has also started to breastfeed a little and what an amazing connection that is, what a bond we now share!! Again, he hadn't shown interest in this activity yet and I was shocked that he latched on for over 15 minutes or so!! He really is growing up so fast for as little as he is.
Let's see.... Saturday daddy got to hold his son for the first time and he is so sweet with him! Words cannot describe the love for my husband watching him father our son!! He is beyond amazing and Oliver and him are going to have endless stories and memories together as father and son. Mom had to leave them alone as I was starting to make Kevin nervous about how he was holding Oliver, he was doing just fine and I should have just kept my mouth shut. I'll learn. :)
He has several dirty diapers and even peed on one of the nurses, which was quite comical and he even smirked. He's got his father's sense of humor I can see. I never thought one could be so excited over a poopy diaper, but boy have I been on several different occasions.
Last week they took out his PICC line and he no longer has an IV, he actually only has his NG (feeding) tube and the monitor attachments. He is also no longer under the photolights or using the biliblanket. I better buy him some Nike's as he is obviously going to be walking out of the NICU. :)
Last Wednesday and Thursday were probably his two worst days thus far as he was having some episodes of apnea and dropping his heart rate - but they have him on caffeine and it seems to have stopped those completely. He has two more doses of that, one today and one tomorrow, and then the doctor is going to see how he does without it. So we are praying that he has outgrown his A's and B's.
Right now digestion is still his most pressing concern. He has been spitting up a lot and not consistently absorbing all of his feedings. He had become quite uncomfortable with the spitting up and so they had tried several different courses of action to try and relieve this and it seems they may have finally found something. He has been on tow previous medications that really didn't help but for a day, they have changed his formula - which they have been mixing with my milk as I am not making as much as he is needing at this point. That really didn't make a difference so they have decided to try a 3rd medication, which over the pat 3 days has alleviated his spitting - knock on wood!! So he is resting much more comfortably at this point and has been over the past 3 days. We are hoping and praying that when they wean him off of all his medications it has given Oliver's systems enough time to mature more and enough to handle where he is at. Everything that he is going through is common for a baby his age - he is only 34 weeks and 1 day and would still have 6 more weeks in the womb, which is when so much growing and maturing takes place, so he is doing awesome by all accounts.
Since he seems to be holding steady I am probably going to head back to work to save some days for when we get to bring uor son Oliver home! I can't say his name enough or "our son." I know it is going to be hard not to be down there as much as I have but I'll go down for the weekends and a couple of evenings a week and he is in great hands of nurses and doctors so I feel better about not being there as much as I want to be! I'm sure I've forgotten something but I'll remember it next tiem!
Lord,
Thank you for all the blessings you have brought into our lives and the moments you have given to us! Without the strength of your love and your hands holding us this journey would be close to the impossible. You are an amazing savior and if anyones's faith has ever wavered it would be times like these where it reaffirms all that you are and all that you give to us!! Thank you for Oliver and the opportunity to be his parents and raise a one of your children, there is no greater gift than the gift of life!!
Amen
Monday, September 19, 2011
Oliver Wayne - Day 6
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| First time being held by Mommy in the NICU. Can't take my eyes off of you! |
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| Oliver figuring out his pacifier |
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| Doesn't Oliver just melt your heart? :-) I love my little man! |
My how time flies while watching Oliver grow - Oliver day 6
We are coming upon a huge milestone in little Oliver's life, ONE WEEK OLD. It's hard to believe he's been fighting for 6 days already and that we have had him this long. He continues to amaze us and just keeps taking his baby steps forward!! He is quite the little man and has two more than proud parents to call him SON!!
Since he's been here Oliver is resting quite well in the NICU. After 3 days he was breathing on his own and continues the mastery of this skill. It is still something he is working on and seems to improve day by day. He's had the hiccups several times and it is so hard to watch him have those. It is good for his little lungs and diaphragm to work through the hiccups and build to be stronger and stronger. His little heart is just working and working. Everything is well on that front at this point as well. Structurally sound and working correctly. They will continue to monitor as he grows. His little digestive system is making strides as we surf the net. He is receiving more and more food every day and seems to show continued improvement on his ability to digest it. This, right now, seems to be his hurdle. He doesn't always finish everything they give him, but he's improving. He is working on his sucking as he is learning via a pacifier. It's pretty amazing to watch this feat as he seems so little for this. But in order to move off the stomach feedings he has to be able to suck, swallow and breathe.
As would be expected with a baby 8 weeks and 1 day early he is trying to work through some jaundice. He is receiving light from the bili light and also a bili blanket. He's so cute in his little shades to protect his sweet little eyes. He seems to be quite content soaking up the light. At times he just stretches out like he were laying on a Michigan beach. He must just be preparing for next summer's family vacation. :) The nurses will monitor his biliruben daily and adjust his light based on his numbers.
Mom and Dad have both changed two diapers each. He doesn't put up to much of a fight when its time, but he doesn't always like being moved around. This is probably because he is resting so well! He has had a few "greasy" diapers, which is a very good thing! So we will pray he continues his digestion. He hasn't peed on anyone yet, you just have to keep an eye on where that thing is pointed while trying to change him.
Since being born Oliver has gained 1 ounce, which is wonderful. Last night was a big night as they removed the umbilical catheter out of his umbilical cord and inserted a PICC line (central line). This is in a larger vein and will continue to provide nourishment of nutrients and medicine that may irritate smaller veins. There was risk of infection and clotting if the umbilical line was in too long. This also means that in a day or two he will move from his open bed to a more cozy and quiet isolette. This will enable him to get better rest and grow! Which is what we all want. I think that these are all of the major events and changes in Oliver's life right now and we continue to ask for prayers as each day is truly a blessing and big deal to us and Oliver!
The nursing staff and doctors in the NICU are doing a wonderful job. We can call anytime to get an update and being that Kirksville is so far it is very comforting. They answer all our questions and most of them try to explain as much to us as possible. They all seem to love Oliver and are sweet to him. We feel confident in them and there seem to be taking things at Oliver's pace, BABY STEPS!! We like that they don't seem to rush multiple procedures or events into a short amount of time. Too much stress is his worst enemy right now.
The past three days I have been able to hold Oliver and there has never been anything more sweet and cherished (besides my wedding and holding him for the VERY first time) by me. The first time was just in my arms, but he was looking at me the entire time. He just made my heart melt. Oliver has the most precious eyes and sweetest look on his little face! I was able to hold him for about 30 minutes while he received his feeding. My mom was there to take pictures and he looked at her as he soaked up the love. I will never forget this day! Friday September 16th, 2011. Then on Saturday again in the afternoon. This time was kangaroo care, which is skin on skin and very beneficial for baby and soothing for mom!! They rested Oliver on his belly on my chest under a few blankets. Dad was there for this event!! He was snapping pictures and making sure Oliver wasn't resting too much on his little nose. His numbers on the monitor were nearly perfect for the entire time I held him! I could have held him the rest of his life!! Then again yesterday at lunch time I was able to get a little more kangaroo care time with Oliver. It's such a wonderful feeling to hold this little life that God gave us! I feel so blessed and thankful to have Oliver and to have Kevin to walk this path hand in hand with! He's such a great daddy and love his SON so much! He is a truly a proud papa! I hope the next time we are there he gets to hold him.
Kevin's grandparents, aunt and cousin came for a visit on Saturday. His grandma and grandpa met their first great grandchild and were so proud!! It was nice they were able to come meet Oliver and I know he was happy to entertain!! Thursday and Sunday some of our close friends came in for visits and were able to see and meet Oliver. Yesterday we went out to lunch with one couple and it was nice to visit with them, as I haven't really had that chance in 3 weeks. We've had a few more visitors and many messages and phone calls asking about Oliver and thank you all very very much, from the bottoms of our hearts. It's a blessing to have so many people care so much, I don't really think I can put into words how much each and every one of you mean to our FAMILY!
Kevin and I both came home last night and had dinner with some friends. We enjoyed our visit and some advice in parenthood! We are both so excited to be parents and are looking forward to the journey. Hard doesn't even begin to describe what it was to leave the hospital and come home without Oliver, but I know we left him in the best hands. I called down twice to get reports and they were both very good. I was able to sleep better in my own bed, in our house. I'm going to head back down later this afternoon to be with Oliver and stay in the Ronald McDonald House (which is where we stay when we go now that we aren't in the hospital). RMH is a wonderful option and we are so thankful for it, so donate!! It's a great cause. It's not much but exactly what we need when we are there. I will then stay most of the day tomorrow and depending on Kevin's schedule if he goes down on Wednesday then I will come home tomorrow and go down with him Wednesday. I think that my parents will be coming back for the weekend so I anticipate being there all weekend with our little man Oliver.
Again, thank you for all the words spoken, card sent, prayers answered lifted up. Please continue lifting Oliver and us up in your prayers, we still have a long road ahead of us with ups and downs along the way. But he peak we reach let's us rejoice in the path that God has set forth for us!!
Since he's been here Oliver is resting quite well in the NICU. After 3 days he was breathing on his own and continues the mastery of this skill. It is still something he is working on and seems to improve day by day. He's had the hiccups several times and it is so hard to watch him have those. It is good for his little lungs and diaphragm to work through the hiccups and build to be stronger and stronger. His little heart is just working and working. Everything is well on that front at this point as well. Structurally sound and working correctly. They will continue to monitor as he grows. His little digestive system is making strides as we surf the net. He is receiving more and more food every day and seems to show continued improvement on his ability to digest it. This, right now, seems to be his hurdle. He doesn't always finish everything they give him, but he's improving. He is working on his sucking as he is learning via a pacifier. It's pretty amazing to watch this feat as he seems so little for this. But in order to move off the stomach feedings he has to be able to suck, swallow and breathe.
As would be expected with a baby 8 weeks and 1 day early he is trying to work through some jaundice. He is receiving light from the bili light and also a bili blanket. He's so cute in his little shades to protect his sweet little eyes. He seems to be quite content soaking up the light. At times he just stretches out like he were laying on a Michigan beach. He must just be preparing for next summer's family vacation. :) The nurses will monitor his biliruben daily and adjust his light based on his numbers.
Mom and Dad have both changed two diapers each. He doesn't put up to much of a fight when its time, but he doesn't always like being moved around. This is probably because he is resting so well! He has had a few "greasy" diapers, which is a very good thing! So we will pray he continues his digestion. He hasn't peed on anyone yet, you just have to keep an eye on where that thing is pointed while trying to change him.
Since being born Oliver has gained 1 ounce, which is wonderful. Last night was a big night as they removed the umbilical catheter out of his umbilical cord and inserted a PICC line (central line). This is in a larger vein and will continue to provide nourishment of nutrients and medicine that may irritate smaller veins. There was risk of infection and clotting if the umbilical line was in too long. This also means that in a day or two he will move from his open bed to a more cozy and quiet isolette. This will enable him to get better rest and grow! Which is what we all want. I think that these are all of the major events and changes in Oliver's life right now and we continue to ask for prayers as each day is truly a blessing and big deal to us and Oliver!
The nursing staff and doctors in the NICU are doing a wonderful job. We can call anytime to get an update and being that Kirksville is so far it is very comforting. They answer all our questions and most of them try to explain as much to us as possible. They all seem to love Oliver and are sweet to him. We feel confident in them and there seem to be taking things at Oliver's pace, BABY STEPS!! We like that they don't seem to rush multiple procedures or events into a short amount of time. Too much stress is his worst enemy right now.
The past three days I have been able to hold Oliver and there has never been anything more sweet and cherished (besides my wedding and holding him for the VERY first time) by me. The first time was just in my arms, but he was looking at me the entire time. He just made my heart melt. Oliver has the most precious eyes and sweetest look on his little face! I was able to hold him for about 30 minutes while he received his feeding. My mom was there to take pictures and he looked at her as he soaked up the love. I will never forget this day! Friday September 16th, 2011. Then on Saturday again in the afternoon. This time was kangaroo care, which is skin on skin and very beneficial for baby and soothing for mom!! They rested Oliver on his belly on my chest under a few blankets. Dad was there for this event!! He was snapping pictures and making sure Oliver wasn't resting too much on his little nose. His numbers on the monitor were nearly perfect for the entire time I held him! I could have held him the rest of his life!! Then again yesterday at lunch time I was able to get a little more kangaroo care time with Oliver. It's such a wonderful feeling to hold this little life that God gave us! I feel so blessed and thankful to have Oliver and to have Kevin to walk this path hand in hand with! He's such a great daddy and love his SON so much! He is a truly a proud papa! I hope the next time we are there he gets to hold him.
Kevin's grandparents, aunt and cousin came for a visit on Saturday. His grandma and grandpa met their first great grandchild and were so proud!! It was nice they were able to come meet Oliver and I know he was happy to entertain!! Thursday and Sunday some of our close friends came in for visits and were able to see and meet Oliver. Yesterday we went out to lunch with one couple and it was nice to visit with them, as I haven't really had that chance in 3 weeks. We've had a few more visitors and many messages and phone calls asking about Oliver and thank you all very very much, from the bottoms of our hearts. It's a blessing to have so many people care so much, I don't really think I can put into words how much each and every one of you mean to our FAMILY!
Kevin and I both came home last night and had dinner with some friends. We enjoyed our visit and some advice in parenthood! We are both so excited to be parents and are looking forward to the journey. Hard doesn't even begin to describe what it was to leave the hospital and come home without Oliver, but I know we left him in the best hands. I called down twice to get reports and they were both very good. I was able to sleep better in my own bed, in our house. I'm going to head back down later this afternoon to be with Oliver and stay in the Ronald McDonald House (which is where we stay when we go now that we aren't in the hospital). RMH is a wonderful option and we are so thankful for it, so donate!! It's a great cause. It's not much but exactly what we need when we are there. I will then stay most of the day tomorrow and depending on Kevin's schedule if he goes down on Wednesday then I will come home tomorrow and go down with him Wednesday. I think that my parents will be coming back for the weekend so I anticipate being there all weekend with our little man Oliver.
Again, thank you for all the words spoken, card sent, prayers answered lifted up. Please continue lifting Oliver and us up in your prayers, we still have a long road ahead of us with ups and downs along the way. But he peak we reach let's us rejoice in the path that God has set forth for us!!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Oliver Wayne Powell
Well here he is - OUR LITTLE MAN- 3# 12 oz. 17 inches, and a full head of dark hair!
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| Proud parents and their new son! |
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| Mom and Son - He wants his mommy!! |
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| I'm here!! |
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| Oliver Wayne Powell |
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| Look at those long arms and long torso!! What a wing span! |
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| The Powell Family!! |
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| Admiring our new son Oliver |
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| He's perfect! |
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| Oliver letting everyone know he's here!! |
Oliver's Story - Day 17
HE'S HERE!! Sorry I didn't post yesterday, but our little man Oliver decided to make his debut into the world yesterday afternoon at 1:35PM. SO needless to say there was a lot going on yesterday and the computer never made it out of the bag. Here's the timeline - roughly and Oliver's Story
Like always the nurse comes in at 6AM to perform my non-stress test, my night nurse was a little blonde - whom seems to be the only name I don't have written down. The test went fine, BP was fine and no contractions. I got up about 7 before breakfast came and used the restroom and when I stood up had a big "gush" of fluid (just what you all want to know). Later I would tell Kevin had I been home I would have considered that my water break. I called the nurse back down and let her know what had happened and that it was more than normal fluid and she said to keep them posted.
7:40ish I started feeling contractions - I KNEW these were contractions as the were intermittent and slowly intensifying. So I called my nurse down, the day nurses had come on so I had Tina and her Mizzou nursing student Tracey. They hooked me back up to the monitor to eye the contractions and said Dr Theis would be done soon to evaluate. From my calculations the contractions seemed to be about 6 minutes apart and after about 30 minutes they were becoming more intense.
9AM - Dr Theis came in to see what was going on, which were her words when she came in "What's going on here?" As every other visit she made had been uneventful and I was doing just fine. She reported on yesterday's ultrasound and said everything looked great, but now I was definitely contracting and they were going to do what they could to slow and eventually stop them. So she order a shot of Terbutaline followed in two hours by a oral medication called Procardia. After about 5 minutes the nurse came back in with the shot and injected into my right hip. It took about 10 minutes for it to kick in and relax the contractions. So now it was just wait and see...
9:45AM I wasn't going to call Kevin because I really thought anything was going to happen and that the medication was going to do the trick. Quickly I realized that I needed his comforting words as I was getting more and more anxious and scared about the situation. I called the school and had them call him down to the office to tell him what was happening. I didn't think he needed to come. After about 5 minutes of me letting him know the assistant principal sent him on his way as they had found a sub and he needed to be with me. I had a sense of relief come over me and was hopeful for his arrival. Next I called my mom at work. They called her down to the office and I let her know what was going on as well. I told her that I thought things were going slow down and we decided we'd be in touch. So Kevin was on his way and I felt better having talk to him and my mom.
10:50AM And there back. the contractions were slowly coming back and this time with a new intensity! So I called my nurse down letting her know that they were back and also seemed to be speeding up. I tried to make it, but it was getting quite uncomfortable to say the least! She got down to the room and it seemed as if the contractions were nearing 3 minutes apart. She had me Preoardia which was supposed to also relax smooth muscle - uterus and hopefully shut labor activity down. As soon as she gave me the pill I began having a contraction and sat up to try and take the pill. As I was sitting up I began to feel nauseous and then new I was going to be sick. The nurse was scurrying to find something for me and just grabbed the trash can next to the bed. And there was breakfast a second time. ;) I never got the pill down. At this time they called Dr back down and she ran through a list of things she wanted them to do. 1. Another shot of Terbutaline, 2. Pain meds, 3. Get me on an IV, 4. get me upstairs to Labor and Delivery so that she could perform an exam. WHAT?? Labor and delivery, looks like we're having a baby!!
So as the nurses are performing all their task, it was pretty amazing how several nurses came in and were all working to get things done. Tracey, the student nurse and another student nurse began packing up my belongings, which basically had become a small apartment of stuff!! I told them to call for a UHaul!
11:40AM I made it upstairs and the second shot was kicking in. As we entered so did Kevin. WHEW!! What a relief he made it and I felt like I could breathe again. They got me into a gown and switched me into a labor bed and OH MAN this is really happening. Shortly after Dr Theis came in and checked me and I was dilated to a 7, ALREADY! So she said we are having a baby either today or tomorrow. And here we thought we were going another 2 weeks! I guess baby has other plans. She outlined our approach and decided that we weren't going to do anything more to try and stop labor, we're going to ride it out!
Noon And they are back gain. My contractions started up again and I don't think that there is anything we can do now! The nurse thinks that Dr checking me probably instigated them. after about the third one I started feeling pressure with the next one. At this time, Liz - my labor nurse, decided she better check me. 9! What I had dilated 2cm in a matter of 10-15 minutes. Wow this little one wants out! And the army was mobilized!
With in minutes Liz was getting Dr back in the room and another nurse Tammy came in to help get me and the room ready! Then the NICU team was in and set and here we go. As the contractions were coming they started having me push. Push.... What I don't know what I'm doing. Fortunately I had the best nursing staff coaching me through. after about 5-6 pushes or so Dr checked our time and my dilation and said we 've got enough time for an epidural do you want one? UH YEA!! So the called the anestesiologist up and within minutes he was in and they sent the NICU team out. The Dr thought we had 30-45 minutes before baby was coming. So I signed the consent and he began preppring. They sat me up and moved me to the edge of the bed. Liz held me as I curled over the baby and let the anestesiologist do his thing. He got the local in and was starting the epidural. He said if you start having a contraction let me know and I'll pull back. A couple of minutes later here was a contraction and it had some fury. I let him know and out came the epidural. I looked to Liz and said I think I need to push, then to Dr Theis "I have to push!" "Can I lay down, is the needle out?" So they laid me back down, scooted me to the end, got me all "set-up" and it was definitely go time. My pushing was not very good and between contractions Liz and Tammy and Dr all coached me up on what to do. So as the next one came I was better but not good enough. They gave me a few more pointers and the next one I nailed it! I felt some pressure, deep breath, push, hold, count to 10, baby is coming! Deep breath, push hold count to 10, one more and it's out. Deep breath, hold, push count to ten, and HE'S HERE! "You have a beautiful baby boy!" Dr Theis. He came out screaming, which is the best sound new parents can hear! Kevin cut the cord and in my arms they placed him!!! THERE IS NO FEELING LIKE THAT!!
Then we handed him over to the NICU team and they began their work. He was breathing, but shallow so the put a tube down his throat to help him take some deeper breaths! He looked pretty good. After they had done everything they needed to they wrapped him up and put him back into my arms and let Kevin and I check him out and tell him how lucky we are and how loved he was! After a couple minutes we handed him back off so they could get him downstairs to the NICU and weigh him and measure him and get the process started. Kevin went with them and I could breath again as our little boy Oliver Wayne Powell was doing well and I was ok.
The nurses were absolutely amazing and I am so thankful for being where we are. To Dr Theis who did so wonderfully as things moved so quickly! To the NICU team who is working their magic with our little man now. He is doing great and we will keep everyone posted with his progress. Looks like I'm being discharged tomorrow and he will probably be here another 4-5 weeks, we'll just see how he does. Right now he is amazing and SOOO cute!
Please keep us all in your thoughts in prayers as we do have a long road ahead of us. The good thing is he comes from a long line of fighters - he's got many angels above watching over him who were all fighters in their time on earth. He's also had a very good start in the NICU and we hope and pray that this continues. We know there will be tough days ahead and it's going to be hard not taking him with us, but we know he is in great, knowledgeable hands!!
To be Continued.....
Like always the nurse comes in at 6AM to perform my non-stress test, my night nurse was a little blonde - whom seems to be the only name I don't have written down. The test went fine, BP was fine and no contractions. I got up about 7 before breakfast came and used the restroom and when I stood up had a big "gush" of fluid (just what you all want to know). Later I would tell Kevin had I been home I would have considered that my water break. I called the nurse back down and let her know what had happened and that it was more than normal fluid and she said to keep them posted.
7:40ish I started feeling contractions - I KNEW these were contractions as the were intermittent and slowly intensifying. So I called my nurse down, the day nurses had come on so I had Tina and her Mizzou nursing student Tracey. They hooked me back up to the monitor to eye the contractions and said Dr Theis would be done soon to evaluate. From my calculations the contractions seemed to be about 6 minutes apart and after about 30 minutes they were becoming more intense.
9AM - Dr Theis came in to see what was going on, which were her words when she came in "What's going on here?" As every other visit she made had been uneventful and I was doing just fine. She reported on yesterday's ultrasound and said everything looked great, but now I was definitely contracting and they were going to do what they could to slow and eventually stop them. So she order a shot of Terbutaline followed in two hours by a oral medication called Procardia. After about 5 minutes the nurse came back in with the shot and injected into my right hip. It took about 10 minutes for it to kick in and relax the contractions. So now it was just wait and see...
9:45AM I wasn't going to call Kevin because I really thought anything was going to happen and that the medication was going to do the trick. Quickly I realized that I needed his comforting words as I was getting more and more anxious and scared about the situation. I called the school and had them call him down to the office to tell him what was happening. I didn't think he needed to come. After about 5 minutes of me letting him know the assistant principal sent him on his way as they had found a sub and he needed to be with me. I had a sense of relief come over me and was hopeful for his arrival. Next I called my mom at work. They called her down to the office and I let her know what was going on as well. I told her that I thought things were going slow down and we decided we'd be in touch. So Kevin was on his way and I felt better having talk to him and my mom.
10:50AM And there back. the contractions were slowly coming back and this time with a new intensity! So I called my nurse down letting her know that they were back and also seemed to be speeding up. I tried to make it, but it was getting quite uncomfortable to say the least! She got down to the room and it seemed as if the contractions were nearing 3 minutes apart. She had me Preoardia which was supposed to also relax smooth muscle - uterus and hopefully shut labor activity down. As soon as she gave me the pill I began having a contraction and sat up to try and take the pill. As I was sitting up I began to feel nauseous and then new I was going to be sick. The nurse was scurrying to find something for me and just grabbed the trash can next to the bed. And there was breakfast a second time. ;) I never got the pill down. At this time they called Dr back down and she ran through a list of things she wanted them to do. 1. Another shot of Terbutaline, 2. Pain meds, 3. Get me on an IV, 4. get me upstairs to Labor and Delivery so that she could perform an exam. WHAT?? Labor and delivery, looks like we're having a baby!!
So as the nurses are performing all their task, it was pretty amazing how several nurses came in and were all working to get things done. Tracey, the student nurse and another student nurse began packing up my belongings, which basically had become a small apartment of stuff!! I told them to call for a UHaul!
11:40AM I made it upstairs and the second shot was kicking in. As we entered so did Kevin. WHEW!! What a relief he made it and I felt like I could breathe again. They got me into a gown and switched me into a labor bed and OH MAN this is really happening. Shortly after Dr Theis came in and checked me and I was dilated to a 7, ALREADY! So she said we are having a baby either today or tomorrow. And here we thought we were going another 2 weeks! I guess baby has other plans. She outlined our approach and decided that we weren't going to do anything more to try and stop labor, we're going to ride it out!
Noon And they are back gain. My contractions started up again and I don't think that there is anything we can do now! The nurse thinks that Dr checking me probably instigated them. after about the third one I started feeling pressure with the next one. At this time, Liz - my labor nurse, decided she better check me. 9! What I had dilated 2cm in a matter of 10-15 minutes. Wow this little one wants out! And the army was mobilized!
With in minutes Liz was getting Dr back in the room and another nurse Tammy came in to help get me and the room ready! Then the NICU team was in and set and here we go. As the contractions were coming they started having me push. Push.... What I don't know what I'm doing. Fortunately I had the best nursing staff coaching me through. after about 5-6 pushes or so Dr checked our time and my dilation and said we 've got enough time for an epidural do you want one? UH YEA!! So the called the anestesiologist up and within minutes he was in and they sent the NICU team out. The Dr thought we had 30-45 minutes before baby was coming. So I signed the consent and he began preppring. They sat me up and moved me to the edge of the bed. Liz held me as I curled over the baby and let the anestesiologist do his thing. He got the local in and was starting the epidural. He said if you start having a contraction let me know and I'll pull back. A couple of minutes later here was a contraction and it had some fury. I let him know and out came the epidural. I looked to Liz and said I think I need to push, then to Dr Theis "I have to push!" "Can I lay down, is the needle out?" So they laid me back down, scooted me to the end, got me all "set-up" and it was definitely go time. My pushing was not very good and between contractions Liz and Tammy and Dr all coached me up on what to do. So as the next one came I was better but not good enough. They gave me a few more pointers and the next one I nailed it! I felt some pressure, deep breath, push, hold, count to 10, baby is coming! Deep breath, push hold count to 10, one more and it's out. Deep breath, hold, push count to ten, and HE'S HERE! "You have a beautiful baby boy!" Dr Theis. He came out screaming, which is the best sound new parents can hear! Kevin cut the cord and in my arms they placed him!!! THERE IS NO FEELING LIKE THAT!!
Then we handed him over to the NICU team and they began their work. He was breathing, but shallow so the put a tube down his throat to help him take some deeper breaths! He looked pretty good. After they had done everything they needed to they wrapped him up and put him back into my arms and let Kevin and I check him out and tell him how lucky we are and how loved he was! After a couple minutes we handed him back off so they could get him downstairs to the NICU and weigh him and measure him and get the process started. Kevin went with them and I could breath again as our little boy Oliver Wayne Powell was doing well and I was ok.
The nurses were absolutely amazing and I am so thankful for being where we are. To Dr Theis who did so wonderfully as things moved so quickly! To the NICU team who is working their magic with our little man now. He is doing great and we will keep everyone posted with his progress. Looks like I'm being discharged tomorrow and he will probably be here another 4-5 weeks, we'll just see how he does. Right now he is amazing and SOOO cute!
Please keep us all in your thoughts in prayers as we do have a long road ahead of us. The good thing is he comes from a long line of fighters - he's got many angels above watching over him who were all fighters in their time on earth. He's also had a very good start in the NICU and we hope and pray that this continues. We know there will be tough days ahead and it's going to be hard not taking him with us, but we know he is in great, knowledgeable hands!!
To be Continued.....
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