I have not had ANY caffeine since October 27, 2008 and this does include chocolate! It is not that giving up chocolate and coffee was easy ... it is just what was best for my baby. Joe and I had decided to start trying to get pregnant and I did not want my daughter to be exposed to any drugs that were not medically necessary. This also included an epidural during labor - a totally natural labor, and it would have been a natural delivery as well if my body had cooperated and we had not needed that cesarean section 45 hours later!
Katelyn is now just hours away from being 4 months and still she has not had any caffeine ... which means neither have I. Nursing is also the very best for baby, and I want nothing but the best for Katie. So after 14 months without chocolate, it being the middle of winter, and going to Starbucks incredibly inconvenient and expensive I have decided ... to find a white chocolate powder I can use at home. I had replaced my mochas and lattes with a wonderful Starbucks white hot chocolate drink.
White chocolate is made with cocoa butter not cocoa so it does not have caffeine! I figured this out only a few weeks after deciding to give up chocolate. I also found carob to be an acceptable substitute when baking cookies ... Joe does not exactly agree with the taste substitution of carob, but he's happy I'm okay with it. Caffeine Free herbal teas have served well as a hot drink option at home, but now I'm craving more. Something I can float little marshmallows in and top with whipped cream.
Today I discovered the Land O Lakes Arctic White hot cocoa mix packets. I just ordered $24 worth of them - 36 packets to be exact. Back when I was drinking regular hot chocolate - which feels like forever ago since 2 Christmas' have past - I really liked the creaminess of the Land O Lakes brand. I have NEVER been this excited about ordering powdered drink mix. I hope it is the answer to my cravings. I am so looking forward to the arrival of my Arctic White hot chocolate. I will post more when I taste that first much anticipated sip.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
3 Months 30 Days
Katelyn is growing so quickly ... everyday I am thankful to God for just what an amazing daughter He has given me! Over the last month or so a lot has happened. Katie celebrated her 1st Christmas ... we have the most adorable pictures, received her 1st shots (like a champ!), and has developed a whole bunch of new skills.
Our little girl is now weighing 18 pounds at about 27 inches long. She is SO strong! On Christmas day she sat under the tree surrounded by presents (all for her) long enough for Joe to take a multitude of pictures. She loves standing while holding onto my fingers, and has even tried to take a few steps. Her newest efforts have been directed toward rolling from her back to her belly all by herself. She can do it with just the slightest bit of help ... sometimes going from her back to her side and sometimes from her side to her belly alone - but putting those 2 moves together is the current challenge. It is so incredible to watch her try so hard with such persistence. I know she will accomplish great things in life with her determination.
She sleeps through the night and has been doing so successfully since month 2 ... what an incredible and unexpected blessing! Katelyn also has begun giggling - the second most beautiful sound in the world (the 1st being her heartbeat). The 1st time she laughed for a prolonged amount of time was on the evening of December 11th. I was in the process of unpacking from a week long trip to visit my family while she was laying on the bed. Barkley jumped up on the bed, and just as I was beginning to get frustrated about to shoo him off ... Kate laughed at HER puppy! It was adorable - and I am happy she finds him hilarious. Her laughter has saved Barkley from many a reprimand since.
It seems that Barkley is also quite fond of Katelyn. He has learned that she has toys and they are not his ... to date, he has not destroyed a single one of her toys! Shocking really, since all of his toys are destroyed within days of receiving them. The other day Kate was sitting in her bouncy seat while Barkley and I were playing a game of fetch. This was a well established game and he was pretty into it ... without prompting he fetched the ball and instead of coming back to me he walked over to Katie and dropped the ball at HER feet! It was so sweet ... he even used his nose to nudge it closer to her. It seems Barkley wanted Katie to play fetch with him - I think they're going to be good friends. I even let her start petting him just a few days ago. He licks her fingers as she rubs them across his face and into his mouth. Of course, this immediately led to my wiping her hands with a wipe before she could put them into her own mouth!
I have realized that I will always love Katelyn more than she'll ever know. When she sleeps soundly during the evening hours I miss her ... checking on her about every 30-45 minutes. I stare at her pictures on the wall, I look at my Cesarean incision, and I pinch myself just to make sure I am not dreaming. She is MY baby and I love her! What is more incredible is that I have discovered that this same love is what my mom has for me. It's a beautiful thing ... the relationship between mother and daughter - a precious gift from God indeed!
Our little girl is now weighing 18 pounds at about 27 inches long. She is SO strong! On Christmas day she sat under the tree surrounded by presents (all for her) long enough for Joe to take a multitude of pictures. She loves standing while holding onto my fingers, and has even tried to take a few steps. Her newest efforts have been directed toward rolling from her back to her belly all by herself. She can do it with just the slightest bit of help ... sometimes going from her back to her side and sometimes from her side to her belly alone - but putting those 2 moves together is the current challenge. It is so incredible to watch her try so hard with such persistence. I know she will accomplish great things in life with her determination.
She sleeps through the night and has been doing so successfully since month 2 ... what an incredible and unexpected blessing! Katelyn also has begun giggling - the second most beautiful sound in the world (the 1st being her heartbeat). The 1st time she laughed for a prolonged amount of time was on the evening of December 11th. I was in the process of unpacking from a week long trip to visit my family while she was laying on the bed. Barkley jumped up on the bed, and just as I was beginning to get frustrated about to shoo him off ... Kate laughed at HER puppy! It was adorable - and I am happy she finds him hilarious. Her laughter has saved Barkley from many a reprimand since.
It seems that Barkley is also quite fond of Katelyn. He has learned that she has toys and they are not his ... to date, he has not destroyed a single one of her toys! Shocking really, since all of his toys are destroyed within days of receiving them. The other day Kate was sitting in her bouncy seat while Barkley and I were playing a game of fetch. This was a well established game and he was pretty into it ... without prompting he fetched the ball and instead of coming back to me he walked over to Katie and dropped the ball at HER feet! It was so sweet ... he even used his nose to nudge it closer to her. It seems Barkley wanted Katie to play fetch with him - I think they're going to be good friends. I even let her start petting him just a few days ago. He licks her fingers as she rubs them across his face and into his mouth. Of course, this immediately led to my wiping her hands with a wipe before she could put them into her own mouth!
I have realized that I will always love Katelyn more than she'll ever know. When she sleeps soundly during the evening hours I miss her ... checking on her about every 30-45 minutes. I stare at her pictures on the wall, I look at my Cesarean incision, and I pinch myself just to make sure I am not dreaming. She is MY baby and I love her! What is more incredible is that I have discovered that this same love is what my mom has for me. It's a beautiful thing ... the relationship between mother and daughter - a precious gift from God indeed!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Turkey 'n Stuff
Katie had her 2 month doctor appointment this past week ... at almost 3 months old. My daughter's official weight matched that of our turkey this Thanksgiving! Katie weighed in at 15 pounds 15.5 ounces (our turkey was just under 16 pounds as well) and she is now 25.5 inches long! Wow! I cannot believe just how fast my baby is growing. She had her 1st shots and came through the whole ordeal with flying colors. In fact, it's possible that Katelyn did much better than Mommy on this one - good thing Daddy was there for moral support.
We had a wonderful family Thanksgiving this year at our home. In an effort to host Thanksgiving I worked extremely hard on Wednesday taking care of Katie while attempting to clean the entire house. By the time my family members arrived the house looked wonderful; however, my mom cooked the ENTIRE meal due to my lack of energy, and her superior skill in the kitchen. It was so delicious - unfortunately, I spent the greater part of Thanksgiving night groaning and repeating "I think I'm going to be sick" - I really should have eaten less! It was just too good to listen to my stomach.
Friday was spent shopping ... WITHOUT Katie - because only irresponsible people take their children out on Black Friday! At 3:30am my mom and I ventured out into the shopping scene, and by 7am we returned home so I could feed Kate. By 9am we were back out shopping and once again we returned just a couple hours later so I could feed my little girl. The extra element of having to return home every couple of hours made the shopping even more intense (and fun) than past years. We found bargains and had fun, but as a new Mommy I discovered that I can no longer stay awake ALL day on only 4 hours of sleep. Sometime around noon, I managed to have Katie fall asleep in my arms and for the 1st time in months I was able to take a nap with my sleeping baby snuggled up with me. It was AMAZING!
All in all it was a really nice holiday! This year I was most thankful for my baby girl and the miracle God performed ... my healthy baby who wasn't even (medically) expected to survive. She is absolutely PERFECT and I LOVE being a Mommy!
We had a wonderful family Thanksgiving this year at our home. In an effort to host Thanksgiving I worked extremely hard on Wednesday taking care of Katie while attempting to clean the entire house. By the time my family members arrived the house looked wonderful; however, my mom cooked the ENTIRE meal due to my lack of energy, and her superior skill in the kitchen. It was so delicious - unfortunately, I spent the greater part of Thanksgiving night groaning and repeating "I think I'm going to be sick" - I really should have eaten less! It was just too good to listen to my stomach.
Friday was spent shopping ... WITHOUT Katie - because only irresponsible people take their children out on Black Friday! At 3:30am my mom and I ventured out into the shopping scene, and by 7am we returned home so I could feed Kate. By 9am we were back out shopping and once again we returned just a couple hours later so I could feed my little girl. The extra element of having to return home every couple of hours made the shopping even more intense (and fun) than past years. We found bargains and had fun, but as a new Mommy I discovered that I can no longer stay awake ALL day on only 4 hours of sleep. Sometime around noon, I managed to have Katie fall asleep in my arms and for the 1st time in months I was able to take a nap with my sleeping baby snuggled up with me. It was AMAZING!
All in all it was a really nice holiday! This year I was most thankful for my baby girl and the miracle God performed ... my healthy baby who wasn't even (medically) expected to survive. She is absolutely PERFECT and I LOVE being a Mommy!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
2 Months 20 Days
It is simply amazing how quickly time moves when you're enjoying every moment. Every smile, every tear, every sneeze, every snore, and every giggle ... I am completely captivated by the very breath my daughter takes. I am in love with her more deeply and more perfectly than I could have ever imagined possible. God has blessed me with the perfect child for me!
Over the past few weeks Kate has been growing and changing right before my eyes. She is alert and awake for more hours per day than before. She has traded crying and sleeping for giggling and smiling. This past Friday she reached for an object for the first time and grabbed onto it intentionally! She is working so hard to roll over - I am cheering her on enthusiastically (maybe even a little too loudly at times). She usually sleeps through the night; but, even if she does awaken during the night she is joyful and smiling. No matter what hour, it is always a pleasure to be greeted with her giant grin upon hearing my voice. She also eats a lot faster and takes more regular naps. Her attention span is incredible ... she loves her bouncy seat, and can sit kicking her feet and playing with the attached stuffed animals for at least 30 minutes at a time. I have begun to find time in my day for the simple pleasures in life - like taking a shower without feeling rushed. Today she even took a 3 hour nap! I cannot believe she is already over 2.5 months old, and at this time last year I wasn't even pregnant yet. I am in such awe and so blessed to have this beautiful baby on loan from God.
Katie amazes me daily ... she is growing so fast - I want to hang on and I want her to grow. I applaud each new triumph and embrace her need for me. I know that someday will come all too soon and I will have to let go. Until then I will hold her close, breathe in her sweet baby smell, and dream of the woman she will someday become.
Over the past few weeks Kate has been growing and changing right before my eyes. She is alert and awake for more hours per day than before. She has traded crying and sleeping for giggling and smiling. This past Friday she reached for an object for the first time and grabbed onto it intentionally! She is working so hard to roll over - I am cheering her on enthusiastically (maybe even a little too loudly at times). She usually sleeps through the night; but, even if she does awaken during the night she is joyful and smiling. No matter what hour, it is always a pleasure to be greeted with her giant grin upon hearing my voice. She also eats a lot faster and takes more regular naps. Her attention span is incredible ... she loves her bouncy seat, and can sit kicking her feet and playing with the attached stuffed animals for at least 30 minutes at a time. I have begun to find time in my day for the simple pleasures in life - like taking a shower without feeling rushed. Today she even took a 3 hour nap! I cannot believe she is already over 2.5 months old, and at this time last year I wasn't even pregnant yet. I am in such awe and so blessed to have this beautiful baby on loan from God.
Katie amazes me daily ... she is growing so fast - I want to hang on and I want her to grow. I applaud each new triumph and embrace her need for me. I know that someday will come all too soon and I will have to let go. Until then I will hold her close, breathe in her sweet baby smell, and dream of the woman she will someday become.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sleep
Tonight we are hoping for a 3rd night in a row, and praying this isn't a passing thing. Katelyn began sleeping all night just 2 nights ago. She slept Friday night from 8pm - 6am, and even more impressive, she slept from 7:30pm - 7:30am last night! For the 1st time in months ... many, many months I got 7 consecutive hours of sleep. I feel really, really, really GOOD! I'm trying not to get too comfortable, but I am full of hope.
Friday, October 23, 2009
4 a.m.
In the November issue of Real Simple magazine 12 writers and 1 photographer were asked to answer the prompt: the most MEANINGFUL MOMENT of my day.
Yesterday had been an unusually difficult day for both Katie and myself. There had not been any clear wake or sleep cycles ... just a constant sleepy cry for more food. When she did finally fall asleep at 8pm, I was exhausted and overwhelmed but relieved. I went to sleep at 9:30pm hoping to get a few hours before Katie would awaken me. At 1:30am I completed a REM cycle and awoke with the physical need to feed my baby; however, Katelyn was sound asleep. I was not about to begin the painful cry cycle again in the middle of the night so I bottled 10 ounces and crawled back into bed beside Joe. Just as I was beginning to settle in I heard a faint familiar sound - Katie, but she wasn't crying. I listened while trying to fall sleep for the next hour as she contently played in her crib. Talking to herself, kicking her feet, looking around at the room ... after an hour I needed to check on the situation. She lay there in her crib completely happy!
When she saw me standing over the crib looking down at her with amazement she made another happy noise. I lifted her up and held her as she grabbed onto me, snuggling against my shoulder. After a quick diaper change and 2-3 ounces of milk it was clear that Katelyn just wanted to play. She smiled at me, made adorable sounds, and snuggled. As she finally drifted off in my arms I realized that 4am is the most meaningful moment of MY day. It does not have to be exactly 4am - just anytime during the stillness of the night that my precious daughter and I can spend a few uninterrupted moments together just loving each other.
*It's amazing how God has used Katelyn to change me from being a selfish sleeper who grumbled whenever getting up early to one who joyfully greets her baby girl at any hour of the night. Nursing, although difficult at times, has given me the opportunity to have these moments with Katelyn ... moments I wouldn't trade for all the sleep in the world!
Yesterday had been an unusually difficult day for both Katie and myself. There had not been any clear wake or sleep cycles ... just a constant sleepy cry for more food. When she did finally fall asleep at 8pm, I was exhausted and overwhelmed but relieved. I went to sleep at 9:30pm hoping to get a few hours before Katie would awaken me. At 1:30am I completed a REM cycle and awoke with the physical need to feed my baby; however, Katelyn was sound asleep. I was not about to begin the painful cry cycle again in the middle of the night so I bottled 10 ounces and crawled back into bed beside Joe. Just as I was beginning to settle in I heard a faint familiar sound - Katie, but she wasn't crying. I listened while trying to fall sleep for the next hour as she contently played in her crib. Talking to herself, kicking her feet, looking around at the room ... after an hour I needed to check on the situation. She lay there in her crib completely happy!
When she saw me standing over the crib looking down at her with amazement she made another happy noise. I lifted her up and held her as she grabbed onto me, snuggling against my shoulder. After a quick diaper change and 2-3 ounces of milk it was clear that Katelyn just wanted to play. She smiled at me, made adorable sounds, and snuggled. As she finally drifted off in my arms I realized that 4am is the most meaningful moment of MY day. It does not have to be exactly 4am - just anytime during the stillness of the night that my precious daughter and I can spend a few uninterrupted moments together just loving each other.
*It's amazing how God has used Katelyn to change me from being a selfish sleeper who grumbled whenever getting up early to one who joyfully greets her baby girl at any hour of the night. Nursing, although difficult at times, has given me the opportunity to have these moments with Katelyn ... moments I wouldn't trade for all the sleep in the world!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Baby Dinosaur Receives Award
So, it's official ... Our baby dinosaur attended her 1st Halloween party last night, and received 3rd place for her adorable costume! Under 2 months old and she has already won a competition. Her Daddy also won a much deserved award - he cracked the case of the murder mystery at the party. Joe was the ONLY person to guess correctly who the responsible party was. Fortunately, I also won something ... BINGO. We went home with smiles, prizes, and a pile of candy. It was a super-fun party! Our family is so looking forward to next year.
Additionally, I created a family photo site with Shutterfly ... it's by invite only, so come check us out at lilligfamilymiracles.shutterfly.com
Additionally, I created a family photo site with Shutterfly ... it's by invite only, so come check us out at lilligfamilymiracles.shutterfly.com
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Baby Dinosaur
Yesterday Katie and I ventured out to Cape Girardeau for a day of shopping at a mall I had never been to. She was such a good little shopper ... sleeping most of the day, and looking around and happy when she was awake! I was able to buy her Easter sweater (I already have the dress), winter coat (6-12 mo), and most importantly her Halloween costume. Our little Baby Dinosaur is going to be a baby dinosaur for Halloween. I got this $28 Carters (3-6 mo) costume at Macy's for 50% off too! Last night I tried the costume on her - she's already too long to wear 0-3 mo one piece outfits ... so sad. In this case it worked out well since there were not any left on the rack. So, my Katelyn is by far the cutest most adorable little dinosaur I have ever seen!!! She was so cute I had to take a picture, and as she sat in the corner of her crib while I giggled and laughed at just how adorable she was ... she began to smile - a real smile! This has happened one other time when Joe was laughing and she was sitting on his tummy. It is so beautiful when she smiles - of course the camera missed the smile, but I got a couple other adorable pictures. Her dinosaur picture is currently my Facebook profile photo. I cannot believe how much she has grown in the past 6 weeks.
Another quite amazing thing happened last night ... Katelyn slept from her bedtime at 8pm until 5am!!! I of course did not sleep that long - I woke up freaking out at 2am and consequently decided that Joe needed to know that Katie was still breathing too! He didn't seem as concerned, but decided that since he was awake Barkley should be taken out briefly. At 5am Katie ate her regular amount of food and promptly fell back asleep - what a good baby, I am so blessed!
Another quite amazing thing happened last night ... Katelyn slept from her bedtime at 8pm until 5am!!! I of course did not sleep that long - I woke up freaking out at 2am and consequently decided that Joe needed to know that Katie was still breathing too! He didn't seem as concerned, but decided that since he was awake Barkley should be taken out briefly. At 5am Katie ate her regular amount of food and promptly fell back asleep - what a good baby, I am so blessed!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
1 Month 10 Days
Katelyn was born on September 1st at 7:09 pm. She came into this world COMPLETELY healthy! No sign of Cystic Hygroma at all - truly a miracle ... thank you Jesus. We have had a wonderful month of first time experiences. I had expected to update more often; however, having a baby keeps me very busy. Here's a few highlights from the past month and 10 days.
On our first night home from the hospital (September 3rd) Katelyn rolled from her back to her side - a skill expected sometime during the 2nd or 3rd month. She is incredibly strong! Katie can hold her head up pretty well (and had been able to since birth) ... although I often find myself supporting it as if she can't - overprotective mothering already in effect. At 17 days old she rolled from her tummy to her back - another skill not expected until much later. I am loving being a Mommy, and am so in love with my daughter!
Saturday, September 26th was our first day officially out. We went to Home Depot to purchase blinds for Katie's windows in her room ... of course, this also meant we needed to go to Target too (simply because it's near Home Depot and so much more fun). Tuesday, September 29th I got a craving for an apple dumpling at the local orchard. Katie made her way to the orchard with us to purchase some apples and take pictures. We left the state for the 1st time last weekend - October 2nd was the first time Katie was babysat by Grandma! It was thrilling for my mom and scary for me ... I missed my baby so much. Joe and I were gone for exactly 4 hours! Grandma did a great job - Joe and I had fun dancing at our friends' wedding and eating an uninterrupted dinner. This past Thursday was a "Very Hungry Caterpillar" reading event ... Katie and I participated by reading this wonderful book together. Our participation counted toward the national total.
Tonight with Katelyn's cord/bellybutton healed and my incision healed as well ... we made our way into the bathtub together for the 1st time. It was so much fun holding Katie as she kicked and splashed her hands in the tub. She smiled as she lay on her back floating in the water - with me holding her of course! Although I was sure she was getting cold ... like a true little fishy she cried when I handed her off to Joe who promptly wrapped her in a towel. Daddy dried her off, dressed her in pajamas, and I read her a story. We kissed her and she was in bed by 7:45 ... after a bit of crying she was sound asleep by 8pm - the beginning of a beautiful bedtime routine!
On our first night home from the hospital (September 3rd) Katelyn rolled from her back to her side - a skill expected sometime during the 2nd or 3rd month. She is incredibly strong! Katie can hold her head up pretty well (and had been able to since birth) ... although I often find myself supporting it as if she can't - overprotective mothering already in effect. At 17 days old she rolled from her tummy to her back - another skill not expected until much later. I am loving being a Mommy, and am so in love with my daughter!
Saturday, September 26th was our first day officially out. We went to Home Depot to purchase blinds for Katie's windows in her room ... of course, this also meant we needed to go to Target too (simply because it's near Home Depot and so much more fun). Tuesday, September 29th I got a craving for an apple dumpling at the local orchard. Katie made her way to the orchard with us to purchase some apples and take pictures. We left the state for the 1st time last weekend - October 2nd was the first time Katie was babysat by Grandma! It was thrilling for my mom and scary for me ... I missed my baby so much. Joe and I were gone for exactly 4 hours! Grandma did a great job - Joe and I had fun dancing at our friends' wedding and eating an uninterrupted dinner. This past Thursday was a "Very Hungry Caterpillar" reading event ... Katie and I participated by reading this wonderful book together. Our participation counted toward the national total.
Tonight with Katelyn's cord/bellybutton healed and my incision healed as well ... we made our way into the bathtub together for the 1st time. It was so much fun holding Katie as she kicked and splashed her hands in the tub. She smiled as she lay on her back floating in the water - with me holding her of course! Although I was sure she was getting cold ... like a true little fishy she cried when I handed her off to Joe who promptly wrapped her in a towel. Daddy dried her off, dressed her in pajamas, and I read her a story. We kissed her and she was in bed by 7:45 ... after a bit of crying she was sound asleep by 8pm - the beginning of a beautiful bedtime routine!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Late?
This week has been an adventure of daily anticipation ... The Great Kate Wait persists. I am finally tired of being pregnant; however, God has refreshed me with a few unexpected restful nights of much needed sleep! I look forward to holding Katie in my arms, getting back to running, and being able get out of the bathtub by myself. It is unbelievable how humbling being pregnant can be. Strangely, I have been both terrified by the thought of labor and eagerly anticipating the challenge I have been training for during these last 10 months.
My 39 week appointment was cancelled by my doctor - due to some other activity outside the office (I'm assuming a delivery at the hospital). I was so sure Katie would be exactly on time that I planned nothing for Joe's birthday, thinking that the arrival of his daughter was gift enough. We spent last Thursday night eating pizza and watching mind-numbing TV all the while I felt guilty for not even buying my poor husband a card. On Friday I decided that maybe after 2 weeks without an appointment I should go see my doctor.
On Monday I had Joe meet me at the doctor's office for my 40 week appointment - to be honest it was 40 weeks and 4 days. I figured there would be some progress toward labor by now ... absolutely nothing! I was in exactly the same position I had been in at 37 weeks ... I must say this news did not make me too happy. What followed was even worse - my doctor began discussing with us induction options. I remember hearing about babies that were "10 days late" when I was a child - in fact, I was one of those babies. So, what is the big deal about 4 or 5 days? Apparently there is a strongly held belief that early 1st trimester ultrasounds are the answer to this question ... since we have them now, which we didn't 30 years ago, our due dates are considered more accurate and obviously by definition babies born this decade must know how to use a calendar.
All sarcasm aside, I listened to my doctor go through the list of induction options. None of which sound particularly appealing. He did however have me pretty well convinced that Friday would be a nice time to start Pitocin - I have to say that the thought of being able to hold my daughter in my arms before the weekend ends sounds pretty enticing. He also said that I needed to do some testing this week. Once I found out that the tests were non-invasive I agreed without knowing what I was actually agreeing to.
Tuesday I went to work, taught 3 PE classes, and left for my Biophysical Profile Test - basically an ultrasound. I actually thought this might be fun - I had high hopes for getting to see Katie's face and maybe even get an idea of how big she was. I did get to find out she has hair, but other than that the test was disappointing. On an 8 point scale ... Katie scored 4 points. My precious baby decided to sleep through the test, and there was no disturbing her (ironically as I write this she is punching and kicking the heck out of me). I knew, and said it multiple times, that I had not had nearly enough to eat that morning and some ice water or cookies should wake her. I did not realize just how important these statements were at the time. The ultrasound technician said the my fluid level was good and we got 2 points for that, but she really did not like to give out 4's. I said "no big deal" I'll go over to the hospital and have the non-stress test done, and on my way over I'll get Katie and myself something to eat. Well, um with a score of 4 I was required to go for the non-stress test immediately - but still it was suggested that I pick up something in the hospital cafeteria on my way up to the Labor and Delivery floor.
I HATE hospitals ... so I arrived at the admission desk and informed them I was there for an NST and should be done within the hour. The super-nice lady helped me fill out all my paperwork, but informed me that I was a G status not an O for observation as I had thought I would be. She said this meant I could be there for up to 23 hours - this should have alarmed me; however, I let her know everything was OK, I was not in labor, and I would be an O status by the end of the hour - she said that she would change my status when the test was done and the Labor and Delivery floor called down to her. She was exceptionally nice, and I have no reason to believe she knew anything was brewing.
I was met in the hallway by a lady who insisted I ride in a wheelchair - this aggravated me, but I tried to be nice. Then I was assigned to birthing room 4 - I quickly informed the nurse I was leaving in an hour and I would be happy to do the test in a non-private observation bed. She quickly moved me, and thanked me for leaving the room open for someone who might need it. I let her know I needed some cookies and juice to wake my sleeping baby for the test - she attached the monitoring devices, got my necessary food items, and asked a multitude of health history questions. We got a good baseline strip of Katie sleeping ... which appeared to alarm the nurse; however, after giving Katie a short pep talk and crunching down some ice she started acting like her usual post-meal self. We passed the NST!
By now my blood pressure had become cause for concern to the medical staff. Nobody who works in a hospital seems to understand how some of us can simply HATE hospitals - these stupid tests cannot possibly cause someone's blood pressure to escalate. I was stressed - and further evidence of this was found as hives on my neck and chest. Although the medical staff completely missed this diagnosis they were quick to notice my swollen ankles and legs - obviously pre-eclampsia right? It's got to be - well, at least as far as they were concerned. One call to the doctor and now blood work was being requested. So the main reason I HATE hospitals is that they are full of needles and other sharp objects that are used to plunge into the skin! To make matters worse the nurse informed me that Katie's score of 4 on the Biophysical Profile Test back at my doctor's office earned us a guaranteed hospital stay of 23 hours ... now I was beginning to feel sick - so I agreed to let them take blood. I spoke with the nurse about signing out AMA - against medical advice, and she informed me that if I did that my insurance company would refuse to pay any charges I just incurred by being there.
I frantically called Joe and gave him as much information about the situation as I could. He quickly got on the phone with the insurance company to confirm these lies perpetrated by the medical staff. When I called him back after my blood was drawn he said "that nurse doesn't know what she is talking about, and don't let them admit you - that can change everything". He then said the most important thing, "I am leaving the office now to come be with you". Within 10 minutes he was by my side, rubbing my head, reassuring me, and providing me with entertainment in the form of a solitaire game on his ipod. Although nobody wanted to give us the results of my blood work - Joe and I finally managed to get the nurse to admit there was nothing abnormal, no pre-eclampsia just as I had thought all along. We were then moved to a more private observation room where Joe suggested I call the insurance company to confirm all charges would be covered. After completing the 2nd insurance call of the day, and speaking to the 2nd manager at the call center, we were convinced ... Joe helped me remove the monitors, and we headed for the elevator. While in the elevator Joe used the scissors on my pocket knife to cut off the hospital wristband.
My blood pressure has remained somewhat elevated since we left the hospital - it takes a while for me to calm down, but it has been decreasing with each passing hour. The hospital did call my cell to confirm that I was alright - Joe took the call and reassured them I was just fine. My doctor has not made any attempt to contact me, and until we reach 42 weeks (when Katie will be officially overdue) or I go into labor I have no interest in contacting him. For now I'm on Joe prescribed bed rest - I'm done working, but the Joe bed rest comes with some good meals and lots of great snuggling. Besides, maybe I'll need some rest for when I finally do go into labor - naturally!
My 39 week appointment was cancelled by my doctor - due to some other activity outside the office (I'm assuming a delivery at the hospital). I was so sure Katie would be exactly on time that I planned nothing for Joe's birthday, thinking that the arrival of his daughter was gift enough. We spent last Thursday night eating pizza and watching mind-numbing TV all the while I felt guilty for not even buying my poor husband a card. On Friday I decided that maybe after 2 weeks without an appointment I should go see my doctor.
On Monday I had Joe meet me at the doctor's office for my 40 week appointment - to be honest it was 40 weeks and 4 days. I figured there would be some progress toward labor by now ... absolutely nothing! I was in exactly the same position I had been in at 37 weeks ... I must say this news did not make me too happy. What followed was even worse - my doctor began discussing with us induction options. I remember hearing about babies that were "10 days late" when I was a child - in fact, I was one of those babies. So, what is the big deal about 4 or 5 days? Apparently there is a strongly held belief that early 1st trimester ultrasounds are the answer to this question ... since we have them now, which we didn't 30 years ago, our due dates are considered more accurate and obviously by definition babies born this decade must know how to use a calendar.
All sarcasm aside, I listened to my doctor go through the list of induction options. None of which sound particularly appealing. He did however have me pretty well convinced that Friday would be a nice time to start Pitocin - I have to say that the thought of being able to hold my daughter in my arms before the weekend ends sounds pretty enticing. He also said that I needed to do some testing this week. Once I found out that the tests were non-invasive I agreed without knowing what I was actually agreeing to.
Tuesday I went to work, taught 3 PE classes, and left for my Biophysical Profile Test - basically an ultrasound. I actually thought this might be fun - I had high hopes for getting to see Katie's face and maybe even get an idea of how big she was. I did get to find out she has hair, but other than that the test was disappointing. On an 8 point scale ... Katie scored 4 points. My precious baby decided to sleep through the test, and there was no disturbing her (ironically as I write this she is punching and kicking the heck out of me). I knew, and said it multiple times, that I had not had nearly enough to eat that morning and some ice water or cookies should wake her. I did not realize just how important these statements were at the time. The ultrasound technician said the my fluid level was good and we got 2 points for that, but she really did not like to give out 4's. I said "no big deal" I'll go over to the hospital and have the non-stress test done, and on my way over I'll get Katie and myself something to eat. Well, um with a score of 4 I was required to go for the non-stress test immediately - but still it was suggested that I pick up something in the hospital cafeteria on my way up to the Labor and Delivery floor.
I HATE hospitals ... so I arrived at the admission desk and informed them I was there for an NST and should be done within the hour. The super-nice lady helped me fill out all my paperwork, but informed me that I was a G status not an O for observation as I had thought I would be. She said this meant I could be there for up to 23 hours - this should have alarmed me; however, I let her know everything was OK, I was not in labor, and I would be an O status by the end of the hour - she said that she would change my status when the test was done and the Labor and Delivery floor called down to her. She was exceptionally nice, and I have no reason to believe she knew anything was brewing.
I was met in the hallway by a lady who insisted I ride in a wheelchair - this aggravated me, but I tried to be nice. Then I was assigned to birthing room 4 - I quickly informed the nurse I was leaving in an hour and I would be happy to do the test in a non-private observation bed. She quickly moved me, and thanked me for leaving the room open for someone who might need it. I let her know I needed some cookies and juice to wake my sleeping baby for the test - she attached the monitoring devices, got my necessary food items, and asked a multitude of health history questions. We got a good baseline strip of Katie sleeping ... which appeared to alarm the nurse; however, after giving Katie a short pep talk and crunching down some ice she started acting like her usual post-meal self. We passed the NST!
By now my blood pressure had become cause for concern to the medical staff. Nobody who works in a hospital seems to understand how some of us can simply HATE hospitals - these stupid tests cannot possibly cause someone's blood pressure to escalate. I was stressed - and further evidence of this was found as hives on my neck and chest. Although the medical staff completely missed this diagnosis they were quick to notice my swollen ankles and legs - obviously pre-eclampsia right? It's got to be - well, at least as far as they were concerned. One call to the doctor and now blood work was being requested. So the main reason I HATE hospitals is that they are full of needles and other sharp objects that are used to plunge into the skin! To make matters worse the nurse informed me that Katie's score of 4 on the Biophysical Profile Test back at my doctor's office earned us a guaranteed hospital stay of 23 hours ... now I was beginning to feel sick - so I agreed to let them take blood. I spoke with the nurse about signing out AMA - against medical advice, and she informed me that if I did that my insurance company would refuse to pay any charges I just incurred by being there.
I frantically called Joe and gave him as much information about the situation as I could. He quickly got on the phone with the insurance company to confirm these lies perpetrated by the medical staff. When I called him back after my blood was drawn he said "that nurse doesn't know what she is talking about, and don't let them admit you - that can change everything". He then said the most important thing, "I am leaving the office now to come be with you". Within 10 minutes he was by my side, rubbing my head, reassuring me, and providing me with entertainment in the form of a solitaire game on his ipod. Although nobody wanted to give us the results of my blood work - Joe and I finally managed to get the nurse to admit there was nothing abnormal, no pre-eclampsia just as I had thought all along. We were then moved to a more private observation room where Joe suggested I call the insurance company to confirm all charges would be covered. After completing the 2nd insurance call of the day, and speaking to the 2nd manager at the call center, we were convinced ... Joe helped me remove the monitors, and we headed for the elevator. While in the elevator Joe used the scissors on my pocket knife to cut off the hospital wristband.
My blood pressure has remained somewhat elevated since we left the hospital - it takes a while for me to calm down, but it has been decreasing with each passing hour. The hospital did call my cell to confirm that I was alright - Joe took the call and reassured them I was just fine. My doctor has not made any attempt to contact me, and until we reach 42 weeks (when Katie will be officially overdue) or I go into labor I have no interest in contacting him. For now I'm on Joe prescribed bed rest - I'm done working, but the Joe bed rest comes with some good meals and lots of great snuggling. Besides, maybe I'll need some rest for when I finally do go into labor - naturally!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Facebook Status
Kimberly is pleased to announce that medical staff has declared Katie "perfect" ... God COMPLETELY healed her - we are 8 months as of yesterday and looking forward to her (hopefully timely) arrival on August 20th!!!
Monday, June 8, 2009
New Year
As another school year has come to a close I find myself reflecting much about the past 12 months. Although last summer seems a distant memory I know that by Christmas (when I actually write my annual letter) I will have forgotten so much of what has happened during the first half of the year. For teachers, I think New Year's should be celebrated sometime in August - preferably the day before we return to our classrooms. There is really no need to relax and celebrate when we have been out of the classroom for 2 weeks relaxing at home (or the lucky ones somewhere nice and warm) over Christmas Break. The real need to kick back and drink comes when we realize that our summer has ended, it's about to get cold again, and within 24 hours we will be returning to the insanity of a new school year!
With all this said I am so happy to be standing at the threshold of another Summer Break! Today is my 1st official day of break ... after surviving what our staff collectively termed "the longest week ever" I cannot believe it's finally here. I stayed out way too late last night visiting with friends, but found myself awake at 6:50am to take the puppy outside. Joe sadly does not get to have a summer break and by 7:45am he was leaving for work and wishing me some restful sleep. I'll catch up on that sleep tonight ... today is a day for getting things done!
This has been a year of firsts ... I worked with Kindergartners daily, purchased a 2 month old puppy named Barkley, implemented new health curriculum in grades K-5, celebrated my 1st wedding anniversary, and spent most of the year pregnant! No wonder I feel exhausted - on top of all that I have been working to complete my thesis and plan to graduate just 2 weeks before Katelyn Grace is scheduled to arrive. As a community we survived numerous snow days and one inland hurricane that left us with mass destruction and no power for almost a week! We rewired the basement (with some help from professionals) and are in the process of drywalling the downstairs family room. A room we once figured would be our theater style entertainment room, but now know it will hold a pack 'n play, bouncy seat, and countless toys.
As I stand at the threshold of this summer break I praise God for just how blessed I am, and look forward to my teacher New Year's when Katelyn is expected to arrive and my real life is ready to begin. Maternity leave until 2nd quarter in October - that will be my REAL summer break. For now, there is much to be done and a finite time to complete it all. How wonderful it is ... having the summer "off from work".
With all this said I am so happy to be standing at the threshold of another Summer Break! Today is my 1st official day of break ... after surviving what our staff collectively termed "the longest week ever" I cannot believe it's finally here. I stayed out way too late last night visiting with friends, but found myself awake at 6:50am to take the puppy outside. Joe sadly does not get to have a summer break and by 7:45am he was leaving for work and wishing me some restful sleep. I'll catch up on that sleep tonight ... today is a day for getting things done!
This has been a year of firsts ... I worked with Kindergartners daily, purchased a 2 month old puppy named Barkley, implemented new health curriculum in grades K-5, celebrated my 1st wedding anniversary, and spent most of the year pregnant! No wonder I feel exhausted - on top of all that I have been working to complete my thesis and plan to graduate just 2 weeks before Katelyn Grace is scheduled to arrive. As a community we survived numerous snow days and one inland hurricane that left us with mass destruction and no power for almost a week! We rewired the basement (with some help from professionals) and are in the process of drywalling the downstairs family room. A room we once figured would be our theater style entertainment room, but now know it will hold a pack 'n play, bouncy seat, and countless toys.
As I stand at the threshold of this summer break I praise God for just how blessed I am, and look forward to my teacher New Year's when Katelyn is expected to arrive and my real life is ready to begin. Maternity leave until 2nd quarter in October - that will be my REAL summer break. For now, there is much to be done and a finite time to complete it all. How wonderful it is ... having the summer "off from work".
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