1st Doctor's Appointment

We had our first doctor's appointment this morning. I was a little nervous and didn't know what to expect. Last night Libby and I read - ok, I read it to her - What To Expect The First Year to see if I could think of any questions on what to expect in the up coming month and also jotted down a few questions of my own. We found that Libby has not only regained the weight she lost after birth but has surpassed that amount and gaining a whole pound on top of her birth weight - bringing her up to 8 lbs, 1 oz. She also grew 3/4 inch! We were very proud. =) Her umbilical chord is almost falling off too and we're hoping it is gone soon (mostly because I don't like giving her sponge baths!). All in all it was a great experience and was the first time we had been outside since bringing her home. Boy! It sure is pretty! Our doctor recommended not really exposing her to lots of people until she is 2 months old so she can get her 1st shots...so this should be tricky. Thank goodness Thanksgiving is after she is 8 weeks old!! (Yeah, I know I am insane but whatcha gonna do!)

First Week Home

Well, we survived the first week. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Of course, we have been blessed with a very easy baby (so far!). Jim has really stepped up too (thank you!!). I just wanted to jot down a few of my thoughts and things that have happened over the last week.

• Smiling - This kid is so incredibly happy. I know it is gas but she smiles constantly when she hears Jim or my voice. It is just adorable.
• Diaper Changes - I was so nervous to do these. I really wasn't able to do much of them while in the hospital since I was confined to a bed a lot of the time and really had to rely on Jim. Well, I have it down now! We've had a few explosions and some just nasty diapers, and I've become relatively fast at changing them.
  
• Screaming - Oh boy, I thought I could handle her screaming because I know it is really the only way she can communicate with me. Jim can vouch that at first I freaked out every time she would scream. I am getting better at not over reacting but I am still not as calm as I would like to be. It just hurts to hear her scream - even though I know she really isn't in pain! She is just hungry!
• Baby Belly - I knew I wouldn't instantly lose my belly after giving birth. I wasn't that naive about it. What I didn't know is it would look like a deflated balloon! I also didn't realize how much I had truly been swelling either. I've already dropped 25 pounds and I know most of it is water weight! Now I just gotta get rid of this weird shaped belly. =)
• Sleeping - Everyone tells you that you won't get sleep with a newborn. Well, Jim and I found a way to each get sleep. We're bottle feeding and doing shift work. The only draw back is we don't get to sleep in the same bed together but for maybe 2 hours maximum. Last night I took over the late night feedings so we can try out a normal routine for when Jim goes back to work next week. The rule is he should not feed her past 1am. My plan is to go to sleep early (which, lets face it, I love to do anyways =)) and then I can try to get at least 3 or 4 hours of sleep prior to getting up the first time with her. That is my bare minimum necessary for me not to go absolutely crazy. It worked out pretty well last night. I did a 2:30 am and 5:30 am feeding and actually got to be in bed with Jim for a few hours too! I think I got about 6 restless hours of sleep and plan on taking a nap today. =)
• Feedings - These are actually my favorite times with her because I can hold her and not feel guilty. =) She is usually a great eater and it gives me an opportunity to talk with her. I'm sure I will eventually be able to do other things while feeding her but right now I just like to look at her while she eats and do nothing else.
  

This week has just flown by and the Ski family is having a blast!!

Eruptions and Explosions

I had always heard about diaper explosions and had witnessed first had spit ups...but to see them first hand and to watch your own daughter spit up a ton of her food she was so happy to get...well, it is just rough. Yesterday was a bad day in the food/stomach department. We had our 2nd exploding diaper since bringing Libby home and she also spit up a ton after her mid afternoon feeding. It just was so sad to watch that happen. I figured out the key is to not let the baby wipes to run out...when that happens, everything goes crazy! Since I can't go up and down the stairs much, I am pretty much confined to the main level. When the explosions happen, we seem to be out of baby wipes. So, simply put, I am never going to let that happen..cause you know - they are connected somehow. =)

One Week Birthday!

It is hard for me to believe that Miss Libby is 1 week old. I had expected her to be this massive chunk of a baby and well, she just isn't. She is just this little petite thing. When I reflect what happened last week, I am just amazed. It honestly makes me tear up just thinking about the whole experience...

Last Wednesday started like any day. I was excited because Wednesdays are doctor appointment days, and I love to hear the baby's heartbeat. It is such a comfort to hear her all of the time. I had been having pretty regular contractions every 30 minutes or so but then they would stop by the end of the day. Needless to say I was hoping for some good news at the doctor's office. My Wednesday ritual was always to make sure I had my labor bag packed as well as wrapping anything up at home that may need to be done prior to me giving birth. This Wednesday was the same but this time I spent the afternoon with my sister and her little one, Zoe. After having a lot of fun with the girls I went to go pick up Jim for our appointment at 4:00. We met with the midwife and didn't even have to wait very long! The appointment was pretty routine - checked my blood pressure (very high like usual), listened to the heartbeat, checked my progress (still none), checked my blood pressure again (even higher)..then came the new part - go to the hospital for blood pressure monitoring. I had a feeling this day would come given that for the week prior to that my blood pressure kept going up and up. We talked with Cindy about what they would do and how long the process would take. She explained they would monitor my blood pressure for at least 2 hours (probably no more) and then take my blood to test my kidneys and other organs. The baby was completely healthy but I wasn't doing so hot. So, off to the hospital we went. We arrived around 5:00 pm and went to a room for monitoring. They took my blood pressure constantly every 10 minutes and it just kept going up and up. After the 1st time of taking it, the nurse was very concerned and warned us we might be there for awhile. I was still expecting only an overnight experience even though I joked with Jim that maybe we'll get lucky and have a baby that night. I had always joked that Libby would be born on 9.27 because I liked that they were divisible by 3 (yes, I realize that is completely stupid and weird but I love numbers - hopefully, Libby won't take after me =)). So after about 30 or 40 minutes we got the labs back and they were not horrible but were not normal either. The nurse explained that we would be going to 'Labor and Delivery' and they need to talk with the Doctor about what the next steps would be. I was nervous at that time so I asked what that meant and she said they will be either inducing me or doing a c-section. Then I got really nervous but very excited. I looked over at Jim and I honestly couldn't tell if he was excited or scared. We called my and Jim's parents to give them an update while we waited to hear what the doctor wanted to do. They continued to monitor me during this time and I was trying with all my might to will my blood pressure down...but it wasn't working. =) I just kept focusing on the baby's heart beat and this weird machine that monitored my contractions - which were 3 or 4 minutes a part. I was hoping this meant I was actually getting scared into labor (yeah, I know that cannot be possible)...but I still was not progressing and this baby was not wanting to come out. The Doctor arrived around 7:00 or 7:30 pm and said we either needed to induce or have a c-section. She recommended the c-section. I was very scared and talked it over with Jim. We both agreed the c-section was best for me and then I called my Mom to get her love and support...yeah, I am 27 and really needed her Mom (thanks Mom, I love you!). So, at around 8:00 or 8:30 pm we opted for a c-section and away we went. At that time it was a flurry of activity. Nurses went immediately into prepping me for surgery. I had never been in a hospital (except for when I was born of course=)) and had never had surgery so I was nervous about the whole process. The nurses were wonderful at walking me through everything so I didn't completely freak out. It honestly wasn't that bad and wasn't as embarrassing as I thought it would be. The hardest part was getting the IV in my arm. I have rolling veins and they just couldn't find one. It took almost an hour and 3 giant bruises later for them to find one they could use. Knowing what I know now, I was really thankful for having that big, very late lunch with my sister. I didn't know I was not going to get to eat real food for another 2 days. So, thanks Erin and Cracker Barrel! =) The epidural experience wasn't even as bad as I thought it would be. It helped that the lady that put it in had a sense of humor. She kept joking around with me and they were horrible jokes - which really helped! They gave Jim scrubs to put on (he looked hilarious) and off we went. They had us take this picture before I was rolled off into the operating room...I was thrilled with it but now I am thankful to have it. If, for nothing else, to remind me of what Jim looked like. =)



So off we went...I have to admit I was terrified. I don't know if I was more terrified of the surgery or the fact I was just about to find out whether my baby was ok or not. I chose to fixate on the baby versus the surgery. Thankfully they put a blanket over my view so I couldn't see anything. I felt nothing but I kept losing feeling in my hands/arms. It wasn't a problem then but after we were done I couldn't hold my daughter for several hours. That made me very sad. Jim got to watch parts of the surgery and got to see the baby being born. When she started screaming it was the best feeling in the world. They confirmed it was a girl and she was healthy. It was wonderful. After that they got me all sewed up and rolled me to recovery. My blood pressure magically dropped...and dropped...and dropped. They actually had to give me medicine to bring it back up. Jim, his parents, and Marsha (Jim's sister) came into the room with me and it was such a comfort. (Thanks guys!) They left a little after midnight and after a few more hours in that room I got rolled to another room. They were going to monitor me there because my blood pressure was still a little wacky. They also gave me magnesium to prevent any seizures. At around 2am I got to see Libby and actually hold her. It was absolutely wonderful. At around 3am, I was exhausted and fell asleep. The only glitches came the next day around 8am. They took my epidural out after mixing me up with the previous occupant of the room. Well, lets just say the pain meds stuff got a little mixed up after that but it was ok. I got moved to my permanent room by 6pm that next night after being promised I would be moved about 8 hours earlier. My parents came up to see me and the baby as well as my brother and sister (with Zoe) came by too. It was great to see them all and watch them see Libby for the first time. The next 3 days were a completely blur. I continued to heal and Libby was thriving. She continued to eat more and more and seemed to be very happy. We were thrilled.

Looking back on my time in the hospital, it was great. I highly recommend St. Johns Hospital as a place to have your baby.

The previous week has been absolutely wonderful. I am still in completely awe she is here after such a crazy flurry of activity. But Jim and I are parents now! Wahoo!

Homefront Update: Day 3

I've decided I have the best 1 week old in the world. She sleeps constantly and is allowing Mommy and Daddy to get at least 6 hours each night. Libby is also a fantastic eater. You can't ask for more than that!! Overall day 3 was a breeze. I'm hoping this trend continues but I am not holding my breath. =) To show how awesome she is, last night she had a little accident where her diaper came off. Instead of screaming her head off, she just whimpered for a bit until I came to check on her around 4:30 am and discovered the 'mess'. At that point it was a simple fix and she was the perfect baby again. I just changed and fed her and off to sleep she went again. I think she is spoiling us. =)

(I'm making a mental note of this post so if this trend discontinues I can remember it =))

Max vs Elizabeth

Well, you all know I have a cat. He may just be something you hear me talk about but have never seen due to the fact he hates people. Well, he loves me and tolerates Jim but everyone else he hates. So, needless to say one of my biggest concerns was how Max would react to the baby. When we brought Libby home we immediately put the infant carrier right in front of Max. Of course, once he saw me he went straight for me after not seeing me for over 4 days. I, of course, tried to act completely natural and that we didn't just bring something home that could later on make his life miserable by pulling his tail or chasing him around. Max was very good and just circles the 'object' and then made a slight growling noise. Jim and I petted him and then rubbed on the baby to show we love them both. It seemed to work and everything was ok. Well, Max and Libby haven't butted heads yet. The only problem we seem to keep having is the issue of the nursery. You see - the nursery has a chair and a half that I got as a graduation present from college. Max loves this chair and it is in the nursery...where the baby sleeps...in a comfy crib...that Max could claim as his own if he could just grid of the squirmy, sometimes odd smelling toy in it. So we have to keep the door closed. That seems like an easy fix except when it comes to sleeping. The baby monitor in the nursery picks up everything. By everything, I mean every single sound within 1 mile. I could hear the rain hitting the window in stereo last night and even the fan jiggling a bit. In any case, this allows Max's meows to be listened to in stereo in our bedroom. We can hear him in the hallway crying to get into the room and also through the monitor. That has taken some getting used to but we're getting there. The other issue is the pack 'n play we have in the middle of our main level. Max thinks it is a scratching post but has recently discovered the 'toy' sleeps there. I can't tell if he is being protective, curious, or just rotten but he keeps circling it. We're watching him closely but I'm very nervous about it. What would you think if you saw this?



All in all it hasn't been too bad (yet) so I'm hoping this trend continues. I figure if I can just act like the baby isn't there when Max is around there is hope yet!!

Elizabeth at home: Days 1 and 2

Well, we have been home since Sunday afternoon and things are going really well. Of course I still haven't unpacked everything from the hospital yet but we're getting there! Miss Elizabeth is doing fantastic.

Not much happened on Day 1. We just put together some last minute items like the pack 'n play so that we can change her downstairs since I cannot go up and down the stairs. We weren't expecting that =). Mostly Elizabeth slepted and I watched her. We expected the first night to be rough given the horror stories we heard from other folks but it wasn't too bad. Jim and I decided to team up and I went to be 'early', he would stay up late with her, and then I would tag him out and take over when he needed to go to sleep. The hope was to put her in her crib for a bit upstairs and then we would both get some sleep at some point together - that didn't happen. It still wasn't too bad. I got slept from about 10-3 and then got up to tag Jim out when we realized Libby wasn't going to go to bed. Jim then went to sleep and slept until he naturally got up so he could be able to do the late shift for that night. Libby and I stayed wide awake until about 9:15. I didn't know a newborn could cry for 6 hours straight. Granted - it wasn't her fault. We found out through process of elimination that she needed more food than we were giving her. The nurses at the hospital told us not to give her more than 2 ounces or she will get sick. So, of course not having a clue, we stuck with that. Well, lets just say once we upped it to 3 ounces she was content and then went right to sleep which provided some necessary relief to me. =) The rest of the Day 2 consisted of lots and lots of sleeping from Libby to make up for her 6 hours of being awake. We had high hopes that upping her food would allow her to sleep through longer periods of time, allowing Jim and I both to get some sleep - maybe even at the same time! Well, as of 5am this morning when I am writing this (just because I frankly got enough sleep and was ready to start my day), it worked. Jim stayed up until the 2am feeding and then put her down in her crib and she is still sleeping! I love this child. She is a GREAT eater and a terrific sleeper. So, please say lots and lots of prayers that she stays this way. Not many new parents can say they are getting 6-8 hours of sleep each.

All in all I would mark Day 1 and Day 2 as successes. She seems to be thriving and be very, very happy. Jim and I are both learning a lot about her and her signs for things. She is just a dream come true!