Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Day 2 of life.

We went to visit little Katherine this morning about 9 o'clock. She is breathing a little fast, but is doing very well otherwise. She was sleeping most of the time that we were there. It was so sweet because we could see her little eyebrows moving and every once in a while she would give a tiny little baby noise as she dreamed whatever newborns dream about. She seems to like it whenever we would very lightly lay a hand against her skin. In fact, she would make a little angry face in her sleep whenever Michael took his hand away. Already a Daddy's girl! We were able to stay through rounds, which was very helpful to us even though we did not understand a lot of the “Doctor” language that they were using. After presenting Katherine and discussing her care for a while amongst themselves, the resident on call broke the language down enough for us to understand that the reason she is breathing so fast may have to do with too much fluid around her lungs and if so, they may give her Lasix later on to help with this. We also stayed through her “cares”, so the nurse (Jordan) let us take her temperature, change her diaper, and hold her for a little bit. Her temperature was high – 100.9 under her arm – but the nurse said that this is normal with the medication she is on to keep her arterious ductus from closing. She turned the warmer that Katherine is in all the way down to the lowest temperature it will go to in order to help her cool down a bit. Then came the diaper changing. I was a little rusty at it, as it has been years since I have changed a diaper. Thankfully, it was only a little wet so I did not make a mess! Afterward, the nurse unhooked Katherine from the cables that she was able to so that they would not get tangled up when moving her. I sat in the chair and Michael kept her other little tubes and cords straight while the nurse handed Katherine to me in the chair and then hooked all of her cables back up. She was a little fussy at being moved but quickly settled down and slept for a long time in my arms. Eventually, the nurse came back and together, she and Michael transferred Katherine from my arms back to the warmer. It was a wonderful visit and I know that I have probably left something out. I spent most of the time trying to memorize her little features and expressions. We still do not know exactly when her first surgery will be. We have heard they are expecting it to be the end of this week or beginning of next week but an exact date will depend on her and her surgeons. We will let everyone know as soon as we know for sure.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

More Information

Baby Katherine was 7lb 12oz and 20.5 inches when she was born last night. We got to hold her for a little bit before they took her to the NICU. She was so precious! She scored 9 out of 10 on her APGAR rating and the Doctor said she did very well over night. She's been given the medicine that she will she need before the first surgery, which will take place sometime in the next week. Michael was able to visit her once last night after she went to the NICU and a few times today. He took me down to visit her this evening after the doctor cleared me to go. Thank you for all of your prayers and words of encouragement and continue to keep praying for her.

Monday, February 27, 2012

It's a girl!


Today at 6:42pm we welcomed Katherine into this world. She's doing wonderful. We got to spend a little time with her before she was taken to the NICU. Not sure how much she weighs yet. We'll find out as soon as we get to visit with her. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

Monday Morning

I went to sleep around 1030 last night. My contractions continued but calmed down a little on how uncomfortable they were. Woke up this morning, took a shower, ate breakfast, and they just started me on the Pitocin so I thought I'd make a small post before I start getting uncomfortable. I am praying for productive contractions and a healthy birth today. We can't wait to meet our little Katherine!

Sunday, February 26, 2012

In the hospital now

We were admitted to the hospital @ 5:30pm. Monitor showed contractions every 6 mins. 9:20 now and contractions are 2-3 mins apart and can definitely feel them, ouch =(. In an observation room atm and will be moved to a laboring room tomorrow morning.

Friday, February 24, 2012

OB Appointments 2/20 and 2/24

Well when I went to the OB on Monday (2/20), the doctor said that I still wasn't dialated any and that he wanted me to come back today (Friday). He said that if I was still about the same, that I would need to go in Sunday night instead of waiting until Monday (2/27) morning.

sooo...

We went to our appointment today and the doctor who saw us today said that I was already 1 cm dialated!!! How exciting! She still wants us to go in Sunday night instead of waiting until Monday, which we prefer. I can't imagine trying to sleep at home Sunday night knowing that I will be induced in the morning.

Also, my mom is flying in tomorrow afternoon so that she will be able to be here for Katherine's birth. I am so glad that she will be able to be here. Stay tuned for more updates in the next few days...

Monday, February 13, 2012

Maternal Fetal Specialist 2/13/12

Katherine is still scoring 8 out of 8 on the biophysical profile (that's the name of the test I kept forgetting.) I was a bit disappointed this week because Dr. Stephenson said that it had not been long enough since the last appointment to measure her weight, so I am not sure what she is weighing in at right now. However, the ultrasound showed that her other measurements are still a week ahead - 38 weeks 4 days. This is the last maternal fetal specialist appointment we will have; next week we see the OB and then its induction time!

We also got to visit with the Clarks and the Williams family this weekend. It was nice to be able to get together again before Katherine's big arrival! We had some good food and good company, the perfect way to relax on a Sunday afternoon. It made me think of how thankful we are that we have the love and support of family and friends - both new and old - nearby and how blessed we are to know these families who have this experience in common with us.

Speaking of being thankful, tomorrow is Valentine's Day and I cannot help but think how grateful I am that God has blessed me with such a wonderful husband and father for Katherine. Our fifth anniversary will be in March, shortly after the arrival of our precious little girl and I am floored by how God has used the last five years to bring us closer together and closer to Him, especially here lately. I could not have asked for a better partner and friend and know that by leaning on each other and on God, we will be stronger in the days ahead.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14:27

Monday, February 6, 2012

OB Appt. 2/6/12

Just got home from the OB for this week's appointment. The NST showed that her heart and movement both continue to look healthy. I was able to talk to the doctor about the details of going in for the induction. He said that I will most likely go in at 5:30 the evening before (Sunday, Feb. 26th) so they can go ahead and get things started. That way I can (hopefully...) get a little rest during the early stages of labor and be fully dialated during the daytime on the 27th instead of in the middle of the night. Its hard to believe that I only have two more doctor's appointments and 3 short weeks until the induction. In fact... its now technically LESS than 3 weeks! Yikes! Yay! Yikes and Yay at the same time!