Oh my heck! I can't believe I am so bad at this! I wanted to post more often because I don't want to forget anything that Jensen is doing, but each day goes by so fast! I can't believe I posted right before Thanksgiving and now we are less than 2 weeks away from Christmas! Holy moly!
The last month has been pretty eventful! Thanksgiving was really fun and I enjoyed spending time with family and the long weekend with Corey. Jensen is turning 10 weeks (2.5 months) this Thursday (in 3 days) and he is getting so darn big! His two month check-up is finally upon us. It is this Thursday morning and I am hoping it goes well. He has to get four shots and that sounds like way too much for a little baby. Hopefully he does okay and doesn't get sick or get a fever. I have heard some horrible things about babies the first few days after they get shots. Bubba is a tough cookie though so I am sure everything will go just fine.
Jensen and I went to the Festival of Trees on November 30th with Jackie and Glavin and that was a lot of fun to get out, catch up, and see beautiful trees. I took some fun pictures of the trees and we took pictures of each other with our babies. Glavin is taller than Jensen but they looked like they weighed the same! Jackie said he was only in the 20th percentile so I guess that makes sense. Hopefully the little guy bulks up before Jensen outgrows him! Two days later my mom, Marissa, Rylee, and Jensen and I went to the Festival of Trees again to see Linda Graham's granddaughter dance. It was so cute seeing a bunch of little girls dance! Rylee needs to start dance lessons - I know she would love it! We all went out to eat afterword.
I guess not that much has been happening since Thanksgiving, but my days always seem so busy. I don't venture out much because I hate taking Jensen along since you never know how he will behave. Plus, it takes so much time getting us both ready and out of the house and I always debate if it is worth it. He always looks so much cuter and is always more clean than me! Tomorrow we are going to go see my grandma and take her and grandpa lunch. She just had foot surgery and is not supposed to get up and do anything so we will go see if we can help with anything. Wednesday night is my team's Christmas party at Thomas' house and I am looking forward to seeing my co-workers. We all get along so well. It will be good to see them again too before I return to work.
I can't believe I go back to work in exactly one week! I am pretty bummed having to leave Jensen, but I gotta get back and make some money. The plan is for Marissa to watch Jensen Monday through Wednesday and Jill on Thursday and Friday. That way, each get him and they each get a few days off during the week to run errands, go to their own appointments, etc. It is so nice knowing that our son will be with people we trust and who love him. I don't think I could go back to work yet if we had to take him to daycare. This week/weekend I have to run a few errands and pick up diapers, wipes, etc to make sure that our sitters are well stocked for next week. I bought a bunch of stuff at Bed Bath and Beyond with store credit that they will need too: bottles, bottle warmer, swaddling blankets... we need more of the things we use at home to leave with them.
I am still in school and I am now in my 8th week. School break starts next Monday and then after the first of the year it will be finals. It will be nice to have the have the break to study and to get adjusted back into long work days and being away from Jensen.
I thought I was going to be much more excited for Christmas then I am. I think I would be more excited if Jensen was a little bit older and got excited over Christmas lights or wrapping but that will happen next year. It is also hard to get excited when you are struggling so much financially. I know things will work out and get much better after a month or two back to work, but things are still really tight and i am still depending on Corey to pay all the bills. I will get a full paycheck at the end of December so that will be nice - I can finally help pay rent and a few other things. Medical bills are stacking up that I need to start paying on too. Most of Christmas went on credit cards and everyone got a $20 gift or less. I did really small gifts for my girlfriends and I did hot chocolate for my team. I even only spent $25 on Corey. I usually go all out for him, but we just can't afford it this year. I bought Jensen one toy (a 6 month and up one) and clothes since he is growing out of his. I got them on a killer day at Carters for black Friday and that is all. I spent the most on him, but I only got him clothes that he needs. Pretty boring, but he doesn't understand. Next year when he can walk and play with toys it will be much more fun! All the holidays next year will be much more excited since he will be at such a fun age!
Jensen is growing like a weed and I can't wait to see how much he weighs and how tall he is at this weeks appointment. He still smiles like crazy and now he loves coo-ing and talking back in his own little language. He has a pretty strong neck but still has to be supported and probably will for a few more months. He sleeps okay, but not great. He is more awake during the day, which I was hoping would mean more sleep at night, but that is not the case. He still only sleeps for 2-3 hour stretches but he is getting better about going to sleep faster in the middle of the night. Every once in a while he will sleep for 4-5 hours straight which I love. My plan was to get rid of the bassinet in our room and put him in his big boy crib before I went back to work, but he is up so much still that I am going to wait a little longer. When he can start sleeping for 4-5 hours every night then I will move him.
Okay I gotta get back to working on homework and Jensen is crying and Corey looks a little stressed.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Smiling Baby
I say that your first official smile was on my daddy's birthday (your GPA) which was November 10th. That was the first day I felt that you were really smiling for us and not just because of gas. You looked right at your mama and smiled and just held it. Your eyes got all sparkly and I couldn't help but squeal in delight. Your daddy and I now spend time each day getting you to smile because we love that sweet toothless grin and can't help but smile back. Here is daddy getting you to laugh and mommy being a distraction with sounds and video camera. We love you and we love your smiles! We can't wait to hear you laugh!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Got Milk?
Well the title says it all... I feel like a walking milk machine or better yet.. a cow!
I have been lucky enough to nurse Jensen from day one with very little hiccups. Since I was in the hospital for so long my milk came in while I was there which was a huge help. They showed me different feeding positions, a proper latch (not just making me watch a movie), and how I would know if he is getting enough milk. They also taught me how to pump, and what to do when I get too engouraged. The nurses were great and because of their help I am successful at feeding my son.
Nursing has ups and downs... like when my milk is really low on one side for no reason or Mastisis - which is awful and painful! I love being able to breastfeed though and I know that he likes it too. I think we both like the bond it provides and I know he is getting the antibodies he needs. I was sick yesterday but instructed to continue nursing which I did. He didn't get sick and I got better. Funny how that worked.
I would love to nurse him through his sixth month if possible. I am pumping and storing milk every day at least 4 or 5 ounces (each day) to start stocking it for when I go back to work. I don't want to feel like I don't have enough milk to give him when I go back. I figured if I pump and store at least once a day that it should put me in a pretty good place when I go back. I will pump 3 times a day when I am back a work (in the morning, at lunch, and early afternoon) and I will freeze all of that. I will still be able to breastfeed him when I get home from work and all through the night and the first feeding or two in the morning.
I plan to wean him off the breast when he can eat more than rice cereal. I want to make his rice cereal with breastmilk so that his tummy handles food better. I also want to learn how to make my own baby food so that he isn't eating all the preservatives in canned food. I know that you can make a lot of freeze it so I will have to check into it! Hopefully he likes what I make. I know it is a time commitment but I won't be nursing and I will be done with school (or about done) by then so I am sure I will have plenty of time. Plus, it will be probably be more affordable. I am sure buying everything each time seems expensive, but it probably goes a long way... or I would hope. I want to give it a shot though.
Anyway, nursing is great and I am getting the bond that I never expected to get and didn't think I would like. However for those who say breastfeeding is free ($$) they are SO wrong! You get way too full so you have to pump which means you have to buy a pump, the parts, bottles, bottle brushes, warmer, etc. It is definitely worth it though! I am not giving up any time soon!
Okay, I should be doing homework and Jensen is getting fussy. Signing off for the night....
I have been lucky enough to nurse Jensen from day one with very little hiccups. Since I was in the hospital for so long my milk came in while I was there which was a huge help. They showed me different feeding positions, a proper latch (not just making me watch a movie), and how I would know if he is getting enough milk. They also taught me how to pump, and what to do when I get too engouraged. The nurses were great and because of their help I am successful at feeding my son.
Nursing has ups and downs... like when my milk is really low on one side for no reason or Mastisis - which is awful and painful! I love being able to breastfeed though and I know that he likes it too. I think we both like the bond it provides and I know he is getting the antibodies he needs. I was sick yesterday but instructed to continue nursing which I did. He didn't get sick and I got better. Funny how that worked.
I would love to nurse him through his sixth month if possible. I am pumping and storing milk every day at least 4 or 5 ounces (each day) to start stocking it for when I go back to work. I don't want to feel like I don't have enough milk to give him when I go back. I figured if I pump and store at least once a day that it should put me in a pretty good place when I go back. I will pump 3 times a day when I am back a work (in the morning, at lunch, and early afternoon) and I will freeze all of that. I will still be able to breastfeed him when I get home from work and all through the night and the first feeding or two in the morning.
I plan to wean him off the breast when he can eat more than rice cereal. I want to make his rice cereal with breastmilk so that his tummy handles food better. I also want to learn how to make my own baby food so that he isn't eating all the preservatives in canned food. I know that you can make a lot of freeze it so I will have to check into it! Hopefully he likes what I make. I know it is a time commitment but I won't be nursing and I will be done with school (or about done) by then so I am sure I will have plenty of time. Plus, it will be probably be more affordable. I am sure buying everything each time seems expensive, but it probably goes a long way... or I would hope. I want to give it a shot though.
Anyway, nursing is great and I am getting the bond that I never expected to get and didn't think I would like. However for those who say breastfeeding is free ($$) they are SO wrong! You get way too full so you have to pump which means you have to buy a pump, the parts, bottles, bottle brushes, warmer, etc. It is definitely worth it though! I am not giving up any time soon!
Okay, I should be doing homework and Jensen is getting fussy. Signing off for the night....
Where has time gone?
I can't believe that my last post was over a month ago and it was about the first week with baby Jensen. He is going to be 7 weeks in just two more days! Nuts! So... let me catch you up on those six weeks....
Jensen is growing like a weed! By his two week appt he was already well past his birth weight and getting longer. They did the heal prick for blood but no shots yet. I love his doctor (Dr. Terri Omura) and the office and staff. Hopefully as Jensen gets older we all continue to like it there.
Jensen sleeps pretty well now. I get one good 3.5 - 4 hour stretch of sleep each night. Some nights are better and some are worse, but I am taking what I can get! He is a great baby and I absolutely love him to death! He spits up a lot and gets really bad gas that has been bad since he was two weeks old. The doctor said to give him gas drops but that didn't seem to do anything. He then gave him medicine for acid reflex to calm acid in his stomach but I couldn't get him to take it. Anything I could get it in his mouth he spit right back up. I am trying other techniques like baby massage though and hopefully that will help. They say it is colic but I disagree. Only time will tell I guess.
His first holiday was Halloween and he had a skeleton glow-in-the-dark costume, but he never wore it. I was too exhausted and he was pretty fussy that day so we didn't put it on even for pictures! I better do that though for scrapbooking. His second holiday is in just two days- Thanksgiving! We are going to my mom's at 1 and then Corey's grandma's house at 4. It is going to be a good day full of yummy food and our awesome families. I can't wait.
My birthday was just over a week ago and it was the best one yet because I have Jensen to share it with (and the rest of the family of course). It was a 3 day celebration which was awesome! Saturday night Corey's parents came over and they brought Texas Roadhouse (YUMMY!) and gave me a cute sweater dress, new sheets for our big bed, and a cute jacket for Jensen. Saturday we went to my mom's and got Training Table (YUMMY too!) and I got jewelry, my awesome new boots, a super cute hat, and Jensen's first Christmas ornaments. Oh and diapers. Yes, some gifts were for him but we need them! Monday which was actually my birthday my mom came over after work and Corey took me to Ichiban for sushi! My favorite place with my favorite man! It was a great way to turn 26!
My dad's birthday was the 10th and I finally went to see him. I don't feel like he is in the ground (or wall...) but I felt I needed to go there and see the marker that my mom had done. I should have taken flowers but I had Jensen and I was short on time. I went to see a house for sale in Sandy but it was awful! I don't know if I am ready to start the housing search again but we are going to have to figure out something soon. I don't want to renew our lease here for another year and it is up in June. Either we will rent a house or we will buy. I miss my dad every day and still can't believe he is gone. I guess I feel that he is still with me every day and watching over me and my family.
I started school over a month ago and so far, so good. I am taking a nutrition and math class. Surprisingly I think my math class is going better than my science/nutrition course. It is nice not having to write huge papers every week. In math we take weekly quizzes instead. Just a huge time saver! I will get a "winter break" December 19th to the 1st of January and so I plan to return to work on the 19th. It isn't going to be easy leaving Jensen but I know it is for the best. I have to work to provide insurance for my family and of course we need the second income. It would be nice to stay at home, at least part time while he is this little. I am already getting anxiety about returning to work.
Other anxiety- money! I have only been getting 60% of my income from short term disability and I already used that money for bills. I have absolutely no money for bills and it's freaking me out. What is worse is Christmas is just around the corner. Hopefully Corey and I can work it out so that he can pay rent and the other bills this month. He knew this was coming but he seems mad or something that I don't have any money. I have been telling him I don't have money and I wasn't joking - I was crying when I said it. Hopefully everything will work out. I should get a check from work just before returning since people have gifted me PTO. I think I got over 60 hours of PTO gifted to me between my mom and a girl in A/R who asked who needed time gifted. I am thankful for her for sure! It would be nice if I could get that money now though.
Oh and the other anxiety - I have a TON of medical bills to pay that are all going to have to be on payment plans since I won't really be making any money until January. Who knew having a c-section would be so expensive? I got a price quoted to me of about $700 for a vaginal delivery, but it is over double that for a c-section... who knew?
Okay, I am trying not to stress, get upset, or be a Debbie-downer, so I should go. I know that everything will work out, but it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel right now. Thankfully I have a beautiful, healthy boy who puts it all into perspective for me each time he smiles at me. I love you Jensen and I wouldn't trade one minute with you for anything else in this world.
Jensen is growing like a weed! By his two week appt he was already well past his birth weight and getting longer. They did the heal prick for blood but no shots yet. I love his doctor (Dr. Terri Omura) and the office and staff. Hopefully as Jensen gets older we all continue to like it there.
Jensen sleeps pretty well now. I get one good 3.5 - 4 hour stretch of sleep each night. Some nights are better and some are worse, but I am taking what I can get! He is a great baby and I absolutely love him to death! He spits up a lot and gets really bad gas that has been bad since he was two weeks old. The doctor said to give him gas drops but that didn't seem to do anything. He then gave him medicine for acid reflex to calm acid in his stomach but I couldn't get him to take it. Anything I could get it in his mouth he spit right back up. I am trying other techniques like baby massage though and hopefully that will help. They say it is colic but I disagree. Only time will tell I guess.
His first holiday was Halloween and he had a skeleton glow-in-the-dark costume, but he never wore it. I was too exhausted and he was pretty fussy that day so we didn't put it on even for pictures! I better do that though for scrapbooking. His second holiday is in just two days- Thanksgiving! We are going to my mom's at 1 and then Corey's grandma's house at 4. It is going to be a good day full of yummy food and our awesome families. I can't wait.
My birthday was just over a week ago and it was the best one yet because I have Jensen to share it with (and the rest of the family of course). It was a 3 day celebration which was awesome! Saturday night Corey's parents came over and they brought Texas Roadhouse (YUMMY!) and gave me a cute sweater dress, new sheets for our big bed, and a cute jacket for Jensen. Saturday we went to my mom's and got Training Table (YUMMY too!) and I got jewelry, my awesome new boots, a super cute hat, and Jensen's first Christmas ornaments. Oh and diapers. Yes, some gifts were for him but we need them! Monday which was actually my birthday my mom came over after work and Corey took me to Ichiban for sushi! My favorite place with my favorite man! It was a great way to turn 26!
My dad's birthday was the 10th and I finally went to see him. I don't feel like he is in the ground (or wall...) but I felt I needed to go there and see the marker that my mom had done. I should have taken flowers but I had Jensen and I was short on time. I went to see a house for sale in Sandy but it was awful! I don't know if I am ready to start the housing search again but we are going to have to figure out something soon. I don't want to renew our lease here for another year and it is up in June. Either we will rent a house or we will buy. I miss my dad every day and still can't believe he is gone. I guess I feel that he is still with me every day and watching over me and my family.
I started school over a month ago and so far, so good. I am taking a nutrition and math class. Surprisingly I think my math class is going better than my science/nutrition course. It is nice not having to write huge papers every week. In math we take weekly quizzes instead. Just a huge time saver! I will get a "winter break" December 19th to the 1st of January and so I plan to return to work on the 19th. It isn't going to be easy leaving Jensen but I know it is for the best. I have to work to provide insurance for my family and of course we need the second income. It would be nice to stay at home, at least part time while he is this little. I am already getting anxiety about returning to work.
Other anxiety- money! I have only been getting 60% of my income from short term disability and I already used that money for bills. I have absolutely no money for bills and it's freaking me out. What is worse is Christmas is just around the corner. Hopefully Corey and I can work it out so that he can pay rent and the other bills this month. He knew this was coming but he seems mad or something that I don't have any money. I have been telling him I don't have money and I wasn't joking - I was crying when I said it. Hopefully everything will work out. I should get a check from work just before returning since people have gifted me PTO. I think I got over 60 hours of PTO gifted to me between my mom and a girl in A/R who asked who needed time gifted. I am thankful for her for sure! It would be nice if I could get that money now though.
Oh and the other anxiety - I have a TON of medical bills to pay that are all going to have to be on payment plans since I won't really be making any money until January. Who knew having a c-section would be so expensive? I got a price quoted to me of about $700 for a vaginal delivery, but it is over double that for a c-section... who knew?
Okay, I am trying not to stress, get upset, or be a Debbie-downer, so I should go. I know that everything will work out, but it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel right now. Thankfully I have a beautiful, healthy boy who puts it all into perspective for me each time he smiles at me. I love you Jensen and I wouldn't trade one minute with you for anything else in this world.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
The first week
Everything has gone smoothly since we got home if you ask me. Jensen is a great baby who doesn't cry unless he is hungry (and I wait too long to notice the hunger signs), is wet/poopy, or really just needs someone to hold him. It only takes a few minutes to figure out what is wrong and another few minutes to fix the problem. Oh and he also cries pretty hard when he is naked. I would have thought that babies like to be out of there diapers?!
Anyway, we have had a few sleepless nights, but in general it has gone well. He wakes up about every 2-3 hours and nurses and gets changed and goes right back to sleep. I am averaging about 7 hours of sleep when Corey helps in the night. Last night was the best! I got to sleep from 11-4:30 while Corey took care of him. Jensen went down in his crib at 2 and then I didn't have to start feeding and changing until 4:30! I can't believe I got a solid 5 1/2 hours of sleep! It was amazing! I must say that there are times during the day when I am definitely tired, but I don't nap. I am too busy trying to get things done when he is sleeping.
Corey and our families have been a great help with taking care of me and Jensen. I am not supposed to do much or lift anything heavier than the baby. I go nuts staring at things left out and undone, so it is nice when we have help to do it so that it doesn't stress me out.
I am still extremely sore around my incision area, but I feel great otherwise. I got a band to go around my hips that also puts pressure on my incision to help the swelling and fluids move away. Hopefully within the next week or so I start to see improvements.
Okay... Jensen is crying and needs to be changed. I will try to write more about the first week later.
Anyway, we have had a few sleepless nights, but in general it has gone well. He wakes up about every 2-3 hours and nurses and gets changed and goes right back to sleep. I am averaging about 7 hours of sleep when Corey helps in the night. Last night was the best! I got to sleep from 11-4:30 while Corey took care of him. Jensen went down in his crib at 2 and then I didn't have to start feeding and changing until 4:30! I can't believe I got a solid 5 1/2 hours of sleep! It was amazing! I must say that there are times during the day when I am definitely tired, but I don't nap. I am too busy trying to get things done when he is sleeping.
Corey and our families have been a great help with taking care of me and Jensen. I am not supposed to do much or lift anything heavier than the baby. I go nuts staring at things left out and undone, so it is nice when we have help to do it so that it doesn't stress me out.
I am still extremely sore around my incision area, but I feel great otherwise. I got a band to go around my hips that also puts pressure on my incision to help the swelling and fluids move away. Hopefully within the next week or so I start to see improvements.
Okay... Jensen is crying and needs to be changed. I will try to write more about the first week later.
Hospital recovery
I was in the hospital from the 6th (although technically the 5th but was sent home) until Monday the 10th. I am so glad I stayed that long since I needed all the help I could get while recovering. I had an IV that administered morphine, fluids, and Benadryl from the time I was admitted until the morning of the 7th (Friday). Once all of that got taken out I had to walk to the bathroom for the first time and it felt like it was a mile away. My legs and feet ended up extremely swollen from all the fluids and pain medicine I was on and it took a week for them to go back to normal. I had a hard time walking partly because of how big my feet were! The few days in the hospital all became mushed together between visitors, all the doctors and nurses checking on the both us constantly, and having to walk the halls of the hospital. I was very grateful on Sunday when I had a nurse named Jackie who was also the lactation specialist there. She was super young, beautiful, and extremely helpful! My milk came in on Sunday which was perfect so that she could ensure I was getting a proper latch. I must say that because of her I am no longer in pain when I nurse! Thanks Jackie!
Corey and I got to bring Jensen home on Monday the 10th and we were extremely excited to finally be leaving the hospital! We were also starving so we stopped at McDonalds on the way home. We got home around 11:30ish and continued to rest and put things away the rest of the day.
Corey and I got to bring Jensen home on Monday the 10th and we were extremely excited to finally be leaving the hospital! We were also starving so we stopped at McDonalds on the way home. We got home around 11:30ish and continued to rest and put things away the rest of the day.
Jensen's birthday
I got wheeled into the OR, but they had already upped my drugs and barely remember a thing. I remember them strapping down my arms and I remember hearing Corey's voice, but I kept my eyes closed. I feel asleep during the surgery and woke up to hear Jensen cry. I was so drugged that I remember less than 2 minutes of the surgery and repair. I remember seeing Corey holding Jensen right by me and asking to kiss Jensen. That is all I remember. The next thing I know I back in the labor and delivery room I was first in. I couldn't wake up and I kept shaking. I was actually shaking so bad that I was scared. I wasn't cold although I did ask for more blankets in hopes that would help. I wanted to hold Jensen and see what he looked like but I could barely feel any of my body. I was numb from my ribs down.
I was told in the labor and delivery room that Jensen was 7 pounds 6 ounces and was 21 1/4 inches long. He was a lot smaller than I thought he was going to be. I wish I could have delivered vaginally and I don't think it would have been so bad with him being small. He was born at exactly 12 noon! How fun and how easy to remember! I was still extremely sleepy and everytime I woke up someone else was holding my baby. It was Corey or my mom, or Marissa. I believe it was 2 pm when I was moved upstairs to the 2nd floor where the maternity ward is. Around that time I started to feel a lot better and although I still couldn't move my legs by myself I was regaining feeling and I wasn't shaking as bad. Plus, I was finally feeling like I could stay awake for more than a minute at a time. I finally held my son and actually take a close look at him. My mom helped me hold him for a minute after I got back to the original room but it scared me to hold him and I asked her to take him back. I never got a good look at him.
I found out that his cord was wrapped around his leg, arm, and neck and that it was a great thing that I didn't progress any faster and put him in more stress. I was disappointed to have to have a c-section since that is the last thing I wanted, but I got the same amazing result- my beautiful son!
I was told in the labor and delivery room that Jensen was 7 pounds 6 ounces and was 21 1/4 inches long. He was a lot smaller than I thought he was going to be. I wish I could have delivered vaginally and I don't think it would have been so bad with him being small. He was born at exactly 12 noon! How fun and how easy to remember! I was still extremely sleepy and everytime I woke up someone else was holding my baby. It was Corey or my mom, or Marissa. I believe it was 2 pm when I was moved upstairs to the 2nd floor where the maternity ward is. Around that time I started to feel a lot better and although I still couldn't move my legs by myself I was regaining feeling and I wasn't shaking as bad. Plus, I was finally feeling like I could stay awake for more than a minute at a time. I finally held my son and actually take a close look at him. My mom helped me hold him for a minute after I got back to the original room but it scared me to hold him and I asked her to take him back. I never got a good look at him.
I found out that his cord was wrapped around his leg, arm, and neck and that it was a great thing that I didn't progress any faster and put him in more stress. I was disappointed to have to have a c-section since that is the last thing I wanted, but I got the same amazing result- my beautiful son!
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