Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Bring on the Grandparents
I had the most wonderful week! Grandma Leila and Grandpa Vic visited for a week and OH MY... what a difference 4 extra arms makes.
The Greenes showed up the evening of Nathan's surgery. Fortunately, Nathan was doing so well that he pretty much went right to sleep and we were able to comfortable visit that evening. Then, the next day, they rolled up their sleeves and got right to work. My Dad was extremely productive with handling some household needs that we had (he's so handy!) and chiming in for feedings and baby holding. Of course my Mom couldn't get enough of her grand children and really took over with all the baby care. I was able to get out everyday for errands and even a massage... how wonderful!
One of my Dad's 'assignments' was to make sure to take some good photos of the babies. Enjoy these new photos of the boys at almost 3 months old
!
The Greenes showed up the evening of Nathan's surgery. Fortunately, Nathan was doing so well that he pretty much went right to sleep and we were able to comfortable visit that evening. Then, the next day, they rolled up their sleeves and got right to work. My Dad was extremely productive with handling some household needs that we had (he's so handy!) and chiming in for feedings and baby holding. Of course my Mom couldn't get enough of her grand children and really took over with all the baby care. I was able to get out everyday for errands and even a massage... how wonderful!
One of my Dad's 'assignments' was to make sure to take some good photos of the babies. Enjoy these new photos of the boys at almost 3 months old
!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Nathan Surgery
Let's start at the end of the story this time... Nathan is doing great and his hernia has been corrected. Phew!
Now, back to the beginning...
We had an early morning on Monday. We left our house at 6:30 am to get Nathan down to Children's Hospital in the very south part of Denver. Fortunately, we were able to find help to watch Jeremy for the day from friends Cyndi and Kelly so we could focus exclusively on Nathan.
Nathan wasn't allowed to eat anything after 3:30 am. And since he eats every 4 hours and surgery was scheduled until 9:45, we knew he wasn't going to be a happy camper. He managed to sleep for the whole 45 min drive to the hospital and remained content for the check-in at 7:30. Unfortunately, our luck ran out around 8:00 where the hunger pains got the best of him. Sadly, we ended up consoling Nathan as best we could until they took him in for surgery at 10:00. We gave our hugs and kisses and said goodbye. Very hard!
The doctor came and found us in the waiting room after about an hour of surgery. He gave Nathan high marks on how well he did and let us know that he was looking so good, that he'd likely be able to go home the same day (we were expecting to have to spend the night). They corrected the left side hernia and tried to take a look at the right side too. Since they weren't able to get a good look at the right side, the doctor decided it would be best to take a 'wait and see' approach on that side. So, there's a chance we'll have to do all this again, but crossing our fingers that we're done.
Nathan was pretty sleepy coming out of anethesia. But after about 5 hours, we got the all clear to head home. He seemed pretty comfortable with the help of some baby Tylenol. There's a small incision, but besides that he looks great!
Now, back to the beginning...
We had an early morning on Monday. We left our house at 6:30 am to get Nathan down to Children's Hospital in the very south part of Denver. Fortunately, we were able to find help to watch Jeremy for the day from friends Cyndi and Kelly so we could focus exclusively on Nathan.
Nathan wasn't allowed to eat anything after 3:30 am. And since he eats every 4 hours and surgery was scheduled until 9:45, we knew he wasn't going to be a happy camper. He managed to sleep for the whole 45 min drive to the hospital and remained content for the check-in at 7:30. Unfortunately, our luck ran out around 8:00 where the hunger pains got the best of him. Sadly, we ended up consoling Nathan as best we could until they took him in for surgery at 10:00. We gave our hugs and kisses and said goodbye. Very hard!
The doctor came and found us in the waiting room after about an hour of surgery. He gave Nathan high marks on how well he did and let us know that he was looking so good, that he'd likely be able to go home the same day (we were expecting to have to spend the night). They corrected the left side hernia and tried to take a look at the right side too. Since they weren't able to get a good look at the right side, the doctor decided it would be best to take a 'wait and see' approach on that side. So, there's a chance we'll have to do all this again, but crossing our fingers that we're done.
Nathan was pretty sleepy coming out of anethesia. But after about 5 hours, we got the all clear to head home. He seemed pretty comfortable with the help of some baby Tylenol. There's a small incision, but besides that he looks great!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
1st Mother's Day
Mother's Day is supposed to be the day that I call my mom and tell her how great she is. Don't worry... I still did that. But, today was my first Mother's Day. And even though my boys are far from talking or being able to tell me how great I am, Mark represented and took care of me :-)
The morning started bright and early. Cyndi picked me up at 7:15 to head to the Title 9, 9.9k race. It was really cold and rainy, but we still managed to participate. Cyndi was nice enough to forgo running and kept me company while I walked the race.
Mark was home watching the boys and did great! When I got home, Mark gave me a very thoughtful Mother's Day gift... a digital photo frame so I can have pictures of the boys at my desk when I go back to work. Very creative!
The rest of the day was spent relaxing and napping. We even managed to nap for a couple hours all together in our bed... so cute! I couldn't think of a better way to spend Mother's Day. Too bad it's only once a year!
The morning started bright and early. Cyndi picked me up at 7:15 to head to the Title 9, 9.9k race. It was really cold and rainy, but we still managed to participate. Cyndi was nice enough to forgo running and kept me company while I walked the race.
Mark was home watching the boys and did great! When I got home, Mark gave me a very thoughtful Mother's Day gift... a digital photo frame so I can have pictures of the boys at my desk when I go back to work. Very creative!
The rest of the day was spent relaxing and napping. We even managed to nap for a couple hours all together in our bed... so cute! I couldn't think of a better way to spend Mother's Day. Too bad it's only once a year!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Tough week
We had a tough week with appointments last week. Good thing I'm still on maternity leave!
First up, Jeremy.
Jeremy had a bad skin issue all over his head, face and body. It seemed like it was eczema or cradle cap, but just to be sure, the pediatrician referred us to a dermatologist. He said that even though it looked terrible, it would clear up on it's own and that it wasn't bothering him. After one day of applying a hydrocortizone cream, the problem went away. We just have to keep applying a barrier cream to his body and use sensitive skin products on him. Problem averted!
On to Nathan...
Nathan had a tough couple days. First, since Nathan's weight is still an issue, the pediatrician suggested that I take him into a feeding specialist to make sure he is getting the most out of his feedings. After a bunch of probing and watching, he got good marks, but they suggested that we switch him to a different brand of bottle and different nipples. They also found that his neck muscles are tight on one side which causes his head to tilt one way. So, we have some special exercises to do with him now.
The next day we went to an ultrasound appointment for a Y dimple that has been noticeable on his tush since birth. The doc felt that we should take a look at it just to rule out that there isn't anything peculiar about it. Nathan REALLY didn't enjoy the ultrasound. I had to hold him down and there was lots of screaming :-( The good news is that it looks like there's nothing to worry about. Phew!
Finally, the last appointment for the week.
We noticed that poor Nathan had some swelling in his privates. I took him to the doctor immediately and it was quickly diagnosed as a hernia that can only be corrected with surgery :-( So, this week, I will be heading to Children's Hospital for a consultation and to schedule the surgery. Apparently, it's pretty common... it happens in 30% of preemie births. Nathan isn't technically a preemie, but he's being treated as one due to his size. I'll have more to report on this surgery after the appointment on Thursday.
On the plus side, both babies are sleeping well and for longer periods. Jeremy went for 1o hours straight one night this weekend!
First up, Jeremy.
Jeremy had a bad skin issue all over his head, face and body. It seemed like it was eczema or cradle cap, but just to be sure, the pediatrician referred us to a dermatologist. He said that even though it looked terrible, it would clear up on it's own and that it wasn't bothering him. After one day of applying a hydrocortizone cream, the problem went away. We just have to keep applying a barrier cream to his body and use sensitive skin products on him. Problem averted!
On to Nathan...
Nathan had a tough couple days. First, since Nathan's weight is still an issue, the pediatrician suggested that I take him into a feeding specialist to make sure he is getting the most out of his feedings. After a bunch of probing and watching, he got good marks, but they suggested that we switch him to a different brand of bottle and different nipples. They also found that his neck muscles are tight on one side which causes his head to tilt one way. So, we have some special exercises to do with him now.
The next day we went to an ultrasound appointment for a Y dimple that has been noticeable on his tush since birth. The doc felt that we should take a look at it just to rule out that there isn't anything peculiar about it. Nathan REALLY didn't enjoy the ultrasound. I had to hold him down and there was lots of screaming :-( The good news is that it looks like there's nothing to worry about. Phew!
Finally, the last appointment for the week.
We noticed that poor Nathan had some swelling in his privates. I took him to the doctor immediately and it was quickly diagnosed as a hernia that can only be corrected with surgery :-( So, this week, I will be heading to Children's Hospital for a consultation and to schedule the surgery. Apparently, it's pretty common... it happens in 30% of preemie births. Nathan isn't technically a preemie, but he's being treated as one due to his size. I'll have more to report on this surgery after the appointment on Thursday.
On the plus side, both babies are sleeping well and for longer periods. Jeremy went for 1o hours straight one night this weekend!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
