The First 48 Hours

Our stay in the hospital felt much longer than 48 hours because of the time that we arrived.  Although both River and I were doing well, we needed to stay the full 48 hours because I didn't get the full penicillin dose before delivery, and also because my blood pressure spiked just before delivery and didn't go down after.  Although it was the best hospital experience I have had, I was very anxious to get out and home.

When Zuri was born, she was in the NICU, and we didn't know how long she would be there, so we ended up "rooming in" the hospital for a couple days after my discharge until we realized that she was going to be a little more long term than originally thought.  So, in that sense, I wasn't ready to leave the hospital.

With Kai, the recovery for the c-section was brutal.  Top that off with being nauseous because of the painkillers that they had me on, and the emotionality of what was going on with Kai, and I would have liked another day or so in the hospital to recover.  In fact, the nurse at my discharge was rather rude, and I think she thought I was faking my nausea--up until I threw up all over.  I pushed through the pain of the c-section and the nausea because I wanted to get up to Primary Childrens in Salt Lake to see Kai.

The VBAC with River made recovery much easier.  It also didn't seem to hurt as much as with Zuri, either, and I didn't have to take any of the narcotics for pain, which means that there was no throwing up--and no nausea.

After River was born and I was transferred to my room, it was just about time for the nurses shift change.  We met the nurse and then we had to wait while they did the shift change and then meet the new nurse.  We wanted to get some sleep (since we had been up all night), so we had River taken to the nursery.  The problem was, we wanted a few minutes with River before that happened, which meant we got caught in the black hole of shift change.  While waiting, J was holding River and struggling not to fall asleep.  I kept him talking so he wouldn't, but when the nurse came in and was talking to me, it took those few seconds and he was out.  She tried to take River from J, but when he held on tighter when he felt her being moved.  She asked him if he wanted her to take River, and that woke J up--he was startled to see her right in front of him with her hands out to get River.  We had a good laugh about that one.


Nursing started out a bit rough.  She latched on pretty well after she was born, but on our next two attempts she really didn't want anything to do with eating.  I was worried and a little frustrated, so I asked for a lactation specialist to come in and help (I love the resources of the hospital).  The lactation specialist came in and we found the position that River liked the best, and helped us get a good latch.  She told me that River would be a good nurser once she got it.  Sure enough, we didn't have any problems after that, and she is definitely a good eater, which is strange for me after our struggles with Zuri.




After a couple hours of attempted sleep (does anyone really sleep in the hospital?), we were up for the day.  Our first visitor was J's grandma sometime around noon. 

Not too long after that, my sister, Ashley--who had been watching Zuri--brought Zuri in for her first introduction to her baby sister.  It was so adorable. 

"I just love her so much!"  The picture doesn't even begin to capture how enamored Zuri is with River; all Zuri wanted to do was hold River and kiss her.  She still does.  Because of her experience with Kai (not being able to hold him or do much with him at the hospital), Zuri expected the same with River, so she was really excited when she was able to hold her.  In fact, she told Ashley before they got to the hospital that she wouldn't be able to hold River.  Very interesting, the things kids remember.

A funny story.  A couple of the girls in my activity day group (8-9 year olds) will oftentimes sit with Zuri on the bus on their way to school.  One of the girls related this story to me a couple weeks ago: she had been asking Zuri how she liked having a sister.  Typical Zuri fashion, she talked about a lot of things going on with River, then she asked the girl this: "You want to know how she came out?"  My heart just about stopped at this point in the story.  We had never discussed how babies are born--how they come out of my tummy.  She had never asked me and I hadn't thought to tell her.  So what did she say?  Where did she learn about it?  

"How did she come out?"  The girl asked, and in her re-telling of the story, you could tell there was some cautiousness in her voice.

"She came out good!"  Came Zuri's reply.  Whew!  Hahaha!

I think that statement came from two points.  First, I think she may have wondered if River would have problems like Kai.  Second (and probably more accurate), when we showed Zuri the ultrasound and the pictures, she kept saying that River looked weird.  We would reassure her that River would come out looking like a normal baby, but she had it in her mind that River looked like the ultrasound picture. 


Our next visitors were my Mom and family--McKenzie, Rob, and Dallas.  McKenzie was also in love with River.  At nine, she is a nurturer already. 



Ashley had straightened Zuri's hair for church that day.  I have never straightened Zuri's hair, and I was surprised to see how long it really is--it is down to her waist!  Her natural curls shorten it to her mid-back.  Zuri wants her hair long like Rapunzel, and she gets very upset any time I mention cutting it.  I should have taken a picture of it. 


J's sisters, Alisia and Amanda also came to visit us.


River's first sponge bath.  They wanted to wait until she had two good feedings before they bathed her.  Honestly, I couldn't remember if it was day one or day 2, so I had to check the date on the photo (it was day 1). 

Before and after.  She was not happy throughout the bath.  I decided against posting the screaming baby pictures.  I opted not to attend the bathing--seeing her cry like that is hard for me.  J was there though the whole thing--what a trooper.


Shin and Heather came up that night to keep us company and meet the newest member of our family.



...and like J does, he conked out.  He has the ability to fall asleep within seconds anytime, anywhere.  It is amazing, and sometimes infuriating.  Yes, I am more than a little jealous.  :-)


Day two was much calmer, although we really didn't seem to get any more rest.  We didn't have as many family visitors, but it was more doctors, nurses, etc.  More official type visitors.  Then early the next morning, we were ready to go!


This next sequence of photos is just too cute to cut.  You can see where she has the binky and is sucking on it, then it comes out.  Her expression in the last photo is stinking cute.  Ironically, we have only been able to get her to take the binky twice since the hospital--but that is another post.





In the car on the way home!


It is so good to be home, and with baby.  It is a new experience for us!

Christmas Week

With the expectant arrival of the baby any day, Christmas was laid back and at home this year.  My dad came in from Tahoe, and Shin and Heather came over to stay the week.  J's family also visited throughout the week, so we had a busy house.

On the 23rd, Zuri showed me a loose tooth.  She became "freaked out" (her words when she recounts the story) because she was so worried that she would swallow the tooth when it came out.  She has been talking about losing her teeth for a couple years now, so that part was exciting for her.  She went to show my dad her loose tooth and it came out on her way to him.  She is so proud of her lost tooth that she continues to show (even perfect strangers, mind you) everyone her gap.

For whatever reason, I was completely unprepared for a lost tooth.  I thought it would be another year or so before it would happen--it just feels too soon--my little girl is growing up.

That night, I told Zuri to go get her pajamas on, and there was a knock at the door.  She ran to get it, but I told her no, she couldn't because she was naked (well, she had her panties on).  She beat me to the door, however, opened it, and said, "hi! I'm naked!"

It happened to be my new visiting teacher at the door, and she wasn't quite sure how to react, but started laughing when she caught sight of the rest of us rolling on the floor.  It was too funny.  We still have a good chuckle when we talk about it--she says some of the funniest things.

Christmas eve we went over to my sister's house and Zuri got Princess Twilight Sparkle pony.  I think it is one of her favorite Christmas presents.  She even sleeps with the pony--putting her to bed, tucking her in and everything.  The only thing that Zuri asked for for Christmas was Applejack pony--she loves her ponies.





Christmas eve, she fell asleep with the pony in her arms.  The next night she tucked the pony in and even gave the pony her own pillow and blanket.

Showing off Applejack--she was so excited when she opened it.  Applejack isn't her favorite pony, but she wanted her to help complete her collection. 


Her Santa gift this year was a fish tank.  She was so excited, she was speechless (if you know Zuri, that just doesn't happen). 


Feeding her fish.  She has us do it now because she doesn't like the smell of the fish food


At bedtime, she had her ponies lined up to watch the fish while she slept.


Kai got some quality time with his Uncle Shin.  He got some new toys and lots of clothes for Christmas


Dad is giving me a look because I took a picture of him eating ice cream and a cinnamon roll...for breakfast! (The day after Christmas)


The funniest thing happened later that week.  There had been a gift dropped off for Zuri and Kai: hot wheel cars and a little Sofia doll.  When Zuri saw the doll, she was semi-excited.  When she saw the cars, she was really excited.  I told her that the cars were for Kai and the doll for her.  Without missing a beat, she said that Kai could have the doll, and she would have the cars.  :-)

Since Kai has no interest in toys, she ended up with both gifts.  The doll has since disappeared (probably into the abyss of her playroom), but the cars are played with every single day.  That's my girl!

The Importance of an Example

As a mother I try to teach my kids to be polite and to live the Golden Rule.  I think there are way too many people who have either never been taught, or are just so completely wrapped up in themselves that they don't care.

I once heard a quote: "Be the change you want to see in the world," and it has stuck with me.  I cannot change others, but I can change me.  I can follow the crowd and be rude and crass, or I can be an example--loving and kind.  I choose the latter.  I am not perfect, and sometimes my temper gets away from me, but the important thing is that I try, even when it may not be convenient for me.

A couple months ago, as Zuri and I were headed into the store, a woman was coming out with several bags.  We had just passed her by when we heard the sound of several items falling to the pavement.  We turned and saw that one of the plastic bags had ripped and all the items in the bag had fallen out.

I went back and helped the woman collect her items, and then continued into the store without another thought.

Zuri is an independent child, and she loves to push the shopping cart around--by herself.  She gets upset if I even have a finger on the cart to help her.  She doesn't have the coordination to maneuver the cart around tight(ish) corners or around some obstacles, which means that I need to be close by to make sure that she doesn't hit or knock over anything (or anyone).  It can sometimes be a contest of patience for me, knowing that it is important to foster the independence, but frustrated with how much longer it takes to get through the store.  It can also be a contest of wills.  "Just let me help with one finger."  --"No, I can do it myself."

That day, Zuri wanted to push the cart by herself and I had her follow me down an aisle.  A woman was bent over looking at a product at the bottom of a rack, and Zuri very politely said "excuse me,"  as she tried to get by.  The woman smiled, surprised and commented about how polite Zuri had been.  Zuri beamed at the compliment.

A few minutes later, down another aisle, I was looking at something when we heard the unmistakable sound of something falling to the ground.  Before I had the chance to say anything, Zuri asked the lady if she was okay and ran over to pick up the item which had fallen.  The lady gave high praises to Zuri.

I was a proud mama to be sure.  I reflected to earlier when I had helped the woman at the entrance.  I realized that even though I didn't realize it, Zuri was watching.  She emulated what I had done.  I am thankful that I took the extra minute to help the woman rather than just walking on.  It is one of those moments when I see how my example directly effects the actions of my child.  How important it is to be the example of the person you would like your child to be!

Birth Story

I love hearing birth stories, so I am going to tell you about River's adventure.  This is long and detailed, so bear with me!  I am going to back up a day and a half before River's debut because I think that those days preceding had an effect on her coming when she did.

I thought for sure that I would have her before Christmas, but Christmas came and went without a baby.

I had a prenatal appointment on Friday, the 27th, and found I was dilated to a four, but not much else had changed (the previous visit I had been at a 2+, 70% effaced, and at a -3 station).  Dad, Shin and Heather stayed at our house all week, spending Christmas with us.  Dad and Heather came to my prenatal appointment (J and Shin were working) and kept Zuri entertained in the lobby while I met with my doctor.  While waiting, my dad picked up a magazine and read that to help induce labor, one needs plenty of rest.  Well, my sleep that week had been less than stellar (imagine that).  So, he made it his goal to help me get some extra zzz's that night.  I went to bed about ten-ish, had a fitful night, woke up about eight and went downstairs.  I started falling asleep in the chair I was sitting on, so I went back upstairs and slept until almost eleven-thirty.  Wow.  I was tired.

My dad's vacation time had all been used up for the year, so he had planned to head back to Tahoe either Saturday or Sunday.  Upon waking Saturday, I felt more rested but still no contractions, so I said, "go ahead and go home today; the baby isn't coming."  Famous last words.  My dad left and the rest of us went to Scheels and Costco.  The thought was the walking might help induce labor (are you sensing that I was more than ready to have the baby?).

We got home and I was starting to feel some contractions.  Some regular, some not.  Just when I thought there was a regularity, I wouldn't feel any for over half an hour or so.  Shin and Heather debated whether or not to stay the night, especially since I was having some contractions (finally).  In the end, Heather developed a migraine (it had been coming on all day) and my contractions pretty much stopped, so they went home. 

I was feeling pretty tired, so I went to bed at ten-thirty.  I woke up just after midnight needing to go to the bathroom and feeling super hungry.  I noticed that J hadn't come to bed yet, so after I ate a piece of peanut butter toast I went in search of him.  He had gotten a new game and was involved in playing, but said he would be to bed soon.  I watched for a few minutes and while I watched, I noticed that I was having contractions, but that point I wasn't overly concerned because they weren't very hard.  When I went back to bed, they seemed to be coming pretty regularly so I started timing them.  They averaged about two minutes or less apart.  I started feeling a pressure in my bum, and that is when I started to take notice.

J came to bed just as I was about to go get him, and he called his mom while I got the last few things into my hospital bag.  As we drove to the hospital (it was almost one-thirty Sunday morning) I stopped feeling the contractions for a few minutes and they seemed even less severe than earlier.  I felt like I was overreacting and tried to talk J into turning around and going home.  He wouldn't have any of it, and said that he just wants them to check to see where I am, and if we get sent home, we get sent home.  So, into the hospital we went.  I once again felt silly as we checked in.  I said "I think I'm in labor" and I was able to walk and talk through the contractions easily.

As we waited for the triage nurse, I was starting to have to work through the contractions a bit but they still weren't overly bad.  I was dilated to a six at that point.  They admitted me, and contacted my doctor, who was in another delivery (he did five that night/early morning--I was the last one) at the time.  Once I was admitted and waiting for my doctor, it was about two-thirty.  My doctor came in shortly later and I was at a seven.  I was having to work hard through the contractions and decided to get an epidural (I like to see how far I can get without intervention, but I am a wimp when it comes to pain).  J's mom arrived as they were giving me the epidural and was present through the labor.  They made her wait in the hall until the epidural was put into place, and she was not happy about that.

With how fast I was progressing, it was thought that pretty much as soon as I got the epidural that the baby would come (it was some time after three).  As it happened, the epidural slowed my labor a little, but sometime around four-thirty my water broke.  I was so numb that I couldn't feel it.  My doctor came back in and checked me and told me it was time to push.  The epidural worked a bit too well and I couldn't feel the pressure or the contractions like I could with Zuri.  That is the only thing that I wish could have been different--I liked being able to feel (without the pain) how things were going.

I had them pull out a mirror so I could watch as the baby came.  I had that with Zuri and it helped a ton.  It was a great big full-length mirror.  It was awesome.  Before I started pushing, my doctor had me hold my breath and bear down a bit--he said that brought her the rest of the way into my pelvis.  I started pushing and three and a half pushes later, at 4:53 am, River came into this world at 7 pounds 1 ounce and 19 1/2 inches.  It was incredibly fast.  When Josh and I were trying to figure out how long it took for me to push, I estimated less than five minutes; Josh said about five minutes, and the nurse said it was more like one long contraction it was so fast.  After the second push, my doctor had me wait a bit while we let the baby rest and he stretched me.  I still tore a tiny bit but it was much better than the episiotomy given with Zuri.

Additionally, I wasn't given any narcotics, which means that I didn't get nauseated or throw up at all during labor and recovery.  Other than the epidural, the highest pain medication I had was Motrin.  This has also been the best recovery I have had.  While waiting for the anesthesiologist to show up and working through a really rough contraction, I turned to J and said, "I don't know why anyone would go through this willingly."  I told you, I am a wimp when it comes to pain, but there is something to be said for letting your body do what it is meant to do naturally.  I admire those who do it.

I had tested GB positive through my urine earlier in my pregnancy, so they gave me antibiotics for it.  When that happens they automatically treat you as GB positive when you deliver.  Since my labor went so quickly, they were only able to get most of one dose of the antibiotics into my system before I delivered.  The treatment is two doses.  Because of that, there was some concern for River and she was monitored closely for signs of infection.  It was really just a precaution more than anything, and she has been fine.

River did inhale some amniotic fluid as she came out, and there were some tense moments trying to get her saturation levels up, even after they suctioned her.  She would be fine when they sat her up, but she retained some fluid in her lungs so she would desat a bit when she cried (it was as though she was holding her breath).  The on-call pediatrician was really worried about it and ordered a chest x-ray and some labs later that morning.  Both J and I felt she was overreacting.  We knew River was fine.  In fact, she ended up giving one big cough, expelling some fluid, and never had any problems after that.

My doctor was amazing.  While he didn't check on me Sunday (the on-call doc did that--my poor doctor needed to get some sleep), he was there bright and early Monday morning.  He also came by Monday evening and Tuesday morning just before we were discharged.  None of my other doctors have given me that much attention.

The difference between a NICU baby and a well-baby are vast.  For starters, I was able to hold River as J cut the umbilical cord.  I was also able to do skin-to-skin and breastfeed right after we got her oxygen saturation levels back up.  No monitors or wires to work through.  River came to our room instead of us having to go to her.  The biggest difference was evident at discharge though.

In the NICU you have to bring in the carseat and have your baby sit in it for half an hour attached to the monitors to make sure that she/he can handle being in the carseat without desatting.  They will also check to make sure all the straps are tight enough and the fit is right.  When you get into the car, they check the carseat to make sure it latches right and is tight enough.

For a well-baby, they barely glance at the carseat, and only listen for the click of the carseat being latched into the car.  I even asked the nurse if she needed to inspect it and she said no, she just has to hear the click.  Wow.    It is all so easy. 

Having a newborn home right away is both completely new and familiar at the same time.  Both Zuri and Kai weighed less than River does right now when they came home, so the size is familiar.  Having to work around the umbilical cord is a new experience.  So is River sleeping most of the time.  I love love love listening to her grunts, squeaks, and squawks.  That is one of the things that I missed the most with Kai.

While we haven't been home for very long, there has been just a wonderful feeling with River being part of our family.  I will post more about it in another entry, for although we are sleep-deprived, our family feels more complete. 

It's a Baby!

Our little River was born early Sunday morning.  She weighed in at 7 pounds 1 ounce, and was 19 1/2 inches long.

Needless to say, things have been quite crazy here (in a good way)!  I am working on her birth story (always my favorite part to hear) and will post it soon.  I have much to catch up on, so stay tuned!