One more thing...with all the recent excitement, I failed to mention that Addison's bone marrow transplant did not take. That said, he's been undergoing a more agressive chemotherapy in preparation for a 2nd transplant, which is scheduled for today. Please keep him in your thoughts for these next couple of days. Hopefully, this second transplant will be a success and will allow him to come home.
Since Parker didn't return to his original birth weight (7lb, 1oz) by his 2-week pediatricia visit, we had to schedule another visit a week later (yesterday) for another weigh-in. **drum roll, please** As of yesterday, Parker has now reached his birth weight. YEA!! Of course, (I don't remember the actual percentiles but) Parker is still a little guy so we have to make sure he's eating often...something that I need to keep in mind when he's crying at 3am for food.
I forgot to mention that our rough night last night was further complicated by Ms. Fussypants -- Silly, who's not only been sick lately (diarrhea) but has also been a bit PO'd about the two newest members of the family -- and her decision to take a crap in the den.
Yeah, there will be no sleep for us.
Mr fussybutt didn't want to go to sleep last night. I feel bad for Chris because he probably only got about 3 hours of sleep before heading out for work. Hopefully this won't become a habit. In the meantime, I have to make it a point to take a nap or two during the day in preparation for the all nighter.
Did you hear that? It's me zipping up a pair of pants that I haven't been able to wear since my 5th month of pregancy. Normal clothes, HERE I COME! So far, since D-day, I've lost about 20lbs (7lb 1oz of that was Parker). The weight has been slowly dripping off as my body returns to it's normal self. ROCK ON!
Okay, so I did get a small warning about this but who knew it would be such a big deal. Let’s just say after birth, you come to a greater appreciate the "regularity" of “daily functions”. That said, with the help of various pills, fiber additives, and (yes) a potty training seat (the whole process cried out for more “support” than a normal toilet seat could offer), I think I’m finally on the path to regularity. Phew!
Now I’m sure you’re asking yourself why I’m writing about this. Well, I figure fairs only fair as I fully intend to keep you up-to-date with Parker’s many milestones. Also, in a couple of years from now, when I place his little rear on our Spongebob potty seat, you’ll know the story behind that nostalgic look that will undoubtedly flush over my face, (Ahhh, good times!) May the power of Spongebob be with you, my son!
The results are in. Parker’s bilirubin levels are falling – from 11.4 (on Saturday) to 8 (on Monday. That’s good news. Hopefully, he’ll be in the clear by his 2-week exam.
Dare I even say it was easy going? Yes, pre-epidural, there was pain but it remained managable. (The birthing class techniques came in handy after all.) And I never once screamed at Chris, blaming him for "ruining my life" or whatever else they say in movies/TV shows.
Once the epi was administred, I could actually relax and experience the event as a joyious occasion and yes, deliver online updates during the event. (Not sure if you've been to Henry Mayo Hospital but the beds have a flat screen terminal that easily allowes you to watch TV, play video games, listen to music, and, of course, connect to the internet. Cool, huh?)
The real work started at 11:20 when, at 10cm dialation, I would have to begin pushing. (No more time to blog.)
Talk about a weird sensation, trying to bare (bear?) down on an area that's now devoid of most sensations. You just have to mentally focus on that region and hope you're doing the right thing. The one thing I was sure of was that with each push my face was probably red and puffy like a raspberry. (I'm surprised I didn't blow a vessel.) Parker's big head was making things difficult. They eventually put me on oxygen to keep up my energy as I pushed for three, ten second periods during each contraction. In between each contraction I had a couple of minutes to rest and hopefully recharge for the next bout.
Chris was an excellent coach the whole time -- physically supporting me as he counted through the contractions. Two hours later, at 1:28pm, Parker finally emerged and Chris was able to cut his son's umbillcal cord, detaching him from the mother ship. (What I should realy do is get Chris to add an entry regarding his front row experience.)
You'll have to trust me until I get a chance to upload a photo (ETA tomorrow) -- he's a real cutie. And even better, he's pretty mellow so far!
I'll write more later but here are the basic stats:
born at 1:28
He's 7lb 1oz (Phew! Smaller than expected.)
19-1/2 inches long
Finally! That said I forgot to mention that they broke my water about an hour ago. The fluid was clear, which is a good sign. Parker's still doing fine.
By the way, if anyone sees a crazed, Asian woman driving around in a rental...that's my mom, who's flying in from San Francisco and she's obviously lost. Please help her find the northbound 5.
Thanks.
6:20ish - I'm about 3 to 4 cm dialated. You know what that means...I can now get the epidural. Nurse! Hook me up!
40 minites later, I'm happy as a clam.
Chris wisely refrained from jokes during the procedure...not to mention the "Holy Crap!" comments at the size of the needle that they stuck in my back.
Speaking of pain, I guess I should mention that Chris was scheduled for a root canal this morning. Instead, he's going to have to use some of the birthing class techniques to manage HIS pain. Doh!
We're going to have the baby! As much as I want to call everyone with the news, I have to restrain myself because it's 3 in the morning.
Contractions started around dinner time. We finally left for the hospital at about 1:40am, arriving at our destination about 45 minutes later. So far, I'm 2cm dialated. The nurse is calling the doctor to see if we're good to go. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Well, Parker's still hanging in there. I'm slightly disappointed about that because I secretly wanted him to be born today because today is my dad's birthday. That would have been a cool bit of fate; however, like my sister, our first borns miss that fateful day. (Luxi was born on March 16th; a little over a week later.)
One interesting note...my doctor wants to see my when I take my next non-stress test at the hospital. Could the 10th be THE DAY?! You'll have to just hold your breath and wait 'n' see.
I had some strong cramping (but, in the end, not contractions) on Saturday night that sent Chris sailing around the house plugging in all his A/V equipment that he hasn’t charged yet. I guess NOW we’re prepared for Parker’s arrival.
Yesterday, I had another non-stress test and Parker’s still hanging in there. I have my ob-gyn appt today so **fingers crossed** maybe we’ll get the word that our little man is coming soon. (At 7lb 13+oz…I surely hope so!)
As for Addison, he’s doing really well. Visitors don’t have to wear masks around him any more, which should make for a more kid-friendly environment. He may even be able to come home earlier. Keep sending your positive thoughts.
So many appointment this week and you've just been left in the dark. Sorry about that.
MONDAY: Non-stress Test #4. All's well. Parker still had a strong heartbeat and, as a little bonus (and I say that sarcastically) they check to see how dialated I was. I'm not going to even explain how that was done...let's just keep it at "uncomfortable". That said...Zip, Nada, Zero. I'm not dialated one bit. The nurse did point out that I was having contractions while I was there. Really, I didn't feel a thing. (No. Honest. I'm not being sarcastic. I have yet to feel any contractions, even those false ones that the books keep talking about.)
WEDNESDAY: My ob-gyn is back from vacation so I paid him a visit. Parker's hearbeat is still going strong and it speeds up when the doctor pushes on him. (Another good sign.) Measuring my stomach, my doctor uttered one of my fears..."Big Baby". Arggggg! I know! Even though my belly button hasn't become an outie, the skin in that area is so thin it feels like it's going to tear open (yes, like that scene from "Alien", trust me I can't get that out of my mind). Maybe an outie isn't so bad after all. (Did I just say that?!) I did ask my doctor about not feeling contractions and he assured me that when the time comes...oh, I'll feel them. I hope it's sooner than later. I have a 45 minute drive to the hospital to make and would appreciate as much lead time as possible.
THURSDAY: Non-stress Test #5. Parker's heart is still going strong. Afterwards, I visited my ultrasound doctor. The good news is that my amniotic fluid has increased -- to the 13/14 range now. So no more ultrasounds are needed unless I go past my delivery date. And Parker's weight you ask? I knew last week's 1 ounce weight gain was too small. This week he's at 7 POUNDS 13 OUNCES! Holy Smokes! Is anyone else worried about the size of this baby...especially when this estimate is +/- a pound. The ultrasound doctor suggested I walk more to encourage the baby to make it's way out. Hey, the LA Marathon's this weekend...isn't it? Hmmmm. I might just be that desperate.
