Here I am - all home and a mother.
I have to say...in my absence - Dain has been a wonderful writer. I cried while reading his entries (although I am crying at the drop of a hat these days - and feel like I should be dangerously dehydrated since the birth of D). Now everyone sees who the true writer is in the family...he's truly gifted and makes me feel like I shouldn't even be allowed to grace the keys of this keyboard.
But - I'm back. We're home!
Seeing as I'm malnourished, exhausted, and hormonal - this may not make a lot of sense...but deal with it.
What an experience this has been. It has simultaneously been the best and worst week of my life. I keep saying that - and it's so true...but I'm not a bad mother for saying that - I've just been through the ringer.
Starting a week ago Friday - I thought I was just being sent to the hospital as a precaution...and learned within a few minutes of an amniotic fluid test that I would be giving birth that day (or the next) and that my baby would not be staying with me in the room, and probably not be going home with me. Dain rushed back from work to be by my side - and get me things from home - as we hadn't packed a bag.
Soon - my mom and dad were there and my in-laws. I was hooked up to an IV and given pitosin to start my labor progressing. I was also told that I tested positive for MRSA and would have to have the nurses putting on gowns and gloves every time they came in the room. All my visitors would have to do the same - although that made me angry - so I told them not to follow that rule.
My dosages were slowly increased and though I wasn't really dilating - I was starting some contractions that were on and off pain that was relatively tolerable - - sometimes even laughable.
Hours and hours passed - slowly increasing my contractions and pain. I have no idea how long I was in the horrible pain - but let me tell you - it was terrible. We waited a long time for the epidural to come - it felt like centuries - but I somehow made it...then spent hours contracting in peace...I think I slept a lot. Then, came the hard part - them coming in the room saying that I was dilated to 6 or 7 - and he was at 0 station. I was getting ready - - and then his heart rate dropped and I was told we were having a c-section, and would I please sign the form...
(Part 2 to come)
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The Many Faces Of Dain III
Dain II here again. Marie is now in the "hospitality" phase of her time at the hospital (I am just now seeing that "hospital" is part of "hospitality"...I'm not sleeping much these days), meaning she is able to stay in the room she's been in, but no longer is receiving any care from the nurses. She's on her own for getting food, dispensing her pain meds, and so on. But, she's roughly 50 feet from our son, so given the choice of staying at Delnor or coming home really wasn't much of a dilemma. She may be coming home tomorrow (Thursday), like it or not. Obviously, if it's up to us alone, we'd rather she stay, but who knows the limits of Delnor's "hospitality".
To update health-wise, she continues to recover from her surgery, having her staples removed today. Little D is also doing well...he's eating directly from the source, so to speak, and has had the incubator (or whatever they call them) top of his bed removed. Basically, at this point he's in a plastic bed covered in blankets, so the doctors are trusting him to regulate his own temperature. He apparently is a little jaundiced, but after doing some brief research, I've come to learn that this is completely natural and happens even to full-term babies, so not a big deal. Tonight also featured his first bath given by his parents (well, Marie did most of the work). Not his favorite activity, as I really heard for the first time what an unhappy D sounds like...which is pretty much like an irritated infant. But, he cleans up pretty nicely, so he'll have to learn to cope.
So, here goes nothing. I've successfully downloaded video from our spankin' new camcorder (thanks again Dan and Suzie for the early Christmas gift...it's been great) to our laptop...now, the challenge is to upload said video to this here blog. Wish me luck (results should follow directly below this sentence):
Finally.
To update health-wise, she continues to recover from her surgery, having her staples removed today. Little D is also doing well...he's eating directly from the source, so to speak, and has had the incubator (or whatever they call them) top of his bed removed. Basically, at this point he's in a plastic bed covered in blankets, so the doctors are trusting him to regulate his own temperature. He apparently is a little jaundiced, but after doing some brief research, I've come to learn that this is completely natural and happens even to full-term babies, so not a big deal. Tonight also featured his first bath given by his parents (well, Marie did most of the work). Not his favorite activity, as I really heard for the first time what an unhappy D sounds like...which is pretty much like an irritated infant. But, he cleans up pretty nicely, so he'll have to learn to cope.
So, here goes nothing. I've successfully downloaded video from our spankin' new camcorder (thanks again Dan and Suzie for the early Christmas gift...it's been great) to our laptop...now, the challenge is to upload said video to this here blog. Wish me luck (results should follow directly below this sentence):
Finally.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Run Extended Due to Overwhelming Popularity
That's a little theater terminology for you all. Being married to an expert in the realm of the performing arts has apparently rubbed off on yours truly. Due to an inability to figure out the wireless internet of Delnor Community Hospital, I (Dain II) will once again be filling in for Marie on the blog.
First, an update on Marie and Little D (we're giving this nickname a trial run...feedback appreciated). Mom is recovering well from the C-section. Her doctors feel everything is healing well and the staples holding everything together will be removed tomorrow (Wednesday). She's still a little sore, but is moving around well and trying to stay busy. To pass the time in the hospital, Marie has developed a routine that has been quite effective. I'll let her describe it in full detail when she gets home.
As for the bundle of joy, he couldn't be doing better. When he first was admitted to the Special Needs Nursery, the nurses explained that he would need to clear a series of hurdles before we could take him home, with an expected completion window of a week. It was interesting to learn that these hurdles were to be completed in succession, rather than concurrently...babies literally teach themselves how to do the most mundane things that most of us take for granted. First, he had to show that he could breathe on his own, which he was having trouble with when he first arrived. He was given some medicine to help lung development, and his right lung wasn't inflating properly. After a day, the lung was almost completely inflated, and by day two, x-rays showed that breathing was no longer a problem. He had been receiving oxygen to this point, but it was removed at this point. Next, he needed to be able to digest his food. Apparently babies don't require food for the first day or so, so he was able to transition directly from the learning-to-breathe stage to the digest-formula/breastmilk. He had a couple stops and starts in this area, but now he's eating like a champ, and without the benefit of what Marie referred to as the "nose hose" (feeding tube). He took to the bottle like a natural, and when he isn't eating, he's sucking on a pacifier. I'm not thrilled with this development (not a huge fan of the pacifier), but I'll cut the kid some slack since he's had a pretty tough start. Finally, D must master the fine art of maintaining body temperature without the aid of an incubator. Apparently this is the easiest step...the nurses predict he won't need artificial heating in no time. So, things are going well.
Personality-wise, it's remarkable to see him already exhibiting traits passed on from his parents (at least, we interpret what he does that way). For example, he's a stubborn little dude...to help him with his digestion initially, they put him on his stomach or side (which is OK...he's being monitored constantly). Just like his mother, if he wasn't satisfied with his positioning, he made a stink until a nurse (or he himself) got it just right. Also like Marie, he's a big believer in personal space...not a big fan of being messed with too much, and he'll let you know with a slap or a kick if you're violating his comfort zone. He seems to have inherited his father's sleeping habits; i.e., constantly and with mouth gaping wide open.
OK, updates over. Now to the good stuff. You'll notice he no longer has that nasty tape and tube on his face.
Having dinner, prepared by mom, served by pops:
A little size perspective (that's my hairy wrist and hand):
Flashing the signs of the gang he and his fellow nursery-mates have apparently formed:
If only we could all feel as peaceful and relaxed as he looks (and I'm insisting he looks like his Great-Grandpa Kohl here...Steph, back me up on this):
So, that's tonight's update. The ETA for his home opener is still Saturday or Sunday, but of course we're holding out hope it will be sooner. Coming tomorrow: A Motion Picture Debut (if I can figure out the camera).
First, an update on Marie and Little D (we're giving this nickname a trial run...feedback appreciated). Mom is recovering well from the C-section. Her doctors feel everything is healing well and the staples holding everything together will be removed tomorrow (Wednesday). She's still a little sore, but is moving around well and trying to stay busy. To pass the time in the hospital, Marie has developed a routine that has been quite effective. I'll let her describe it in full detail when she gets home.
As for the bundle of joy, he couldn't be doing better. When he first was admitted to the Special Needs Nursery, the nurses explained that he would need to clear a series of hurdles before we could take him home, with an expected completion window of a week. It was interesting to learn that these hurdles were to be completed in succession, rather than concurrently...babies literally teach themselves how to do the most mundane things that most of us take for granted. First, he had to show that he could breathe on his own, which he was having trouble with when he first arrived. He was given some medicine to help lung development, and his right lung wasn't inflating properly. After a day, the lung was almost completely inflated, and by day two, x-rays showed that breathing was no longer a problem. He had been receiving oxygen to this point, but it was removed at this point. Next, he needed to be able to digest his food. Apparently babies don't require food for the first day or so, so he was able to transition directly from the learning-to-breathe stage to the digest-formula/breastmilk. He had a couple stops and starts in this area, but now he's eating like a champ, and without the benefit of what Marie referred to as the "nose hose" (feeding tube). He took to the bottle like a natural, and when he isn't eating, he's sucking on a pacifier. I'm not thrilled with this development (not a huge fan of the pacifier), but I'll cut the kid some slack since he's had a pretty tough start. Finally, D must master the fine art of maintaining body temperature without the aid of an incubator. Apparently this is the easiest step...the nurses predict he won't need artificial heating in no time. So, things are going well.
Personality-wise, it's remarkable to see him already exhibiting traits passed on from his parents (at least, we interpret what he does that way). For example, he's a stubborn little dude...to help him with his digestion initially, they put him on his stomach or side (which is OK...he's being monitored constantly). Just like his mother, if he wasn't satisfied with his positioning, he made a stink until a nurse (or he himself) got it just right. Also like Marie, he's a big believer in personal space...not a big fan of being messed with too much, and he'll let you know with a slap or a kick if you're violating his comfort zone. He seems to have inherited his father's sleeping habits; i.e., constantly and with mouth gaping wide open.
OK, updates over. Now to the good stuff. You'll notice he no longer has that nasty tape and tube on his face.
Having dinner, prepared by mom, served by pops:
A little size perspective (that's my hairy wrist and hand):
Flashing the signs of the gang he and his fellow nursery-mates have apparently formed:
If only we could all feel as peaceful and relaxed as he looks (and I'm insisting he looks like his Great-Grandpa Kohl here...Steph, back me up on this):
So, that's tonight's update. The ETA for his home opener is still Saturday or Sunday, but of course we're holding out hope it will be sooner. Coming tomorrow: A Motion Picture Debut (if I can figure out the camera).
Sunday, October 26, 2008
A Very Special Episode of "In the Wings", Guest Starring Dain(s)
Hello friends. Over the past 7 or 8 months you've been visiting this blog to read the musings of a woman experiencing the joys (and pains...and nausea) of being pregnant. The lovely and talented Marie did her best to give everyone insight, from her obviously unique perspective, into the thoughts and feelings of a pregnant woman who definitely lives her life in her own way. Whether it was the Great Crib Argument, the Diaper Bag Decision, or the Cloth Diaper Husband-Persuasion (still not buying it, by the by), loyal readers have come to get to know my wife (yes, Marie is not typing this), myself (yes, Dain is typing this), and even a little about the personality of a little dude known as Boogie.
So, guess what?
Dang, wrong picture. Although not a bad one. Here we go:
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to Dain Stanton Meyer III, the little guy once known as "Boogie" and henceforth known as "To Be Determined". He was born at 1:52 AM on October 25th, 2008 at Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva, IL. He weighed 6 lbs, 15 oz and measured 19 inches of length.
And he was 5 weeks early.
I'll have Marie fill in the details when either (a) we figure out the wireless Internet at the hospital or (b) she comes home, but needless to say, his arrival was a complete shock. Basically, Marie's water broke (unbeknownst to her) around 4 AM on Friday, 10/24. She called her doctor later that morning (like around 7), and the doc thought it would be best that Marie go in and get checked out. 20 hours, several bags of labor-inducing fluids, 1 epidural, and 1 c-section later, we have the man you see above (the little one with the full head of hair).
Little D (current frontrunner in the nickname sweepstakes) was born early, so his lungs aren't quite where they need to be. They had to help him breathe when he was first born (I felt terrible that Marie wasn't able to see him or be with him right away, but I'm glad she didn't have to see that), but eventually he got the hang of it and now, 33 hours into his life here on Earth, he's breathing just fine on his own. He'll probably need to stay a week or so before we can bring him home, but all of his doctors and nurses are pleased with the progress he's making (in fact, his pediatrician stopped by on rounds yesterday and wondered why he was in the special needs nursery due to his size and health).
Marie is also doing well...she had a pretty rough day Friday into Saturday morning, but agrees that the happy ending was worth it. She'll be in the hospital probably until Tuesday morning, at which point she'll be discharged. Knowing her, she'll probably spend about 5 minutes at home before turning around and heading back to see the boy. There are some unique circumstances she's forced to deal with, but I'll let her fill you in on those details.
So, he's here. Didn't want to wait a year to trick or treat, I guess. He's awesome: never cries, sleeps like a champ, and has the potential look of a billionaire Nobel Prize Winner / Superstar Athlete.
So, guess what?
Dang, wrong picture. Although not a bad one. Here we go:
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to Dain Stanton Meyer III, the little guy once known as "Boogie" and henceforth known as "To Be Determined". He was born at 1:52 AM on October 25th, 2008 at Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva, IL. He weighed 6 lbs, 15 oz and measured 19 inches of length.
And he was 5 weeks early.
I'll have Marie fill in the details when either (a) we figure out the wireless Internet at the hospital or (b) she comes home, but needless to say, his arrival was a complete shock. Basically, Marie's water broke (unbeknownst to her) around 4 AM on Friday, 10/24. She called her doctor later that morning (like around 7), and the doc thought it would be best that Marie go in and get checked out. 20 hours, several bags of labor-inducing fluids, 1 epidural, and 1 c-section later, we have the man you see above (the little one with the full head of hair).
Little D (current frontrunner in the nickname sweepstakes) was born early, so his lungs aren't quite where they need to be. They had to help him breathe when he was first born (I felt terrible that Marie wasn't able to see him or be with him right away, but I'm glad she didn't have to see that), but eventually he got the hang of it and now, 33 hours into his life here on Earth, he's breathing just fine on his own. He'll probably need to stay a week or so before we can bring him home, but all of his doctors and nurses are pleased with the progress he's making (in fact, his pediatrician stopped by on rounds yesterday and wondered why he was in the special needs nursery due to his size and health).
Marie is also doing well...she had a pretty rough day Friday into Saturday morning, but agrees that the happy ending was worth it. She'll be in the hospital probably until Tuesday morning, at which point she'll be discharged. Knowing her, she'll probably spend about 5 minutes at home before turning around and heading back to see the boy. There are some unique circumstances she's forced to deal with, but I'll let her fill you in on those details.
So, he's here. Didn't want to wait a year to trick or treat, I guess. He's awesome: never cries, sleeps like a champ, and has the potential look of a billionaire Nobel Prize Winner / Superstar Athlete.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Political Coffee
This morning I was amused when I saw a co-worker of mine walk in to our office with a take-out coffee in a blue "Obama" cup. How cute and hilarious and just a great idea?!?
Yep - 7 Eleven is staging their 3rd "Coffee Vote". Apparently the results have been surprisingly accurate...both the past two presidential elections followed suit from how consumers bought their daily cups of joe. I heard even the close race between Bush and Gore in 2000 was even a close race at 7 Eleven!
I just found this whole thing very interesting - and such a good marketing idea for 7 Eleven! If you know me at all, you know I talk about everything except for 2 things: religion and POLITICS. So - I won't go into any personal political opinions. But I WILL tell you that I think you should go to 7 Eleven to get a cup of coffee before November 4th! There is ONE thing I'll talk about any time - - my extreme love of coffee (had to switch to mostly decaf for Boogie - but I used to drink regular all day every day)....so I'll be stopping by to vote soon!
Yep - 7 Eleven is staging their 3rd "Coffee Vote". Apparently the results have been surprisingly accurate...both the past two presidential elections followed suit from how consumers bought their daily cups of joe. I heard even the close race between Bush and Gore in 2000 was even a close race at 7 Eleven!
I just found this whole thing very interesting - and such a good marketing idea for 7 Eleven! If you know me at all, you know I talk about everything except for 2 things: religion and POLITICS. So - I won't go into any personal political opinions. But I WILL tell you that I think you should go to 7 Eleven to get a cup of coffee before November 4th! There is ONE thing I'll talk about any time - - my extreme love of coffee (had to switch to mostly decaf for Boogie - but I used to drink regular all day every day)....so I'll be stopping by to vote soon!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
A Month? Really?
Yeah I have like one month left. Seriously?? I will have a kid in a month?!? WHAT?!?
I guess it's surreal to me. I've enjoyed being pregnant for the most part. (The vomiting throughout trimester #1 was not so fun). Feeling Boogie kick and move and grow in my stomach, however, has been nothing short of amazing. However - it still is surreal that there will be a KID at the end of all this. I will have to go to give birth, and I will have a little person that will forever be mine. WHOA!
So, we're at "operation finish line" to quote a Gilmorism. Time to get busy getting prepared.
Here are the things I need to accomplish in the month I have left (to name a few):
-Wash ALL the clothes and cloth diapers
-Make curtains
-Finish the artwork for the wall that I started
-Finish the mobile
-Pick up bassinet & pump from my boss
-Get the car seat bases installed in our cars
-Call & line up a pediatrician
-Clean out the downstairs closet for toys, etc.
-Inflate the tires of the stroller (that's right) and store in the garage
-Pack a bag for the hospital
-Make a "to contact" list for once Boogie arrives
-Buy Christmas presents
-Save money
Watch out world - I have one month and motivation!
I guess it's surreal to me. I've enjoyed being pregnant for the most part. (The vomiting throughout trimester #1 was not so fun). Feeling Boogie kick and move and grow in my stomach, however, has been nothing short of amazing. However - it still is surreal that there will be a KID at the end of all this. I will have to go to give birth, and I will have a little person that will forever be mine. WHOA!
So, we're at "operation finish line" to quote a Gilmorism. Time to get busy getting prepared.
Here are the things I need to accomplish in the month I have left (to name a few):
-Wash ALL the clothes and cloth diapers
-Make curtains
-Finish the artwork for the wall that I started
-Finish the mobile
-Pick up bassinet & pump from my boss
-Get the car seat bases installed in our cars
-Call & line up a pediatrician
-Clean out the downstairs closet for toys, etc.
-Inflate the tires of the stroller (that's right) and store in the garage
-Pack a bag for the hospital
-Make a "to contact" list for once Boogie arrives
-Buy Christmas presents
-Save money
Watch out world - I have one month and motivation!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Shower #2
I'm BACK!
I decided I needed to get a post up about my 2nd baby shower - held on October 11th at my sister Theresa's house.
It was a great time - and once again - everything was amazing. My mom and sister planned an entire pumpkin theme - complete with a pumpkin dessert that was one of the best things I've ever had. (A good new recipe mom - keep that one!). Here are me and the hostesses. (Not our best photo).
My mom's side of the family were almost all in attendance. Her 4 sisters, my cousins, and some of their kids were there. My grandma Chummie came up...Dain's mom, Denise, and I rode down together. One of my best friends Molly even came as well, and brought her little 3 girls! Here's Molly & I - followed by a shot of her youngest, Cora, enjoying the party.
We played some very cute games, including guess the baby food, guess the baby POOP (candy bar), and a timed game of me hanging cloth diapers on a line - as my sister is convinced that these are a stupid idea and uses every chance possible to make it seem like it's going to be horrible :)
The 9 kids in attendance kept busy playing upstairs and down - and Amelia and Molly's 2 older girls played dress up. Here's Amelia:
Once again - I'm so grateful to have these people in my life. I received some wonderful gifts for Boogie - including adorable clothes, cloth diapers, toys, bath gear, and books. It was a wonderful day. Thanks to all!
I decided I needed to get a post up about my 2nd baby shower - held on October 11th at my sister Theresa's house.
It was a great time - and once again - everything was amazing. My mom and sister planned an entire pumpkin theme - complete with a pumpkin dessert that was one of the best things I've ever had. (A good new recipe mom - keep that one!). Here are me and the hostesses. (Not our best photo).
My mom's side of the family were almost all in attendance. Her 4 sisters, my cousins, and some of their kids were there. My grandma Chummie came up...Dain's mom, Denise, and I rode down together. One of my best friends Molly even came as well, and brought her little 3 girls! Here's Molly & I - followed by a shot of her youngest, Cora, enjoying the party.
We played some very cute games, including guess the baby food, guess the baby POOP (candy bar), and a timed game of me hanging cloth diapers on a line - as my sister is convinced that these are a stupid idea and uses every chance possible to make it seem like it's going to be horrible :)
The 9 kids in attendance kept busy playing upstairs and down - and Amelia and Molly's 2 older girls played dress up. Here's Amelia:
Once again - I'm so grateful to have these people in my life. I received some wonderful gifts for Boogie - including adorable clothes, cloth diapers, toys, bath gear, and books. It was a wonderful day. Thanks to all!
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