Today I am 3 weeks old.
I can't believe how quickly time is passing since I came home. Mommy and daddy are working out a schedule for night time feedings once mommy goes back to work - which she wishes she didn't have to do. Mommy says she is going to miss me.
So far, I practice holding my head up quite a bit. I am getting much better as my neck gets stronger. Daddy tries to give me tummy time as often as possible.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
My Mom
When my mom offered to come up for 3 months (or as long as needed) once LM was born, I jumped on the opportunity. Many people thought I was off my rocker, but she's been such a help around the house - which has allowed me to heal from the surgery and focus on taking care of our precious little man.
Mom has no problem making beds, cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, ironing and helping with caring for the little man... which is so helpful. I really am grateful for the wonderful mother I have - I know I'm fortunate to have a m other like her.
Thank you mom - you've made this transition so much easier. We all love you.
Mom has no problem making beds, cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, ironing and helping with caring for the little man... which is so helpful. I really am grateful for the wonderful mother I have - I know I'm fortunate to have a m other like her.
Thank you mom - you've made this transition so much easier. We all love you.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
August 3, 2011
Today, I am two weeks old.
Things have gotten progressively better at home. I have been sleeping three to four hours between feedings - and sometimes I even stay up between them to investigate and play. Daddy does tummy time with me sometimes, it's a lot of fun... and I'm learning how to scoot better... and practicing holding my head up whenever I get a chance.
Visitors have slowed down a bit - and I've been able to get to know mommy and daddy better and better. I'm sad that daddy has to go back to work tomorrow, though. Hopefully he will be able to play with me on tummy time when he gets home.
This week I have learned:
8/2: Smiled for the first time. Mommy was holding a toy of mine and making it crinkle and I smiled at her three times.
Things have gotten progressively better at home. I have been sleeping three to four hours between feedings - and sometimes I even stay up between them to investigate and play. Daddy does tummy time with me sometimes, it's a lot of fun... and I'm learning how to scoot better... and practicing holding my head up whenever I get a chance.
Visitors have slowed down a bit - and I've been able to get to know mommy and daddy better and better. I'm sad that daddy has to go back to work tomorrow, though. Hopefully he will be able to play with me on tummy time when he gets home.
This week I have learned:
8/2: Smiled for the first time. Mommy was holding a toy of mine and making it crinkle and I smiled at her three times.
My Belly Epilogue
Surprisingly, two weeks after delivery, my belly has almost returned to normal. (Yay!) I have learned so many things through this process... and I'm sure I will continue to learn as our little angel grows.
God never puts a dream in your head that you cannot make come true.
This statement is so true! I didn't think it was true at times, but as I look at our beautiful angel as he sleeps in his swing, I realize the complete truth of this statement. Had it not been for a combination of factors, and our perseverance, he wouldn't be here with us today.
You think you know what love is as you travel through life. Through first relationships... losses... and heart breaks. As you try to meet your goals and fulfill your dreams, you think you learn all you should know about this emotion. Until you bring a sweet baby into your life, a being of your flesh and blood, you have no idea how much love you can hold in your heart... you watch them as they sleep and interact with you... the first smiles... the first cuddles... and you feel, at times, as though your heart could explode.
The little guy is 2 weeks old.. he'll forever hold my heart in his tiny hands.
God never puts a dream in your head that you cannot make come true.
This statement is so true! I didn't think it was true at times, but as I look at our beautiful angel as he sleeps in his swing, I realize the complete truth of this statement. Had it not been for a combination of factors, and our perseverance, he wouldn't be here with us today.
You think you know what love is as you travel through life. Through first relationships... losses... and heart breaks. As you try to meet your goals and fulfill your dreams, you think you learn all you should know about this emotion. Until you bring a sweet baby into your life, a being of your flesh and blood, you have no idea how much love you can hold in your heart... you watch them as they sleep and interact with you... the first smiles... the first cuddles... and you feel, at times, as though your heart could explode.
The little guy is 2 weeks old.. he'll forever hold my heart in his tiny hands.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
July 27, 2011
Today, I am one week old.
I was due to be born today, but I've proven myself to be stubborn since the very beginning. On July 23, I came home from the hospital with mommy and daddy. Home is very different from the hospital, it's warmer, it smells different, and people only come in when I need them.
My new surroundings include a really big dog named Apollo and a fuzzy kitty named Bella. Both of them are very watchful over me - they both want to make sure I'm okay every time I cry. I haven't had much of a chance to get to know them yet, but I'm sure I will soon.
The first night home was very hard. I didn't know how to react to the new surroundings, so I woke up often. A big storm came in early in the morning, making sleeping even more difficult. Mommy stayed right by my side all night - and daddy woke up with me every time I stirred as well. I heard mommy and daddy say that the nights will get better, I hope so.
At one week, I've accomplished:
7/22 - started scooting on my belly while on mommy's tummy in the hospital bed.
7/25 - started trying to hold my head up - it's still very heavy, but I try every chance I get.
7/26 - learned to put my knees up under myself and snuggle up like a little peanut and practiced scooting on the floor.
I was due to be born today, but I've proven myself to be stubborn since the very beginning. On July 23, I came home from the hospital with mommy and daddy. Home is very different from the hospital, it's warmer, it smells different, and people only come in when I need them.
My new surroundings include a really big dog named Apollo and a fuzzy kitty named Bella. Both of them are very watchful over me - they both want to make sure I'm okay every time I cry. I haven't had much of a chance to get to know them yet, but I'm sure I will soon.
The first night home was very hard. I didn't know how to react to the new surroundings, so I woke up often. A big storm came in early in the morning, making sleeping even more difficult. Mommy stayed right by my side all night - and daddy woke up with me every time I stirred as well. I heard mommy and daddy say that the nights will get better, I hope so.
At one week, I've accomplished:
7/22 - started scooting on my belly while on mommy's tummy in the hospital bed.
7/25 - started trying to hold my head up - it's still very heavy, but I try every chance I get.
7/26 - learned to put my knees up under myself and snuggle up like a little peanut and practiced scooting on the floor.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Details of Your Belly Departure
My labor began... I didn't have labor. 7 days before the due date, I had a scheduled Cesarian Section.
July 20, 2011 at 11:42am
Where I was when the contractions started, and who helped me get ready:We arrived at the hospital at 9:30am. We had scheduled a c-section at our last OB appointment due to the baby being in prime breech position. When they did the final ultrasound at around 9:48 that morning, the baby was still in breech position, his little legs were crossed under his bottom and his arms were crossed across his chest.
Having a C-Section was very frightening for me, I had never had a surgery or procedure of any sort. I didn't have any of the usual pains associated with labor and the pain from the C-Section actually went away surprisingly quickly. By the next night, I had asked if I could cut out the oxycontin and just take Tylenol and Ibuprofen for pain management. I was told by the nurses that I was one of the very few women who refused to have a hand-activated medication pump.
Where I was when my water broke:
I was in the surgical suite when the water broke. The doctors broke the amniotic sack during the procedure.
One of the nice things about the C-Section was the surgery took less than an hour. No labor pains, no pushing, no having to deal with hours and hours of labor. The worst part was when they were trying to get the epidural in so that they could start the surgery. It took almost an hour to get the epidural in because I was not able to arch my back very well. Finally, I was able to get it to arch just enough so they could get it placed properly.
At first, the idea of a C-Section really frightened me; but it was more than worth it. Little Anthony Robert came into this world on July 20, 2011 at 11:42am weighing 7lb 9oz and measuring 19.75 inches in length. He is a perfect little boy - he's absolutely precious - he looks more like a toy than a child.
The little man is such a good baby. He only cries when he's hungry or has a dirty diaper. If he gets fussy before feeding time, I only have to say something to him and he's content.
Just when I thought I couldn't possibly love anything more.... I feel as though my heart could literally explode with love for this little guy.
Total number of hours that I was in labor:Due to the C-Section, I was not ever in labor. The baby was breech, so they didn't want me to go into labor with him in the wrong position. The entire time for the procedure was about 45 minutes to 1 hour, once they got the epidural placed. (Due to my inability to bend over well, it took an hour to get the epidural placed.)
The Lamaze breathing....I'm glad I didn't take a class for this, because it would have been useless.
So...this is what labor feels like:I never felt labor due to the scheduled procedure. The procedure scared me at first, but it was more than worth it. Our little Anthony came into this world with wide eyes and a healthy set of lungs. He's healthy and happy... and I wouldn't trade him for the world. He's absolutely the most perfect and gorgeous baby I have ever seen... I know I'm biased, but I have complete strangers confirm this every single time I take him out in public. He's our perfect little angel.
July 20, 2011 at 11:42am
Where I was when the contractions started, and who helped me get ready:We arrived at the hospital at 9:30am. We had scheduled a c-section at our last OB appointment due to the baby being in prime breech position. When they did the final ultrasound at around 9:48 that morning, the baby was still in breech position, his little legs were crossed under his bottom and his arms were crossed across his chest.
Having a C-Section was very frightening for me, I had never had a surgery or procedure of any sort. I didn't have any of the usual pains associated with labor and the pain from the C-Section actually went away surprisingly quickly. By the next night, I had asked if I could cut out the oxycontin and just take Tylenol and Ibuprofen for pain management. I was told by the nurses that I was one of the very few women who refused to have a hand-activated medication pump.
Where I was when my water broke:
I was in the surgical suite when the water broke. The doctors broke the amniotic sack during the procedure.
One of the nice things about the C-Section was the surgery took less than an hour. No labor pains, no pushing, no having to deal with hours and hours of labor. The worst part was when they were trying to get the epidural in so that they could start the surgery. It took almost an hour to get the epidural in because I was not able to arch my back very well. Finally, I was able to get it to arch just enough so they could get it placed properly.
At first, the idea of a C-Section really frightened me; but it was more than worth it. Little Anthony Robert came into this world on July 20, 2011 at 11:42am weighing 7lb 9oz and measuring 19.75 inches in length. He is a perfect little boy - he's absolutely precious - he looks more like a toy than a child.
The little man is such a good baby. He only cries when he's hungry or has a dirty diaper. If he gets fussy before feeding time, I only have to say something to him and he's content.
Just when I thought I couldn't possibly love anything more.... I feel as though my heart could literally explode with love for this little guy.
Total number of hours that I was in labor:Due to the C-Section, I was not ever in labor. The baby was breech, so they didn't want me to go into labor with him in the wrong position. The entire time for the procedure was about 45 minutes to 1 hour, once they got the epidural placed. (Due to my inability to bend over well, it took an hour to get the epidural placed.)
The Lamaze breathing....I'm glad I didn't take a class for this, because it would have been useless.
So...this is what labor feels like:I never felt labor due to the scheduled procedure. The procedure scared me at first, but it was more than worth it. Our little Anthony came into this world with wide eyes and a healthy set of lungs. He's healthy and happy... and I wouldn't trade him for the world. He's absolutely the most perfect and gorgeous baby I have ever seen... I know I'm biased, but I have complete strangers confirm this every single time I take him out in public. He's our perfect little angel.
Special Delivery!
Tony was born in: Rochester Methodist Hospital
If I were to do it all over again, my approach would be:Honestly, I'd do everything the same way. All of the fear and anxiety I had over the Cesarean Section was really uncalled for - it was a great team that put me at east in the OR, and our little man was born healthy and happy. He stole my heart the minute they put him in my arms.
Who delivered you?The surgical team including several nurses... doctors... and an anesthesia team.
Who cut the umbilical cord?
Daddy cut it. I wasn't really expecting him to cut the cord, but I think they caught him off guard and he went ahead and cut it. Yay daddy!
Who was present during the birth:The only person they would allow to be in the OR with the surgical team was daddy.
Nurses and helpers I don't want to forget:Amy (there were two of them), Tracy, Jen, Kymnberly - all nurses who cared for me during the hospital stay... and also cared about my anxiety over not being able to feed you. Specifically Amy, Jen and Kymnberly saw to it that we had an alternative feeding plan so you'd get something to eat since you weren't able to nurse right away.
How my husband coped in the delivery room:Rob sat at my side until baby Tony was born - then he took pictures and helped with cutting the umbilical cord. I was surprised he was such a trooper.
Who came to visit us?Katie, Tony and Elliott Sikkink, Julia Briese, Uncle Jeff, Grandma and Grandpa Lichner, Uncle John, Via and Corky.
Other good stories and interesting details about the baby's entry into the world:The first thing that I heard was laughter from the surgical team. It seems that the minute the little guy was out of the womb, he started to pee... giving the team delivering him a shower. I cried tears of joy the minute I heard him crying.
When they finally brought the baby around the curtain, he opened his little eyes and I fell in love. He was so cute in his little swaddle and hat... and his big eyes were wide open and ready to take in the world around him.
How I felt when I first saw him:I was absolutely overcome with happiness. He was so perfect, so sweet and so cuddly. I just couldn't stop tears of joy from spilling over my cheeks as they finally put him in my arms.
How it felt to hold him for the first time:I can't even begin to describe the feeling. They put the baby into my arms, he blinked his little eyes and yawned, and I fell in love in an instant.
He is absolutely the most beautiful and perfect little angel I have ever seen. He's so content... it's a true blessing to finally have him home and be able to hold him and give him all the love he deserves.
If I were to do it all over again, my approach would be:Honestly, I'd do everything the same way. All of the fear and anxiety I had over the Cesarean Section was really uncalled for - it was a great team that put me at east in the OR, and our little man was born healthy and happy. He stole my heart the minute they put him in my arms.
Who delivered you?The surgical team including several nurses... doctors... and an anesthesia team.
Who cut the umbilical cord?
Daddy cut it. I wasn't really expecting him to cut the cord, but I think they caught him off guard and he went ahead and cut it. Yay daddy!
Who was present during the birth:The only person they would allow to be in the OR with the surgical team was daddy.
Nurses and helpers I don't want to forget:Amy (there were two of them), Tracy, Jen, Kymnberly - all nurses who cared for me during the hospital stay... and also cared about my anxiety over not being able to feed you. Specifically Amy, Jen and Kymnberly saw to it that we had an alternative feeding plan so you'd get something to eat since you weren't able to nurse right away.
How my husband coped in the delivery room:Rob sat at my side until baby Tony was born - then he took pictures and helped with cutting the umbilical cord. I was surprised he was such a trooper.
Who came to visit us?Katie, Tony and Elliott Sikkink, Julia Briese, Uncle Jeff, Grandma and Grandpa Lichner, Uncle John, Via and Corky.
Other good stories and interesting details about the baby's entry into the world:The first thing that I heard was laughter from the surgical team. It seems that the minute the little guy was out of the womb, he started to pee... giving the team delivering him a shower. I cried tears of joy the minute I heard him crying.
When they finally brought the baby around the curtain, he opened his little eyes and I fell in love. He was so cute in his little swaddle and hat... and his big eyes were wide open and ready to take in the world around him.
How I felt when I first saw him:I was absolutely overcome with happiness. He was so perfect, so sweet and so cuddly. I just couldn't stop tears of joy from spilling over my cheeks as they finally put him in my arms.
How it felt to hold him for the first time:I can't even begin to describe the feeling. They put the baby into my arms, he blinked his little eyes and yawned, and I fell in love in an instant.
He is absolutely the most beautiful and perfect little angel I have ever seen. He's so content... it's a true blessing to finally have him home and be able to hold him and give him all the love he deserves.
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