We got a call from the doctor's office and Linden's second newborn screen is normal! Wahoo!
So, other than a near choking on spit up last night, we are fine! I see why it is important to know CPR! We didn't need it but, it was scary!
Saige is adjusting...well, like a 14 month old! She wants to sit in my lap when I am nursing and me to hold her when I am changing Linden's diaper. If I can't hold her right at that minute then she moves on to Norma our help! She picks her up and Saige nuzzles into her neck...kill me why don't you? I am grateful she has Norma to love her and to love...but, for me, it is somewhat painful...but necessary! The more folks she has in her life to love her...the better!
Ethan is adjusting as well. He tends to act out with Todd more than anyone. I know it is hard to share Todd. Ethan adores the time they have together so having another little person to share...not so easy. Todd is great about spending quality time everyday with him although you would think he never did, according to Ethan. I believe it is a blessing that we have two girls...don't know how Ethan would have been with a boy...Todd doing guy things with someone else...UGH!
I am healing well! I do a bit too much and I ache a bit, but nothing to report. Medication is working nicely and my appetite is back! Good and bad...
My sister and neice came to visit this weekend which was such a wonderful gift. I rested a lot! Julie did a few night time feedings which was glorious! I feel like a new woman when I get a bit of sleep! Grace and Ethan had a great time in the world of video games and spyology training!
Both girls are asleep...so I am catching up...or at least trying. Love to you and yours!
Dr. visit for both me, Saige and Linden coming up!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Thyroid? Now what?
Got a call from our pediatrician this afternoon. Every baby has a newborn screen that goes to the state lab. Linden's first screen showed she has some abnormality concerning her thyroid. They did another newborn screen right before she left the NICU so the Dr. is calling to find out what the second test said. If it is the same as the first they will run a third. Most of the time these types of things correct themselves with time outside the womb. I have to remember she isn't supposed to be here yet! Pray for great results and I will keep you posted.
Otherwise, we are all settling in fine. I have felt close to my old self...if I can remember what that is??? I have been in bed, what feels like two years...at home keeping germs from my babies for part of that time too. IT will be super to be out and about among the rest of you soon!
Love, K
Otherwise, we are all settling in fine. I have felt close to my old self...if I can remember what that is??? I have been in bed, what feels like two years...at home keeping germs from my babies for part of that time too. IT will be super to be out and about among the rest of you soon!
Love, K
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
What a season!!!
What a season this has been for our family. We happily packed up our Holiday gear...ready to get back to normal!
For those of you who didn't know...Linden came home on New Year's Day! I went to the hospital for a feeding and ended up home one hour later with the newest addition to our family! Hence, not a chance to write...if not feeding Linden or playing with Saige...i am ASLEEP!
A few rocky days to start but, all is smoothing out. I know why we as mothers have amnesia after birth...we would never do it again!
Linden is doing well. She is a bit slow with feeding and Daddy helps her along with all the tools they taught us in the NICU. She is nursing and bottle feeding so I can get a stretch of sleep at times.
Ethan came home on January 3rd and Saige and Todd waited outside once we knew they were in the neighborhood. Saige ran (waddled) to greet him and he picked her up and she buried her head in his shoulder. She missed him more than we knew! He raced in to see Linden, held her immediately (washed hands of course) and helped give her a bottle.
Saige is not so sure about Linden. The first few days she was afraid to touch her. She would look and do her sign language for baby, but, that was it. Now, she wants to sit on my lap while I feed her, hold her and poke every open hole she has on her head! Saige is fine if I am holding Linden but, if Todd is....watch out. She does not like to share her daddy at all!!! There is a lot of whining and holding going on here. I suppose I didn't think Saige would mind because of her age...guess again!
In short, we are all fairing fine...just the normal sleep deprived. We are looking forward to my sister and her daughter coming to help this weekend and Todd's mom arrives for two weeks on the 15th of January! We are so grateful.
Get your flu shots, wash your hands and maybe you can see Linden! I am a germ freak until the first 90 days are over. Ethan and Todd change clothes if they have been out all day...did you know that is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick...especially your school kids? Germs are on your clothes? Our hands are raw from washing and Purell, but, all worth it. We have to get through this first 90 days without illness....or we are back at the hospital. Todd and I even got the whooping cough vaccine...crazy! yet, her lungs are so fragile still...we must do our part!
OHHH...We went for Linden's check up Monday and she is 7lbs 5 oz and grew 3/4 of an inch. Her lungs and heart sound good! We will go again in one week for a weight check. So far so good!
Thank you for your continued support and love, Kristen
For those of you who didn't know...Linden came home on New Year's Day! I went to the hospital for a feeding and ended up home one hour later with the newest addition to our family! Hence, not a chance to write...if not feeding Linden or playing with Saige...i am ASLEEP!
A few rocky days to start but, all is smoothing out. I know why we as mothers have amnesia after birth...we would never do it again!
Linden is doing well. She is a bit slow with feeding and Daddy helps her along with all the tools they taught us in the NICU. She is nursing and bottle feeding so I can get a stretch of sleep at times.
Ethan came home on January 3rd and Saige and Todd waited outside once we knew they were in the neighborhood. Saige ran (waddled) to greet him and he picked her up and she buried her head in his shoulder. She missed him more than we knew! He raced in to see Linden, held her immediately (washed hands of course) and helped give her a bottle.
Saige is not so sure about Linden. The first few days she was afraid to touch her. She would look and do her sign language for baby, but, that was it. Now, she wants to sit on my lap while I feed her, hold her and poke every open hole she has on her head! Saige is fine if I am holding Linden but, if Todd is....watch out. She does not like to share her daddy at all!!! There is a lot of whining and holding going on here. I suppose I didn't think Saige would mind because of her age...guess again!
In short, we are all fairing fine...just the normal sleep deprived. We are looking forward to my sister and her daughter coming to help this weekend and Todd's mom arrives for two weeks on the 15th of January! We are so grateful.
Get your flu shots, wash your hands and maybe you can see Linden! I am a germ freak until the first 90 days are over. Ethan and Todd change clothes if they have been out all day...did you know that is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick...especially your school kids? Germs are on your clothes? Our hands are raw from washing and Purell, but, all worth it. We have to get through this first 90 days without illness....or we are back at the hospital. Todd and I even got the whooping cough vaccine...crazy! yet, her lungs are so fragile still...we must do our part!
OHHH...We went for Linden's check up Monday and she is 7lbs 5 oz and grew 3/4 of an inch. Her lungs and heart sound good! We will go again in one week for a weight check. So far so good!
Thank you for your continued support and love, Kristen
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
BOOOOOO!!!
Just talked to the nurse in the NICU. No baby Linden today! Booo HOO! They are waiting on test results so MABYE tomorrow!
Happy New Year! December 31, 2008
What a new year it is for our family! Saige is walking all the time and pushing her toys around! She has been taking a few steps for months, but NOW, she is a walker! She is so proud of her new accomplishments too! Funny to think we know how to be proud at such a young age!
Well, I am feeling better, doesn't hurt to cough or laugh...can pick up SAIGE!!! I officially have one more week of no driving and no picking up...yet, the doctor is so impressed with my recovery. He knew I wouldn't be able to stop from lifting that sweet Saige so, he just told me it would hurt but my guts wouldn't fall out...so not to worry. Had a check up yesterday and all is well...minus a long scar on my abdomen...UGH! Not like I am wearing bikinis anyway these days!
Monday was the first time I was able to attempt to breast feed Linden...she slept instead. Monday night and Tuesday early morning she drank all of her milk at each feeding so yesterday they took our her feeding tube. Oh, that sweet face without any tape or tubes. So, yesterday at 2pm feeding she breastfed like a champ and I went back again at night and she did so well! She successfully did all of her feedings in the night! So, Todd went this morning and they said she might be able to go home TODAY! I have Saige and all of our helpers are not in town and Norma is on vacation for the holiday...wouldn't you know it. We have no one here to help until Friday..which will be just fine. It will give us a few days to settle in as a family...minus big brother who is currently having a ball in Michigan with Fafa and Saba! He will be home Sunday!
So, Todd took the car seat up to the hospital for the "car seat challenge." It is when they put a baby in their seat and monitor them for an hour. Sometimes, premature babies get squished in the seat and slump over and have a hard time breathing. So, Linden must pass this test before we can take her home. It was a riot getting out Saige's barely used infant seat and setting it from the largest size to the smallest belt size. Saige outgrew that seat in minutes....she needed a lazyboy carseat...the oversized kind...we now have two.
So, barring any complications...Linden will be here tonight! Wahoo! Saige and I will meet Todd up at the hospital in just a few short hours. Can't believe the road we have traveled, yet, it is our road, our memories and how sweet they are.
Continue to pray for healing for our family, peace and rest. We are overdone!
Much love to you and yours,
Kristen
Well, I am feeling better, doesn't hurt to cough or laugh...can pick up SAIGE!!! I officially have one more week of no driving and no picking up...yet, the doctor is so impressed with my recovery. He knew I wouldn't be able to stop from lifting that sweet Saige so, he just told me it would hurt but my guts wouldn't fall out...so not to worry. Had a check up yesterday and all is well...minus a long scar on my abdomen...UGH! Not like I am wearing bikinis anyway these days!
Monday was the first time I was able to attempt to breast feed Linden...she slept instead. Monday night and Tuesday early morning she drank all of her milk at each feeding so yesterday they took our her feeding tube. Oh, that sweet face without any tape or tubes. So, yesterday at 2pm feeding she breastfed like a champ and I went back again at night and she did so well! She successfully did all of her feedings in the night! So, Todd went this morning and they said she might be able to go home TODAY! I have Saige and all of our helpers are not in town and Norma is on vacation for the holiday...wouldn't you know it. We have no one here to help until Friday..which will be just fine. It will give us a few days to settle in as a family...minus big brother who is currently having a ball in Michigan with Fafa and Saba! He will be home Sunday!
So, Todd took the car seat up to the hospital for the "car seat challenge." It is when they put a baby in their seat and monitor them for an hour. Sometimes, premature babies get squished in the seat and slump over and have a hard time breathing. So, Linden must pass this test before we can take her home. It was a riot getting out Saige's barely used infant seat and setting it from the largest size to the smallest belt size. Saige outgrew that seat in minutes....she needed a lazyboy carseat...the oversized kind...we now have two.
So, barring any complications...Linden will be here tonight! Wahoo! Saige and I will meet Todd up at the hospital in just a few short hours. Can't believe the road we have traveled, yet, it is our road, our memories and how sweet they are.
Continue to pray for healing for our family, peace and rest. We are overdone!
Much love to you and yours,
Kristen
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Another very long week! December 28, 2008
Friends and Family,
This is the first time I have felt like writing. I will try to to fill you in...a lot has happened.
Linden had to have her tube put back in late Sunday or Monday. She just wasn't ready to be without it. She looked so much better with it in...her color and her tiny chest wasn't working as hard. I was sad but relieved once I saw her. They weaned her slowly down off the tube to a nasal cannula and all of her oxygen support...and the best Christmas gift of NO OXYGEN! Yet, they tested her secretions from her lungs and he has EColi bacteria growing in her trachea area...not exactly sure. Since she was already on antibiotics they continued with a longer course. AND...the saddest part was she had to have a spinal tap on Christmas to make sure the infection hadn't spread to her brain! UGH! I was a mess! I couldn't talk about it without crying. So far, all cultures are negative and they watch them for 5 days...so, we are mostly in the clear! Wahoo!
Also on the 25th, they began feeding her my milk! Wahoo! That is where the magic happens! It is liquid gold! I remember Saige and the difference in her with just a few feedings...I wonder if they are starving?? Anyway, today Todd went to feed her and do Kangaroo Care and she looks so wonderful. We take turns going, doing Kangaroo Care and feeding her. She isn't able to finish a bottle so they are giving the remainder milk in her feeding tube.
Last night I went and she slept so hard on my chest...so sweet it is!
Back to my health update. Dr. Jackson and Dr. Roberts came in on Monday am and said the pathology was I had placenta accreta. That is where the placenta grows into the uterine wall. Rare, yet leave it to the Jureks to have all the odds! It is possible that the placenta can grow past the uterus to other organs too...YUCK! So, the remedy...Hysterectomy. I was in so much pain, and have suffered a bit with these pregnancies..it wasn't a hard decision. Pretty much...didn't have a choice. While my dr. was discussing it with us, he had already sent for them to pick me up for surgery...he knew the decision we would make. We had a laugh...Todd said, "When are we having the surgery?" Dr, Jackson..."they are on the way to pick up Kristen." So, Ididn't have much "sinking in" time. So, a pre-op freak out happened...only to be fixed with a stern conversation from Dr. Jackson and sedation!
The surgery went well and the dr. said it needed to be done, just looking at my uterus! So, I was in the hospital until Christmas eve...excrutiating pain. They had to do an incision instead of vaginally because of just giving birth. Too risky...too much blood loss the other way.
I am feeling much better and moving a bit easier. Now I know why they call your abdominals, "CORE" muscles...OUCH! I can just now cough without crying, laugh without crying....but, still wince a bit. Feeling a bit sad today about not being able to have more kids. I have always wanted a houseful! So, we are thrilled with our three and loving our time with all of them.
Today, we were told Linden could come home by next Saturday. Yet, we have learned not to get our hopes up! We want her to take all the time she needs. Get to try and breastfeed tonight!
If I ever set up my itunes I will post photos from my phone. She looks so beautiful!
Thank you for continued prayers and calls!
Thanks to my girl Laura for coming over on Christmas and Heather and Meredith for stopping by on Friday...made me feel like a normal human!
Love to you and yours, Kristen
This is the first time I have felt like writing. I will try to to fill you in...a lot has happened.
Linden had to have her tube put back in late Sunday or Monday. She just wasn't ready to be without it. She looked so much better with it in...her color and her tiny chest wasn't working as hard. I was sad but relieved once I saw her. They weaned her slowly down off the tube to a nasal cannula and all of her oxygen support...and the best Christmas gift of NO OXYGEN! Yet, they tested her secretions from her lungs and he has EColi bacteria growing in her trachea area...not exactly sure. Since she was already on antibiotics they continued with a longer course. AND...the saddest part was she had to have a spinal tap on Christmas to make sure the infection hadn't spread to her brain! UGH! I was a mess! I couldn't talk about it without crying. So far, all cultures are negative and they watch them for 5 days...so, we are mostly in the clear! Wahoo!
Also on the 25th, they began feeding her my milk! Wahoo! That is where the magic happens! It is liquid gold! I remember Saige and the difference in her with just a few feedings...I wonder if they are starving?? Anyway, today Todd went to feed her and do Kangaroo Care and she looks so wonderful. We take turns going, doing Kangaroo Care and feeding her. She isn't able to finish a bottle so they are giving the remainder milk in her feeding tube.
Last night I went and she slept so hard on my chest...so sweet it is!
Back to my health update. Dr. Jackson and Dr. Roberts came in on Monday am and said the pathology was I had placenta accreta. That is where the placenta grows into the uterine wall. Rare, yet leave it to the Jureks to have all the odds! It is possible that the placenta can grow past the uterus to other organs too...YUCK! So, the remedy...Hysterectomy. I was in so much pain, and have suffered a bit with these pregnancies..it wasn't a hard decision. Pretty much...didn't have a choice. While my dr. was discussing it with us, he had already sent for them to pick me up for surgery...he knew the decision we would make. We had a laugh...Todd said, "When are we having the surgery?" Dr, Jackson..."they are on the way to pick up Kristen." So, Ididn't have much "sinking in" time. So, a pre-op freak out happened...only to be fixed with a stern conversation from Dr. Jackson and sedation!
The surgery went well and the dr. said it needed to be done, just looking at my uterus! So, I was in the hospital until Christmas eve...excrutiating pain. They had to do an incision instead of vaginally because of just giving birth. Too risky...too much blood loss the other way.
I am feeling much better and moving a bit easier. Now I know why they call your abdominals, "CORE" muscles...OUCH! I can just now cough without crying, laugh without crying....but, still wince a bit. Feeling a bit sad today about not being able to have more kids. I have always wanted a houseful! So, we are thrilled with our three and loving our time with all of them.
Today, we were told Linden could come home by next Saturday. Yet, we have learned not to get our hopes up! We want her to take all the time she needs. Get to try and breastfeed tonight!
If I ever set up my itunes I will post photos from my phone. She looks so beautiful!
Thank you for continued prayers and calls!
Thanks to my girl Laura for coming over on Christmas and Heather and Meredith for stopping by on Friday...made me feel like a normal human!
Love to you and yours, Kristen
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Playing catch up....December 21st 9:30pm
Friends and Family,
Our road has been full of twists and turns this week, that is for sure. I am not sure where I have left off.
I will start with the fighter baby, Linden!
I saw her 5 times today since I am sharing the same home. The first time I went this morning with Todd, there was no change...30% on average oxygen 35 breaths per minute and pressure 30-32. All medication, i.e., anitbiotics, dopamine, sedation meds were stopped. She has her last sedation yesterday at 10 am. Todd and I were nervous that she may be uncomfortable with the vent tube in her mouth. She also has a feeding tube which also is in her mouth. I was so afraid of her being uncomfortable. Yet, the nurses told me, he blood pressure, etc. would reflect pain and as of today, she has not needed any sedation or pain meds. Wahoo!
How I saw her five times...
Yesterday, in the mid morning I started having pain again in my abdomen. I took the pain medication..which makes me nervous...and it worked so I went on with my day. I relaxed, rested, played and cooked 7 layer bars....don't worry, it takes 5 minutes, literally. We got the bay to bed, along with mom, dad and ethan...then it hit like a ton of bricks.
It was instant, excrutiating pain in my abdomen. I had taken pain meds 15 minutes before the episode...hoping to fight it off. But, it grabbed hold of me...so painful, so many tears, I couldn't get out of bed to walk to the car, or for Todd to carry me. I started trembling and Todd called the ambulance. I scared him...I was scared.
The ambulance brought me to the hospital and the pain meds started to kick in. ..so I was ready to go home and forget it happened...not Todd. He was not going home until we had an answer. So, another ultrasound showed there was tissue in my uterus still. Actually, the ultrasound from Thursday was identical, which means he didn't get the tissue out, it might be grown into the wall of my uterus...UGH!
So, I was admitted to the hospital overnight to meet with the doctor on call this morning. Todd stayed with me as well. Mom and Dad were still at in town so the other kiddos had no clue what was going on.
This morning Dr. Roberts came in and said she would schedule me another D&C today. We are to get the pathology back on Thursday's procedure Monday which would tell us if I had placenta accreta...that is when the placent grows into the uterus. If that is the case I will need a hysterectomy tomorrow. So, instead of two surgeries, they are managing my pain with a morphine pump...wahoo...and we will know in the morning the pathology and make some decisions. Haven't been feeling good...therefore, not in a blogging mood...
Back to Linden...SOOOOO, the last time I saw her around 5 pm with Mom...HER EYES were OPEN!!! She looked right at me, she followed our voices with her sweet eyes...which we think are blue. She let us talk to her, touch her and sing to her. It was the sweetest moment...i remember the same moment with Saige. God is so good. Her eyes would roll about her head...and then focus right on me. So amazing...he oxygen was 30 or less, pressure 30 and 20 breaths per minute...all awesome. Her blood gases were excellent! Made my day! I figured out today that I just hadn't felt she was turning the corner so it was so hard to be optimistic...she was so swollen, so still...didn't look like she was mine. NOW, she looks like my baby!!! Linden is kicking her legs, they are moving her from side to side, which she likes and the latest news...
SHE PULLED OUT HER TUBE! i guess she had enough of that vent tube...yanked that sucker out! The nurse said 98% of the time they don' thave to put it back in! They put her on a c-pap machine which will force air into her lungs but, she won't need oxygen support...so far.
So, we just have this health hurdle for me, and it seems Linden is taking control of her own health.
I am so pumped!!1 We are so exhausted, we haven't been returning calls, just bear with us. We are so tired of talking about it, not sleeping and worrying...we just don' thave the energy...well, I have some but , not much.
Pray for me...I am scared about the surgery. Going under...with three kids waiting for me...not liking it at all. Funny how that changes when your responsibilites are different. Pray for Linden's continuing recovery...for Ethan and Saige...that they remember me!!!
Love you, must go to bed, K
All typos and jumbled info...blame the morphine.
Our road has been full of twists and turns this week, that is for sure. I am not sure where I have left off.
I will start with the fighter baby, Linden!
I saw her 5 times today since I am sharing the same home. The first time I went this morning with Todd, there was no change...30% on average oxygen 35 breaths per minute and pressure 30-32. All medication, i.e., anitbiotics, dopamine, sedation meds were stopped. She has her last sedation yesterday at 10 am. Todd and I were nervous that she may be uncomfortable with the vent tube in her mouth. She also has a feeding tube which also is in her mouth. I was so afraid of her being uncomfortable. Yet, the nurses told me, he blood pressure, etc. would reflect pain and as of today, she has not needed any sedation or pain meds. Wahoo!
How I saw her five times...
Yesterday, in the mid morning I started having pain again in my abdomen. I took the pain medication..which makes me nervous...and it worked so I went on with my day. I relaxed, rested, played and cooked 7 layer bars....don't worry, it takes 5 minutes, literally. We got the bay to bed, along with mom, dad and ethan...then it hit like a ton of bricks.
It was instant, excrutiating pain in my abdomen. I had taken pain meds 15 minutes before the episode...hoping to fight it off. But, it grabbed hold of me...so painful, so many tears, I couldn't get out of bed to walk to the car, or for Todd to carry me. I started trembling and Todd called the ambulance. I scared him...I was scared.
The ambulance brought me to the hospital and the pain meds started to kick in. ..so I was ready to go home and forget it happened...not Todd. He was not going home until we had an answer. So, another ultrasound showed there was tissue in my uterus still. Actually, the ultrasound from Thursday was identical, which means he didn't get the tissue out, it might be grown into the wall of my uterus...UGH!
So, I was admitted to the hospital overnight to meet with the doctor on call this morning. Todd stayed with me as well. Mom and Dad were still at in town so the other kiddos had no clue what was going on.
This morning Dr. Roberts came in and said she would schedule me another D&C today. We are to get the pathology back on Thursday's procedure Monday which would tell us if I had placenta accreta...that is when the placent grows into the uterus. If that is the case I will need a hysterectomy tomorrow. So, instead of two surgeries, they are managing my pain with a morphine pump...wahoo...and we will know in the morning the pathology and make some decisions. Haven't been feeling good...therefore, not in a blogging mood...
Back to Linden...SOOOOO, the last time I saw her around 5 pm with Mom...HER EYES were OPEN!!! She looked right at me, she followed our voices with her sweet eyes...which we think are blue. She let us talk to her, touch her and sing to her. It was the sweetest moment...i remember the same moment with Saige. God is so good. Her eyes would roll about her head...and then focus right on me. So amazing...he oxygen was 30 or less, pressure 30 and 20 breaths per minute...all awesome. Her blood gases were excellent! Made my day! I figured out today that I just hadn't felt she was turning the corner so it was so hard to be optimistic...she was so swollen, so still...didn't look like she was mine. NOW, she looks like my baby!!! Linden is kicking her legs, they are moving her from side to side, which she likes and the latest news...
SHE PULLED OUT HER TUBE! i guess she had enough of that vent tube...yanked that sucker out! The nurse said 98% of the time they don' thave to put it back in! They put her on a c-pap machine which will force air into her lungs but, she won't need oxygen support...so far.
So, we just have this health hurdle for me, and it seems Linden is taking control of her own health.
I am so pumped!!1 We are so exhausted, we haven't been returning calls, just bear with us. We are so tired of talking about it, not sleeping and worrying...we just don' thave the energy...well, I have some but , not much.
Pray for me...I am scared about the surgery. Going under...with three kids waiting for me...not liking it at all. Funny how that changes when your responsibilites are different. Pray for Linden's continuing recovery...for Ethan and Saige...that they remember me!!!
Love you, must go to bed, K
All typos and jumbled info...blame the morphine.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)