It has been over a year since I have posted anything. In fact I sometimes forget that I ever even started a blog in the first place. Not even sure if I even had that many followers, but oh well. So why am I here today? Honestly, I really do not know, so I am just going to give an update on the Garner crew.
Alexander is a week shy of being 18 months old. Time sure does fly when you are having fun. He is the typical toddler and I think the terrible twos have started a whole lot earlier than needed. I was really hoping that we would be the lucky ones and not have to experience it, but nope. Not happening. Alexander is walking, running and climbing all over the place. His vocabulary is growing each day and the things he says amazes me every time. He is definitely nowhere near making speeches yet, but I just love listening to him talk even though I may be the only one that understands him.
Robert and I find ourselves looking at each other and wonder where all the time has gone. He is growing up so fast and just seems to keep growing. One of these days I am not going to be able to lay down in bed and snuggle with Alexander so I guess I just need to make sure that I enjoy every moment with him.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Saturday, October 24, 2009
4 and a half months
My goodness. Where did the time go? Alexander is almost 4 and a half months old and I haven't updated this blog in 2 months. Sorry for all keeping up with us through this blog. I will try my best to update, but can't guarantee anything.
So, let's see what is there to share? There is so much, but I will choose a select few to share with everyone:
Overall, he is a great baby and does not cry very much. Most of the time he is just a happy go lucky kind of kid. Next month we will be traveling to California for Thanksgiving and I just hope and pray that he will be a great baby on the plane ride. Wish us luck. I will update with more pictures when I get a chance.
So, let's see what is there to share? There is so much, but I will choose a select few to share with everyone:
- At his 4 month check-up, Alexander weighed in at 13 pounds, 10 ounces, and 23.5 inches. He is still considered to be in the 25th percentile for his age (unadjusted age)
- He started eating solid baby food this past Monday (the 19th). His first food was pears. He loved them and hardly made a mess during his feeding
- On Wednesday (the 21st), he rolled over from his belly to his back 4 times with a little assitance from his stuffed toy elephant under his arms
- He is "talking" more and more with us. His smiles are truly genuine and I love listening to his laugh
- He attended his first wedding and was a great baby during the entire event. He also did great during his first night in a hotel room because of the wedding.
- We got his first professional portraits taken. They must have seen "sucker" written across my forehead because I ordered way more pictures than what was really needed.
- He is now sleeping in his own crib and has been for the last month. For the most part he is sleeping "through the night", but we still have a few select nights when he needs company during the night.
Overall, he is a great baby and does not cry very much. Most of the time he is just a happy go lucky kind of kid. Next month we will be traveling to California for Thanksgiving and I just hope and pray that he will be a great baby on the plane ride. Wish us luck. I will update with more pictures when I get a chance.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
August 25 - Going back to work
Yesterday, I went back to work for the first time since May 20th. It felt weird to be back in my classroom and a definite change from being at home with Alexander all day. I don't officially go back until September 8th. Robert and I decided that he would stay home with Alexander during the day while I was at work and then he would go do his jobs in the afternoon after I got home. If he gets any new landscaping jobs, he said he would only accept jobs that he could do in one weekend. I think it is for the best for a few reasons - we would be saving money on daycare and he will be at home with one of us instead of a stranger.
I know that there are millions of kids who go to daycare every single day and they are fine, but I just feel more comfortable knowing that he is being taken care of by one of his parents. Plus, since he was premature, I think I am a little more protective of him than I would have been if he was born at term (maybe). Also, if he goes to daycare and gets sick, I would have to take off work and take him to the doctor and take care of him. With Robert being available during the day, I don't have to worry about using a day of sick leave. Maybe next year, I might reconsider sending him to daycare. We shall see.
I know that there are millions of kids who go to daycare every single day and they are fine, but I just feel more comfortable knowing that he is being taken care of by one of his parents. Plus, since he was premature, I think I am a little more protective of him than I would have been if he was born at term (maybe). Also, if he goes to daycare and gets sick, I would have to take off work and take him to the doctor and take care of him. With Robert being available during the day, I don't have to worry about using a day of sick leave. Maybe next year, I might reconsider sending him to daycare. We shall see.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
August 22 - Where did the time go?
Where did the time go? I was vacuuming this morning and thought to myself - "Alexander is almost 10 weeks old." The next thought was "What? Wait. I have a 10 week old already?" Where did the time go.
I took him to his two month check up on the 14th and all looks well with him. He weighed in at 10lbs, 6oz and 22in. The doctor said he was in the 25th percentile for all his measurements and there was no need to worry about how he was growing. She also said he had very strong legs. I could have told her that. He used those strong legs to kick me while I was still pregnant! He also received his first round of vaccinations. I personally thought that I would cry when he got his shots because how much he would cry. Incredibly, I did not cry. Alexander was a trooper. He got a total of three shots. Once the first needle went in, he started crying. He stopped crying when the last needle came out. What a good boy!
My friend Kerri and her mom Dee came out to visit us this past week. While they were here, Alexander was nice and spoiled. Gotta love it! They got him some great toys and were here to witness a first for Alexander. While on tummy time on his activity mat, Alexander was laying with his face turned towards his left side. He then picked up his head and turned it towards the right side. It was great! I can't believe how much he is able to hold his head up now. He is also a scooter. While on his tummy, he loves to push his feet off of our hands and scoot across the mat. Pretty soon he will be able to push off on his own.
Our newest task is to now have Alexander sleep in his own crib in his own room. Since he has been home, he has slept in our room at night and in the pack and play in the living room during the day. I have put him in his crib a few times, but he only stays asleep for about 30-45 minutes. My goal is to have him "sleeping through the night" in his own room by the time I go back to work on September 8th. Wish us luck!
I took him to his two month check up on the 14th and all looks well with him. He weighed in at 10lbs, 6oz and 22in. The doctor said he was in the 25th percentile for all his measurements and there was no need to worry about how he was growing. She also said he had very strong legs. I could have told her that. He used those strong legs to kick me while I was still pregnant! He also received his first round of vaccinations. I personally thought that I would cry when he got his shots because how much he would cry. Incredibly, I did not cry. Alexander was a trooper. He got a total of three shots. Once the first needle went in, he started crying. He stopped crying when the last needle came out. What a good boy!
My friend Kerri and her mom Dee came out to visit us this past week. While they were here, Alexander was nice and spoiled. Gotta love it! They got him some great toys and were here to witness a first for Alexander. While on tummy time on his activity mat, Alexander was laying with his face turned towards his left side. He then picked up his head and turned it towards the right side. It was great! I can't believe how much he is able to hold his head up now. He is also a scooter. While on his tummy, he loves to push his feet off of our hands and scoot across the mat. Pretty soon he will be able to push off on his own.
Our newest task is to now have Alexander sleep in his own crib in his own room. Since he has been home, he has slept in our room at night and in the pack and play in the living room during the day. I have put him in his crib a few times, but he only stays asleep for about 30-45 minutes. My goal is to have him "sleeping through the night" in his own room by the time I go back to work on September 8th. Wish us luck!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Staying in the NICU
Back in November when I first found out I was pregnant, I fast forwarded in my mind to the day I got to meet my precious baby. Boy or girl - it did not make a difference. I imagined delivering my baby and the doctor putting my baby on my chest to clean him/her off and we would be able to bond right away. Then I would be able to nurse my baby and we would go home as soon as possible and start our life.
However, as you all know, that did not happen. I was hospitalized - I didn't get the chance to anticipate the last month wondering when my water would break. I was induced - I didn't get a chance to time my contractions to determine what time to leave for the hospital. Robert wasn't given the option to cut the umbilical cord - he was taken straight to the NICU nurses. Even though things did not go as planned, I still have my precious angel and that is all that matters.
I would give the NICU a grade of an "A". The nurses were great. There really was only one nurse that was questionable, but all of them were so good with him. It definitely takes a special person to work in the NICU with those babies. You really have to love your line of work in order to be a good nurse. Whenever we were there, they were always attentive to us and Alexander. They answered all the questions we had and if they did not know the answer to the questions, they would find out. Another plus was that we could call them at anytime of day or night and talk to his nurse. They actually encourage us to call and check on him anytime we wanted.
Being a parent of a child in the NICU, you find yourself talking to other parents. There is a special bond between parents of kids who have been in the NICU. Its like we are members of a special club that only certain people are allowed. Nobody knows how it is unless they have to go through it themself. Don't get me wrong. I appreciated all the prayers and special thoughts that were sent our way, but its not the same as someone who prays for us that has experienced it themself.
Also, I learned all kinds of different vocabulary. I can't seem to think of anything off the top of my head, but the doctors and nurses speak their own language there and you have to learn this language in order to understand what is going on with your child.
Ok, I am just rambling on here, but I just basically wanted to say that even though Alexander had to stay in the NICU for 19 days, it was all worth it to have my baby healthy and safe. It was just a small period of time in his life and now I am lucky enough to have him home with us.
However, as you all know, that did not happen. I was hospitalized - I didn't get the chance to anticipate the last month wondering when my water would break. I was induced - I didn't get a chance to time my contractions to determine what time to leave for the hospital. Robert wasn't given the option to cut the umbilical cord - he was taken straight to the NICU nurses. Even though things did not go as planned, I still have my precious angel and that is all that matters.
I would give the NICU a grade of an "A". The nurses were great. There really was only one nurse that was questionable, but all of them were so good with him. It definitely takes a special person to work in the NICU with those babies. You really have to love your line of work in order to be a good nurse. Whenever we were there, they were always attentive to us and Alexander. They answered all the questions we had and if they did not know the answer to the questions, they would find out. Another plus was that we could call them at anytime of day or night and talk to his nurse. They actually encourage us to call and check on him anytime we wanted.
Being a parent of a child in the NICU, you find yourself talking to other parents. There is a special bond between parents of kids who have been in the NICU. Its like we are members of a special club that only certain people are allowed. Nobody knows how it is unless they have to go through it themself. Don't get me wrong. I appreciated all the prayers and special thoughts that were sent our way, but its not the same as someone who prays for us that has experienced it themself.
Also, I learned all kinds of different vocabulary. I can't seem to think of anything off the top of my head, but the doctors and nurses speak their own language there and you have to learn this language in order to understand what is going on with your child.
Ok, I am just rambling on here, but I just basically wanted to say that even though Alexander had to stay in the NICU for 19 days, it was all worth it to have my baby healthy and safe. It was just a small period of time in his life and now I am lucky enough to have him home with us.
August 4 - So much has happened.
Wow, I can't believe is been over a month since I last updated. So much has happened since. Most of you already know this, but Alexander is home! He was able to come home on July 3rd - 35 weeks gestational age. While in the NICU, he progressed so well. He reached all the goals the doctor set for him at a faster rate than the doctor expected. I think he surprised everyone at how well he did. Let's see if I can summarize his stay in the NICU without going overboard - some of this is repeat information.:
That same day, Robert's mom, Teresa (Mimi), came to visit from Alabama. I was at the appointment with Alexander, so we met at a restaurant for lunch. The first time she set eyes on Alexander, I thought she was going to cry. I almost cried. You could see the love in her eyes. We did some shopping, but mainly just hung out at home during the visit. Teresa stayed until the 16th and I wish she didn't have to go back. She was so helpful when it came to feedings and diaper changes. She even took Alexander a few nights in her room so that Robert and I wouldn't have to get up in the middle of the night to feed him. I still had to get up and pump, but was able to go right back to sleep. I truly believed Alexander enjoyed the time with Mimi!
After she left, Robert and I had a week to ourselves before his dad and sister came out to visit. During that week, I spent my days just tending to Alexander. I would find myself just sitting there and staring at him. Next thing I know, I have been sitting there for over an hour. He is just the most perfect baby and I couldn't help myself.
Robert's dad, Robert, and sister, Becka came in on the Friday the 24th and left on Wednesday the 29th. Grandpa fell in love with him at first sight as well. At least that was the impression I got. During his visit, Robert was a great help. He helped clean out the garage so that I could park my car in there and helped with the backyard. Kind of felt bad that he spent his visit working, but he said that he enjoyed it. Overall the visit was great.
I am sure that both grandparents will be visiting us more often now.
Let's fast forward to the present. Alexander is pretty much an easy baby for now. I don't want to jinx anything. He does have his days and nights mixed up sometimes. For example, yesterday, he slept for most of the day. Didn't stay awake for too long. At his 2am feeding, he stayed awake and has just fallen asleep 20 minutes ago at 5am. I thought he had fallen asleep at 4am. I put him down and within 5 minutes he was wide awake. But all in all, he is doing just fine. He is eating around 3.5 oz now. I can't believe how quickly he progressed with his feedings. I did try breastfeeding, but it wasn't for me. I do pump and he does get breast milk and that is the important thing.
Ok, I have updated a little bit. I will try my best to do a better job, but Alexander does keep me busy as well as keeping up with household chores.
Pics to come soon. Until next time...
- After week 1, he was extubated - yay! No more breathing tube. It was amazing to see him without a tube running down his throat. He let out a little cry and it was the most amazing sound I had heard.
- Afterwards, he was given a nasal canula to help him breath. He started out at 5L of oxygen flow, but as the week progressed, he was able to breath room air on his own.
- When his tube was removed, he was able to start feeding. He started out at 15 ml and by the time he left, he was taking around 60 ml. I couldn't believe it. We tried breastfeeding, but I just wasn't comfortable while in the NICU and he just wasn't having it.
- The second to last day he was there, they ran a battery of tests and everything looked great. The doctor thought he heard a heart murmur and had an echocardiograph (sp?) to check. Everything looked fine. He said there was a branch that was a little small, but would most likely get bigger as he got bigger. They also moved him from the NICU to the CCU (Continuing Care Unit). It is basically a "feed and grow" room.
- The doctor discharged him on Friday, July 3rd and it was one of the happiest days in my life. I was nervous at the same time as well. He had been under the care of the nurses and doctors for so long, I was afraid of what would happen to him once he got out of their care, but was so happy to have him at home with us.
That same day, Robert's mom, Teresa (Mimi), came to visit from Alabama. I was at the appointment with Alexander, so we met at a restaurant for lunch. The first time she set eyes on Alexander, I thought she was going to cry. I almost cried. You could see the love in her eyes. We did some shopping, but mainly just hung out at home during the visit. Teresa stayed until the 16th and I wish she didn't have to go back. She was so helpful when it came to feedings and diaper changes. She even took Alexander a few nights in her room so that Robert and I wouldn't have to get up in the middle of the night to feed him. I still had to get up and pump, but was able to go right back to sleep. I truly believed Alexander enjoyed the time with Mimi!
After she left, Robert and I had a week to ourselves before his dad and sister came out to visit. During that week, I spent my days just tending to Alexander. I would find myself just sitting there and staring at him. Next thing I know, I have been sitting there for over an hour. He is just the most perfect baby and I couldn't help myself.
Robert's dad, Robert, and sister, Becka came in on the Friday the 24th and left on Wednesday the 29th. Grandpa fell in love with him at first sight as well. At least that was the impression I got. During his visit, Robert was a great help. He helped clean out the garage so that I could park my car in there and helped with the backyard. Kind of felt bad that he spent his visit working, but he said that he enjoyed it. Overall the visit was great.
I am sure that both grandparents will be visiting us more often now.
Let's fast forward to the present. Alexander is pretty much an easy baby for now. I don't want to jinx anything. He does have his days and nights mixed up sometimes. For example, yesterday, he slept for most of the day. Didn't stay awake for too long. At his 2am feeding, he stayed awake and has just fallen asleep 20 minutes ago at 5am. I thought he had fallen asleep at 4am. I put him down and within 5 minutes he was wide awake. But all in all, he is doing just fine. He is eating around 3.5 oz now. I can't believe how quickly he progressed with his feedings. I did try breastfeeding, but it wasn't for me. I do pump and he does get breast milk and that is the important thing.
Ok, I have updated a little bit. I will try my best to do a better job, but Alexander does keep me busy as well as keeping up with household chores.
Pics to come soon. Until next time...
Monday, June 22, 2009
Happy One Week Birthday Alexander!
Dear Alexander,
Happy one week birthday darling! I can't believe that you were born a week ago. Last week, I was laying in my postpartum room recovering from your birth. Even though I was in pain, it was worth every single moment of it. It is still hard to believe that I am your mom and you are my son.
You have had a pretty rough week, but this weekend you made some amazing improvements. Let's see what all has happened.
Sunday night - you were given a shot to help your lungs developed and were given a breathing tube.
Monday and Tuesday - still on breathing tube and oxygen levels were not where the doctor wanted it to be.
Wednesday - put on nitrous oxide to help the blood vessels in your lungs open up. I didn't know that was how nitrous oxide affected your blood vessels.
Thursday - placed under bililights to treat jaundice
Friday - taken off nitrous oxide and bililights
Saturday - breathing tube removed (woohoo!), moved to a crib, and first feeding of breastmilk. Mommy and daddy both got to hold you and try to feed you. This was daddy's first time to hold you. He looked so proud.
Sunday - placed back on bililights. Feeding just fine - up to 23ml as of 11pm.
Even though your breathing tube was removed, you still have a supply of oxygen running through your nose. The nurse said that once that tube is able to be removed, it will be shortly after that you will be able to come home as long as everything else is still looking good. I am hoping that your heart rate does not drop anytime soon. If it does drop, then you have a guaranteed stay of at least another 7-10 days. Pretty much things are riding on you to determine when you will leave the hospital.
I just want you to know that you are the love of my life right now. It kills me inside to know that there really isn't too much I can do to help you progress any faster, but I know that you are where you need to be to get healthy. Until next time.
I will always love you,
Your Mommy
Happy one week birthday darling! I can't believe that you were born a week ago. Last week, I was laying in my postpartum room recovering from your birth. Even though I was in pain, it was worth every single moment of it. It is still hard to believe that I am your mom and you are my son.
You have had a pretty rough week, but this weekend you made some amazing improvements. Let's see what all has happened.
Sunday night - you were given a shot to help your lungs developed and were given a breathing tube.
Monday and Tuesday - still on breathing tube and oxygen levels were not where the doctor wanted it to be.
Wednesday - put on nitrous oxide to help the blood vessels in your lungs open up. I didn't know that was how nitrous oxide affected your blood vessels.
Thursday - placed under bililights to treat jaundice
Friday - taken off nitrous oxide and bililights
Saturday - breathing tube removed (woohoo!), moved to a crib, and first feeding of breastmilk. Mommy and daddy both got to hold you and try to feed you. This was daddy's first time to hold you. He looked so proud.
Sunday - placed back on bililights. Feeding just fine - up to 23ml as of 11pm.
Even though your breathing tube was removed, you still have a supply of oxygen running through your nose. The nurse said that once that tube is able to be removed, it will be shortly after that you will be able to come home as long as everything else is still looking good. I am hoping that your heart rate does not drop anytime soon. If it does drop, then you have a guaranteed stay of at least another 7-10 days. Pretty much things are riding on you to determine when you will leave the hospital.
I just want you to know that you are the love of my life right now. It kills me inside to know that there really isn't too much I can do to help you progress any faster, but I know that you are where you need to be to get healthy. Until next time.
I will always love you,
Your Mommy
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