Today both kiddos had appointments at the pediatrician.
Anna's was just a weight check. She is now 8lbs 8.5oz. She will be weighed again in two weeks. The doctor was comfortable with her weight gain rate. No news with her VSD, the doctor still heard the murmur so that means it's still there.
Brice had a big appointment today for his four year check-up. Weighed, measured, screened, interviewed and vaccinated!! He is 43.6 pounds (93%tile) and 43.5 inches tall (97%tile). He is a square! Just kidding. He did very well on the hearing and vision screening. At first he had trouble understanding the directions of the vision test but then told the nurse, "Actually, I do understand." and proceeded to answer the test correctly. The nurse looked at Justin and said, "Did he just say actually?"! After that the nurse asked us a million questions about his everyday life. Nothing exciting there. The pediatrician examined him and everything looks great. Then poor Brice had to get FOUR SHOTS!!! Justin stayed with him and I took Anna out to the car to feed her. Justin said he was the bravest kid and cried hard with the first one, but then took each one a little better. He got two shots in each arm-OUCH! Brice does not like blood or anything to do with the medical field, unless it is pretend! Usually he does not want a band-aid if he gets a cut, I guess because it reminds him of the injury. But, he still has his band-aids on his arms and won't let me get near him. So, I guess his little arms are sore. He finally let me give him some Motrin because he did tell me his band-aid was hurting him. He got to go to the "treasure box" after his shots and got a pretend camera and plastic dinosaur. More crap-hooray. But, I guess he deserves it, huh? And, no more shots til he's eleven. Unless, of course, the American Academy of Pediatrics comes up with some new vaccine in between now and then.
So, I have a lot to be thankful for today. Two healthy kids who are happy almost all of the time. And a husband who was kind enough to help me out by going with me to the doctor with two kids despite his crazy work schedule. Thanks, sweetie!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Fun Dip and Hair Bows
Here are some pictures from the past week. I was able to put a bow in Anna's hair. Like Justin said, this is something I've wanted to do for years; fix my little girl's hair! She looked so girly and sweet. And then Brice got some Fun Dip from school (Valentine's) and the one flavor was green apple. It was disgusting! Of course, he thought it was hilarious to have a bright green tongue. School this past week went well for him. Anna tends to cry in carpool line so as soon as I picked him up on Friday, he asked when he could go back to school to get away from the crying! She is usually ready for a nap at drop off and pick up time. Brice also picked up a cold at preschool-otherwise known as the petri dish! So, Justin took him to Lake Hartwell for the weekend to keep him away from Anna. Brice enjoyed his one-on-one time with Nana and Pa! Other than that, nothing really exciting going on.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Happy Birthday, Mom!
Happy Birthday to my Mom who is one of the most wonderful people I know. We talk on the phone daily, sometimes more than that. She would do anything for me and my sister. She is a good Catholic. She takes care of her parents who live in St. Louis. She takes care of my Dad who also takes care of her. She is a wonderful Grandma. She will listen to every little detail of my life no matter how busy she is and when I know she would rather be doing something else. She is an excellent seamstress. She is also very good at decorating. She loves Manhattans with a cherry in them. She keeps Findley Oaks Elementary School running. She loves to walk and catch up with friends. She has always been there for me and I love her!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!! I LOVE YOU.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Birthday "Present", Birthdays Past
Some pictures from the birthday celebration as well as his first birthday
We had a wonderful birthday party for Brice on Sunday with the family here. Brice truly enjoyed being the center of attention once again. Anna has kind of stolen his thunder since her arrival! I could not be more proud of Brice. He is such a wonderful kid, generous, sweet, smart, easy on the eyes, and just happy. I always wanted a little boy because they are so funny. Brice makes me laugh daily and usually more than that with his witty comments. I will never forget the day he was born after such a long labor and delivery. His cry was the most wonderful sound I could here after fourteen hours of labor, three of those trying to push him out. And then when I saw his face for the first time, I couldn't believe how cute he was. I had prepared myself for a smushed newborn face but he wasn't, he was perfect and still is. How truly blessed I am to have him in my life. HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY BRICE! I love you.
Getting ready to blow the candles out
Squirt guns!
A new bean bag chair
The "loot" from Mom and Dad
His first birthday
His Birth-Day
Brice making us a family!
We had a wonderful birthday party for Brice on Sunday with the family here. Brice truly enjoyed being the center of attention once again. Anna has kind of stolen his thunder since her arrival! I could not be more proud of Brice. He is such a wonderful kid, generous, sweet, smart, easy on the eyes, and just happy. I always wanted a little boy because they are so funny. Brice makes me laugh daily and usually more than that with his witty comments. I will never forget the day he was born after such a long labor and delivery. His cry was the most wonderful sound I could here after fourteen hours of labor, three of those trying to push him out. And then when I saw his face for the first time, I couldn't believe how cute he was. I had prepared myself for a smushed newborn face but he wasn't, he was perfect and still is. How truly blessed I am to have him in my life. HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY BRICE! I love you.
Getting ready to blow the candles out
Squirt guns!
A new bean bag chair
The "loot" from Mom and Dad
His first birthday
His Birth-Day
Brice making us a family!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
My Little Pirate
Tomorrow is Brice's Pirate Party for his 4th birthday. I can't believe he's going to be four years old. He has become such a little person, no longer a toddler, no longer the dependent child. He is pretty much self sufficient with everything around the house. Sometimes to the point of doing things he shouldn't be doing by himself. He is so excited to have a pirate cake and open all of his presents! I will share pictures over the next couple of days. His actual birthday is on Monday, the 16th. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SWEET BOY!!!!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Lucky 13
Since today is Friday the 13th, I just thought I would post something about how LUCKY the number 13 has been for us.
June 13, 1997- Justin and I graduated from high school
August 13, 2001- Started my job at Northside
April 13, 2002- Justin and I got married
June 13, 2004- Found out we were pregnant with Brice
Anna and her 13's- apparently this is her number too
May 13 2008- First ultrasound
August 13, 2008- Found out she was a GIRL!
December 13, 2008-Birthday (which she shares with Grandad)
5:13am-birth time
ER room when taken to hospital -13!
Also, my sister's birthday is July 13th so all in all we like number 13. Nothing unlucky about it for us. Hope you all have good Friday the 13th's as well as wonderful Valentine's Day's!
June 13, 1997- Justin and I graduated from high school
August 13, 2001- Started my job at Northside
April 13, 2002- Justin and I got married
June 13, 2004- Found out we were pregnant with Brice
Anna and her 13's- apparently this is her number too
May 13 2008- First ultrasound
August 13, 2008- Found out she was a GIRL!
December 13, 2008-Birthday (which she shares with Grandad)
5:13am-birth time
ER room when taken to hospital -13!
Also, my sister's birthday is July 13th so all in all we like number 13. Nothing unlucky about it for us. Hope you all have good Friday the 13th's as well as wonderful Valentine's Day's!
All Dressed Up...No where to go!
WEIGHT CHECK WENT GREAT! ANNA IS EIGHT POUNDS, ONE OUNCE- We will continue alternating the formula and breastmilk for now. Thanks for all the prayers!
Here are some pictures of Anna dressed up in her cute clothes. Too bad we can't take her anywhere and show them off! Oh well. She is doing great. Normal newborn things for which we are thankful. She has been known to cry for hours as of late but we now know what the alternatives are! Just dealing with the gas seems to push her (and Mommy) over the edge. The spring weather has helped. Thank you to Grandma, Grandad, Aunt Deb and Nana who have helped so much the past couple of days; cleaning, playing, swaying, patting, walking, and letting Justin and I get OUT OF THE HOUSE!
In her Valentine's Day dress!
Smiley girl!
In her spiffy fleece outfit with her Keds on!
Here are some pictures of Anna dressed up in her cute clothes. Too bad we can't take her anywhere and show them off! Oh well. She is doing great. Normal newborn things for which we are thankful. She has been known to cry for hours as of late but we now know what the alternatives are! Just dealing with the gas seems to push her (and Mommy) over the edge. The spring weather has helped. Thank you to Grandma, Grandad, Aunt Deb and Nana who have helped so much the past couple of days; cleaning, playing, swaying, patting, walking, and letting Justin and I get OUT OF THE HOUSE!
In her Valentine's Day dress!
Smiley girl!
In her spiffy fleece outfit with her Keds on!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Breastfeeding
I have a bone to pick with Mother Nature. It's about breastfeeding so if you are a man and don't want to read this post, this is your warning.
Let's see, let's start with delivery. After delivery in which most people have labored for an extended period of time, the uterus has been contracting. And the new mommy has been in pain with these contractions. So, she finally delivers and puts baby to the breast. If the baby is positioned CORRECTLY, her uterus will start contracting again. Wait, what???!!! Why does this happen? I mean, don't get me wrong, I want my flabby tummy to go away but the pain, holy cow! Haven't we just been through enough? And now, we don't have that handy dandy epidural in place!
Okay, then trying to get this little person postioned correctly. Whew, this is a workout if you ask me. The baby is hungry and starts sucking on it's hand so you put baby to the breast but instead of gently latching on, CHOMP! Right on your tender nipple. So, that is not correct and you must start over. You keep starting over until the baby is so hungry and screaming that you can't think and your arm muscles are sore from supporting this child's head. Oh, which if you are like me and have carpel tunnel, supporting a head just aggravates that a little bit more! Once baby is on correctly a sense of relief washes over you...until...the baby is not getting the milk as fast as it wants it. Because you know, it takes a minute for the milk to let down. So, rather than taking the baby off the breast you make sure baby stays on as he/she is thrashing his/her head around and pulling on your breast. That feels great too, let me tell you!
If you've ever breast fed you also know that it makes your neck, shoulders, and back so sore. Personally, every time I finally get my child latched on I have to make a conscious effort to RELAX my shoulders because they are up by my ears! Then, I want to see my sweet baby's face so I keep looking down at her only to discover this is killing my neck! I need a round the clock massuese.
The next three things are just time consumers if you ask me and as a new mother, especially if you have other children, you just don't have time to do these things. Breastfeeding makes you...
1. THIRSTY-I mean I could chug a 24oz drink every time I either nurse or pump. So, everywhere you go in the house you need a cup of water. Maybe I should invest in one of those beer helmets to wear around and then I can fill it with water. That way, I will always have something with me and I won't have to worry about Brice spilling my water!!!!
2. HUNGRY-I do not eat a lot for those of you who know me well. Breastfeeding however makes my stomach so hungry I could eat an IHOP Grand Slam breakfast in the middle of the night! But who has time to make healthy snacks during the day when you are nursing a baby, and trying to feed another child? Not me, that's for sure. But, if I don't eat, I won't make the amount of milk I need to. Catch 22, here, people.
3. SLEEPY-While the baby is nursing, whatever that hormone is, (relaxin, I think) is released and oh my gosh, I could just drop the child and fall off to sleep. It is like having narcolepsy, seriously! I read somewhere this is to ensure that the mother get plenty of rest while nursing her child. What?! Rest?! Are you kidding? I do NOT have time to sleep every time she nurses. Give me a break! I am already tired from pregnancy, delivery, and then all the other shinanigans. (For me, it was Christmas and then Anna's hospitalization, but we each have our own lives). Plus, I could never get the whole laying down while nursing thing. Half the time my one arm falls asleep and if the baby can't get comfortable, it's just a positioning nightmare. This is all just my personal experience though.
So, all that said, I just wasn't sure about this whole breastfeeding thing. I questioned my supply and quality of milk with Brice and now I'm back to the same thing with Anna. Yesterday at the pediatrician she only weighed 7lbs. 13oz which puts her in the 3rd percentile. Now, we are not sure if this is due to her VSD that is burning extra calories or if she is just one of those kids who isn't going to be "on the charts". So, we are now alternating each feeding with some formula. And guess what, I hate it. I want to be one of those mothers who has fattening breast milk and their babies have rolls from their milk. Not to mention, I've realized that I've enjoyed nursing Anna now that it has been taken away from me. Well, half way I guess. I know that formula isn't the end of the world and whatever Anna needs, she's going to get. How was I supposed to know I have only been making "skim milk" instead of "whole"??? Another thing you don't know when you are breastfeeding, as well as how much the baby is receiving? All that said though, I am praying that it is my milk supply/quality and that all we need to do is give her some formula. Because if it is her VSD, I am and already have been an emotional mess.
I hope you all enjoyed this post. I started it prior to Anna's visit with the intent of being sarcastic but it turned into more. I almost didn't finish it because I've been so upset about everything. I know there is probably an easy answer either way but my momma-bear self is in high gear. One thing is for sure though, my love and prayers for my sweet girl are "whole milk", fattening and nourishing! I'll let you know how the weight check next week goes!
Let's see, let's start with delivery. After delivery in which most people have labored for an extended period of time, the uterus has been contracting. And the new mommy has been in pain with these contractions. So, she finally delivers and puts baby to the breast. If the baby is positioned CORRECTLY, her uterus will start contracting again. Wait, what???!!! Why does this happen? I mean, don't get me wrong, I want my flabby tummy to go away but the pain, holy cow! Haven't we just been through enough? And now, we don't have that handy dandy epidural in place!
Okay, then trying to get this little person postioned correctly. Whew, this is a workout if you ask me. The baby is hungry and starts sucking on it's hand so you put baby to the breast but instead of gently latching on, CHOMP! Right on your tender nipple. So, that is not correct and you must start over. You keep starting over until the baby is so hungry and screaming that you can't think and your arm muscles are sore from supporting this child's head. Oh, which if you are like me and have carpel tunnel, supporting a head just aggravates that a little bit more! Once baby is on correctly a sense of relief washes over you...until...the baby is not getting the milk as fast as it wants it. Because you know, it takes a minute for the milk to let down. So, rather than taking the baby off the breast you make sure baby stays on as he/she is thrashing his/her head around and pulling on your breast. That feels great too, let me tell you!
If you've ever breast fed you also know that it makes your neck, shoulders, and back so sore. Personally, every time I finally get my child latched on I have to make a conscious effort to RELAX my shoulders because they are up by my ears! Then, I want to see my sweet baby's face so I keep looking down at her only to discover this is killing my neck! I need a round the clock massuese.
The next three things are just time consumers if you ask me and as a new mother, especially if you have other children, you just don't have time to do these things. Breastfeeding makes you...
1. THIRSTY-I mean I could chug a 24oz drink every time I either nurse or pump. So, everywhere you go in the house you need a cup of water. Maybe I should invest in one of those beer helmets to wear around and then I can fill it with water. That way, I will always have something with me and I won't have to worry about Brice spilling my water!!!!
2. HUNGRY-I do not eat a lot for those of you who know me well. Breastfeeding however makes my stomach so hungry I could eat an IHOP Grand Slam breakfast in the middle of the night! But who has time to make healthy snacks during the day when you are nursing a baby, and trying to feed another child? Not me, that's for sure. But, if I don't eat, I won't make the amount of milk I need to. Catch 22, here, people.
3. SLEEPY-While the baby is nursing, whatever that hormone is, (relaxin, I think) is released and oh my gosh, I could just drop the child and fall off to sleep. It is like having narcolepsy, seriously! I read somewhere this is to ensure that the mother get plenty of rest while nursing her child. What?! Rest?! Are you kidding? I do NOT have time to sleep every time she nurses. Give me a break! I am already tired from pregnancy, delivery, and then all the other shinanigans. (For me, it was Christmas and then Anna's hospitalization, but we each have our own lives). Plus, I could never get the whole laying down while nursing thing. Half the time my one arm falls asleep and if the baby can't get comfortable, it's just a positioning nightmare. This is all just my personal experience though.
So, all that said, I just wasn't sure about this whole breastfeeding thing. I questioned my supply and quality of milk with Brice and now I'm back to the same thing with Anna. Yesterday at the pediatrician she only weighed 7lbs. 13oz which puts her in the 3rd percentile. Now, we are not sure if this is due to her VSD that is burning extra calories or if she is just one of those kids who isn't going to be "on the charts". So, we are now alternating each feeding with some formula. And guess what, I hate it. I want to be one of those mothers who has fattening breast milk and their babies have rolls from their milk. Not to mention, I've realized that I've enjoyed nursing Anna now that it has been taken away from me. Well, half way I guess. I know that formula isn't the end of the world and whatever Anna needs, she's going to get. How was I supposed to know I have only been making "skim milk" instead of "whole"??? Another thing you don't know when you are breastfeeding, as well as how much the baby is receiving? All that said though, I am praying that it is my milk supply/quality and that all we need to do is give her some formula. Because if it is her VSD, I am and already have been an emotional mess.
I hope you all enjoyed this post. I started it prior to Anna's visit with the intent of being sarcastic but it turned into more. I almost didn't finish it because I've been so upset about everything. I know there is probably an easy answer either way but my momma-bear self is in high gear. One thing is for sure though, my love and prayers for my sweet girl are "whole milk", fattening and nourishing! I'll let you know how the weight check next week goes!
A House Call
Brice enjoys examines me on a daily basis with his new doctor's kit. I meant to post the pictures in the opposite order but oh well! He always makes me pretend I'm going to be sick so he can hand me the throw up bucket. Too bad it's the nurses who have to deal with throw up and not the docs! Needless to say if I have to have a doctor make a house call, at least it's a cute one!
His favorite part, giving me a shot, this one he gave me in my armpit! Ouch!
Checking my blood pressure
Letting me know it's an ear infection
Set up for his exam; good to be prepared!
His favorite part, giving me a shot, this one he gave me in my armpit! Ouch!
Checking my blood pressure
Letting me know it's an ear infection
Set up for his exam; good to be prepared!
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