4 week old

It's so hard for me to believe that my boy is 4 weeks old now. Grandma Rose says he won't be one-month old because this month doesn't have a 31st.

We don't go back to the doctor until he's 2 months old. I don't have much of an update. I weighed him on the Wii today and he is 9.7 pounds (9 pounds 10 ounces). We've had plenty of visitors. Last week, my mom came and helped me take the boy out to my work & Derek's work.

Last week Grant lived in his vibrating chair (see pic below). This week, he doesn't seem to like it as much. He likes to be talked to and most importantly HELD. He has pretty much always slept in his crib, but in the past 3 days, he has been waking up as soon as we lay him down and crying to be held. So I'm trying to learn to sleep somewhat comfortably with him on me.

Last week his baby acne was terrible! We've been washing his face with Cetaphyl and it's getting much better!!Lola is still adjusting to life with baby. She's done really well with me and Derek, but last night with Lorena, Lola wanted to share the attention!

Daddy has gotten really good at soothing Grant. I think he's been growing lately because he (Grant) wants to eat every 2 hours (or before) - so it's best to have someone around that DOESN'T have milk to sooth him.

In other news, I had an EMG on my arm today. My suprascapular nerve is pinched ("entrapped"), so my physical therapist is sending me to a doctor that specializes in that injury. I've been taking Tylenol every 4 hours for 4 weeks now trying to keep up with the pain, so I'm VERY ready to be fixed, and I'm sure my liver is too.

Footprints

Today, Grant fell asleep on my after feeding (he does this at least twice a day). I put him down so that I could shower, and then I noticed in the mirror that I could see his footprints on me. Can you see them?

We left the house... and that is newsworthy!

In the past 2 days, our family has been out and about! Friday was Grant's best day ever - I got a shower, blow dried my hair, put on makeup, did laundry, and took a nap with him. I was ready to celebrate, so Friday night, Derek, Grant and I went to Fireside Pies. We fed him right before leaving and called ahead to make sure we didn’t have to wait to be seated. Grant was an angel – he was alert and quiet in his car seat for the first hour, then he fell asleep. He was ready to eat again once we got home, so we timed it perfectly! Derek and I did feel like we were walking on eggshells for the first 20 minutes or so though. I got to have some sangria – and it was as delicious as I remembered! Yes - I made the waitress take our picture. Today, we went to visit Big Gaga. I didn’t realize it until we got there, but I hadn’t been to her house since Christmas!!!! Grant was good – he went to Angelos with us, then nursed while we played Scrabble. It wasn’t the easiest feat, but it was well worth the juggling act! Tomorrow I hope to stay home all day, and possibly even use the pool for the first time since Grant’s arrival!

Quick update on Grant's stats - At his 2 week appointment, Grant weighed 8 lbs, 2.3 oz and was 21.25”. That puts him in the 75th percentile for height – the doc says that would make him 6 feet if he keeps it up (I don’t think there’s a correlation between height at 2 weeks and height at adulthood though). I weighed him on the Wii later in the week and he was at 8 lbs, 12 oz., so he's growing quickly!! He has blocked tear ducts, which is quite common and leads to gunky eyes. We have antibiotic drops to give him and wipe out the gunk about 5 times a day. Since our last doctor’s visit, Grant’s developed some baby acne. We started treating that today with Cetaphil – we’ll see how well that works. The good news is that he doesn't have another doctor's appointment until his 2-month shots!

Second week - update

Grant has settled into somewhat of a routine over the past few days. We don't marry him to a routine... but our practice has been to keep him awake when Daddy is home from work. He sleeps MUCH better at night this way. I can't really complain about sleep - he'll sleep a solid 4 hours at night, often more. Then go back down for another 3 hours or so... We love this, but depending on weight gain, our doc may have a different idea.

Grant's newborn pictures yesterday threw a wrench into this "routine". I can't wait to see them, but moving him around definitely messed up the daily cycle of eat, sleep & poop. (In other news - the other thing that messed up this cycle - mama eating beans... makes for a poopy Grant ALL DAY!!!).

So today has been recovery day. Grant has slept almost all day - we'll see how the night goes. But he fell asleep several times while feeding, so I took the opportunity to pump... which meant I could go out with my mom & have a margarita tonight!! It was just as good as I remembered.

Grant's 2 week appointment is Tuesday. He will NOT be back to his birth weight (which would be typical for babies... apparently), but I will update with new stats!! I have an appointment tomorrow where I will (hopefully) be approved to drive.

Grant is 1 week old!

My son is a week old today!! The past week has FLOWN by. Unlike supermom Mary, I haven’t had an ounce of time to blog! I definitely want to remember this week, so more for my own sake than any of my readers, here’s a recap.

My “birth story” –

Sunday, May 30 – Back and hip pain start and become more noticeable around 2pm. I started timing them around 6 pm. At 9pm, I went to the bathroom and saw blood, so I went to the hospital. It turns out this was my “show”. I came out of the bathroom and told Derek we needed to go to the hospital… he was about to tell me goodnight! He asked if he could shave – ha! I was bleeding!! NO! We had to go!

We got to the hospital around 9:30 pm, where they told me I was 4cm, 70% effaced and having contractions every 2.5 minutes. Of course, finding out this information and getting checked in (with 1 million questions, all of which I had already answered in pre-registration… what was the point in that?!) took about an hour. Once we knew we were being admitted, we called our moms. I guess at that point Derek also texted everyone in the world with his pre-typed text message. It said my water had broke, even though it hadn’t.

At 11:30pm, my mom arrived and I asked for my epidural. My contractions were every minute by then. It took an hour for the anesthesiologist to get to the room, then get the epidural in. The nurse checked me right after and said I was at 7cm. She broke my water and said I was progressing great and it wouldn’t be long!

Between 12:30 and 3, Derek, my mom and I tried to sleep. This would have been IMPOSSIBLE without the epidural. It wasn’t very much or very good sleep, but we all managed to get a wink of sleep. They were monitoring my blood pressure every 30 minutes, which is standard procedure… but it SUCKS when you are trying to sleep!At 3am, the Irish nurse, Kathy, and two other nurses rushed into my room. “We have to get you on your side.” I HATE lying on my side!! I was very irritated at this. Then someone hands me an oxygen mask and Kathy held her stethoscope to my belly. I asked what was going on, but if she answered, it wasn’t clear because of her accent. She listened for a while, then disappeared for a minute. She came back with a shot and said I needed the shot to slow down the contractions. They stabbed my left arm (even though I had an IV in) and continued to monitor. FINALLY (it was probably 5 minutes after rushing in, but seemed like an eternity!), she explained that the baby was in distress because I’d been having contractions every minute for the past 3.5 hours. His heart rate had dropped (I found out later it had dropped a LOT), so they were slowing down the contractions to give him a break. The shot they gave me was Terbutaline – it’s used in preterm labor too (to stop labor). The contractions weakened and were less frequent, and Grant’s heart rate came back up very quickly. SUCCESS!

Around 4 am, she checked and said I was at 8cm. At 6am, the pressure was so bad that I requested more medicine. They gave me a “boost” of the epidural. I was at 9 cm. Some time during that time span, Grant was in distress again. Again, the rolled me over and gave me oxygen. They didn’t give me a shot again (thankfully).

At 7 am, we got a new nurse, Lori. Lori was GREAT! Lori gave me some Pitocin (at a rate of 2, then 3 – both very low apparently). Labor wasn’t progressing like they hoped, and with Grant in distress twice, they wanted to move things along. My contractions picked back up and I was off the Pitocin very quickly (30 minutes – 1 hour). Some time between 7 and 9 am, I had to get a 2nd bag for my epidural. Also during that time, Mom ran to Whataburger and my labor “coaches” got to eat. I was jealous of the food, but probably more jealous of the Dr. Pepper that my mom had! And I remember talking a lot about bacon. Mmmmm – bacon. They didn’t eat in the room, so I didn’t have to be tortured with the smell of real food while I was eating ice chips.

Finally, some time between 7am and 9am, I had to be turned onto my side and get oxygen again. This may have happened once… maybe twice during that period of time… I don’t remember. So I had to eat ice chips, then put the oxygen mask BACK on. My throat was sore from so much oxygen. Derek and Mom took turns feeding me ice chips because at this point, the epidural was NOT effective at taking away my pain. The pressure was so great that I kept pressing the button for more pain medicine… whenever I could find it. Most of the time, I’d ask someone else to press it for me.

Every hour, the nurse would check me. At 9am, I was still at 9cm and the baby was between a 0 and 1 station. He wasn’t dropping and I wasn’t dilating. The nurse said she needed me to consider the possibility that I would need a C-section. She wasn’t 100% whether or not I would have to have it, but wanted to start getting me used to the idea just in case. At that time, it was leaning toward a C-section. I think I tried to push then too, to see if he would drop or if I would dilate… but nothing progressed.

At about 10 am, I asked if I could elect to have a C-section. The pressure was too intense, the medicine too weak, and I was too exhausted to push effectively. Lori said she would have to check with the doctor – if the baby was too far down, a C-section wouldn’t be possible. While the doc was en route, Lori and another nurse turned me side to side while I was in various positions – had me stay there for several contractions… all in an attempt to progress labor. NOTHING happened.
About 11 am, the doc checked me – said I could have a C-section. The anesthesiologist, Dr. Fox, was called in. He asked if I was on my second bag for the epidural – I told him yes. He said C-sections were the norm whenever Mom had gone through 1 bag. I don’t remember a lot of the next part. I remember Derek putting on the scrubs – it seemed he was in them for a long time. I was wheeled into surgery, and Derek had to wait outside a few minutes. During that time, they transferred me to a new table – I remember thinking to do so by myself would have been IMPOSSIBLE! I still had a lot of pressure (all vaginal, which is not ideal – for labor they want pressure like you’re going to poop!).

On the surgery table, I had a melt down. I was SO SCARED! My sis had 2 c-sections, but I wanted to deliver vaginally, so I never paid much attention to c-section information. Plus the idea of them cutting on me, etc. Dr. Fox was VERY comforting. The nurses were going through a checklist of basic information they needed from me. I think I even signed a consent form on the surgery table (which I think is probably NOT enforceable… and I may have told them as much). Finally, Derek could come in. Between him and Dr. Fox, I was able to relax more… which is not to say that I was calm by any means. We chatted with one of the doctors about living on the same street as my friend Anna. There were 2 docs for delivery (Cope and Allen), 1 anesthesiologist (Fox), 2 nurses for me (Lori and Jenny), 1 for baby (Ashley), and 1 floating nurse. Very soon, the curtain was up and they were cutting.

WOW!! The C-section was SOOO painful! I think my epidural was less effective – the anesthesiologist seemed concerned that I had been on it for 12 hours. After they had started, I asked if they could put me under completely, but they said they just needed about 30 more seconds. I told them to continue. Sure enough, about 30 seconds later (at 11:50 a.m.), I heard my baby cry. A few seconds later, they held him up for me to see. Derek asked “So, he was born at 11:51?”, and someone corrected him with 11:50.
I remember the docs saying that Grant was peeing on them. I remember telling the doctors how mean they were to do that to me – to which one of them retorted “We gave you a baby – we’re not mean.” And I agreed. I remember Derek held my hand the whole time – we were both so overcome with emotions. He tried to lay his head on mine, but it made me shake, thus made it more painful for me, so I asked him not to put his head on me. Then he went over to where Grant was… according to him, he saw the placenta (in a bag?), and may have even seen me cut open – awesome. I remember Dr. Fox telling me that he could up my pain medicine since Grant was out. The next thing I remember is being wheeled out into the recovery room. I think Derek may have been talking to me when he was over by Grant, but I don’t really know. In recovery, the nurses inputted all sorts of information. I got to hold my baby the whole time – it was incredible. Lori spent a TON of time with me and Grant teaching us both how to breastfeed. She was so incredibly patient. I also told her how mean she was for pushing on my sore belly! At about 2:15 pm, I was wheeled into my room. This time I had to transfer myself onto the bed, and that was not easy! Derek hung up the banner that Jesse had made, while Janet (nurse) took Grant’s vitals and mine and got me settled. Soon enough our family was able to come visit! Joyce, Mike, Kennedy, my mom, Rachel and Jesse all took turns holding our boy. My sis had seen him in the hallway and the nursery but had to leave. She came back later that evening to hold him, but I had to breast feed, so she couldn’t hold him. The rest of the time in the hospital was pretty uneventful. Doctors, nurses, and visitors streamed into our room at all hours, and we sent Grant to the nursery every night so we could get some rest. I’m SO glad we did that! On Wednesday night, I sent Derek home so that he could rest up (and on a comfy bed) before we brought baby home! That is all I have time for now. I will update more on the first week later, but baby Grant is waking up now from a 3.5 hour nap. He is sure to be hungry!

A walk under the full moon

I walked with my friend Claire last night. We walked 3 miles in the full moon - much more than I've been walking! Claire is due TODAY. Her aunt is in town to help with the baby... actually her aunt told her NOT to walk with me because my baby would be a bad influence on her baby!

Grant already has a reputation... but he's not living up to it! Claire started having contractions early this morning and is already at the hospital. I'm so happy for her... but still very jealous!

A quick update from my last doctor's appointment (which was Tuesday, the 26th). I am still just 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced... the same that I've been at my last 3 appointments! I had a non-stress test to make sure Grant was good to cook a little longer. He passed with flying colors! It was a really great experience. I was hooked up to a monitor for 30 minutes, with a "trigger" to press every time I felt movement. It was really great to just sit and listen to Grant for such an extended period of time!!

If Grant doesn't come beforehand, I will go back to the doctor June 1, and be induced on June 2. My doctor tried to schedule my inducement for June 1, but I guess the hospital was full because they came back with June 2nd. June 2nd is a special day for our family - my brother Brian was born on June 2. Brian would have been 32 this year. I never got to meet him. He passed away at the age of 2 (before I was born). So if Grant decides to stay that long, I will count it a blessing for my mom and I to share the birth day of our baby boys.

No baby yet

Grant is already proving how smart he is. He's decided that I'm cooler than the rest of the world and wants to hang out with me for awhile longer.

Last weekend, I made brownies and wrote "Grant" in chocolate syrup on the top. I told Derek that Grant would come in time to see his name on the brownies, but he didn't! There are no more brownies. :(
This weekend, we upped our spicy food intake and took several walks. I even swam a few laps in the pool (after I finished the Blizzard from DQ)! Lola was worn out, but I guess Grant is still comfy. In between, our spicy meals and walks, we relaxed and kicked our feet up - it was great! I got out Christmas stockings and am almost done with my first one... the same one that I started in NOVEMBER!!!

Everyone keeps checking on me to see if I'm in labor yet. Nothing yet! I do have everyone in a phone tree, so please do check your email (or text) from strange addresses if they refer to me or Grant in the subject line!

Baby update!

Well, the update is…. that there IS no update. I’ve been to the doctor twice since my last post (went earlier today and last week). I’ve held steady at 1+ cm (not yet 2 cm) and 50% effaced. My blood pressure is good. I somehow managed to gain 4 pounds since my visit 1 week ago, but I blame that on Derek’s fajitas last night – they were GREAT! Doc was not concerned with the weight gain since it’s been 5 pounds over 3 weeks. I definitely feel the added weight though!

The “plan” is to go in Tuesday for a non-stress test, and if everything looks good and baby makes no progress, I’ll be induced the following week. June 2 seems like a VERY long time from now, and I really doubt this baby will wait that long, but it’s good to have a backup plan!

It has become habit now for me, when I make a phone call, to start the call with “No baby yet”. My mom and sis insist on this, and this policy proved itself useful yesterday when I called my mom – got out those 3 words, then my phone died!

My cousin Mary and I are due at the same time. She’s scheduled to be induced on the 24th or 25th, so unless Grant gets a move on, Baby Holloway will be the 46th baby to wear the Bereuter Baby Gown and Grant will be the 47th. I’m not sure if I’ve posted on this before, but my grandma (Gaumy) made a gown that all 12 of her babies came home from the hospital in. It has been passed around and been a great family tradition ever since then. My mom brought me and all my siblings home in it, and I have several other cousins (and all my nephews) that wore it. Mary and I have been racing. If she goes first, I hope she has a boy – Grant can’t lose the first race of his life to a GIRL!

Now is probably a good time to make a public disclaimer: When Derek and I DO have our baby, we will be exhausted, overwhelmed, and doing our VERY best to make the most of our time together. Thus, we will NOT be making dozens of calls, texts, facebook updates, etc. One of my fears is that my phone-happy husband will spend too much time on the phone instead of with his wife and son in the first few hours, days and weeks. He is supposed to have a network set up so that he makes (at most) 2 calls. I will probably break his phone if he's getting calls (and doesn't turn it off), and most of you know how great I am with my cell. Just an FYI to everyone - I know you love and support us, but we will be with our #1 priority, Baby Grant! We will certainly welcome visitors, but we will be staying off of our phones!

Part 2 of the disclaimer applies to the time immediately after I give birth - I know the family will be anxious to meet our little guy. However, if you come to the hospital too early, you could be in the waiting room awhile! Grant needs to eat, poop, and get settled in before he is (or I am) ready for visitors. This applies to everyone - grandmas and grandpas too! The only exception is my mom - because - there are times in life when a girl just needs her mom! Plus she's the only one that could handle my hormonal self. No offense to any of you, but I care more about my child's emotions and well-being than I do yours. You will meet him, but if you want to rush to get to the hospital, please pack your patience! Ok - disclaimers are done!

Back to the fajitas – 1 of the advantages of living in Texas is having your friendly neighborhood carniceria (where no one speaks English)! Derek picked up some pre-marinated beef fajita meet, guacamole and pico de gallo last night - I was in heaven. Derek thought the guacamole was too spicy, but Grant enjoyed it! It will probably take us the entire week to work through all that meat. Mmmmmm – meat.

TMI?! 37 week update

I had my 37 week appointment today. The sono tech estimated Grant at 6 pounds, 9 ounces… but my doctor says the techs tend to measure bigger than the babies actually are (although she gave me a range of accuracy at + or – 1 pound). Babies typically grow ½ pound per week between now and delivery.

I had gained no weight since last week. My total weight gain during pregnancy is 27 pounds. My blood pressure is good – holding steady at 100/60 for the past 2 weeks. My doctor also “checked” me for the first time. She said I was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. I asked if that means anything at all (for predicting birth), and she said not really. I could go at any moment or be weeks away.

My sis sent me flowers for Mother's Day!! They came to my office - definitely brightened my day!! Carrie proves over and over again why she is my favorite sis!

Happy Birthday!!

Last night I got together with my girlfriends (the “Six Degrees” girls) for some quality girl time. It was great! Lolly had made a colorful cake for Erin’s birthday. She also shared some of her sewing creations – further enticing me (I’ve been wanting a sewing machine). We lit the candles on the cake, sang “Happy Birthday” and Erin blew out the candles. It got me thinking… when was the last time you had a cake with candles?!

For me, it was probably when I was 15 or so. After that, I spent summers in L.A. or would rather be at dance than with the family celebrating! The last time I baked a cake for a birthday, it was for Derek’s 27th. There were no candles, and I don’t remember whether or not I even sang “Happy Birthday” to him. I DO remember that I made the icing from scratch using my Aunt Sandy’s recipe and he loved it!!

Birthday cake is one of the things I’m looking forward to with a child. I’ve never been that “into” birthdays, but Derek is. I want to celebrate all of our birthdays (mine, Derek’s and [obviously] Grant’s) so that Grant will always have that tradition.

Happy Birthday Erin!!