Yesterday was Ellie's original due date. We're so glad she came early - she's everything we wanted and more! Plus, knowing what we know now, I think the wait would have killed us.Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Better early than late
Yesterday was Ellie's original due date. We're so glad she came early - she's everything we wanted and more! Plus, knowing what we know now, I think the wait would have killed us.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
How it happened... one man's perspective
Let me begin by saying, it's been an impossibly-difficult-to-describe-wondermous kind of week. So much has happened that it's hard to believe little Ellie was born just a week ago. Moreover, because of all that has transpired this past week, I am certain that my recollection of the events leading up to her birth might be a bit off. With that said, I'm going to do my brief best to recall those events here, for you, our interested reader.
If you know me, or you recall from an earlier post, I work nights - typically second shift, but in the months leading up to Ellie's arrival it was more like third shift. On Friday, the 15th, I got up way too early for someone having to work that night from 9pm-5am. I don't recall if I got a nap in later that day; but, suffice it to say, I went to work and all was relatively well until the phone rang at 3am on the 16th.
EM was experiencing severe back pain and could not sleep. However, she indicated that she did not need me and that she'd make due 'til I got home. With my shift over, I arrived at the house around 5:20am to find her sitting on the floor in obvious discomfort. Again, she indicated there was nothing to do and I went to bed without her. As it turns out, the pain did not lessen and as I slept she called the doctor. EM woke me up around 6:30am, and said we've got to go to the hospital - the doctor was concerned it was either labor or a kidney issue.
We made it to the triage unit in the labor/delivery unit of the hospital around 7:20am not knowing what was going on or what to expect. Paperwork was completed, questions answered and routine evaluations completed and yet nothing was clear about the source of EM's pain. It was only until a routine, and initially overlooked, cervical exam was complete a few hours later that things started to change. EM was bleeding. The doctor decided, due to the advanced stage of pregnancy, not to take any chances - labor would be induced.
By 11am or so, we spread the word that little Ellie was on the way. As the staff prepared to move EM to a labor/delivery room, I went to get the two of us a bite to eat. After lunch, which EM did not respond well to, the inducement and waiting began. EM made slow, steady progress with respect to dilation and effacement (see my prior comment here). By 4pm she received an epidural. Eventually, and I don't recall exactly when, we were joined by EM's mom (I think she's going by Nanny, but I'm not sure) and AK.
It was a long, and for EM uncomfortable, wait. We estimated, and revised, arrival times. We guessed baby weight and length and even got in a card game - all to pass the time. Throughout this time EM and Ellie were fine according to all the medical monitors. Then, two skits into SNL, we were informed it was time to push.
Now prior to this, we had prepared a birth plan. The plan called for me, and me alone, to be in the delivery room. However, when it came time to push that plan somehow changed. Nana and AK stayed, and thank God they did - they were a huge help! In fact, I've wondered in retrospect what would have happened if they weren't there. You see, I stayed by EM per the plan and the rest of team Ellie - Nana and AK - each grabbed a leg. So if they weren't there, what would have happened? Would her legs have been placed in stirrups? Would other nurses have been called in? It's really immaterial, but I wonder nonetheless.
Team Ellie, without any practice or experience, came together quickly. With nurse Roxanne coaching us, EM pushed and pushed and pushed some more and we did our best to help. An hour plus into the pushing, the doctor was consulted and it was decided that Ellie would come out with a little help from her good friend, Mr. Forceps. By 1:30am on the 17th everything was in place for the final part of Ellie's delivery. After twenty-some hours of labor, and close to two hours of pushing, poor EM was exhausted and could push no more. Dr. Lipscomb took over from there and pulled our little girl out - at 1:46am - and as he did he noticed the cord was wrapped around Ellie's neck. As it turned out, the cord was a non-issue. I think the doctor was simply surprised the cord was there since her vitals had been so consistently good throughout the process.
The emotions that run through you during this time are so intense and varied; but, once you hear the first cry it is nothing but pure joy and relief. I'd be a liar if I said it didn't bring tears to my eyes - it was that awesome. Then, as everyone rushed around to see and attend to Ellie, EM and I shared some wonderfully peaceful moments together as the doctor tended to her needs. After all of that, I got to hold my little girl....
-ED
If you know me, or you recall from an earlier post, I work nights - typically second shift, but in the months leading up to Ellie's arrival it was more like third shift. On Friday, the 15th, I got up way too early for someone having to work that night from 9pm-5am. I don't recall if I got a nap in later that day; but, suffice it to say, I went to work and all was relatively well until the phone rang at 3am on the 16th.
EM was experiencing severe back pain and could not sleep. However, she indicated that she did not need me and that she'd make due 'til I got home. With my shift over, I arrived at the house around 5:20am to find her sitting on the floor in obvious discomfort. Again, she indicated there was nothing to do and I went to bed without her. As it turns out, the pain did not lessen and as I slept she called the doctor. EM woke me up around 6:30am, and said we've got to go to the hospital - the doctor was concerned it was either labor or a kidney issue.
We made it to the triage unit in the labor/delivery unit of the hospital around 7:20am not knowing what was going on or what to expect. Paperwork was completed, questions answered and routine evaluations completed and yet nothing was clear about the source of EM's pain. It was only until a routine, and initially overlooked, cervical exam was complete a few hours later that things started to change. EM was bleeding. The doctor decided, due to the advanced stage of pregnancy, not to take any chances - labor would be induced.
By 11am or so, we spread the word that little Ellie was on the way. As the staff prepared to move EM to a labor/delivery room, I went to get the two of us a bite to eat. After lunch, which EM did not respond well to, the inducement and waiting began. EM made slow, steady progress with respect to dilation and effacement (see my prior comment here). By 4pm she received an epidural. Eventually, and I don't recall exactly when, we were joined by EM's mom (I think she's going by Nanny, but I'm not sure) and AK.
It was a long, and for EM uncomfortable, wait. We estimated, and revised, arrival times. We guessed baby weight and length and even got in a card game - all to pass the time. Throughout this time EM and Ellie were fine according to all the medical monitors. Then, two skits into SNL, we were informed it was time to push.
Now prior to this, we had prepared a birth plan. The plan called for me, and me alone, to be in the delivery room. However, when it came time to push that plan somehow changed. Nana and AK stayed, and thank God they did - they were a huge help! In fact, I've wondered in retrospect what would have happened if they weren't there. You see, I stayed by EM per the plan and the rest of team Ellie - Nana and AK - each grabbed a leg. So if they weren't there, what would have happened? Would her legs have been placed in stirrups? Would other nurses have been called in? It's really immaterial, but I wonder nonetheless.
Team Ellie, without any practice or experience, came together quickly. With nurse Roxanne coaching us, EM pushed and pushed and pushed some more and we did our best to help. An hour plus into the pushing, the doctor was consulted and it was decided that Ellie would come out with a little help from her good friend, Mr. Forceps. By 1:30am on the 17th everything was in place for the final part of Ellie's delivery. After twenty-some hours of labor, and close to two hours of pushing, poor EM was exhausted and could push no more. Dr. Lipscomb took over from there and pulled our little girl out - at 1:46am - and as he did he noticed the cord was wrapped around Ellie's neck. As it turned out, the cord was a non-issue. I think the doctor was simply surprised the cord was there since her vitals had been so consistently good throughout the process.
The emotions that run through you during this time are so intense and varied; but, once you hear the first cry it is nothing but pure joy and relief. I'd be a liar if I said it didn't bring tears to my eyes - it was that awesome. Then, as everyone rushed around to see and attend to Ellie, EM and I shared some wonderfully peaceful moments together as the doctor tended to her needs. After all of that, I got to hold my little girl....
-ED
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Play
Lewisville is a quiet little, family-oriented town. Tonight, we took Ellie to a play sponsored by the Parks & Rec Department. It was quite enjoyable. There's still four nights left, so if you get a chance I'd recommend you grab a lawn chair and take it in.
-ED
-ED
Friday, June 22, 2007
Sleep
I've yet to address the delivery of our baby girl in this forum; but, long story short, we were awake for an exceedingly long time prior to her birth and we've been trying to catch up on our sleep ever since. Of course, Ellie sleeps more than we do and, consequently, we live vicariously through her by watching her sleep and that's been fun (I could literally watch her for hours on end).
Watching Ellie sleep is made more fun by listening to the various sounds she makes as she sleeps. In this very brief video, shot at the hospital, you can hear her moaning while she sleeps. This is something we noticed about her early on in our observations of her. It really cracked me up at first, so much so we couldn't shoot this video 'til I stopped laughing. (Note: make sure your volume is up and know that her moans begin at roughly the 16 second mark.)
-ED
Watching Ellie sleep is made more fun by listening to the various sounds she makes as she sleeps. In this very brief video, shot at the hospital, you can hear her moaning while she sleeps. This is something we noticed about her early on in our observations of her. It really cracked me up at first, so much so we couldn't shoot this video 'til I stopped laughing. (Note: make sure your volume is up and know that her moans begin at roughly the 16 second mark.)
-ED
Quick update
Baby girl is doing great! At yesterday's visit, our pediatrician informed us that Ellie's bilirubin is down and her weight is up. EM and I are relieved and ready to lavish more attention on her!
-ED
-ED
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Pics
It's amazing what some good rest, and a content baby, will do for one's perspective.
Yesterday's post was on the heels of no rest and a fussy baby. You see, Ellie has lost more than 10% of her birth weight and is jaundiced. Therefore, we've been a bit stressed while we work hard to feed her as much as possible and keep her on the bilibed. (Tip o' the hat to RAA.)
Today we visit the pediatrician to find out if our hard work has paid dividends. In the meantime, here are some pics:
Yesterday's post was on the heels of no rest and a fussy baby. You see, Ellie has lost more than 10% of her birth weight and is jaundiced. Therefore, we've been a bit stressed while we work hard to feed her as much as possible and keep her on the bilibed. (Tip o' the hat to RAA.)
Today we visit the pediatrician to find out if our hard work has paid dividends. In the meantime, here are some pics:
Holding Ellie for the first time
Thanking my girls for the best father's day gift ever
Our baby girl
Leaving the hospital
One of many naps in the bilibed
-ED
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Wow...
No matter what anyone tells you, you can't prepare for parenting an infant.
Don't get me wrong, we are thrilled to have little miss Ellie and to be doing what we are doing! Moreover, we are absolutely in love with, and star-struck by, her; but, it's draining to love and care for such a helpless and dependent new life.
In other words, while we've taken plenty of pics and we have lots to say about the past few days, we are just too pooped to do anything more about it at this time and in this forum.
-ED
Don't get me wrong, we are thrilled to have little miss Ellie and to be doing what we are doing! Moreover, we are absolutely in love with, and star-struck by, her; but, it's draining to love and care for such a helpless and dependent new life.
In other words, while we've taken plenty of pics and we have lots to say about the past few days, we are just too pooped to do anything more about it at this time and in this forum.
-ED
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