Couldn't ask for a better husband or father
After reflecting on the first week of Andrew's life, I have so much appreciation for Justin. He's been the most wonderful husband during this most exciting/hectic time. From doing household chores (taking care of the kitty litter, vacuuming, making dinner), to watching the baby while I nap, to reassuring me through my worrying, he's been the glue to keeping this household together. I always knew that he'd be a good father, but the degree to which he really is amazes me. We're so blessed to have this baby, and Andrew and I are so blessed to have Justin.
Happy to be home
Ahhhhh.... It's good to be home. The first week with Andrew has been a really wonderful and challenging experience. When we left the hospital we knew that the concerns over his breathing/oxygen and the blood cultures for infection were all fine. It seems that it all resolved itself. We were released even though he still had a moderately high level of jaundice, although the doctor thought he would push through it without treatment. Unfortunately Andrew is a very sleepy baby because of the jaundice, circumcision, and all the trauma the first couple days of life. His sleepiness made feeding times a real chore, since I had to put him through acrobatics to wake him up. It often took 20-30 minutes just to rouse him, then I had to try breast feeding for 15 minutes, then I had to supplement with formula, then I had to pump breast milk for 15 minutes. Needless to say, the routine was very exhausting, because once I was finished with one feeding, I'd have to start the process all over again. It was such a worrying time because we weren't sure that he was getting enough food, which was critically important so that he would have enough dierI was also so concerned because I really wanted to breast feed, but I was afraid that with the bottle supplement, that he would end up prefering the bottle. Fortunately my milk supply came in and I am now breast feeding exclusively. Life has gotten easier!! I'm still tired, and don't get enough sleep, but we're getting a routine and I enjoy my quiet time with him. Feeding has become a pleasure.
It's so much fun to watch this little baby. He's just so darn cute. Justin and I are so sad that our friends and family are too far to share in his early stages of life. We'll just continue with lots of photos so everyone can keep up with his development. Motherhood is so wonderful and fulfilling.
It's so much fun to watch this little baby. He's just so darn cute. Justin and I are so sad that our friends and family are too far to share in his early stages of life. We'll just continue with lots of photos so everyone can keep up with his development. Motherhood is so wonderful and fulfilling.
We're Home!
Well it was an eventful and very exciting week. The doctor cleared Andrew to go home this afternoon. He was not concerned about the jaundice and just wants us to keep an eye on him. So we have packed everything up and headed out the door. We are so excited to finally be out of the hospital and back home!
"Don't worry Mom!"
I now understand the futility behind that statement. Made so many times over the years as I was growing up, but it has absolutely no effect. No matter how slight the problem, a parent can't help but worry.
So here is our morning status. The blood cultures came back and everything was fine. No infections and Andrew can stop the antibiotics. Which is good cause it was a shot in the leg every 6 hours that he was never happy with.
Now, however there is a different problem. His bilirubin count is too high. (This is what is causing the jaundice and making him look like our Yellow M&M) It is supposed to at least be under 12 and it is at 12.8 this morning. So we are waiting for the pediatrician to stop by to let us know how much longer Andrew will need to stay at the hospital. It may be a thing where he just needs to be put under a light for a few hours and then we can take him home with a special blanket. Or we may have to stay awhile longer.
The good news is that he has been taking in some food. This will help him clear out the bilirubin that is making him so tired. We had problems during the day all yesterday trying to wake him up to eat. As soon as Mom would hold him, little Andrew would settle right down and go back to sleep. By nightfall however we were able to keep him awake long enough to eat and he is showing good progress. Hopefully if he continues to eat he will start to clear out the bilirubin and we can go home!
So here is our morning status. The blood cultures came back and everything was fine. No infections and Andrew can stop the antibiotics. Which is good cause it was a shot in the leg every 6 hours that he was never happy with.
Now, however there is a different problem. His bilirubin count is too high. (This is what is causing the jaundice and making him look like our Yellow M&M) It is supposed to at least be under 12 and it is at 12.8 this morning. So we are waiting for the pediatrician to stop by to let us know how much longer Andrew will need to stay at the hospital. It may be a thing where he just needs to be put under a light for a few hours and then we can take him home with a special blanket. Or we may have to stay awhile longer.
The good news is that he has been taking in some food. This will help him clear out the bilirubin that is making him so tired. We had problems during the day all yesterday trying to wake him up to eat. As soon as Mom would hold him, little Andrew would settle right down and go back to sleep. By nightfall however we were able to keep him awake long enough to eat and he is showing good progress. Hopefully if he continues to eat he will start to clear out the bilirubin and we can go home!
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