Okay, so maybe this is a topic that shouldn't be written about, but this week I am so stinkin' tired of cleaning up throw-up and poop! Sarah started it all off Saturday night throwing up (why is it that my kids choose to do this in the middle of the night, not the middle of the day?) Then her diarrhea lasted until... yesterday, I think. Katie took her turn throwing up Monday night, 3AM, and continued at the other end the rest of the week. Ellie and Steve didn't throw up, but poor Steve lost so much fluid that he ended up at the doctor and getting another 2L of fluids to rehydrate. And it was sad to see Ellie so lethargic yesterday. I pretty much avoided it, thankfully. Everyone is doing much better today and I'm hopeful that I'll actually get to go to church tomorrow. This was the second time our family got this kind of bug. I hope it was the last!
But to put a positive spin on it all... Yesterday was the day Steve was down and out. We decided to take Erin up on her offer to bring us dinner, as Steve had no energy to do it and I needed to not be on my feet. At 4:00 she (in the RS presidency) and Cassie (the Relief Society President) showed up at our doorstep with 3 incredibly yummy and nutritious meals. Two of them were soup-based, which was perfect for Steve. And they even brought me popsicles- the good kind, since I couldn't eat the chocolate chip cookies :) It is awesome to have such great friends- doing all that last minute was wonderful. And now I feel bad about complaining about the meals last week!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
2 Weeks Old
Where has the time gone? How is it possible that Ryan has been here for two full weeks already?
To start off, I took him to his doctor's appointment today. Just to set you up for this...
at birth, Ryan weighed 8-15
leaving the hospital he weighed 8-2
two days later at his 48-hour check: 8-10
two weeks after birth (today): 9-13
How did my almost 9-pound baby turn into an almost 10-pound baby in only two weeks? I must have liquid gold in my milk :-)
Now I'm going to brag about my baby. He is just the sweetest little guy. I seriously haven't known such a content little baby. He has a quiet cry that is used mostly when he's hungry or tired. He is very patient with letting the girls hold him, which they ask to do all the time. He's a great eater (obviously) and actually sleeps. People told me that having a boy is so much different, but I never really believed them. So far it's very true. He is a wonderful addition to our family. My only complaints: he can't handle me eating chocolate and he only pees on me during diaper changes. Steve can have that diaper off for extended periods of time and nothing. I have to be very vigilant at all times! :-D
I am doing surprisingly well. My surgery went without a hitch and they were able to clean out all that excess scar tissue that I always have and start all over. The doctor did use a low vertical incision in my uterus this time around to get out the baby. I assume it is because Ryan was completely breech. And they still had to do some pushing and shoving to get him out. I guess at one point the doctor reached in to get the rear and leg and instead ended up with a hand. He told me he stuffed the hand back in and went searching for a foot. Kind of a strange thought... They did mention the scarring on my bladder, which was from the first surgery. Maybe that's another reason why the doctor used the vertical incision- to avoid that? Dr. Mason also decided to use staples this time around- 23 total. The first two surgeries I had steri-strips and then glue. I wasn't too convinced at the time about staples, but now I definitely am. I had them removed a week later and the incision site looks incredible. I think that if I'm diligent about using Mederma I will end up with a fairly inconsequential scar.
Recovery went very fast this time around. I didn't get the shakes (thankfully) from the anesthesia and was able to move my legs and scoot myself over onto my bed after only an hour. Apparently that's fairly unusual. I'm finally off all pain meds and while I get really sore when I stand too long, bend over too much or go up and down the stairs too many times, I'm feeling pretty good. Certainly not 100%, but better than I ever did after 2 weeks from the other two surgeries. I guess I have everyone to thank for all their thoughts and prayers in our behalf- they most definitely have worked.
Another great thing- just 6 months ago the military approved paternity leave... 10 free days of leave for the dads. Can't beat that. So, it's been awesome to have Steve here for 2 full weeks to take care of me and the kids (can't just say girls anymore) so I don't have to. He's been doing a great job and I'm very grateful for him.
On a side note, looks like he'll have those beautiful blue eyes just like his sisters and dad. More pictures will be coming soon :)
So, while I complained a whole lot about being 41 weeks pregnant with no baby and then delivering by c-section, in the end we have been blessed with a gorgeous little boy and a speedy recovery.
To start off, I took him to his doctor's appointment today. Just to set you up for this...
at birth, Ryan weighed 8-15
leaving the hospital he weighed 8-2
two days later at his 48-hour check: 8-10
two weeks after birth (today): 9-13
How did my almost 9-pound baby turn into an almost 10-pound baby in only two weeks? I must have liquid gold in my milk :-)
Now I'm going to brag about my baby. He is just the sweetest little guy. I seriously haven't known such a content little baby. He has a quiet cry that is used mostly when he's hungry or tired. He is very patient with letting the girls hold him, which they ask to do all the time. He's a great eater (obviously) and actually sleeps. People told me that having a boy is so much different, but I never really believed them. So far it's very true. He is a wonderful addition to our family. My only complaints: he can't handle me eating chocolate and he only pees on me during diaper changes. Steve can have that diaper off for extended periods of time and nothing. I have to be very vigilant at all times! :-D
I am doing surprisingly well. My surgery went without a hitch and they were able to clean out all that excess scar tissue that I always have and start all over. The doctor did use a low vertical incision in my uterus this time around to get out the baby. I assume it is because Ryan was completely breech. And they still had to do some pushing and shoving to get him out. I guess at one point the doctor reached in to get the rear and leg and instead ended up with a hand. He told me he stuffed the hand back in and went searching for a foot. Kind of a strange thought... They did mention the scarring on my bladder, which was from the first surgery. Maybe that's another reason why the doctor used the vertical incision- to avoid that? Dr. Mason also decided to use staples this time around- 23 total. The first two surgeries I had steri-strips and then glue. I wasn't too convinced at the time about staples, but now I definitely am. I had them removed a week later and the incision site looks incredible. I think that if I'm diligent about using Mederma I will end up with a fairly inconsequential scar.
Recovery went very fast this time around. I didn't get the shakes (thankfully) from the anesthesia and was able to move my legs and scoot myself over onto my bed after only an hour. Apparently that's fairly unusual. I'm finally off all pain meds and while I get really sore when I stand too long, bend over too much or go up and down the stairs too many times, I'm feeling pretty good. Certainly not 100%, but better than I ever did after 2 weeks from the other two surgeries. I guess I have everyone to thank for all their thoughts and prayers in our behalf- they most definitely have worked.
Another great thing- just 6 months ago the military approved paternity leave... 10 free days of leave for the dads. Can't beat that. So, it's been awesome to have Steve here for 2 full weeks to take care of me and the kids (can't just say girls anymore) so I don't have to. He's been doing a great job and I'm very grateful for him.
On a side note, looks like he'll have those beautiful blue eyes just like his sisters and dad. More pictures will be coming soon :)
So, while I complained a whole lot about being 41 weeks pregnant with no baby and then delivering by c-section, in the end we have been blessed with a gorgeous little boy and a speedy recovery.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Being Served
I am going to do a quick vent and then I'll be done. But this week the Relief Society was kind enough to offer meals for our family. That was great, since Mom left Monday and it would give Steve and me a break from that one chore (especially considering I'm supposed to be taking it easy this week and stay off my feet to speed recovery). Well, it wasn't worth it at all. Only one night did it go without a hitch. And that night we were truly spoiled- it was excellent. But two nights in a row we didn't even get food. The first night the individual didn't call until 6pm and said she could have dinner here by 7pm. I had given up by 5:45 and just made macaroni for the girls to eat (meltdown stage had hit shortly after 5) so we told her not to bother. Steve and I had to fend for ourselves. I think Steve ate Rice Krispie Treats :) The second night I learned my lesson and started dinner at 4:30 when we didn't get a call. I still don't know who was supposed to bring us a meal. Again- I'm not supposed to be up and cooking- that's the whole point! Then another night we didn't get the call until 5:30 and we had given up and ordered out pizza. We had already eaten by the time the food came. Two of the meals we had to force-feed down our girls' mouths. Seriously not worth it. I appreciate letting people serve, but it was more stress and pain than I needed!!!
Next post will be a positive one, I promise. Cuz besides this the week has been great with our little boy.
Next post will be a positive one, I promise. Cuz besides this the week has been great with our little boy.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Introducing....
Ryan Lee Elgan
The newest addition to the family arrived at 8:12 AM this morning weighing in at a healthy 8lbs 15oz., 2o in, and 38cm head.
Tiff is doing great, the operation went off without a hitch and all is well. He seems to have a very quiet demeanor and doesn't cry too much (which is nice!).
The newest addition to the family arrived at 8:12 AM this morning weighing in at a healthy 8lbs 15oz., 2o in, and 38cm head.
Tiff is doing great, the operation went off without a hitch and all is well. He seems to have a very quiet demeanor and doesn't cry too much (which is nice!).
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Bummer
So yesterday I went to the doctor with every intention to have him turn the baby. I told him that and he flat-out refused. I was mad. Why has he been suggesting it at every appointment for the last month if he refuses to do it? Yeah- this is most definitely not my favorite doctor. I never know if he's serious with me or not, and he's constantly talking down to me. This is my 4th pregnancy, I worked on Mother/baby, I majored in MFHD and took plenty of classes that discuss the topic of pregnancy and babies and I research it all the time. I'm not an idiot! But he treats me like one. I'm ready to be done seeing him!
Needless to say, the baby is still breech, I've still not progressed and we have my c-section scheduled for Thursday morning. I cried all through the doctor reading me the paperwork that I had to sign for permission to slice me open. And then I cried for a couple more hours after we got home. So it's decided. I really am trying to not be depressed over this. There's a reason for everything. Just wish I knew what it was!
We'll be sure and get pictures up right away and let you know how we're doing. Thanks for your love and support. Just 1 1/2 more days and this little one will be here. Definitely something to look forward to!
Needless to say, the baby is still breech, I've still not progressed and we have my c-section scheduled for Thursday morning. I cried all through the doctor reading me the paperwork that I had to sign for permission to slice me open. And then I cried for a couple more hours after we got home. So it's decided. I really am trying to not be depressed over this. There's a reason for everything. Just wish I knew what it was!
We'll be sure and get pictures up right away and let you know how we're doing. Thanks for your love and support. Just 1 1/2 more days and this little one will be here. Definitely something to look forward to!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)