Brayden was a week old yesterday. We have been enjoying him IMMENSELY during his first week home - hence the lack of regular posting on here! However, this little fella' has GOT to start putting some meet on his scrawny little body. August's camera currently isn't working or I'd post some pictures of Brayden's tiny little chicken legs.
He has continued to lose weight since birth and today we have had to start supplementing his feedings. He will go back on Monday for another weight check. Would you pray that he would gain some by then?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Brayden's Story
Has it really been a week since I went to bed very late Tuesday night (actually early Wednesday morning) and just as I was getting myself comfortable (a feat which was no small task) felt that familiar and fear-inducing warm gush. This gush was different though. It kept coming and coming. I remember thinking how all along I had feared hemorrhaging and this was finally it. I remember wondering if I would pass out due to blood loss before we got to the hospital. I was so, so scared.
August had just gotten in the shower moments before and couldn't hear me calling for him. I desperately did not want to stand up because I knew the gushing blood would cover my legs and the carpet, yet I had no choice. I made it to him as fast as I could and let him know it was happening.....again.
It was at that point that I finally looked down and, to my amazement, saw nothing on my legs and nothing on the carpet. My water had broken! And the fluid was clear (a very, very good sign for the health of the baby)! Of all the scenarios I had imagined, this was not one of them.
I also knew, at that moment, that this would be the night we would meet our baby. To say I was freaking out would be a ridiculous understatement. I began to tremble uncontrollably and would do so until we reached the hospital. It was all too much to take in - my water had broken, our baby was on his way, and I was headed for a c-section - that night! I remember August using a very soft, assuring voice in an attempt to calm me down. I wish I could say it worked.....
We arrived at the hospital about 1:30 a.m. and they began prepping me for surgery. It always feels like everything happens so slooooooowly in the hospital and so it seemed I had a loooong time to anticipate the needle they would use for my spinal anesthesia. I know that should have been the least of my worries but the thought of a needle in my back! They also drew my blood in expectation that I would need a transfusion in the OR.
By 3:30 a.m. I was flat on my back with August seated near my head, my legs and torso completely numb, feeling a bit loopy from the Morphine in my anesthesia, and with a blue drape concealing my view of anything lower than my chest level. I remember glancing at the clock then and it was 3:38 a.m. I had heard from August and others that my OB was really fast in the OR so I asked him his best guess for when the baby would be out. He predicted 3:55 a.m. - which would ironically be the time he would be closing me up aftewards.
I remember I could see, through the reflection of the OR lights above me, my OB prepping my belly. I chose not to watch much of the operation in those reflective lights. Instead I waited.........waited for the first hint of his little "voice". I knew if he came out crying, he was likely in good shape. But if he came out quietly, that would not be a good sign. And there it was. First a wimper....and then a good loud squak. They wiped him dry, bundled him with warm blankets, and handed him to me. And our tears just started flowing.
It was 3:46 and while our children and friends slept soundly, sweet Brayden had made his way into the world safely. Bedrest was over. The fear of hemmorhaging to death was over. (I remember saying to August later that day, "I'm so glad I didn't die today.") The fear of losing our baby was over. The goodness of it all was overwhelming. All I could think was, "Look what God has done!!" It was a new day and I couldn't wait to start heralding his arrival to anyone who would listen.
The remaining hours of that night are a little foggy to me. I remember feeling enveloped by peace as I rested in the recovery room. I remember August running back and forth with the camera from the Recovery Room to the Nursery. (Anticipating being separated from the baby for the first several hours, I had given August explicit instructions ahead of time that I wanted him to report EVERYTHING about the baby back to me.) And then I remember them bringing him to me. His blood sugar was alarmingly low and, rather than supplement with formula as a first route, they chose to let me try and nurse him. (A decision for which I'll remain forever grateful.) He nursed well and his blood sugar rose immediately, and was still rising even hours later. There was also fear of him being cold too. So we spent those first hours getting to know one another skin to skin - my body keeping his warm.
As dawn came, we started making calls. First to our girls who weren't surprised that Mom was in the hospital - again. They knew the routine now. Except this time, we had big news. It was such fun to hear the surprise and delight in their voices.
No, this wasn't a night any of us had expected......and there was great rejoicing.
August had just gotten in the shower moments before and couldn't hear me calling for him. I desperately did not want to stand up because I knew the gushing blood would cover my legs and the carpet, yet I had no choice. I made it to him as fast as I could and let him know it was happening.....again.
It was at that point that I finally looked down and, to my amazement, saw nothing on my legs and nothing on the carpet. My water had broken! And the fluid was clear (a very, very good sign for the health of the baby)! Of all the scenarios I had imagined, this was not one of them.
I also knew, at that moment, that this would be the night we would meet our baby. To say I was freaking out would be a ridiculous understatement. I began to tremble uncontrollably and would do so until we reached the hospital. It was all too much to take in - my water had broken, our baby was on his way, and I was headed for a c-section - that night! I remember August using a very soft, assuring voice in an attempt to calm me down. I wish I could say it worked.....
We arrived at the hospital about 1:30 a.m. and they began prepping me for surgery. It always feels like everything happens so slooooooowly in the hospital and so it seemed I had a loooong time to anticipate the needle they would use for my spinal anesthesia. I know that should have been the least of my worries but the thought of a needle in my back! They also drew my blood in expectation that I would need a transfusion in the OR.
By 3:30 a.m. I was flat on my back with August seated near my head, my legs and torso completely numb, feeling a bit loopy from the Morphine in my anesthesia, and with a blue drape concealing my view of anything lower than my chest level. I remember glancing at the clock then and it was 3:38 a.m. I had heard from August and others that my OB was really fast in the OR so I asked him his best guess for when the baby would be out. He predicted 3:55 a.m. - which would ironically be the time he would be closing me up aftewards.
I remember I could see, through the reflection of the OR lights above me, my OB prepping my belly. I chose not to watch much of the operation in those reflective lights. Instead I waited.........waited for the first hint of his little "voice". I knew if he came out crying, he was likely in good shape. But if he came out quietly, that would not be a good sign. And there it was. First a wimper....and then a good loud squak. They wiped him dry, bundled him with warm blankets, and handed him to me. And our tears just started flowing.
It was 3:46 and while our children and friends slept soundly, sweet Brayden had made his way into the world safely. Bedrest was over. The fear of hemmorhaging to death was over. (I remember saying to August later that day, "I'm so glad I didn't die today.") The fear of losing our baby was over. The goodness of it all was overwhelming. All I could think was, "Look what God has done!!" It was a new day and I couldn't wait to start heralding his arrival to anyone who would listen.
The remaining hours of that night are a little foggy to me. I remember feeling enveloped by peace as I rested in the recovery room. I remember August running back and forth with the camera from the Recovery Room to the Nursery. (Anticipating being separated from the baby for the first several hours, I had given August explicit instructions ahead of time that I wanted him to report EVERYTHING about the baby back to me.) And then I remember them bringing him to me. His blood sugar was alarmingly low and, rather than supplement with formula as a first route, they chose to let me try and nurse him. (A decision for which I'll remain forever grateful.) He nursed well and his blood sugar rose immediately, and was still rising even hours later. There was also fear of him being cold too. So we spent those first hours getting to know one another skin to skin - my body keeping his warm.
As dawn came, we started making calls. First to our girls who weren't surprised that Mom was in the hospital - again. They knew the routine now. Except this time, we had big news. It was such fun to hear the surprise and delight in their voices.
No, this wasn't a night any of us had expected......and there was great rejoicing.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Getting to Know Our Favorite Little Man.....
We've had some wonderful get-acquainted time over the past couple of days. The big sisters have been in to see us (Who am I kidding?! We all know who they are here to see!) often. When they come, sweet Brayden gets passed from sister to sister, over and over again. One of my nurses told me it's a good thing I'm nursing him, otherwise, I might never get an opportunity to hold him. I think she's right!
Having never had a c-section, I really wasn't sure how quickly I'd be up and moving. I'm happy to report that (with a little help from some strong narcotics) I'm slowly but surely getting back on my feet. It feels really good to be headed back toward normalcy - whatever that will look like now!
We were originally told that Brayden would likely need to stay an extra few days after I was discharged. His pediatrician explained that often, 36 weekers (especially boys) often have trouble regulating their temperature (staying warm enough) and keeping their blood sugar high enough. Although he has had a few episodes of dropping both his temp and sugar, Brayden has mostly managed to charm his docs and nurses with his dashing good looks and vigorous eating habits....his adorable knitted pea pod hat made by my friend Julie (see bottom photo) doesn't hurt either! All signs are pointing to a discharge for both of us tomorrow! 
We're all simply smitten. Can you blame us???
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Look What God Has Done!!! WELCOME BRAYDEN DANIEL!!!
I'm too tired to write anything about today. Besides, I don't think I could possibly put my joy into words. But here are some baby shots to hold you over.
Basking in God's goodness, our whole family (all SEVEN of us!!) thanks you for your prayers.
The Baby is Here!!
This is Marina and Olivia for Mom :
Olivia:
Mom went back to the hospital after her water broke this morning at 1:00. She had her c-section and ......... Brayden Daniel......... was born at 3:46am this morning. Mom will post something later with more details and a picture; right now she is too tired. Thank you for all of your prayers.
Marina:
She says he looks like Opa and has my long fingers. She also says he's very cute. We all can't wait to meet him!
Welcome into our family, Brayden!
Olivia:
Mom went back to the hospital after her water broke this morning at 1:00. She had her c-section and ......... Brayden Daniel......... was born at 3:46am this morning. Mom will post something later with more details and a picture; right now she is too tired. Thank you for all of your prayers.
Marina:
She says he looks like Opa and has my long fingers. She also says he's very cute. We all can't wait to meet him!
Welcome into our family, Brayden!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
36 Week Joy!
- Thirty-six week joy is knowing that the baby could come anytime now and would likely be just fine.
- Thirty-six week joy is having my family deceive me by telling me the reason I need to put on make-up and dress nicely today is because today is "picture day" - when we take the Easter shot that should have been taken last Sunday. (see belated Easter shot above)
- Thirty-six week joy is having 13 of my dearest friends congregate in my garage preparing to overtake my family room - unbeknownst to me.
- Thirty-six week joy is learning that my sweet family has known about this secret gathering for weeks and weeks and not whispered a peep.
- Thirty-six week joy is having said friends take me by total surprise by parading into my house with gifts, treats, and hugs galore. (Good thing for "picture day" - see #2 above!!)
- Thirty-six week joy is having my 13 year old daughter, who is becoming quite the young lady, in the same room with all of my other treasured friends.
"A cheerful heart is good medicine." Prov. 17:22
My house was full of cheerful hearts today and, boy, was it good medicine! Thank you, friends!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Couch Chronicles - Vol. 7
(No, we don't own this "couch" but a girl can dream can't she?)
During a discussion on black bears which are occasionally seen in our neighborhood:
Me: "If you ever encounter a black bear, supposedly one of the things you should do to protect yourself it to make yourself look bigger."
Eliza: "Mom, you would be good at that." (spoken as she eyed my belly)
I'm sure it was meant as a compliment.........right?!
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