Beach

Quinn's speech is still choppy and can be hard for the untrained ear to understand, however, in the last few weeks she has been putting together more and more words. (And we don't even officially start speech therapy until next week.)

Today, she brought out the toilet brush and told us it was a "shovel" and that she "digging sand, beach, grandma."

After yet another snow storm this morning, I had already found myself looking at pictures from our trip to the beach last summer and wishing we were there instead of here...In the snow....And the cold. Not to mention Ali and McKay are headed to Disneyland this week, and Ali has been taunting me with Southern California weather reports. I am so ready for spring and summer!

Bummed

Quinn was all set and scheduled to have surgery tomorrow morning at 7:30. We were finally going to say good bye to her g-tube button. Then tonight around 7:30, she got clingy and started to run a fever. She just wanted to sleep. After an interesting trip to instacare, it was decided Quinn's surgery needed to be postponed due to a high fever, ear ache, and a sore throat.

Poor puppy is miserable. And I am bummed. Bummed she is sick. Bummed that we had to reschedule the surgery. Bummed that Alice and Sam were both exposed to Quinn's germs. I am just plain bummed right now.

Edited to add: Quinn woke up feeling better. Unfortunately, she woke up at 4:50 am. No fever. Full of energy. The antibiotics made a huge difference. I have left a message with the surgeon to reschedule. Also she weighed 9 kg last night (almost 20 lbs). Told you the my doctor's scale was off.

The Three B's

Last night, I was texting back and forth with VaRonica about the three B's- birth, babies, and breastfeeding-since she is due in the middle of March, which is right around the corner, people. I am going to be an aunt in less than two months!  We are really excited about a new baby around here. 

Our conversation really got me thinking about Quinn's birth, and my experiences with her and the three B's, both as a pregnant woman, and a mom.

(Disclaimer:  we weren't actually calling them the three B's last night, it is just something clever I came up with right now to give my post a theme.)

First B:  Birth

During pregnancy:  I had planned to have an unmedicated, vaginal birth.  Then, things went very badly, very quickly.  I love that the Resident that delivered me gave me the option to still deliver Quinn the way I had wanted and planned, but warned that it was unlikely that the baby would not tolerate labor, and that a c-section was the best way to go.  And even though, I never imagined in a million years that I would have c-section, I knew it was the medically sound choice.  

As a mom:  I mourned the loss of a "normal" birth and pregnancy.  I was sad that I never went into labor and got big and pregnant, but for the most part, never looked back.  I also had to mourn the loss of future pregnancy and babies, but again, it felt like the right choice. 

Second B:  Babies

During pregnancy:  I pictured myself having a big nine or ten pound baby.  I avoided buying newborn sized clothes.  I worried about being due at the same time as the school year starting, and tried to make decisions about my maternity leave.

As a mom:  I had a one pound baby, that did not even fit into preemie sized clothes.  I got to split my maternity leave into two sections, and have all summer off. I was stretched as a person in a way I could have never imagined, and loved in a way that was also new and exhilarating.  Quinn was such a good and easy baby. She was happy, and made my new role in life easy, despite all the medical complications. 

I would never want to go through all that again (and would never want to see another child suffer like that), but it was my reality, and it was actually manageable.  I feel ok with the fact that my introduction to motherhood was dramatic and anything but normal. 

Third B:  Breastfeeding

During pregnancy:  I figured I  would breastfeed for at least one year, but more likely 18 months to two years. I knew that breastfeeding was the most healthy option for mom and baby, and also the most cost efficient.

As a mom:  The NICU was very pro-breast milk, not so much pro-breast feeding.  I exclusively pumped for months, and received little support from the lactation team at the hospital.  When it came time to get to actually nurse Quinn, they were always watching, interfering, and trying to make it about numbers and weight. As Quinn's resistance to the bottle grew, the less I actually got to breast feed.  It was frustrating, and got in the way of the good thing we had going.

When Quinn got home, concerns we being raised about her weight gain, and my breast feeding was further limited, until I was encouraged to go back to exclusive pumping right as my maternity leave was ending.  I just couldn't do it.   I had about two and half months of breast milk stored, and Quinn continued to receive that, mixed with formula (for calories) until she was ten months old. 

And while I know why I made the choice to stop nursing/pumping, I have never really come to terms with it.  I guess because breastfeeding was so important to me, and I knew breast milk was so important to Quinn.  And because, after months of not being able to hold her or care for her, it was the most normal and natural thing I got to do with my baby.  And because, it felt like other people's actions and opinions influenced me/practically forced (because I didn't want to do anything to hurt Quinn) into something that would have never been my choice.  I just really wish I would have stuck to my guns, and nursed Quinn for at least the first year of her life. 

It is funny.  If you would have asked the pregnant me, what would be worse- this being your only pregnancy, or not breastfeeding for year?  I would have answered, one pregnancy.  But the answer now is the opposite.  It has been the hardest thing of the three B's to face a different outcome than the one I predicted.  Life is funny that way. 

Tired

This week has wiped me out. Between teaching full time, and having a sick baby, this week has been exhausting. I am glad tomorrow is Friday, and I am looking forward to the weekend. Although, I desperately need to do some housework and run some errands.

I wish I could put together a proper update, but I am too tired. Here are a couple of things off the top of my head.

* Quinn, despite being under the weather, has had a blast with her grandparents this week. Makes it easy to leave her when she bounces out of my arms and into one of her grandmas' arms in the moring.
* She took five steps for a Dr. Pepper can while hanging out with my ma.
* She is mimicking more and more. She also can say Piper on her own now.


Here are some pictures from the week.

Quinn drinking from the faucet in the tub:



Quinn eating a taco:



Quinn and mommy being silly with the camera:



Quinn putting her puzzle together:



Quinn getting ready for bed:

Hiking and Swimming

We went on a hike to see the waterfall up Rocky Mouth Canyon on Saturday morning. It was an easy hike with a big pay off. I did complain the whole way up before realizing just how short and easy it was going to be. I told Dalan I could only do hikes approved for senior citizens and that were wheelchair accessible. I am a whiner. Sorry Dalan and Quinn. I really did have fun! And the falls were so pretty.



We also used it as an opportunity to get Quinn used to be in a backpack. We are planning on bringing it on our upcoming trip to San Francisco, and want her to be comfortable and compliant in it. She did ok. We ended up leaving her in it, and not getting in the water once we reached the falls, because we were doubtful we would ever get her back into it, and it would have been hard to hike down with a wiggly toddler.

When we got home, Dalan blew up Quinn's frog pool, and we did some backyard swimming. Quinn had a lot of fun splashing around and playing in the water, and then she was done, and had no interest in getting back in the water. She is a funny girl.

Recipe for Disaster

Tonight, we whipped up a recipe (for disaster) that I am sure that most other parents have made, or at least made a similar version. At least I hope they have, in order to make myself feel better.

Ingredients:

2 hungry parents
1 Chili's gift card
1 strong-willed and spirited 13 month old.
A dash of embarrassment
A dash of amusement

Steps:

1. Put the 13 month old into the high chair. She should insisted on licking the table. The more the you move her away or put your hand in the way, she should get louder and more upset.

2. Move the 13 month old so far away from the table, that she can't lick it at all. She should then start to escape from the high chair. This will include leaning over, and using all 16 pounds of herself to propel up and out of the chair.

3. Take the 13 month old out of the highchair for her safety. Whisper in her ear that she needs to be calm, and have positive behavior. She will scream in rebellion every time. This will make the mom giggle. She can't help herself.

4. The dad will take the 13 month old for a walk, and to get some puffs from the car. The 13 month old will return in a calm mood. The dad should keep giving the baby puffs. She loves them. She is quiet. The parents start to eat their food.

5. The 13 month old should now gag on a puff. The 13 month old should ideally have a very sensitive gag reflex. Because of her said reflex, the 13 month old will now spit up all over herself, her dad's leg, and most importantly, Chili's floor.

6. The mom will rush over and try to clean up the dad and the 13 month old with baby wipes. The spit up will be dripping down the dad's leg.

7. Dad will take the 13 month old back to the car.

8. Mom will clean up spit up from the Chili's floor. Best to not attract too much attention to yourself.

9. Get two to go boxes, and pay the bill as quickly as possible.

10. Finish dinner at home after the 13 month old and dad have had a chance to clean up. Eat outside. Noise and other bodily fluids don't hurt anything when you are outside. The finished product will look something like this....



Important to note: The recipe really won't work without this key ingredient. No substitutions!

Trouble in Tube Town

Quinn has woken up three nights in a row soaking wet. And it wasn't a diaper problem. We have had Trouble with a capital T and that stands for TUBING!

Night 1:

Problem: Baby is wet in the middle of the night.

Reason: Her tubing somehow became detached from her button, therefore her machine was pumping formula all over Quinn, instead of into her belly.

Solution: Reattached the tubing. Change sheets and jammies, put baby back to bed.

Night 2:

Problem: Baby is wet in the middle of the night.

Reason: Her tubing is shaped like a fork. It has one opening for medicine, and one for her machine hook up or a bigger syringe. The part for the medicine had accidentally become opened, and therefore her machine was pumping formula all over Quinn, instead of staying in the tubing and going into her belly.

Solution: Close the opening for the medicine. Change sheets and jammies, put baby back to bed.

Night 3:

Problem: Baby is wet in the middle of the night.

Reason: This one was harder to figure out. Quinn woke up around 2:30 am, and was a little wet around her button. Her tubing was still attached, and the part for the medicine was closed. I figured her button was leaking a little bit, (they can do that) but figured it would be easier to fix in the morning. Quinn continued to wake up every twenty minutes, and was wetter and wetter each time. We finally checked her button's balloon (this is what keeps the button in her belly) around 4:00 am, and it was a 3 cc's, instead of 5. We filled it back up, and I started to rock Quinn back to sleep. At this point she had seen Dalan and thought it was time to party. So, I had to get her to calm back down. My shirt was quickly damp. We then figured out it was the tubing that a leak in it. Quinn really thought it was time to party now. Crazy baby.

Solution: Turn off her machine, change her jammies, and just put her to bed without getting her full feeding. The sheets were fine. (It was a slow leak, and had not gotten anywhere, but on Quinn and me.) I was worried, because I thought we only got two tubing attachments for her machines, and they had to last for at least nine months, because that was all the insurance would pay for, and the other one had already broken. Dalan googled them, and they only cost $15. So, we planned on calling the home/health people in the morning, and if the insurance wouldn't pay, we would just order our own. I called in the morning, and apparently, the insurance will pay for three a month. I had misunderstood. They will only pay for a new button every nine months, but since it all came in the same kit, I thought the tubing had to last too. So, we were using and reusing these semi-nasty tubes for the last three months, and we could have had new ones! Grrrr!

Here's to a dry night, so this poor girl (who is ok with her crib again) can get a good night sleep. Oh, and her mama and dad would like one too!

Updates

1. Baths. Shower #2 together went better, less whining, still some clinging. However, by the end she was getting braver and not so clingy. Then I took a bath with her. And it went really well! She was hesitant to get in the tub, but once she was in, she was fine. She splashed and played, and we got her good and clean, and then out before it could become anything but fun! However, I kinda hated it. I had fun with Quinn, but it was too cold for my liking, and I ended up showering later anyway to get myself all clean. However, I will do it gladly in order to have a clean kid who isn't traumatized by the tub! Thanks for all your suggestions.

2. Naps. Quinn took two naps in her crib this week. Quinn has never been a crib napper due to how difficult it was to transport her from room to room with all machines in the early days. She just would nap in our arms or her swing, but when she outgrew her swing, she started napping exclusively in our arms. That is actually kind of nice and sweet, but it makes getting things done around the house very difficult. I was able to put away laundry, change the sheets on my bed, etc. when she took her little naps in her crib. It was glorious. I took her to an award's assembly at my school this evening, so she missed her nap time, but I am hoping an evening nap in her crib becomes part of our routine.

3. Oxygen. I had to put Quinn's oxygen on tonight. I think it is her pulse-ox machine misreading. She hasn't needed oxygen in like two weeks, and the last few times I hooked her up, I felt it was the machine, not Quinn. It is constantly going offline, reading no sensor, beeping if she moves/we pick her up, or just getting no signal. Tonight, she was beeping soon after I put her down. I took the sensor off her foot, and put it back on. Often that does the trick. Nope. So I put "dots" on my sleeping child. Then I fight her to put the oxygen cannula in my now no longer sleeping child. It was traumatizing how hard I had to fight and fuss with her. I get her settled, and she is breathing remarkably better. I think ok, she must have needed it. Then I come downstairs, and her oxygen tank is off. So it was all a fluke!!!!! I turn it on to the lowest setting anyway, because the the cannula is in, and I figure some oxygen is better than just having a thing jammed up your nose. Then later, she starts beeping again. And still beeps on the setting one up. She is not beeping now that I have her two settings up, but she is at a higher than she has needed it since we have been home from the hospital. I am thinking this has just to be a bad signal or something on the machine, but I don't want to mess around with her oxygen needs either. So frustrating. We have Quinn's well child 12 month check tomorrow, so I will express my frustrations to the doc then.

4. Wild. Here is my crazy babe getting ready for bed. At one point she was literally trying to climb the walls.

I now understand why...

...people have babies when they are young.

Quinn has decided that sleeping in her crib is for suckers, and she would much prefer sleeping in mom or dad's arms. This after two glorious weeks of having a baby who was sleeping 12 hours a night. My 31 year old (almost 32 year old) body just can't handle it, while I am sure my 22 year old body would have taken it in stride.

Waiting to have kids until my thirties was a conscious choice, and overall a good fit for me. I got to do a lot of L.I.V.I.N' (to be said in a Matthew Macconaughey from Dazed and Confused voice.) in my twenties. I had a lot of fun, and had some wacky adventures. I got my Bachelor and Master's degrees. Dalan and I got to live together for four years without any kids. We bought a house. We were financially secure. The timing was right for us.

But, holy cow! I am tired. If I only had the energy and stamina to stay up all night, work all day, and repeat that I once I had. I would be a happy, well rested, and energetic mama. Today, I was only a happy, yet very tired mama. Oh well, here's to hoping Quinn is digging her crib tonight. She has been asleep for thirty minutes in there, and I have not heard a peep. Last night, she had woken up two or three times by this point. Fingers crossed.

Facts and Opinions

FACT: Quinn is scheduled to have surgery next Friday to have a g tube placed in her belly. Her oral feeding and weight gain is still lacking, so we need a more long term solution. It is considered an outpatient surgery with an overnight stay.

OPINION: My feelings are mixed. Everything I have read and heard that are after an NG tube (her feeding tube in her nose), a g tube is a walk in the park. However, I am not convinced yet. Also, I have some PTSD type issues about admitting Quinn into the hospital, and getting "stuck." Now, that we have Quinn home, I want to keep her here, and not risk it for anything. Also, the surgery "should" help with her feeding, and "should" help with her weight gain, but not guarantees. I would feel better if I knew for sure this was a going to make things better. The whole thing stresses me out.

FACT: Dalan is still feeling yucky. He had an ultrasound two weeks ago, and they did not see gallstones, however, his doctor is not ruling a problem with his gallbladder out yet, and he goes in for more testing at the end of the month.

OPINION: I feel bad for him. Who wants to feel sick all the time? The thought of Quinn having surgery, and then Dalan having surgery is a bit overwhelming.

FACT: I have not really done anything fun or left the house for anything other than the hospital, errands, and work in over ten months, with a handful of exceptions. (Two plays and a few family get togethers.)

OPINION: It sucks. I have gone stir crazy. I can't wait for the end of the cold and flu season, and getting to rejoin the living again. I am grateful Quinn has stayed so healthy although, so it does make it worth it. I am just ready for it to end.

FACT: My house is a disgusting mess.

OPINION: I am tired all the time. I get off work, eat dinner, play with Quinn, put Quinn to bed, wash bottles and dishes, get bottles ready for the next day, straighten up, shower, and I am done. I have no energy to keep up with anything beyond very basic housecleaning. My house is now driving me crazy, and adding to my feelings of being overwhelmed.

Sunday Funday

Today we went on another walk. A super long walk. It was so nice. It felt like spring. Or early summer. It was glorious. We even lost a sock along the way!



When we got home, we gave Quinn an apple-sicle. I pre-make all her baby food, and freeze it. So, we just gave her a frozen chunk of pureed apple. She was a little apprehensive at first, but ended up loving it, and gumming about half of it.



We also were able to capture Quinn "calling" Piper on video. It is pretty adorable.



Later, Uncle Cole stopped by to see Quinners. Quinn is developing some stranger danger, and was a little leary. She did enjoy him pretending to lick her. Cole has a theory that Quinn thinks she is dog like Piper, so he was trying to relate to her.


Quinn hates sleeping. Or I should say, staying asleep. She did this thing last weekend, where she would fall asleep and wake up soon after. It was about the time she got her little cold, so I chalked it up to that. Then, again this weekend. I blamed it on the fact I have been using a sleep sack instead of a swaddle. Last night, swaddling her worked instantly after she repeatedly woke up. Tonight I swaddled her from the start, and she is still waking up every half an hour. I hope this does not become/stay her new bedtime routine.

A week....

It's been a week...

Dalan was super sick. He even stayed home from work one day, and he almost never does that.

Quinn was awesome, but constipated. She is silly, and so much fun. And luckily, her belly issues did not bother her too much.

Therefore, I was busy, exhausted, and now a little sick myself.

Grumpiest. Face. Ever.

Photo-extravaganza Part 6

These pictures are from this weekend. I am finally caught up....whew! We had a low key weekend. (Like always, since we are basically on house arrest due to cold and flu season/the poor air quality/cold weather. I cannot wait until spring. I usually get spring fever, but not quite this early, but I am ready for warm weather and the opportunity to take the baby out of the house!)

Quinn is pretty much wearing her 3-6 month clothes now. The pants are a little big, and a little long, but the outfits all coordinate together, so we just moved her up. So, our little fashionista is now rocking a whole new wardrobe.

(our little beatnik)

(overalls from Ecuador...ignore how frumpy I look.)

Quinn now loves to play with remotes, cell phones, and cameras. She also loves to look at pictures and videos of herself.

(Making movies...)

Quinn loves playtime and toys. She especially loves to play on a blanket naked. It is my go to activity at night when she gets more ornery.

(Playing with her tubes, next to Minnie.
This huge stuffed animal was a gift from Grandma and Grandpa for Christmas.
Quinn has some catching up to do.)

Some people

People love to remind me Quinn almost/could have died. Weird, right? At least half of the conversations I have with casual acquaintances/co-workers about Quinn lead to this subject. I would think it would poor manners to remind a mother that her baby was so sick, but people love to bring it up. I get it- she has an amazing story. She is amazing, but do I really need to be reminded daily that my baby could have died, and that I am so lucky she didn't? I was there after all, in the trenches, dealing with a failing pregnancy and then a super tiny, micro-preemie.

Most conversations with these type of people go one of three ways.

Scenario 1:

Person: How is your baby doing?
Me: Really well.
Person: That is amazing. You are so lucky/blessed.
Me: Yes, we are very lucky.
Person (whispering): You know a lot of babies her size don't make it/ You are lucky she is even here.


Scenario 2:

Person: How is your baby doing?
Me: Ok, she is still struggling to eat.
Person: Well, you should feel blessed that you even have her/It is amazing she is even alive.
Me: Yes, I know.


Scenario 3:

Person: How is your baby doing?
Me: Really well.
Person: (stares at me)
Me: She is hitting all her developmental milestones.
Person: (just continues to stare at me until I say something like....)
Me: We are very lucky that things turned out so well.



*This is not meant to offend. I really do love everyone's support! It is just a weird conversation to have with people I barely/casually know over and over again. Most of the time, I have this same conversation with the same person multiple times.

Plus, I am exhausted. Quinn's alarm is killing me, as is being back at work after a nice, long winter's break. Hopefully, happy and optimistic Jessi will be back before we know it.

Discouraged

Quinn and I have been a breast feeding couple for quite sometime now. First, we just practiced latching and sucking. She was (and still is) a professional at this skill from the beginning. Then, she needed to start transferring milk from my breast into her mouth, and swallowing. This took some time, but I thought we were really getting it. I have felt her suck, heard her swallow, and seen milk in the breast shield and in her mouth.

However, the NICU does these test weights. They weigh the baby before breast feeding on a highly sensitive scale, and then again post breast feeding in the exact same conditions. The baby's weight gain is suppose to correlate with the intake of breast milk. Some of the nurses, and especially the lactation specialists, swear up and down by this. Some of the other nurses take a little less stock in it.

Well, Quinn and I have had to endure pre/post weights, twice, and both times her weight remained exactly the same. It seems that she is doing everything right, so it must be me. I am not letting down/producing enough weight for her to transfer. Or the scale thing is stupid and I should just ignore it and keep doing what I am doing.

However what has happened is, after 12 weeks of pumping, I am totally frustrated and discouraged. I just cried and cried after the weights on Saturday night. The nurse must have thought I was a little crazy. It makes me seriously consider quitting breast feeding, and just doing bottles. I could still pump, but not put Quinn to my breast anymore. Breast feeding is so important to me, but the scrutiny I have been under is starting to get to me. I love nursing Quinn. Her oxygen levels are always high during this time, and has been wonderful bonding. That being said, I rarely get to breast feed my baby without two to three people watching, making suggestions, and judging.

Some of these people have been really kinds and helpful, some have just made me stressed and uncomfortable. However, they all say the same thing. Quinn is doing great. This kid can eat. Etc, Etc. So, again it is obviously a Jessi problem, and I feel so guilty/defective (which I have a lot of feelings of otherwise since my body can't carry a baby to term) right now. I should be able to feed my baby. I want to feed my baby. I have waited to long to feed my baby. However, the thought of breast feeding is now so stressful, and I am sure that is "wonderful" for milk production.

I need help. The nurse tonight suggested no more test weights, which I would love, however, I don't think everyone in the NICU would be on board with this plan. Can I flat out refuse? Or will I look like a horrible mother who does not care if she is starving her baby for the sake of pride? Does anyone know anything about test weights? Anyone know anything about babies, preemies or otherwise, not transferring milk? Anyone have trouble letting their milk down?

A blog with two possible titles

Title 1: Ticket and Tears

I got pulled over today and received a ticket for speeding. This upset me terribly, like I was bawling my eyes out. Not so much that I got a ticket, because I was speeding, but how the cop was so unsympathetic. I took a new way from the hospital today, so I could stop and get Dalan and me some food on the way home (we had gone to the hospital in different cars.) I pulled onto a street and followed the truck in front of me for about six blocks, and then got pulled over. I had no idea what the speed limit was on that road, but figured I was speeding when I got pulled over. I apologized and explained to the officer that I was unfamiliar with the road and was just going with the flow of traffic. He told me that the truck in front of me was speeding as well, but that I was going slightly faster so I got the ticket. I also tried to explain that I had just come from the hospital and was having a rough time in general. He dismissed this, took my license, and wrote me up a ticket. I got very upset, and was crying. He ignored my tears (and these were real tears...I am sure he has seen his share of crocodile tears, but this was red in the face, I am truly upset tears) and explained my ticket. He never once asked if I was ok or if I was ok to drive. Grrrrr! I am sure he hears all kinds of excuses all the time, but I was pretty much a mess. A little sympathy and understanding would have gone along way. Makes me so mad.

Title 2: Marveling at the Mighty Quinn

On the upside of things I had a wonderful visit with Quinn and my parents last night. We had so much fun talking, laughing, and just marveling at the Mighty Quinn.

And I had a wonderful visit with VaRonica today. We both have been so busy, and it was nice to catch up. We had so much fun talking, laughing, and just marveling at the Mighty Quinn.

And I had a wonderful visit with my huz and babe today. It is always so relaxing and calming in the afternoons. We had so much fun talking, laughing, and just marveling at the Mighty Quinn.

And I get to meet up with my in laws tonight. I am sure we will have so much fun talking, laughing, and just marveling at the Mighty Quinn.

And now for some photographic evidence.....

FOUR

Quinn is now a four pounder! Can you believe it? It thrills me to no end to be able to say I have a four pound baby opposed to a one pound baby (or two or three pounds for that matter). Although, I will always get ohhhs and ahhhs when people ask how much Quinn weighed at birth, and I say, "15 and half ounces." It is now nice to be able to add, "but she weighs four pounds now."

Quinn also got moved to a new room and a new pod last night. It sucks. We left our familiar and friendly old pod, and even though technically we probably over stayed our welcome there (as it is for new, tiny, or sick babies...and Quinn has been none of those for quite sometime), we already miss it. We also seriously had the best room in the place...it was large, private, and with windows. Our room now is shared, dark, and small.....gasp! I miss our old rooms desperately, even her first little room. Sure, it was small and dark, but it was private. At least, it had something going for it. Dalan did tell me that our nurse, Allison, is campaigning to get Quinn back in a room with a window. Let's hope.

I used to be able to tell what day a picture was taken by Quinn's bedding, now I have to pay attention to her clothes....how cool is that????

Quinn continues to be feeling better, and they have started back with her weaning of her oxygen. Fingers crossed that all goes well. We so appreciate all your positive thoughts and vibes. Keep them coming.



(These pictures were taken in her old room...before all the newly born multiples forces us out...thus the natural light.)

Edit to add: Quinn is moving to a new room tonight. It is a little bigger, and has a window. She will still have a roommate, but it better than what we had...hooray for our nurse getting things done!

Edit to add 2: The nurses really worked their magic. We now have a private room with a window in our new pod. I am so happy!

Sleepovers

What kind of kid were you at sleepovers growing up? I think everyone fits into one of three general categories.

Type 1: Normal kid. You could hang until it was pretty late, and then you would get tired and go to sleep. You could then walk up at a decent hour, and be ready for the day. The slumber party was made for you.

Type 2: Sleepy McSleeperson. You fell asleep way too early, making for an uncomfortable evening for your guest/host. You also woke up way too early, and you were ready to go for the day, making for an uncomfortable morning for yourself and/or your host/guest. You are the early to bed, early to rise people.

Type 3: Awakey McAwakerson. You were always the last one ready for bed, and the last one to sleep, even if this meant hours of just lying there awake while everyone else was asleep. Mornings always came too quickly, and you would have rather been still asleep, rather than eating cereal and watching cartoons. If you even woke up on time with the rest of the household, you often found yourself awake hours after your host/guest, making for an uncomfortable morning. You are the type of people, who eventually fit right in on a college campus.

I was totally type 3, and still am to a point. I have always had a natural bio-rhythm that makes me a night owl, but there is something about not being in my own bed that really triggers it. Sometimes, it takes me a really long time to get comfortable, and if I am sharing a bed with someone, or if they are close enough to hear me moving, I get paranoid about all my movement, and cannot get comfortable and cannot sleep. Also, if I think about it, I will get the urgency to pee, and the more I think about it, the more I have to go, and the more I feel like I can't get up again, or the more I have to go, and so on. I would always sit there at sleep overs trying to decide, if I had left enough times between my bathroom breaks. Camping triggers my need to pee even more, especially if it is cold, if the bathroom is far, or if there is no bathroom at all.

Last night in the hospital, I totally had flashbacks to the days of slumber parties. I wanted to go to sleep. I needed to go to sleep! It was about 11:30 pm, and I knew that people would be in my room throughout the night, and that the mornings at the hospital were up and running by 6:00 am, but I could not sleep. I listened to two relaxation tracks, and nothing. I just laid there, willing myself to sleep. And while I did not have to worry about moving in my bed too much, or if anyone was counting how many times I had to pee, I totally felt like an eight year old at a sleepover with a friend who was going to be up at dawn, and I was not going to get enough sleep. Finally, I read. I got sleepy enough to fall asleep around quarter to two, but of course, someone was in my room at quarter to three to check on the baby and me. I did eventually fall back asleep, until 6:00 am for more checks, then my morning meds, and then a quick meeting with the resident. No more sleep for Jessi.

Be careful what you complain about....

Without going into much detail, Thursday into Friday night was much worse, MUCH, MUCH WORSE for our household. Let's just say there was more puking and other bodily functions happening throughout the night, and this time it was not just Piper, although she did her fair share too. I barely got any sleep, and when I did finally fall asleep I managed to turn off my alarm, and sleep in. So, the morning was spent rushing to make it to work before the bell rang. URGH! It was terrible.

People have asked if Piper caught pregnancy from me. That would be creepy and miraculous, but no, I think some bad milk caused this most recent incident. Not that I give Piper milk, but she is resourceful, and licked a bowl of cereal milk clean while I was on the phone. She is so well behaved.

The good news is we made it through last night incident-free. I feel refreshed and ready to go!